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Who is designing SRK? KBC Look?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



Good friend Karan Johar is going to be designing Shahrukh Khan? quiz master look for the much-anticipated ?aun Banega Crorepati?. KJ has earlier designed his look for films like ?uch Kuch Hota Hai?, ?eer Zaara?, ?al Ho Na Ho? and ?abhi Alvida Na Kehna?.

The set for KBC is being designed by Nitin Desai at Film City in Mumbai. SRK will be simultaneously shooting for KBC and his own Home Production ?m Shanti Om? directed by Farah Khan. Incidentally set for ?SM? is also being set up at Film City which will make the task easier for SRK.

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Baabul gets Tax exemption in Delhi
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



Ravi Chopra? ?aabul? starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Salman Khan, Hema Malini and John Abraham has been exempted from Entertainment Tax in Delhi. Since the film talks about a social issue of widow remarriage it may get such exemptions in other territories as well.

The film hasn? been having a great run at the Box Office. In spite of a positive buzz amongst the ladies, the film hasn? really been able to make headway in the interiors of the country, the way the other family film ?ivaah? has managed to do. It remains to be seen if this exemption of entertainment tax affects the final tally of collections.

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When Pankaj Kapur took a risk for a mere umbrella
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



Pankaj Kapur has an interesting role to play in Vishal Bhardwaj? next release ?he Blue Umbrella?. After working with the enterprising director/composer in ?aqbool?, Pankaj Kapur is said to have given another terrific performance in The Blue Umbrella?.

In the film, he plays the role of Nandkishore Khatri is an obstinate, pickle-loving 60 year-old-man who owns a tea stall in a village. He is like a child who is constantly at war with village kids and invariably tries to fleece off their little possessions.

That being said, he is also a shrewd businessman, who knows the value of each rupee. He often cuts deals with the villagers, selling biscuits and toffees on credit in order to get what he wants. Although he has no real family to speak of, he has an affinity to the people of the village and treats them as his surrogate family.

What he lacks in the way of education, he makes up for with his ability to charm the locals and foreign tourists. As soon as the blue umbrella crosses Nandu? eyes, his desire for it and his constant need to be the centre of attention in the village, overtakes him and clouds his rational thinking.

To possess it, he is willing to risk almost anything.

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Shilpa Shetty looks forward to METRO
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



Since the time she came up with an award winning performance in 'Phir Milenge' [2004], Shilpa Shetty has gone extremely slow in signing projects.

2005 saw her working in two low budget Deepak Tijori films [Khamosh - Khauff Ki Raat and Fareb] which came and went but her biggie 'Dus' turned out to be quite successful. In fact Shilpa's act was noticed once again with the film which made her further selective about the roles she wanted to play henceforth.

2006 was quite uneventful for her since her sole release of the year was 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' which released after being ready for 5 years and flopped within 5 days. She was good in the film but the film was extremely dated and regressive to leave any impression whatsoever.

This is what makes her first release of 2007, 'Metro', quite important for Shipa Shetty. She is the lead protagonist in this progressive film by Anurag Basu who narrates the lives of 7 characters in a METRO. A film that appears to be quite exciting, it also stars Shiny Ahuja, Kay Kay Menon, Sharman Joshi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangna Ranaut and Irrfan Khan.

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Brett Lee croons 'Haan Main Tumhaara Hoon' with Asha
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



After Sanjay Dutt requested Asha Bhonsle 'Aap Ke Dil Mein Thodi Se Jagah Chahiye', it is the turn of speedster Brett Lee to serenade the lady with the song 'Haan Main Tumhaara Hoon'.

For the album 'Asha & Friends', Brett Lee has teamed up with Asha Bhonsle for this romantic number that has passages in both English and Hindi. While Lee croons his line mainly in English, Ashaji is heard in her naughty self yet again as she effortlessly goes through her Hindi rendition. The music video of the number shows Brett Lee having a crush on an Indian girl and for that he tries to learn Hindi from Asha.

She does teach him the language, he is soon crooning his lines in Hindi for his lady love by starting with 'Haan Main Tumhaara Hoon'.

Watch out for the song. It will make you smile for sure!

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When East meets West, lets hope for the best
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



What happens when East meets West?

