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AAMIR KHAN'S ILLICIT RELATIONSHIP

An Indian film magazine has brought into limelight the illicit relation of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan with a British journalist .Cinestar Aamir Khan, whose latest film "Mangal Pandey ? The Rising" is making waves in India and abroad has come under fire over reports of an illegitimate child by British journalist Jessica Hines. Editor of the magazine has vouched for the authenticity of the report that they have published. "We are very certain about the authenticity of this. If he wants he can ask for the DNA test. We were very confident about what we were covering. There was no point in getting into fake denials. But the we thought that wounds were healed and the time was right so we published the pictures. As you see, she is not very remorseful, she is not vindictive or anything towards Aamir Khan. I think she was accepting about it and his stance," said Sonali Jaffer, Editor of Star Dust magazine. Aamir has always denied the two year old rumour that came to dog of the divorced 40-year-old actor when news channels splashed photographs of Hines and her two-year-old son Jaan.  

Aamir Khan clarifies stand

Following protests in Balia, the birthplace of Mangal Pandey and the consequent demand for a ban on 'Mangal Pandey-The Rising' in Uttar Pradesh, Aamir Khan has clarified that he was never supplied with a pucca proof of Pandey's birthplace. In fact, he added, he was told about claims of four different birthplaces. Besides, Aamir said that the movie is based on the story of only three months of Pandey's life. Director Ketan Mehta said that Pandey belongs to the whole country and not to any particular region. Thus Aamir and Mehta tried to allay the fears of the agitators, while promoting their movie in Bangalore. Aamir also added that he hasn't received any information about the imposition of a ban on the movie in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, a section of the whites in the UK have protested against the movie showing the Britishers at a low key.

The original Mrs Aamir Khan

Actor Aamir Khan's alleged love child Jaan with British writer Jessica Hines is in the news. BT chanced upon former wife Reena.

It was past midnight. And unlike other days, business at a coffee shop on Bandra's Carter road was moderate.

It could have been just another night, had it not been for the presence of a rather familiar figure. Seated in one corner of the shop was actor Aamir Khan's former wife Reena Khan, engrossed in deep conversation with a male friend. Sporting a white tee, blue jeans, and neatly pulled-back hair, Reena -- who has lost oodles weight -- made a nice picture.

So how would Reena -- who always kept herself away from the limelight, while letting her former husband Aamir bask in it -- take to being approached? It must be remembered that she preferred to look after his kids, Ira and Junaid and stand rock solid behind him as he climbed the ladder of celluloid success. However, in this case, Reena proved to be very affable and approachable.

How's life post Aamir and what's she doing these days? "I am fine, doing good!" she promptly replies. "No, I am not working now. I have my kids to look after. They are growing up", she smiles. But she doesn't rule out the option of working in the future, "I am not saying I won't work, but I can't say about tomorrow," she says.

Why has Reena been so media shy? "I was never media shy, ever," she firmly states. "Basically, I've never been interested in all of this. And yes, I don't have anything to say at this point," she adds. Understandably, it is her children who are the centre of her attention now.   

Anil's comeback as producer

Anil Kapoor is back in Bollywood as a producer. Though he has two movies 'The Wife's Murder' and 'Chocolate' to release soon, he is very excited with the first one as he has produced it after a gap of about four year since his 'Badhai Ho Badhai', and secondly, the movie is made along with Ram Gopal Verma. Anil says that he had decided to complete it at his earliest, as the opportunity to play such characters doesn't come too often. Interestingly, Anil has opposite him Suchitra, wife of his old pal of the 'Mr India' fame Shekhar Kapoor.

Father's illness makes Rani sad

Today's Number One actress Rani Mukherjee in Aamir Khan starrer 'Mangal Pandey-The Rising' wasn't found very happy and excited at the movie premiere because of his father Ram Mukherjee being admitted in ICU following sudden illness. She remained all the time worried though physically present at the premiere. She confessed it too. " I cannot have my usual smile back until my father recovers from his present illness."



