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? hate experimenting with my looks,? says Akshay Khanna
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 12, 2006]  



? hate experimenting with my looks. I don't follow trends for the heck of it. I am very particular about what I wear. Style from me is not a label but and attitude,? says Akshay Khanna. Akshaye Khanna recently did a high fashion photo-shoot with a special stylist of International repute.

The stylist was simply ecstatic and raved that Akshay? Looks were truly international. Not surprising, since it's a given fact that Akshaye possesses a certain pedigree that is class apart. He understands high fashion, with a cool attitude to match.

Akshaye is known to spend obscene amount on his shoes, if it goes well with his sense of style. Taking a step further, Falguni Thakore will style Akshaye in Abbas Mastan's next film with Booby Deol and Urvashi Sharma. Incidentally Falguni Thakore is behind the styling of Abhishek Bachchan.

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Is Rahman the best composer we have?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 13, 2006]  



A R Rahmans? three songs, ?halbali? and ?ukha Chipi? from ?ang De Basanti? and ?han Chan? from ?ater? have been shortlisted amongst top 56 songs of Oscars this year. It? a big honour for the man and the country. This reclusive genius who works at his own terms and conditions (he records at night and everyone complies) has been weaving musical gems for more than fifteen years now. It? obvious to ask, if he is the best music composer we have?

Having started off with Mani Rathnam? mellifluous ?oja?, Rahman set a new trend in terms of electronic sound and new age music arrangements. He has always laid a lot of importance on high class production values, choice of the most melodious singers (he has given break to many new voices) and has consistently raised his own bar. His prowess in South film industry is unparalleled. But his music score in Hindi films like ?ombay?, ?angeela?, ?il Se?, ?agaan?, ?uva?, Saathiya? and ?ang De Basanti? carries a timeless value. It can withstand the test of time. For each time you listen to a ?u Hi Re?, ?haiyaa Chaiyaa?, ?angeela Re?, Mitwa?, ?umdum Suniyo Re?, ?huda Hafiz?, ?aathshaala? or ?ubaru? you feel as if you?e heard it for the first time. The freshness quotient in his music carries a tinge of mint.

His last release ?uru? is a mixed bag. But even then, a few of the songs like ?ere Bin?, ?arso Re? and ?aage Hain? are miles ahead of any of the other music compositions in the recent times. A fantastic singer (as is evident in his rendition of ?ande Mataram?) Rahman never went overboard in promoting himself as a singer the way a few upstart music composers have done in the recent past. Rahman? live performances are always sold out and he is the highest paid star while performing abroad (matching the biggest superstars). The biggest compliment comes his way when any and every music composer in Bollywood tries to copy him (recent example being Anu Malik in his music arrangements of ?aaneman? soundtrack).

Finally, A Rahman is definitely the finest music composer in Bollywood at the moment. And here record sales are not the criterion for saying that. Even Altaf Raja can sell a crore copies of ?um To There Pardesi?. The criterion is the union of commercial viability and unmistakable virtuosity as a genius. ?ang De Basanti? is one of the recent examples from his repertoire where he blends brilliance of music with exceptional artistic sensibilities. ?ubaru?, ?halbali?, ?ukha Chipi?, ?ang De Basanti? and ?aathshaala? entertain and ignite a passion-for-change at the same time.  

Indiaglitz wishes A R Rahman all the best in his endeavour to bring more laurels to the country. Hope he brings an Oscar home

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Ronnie Screwvala's next stop - Operation Cultural Bridge
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 13, 2006]  



Ronnie Screwvala, the man behind UTV's success will speak at the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival on December 15 at a forum titled Operation Cultural Bridge which would also have the likes of filmmaker Oliver Stone, actor Richard Gere on the panel of speakers at this high profile forum with a Red Carpet walk into the Madinat Theatre.

