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MANISHA: 'TUM' IS NOT HOT

Manisha Koirala denies that Tum is a hot film. Aruna Raje has made bold films like 'Shaque' and 'Rihaee'. But they were not sleazy. The publicity in the newspapers did pain her. "It's just not right for me or the film". She rejects that but by projecting 'Tum' as titillating, one is undermining everyone's hard work. The packaging of a sensitive film as sleazy makes me feel dirty; she says I think 'Ek Chotisi Love Story' has really damaged me. People think they can compromise on my reputation and get away with it. The director Shashilal Nair was supposed to be a friend, and he projected me as some kind of porn star in 'Ek Chotisi'. Would he do the same to his own daughter?

The whole experience has made her distrustful and cynical. She has decided not to indulge in an iota of body exposure. And there's none in 'Tum'. She added that there is no titillation in 'Tum'. It's the story of an ordinary housewife very much in love with her husband and children, and there's absolutely no skin show. Manisha says that 'Tum ' is very aesthetically done. It's a story of women, who suffers the consequences of one mistake. Far from feeling titillated, the audience would feel her guilt.

The emotions in the lovemaking scene are far more vital than the physicality she claims, "I've worked so hard on my role in 'Tum'. And it's frustrating to think that the audience is being invited to see sex instead of performance. I think from now onwards, I'll have it mentioned in my contracts that I'll do no love scenes". She laments that it's unfortunate now because of the way 'Tum' is being projected, sections of the press are comparing it with films like 'Hawas'. "I don't want to comment on other films. But 'Tum' doesn't belong to the genre. Regarding working with a woman director, she says, "it's strange that after so many years in the film industry, I had not so far worked with a woman director. I was very comfortable working with Arunaji". Despite having gone through so much in life Arunaji is such a happy person. After the entire trauma, she has come out a strong and positive person. "By and large, I think female directors are far more sensitive", she concluded.

Is Manisha Koirala leading Madonna's life?

Manisha and Madonna. Both strong women living life on their own terms.

We call it the Mmmm factor. The oomph appeal of two strong women that sets them apart from the run-ofthe-mill. Two beautiful, gorgeous, strong and successful divas -- Manisha Koirala and singing queen Madonna have a lot in common. A birth-date (August 16) for starters. Madonna -- a style icon, sex-symbol, role-model, unconventional newsmaker and heartbreaker. Manisha -- flamboyant, volatile, unconventional, outspoken and rebellious. Both women who live life on their own terms. Today's material girls who are always in vogue and believe in their sex-appeal. On her birthday, we ask the gorgeous Ms Koirala if she's truly leading Madonna's life:

Two unconventional women living life on their own terms

I agree. There is a strong similarity between Madonna and myself on this score. I live life the way I want to, no one tells me what to do. And I'm responsible for my own life.

Both live life queen size -- just like Leos

I believe completely in living life to the max. For me life is a gift and I want to
unwrap it gradually so that I don't miss a single, thrilling moment. I'm the queen of my own kingdom!

Both want the reins of power, success and fame

I still have to achieve the kind of success I want to achieve in my life -- now I want to make a mark internationally as well. I never thought I'd be recognised, loved and appreciated so much and I am thankful for all that. But I can't stop here. I have bigger dreams and much more left to do!

Both don't care about rumour mills

I'm the master of my own deeds and my own life. I don't lose sleep over what people say or think behind my back. Yes, when people close to my heart hurt me, then I do get affected. Outsiders don't matter too much.

Bold and blase -- both haven't ever shied away from discussing their love lives or flaunting their men

I've always believed that there's no point in hiding anything or anyone. Especially the man you are dating, because people and the media eventually find out. How far can you fight that? You can catch me saying 'no comment' to a question on my personal life, but you won't catch me denying it.

Men don't subjugate these two; both these women wear the pants

Yes, to some extent maybe that's right. I pour a lot of myself into a relationship. I wouldn't claim that I am the dominating kind, but I don't succumb to conquistador types!

Both have great sex appeal but will Manisha ever wear a conical bra?