Well, if you ask Akshay Kumar, he is just going to say - 'Let's hope for the best'! That's the punch line for his upcoming release 'Namastey London' that is expected to arrive in the month of March. Playing a 'desi punjabi munda' whose lady love [Katrina Kaif] has been brought up in western traditions and culture, Akshay Kumar suits the role to the T due to his Punjabi origin.

Also starring Upen Patel, Rishi Kapoor and Javed Sheikh from Pakistan, 'Namastey London' is directed by Vipul Shah who has repeated him for the third time after his debut directorial venture 'Aankhen' followed by 'Waqt - Race Against Time', both of which also starred Big B in important roles.

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Laughter ka tadka at Screen Awards
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



What happens when two ultimate Laughter Champions talk on the subject bollywood, awards, remixes and sequels? Well it will be a laugh riot for one and all as Star Plus promises to give entertainment unlimited with the most awaited award show; The Hero Honda 13th Annual Star Screen Awards 2007.

The popular award is back with loads of surprises, performances, recognition, laughter, tears and special moments, glitz, glamour and bollywood with yet another theme and style...

This year Hero Honda 13th Annual STAR Screen Awards 2007 will have the 2-laughter champions who will bring out the essence of sequels and remakes through interesting characters which are synomous to a typical bollywood scenario.

They are none other than Navin Prabhakar and Raju Shrivastav.

?tar Screen Awards se ek baar phir judnaa hamaare liye saubhagya ki baat hai. Yeh show host karne mein hum sabhi ko achcha lagaa aur haste-hasaate show kab khatam hua pataa hi nahi chala. Star Screen Awards ke zariye hum diggaj kalakaaron se mil paaye aur janta ke saath unhe sammaan de paaye, yeh hamare liye bahut khusi ki baat hai. Koshish karenge ki itne bade show ko host karne mein jo khaamiyan picchhle baar reh gayi usse iss baar hum door kar paaye,? says Raju Shrivastav.

Eagerly awaiting and already preparing himself for the big day is co-host Navin Prabhakar who adds, ?his year the theme of STAR Screen Awards is also as unique as the award itself. The year 2006 has been a year of remixes and sequels and we hope that our tadka of comedy would spice up the event even more.?

Apart from the popular categories in the awards, Hero Honda 13th Annual Star Screen Awards 2007 will also honour the most popular on screen couple in bollywood in the year 2006 "Hero Honda STAR JODI No.1". The couple will be chosen on the basis on the votes entered by audience through SMS and calls.

So, are you ready for the stream of award shows that are gonna flow your way?

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Kookie Gulati directs Atif Aslam
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, December 22, 2006]  



Kookie Gulati is a known name in the music video circuits.

He is the man who has directed number of music videos over the years and also specializes as a song director in the movies. The recent example is that of Inder Kumar's 'Pyaare Mohan' where he was roped in as a director for the film's songs.

The talented director's work is being seen once again in the form of music video of the title song from Atif Aslam's new album 'Doorie' has just been premiered on satellite. The video has been given a grand look with Atif of 'Wo Lamhe', 'Aadat' and 'Tere Bin' holding the center stage.

Being in the industry for around 5 years now, Kookie Gulati is destined to be on the hot seat as a full fledged director soon.

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Bhagam Bhag opened in 282 screens in Mumbai
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 23, 2006]  



A total of whopping 282 screens opened to Priyadarshan? ?hagam Bhag? in Mumbai, and a Thousand screens all over India and world are showcasing Govinda and Akshay? tepid comic antics in front of the audience.

First came the cool RS 1 Crore spent on the title song, then the record of 800 BEST Buses panels, and now this, looks like the film makers are sparing no efforts to spread the film maximum to the people who matter the most: the Aam Janta. If only the makers had spent some more time in making a quality entertaining film, ?hagam Bhag? may have been a better cinematic experience.

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? am a true soldier of Sonia ji,? says Govinda
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 23, 2006]  



? am a true soldier of Sonia ji,? said Govinda at a press conference held at his bungalow in Mumbai yesterday. It was a very important day for the actor-turned-politician as his first big film in last five years ?hagam Bhag? released the same day. Govinda was obviously rattled by a news report on the front page of a Mumbai tabloid claming that ?ovinda was the worst MP ever?.