The Ronnie Screvwala-led UTV has made a mark for itself in the recent years as the company has promoted and produced some of India's finest films that represent creative talent in all aspects. UTV's Rang De Basanti is India's official entry to the Academy Awards this year, and this reiterates UTV's position in defining New Age Hindi cinema. So, it comes as no surprise that Mr Screvwala has been chosen to represent our country in the global rostrum.

The Operation Cultural Bridge at the Dubai International Film Festival has been designed as a vehicle for the presentation of films that actively promote inter-cultural understanding, which thereby fosters cultural reconciliation. Mr Screvwala's sharp sense of what ticks the new generation, while his understanding and execution of being able to retain the values and ethics that are a core of the country's consciousness, will surely be an impetus to the entire panel.

In fact 'Rang De Basanti' recently made a clean sweep at GIFA with 8 awards as it bagged honors in the significant categories that include

Best Director- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Best Supporting Actress- Soha Ali Khan
Best Lyrics- Prasoon Joshi
Best Music & Best Background Score -A R Rahman
Best Screenplay-Rensil D'silva & Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Best Editing- P.S Bharati & Best Art Direction- Sameer Chanda

Says UTV's Ronnie Screwvala very aptly about RDB, "Rang De Basanti is not a mere blockbuster film, it's a revolution. It's a phenomenon, which will continue to make an impact for years to come. It's a guide to our country's youth". Rang De Basanti has not only been successful because of its perpetual stream of nominations and victories, but more importantly because it has managed to strike a chord with the youth. It has altered the manner in which they perceive their participation in being able to change the country's scenario.

Rang De Basanti is one of the very few films which manages to score full marks on the emotional, moral and technical fronts. And that's the very reason it left everyone awestruck at the Oscar Screening last week. Besides being India's official nomination in the category of Best Foreign Language Film, the film is also competing in seven other categories at the Oscars including Best Film, Direction, Cinematography, Screenplay, Editing, Art Direction and Sound Design at the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

Rang de Basanti has taken the aesthetics of Indian Film Making to the next bar of excellence, and is indeed a masterpiece to cherish for all the time to come.

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? hope people appreciate,? says Samita Bangargi
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 13, 2006]  



Actress Samita Bangargi has turned designer with the first soft launch of her western causals and festive wear apparel collection So Sam! Married to actor Aashish Chowdhary, the actress has starred in films like ?haadi ke Laddoo? and ?amji Londonwale?.

Says the actress, "I have always loved to deign clothes and Niharika Khan of Mogra, Juhu loved my collection so much they decided to launch me itself! I have got some good response and I hope people appreciate my work in designing as well"

The range aims to be full of attitude, young and trendy with western casuals as well as festive wear for the approaching Xmas season. The actress is still open to Bollywood and is waiting what is called as the ?ight opportunity.? Whatever that means?.

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?immaya is not a religion,? says Tulip Joshi
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 13, 2006]  



Whilst Hollywood celebrities like Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Madonna propagate alternative and exotic new religion like Scientology, Kaballah etc. Bollywood? ravishing beauty  Tulip Joshi swears by Kimmaya. But Tulip differs with her Hollywood counterparts by saying that Kimmaya is not a religion or a cult   and has nothing to do with Reiki, Pranic healing, yoga etc.

Says Tulip, ?pirituality for me is Kimmaya. It is a way of life. It's not a cult or religion. It tells you to go beyond positive thinking towards intelligent thinking. It's about making intelligent choices. While it's considered that spiritualism and materialism do not go together, Kimmaya believes there's no harm in acquisitions.

Tulip has been championing Kimmaya ever since she recovered from a near fatal back injury. Her trips to the doctor had no results, but since she has been practicing Kimmaya, she is physically as fit as her sporting days as well as gone through 'spiritual cleansing' through Kimmaya.