That's right. And neither will I ever do an Erotica!

After many relationships, some unfulfilling, Madonna finally found love in Guy Ritchie. Has Manisha found her Guy?

The day I've an announcement to make, I'll wear a jacket with my boyfriend's name scrawled across, and flaunt it -- Madonna style. Ha, ha!

Both seem to be in the re-inventing stages of their life

Absolutely! I'm doing power-yoga, taking good care of my body, food habits and diet. I've changed my hairdo and with it, my wardrobe. I've done a course in filmmaking in New York and I'm looking for challenging films; and tapping different avenues of my career. And I'm feeling great about all this change. And I hear Madonna is experimenting too -- with Kaballah, new music, etc. Hey, who knows, we may be soul sisters after all!  

Manisha Koirala


Madonna


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 28-10-2005 08:57 PM ]

AMRITA RAO IS PROUD OF HER BRIEF CAREER

Amrita Rao is perhaps the most wanted newcomer of Bollywood. She is one who has journeyed from her flop debut 'Ab Ke Baras' to 'Ishq Visq'. Though she possesses the most vital ingredient of an actress - good looks, she knows that acting ability is equally important. Ken Ghosh gave her role in 'Ishq Visq' but dropped her later. However, it doesn't worry her. She is banking on her next movie, ' Masti' opposite Vivek to hit the box office. In 'Main Hoon Na' she has a good role with Shah Rukh Khan. This satisfies her ego to work with top star and that too within her brief career. Moreover, she plays a solo heroine in 'Deewar- Let's Bring Home Our Heroes'. Though her role is too brief, but that's in the company of the super star Amitabh Bachchan That's a matter of pride for her.

Extracts of a recent encounter with her:

Amrita, don't you feel let down by Ken Ghosh who dropped you in his forthcoming movies?

Not the least. Ken Ghosh is fully justified in working with an established actress like Kareena Kapoor. I have no grudge on this account.

What are the ingredients for an actress?

An actress needs good looks though that's not enough. She should have ability to act. And latkas and jhatkas are essential too.

Do you qualify on these accounts?

I think so. Blessings of my parents combined with my hard labour have certainly added towards this.

What are your forthcoming movies?

I am confident of my next movie 'Masti'. In this movie, I have worked with Vivek. This was very pleasant for me. He is a fun loving person. In 'Main Hoon Na', I came close to Shah Rukh Khan and in yet another 'Deewar' I am blessed to act in the company of super star Amitabh Bachchan.

VIVEK IS NEWS AGAIN

Vivek Oberoi is in news once more. No, need not worry. He he hasn't had another accident, but this time it's because of the kind of films he's doing. He will feature in Sarfarosh fame John Mathew Matthan's next venture yet untitled. There were reports that Ajay Devgan and Shahid Kapoor were signed for the film. But Vivek explains, "You see as far as I know, Johnsahab has asked me to do his film. He has written the script himself. There are two subjects he is working on right now so there's a possibility that he has talked about the other one with Ajay or Shahid. The one that he has narrated to me is a great piece of work involving lots of drama and action. I have never heard of anything like this in Indian cinema."

After his clarification that he is doing John's film we asked him some random questions about different things happening in his life. We ask him about the Valenciennes Film Festival where he was invited. He says, "Yes they did invite me as 'Company' was being screened there. The Centre Pompidue, which is like a cultural retrospective of Indian cinema. They showed 50 films in two months so you are looking at that kind of fantastic exposure of Indian cinema in Paris (France) and thus opening up a new territory. They look at us with a lot of admiration because our films do better in our country than English films.

Another accident that happened in Ranikhet ( Uttar Pradesh) where this time he fractured his hand! "I had gone for my riding lessons in the morning with the horse trainer and the actresses?British actress Antonia and Isha Sarwani. They were riding behind me and suddenly I hear Isha's scream. I saw her horse dart past me and she was just learning how to ride. So we all rushed to her aid. I reigned in her horse and in the process my horse slipped on the concrete. I jumped off and landed on my hand. Thus I suffered a small fracture on my wrist."

