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Q & A session with Aamir, Toby

Fame Malad, a multiplex of Mumbai, hosted an exclusive Q & A session with Aamir Khan on his latest offering Mangal Pandey

Aamir Khan endorses Innova

Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Wednesday signed leading Bollywood actor Aamir Khan as brand ambassador to promote its utility vehicle Innova in India.

The signing of Khan is a deviation from Toyota's global practice of rarely using celebrities as brand ambassadors.

Khan will soon promote Toyota Innova through media campaigns and ground promotion activities, a company statement said.

Since its launch earlier this year, Innova has achieved a sale of 18,000 units.

Khan will be an integral part of the second phase of the Toyota Innova's penetration across India to increase market leadership, the statement said.

Under the agreement with TKM, Khan will be at the forefront of key marketing activities, personifying values of Toyota Innova, it said.

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN, THE EMERGING SUPERSTAR

Like father, like son! This is truly apt for Abhishek Bachchan. The young lad who made his debut in Bollywood with J.P. Dutta's Refugee and has come miles as in the last five years. From films like 'Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai' (2001), 'Shararat' (2002) and 'Kuch Na Kaho' (2003), truly stepped out of his dad, Amitabh's shoes when he received the best supporting actor award for his role in 'Yuva' in 2004. And then came Dhoom (2004), which truly made him a hot favorite. Films like 'DUS' and 'Sarkar' truly made him a star. It is well said that history repeats itself, which is true in Abhishek's case. Just like his father, he has started his journey in Bollywood with a big share of flops, and now these are being followed by blockbuster hits.  

Bollywood hunk John Abraham is passionate about Yamaha.

After having rocked the screen with his Suzuki Hayabusa in 'Dhoom' Bollywood macho man who is passionate about motorbikes is once again in news by becoming the Brand ambassador of Yahama Motors. Passionate about bikes John will feature in advertising, product and brand communication for Yamaha for a period of two years.

Elated over his association with Yamaha, John said that it was his passion for the bikes and speed that has made him a good racer.

However, with three big hits in three consecutive years, John remains rooted to the ground. He knows where he is coming from and says he experiences no feeling of euphoria. In fact, he hardly takes any credit and that he is still in learning process.

Despite all the rage, John doesn't rate himself among the most sought-after youngsters in the industry. Still ther is so much coming for him. There's the comedy "Garam Masala", Mahesh Manjrekar's "Virudh" with Amitabh Bachchan and Deepa Mehta's controversial movie "Water", which will be launched at the Toronto Film Festival.

John Abraham bares for PETA

Bollywood star John Abraham has joined the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals cause.

In the latest PETA ad, John tries to raise awareness about the cruelty involved in the capture, breeding, and caging of birds.

"Birds aren't meant to learn silly human words or swing in a cage," the hunky actor says, holding an empty cage. "They are supposed to roam free in the skies and sing songs for each other."
The ad is shot by John's brother Alan Abraham.

Driving India Forward - Live Chat Show

Narain Karthikeyan, John Abraham and Rahul Bose - the three idols of today's youth swept the audience off their feet through a special interactive live chat show titled 'Driving India Forward'organized by the Tata Group.

Narain Karthikeyan - suave, shy and the first Indian Formula 1 driver, John Abraham - a speed buff, bike freak, and the current heart throb for millions and Rahul Bose - tough, rugged, and a representative of India in international Rugby - three icons who epitomized youth on the same platform, what else could the audience ask for!

Organized by Tata Racing, the objective was to provide an opportunity to the ardent F1 fans across India to directly interact with three speed icons through a fun-filled 'meet & greet' event and a unique SMS campaign running on Star News inviting questions for their idols and their sporting endeavors.

SHARARA GIRL IS CHOOSY, BUT LIBERAL AT HEART

Sharara girl Shamita Shetty is a liberal hearted girl but for those who deserve it. She charmed the audience by her item song 'Sharara Sharara ?' in 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai'. Beginning her career in 'Mohabbatein', Shamita is very choosy about film offers. This may be a coincidence, but the fact remains that both the Shetty sisters entered their filmi career along with Shah Rukh Khan. While Shilpa commenced in 'Bazigar', Shamita did it in 'Mohabbatein'. Later, they never saw back. Both of them never feel disappointed or disillusioned.