In his true firebrand style Govinda, while defending himself said that he had never shirked away from his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament. But yes movies are his first love and will always remain is what he stated. Somehow, by reacting to the news report Govinda has given it more importance than maybe what it deserved. For now a more aggressive campaign will start to prove that Govinda has been a failure in the field of politics. Gear up for a heated debate on national television. It may also give a boost to the Box Office collections of ?hagam Bhag? which happens to be an average comeback for the very talented actor.

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Why Kabir Khan is good news?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 23, 2006]  



?abul Express? director Kabir Khan is definitely good news for Bollywood. Why? Well, thankfully he breaks the monotony of cinema and brings in a refreshing change in spite of retaining good humour-n-drama. He is a documentary filmmaker but while watching ?abul Express? for most part you don? feel as if you are being given a lecture on the ravages of war. Instead, Arshad Warsi? comic timing makes it a fun ride.

Arshad? bantering with Salman Shahid (the guy who plays a Taliban militant) is extremely funny and at times poignant. Like when Salman reminds the Pakistani promise: ?adhuri de do Kashmir le lo.? Or when the duo fight as to who? a better all rounder?mran Khan or Kapil Dev. The balance that Kabir strikes in humorous and poignant moments (For e.g. when Salman Shahid? character meets his daughter and doesn? say a word except handing over a few hundred dollars hits you like a bullet fired from short distance) has been brought forth exceptionally well.

Moreover he doesn? compromise in terms of making a song-less film in spite of working with a production house like Yashraj Films famous for their musical acumen. His selection of cinematographer in Anshuman Mahaley was another master stroke. The visuals of the film are some of the most brilliant that one has seen in cinema this year. The closest that can come will be Tasadduq Hussain in ?mkara? and Ravi K Chandran in ?anaa?.  

Kabir Khan seems to be clear that he can? present his point of view by being pedantic. The marriage of entertainment and sense makes for a deadly combo. His next step in Bollywood will be eagerly looked forward to

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SHOCKING - 'Bhagam Bhag' opens to average reviews all over
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 23, 2006]  



This was something that not many could see coming!

Much hyped 'Bhagam Bhag' has opened to average reviews all over. A movie that seemed like a riotous ride, especially due to coming together of Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Paresh Rawal has seen some very lukewarm comments from all over the industry, be it websites, print or satellite media.

Though Akshay Kumar has got a pat on his back for his yet another rocking performance, there have been mixed reports about Govinda's comeback. It's the film's screenplay that has come under the hammer most hard.

Still, the team of 'Bhagam Bhag' can take solace from the fact that even films like 'Hera Pheri', 'Phir Hera Pheri' and 'Malaamal Weekly' met with similar response from the media but was given a Thumbs Up by the paying junta!

Stay tuned as we bring you more information about the film's journey when the collections start coming in after the first week ends.

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It's time for 'dhoom dhadaka' in 'Guru'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 23, 2006]  



After 'Bhagam Bhag', the next big film in the pipeline is Mani Ratnam's 'Guru' that releases on 12th January.

Though the music of the film is already topping the charts, the team of 'Guru' has went ahead and composed two more songs for the film, one of which is already on air. Titled 'Dhoom Dhadaka', this A.R. Rahman composed song plays as a background piece during the dramatic moments of the film.

A fast paced vociferous track with a thumping appeal, it reminds of 'Dhakka Laga Bukka' from 'Yuva' that was on similar lines.

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Omkara is Vishal's best work?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 26, 2006]  



Vishal Bharadwaj is busy winning awards-n-adulation all over the world for his rapturous adaptation of Shakepeare's Othello, Omkara. But what is being ignored (slightly) in all this exaltation for Vishal the new age director is Vishal, the fascinating music composer.

In fact his music score for Omkara is undoubtedly his best work till date. And the best part about Omkara's music is that it appeal to both masses as well as classes at the same time.

If the title track Omkara, ?eedi? and ?amak? have an earthen feel for all round entertainment then ? Saathi Re?, ?ag Ja?, ?aina? and? Laakad? touch the deep chord of thoughtfulness within. It was a glorious surprise to listen to Vhsial? fabulously soothing singing vocals in ? Saathi Re? while his wife Rekha Bharadwaj? powerful rendition of ?amak? and ?aakad? is worthy of winning all the popular and critical awards this year.