And what about the funny hair style in the film 'Masti'. Vivek laughs and says, "We have a name for the haistyle.It's called the chappu haircut and its meant to be hilarious.This is my first comedy film and fortunately I don't have this on-screen image which I have to adhere to. I believe that I should go all out for my character even if it takes to have a funny hairstyle.

What about the 'Kisna' of Subhash Ghai? " Subhash Ghai has influenced me a lot. Rather I have learnt a lot of things from him like patience. Like most creative geniuses he has a gut instinct which he follows. You have to be in tune with that and be comfortable with that energy. I find it fascinating that he is trying to do something new all the time. 'Kisna' is about 35 per cent complete. I don't play the role of a village boy but the character does belong to the rural India.The film is positioned in the 1930's and 40's."

What about your other projects?

"Well quite a few. 'Masti' is coming then 'Yuva', 'Kyon Ho Gaya Naa', 'Kisna', Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Timbuctoo' and a couple of them are in the pipeline"

What about the relationship with Aishwarya Rai?

"I don't want to talk about it right now. A lot of things have already been spoken about it.

The last question on his international film 'The Invaders'.
"There have been a lot of changes on that front including the script. And they have rewritten a lot of it. So I am waiting for them to send me the new script and then I will make the decision.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 24-8-2006 05:39 PM ]

LARA DENIES CHARGING LESS FEE TO WOO FILMS

These days Lara Dutta is all over the place. She is becoming the most popular actress. Every producer and director seems to be singing her praises. Ashok Thakeria, the producer of 'Masti' says, "Lara is a very good actress and a thorough professional. I wanted to sign her ever since she became Miss Universe. She has more than lived up to my expectations. This is, however, one part of the story. The other side of the story is different, which says that Lara Dutta is getting so many offers because of the pittance she's charging as her fee. Dutta has just come back from a long outdoor shoot of the John Abraham and Amisha Patel starrer 'Elaan', directed by Vikram Bhatt. We catch up with this dusky damsel.

Is it that you charge only Rs.15 lakh per film and that's why you are getting a lot of offers?

That's utter rubbish! I got paid more than that even for my first film 'Andaaz'. This is not my rate and for no reason I shall be charging less to get more films.

What are the projects you are currently working on?

I have signed two films this year. One is Keshu Ramsay's 'Sipahi' directed by K Subhash, opposite Ajay Devgan. The second is Feroz Nadiadwala's 'Phir Hera Pheri' directed by Satish Kaushik opposite Akshay Kumar. They are still working on the script of this film.

And what about the AB Corp's 'Ranveer'?

No. Raj Kumar Santoshi and I met a couple of times and discussed the story and the script but as of now I am not doing it.

What happened about PNC's 'Ashq' directed by Onirbaan? Oh that film! The dates didn't work out. Moreover, I was out of town. So I couldn't meet and sort it out. Also the story and character graph of 'Ashq' is similar to what I am already playing in another film and I don't want to repeat myself.

Did you face the popular dictum that 'models can't act' in the film industry?

No. On the contrary I have been very lucky to get the kind of roles and offers that I have been getting from great filmmakers. I am not getting typecast into doing only glamorous roles. And the myth has been shattered now by people like Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, John Abraham and Bipasha.

Apart from these film what are the other movies you are doing?

There's E Nivas's 'Bardaasht' opposite Bobby Deol where I play a matured middle class lawyer. Then I am doing Vikram Bhatt's 'Elaan', which is an action thriller. I also get to run with the bad boys. Then there's Boney Kapoor's comedy film 'No Entry' opposite Anil Kapoor where I play his loud-mouthed north Indian wife. And of course you know about Indra Kumar's 'Masti'.

Would you do offbeat or crossover cinema too?

As of now if you look at my films they are out and out commercial ones. But I wouldn't mind doing crossover films if the roles are interesting. I wouldn't do any films, which require the actress to dare and bare in the name of parallel cinema.