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 27-8-2005 12:41 PM ]

Bips: I like diamonds

Bipasha Basu likes diamonds most, but wears the gifted ones only. She says she is lucky to get them as gifts either from her mother or from her boyfriend. She narrated this to us during her recent launch of a jewelry showroom in south Delhi after her participation in the promotional tour of 'Barsaat' along with the latter's cast Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra.

Mixed news from Dia Mirza

We have good as well as not-so-good news about pretty Dia Mirza. She has denied all speculations about her boyfriends in the media following her cut up with her latest boyfriend Bunty Grewal. She isn't wrong though. She has finally realized that the frank talk about her boyfriend in the media unlike her other colleagues has only brought her misery. Maybe she is therefore keeping quiet. We wish her good luck! However, the good part is that she is acting with Arjun Rampal in their 'Dil Sachha Chehra Jhoota' and with Zayed Khan in 'Fight Club'.

Urmila Matondkar is thrilled

Urmila Matondkar is very much thrilled on being a grand- marshal on the eve of the Indian Independence Day in San Francisco. She replaced Karisma Kapoor who couldn't grace the occasion following the court order restraining her from going there on the petition filed by her estranged husband Sanjay Kapur. Urmila enjoyed it the most as the grand parade had replicas of different states of India. Besides, she tasted desi dishes at a special bazaar created with things India in plenty.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 24-4-2006 08:14 PM ]

deaf4ever

Rajnikan apa khabar eh??

Dulu in the 90s dia hero eh... Dulu saya keja kontrek, wahhh Indian nye workers tak abis2 ceta pasal piliem Rajnikan ni

KARISMA: HUSBAND DESERTED ME, CHILD

Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor has informed the court that she was forced to return to Mumbai last January after her husband deserted her. A New Delhi court recently restrained her from going abroad with her five-month-old daughter, Samaira. Thus, she lost an opportunity to be grand marshal at India's Independence in New York. The court had passed this interim order on her husband Sunjay Kapur's petition accusing Karisma of obtaining a passport for their five-month-old daughter from Mumbai instead of her conjugal home in Delhi by suppressing facts.

The Bollywood actress has now charged her husband for neglecting her and their baby. " He has made no financial contribution for the upkeep of the child or the pre-natal, delivery or post-natal care of the mother." She has given this in writing to the court that has fixed the next hearing for this week. She also wrote to the court that she had applied for her daughter's passport, as she could not leave her baby behind. Meanwhile, the government has also submitted that consent of both parents is not needed for issuing a passport to a minor. Hence, there is no need to revoke Samaira's passport as sought by her estranged husband.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 6-9-2005 10:10 PM ]

SUNNY BACK TO GOOD OLD MAAR-DHAAR

Producer Sujit Kumar couldn't have asked for anything better from God than a solo release for his film 'Champion', which has been four years in the making, thanks to its hero Sunny Deol missing out on his dates. The film was initially slotted for release along with the much-hyped 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' by the suspense masters Abbas-Mustan. As CCCC's producer has been hauled up by the Mumbai Police for his alleged links with the underworld, 'Champion' has been the beneficiary, with exhibitors making a last-minute grab for prints.

The aging Sunny plays a cop, Inspector Rajveer Singh, who comes to join the Mumbai Police with the dream of landing hardcore criminals and a lot of medals. But destiny has something else in store for him. As soon as he signs up, he is given the duty of escorting a child whose industrialist father and mother have been killed in a plane crash as a result of sabotage. Rajveer is very reluctant to take up this assignment but has no other option. The child (Abhishek Sharma), moreover, doesn't like him, and with his friends tries to create all manner of problems for him. Enter Chief (Manisha Koirala), as the children call her, and the problems for Rajveer seem to multiply. Lurking in the background is a killer (model Rahul Dev, making his Bollywood debut), who is out to finish the child. He is the one who has bumped off the parents also. The reason behind this is that that the ill-fated industrialist had come to know about his father's links with some foreign hands. This killer fails because Rajveer comes between him and his prey.