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? want to go back to Afghanistan,? says Linda Arsenio
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 13, 2006]  



? want to go back to Afghanistan,? says Linda Arsenio, the beautiful girl who plays an American photo journalist in ?abul Express?. ? started appreciating photo journalists after this film as they leave their families, put their life in danger to bring inside stories from such war torn areas,? she adds. And did she stand out being a certain kind of face in a part of the world that is known for its hatred against the Western countries and its people? ?eah?t was quite different because I stuck out. But it was a wonderful opportunity? love the people there and got immersed in the culture.?  

Linda got lucky for she was noticed by Outlook India in an article related with Tsunami victim girls that were left destitute. And since then she has had a rollercoaster ride all the way. What about John Abraham your hunky co-star? ?e is an absolutely wonderful man. Very unselfish and professional. Very dedicated.? And your thoughts about director Kabir Khan: ?hat? a tough one. He has got the passion of a lion. This is very close to his heart. I was just happy being there and supporting him and doing the best job I can,? signs off Linda with a smile.

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Jr. Mehmood directs a movie
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Wednesday, December 13, 2006]  



Jr. Mehmood, who has acted in number of films over the decades as, what else, but junior Mehmood, is making a film that has been titled 'Mr Tikdambaaz'.

A comedy, it stars veterans like Jagdeep, Aruna Irani, Kader Khan, Prem Chopra and Shakti Kapoor along with Johny Lever and Razzak Khan. The film is currently in the post production stage and is looking at an early 2007 release. Aadesh Shrivastav gives the music.

Jr. Mehmood has acted in around 75 films over last 40 years with his last notable release being Raj Kanwar's 'Judaai'. There have been a few inconsequential movies he has done after that but they were hardly noticed.

Incidentally there has been a namesake film titled 'Tikdambaaz' that was released way back in 1950. The film starred Mahipal and Nigar Sultana.

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Bhagambhag? ?est? Plans
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 14, 2006]  



Producers of Priyadarshan's latest film ?hagamBhag?, Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd and Popcorn Motion Pictures Pvt Ltd have spared no efforts at promoting the film and can now proudly add a record to their portfolios.

The posters of Hindi film ?hagamBhag? will feature on 800 BEST buses nearly a quarter of its 3,400-strong fleet, a first by any producer in Indian cinema! This is the biggest order BEST has received from the producers of any film and these buses will carry the advertisement of BhagamBhag on its right side panel.

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Box Office Analysis
Exclusive by Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 14, 2006]  



First weekend performance of latest release

There are som films about which the target audience and prospects start becoming clear from the very first round of promotion. 'Baabul' is one of them. The day this social's promos started coming on air, two things were pretty obvious. One, it seemed to continue with a strong 'Baghban' hangover. Nothing wrong about that since it was merely continuing on a winning formula. But it was always going to be dicey to expect a similar response second time running. Two, 'Baabul' gave obvious vibes that it may not really have much foot falls from the crowds that had been enjoying their outings with films like 'Don' and 'Dhoom 2'.

Keeping these two factors into consideration, it was being anticipated that the film would at maximum have an above average start and pick up 'only' if word of mouth was good. Well, the opening was average at maximum and word of mouth hasn't been too kind either with the film coming under the hammer for being too predictable, slow and devoid of the kind of emotions that one would have expected from a film that was an obvious follow-up to 'Baghban'. Though the film may still gain some ground due to its biggest challenge 'Bhagam Bhag' still a week away, it seems highly unlikely if it would be a anything more than an average runner.

Last week's movies



'With Luv...Tumhara' has been a washout and none is surprised by its box office outcome. The film got a very selective release in a few cities [Mumbai, Delhi, NCR, Indore etc.] and the collections were in thousands from each of the centers. First week stands at a mere 5 lakhs and that should be about it for this film that is nowhere in the second week. One wonders where does Preeti Jhangiani's career go from here? On the other hand Pravin Dabas gets a disaster after a surprise hit 'Khosla Ka Ghosla'!