Shamita confesses that she is not as liberal as her elder sis Shilpa is. Shamita feels on cloud nine while telling others that their parents favored girls unlike other Indians who strive for sons, and always felt proud and satisfied with their two daughters. When asked how she maintains herself despite a busy schedule of shoots, Shamita attributes this to yoga that keeps one physically as well as mentally fit and healthy. Yoga helps in raising one's capacity to acquire wisdom and keeping one's calm. She believes in sound sleep for seven to eight hours a day, and is averse to noise. She loves medium light and playing of melodious music in her room.

AAMIR: VIEWERS WILL REMEMBER MY CHARACTER

The long-awaited Aamir Khan starrer period film 'The Rising' based on the life of Mangal Pandey, a great revolutionary in the first War of India's Independence, has been released. However, we are releasing the media chat with Aamir Khan who played the great revolutionary's hero in the movie. He blasts the myth created by the English rule that Mangal Pandey was a pioneer of the sepoy mutiny of 1857 and wasn't therefore a martyr.

Will not the viewers watch it because of you playing Mangal Pandey?

This is good. But remember that after quitting the theater hall, they will surely say that they have watched Mangal Pandey. If it so happens then I think the actor along with the movie will succeed.

How long the viewers will take to forget Aamir and remember Pandey in the movie?

I always try that the viewers remember my character and not me whey they are back home after watching my movie. I may also remind you that the viewers went to theaters to watch me in 'Lagaan', but they remembered Bhuvan, the character I had played. Even after watching 'Dil Chahta Hai' the viewers remembered Akaash, the movie's main character, and not me, after reaching their homes. I am sure that they will watch Mangal Pandey during their stay in theater halls and later remember him in their homes.

Was Mangal Pandey a great martyr?

Yes, Mangal Pandey has played an important role in our first war of independence. He is our hero. Those who are contesting his martyrdom probably believe in the gazette and documents recorded by the Englishmen then ruling India. Moreover, the British rulers described the 1857 War of Independence as the sepoy mutiny. We cannot accept it. This can be their perception.

What's all about Mangal Pandey's story?

The movie is not based on the story of Mangal Pandey alone. This combines the story of the two of his friends too. In fact, this is the story of friendship between an Indian sepoy and an English officer. Though I cannot vouchsafe the friendship [between Mangal Pandey and the English officer, but there are on record the stories about friendship between Indian and English people. We have added some such events in the story.

How come you dominate all your films?

This is a wrong notion in the minds of the people. Since I act in few films, the media talks to me about the movies involving me. This creates a wrong impression.

How do you experience working with director Ketan Mehta?

Ketan Mehta was director in our earlier film 'Holi' some twenty years ago. Then, I was a one out of twenty or so actor, working in that movie. So, we always maintained a distance from him. Now, Ketan Mehta has completely matured and he has attained a wider knowledge and perspective of the industry. I have a lot of respect for him as a filmmaker.

What are your expectations from your viewers?

I wish the viewers to remember the great martyr who laid his life for the freedom of our country. I wish they will remember the character of Mangal Pandey that I have played in 'The Rising'.

Reports of 'illegitimate' child dog Aamir Khan

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, whose latest film "Mangal Pandey

Aamir in 'illegitimate' child row

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, whose latest film "Mangal Pandey - The Rising" is making waves in India and abroad, came under fire Wednesday over reports of an illegitimate child by British journalist Jessica Hines.

A two-year-old rumour that Aamir has always denied came to dog the divorced 40-year-old actor as the Aaj Tak news channel splashed photographs of Hines and her two-year-old son Jaan.

Jaan Harry Hines was reportedly born in London Sep 14, 2003, when the reported fling was long over.