The theme is not new, as regular moviegoers will surely make out. Sunny himself has done 'Angrakshak' in the past, which had a similar plot. The only plus point in this mediocre film is the presence of Sunny. He has learned from films like 'Dillagi' and 'Pyar Koi Khel Nahin' that he is not fit for romantic roles and action is more his line. In good old maar dhaaar he has no peer. In 'Champion', Sunny has some brilliant action scenes and they bring back memories of 'Ghayal', 'Ghatak' and 'Arjun Pandit'. The role of the inspector fits him like a glove. The film is totally dependent on him and whatever business it does will be solely because of him.

The film, which is directed by Padam Kumar, has good camera work, but lacks pace. This might possibly be because it took so long in the making. Manisha Koirala's presence is no help at all. Her glory is fading and she cannot hide the tiredness in her expression. Rahul Dev gives a reasonable performance and his physique stands him in good stead in his role. Music by Anu Malik is a major let down, with not a single hit track. The film's good opening may soon see a dip, but it may end up doing satisfactory business due to Sunny.

FOR BOBBY, IT'S KISS-KISS, BANG-BANG

Last year Bobby Deol was seen in films like 'Bichoo' and 'Badal', wielding guns and taking revenge on the bad guys, from a corrupt police officer in 'Badal' to an underworld don in the uniform of a police officer in 'Bichoo'. He was appreciated in these roles and both films made a place for him as the new action hero on the block. Earlier, he had played a gun-toting professional killer in 'Soldier', directed by Abbas-Mustan. These three films came in quick succession and made for Bobby's image as a rough and tumble guy. In between came the love story 'Dillagi', his elder brother's maiden directorial venture, but it failed to impress audiences and was a flop at the box-office. Critics said that Bobby did not fit into romantic roles. They also cited the example of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Kareeb', where again he was a disaster as lover boy. Is Bobby not fit for the boy-next-door roles? Does he excel only in action roles? These are the questions that trade analysts are asking on the eve of Bobby's forthcoming release, 'Aashiq'.

In this film, he pairs up with the blue-eyed siren Karishma Kapoor. Remember both failed to ignite the box-office with their last film 'Hum To Mohabbat Karega', directed by Kundan Shah. In 'Aashiq', Bobby plays Chander, a character ever willing to help others even at the cost of his own interests. All his goody-goody behavior brings is a lot of enemies. But a rich girl, Puja, played by Karishma, looses her heart to him. Love blooms between them, even though everybody is in opposition. Puja's family is very much against her having an affair with a commoner, as they have already chalked out wedding plans for her. Society also stands in their way. As fate would have it, Puja is kidnapped by some flesh traders. Rahul Dev heads the gang, but the blame for the crime comes on Chander's head. He has not only to save his skin but also help rescue his love from the clutches of the villains.

Directing the film is the very successful Indra Kumar. Does Bobby fit into the role of lover boy? "Why not"? says Indra. "Bobby has this ability of molding himself to the requirements of his role. He excelled in his debut film 'Barsaat', which was a love story. 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya', though it did not click at the box-office for reasons I would not like to discuss now, saw a brilliant performance by him. Bobby is a very talented actor. In my film, he just fits into the character of Chander. And, mind you, it is not just the love element in the film, there are some very well written comedy scenes, in which Bobby performs excellently. I do not think that he has to do action roles always."

Karishma Kapoor, who co-stars with Bobby in the film, is also of the same opinion. She says: "Bobby and I share good vibes. He keeps on cajoling you on the sets and outdoors. He is a guy in whose company no one can remain quiet. He makes the atmosphere charged with his mere presence." But so many people say that Bobby is fit only for action roles? "That is not fair, seeing his abilities", replies Karishma. "He puts in so much effort into his acting. He is at ease in any role, be it action, romance or comedy. This slotting of actors is a bad thing in our film industry. It does not serve any purpose."

Seeing the confidence of his director and co-star, it will be very interesting to see how 'Aashiq' fares. It will help decide whether Bobby can play lover boy roles or whether he should stay put with maar-dhaar. How does Bobby feel about his first release scheduled for January 26? "I am not at all nervous," he says. "I know that there are many fans who want to see me only in action roles. 'Aashiq will not disappoint them."