From the past



Just 2 weeks have gone since the release of 'Dhoom 2' and it has already achieved a superhit status. While the first week collections were in the tune of 35 crores, the second week has been excellent too with 23 crores more in its kitty. Though first week collections are a record by a big margin, particularly astonishing are the numbers of the second week collections. This is because 23 crores in the second week for D2 are higher than the first week collections of 'Fanaa' [21 crores], 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' [21 crores] and 'Mangal Pandey', 'Veer Zaara' & 'Phir Hera Pheri' [all 17 crores]. The film has done astonishing business all over with 4.25 crores coming from Mumbai, 1.5+ crore from Delhi (without major multiplexes) and a shade below 1 crore from Ahmedabad and Pune each. Terrific!

With around 58 crores already in its kitty, D2 is already on par with Yash Raj's biggest success till date, 'Dilwale Dulhanya Le Jayenge' and just 5th on the list of 'All Time Blockbusters' after 'Gadar-Ek Prem Katha' [70 crores], 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' [70 crores] and 'Krrish' [65 crores]. Looking at the way the film is progressing, D2 is all poised to cross DDLJ and LRM in the current week and emerge as the biggest box office success story ever!

If there is one film that withstood D2 onslaught even in its 4th week, it is none other than Shahid Kapoor-Amrita Rao starrer 'Vivah'. The film has turned out to be a sleeper all around success with near 3.5 crore coming in again while running on a consistent number of prints over last month. The collections dipped down by less than 10% in the 4th week and Rajshri's strategy of releasing the film selectively and placing it at screens which would get its own loyal share of audience has worked in a big way. After dropping down by 50% last week in Mumbai, it remained quite consistent by collecting 35 lakhs from the city (a minimal fall from 40 lakhs last week). On the other hand Delhi saw an upswing in collections (though marginally again) by moving up to 17 lakhs from 16 lakhs. Standing at 18 crore, the film is now a very good hit and is poised to get higher billing if the graph keeps moving upwards in the same manner.



After taking a mighty fall of 70% last week, 'Apna Sapna Money Money' stabilized with a 50% fall. Registering 50 lakhs to its 3 week total of 13 crores, the film is now ending its run and should fold up at maximum collections of 14 crores. An above average flick, its DVDs have been brought out on the stands pretty quickly and should make for a decent home viewing when you are in mood for a laugh.

After completing 50 days at the box office, 'Don' is now a million away from touching the 50 crore mark after getting another 30 lakhs to its total. On the other hand 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' too is 10 lakhs shy of touching the 70 crore milestone after completing 100 days at the box office.

In the future

Three films of different sense and sensibilities release this Friday. While offbeat 'Dil Se Pooch Kidhar Jaana Hai' is a clear non-starter while suffering from zilch publicity, an unknown starcast and a theme (post Mumbai-bombing situation) which is not everybody's idea of entertainment, 'Aryan' starring Sohail Khan and Sneha Ullal is an interesting case of a supposedly decent flick loosing its standing at the box office due to a huge delay. The film which was reasonably in demand during the middle of the year due to a fresh theme (story of a boxer and his conflict between choosing his career v/s family), 'Aryan' suffered due to the legal complexities it got entangled with. Subsequently the film's release kept getting postponed and though the preview and trial shows indicated that the film was a good entertainer, it doesn't quite seem probable for it to embark on a winning note.

Major release of this week is Yash Raj Films 'Kabul Express' and if a dream 2006 is any indication, the film making house would want to have a cent percent record with this John Abraham-Arshad Warsi film also hitting the bull's eye. Though it will be fool hardly to even imagine the film beginning on a record breaking spree a la a 'Fanaa' or a 'Dhoom 2', a decent beginning (50-60%) followed by a good word of mouth should be good enough for it to sail through.

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Vishal Bhardwaj's journey with children from 'Makdee' to 'The Blue Umbrella'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 14, 2006]  



With success like ?akdee?, ?aqbool? and ?mkara? behind him, Vishal Bhardwaj has sealed his position as one of the more respected cinematic auteurs in the country today.