Vishal Bharadwaj started his career with Gulzar? ?aachis? and followed it with Ram Gopal Verma? ?atya? and his very own ?aqbool?. He has never been a music composer in hurry to get ahead in the rat race. Today he is a director of repute and the adrenaline rush of being taken seriously by the big wigs of the film industry is also reflecting in his music as well. For he can do things the way he wants to. And then he has a wonderful lyricist in the form of Gulzar who always saves the best verse for him.

?mkara? is undoubtedly Vishal? best and most flawless work till date. He can only get better from here on. Hopefully he shall continue surprising with his unique musical idiom in the future as well.

[ Last edited by  ldg at 29-12-2006 12:48 PM ]

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Is Sushmita going the Parveen Babi way?
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 26, 2006]  



Is Sushmita Sen going the Parveen Babi Way? Well, that? the lead story of a popular gossip magazine for January. Sushmita has led a checkered life. Hoisted on the Miss World stage at age 19, a somewhat successful Hindi film career, a lucrative modeling career, adopting daughter Renee against all odds and a string of affairs (that she never denied), Sush has led her life very much on her own terms and conditions. So, why is she being labeled as a possible candidate for Schizophrenia (a mental disease that afflicted Parveen and eventually she succumbed to it)?

The gossip magazine gave an account how Sushmita fired more than half a dozen employees at her home. The beleaguered employees obviously spitted venom against their former madam whom they had been serving for the last many years. Her behaviour was cited as irregular and fiery at times. Sen who has been going through a tough time with talks about her current flame Manav Menon ditching her for work and her last big release ?indaggi Rocks? coming in for stringent criticism. There have been reports about her getting back with former boyfriend Randeep Hooda as well. Hooda on his part gets majorly irked when asked about his current relationship status with Sen.

Sushmita on her part has stated that her staff had been bungling for quite some time and taking advantage of her. She also feared for her daughter Renee? security. On the other hand it has also come to light that Sush is providing full support the family (wife and two children, also afflicted with HIV) of one of her former employees who recently died due to AIDS. Sush is ensuring that her employee? wife gets proper medical attention which enhances her life span by another five to seven years.

Sushmita Sen has always been associated with various causes and is more or less known for high professionalism (a few hawala transactions and evading car duty are a few of her excesses). Somehow, the question rises, that is it fair to target a celebrity to enhance the publication? sale (that particular gossip magazine is being launched in Germany with this edition)? The question also rises that why don? the film stars take a serious action against such erring publications. One example of heavy compensation will be a deterrent to others. Or, do they lack faith in the judiciary (Preity Zinta? defamation suit case against a Mumbai tabloid is going on-n-on and the tabloid never leaves a chance to target Zinta in one way or the other)?

It? time the stray film associations come together and do something about this situation. Indian films are getting recognized the world over and the film stars are enjoying an ambassador? status. It? time for some transparency, accountability and responsibility (on part of the stars as well as the media). Don? you agree?

[ Last edited by  ldg at 29-12-2006 12:53 PM ]

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Himesh, Rahman New Year Eve Showdown
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 26, 2006]  



One music composer Himesh Reshammiya wants to sing for is A R Rahman. A R on his part in his trademark humility says ?eshammiya is doing a good job.?  And this new year will mark an unexpected turn of events in this mutual-admiration-society. For both Reshammiya (first concert in India at Renaissance) as well as Rahman (he will be singing his first English song ?ray for Me Brother?) shall be performing live this New Year? eve in Mumbai.

While Rahman? genius has been around for more than fifteen years, Reshammiya who has been around for some time, came into his own only this year. This year Himesh has given many hits (he keeps counting them also) and is all set to star in a big movie in the lead role. His fan following has grown by huge numbers (the bloggers on the net are crazy about him). AR on his part has delivered the spunky-n-path-breaking ?ang De Basanti?, ornate ?ater? and a spiritually inclined ?uru?. Even with very few films over the years, Rahman continues to be an original who always innovates in terms of sound, vocalists and endeavours to raise the bar of his own music. Himesh on his part mixes a lot of genres and has an uncanny knack for producing chartbusters.