DON'T BELIEVE IN RUMORS, JUST GO AND WATCH MACHO HRITHIK

Nobody would have thought that Hrithik would deliver another superhit this soon. The advance bookings of his second film Fiza released on September 8 were not encouraging enough to expect an overwhelming response. The rumor mill had it that Hrithik anyway does not have a substantial and commanding presence in the film. However, the enthusiastic crowds in front of theatres in Delhi where Fiza was released today tell an altogether different story.

Fiza adds one more name in the list which has Khwaja Ahmed Abbas and B.R.Chopra pairing it as journalists-turned-filmmakers. Khalid Mohamed, an ace film critic, currently works as Editor of the film magazine Filmfare and has earlier penned films like Mammo and Sardari Begum. He has also written Zubeida, which is being made by Shyam Benegal.

In Fiza, Khalid has effectively conveyed the feelings of a common Muslim in a secular India. There is little doubt that Jaya Bachchan, Karisma and Hrithik all have given award-winning performances. Hrithik 's role may not be very long but after intermission it is Hrithik and only Hrithik who controls the show. It is similar to the film Deewana where Shahrukh Khan comes after the interval and steals the entire limelight. Khalid has strongly commented on the policies of Bhartiya Janata Party and RSS, though only indirectly, in the film.

Fiza starts with the 1993 Bombay riots and ends in the present. During the riots, a Muslim lad Aman (played by Hrithik) is attacked by fanatics. He goes to the police for help only to hear the words which change the course of his life forever."Go to Pakistan, if you want to live", is what he is told. Thus unable to get institutional security he defends himself resulting in chain murders of some fanatics. The leader of a terrorist group (Manoj Bajpai) picks him up from there and trains him to be a Mujahid. Aman's sister Fiza (Karisma Kapoor) is in the search of her brother. She eventually finds him in the deserts of Rajasthan and brings him back home. This is the story before the interval. What happens after the interval is for all to watch and not just to read.

Khalid has written a story which is different from the regular Hindi movies in the sense that it does not have a full length love story. He has dedicated this very sensitively to his maa (mother). In this film he has penned a mother, who is helpless to her children. The tragedy of being a widow, the pain of losing her only son and coupled with the burden of an unwed daughter, all haunt this lady named Nishat Bai, so perfectly played by Jaya Bachchan. Sometimes, she takes the help of dialogues while on other occasions she lives up to her image of communicating only through expressions and gestures which convey it all. In the end, she commits suicide.

Karisma perhaps has got the first chance in her acting career to show the range of her acting. She has indeed proved that she is a versatile actress. Karisma has carried the film on her shoulders alone before the intermission. Neha (the Kareeb girl), Shivaji Satam, Sushmita Sen and first timer Bikram Saluja and Isha Koppikar have ably supported her in this task.

After the intermission, it is Hrithik running a one-man show. Expressive and yet not over-expressive. That is what all newcomers need to learn from him.

On the technical front the film has dialogues with punch crafted by none other than Javed Siddiqui of Shatranj Ke Khiladi fame. Santosh Sivan is marvelous as cinematographer. The action scenes are mastered by Shyam Kaushal of Prahar fame. The music is above average. Film has all the ingredients of a commercial film but this does not mean that Khalid has anywhere compromised on his artistic approach towards the cinema.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 11-9-2005 10:53 PM ]

MINI FILM FESTIVAL OF TABU'S MOVIES

DIL PE MAT LE YAAR

First of all, let's talk about this much talked-about film starring Manoj Bajpai. Produced by Anis, known to be an old friend of Manoj, this film is written by Saurabh Shukla. It is an interesting story of a common man Ramsaran Pandey who arrives in Mumbai from a small town of northern India , Jaunpur. A journalist Kamya (Tabbu) who writes some stories in a newspaper on the basis of experiences of this young man gets wide applause from not only the general readers but also from film director Mahesh Bhatt (Bhatt plays himself in the film) who wants to turn these stories into a film. In return, Ramsaran gets nothing. Even Kamya kicks him out of her home. So to be a BIG man this common man ends up being a toy of the underworld. The film ends portraying Ramsaran as a big don. It can be said that this film is like a srequel to Ramgopal's Satya. It is similar to the moral of the story in Satya where people like Bhiku Mhatre take birth. Although the first part of the film is light, the second part is rather heavy. Debutante Hansal Mehta's direction in the film is ok. Music is soothing. Manoj, Saurabh and Aditya as Tito have done good jobs, but Tabu's negative role as a cunning journalist comes as a surprise to all.