He has shown an impressive range in screenwriting and visualization which have displayed his competence as a filmmaker. His films have had tremendous scope and variety to tackle themes varying from a children? film (Makdee) to searing adaptations of Shakespearean classics ?acbeth? (Maqbool) and ?thello? (Omkara). These films received rave reviews and performed well at the box office.

?akdee? won the Audience Award at the Chicago Children? Film Festival and ?aqbool? enjoyed rave reviews on the festival circuit from Berlin to Toronto. The latter also fetched actor Pankaj Kapur a National Award.

And now the director who likes to touch upon different genres with each of his films arrives with a heartwarming tale 'The Blue Umbrella' that stars Pankaj Kapur and child actor Shreya in principal roles. The film releases all over on 5th January.

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Fardeen-Esha on a hat trick
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 14, 2006]  



After working together in Indra Kumar's 'Pyaare Mohan' and Ram Gopal Verma's yet to be released 'Darling', Fardeen Khan and Esha Deol would be making a hat trick with a film titled 'Just Married'.

Though 'Pyaare Mohan' just about managed to sail through and it seems to be status quo in case of 'Darling' with RGV busy juggling around with the star cast of his dream project 'RGV Ke Sholay', 'Just Married' should at the least manage to get a decent release since it comes from the house of Pritish Nandy Communications.

The production house can take pride upon the fact that they know how and when to place their product in the market, the most recent example being the case of their recent success story 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects'.

The biggest success that both Fardeen Khan and Esha Deol have been a part of is incidentally a movie where they were present but not paired opposite each other. The film was Anees Bazmee's 'No Entry' which stands as 2005's biggest hit until 50 crore totals became fashionable in 2006!

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?nwar is a sensible film,? says Manish Jha
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, December 14, 2006]  



Rajesh Singh? ?nwar? under his banner Dayal Creations Private Ltd, directed by Manish Jha, is all set for release on 29th December, 2006. Starring Manisha Koirala, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Yashpal Sharma, Hiten Tejwani, Nauheed Cyrusi, Sudhir Pandey, Pankaj Jha and Siddharth Koirala, the film is about the story of a young man ?nwar?, an artist, who leaves his home and everything he knows in order to escape a world he no longer recognizes.

Manish Jha who had earlier made his debut with a purposeful film on female infanticide ?athrubhoomi is now all set with another meaningful film. Says Manish Jha, ? have to go ahead as a filmmaker. I have to learn a lot. I am happy with the way ?nwar? has shaped. Making wise as well as genre-wise, ?nwar? is quite different from ?athrubhoomi? though comparisons are going to be there. ?nwar? is a sensible film, which has a very contemporary story, inspired by the celebrated short story Phalgun Ki Ek Upkatha written by Priyamvad.?

Rajesh Singh who is basically into construction business asserts that he is basically into a mode of experimenting as a film producer. "I liked the subject when Manish Jha narrated it to me. With ?nwar?, I have learnt the art of making film in a budget,? he says.

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Should Sohail Khan go back to direction?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



Sohail Khan is the youngest brother in Salman? ?han-daan?. He made a big splash as a director with the superhit ?yaar Kiya To Darna Kya?. ? o Jaane Jaana? from the same film became a huge hit and Salman-Kajol pairing was widely appreciated. Sohail? flirtation as a director didn? set the Box Office on fire with ?uzaar? and ?ello Brother?. Maybe that was the catalyst for another Khan to don the grease paint. Sohail Khan the actor (or non-actor?hatever) was born.

His debut flick ? The Indian? sank without a trace. A slew of insipid films like ?akeer? and ?ight Club? followed. As expected they tanked at the ticket window too. His tryst with Big Bro Salman in David Dhawan? ?aine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? was liked by people but then it was not a Sohail Khan film. Now, as he is ready with ?ryan? a film on boxing (It? been ready for a while now but releasing after much delay), Sohail Khan himself is not too hopeful about the film as there? absolutely no buzz surrounding the film in spite of having some good songs.