Hines was quoted as saying by the channel that she had resisted pressure from Aamir to abort the child, and had assured him she would raise Jaan on her own.

She was further quoted as accusing Aamir of not.

Beware Urmila and Antara

A former model Nisha Kothari who charmed the audience with her video 'Chadhti Jawaani', will soon be noticed in Ram Gopal Verma's next 'James'. This will certainly pose a serious challenge for Ramu's earlier favorites like Urmila Matondkar and Antara Mali. The promos of 'James' have proved this beyond any doubt. In fact, Ramu gave a chance to Nisha in his 'Sarkar' too. The film industry wonders if Ramu will turn Nisha, a new face, into a 'Rangeela' type girl. Yes, Ramu has left no stone unturned to shoot Nisha to fame in Bollywood. He has placed yet another new face Mohit Ahlawat of Panipat in Haryana, opposite Delhi's Nisha, to ring a danger signal for her former favorites.

Urmila Matondkar


Antara Mali


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 20-4-2006 09:40 PM ]

Sallu-Preity pair proves unlucky

Salman Khan and Preity Zinta have proved unlucky for each other. First, both worked together in ' Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'. Before the movie entered theaters for screening, the movie turned controversial due to its alleged underworld connection. In fact, its financier Bharat Bhai Shah was jailed. Their second movie titled ' Dilne Jise Apna Kaha' failed miserably at box office. And, their recent movie 'Jaaneman' being made under the direction of film editor-turned- director Shishir Kunder has already suffered in the wake of the controversial tape containing Salman and Aishwarya Rai's conversation. Whether Salman agrees with this or not, but it appears that the destiny is opposed to their pairing. And, Preity Zinta must have realized it. So, this would not be a surprise if Preity swears not to work with Salman Khan in future.

Salman Khan


Preity Zinta


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 27-8-2005 11:28 PM ]

Akshay changes hairstyle

Khiladi Akshay Kumar has changed his hairstyle. Why? It is learnt that he did it during his recent visit to Los Angeles. He is following the style of Tom Cruise. We shall notice his new hairstyle in Raj Kanwar's next. Who is behind this can be anybody's guess? Well, it may be either because of his director's instruction or due to his any former girlfriend.

Zayed Khan is excited

Zayed Khan is happy now as he has obtained widespread praise for his performance in 'Dus' though the larger credit has gone to Abhishek Bachchan. This is despite Zayed's earlier anguish on the report that director Anubhav Sinha had signed him on the recommendation of Sanjay Dutt. Anyway, he is very excited these days.

Akshay's Priyanka Problem

Director Suneel Darshan recalls how Akshay Kumar dropped out of his Priyanka-starrer for 'domestic' reasons

AS Suneel Darshan's Barsaat opens in the theatres this Friday, the running promos and posters may take some movie aficionados back to the film's original star Akshay Kumar who is missing from the rain dance. Akshay had shot for Barsaat, and it was rumoured that he had to opt out of the movie in the last minute because of wife Twinkle Khanna's embargo on him co-starring with Priyanka Chopra.

Akshay and Priyanka were famously linked as a couple in the gossip press then. The actor had denied that his decision to back out of Barsaat had anything to do with Priyanka. However, director Suneel Darshan finally reveals the truth on record. Darshan says, "Akshay Kumar went through a personal dilemma. We started shooting with Akshay and Priyanka. We shot a song with them. After that the film kept getting delayed as Akshay had to sort out his (family) problems."

The filmmaker though remains protective of the actor who has worked on three of his five films yet: "It was a grave domestic issue for Akshay. Otherwise he'd have never walked out of the film. He couldn't have let me down after the way I've stood by him over the years. The provocation had to be very serious. When a filmmaker invests so much in a film, he's within his rights to expect loyalty from his actors. But then personal dilemmas have to be sorted out before professional loyalties are considered... I don't blame Akshay for anything. But yes, his eleventh hour

Vivek Oberoi works hard too

Until recently the film industry recognized only two actors who devoted a lot of time to doing homework before resuming the shooting for any movie. They were Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan. However, another name has been added now to this list, and that's of Vivek Oberoi. It is noticed that Vivek has been working very hard at present for his next 'Home Delivery'. Apart from this, Vivek has advised his director to organize a workshop for other actors too!