SRK VOWS NOT TO BREAK PROMISE

Shah Rukh Khan's wife Gauri Khan has made film 'Main Hoon Naa' with Ratan Jain of Venus. S R K says that he made this movie with Ratan Jain because the latter wished to make a movie under his banner. He has not abandoned Juhi Chawla's production company Dreams Unlimited which had produced his 'Chalte Chalte'.

Are you writing your autobiography?

No, not an autobiography. But I am writing about events of a decade or so of my Mumbai career.

Are you doing a movie for Yash Chopra?

I am not aware of it. I have not heard the script either. Nobody can ask Yash Chopra to discuss his script. I am sure that he would provide me a good role. We have worked in several movies together.

Are you also acting in 'Swadesh' of Ashutosh Gowrikar?

Yes, I am doing this. The move will be on the floors soon. The media has commented about it. But neither I declined it nor has the director. When I make a promise, I never go back.

What's your success story?

Children appreciate my movies. I was often told during my theater life that I must please children to become a successful actor. I tried my level best to follow it throughout my career.

Would you like to speak about your 'Main Hoon Naa'?

This movie highlights cooperation and brotherhood between India and Pakistan. So this is a purely commercial masala film.

What is its storyline?

Major Ram Prasad wants to fulfill the dream of his father Brig. Shekhar Sharma. However, he comes across a lot of obstacles. On the other hand he had to leave for a school in Darjeeling as a student. There he comes to know that there is a danger to the life of Sanjana, the daughter of General Amarjeet Bakshi. He happens to meet with a chemistry teacher named Chandni and makes friends with the school principal, students and teachers. The Major wonders whether he would be able to fulfill his father's dreams under these circumstances. For the rest you have to go the theater to watch the movie.

FARDEEN: I FLIRT; BUT REPORTS ARE EXAGGERATED

Fardeen Khan has come a long way and now this is a new avtaar for him. Someone who's all there has replaced the lost dude of last year. Very self-aware focused and confident of taking on anything. After a long hiatus from the media the Khan opens up and talks about his first world tour; his spat with Celina Jaitely, his films and break- up with Ruheen. He has just signed Punit Issar's next film 'Maidaan' also starring his cousin Zayed Khan. "Yes I am doing the film," Fardeen confirms. " Punit is a talented director. It's a different kind of a film. It's got a sport on, which the film is based. We are dealing with two maidaans here --- one is the sport field and the other is the field of life." Fardeen will be pitted opposite his good-looking cousin for the first time. "It will be interesting to work with him," any competition there? " No, he replies seriously. "I am not made that way. If you have faith in your director and happy with the role then you don't feel insecure," he asserts.

Where did he disappear? "I was very much here," he says, " I was in Dubai and then South Africa shooting for 'Fidaa'. Now I am back and will be going off for the US and Canada with Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and Celina Jaitley." He was disappointed when 'Jaanasheen didn't do well at the box office. "It wasn't a super hit but I was happy with the way the film was received. It also did pretty well overseas," adds Fardeen. He has an interesting array of films lined up; Goving Nihalani's socio- political drama 'Dev', Ken Ghosh's thriller 'Fida', Aneez Bazmee's comedy 'No Entry' and Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Jail'. "I like to do different kind of roles otherwise it gets boring. I am getting greedy now as far as wanting to do exciting roles is concerned. Then I also have time to do stuff I want to do like kite surfing in Mauritius and go karting," tells Fardeen.

It was while shooting for No Entry that he and Celina had a tiff with each other. "We had a problem," Fardeen says honestly, " But these things happen and we shot after that in South Africa. I wasn't trying to teach her acting but it was something over a dance step. And I said something I shouldn't have. But we sorted it out." Coming to his personal life. Is it true that he and Ruheen have broken up? "Yes, its true. We are not seeing each other. That's all I have to say about it." How true is his reputation as a flirt? "Of course I flirt. I do enjoy the company of women. But half of this image of mine is exaggerated. People see me talking to someone and they assume I am seeing her. Recently, I have been paired with Riya Sen and that's truly rubbish, he concludes."