In spite of three of his songs being nominated for Oscars this year, Rahman is humility personified. Himesh comparing his nasal disaster to the magic of R D Burman earned a slap-on-the-face from Asha Bhosle (he recently apologized to Asha via SMS and then told the media about his exploit).

So, given a choice whose concert would you want to attend this New Year?? Do let us know

[ Last edited by  ldg at 29-12-2006 12:54 PM ]

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Meet Raj, Raju and Dinky in Good Boy Bad Boy
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 26, 2006]  



After 'Apna Sapna Money Money', next film coming from Subhash Ghai would be 'Good Boy Bad Boy'. Here we bring to you an exclusive character sketch of the lead actors in the film.

Tusshar plays the character of Raj who is a much focused student and wants to achieve something in life.

Emraan's character in the film is called Raju. Raju is a very cool laid back guy who is flirtatious, hip and trendy. He is also a lively and cheerful person to be with.

Tanushree's character is called Dinky, someone whom she feels she can portray very naturally as she herself was very tomboyish and also good at studies.

The film Good Boy Bad Boy seems to be a very lively flick based on the life of college students. Interestingly, the pairing done in the film is also very unique. Tanushree is opposite Tusshar Kapoor in the film while Isha Sharwani will share the screen space with Emraan Hashmi.

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Shahid and Amrita 'marriage' to complete 50 days
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 26, 2006]  



Marriage of Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao would be completing 50 days soon; strictly for the screen of course!

Their film 'Vivah' is currently in its 7th week and coming Friday it would be completing 50 days at the box office. The film has proved to be a very good success at the box office and has already reached the HIT status. The release strategy of arriving slowly at the box office and then remaining steady with prints spread out across the country has worked quite well for the film.

In fact 'Vivah' has turned out to be the only film that stood up to the challenge from the likes of first 'Don' and then 'Dhoom 2', both of which have proved to be BIG money spinners at the box office. Currently, the box office scorecard of 'Vivah' reads 20 crore + which is only touted to go higher up in the coming weeks as the film is still running on a large number of prints.

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Publicity of Sanjay Dutt's next film kick starts
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, December 26, 2006]  



Ever since Sanjay Dutt has resumed shooting for his films, there have been speculations galore about his next release.

Though the 16th February release of 'Eklavya - the Royal Guard' was never in trouble since the film's shooting had got over long time back, there were doubts around which of his three films 'Sarhad Paar', 'Nehle Pe Dehla' or 'Mohabbat Ho Gayi Hai Tumse' would arrive first.

With the promotion kick starting for 'Nehle Pe Dehla', it seems quite apparent that this debut vehicle of director Ajay Chandok would be the first film to hit the marquee. With Saif Ali Khan as Sanjay Dutt's partner-in-crime, this fun comic caper may just be an ideal light hearted entertainer for Sanju's fans.

Currently, the song on air is a funky tune by Pritam which is titled 'Fida Hooye' and features Saif Ali Khan along with Neha Dhupia.

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Is controversy the only way?

Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, January 02, 2007]

[/td][/tr][tr][td]
[/td][/tr][tr][td][table=98%][tr][td]If you are starting a new publication, then write something bad about a popular celebrity. For, there can抰 be a better advertisement than that. Once it is talked about, you shall automatically be talked about. Well, a national newspaper employed this strategy when they began their circulation in Mumbai. Remember the infamous Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai tapes where Khan confessed about his alleged underworld links. Now, the same publication has started an everyday colour magazine section from today. And the big story is Rani Mukherjee抯 temper tantrums and her alleged liason with Yashraj Films head honcho Aditya Chopra.

The writer of the front page story pens down his imagination, colouring it liberally with the incredulous ink. He talks about Rani抯 obnoxious behaviour on film sets and how she is the cause behind Adi Chopra抯 separation with wife Payal. He also says that Rani is distancing herself from other film makers to give more leeway to Chopras (One example being Sanjay Bhansali抯 sister Bela Sehgal抯 forthcoming film). Alright Rani is doing Sidharth Anand抯 慣ara Ram Pum