Ghai to transform Mahima into a new avatar?

Showman Subhash Ghai has agreed to transform his earlier discovery Mahima Chaudhry whom he had successfully launched in his 'Pardes'. Later, Mahima and Ghai had developed somewhat cold relations between them, presumably because Mahima gave preference to her personal life to her professional career. Then she made friends with Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Leander Paes and Dino Morea. However, she has now realized the importance of her professional career. She has also felt that she has been left behind her other contemporaries. So, she has patched up with his launcher Subhash Ghai, who has also agreed to forget the past and transform her into a new avatar. Ghai has therefore decided to make a film starring her and take her to a new high in the filmi world.

Mahima Chowdary


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 25-8-2006 04:48 PM ]

UNIMPRESSIVE DEBUT BY ESHA DEOL

Esha Deol has finally made her bow with "Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche' and it must be said that her entry is far from impressive. Part of the blame for this should go to writer-director Vinay Shukla, whose effort here is lackluster. Shukla may have helped Shabana Azmi bag the National Award for Best Actress for 'Godmother', but here he fails as a filmmaker. The story is not original and bears a strong resemblance to Shah Rukh Khan's debut film as hero, 'Deewana', with shades of 'Mother India' in the climax. This mars the prospects of a technically well-made film.

Aftab Shivdasani (Aman) is a student of fashion designing who is smitten by Esha (Esha Deol) who has also taken admission to the same course. But to his chagrin, she shows no interest in him. This hurts Aman deeply and he puts his studies aside in a mad pursuit of his lady love. Seeing that the ice is not melting, he lands up at her home and proposes to marry her in front of her 'mother' (Jaya Bachchan), who actually happens to be her mother-in-law. This is a fact that both have been hiding from the world, as the husband/son is a good for nothing person. Esha, after much pressure for her mother-in-law, accepts to marry Aman, but on the engagement day, husband Dushyant (Sanjay Kapoor) re-enters her life. Esha is in a quandary about how she should proceed but Aman puts her doubts to rest despite the fact that her background has been revealed to him. Dushyant tries his best to blackmail and threaten the lovebirds but meets his comeuppance via poisoned pudding from his mother!

The film takes an interesting twist when Esha reveals the fact that she is already married but the director cannot quite maintain the tempo. Too many songs also distract from the drama. Shukla seems to be at a loss as to what more should be put in to keep the pot boiling.

Esha obviously needs to put in a lot of homework in her future assignments Aftab deserves applause for his acting in a film that is actually not made for him. The focus in the film is on Esha, and when the camera shifts from her, it centers on Sanjay Kapoor. Anupam Kher has done the role of father so many times that another in the same genre fails to stir your interest. Jaya Bachchan also seems to be slotted for 'mother' roles after 'Fiza', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' and this, her latest venture.

Technically the film is good. The picturization of the songs is creative. But the music, by Rajesh Roshan, is not up to the mark. It seems as if Rajesh reserves his best for brother Rakesh's films.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 19-9-2005 02:43 PM ]

PREETI: I CHOOSE BETTER ROLES NOW

Preeti Jhingiani is an actress who created a niche for her in a short span and in those films where several superstars were acting. Though she began her filmi career in Rajshri Production's musical album 'Ye Hai Prem', she got an opportunity to act in Yash Chopra's 'Mohabbattein' with top stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. She became famous because of 'Mohabbattein'. But she went out of focus for sometime until she acted in 'Awaara Pagal Diwana', 'Anarth', 'Wah Tera Kya Kehna' and 'Baaz - A Bird in Danger'. However, these films couldn't achieve much and fell short of the industry's expectations. Now, she is playing a slightly different type of role in 'Shrot' being directed by Mahesh Kange.

What's your role in 'Shrot'?