Akshay turns a distributor

Actor Akshay Kumar is turning into a distributor too. His company will release his next 'Waqt' in Maharashtra (including Mumbai) and Gujarat. Since many actors are entering film production, Akshay doesn't want to lag behind. He has turned a distributor.

Ajay Devgan reenters production

Actor Ajay Devgan is again entering into film production. This is to recall that Ajay began producing film with his mega budget movie 'Raaju Chacha', that made him suffer huge losses. However, he seems to have recovered past losses. So, he has decided to resume film production work. Anees Bazmi will direct his next. This will be a romantic film with six characters, including himself as hero and his heroine. The matter of assigning the heroine's role is hanging though. Yes, you may think of Kajol as his heroine. But Ajay has decided otherwise. He will sign one of the three -- Lara Dutta, Kareena Kapoor and Esha Deol.

Govinda-Rani affair again?

The talks about the affairs between the dusky actress Rani Mukherjee and actor-turned-parliamentarian Govinda are taking rounds in the tinsel world. These reports have prompted Govinda's wife Sunita to think of seeking a divorce from Govinda. The actor is very busy in his profession these days besides his new job of a Member of Parliament. You may recall that such rumors had spread in the past too and had been denied by Govinda and Rani. However, this time they are taking a serious turn. Reliable sources say that Rani has recently bought a new bungalow near Juhu, and assigned its interior designing work to famous designer Zareena Khan, wife of Sanjay Khan. She wants the bungalow to be ready soon for her stay there. Is she planning her honeymoon there? Govinda will have to seek divorce from his wife Sunita first though. Is the Abhishek Bachchan and his family listening?

Rani Mukherjee


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 16-11-2006 05:52 PM ]

Mohit Suri - Shamita marriage soon

A movie titled 'Zeher' has led the two of its bigwigs to enter into wedlock soon. Yes, they are its director Mohit Suri and the actress Shamita Shetty. Though Shamita's elder sister Shilpa Shetty has not yet decided about her marriage, Shamita has chosen her boss Suri while working with him in the movie. Suri is nephew of famous director-producer Mahesh Bhatt. However, 'Zeher' has failed to ignite romantic affair among the movie's Imraan Hashmi and the heroine Udita Goswami. Imraan is satisfied with his image of flirting girls. It is learnt that the producers and the directors are offering to Imraan movies full of smooches and bedroom scenes. Imraan is happy too as he gets an opportunity to kiss and share beds in films with new girls.

Shamita Shetty


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:16 PM ]

Poor Sonali Bendre

The pretty face of the tinsel town Sonali Bendre is pitied against the directors and the producers inasmuch as they have been refusing to offer her lead roles in their movies. The reason presumably is that she has recently married. These very directors and the producers are ready to give her characters of bhabhi and sisters though these roles are hardly available. So, a director recently offered her the role of mother of Shahid Kapoor. This upset Sonali so much that she ran away from there. Now, she is going southwards to act in movies there. Is it South India's gain or Bollywood's loss?

Hrithik pretends sickness

A former beauty queen and a heartthrob of cine goers Priyanka Chopra is frequently seen either talking or mixing with Hrithik Roshan. Yes, she is doing a movie with Hrithik. The actor is also getting close to Priyanka. However, there is a big difference. While Priyanka means close relationship with the actor, the latter avoids it. It is said that Priyanka invited Hrithik to a quiet dinner, but the actor declined on the pretext of ill health. Priyanka is still awaiting the hero to recover from his illness.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 24-8-2006 05:42 PM ]

Summons issued to Hrithik Roshan in cheating case
  
A local court Wednesday issued summons to actor Hrithik Roshan and his father Rakesh Roshan asking them to appear in person in two cases of alleged cheating filed by a film distribution company over sale of marketing rights of Hindi film Kaho Na Pyar Hai and their other home productions.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate JB Pankhe, however, reserved orders until tomorrow on four other cases of alleged cheating filed by the same company, M/S Popular Entertainment Network, against Hrithik, his father Rakesh Roshan and maternal grandfather J Om Prakash, defence lawyer Dipesh Mehta told PTI.