AAGHAZ

This film is a remake of a hit Telugu Movie and is directed by debutante Yogesh Ishwar who at one time was an assistant of the noted film director Vidhu Vinod Chopra. This film is a story of a young boy coming from Punjab to Mumbai in search of a new life . He comes face to face with some local goons as he tries to protect some poor men. The film has a message. If all good men in society unite, they can rid the society of all anti-social evisl, however powerful they may be. The different angle of the film is that the hero Govind (Sunil Shetty) does not take law in his hands after the rape of his sister (Shraddha Nigam). Instead he prepares the public to take revenge on his behalf. The film has a good theme but a not so effective screenplay has done the major damage to the film. Sushmita does not suit in the role of a police officer and Namrata too does not look attractive. Music by Anu Malik is another let down for the film.

ASTITVA

Writer-director Mahesh Manjrekar has made some bitter but strong comments on the position of women in Indian society through this film. A business man (Sachin Khedekar) loves his wife (Tabbu) and adult son (Sunil Berve) deeply until one day he comes to know that he has brought up a shit* whose father is none other than his wife 's ex music teacher (Mohnish Behl). The businessman decides to throw his wife out. The film ends with a few excellent scenes where his wife dares to ask him few questions. What a wife should do if her husband is always busy in work and does not bother to take care of his wife's sexual needs? The central question that the wife raises is that while the child is now integral to the family, there was a point in the husband-wife relationship when due to the tension the birth of a child could not have taken place. Made in Hindi and in Marathi , this film also assures that Mahesh is not in Bollywood just for making commercial films. One can expect some more meaningful movies from him. Tabbu has given a wonderful performance and some may even see the shadow of Smita Patil in her acting in this movie.

SHIKARI

This film is a suspense-thriller presenting Govinda for the first time in a negative role. The story revolves around Govinda who is out to get his love back into his life. The story does not have much to offer to the audience but director N.Chandra has done some amazing shots with some exotic locales of South Africa. Govida's attempt to break away from his comic image is commendable. Music by Aadesh Shrivastava is not so peppy and this young music director is still to get a hit film written with his name. Film does not really boost Karisma's sagging career but Tabu in a new shade shall be liked even by her detractors.

INITIAL HYSTERIA MAY BE OVER SOON SANJAY DUTT THE BEST PERFORMER IN MISSION KASHMIR

Producer-director Vidhu Vinod Chopra is at it again, promising a lot but loses his way midway and in the final analysis fails to deliver what he seemed to promise. Like his past couple of films there is too much emphasis on style but substance has not been paid enough attention. Due to which the script comes across as one of convenience, ironically, there are four people (including Chopra himself) who share the credits for writing the film. The film though has its moments and Vinod Chopra has managed to take out commendable performances from practically all his artistes.

Sanjay Dutt and Hritik Roshan are two main protagonists in the film. SSP Inayat Khan (Sanjay Dutt) has killed a band of terrorists, and alongwith them an innocent family too gets killed at his hands. As a penance for his sin his wife Nilima (Sonali Kulkarni) convinces Khan to bring home the small boy Altaf, who is the lone surviving member of the family he had unintentionally killed. Khan gives in to his wife's demand because not too long ago they had lost their only son in an accident. A little later the boy, Altaf, realises that the man he regards as his father is in fact the man who orphaned him and has tormented him in his nightmares. So he flees to become a terrorist (Hrithik Roshan). Altaf swears vengeance against Khan, and is supported by the Afghani terrorist Hilal (Jackie Shroff) who conceives of Mission Kashmir to dismember India. But ultimately love triumphs over hatred and Altaf decides to mend his ways.