I play the role of Shreya who is a scientist. Shreya is too young, but very beautiful and intelligent. So she comes close to Dr Brijesh Shastri. This proximity between the two leads to love. However, there is another character who loves Shreya too. So the movie has plenty of emotions.

What type of roles you prefer?

I like the role played by Sridevi in 'Chalbaaz' and 'Khudagawah'. I love to do Julia Robert's roles too. I don't mind doing a smaller number of films with meaningful roles rather than just acting in many movies. The story and the role in a movie are important for me while accepting an offer.

Don't you confine your role to a simple and pretty girl only?

No, I am doing different roles now. I get many offers, but I choose a role, which is different from the usual ones. I am acting as a glamorous girl in 'Jaane Kya Hoga'.

Which are your forthcoming movies?

I am acting in 'Aan'. In 'LoC', I am doing a short role, but it is very important. I act as a Punjabi girl opposite Akshaye Khanna. I am busy in another movie, a science fiction though titled "Jane Hoga Kya', where I play the role of a glamorous girl.

MAHIMA BACK TO WOO AUDIENCE

Mahima Chaudhary wooed the Indian audience with her excellent performance in Subhash Ghai's 'Pardes' opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Amrish Puri, in 'Daag - The Fire' with Sanjay Dutt and in 'Anupam Kher's 'Om Jai Jagadish' opposite Anil Kapoor. Recently, she was in the news for her affair with tennis star Leander Paes. Mahima has acted in many films and attracted the Indian audiences. This proves her acting talent and places her in the front row of successful actresses. But she has been getting only small roles for some time. Is she outdated or the filmmakers have forgotten this pardesi Ganga? Smashits' tete-e-tete with the actress reveals the story behind all these questions.

How come your roles in 'Saaya', 'Tere Naam' and 'Baghbaan' are very small? Why do you agree to do such small roles?

My role in all these movies is undoubtedly small, but the roles are important as needed by the story. Audiences have appreciated my roles even though they are small. Only a few days back I read in newspapers that the heroines of these films were jealous of me because I got the whole credit though my roles were small.

Don't you think that the matured roles played by you during the last few films have damaged your glamorous image?

No. Not at all. I don't agree with this. First of all, I am an actress and it's my duty to play all types of roles whether they are glamorous or matured. I play the role of an elder daughter-in-law in 'Om Jai Jagadish' and of an elder sister in 'Dil Kya Kare', and people have appreciated me a lot.

Why did your mentor Subhash Ghai not repeat you in any of his movie after 'Pardes'? Isn't it because of some misunderstanding between you and Ghai over the contract in 'Pardes'?

No, there was no misunderstanding between Subhashji and me. He is an experienced filmmaker and a liberal hearted person. I think his later movies didn't have roles for me. But I am ready to work with him whenever he offers me a good role. My doors are always open for Subhashji.

For a long time none of your movie did well at the box-office. What do you say about that?

Filmmaking is teamwork and every actor works very hard to make his or her movie a hit. But sometimes a film fails to be a hit though everyone in the team has done his or her best. So far I have acted in 12 movies and five of them have proved hits. I don't think this is a bad record.

What are your forthcoming movies?

I am doing Partho Ghosh's 'Panchi', which is ready for release. Besides, I am doing 'Mastana' and 'Hum Do Hamara Ek' with Govinda, 'Dhaar' with Dino Morea, 'Sarhad Paar' with Tabu and Sanjay Dutt, 'Dobara' with Jackie Shroff, multistarer 'LoC' of J.P.Dutta's and 'Vaasta' of Tanuja Chandra.

What's your role in 'Dobara'?

'Dobara' is a love story. I play the role of Anjali who is a doctor. Jackie plays the role of my husband.

And in 'Vaasta'?

In 'Vaasta' I do the role of a successful actress, who has won the best actress awards for many years. But she is disappointed when she doesn't get it. Both the films are different and I am sure that audiences will love these movies.

What type of roles you want to do at this stage?

As an actress I want to do all types of roles. But I do want to do different or special kinds of roles I don't want to run and sing around trees any more.