The court had recently taken on record the reply filed by complainant on a police report which probed allegations against the Roshans, Mehta said.  

The court had earlier ordered police to investigate the allegations of cheating levelled by Popular Entertainment Network against Hrithik, Rakesh Roshan and J Omprakash and their firm M/S Filmkraft Productions Ltd.

Populars Jayantilal Gada had filed six complaints against Hrithik and his family alleging that his firm had been cheated by the Roshans, who had backed out of their agreement with the film distribution company and for various other matters.

Police submitted its report on October 12 last year and the court had asked the complainant to file its reply thereon.

According to Mehta, the police, in its report, had said that the Roshans had not committed any criminal violation of law and tat the dispute between them and Popular Entertainment Network is of civil nature.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 5-6-2006 03:13 PM ]

SHAH RUKH'S 'PAHELI' BECOMING A PUZZLE

Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies is making 'Paheli' under the direction of Amol Palekar. Sources close to Shah Rukh, however, reveal that SRK is not happy in many ways with Amol Palekar, from the selection of artists and production assistants to the shooting style. Despite this, SRK hasn't interfered in Amol's work. He has given full control over the movie to Amol. Now, SRK is regretting that Amol has selected Marathi and Gujarat theater actors who suit the art cinema more than commercial movies.

Later, Amol did change a few actors on the advice of SRK and introduced some known faces. This was felt necessary for a commercial film. Besides, Karan has provided some assistants from his production house too. Hence Paheli' may miss Amol Palekar's full identity in 'Paheli'. The industry wonders if there will be a rift between the old friends in case the movie fails at the box office. Then SRK would never entrust his movie for direction to Amol. He has a bitter experience of 'Asoka' in the past. However, nothing succeeds like success. The success of the movie will put an end to the puzzle.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 11-9-2005 10:45 PM ]

YES, PREITY ZINTA IS BOLD

Preity Zinta needs to be proud of her boldness. She says that neither she belongs to a filmi family nor does she have a Godfather in the industry. Despite this she has blasted Shakti Kapoor's allegation that she has reached the present status in the industry via casting couch. She has said that neither any director, nor any producer nor a technician ever dared offer a casting couch to her. Industry circles wonder why she has spared actors from this charge. However, they need to recall that this was the only manly actress of Bollywood who dared to appear as witness in court against the underworld threats where the macho heroes had withdrawn from their earlier stands.

Another bold incident: She has agreed to accept the offer of Nikhil Advani to play opposite chhota nawab Saf Ali Khan. She has dared it contrary to the advice of her past friends -director-producer Karan Johar, producer Yash Chopra and super actor Shah Rukh Khan. All these three eminent people of the film industry have helped in building Preity's filmi career. Karan Johar took her in his 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' in place of Kareena Kapoor. Next, Shah Rukh got a pretty girl in Preity after Aish moved out of his film. Soon, Karan introduced Preity to Yash Chopra who chose her for his 'Veer-Zaara'. Films like 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and 'Veer-Zaara' shot Preity to fame in Bollywood. In spite of all this, Preity has shown courage to fight bigwigs of the industry. When asked about it, Preity said, "Karan has neither made my career nor can he spoil it." Bravo Preity!

Ajay Devgan is upset

Ajay Devgan is opposed to doing more than three movies a year. However, he has already released his three movies during the first quarter. His first movie 'Insaan' starring Akshay Kumar didn't fare well at the ticket window. His second was 'Blackmail'. This failed too in spite of the presence of Suniel Shetty and Priyanka Chopra. Similarly, 'Tango Charlie', his third one, also disappointed him. All this has upset him. Again, we shall be watching him soon in his two more films - ' Main Aisa Hi Hoon' and 'Kaal'. Ajay Devgan doesn't want these movies to release soon. In fact, Ajay declined to accept a film offer of a big banner in view of the miserable performance of his movies this year.