The story of the film is more of a vendetta drama than anything else, the issue of Kashmir is just incidental and mainly serves as a backdrop. The writing is the weakest aspect of the film. To make matters worse is the inconsistent editing and the film comes off as a disjointed effort. The shot taking is good but the film overall lacks a soul and takes away a lot of the charm from the imaginatively conceived shots. The strong points are its cinematography, art direction, music and performances.

Top of the list in the performers list is Sanjay Dutt who has once again proved that he is still a power to reckon with when it comes to playing a rough and tough character with heart of gold. Hrithik Roshan has done his best in a role that has a lot of negative shades and he gives another proof of his immense talent. Jackie Shroff is first rate, too, in a villain's character. Preity Zinta and Sonali Kulkarni have done a great job and provide sensitivity and care to the violent proccedings in the film.

Overall the film is a disappointment and it will certainly put to test Hrithik's superstar status and see if he can continue to get the audience into the theatres once the initial hysteria for the film is over.

SANJAY DUTT TAKES ANOTHER LEAP, BUT THE ZANZEER RE-MAKE LACKS THE VAASTAV MAGIC...

When last year there were no hits after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Sanjay Dutt and Mahesh Manjrekar jointly gave a right push at the right time to the Hindi film industry by their much talked about film Vaastav. This film not only launched Mahesh Manjrekar as a talented director in Bollywood but also gave a much-needed thrust to Sanjay Dutt's acting career.

The same situation occurred this year. There has been only one hit film since the beginning of the year with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai?and the industry is desperately looking for a hit. But, this time Sanjay-Mahesh combination fails to live upto the expectations. Their combination has not been able to give an out and out superb movie which was expected from them with the film Kurukshetra released this week in India and worldwide. The movie, in fact, looks like a poor remake of the famous Amitabh Bachchan starrer Zanzeer. The only thing that has changed in these 25 odd years is that now a police officer can afford wall to wall carpeting in his home and sing songs with his wife in Switzerland, and still be portrayed as dead honest. Strange, is it not?

Kurukshetra is a story of war between evil and truth. Assistant commissioner of police (A.C.P.) Prithvi Raj Singh (Sanjay Dutt) is an honest and brave police officer. All dishonest police officers, rouges, criminals and corrupt politicians are scared of him. The day he joins his duty in Mumbai City, he destroys all the illegal business of Iqbal Pasina (Mukesh Rishi). From that day onwards, Iqbal Pasina starts admiring A.C.P. Prithvi Raj Singh.

Prithvi Raj Singh with his wife Anjali (Mahima Choudhary) and sister Aarti are living a happy family life. Aarti is in love with sub-inspector Avinash (Salil Ankola). Anjali is sad because after the marriage Prithvi has changed completely. He used to love him a lot. But now his only and last love is his duty. She thinks that she has lost her lover behind the uniform.

One day Chief Minister Babu Rao Deshmukh (Om Puri) 's son Amber and his friend Rohit trap a girl into a hotel room and both of them rape her. This brutal incident evokes a fury in PrithviRaj Singh and he promises to the girl that he will fight to get justice for her. Opposition leader Sambhaji Yadav (Shivaji Satam) uses this as an opportunity and pretends to be on the side of A.C.P. Chief Minister tries to convince him so that he withdraws the case against his son. Unable to get success in this he suspends A.C.P. and sends one of his pet police officer Patwardhan (Pramod Moutho) at his place. This officer is sent to remove all the evidences against C.M.' son, but the file containing the statements of raped girl has been taken in custody by a constable (Sayaji Shinde) who admires Prithvi's honesty. Now the battle between the good and the evil begins. Sambhaji by emotionally convincing Prithvi obtains the statements and uses them to blackmail C.M. and gets the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Prithvi when comes to know about it becomes angry and gets out to settle the score for once and all. He shoots them point blank in C.M.'s house.