So, should Sohail Khan go back to directing films once again? That? a question that he should be asking himself. For it is quite clear that acting is not his forte. The sooner he realizes, the better it will be for him.

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Is this Vidya in that sexy MMS?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



Tanushree Dutta in an exclusive interview with Indiaglitz recently said that she is planning to take legal action against people who?e posted her name and photograph on an Escorts web site. It seems another actress Vidya Balan may well have to do the same very soon.

It has been learnt that a sixty second steamy MMS clip of a lady having an amazingly close similarity with Vidya is doing the rounds on mobile phones in Chennai. It is being said that the MMS is most probably morphed but it is most certainly not good news for Vidya who is riding on the success wave post ?arineeta? and ?age Raho Munnabhai?.  Don? be surprised if the ever-concerned news channels start showing this steamy clip on national network with the intention of ?issemination of information?. There? a thin line between information and entertainment these days. Anyways.

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Riteish, Chunky, Kher in your living room with ASMM
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



Did you have your share of laughs with Sangeeth Sivan directed 'Apna Sapna Money Money'. If so, then it? your chance to relive the funny moments yet again as the film's original DVDs and VCDs have hit the stands. If no, then check it out since you would surely not be disappointed.

Just like 'Dhoom 2' belongs completely to Hrithik Roshan, 'Apna Sapna Money Money' is a Riteish Deshmukh movie all the way in spite of being a true blue multistarrer. His multiple getups in the film topped by his act in a drag is a highlight that continues from beginning till the film's end. Also notable are the acts by Chunky Pandey and Anupam Kher who bring the house down every time they appear on screen.

Reliable actors like Jackie Shroff and Suneil Shetty add on to the spice while Rajpal Yadav is in top form as a wannabe Sarkar. And yes, if watching a movie is incomplete for you without some real great stunners on frame then checkout for Celina Jaitley, Koena Mitra and Ria Sen.

Last but not the least; the film is a fun watch for one single reason, if not anything else, which is Pritam's chartbuster song 'Dil Mein Baji Guitar'!

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Abhay - Soha together again in 'Meridian'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



After pairing up in 'Ahista Ahista', Abhay Deol and Soha Ali Khan would be seen together again in a film titled 'Meridian'.

An ensemble piece that also stars Arjun Rampal and Irrfan Khan, the film is written and directed by debutant Venod Mitra and produced by Nilesh Dadhich and Angad Paul. As per Abhay, the film belongs to a completely different genre than his two released films 'Socha Na Tha' and 'Ahista Ahista'. Also viewers would be seeing him and Soha in a different light than 'Ahista Ahista'.

Though debutant Shivam Nair directed 'Ahista Ahista' was a well made film with some genuinely touching moments and very good music by Himesh Resahmmiya, it was a disaster at the box office due to poor promotion and bad release strategy. With 'Meridian', Abhay and Soha would be hoping that they the film is promoted and released well and their work is appreciated by the audience.

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Raeth's next hit after 'Bhula Do' - 'Bhige Se Kesu'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



Pakistani band 'Raeth' had a smashing debut on Indian charts with the song 'Bhula Do' that spread the message of peace, harmony and all around love.

Now the band has a second successive hit track in sight in the form of 'Bheege Se Kesu', the music video of which is currently on air. A song rendered in full throated manner, this romantic number appreciating the beauty of a stunning female is high on orchestra and has a very lively feel to it. High on energy and making a thumping impact, the effect is doubled for the song through its music video which has a youthful appeal to it.

The band comprises of Wajhi Farouqui on vocals, Hassan Farabi on guitars and Mustafa Asad on bass.