SHETTY SISTERS TO COMPETE IN 'FAREB'

The Shetty sisters entered the filmdom almost simultaneously though Shilpa is senior to Shamita. Both began their filmi career with 'Baazigar' and 'Mohabbatein', respectively. However, both have failed to reach a position in the industry. They have, however, become famous for their item numbers. Incidentally, both will be seen together in their forthcoming 'Fareb'. Both of them will compete with each other in presenting themselves in bolder and sexier scenes. Since both of them will be there we can definitely hope for latke-jhatke dances in the movie.

This is stated to be a horror movie. Shamita declined to divulge more information about the movie. Besides, she is acting in 'Fight Club' that is being directed by Vikram Chopra. Interestingly, Neha Dhupia and she are in the lead roles in an otherwise eight- male dominated film. Besides, she doesn't want to be typecast as an item girl. For doing better roles she has no inhibition. She is ready to expose at the back and call of her director, she adds. The sharara girl is very confident about her future, both in Hindi as well as southern films. The 'Fight Club' was recently shot at the famous Ansal House in South Delhi.

Shilpa Shetty & Shamita Shetty


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:17 PM ]

Vivek to build 21st century village

Actor Vivek Oberoi has high aims in view. At present, he is fully devoted to the cause of tsunami sufferers in Tamil Nadu's Devanampattinum. He is doing his best to rehabilitate the displaced persons. Besides, he is goingto launch a new initiative 'Project Hope' in Pondicherry, a union territory. He told the media about setting up a twetyfirst century 's modern home project for the state. He added that he would begin work on the new project after completing his tamil nadu work. He denied the reports of non-fulfilment of his assurances to the sufferers of Tamil Nadu. He blamed the selfish elements for spreading this canard. Many selfish persons and elements had come to him with their agenda. He has rejected them, he said.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 24-8-2006 05:44 PM ]

Film making is akin to fighting a war: Aamir Khan

"Film making is like fighting a war with leadership at the front," said actor Aamir Khan who is in the city to promote his film Mangal Pandey-The Rising revolving around the 'first war of Independence.'

"Much depends on the director of the film. It depends on whether the director has a story to tell, does he feel like telling a story and whether he is bursting with enthusiasm to tell the story," he says while trying to elaborate the factors that could turn a film into a success.

"Ketan (Mehta director of Mangal Pandey) had been waiting for 17 years to tell the story of Mangal Pandey," he said while explaining his decision to work in a historical film.

Working in such a film was a major challenge, says Aamir who plays the role of young Mangal Pandey who had led a revolt agains the British in 1857 over the use of cartridges dipped in animal fat.

"It is a challenge because people already have some impression of a person about whom such a lot or perhaps little is written about. One not only needs to assure that you are close to accuracy on the factual points but also fit into the impression people have of the character," he said.

"Though I love history, I did not choose to play Pandey because of it but because I thought it had a contemporary feel," he said.

"I found that what happened 150 years ago was happening again with Americans entering other countries and exploiting them but pretending they were doing a favour. It was this contemporary feel that attracted me," Aamir said.

The actor, whose earlier 'period' film Lagaan had box office collections, said his choice of films was dependent on the script. "I read a script as an audience and only when it excites me do I work in it. I believe that if I like the script as an audience, perhaps the mass audience will like it but there is no guarantee of the fact," he remarked.

"Moreover, I like challenges. I like to take the path that others would not tread or care to use," the actor said.

On his four-year hiatus, he said "I like to act in one film at a time. But this time, the gap was unusually long because of some personal problems." "But it also took time because when I decided to play Pandey, I realised my hair was too short and I needed to grow it," he laughed.

His one-film-at-a-time policy was also because it took the actor nearly three-four months to study the character, get into the skin of the character. "I can't just like a script and start working. I need to live and breathe it."

"I think as creative people, we are constantly giving outputs but for that we need to have some inputs. Hence, I constantly read, get into conversations, discuss. I need to have some inputs before giving the outputs," he said adding he had now decided to do a film every six to eight months instead of making it an annual feature.