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? didn? realize I was capable,? says Rajpal Yadav
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



Rajpal Yadav, connoisseur of humour and laughter is a man afraid of heights and thinks many times before any stunts! But during the shooting of Priyadarshan's ?hagamBhag?, the comic actor performed many stunts; one of them involved jumping off a high rise building! Not only did the actor perform the stunt well, but he says it finally cured his fear of heights and now he can jump whenever and from whichever height without fear!

?hagte bhagte, Haste Hasate I didn't even realise I was capable of such things, so this is just one of many pleasant surprises I got from BhagamBhag! Now I can jump from any height without any fears,? Rajpal claims proudly. This talented actor was miserably wasted in Ravi Chopra? ?aabul?. Hopefully we get to see him in a more consequential role in ?haagam Bhag?.

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Neha to sizzle in this New Year? Party
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 15, 2006]  



Bollywood Diva Neha Dhupia is ready to set the stage on fire with her foot thumping dance performance at the Country Club India Limited (CCIL), Mumbai for their New Year? Eve bash. This is the first time gorgeous lady is getting associated with Country Club of India. Neha will ring in the New Year with her performance on a medley of songs.

On speaking about her forthcoming performance at CCIL, Neha said, ?? hoping for the best and will try my best to keep my fans happy with my performance.? So the sexy Neha best known for her oomphy performance in bold films like ?ulie? is joining the new year prformers? wave. After Mallika Sherawat upped the ante by reportedly quoting a whopping Rs 50 lakhs to perform at the New Year? bash at J W Marriot, Dhupia too is ready to encash while the world dances to her tunes. Knowing her moves, one wouldn? be surprised if she impresses one and all.

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Why 2006 was bad for S-E-L?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 16, 2006]  



The team of Shankar-Ehsan-Loy is one of the most talented music composers in the Hindi Film Industry. Not only do they come up with breathtaking melodies, their music arrangements and production values are always high class. After sweeping all the popular awards for ?ajra Re? last year, S-E-L had an uncharacteristically low 2006. In spite of having three hit films ?abhi Alvida Na Kehna?, ?on? and ?alaam-e-ishq? this is a year when they repeated themselves constantly.

I call it the ?ajra Re? effect. For this number from ?unty Aur Babli? was so popular that S-E-L was expected to repeat its success. And then Himesh Reshammiya was churning out one hit after another during most part of the year adding even more pressure for being prolific. The preface of ?ainu Leke? in ?alaam?-e-ishq? has the same feel as the talkie portion in the beginning of ?ajra Re?. The title track of ?abhi Alvida Na Kehna? has a stark resemblance with ?al Ho Na Ho? (specially the piano sections). ?era Dil? (Salaam-e-ishq) finds similarities with ?itwa? (KANK), ?t? the time to disco? (Kal Ho Na Ho) is rehashed as ?here? the party tonight? (KANK) and there? a bit of ?ahi Ve? (Kal Ho Na Ho) in ?aiyaan Re? (Salaam-e-ishq).

The only album that Shankar-Ehsan-Loy can be really proud of this year is ?on?. For they?e reinvented their sound with this album. ?ain Hoon Don?, ?ourya Re? and ?aj Ki Raat? are splendid numbers with exceptional production values, cutting edge music arrangements and superb melodies. But the two remixes ?e Mera Dil? and ?haike Paan Banaraswala? let them down as they are several notches below the originals. Moreover, a couple of fantastic instrumental numbers from the album ?on Revisited? and ?on The theme? have been credited to unknown DJs who?e done a fantastic job. So, on the whole, it? not really a completely S-E-L album.

?il Kya Kare? and ?a Rabba? (Salaam-e-ishq) are two beauties that they can be really proud of but alas none of their albums this year has been exceptional as a whole something on the lines of ?il Chahta Hai?, ?al Ho Na Ho? or ?unty Aur Babli?. One expects Shankar-Ehsan-Loy will be back with a bang in 2007. For one expects nothing but the best from them. And hopefully the pressures from producers to repeat their earlier success wouldn? bog them down.