In Hindi Cinema there have been several versions of story of an honest police officer fighting with evils. But in recent years politicians have replaced the underworld dons as main villains. This is the truth this country is witnessing today. This is the bitter truth of which only Hindi commercial cinema has the courage to talk about in a country that is trying to evolve as the super power in the world. India is a democratic country but people here have no power other than to change a corrupt government by one worse corrupt government. In Zanzeer, the hero had to take law in his hand and shoot the villain and In Kurukshetra also hero has to do the same job. Only difference is that where Amitabh shot an underworld don, Sanjay Dutt shoots out chief and deputy chief minister. This is the progress this country has done in these last 25 years. But, in this overpopulated country people have no time to give a thought to this as they are too busy in earning their daily bread and butter. In the end of the film Kurukshetra, famous shloka of Srimadbhagwat Geeta sounds in background,`Yada yada hi dharmasya glanirbhavati bharat abhuthanamdharmasya tadmanam srajamyham', meaning whenever good deeds starts decaying I (God) take birth on this land. But, what else still has to happen?

Coming to the film, Mahesh Manjrekar has made a good film, by changing some old Zanzeer scenes, but the main plot is the same. The main protagonist is suspended. A Muslim ex-outlaw (played outstandingly by Pran in original) helps him. And, in the last has to kill the evil by his own. Mahesh should not have taken a story already filmed so many times on Hindi cinema screen. This is only but major drawback of the film. To make the film commercially viable, Mahesh has put all the ingredients in the film. There are two dance items by Kashmira Shah and a very sexy looking Suman Rangnathan. Some very well shot acting scenes thanks to the action co-ordinator Ram Shetty. Cinematography by Vijay Arora is excellent particularly in the fight scenes. K.K.Singh has very well used commonly used language of politicians and police personnel in dialogues. Editing by V.N.Mayekar is crisp.

On the acting front, Sanjay Dutt is once again going to get an applause despite his role being a straight lift of Amitabh's character in Zanzeer. Sanjay as an actor has matured a lot. Mahima has performed well and has tried to cash on the every opportunity given to her. Om Puri and Sayaji Shinde are above average in the roles of corrupt politicians. But, Sayaji Shinde gets more clapping. He got some good lines commenting on the conditions of police and the system in present India. Salil Ankola fails to impress in his debut film. Mukesh Rishi has again done a role of Muslim very effectively after the role of Inspector Salim in Aamir Khan starrer Sarfarosh. Music of the film is good and front benchers will love to watch the gaghra number. On the whole film will do average business.

WON'T BE CHOOSY ABOUT MY FILMS: ISHAA

She has the will, the looks and the drive to succeed in the big bad world of Bollywood. That's 'Khallas' girl Ishaa Koppikar for you. Tucked away in a nondescript area in Mumbai's Mahim area lives a simple family with a pet dog called Mogli. The dog, says owner, Ishaa Koppikar, is one of her dearest possessions. However, Ishaa has little time to play with Mogli. With the fame she has garnered with the 'Khallas' number in Ramgopal Varma's 'Company', Ishaa is in great demand in the entertainment industry.

Your number, 'Khallas', in 'Company' was a real stunner?

It felt great because I was specifically told not to treat it like an 'item number'. It had to be a part of the film in terms of look, feel and performance. And the response to it has been fantastic. It was a dream break. I would say it was as good as a film for someone like me. Honestly, 'Khallas' has done for me what my films so far have not been able to do. It has given me recognition.

But you have had a checkered graph with your now on, now off appearances in the Hindi cinema. Are you going to disappear again?

It's not as dramatic as that. Let me explain. Since my family is into academics, with all my cousins studying to be engineers, doctors or CAs, I also had to fall in line and complete my graduation and thus missed out on tempting offers like 'Himalayaputra and 'Border'. Unfortunately for me, my debut film, 'Ek Tha Dil Ek Thi Dhadkan', never saw the light of day. I then began to get small roles in Hindi films. I played Karishma Kapoor's friend in 'Fiza'. I had a small five-scene role in 'Pyar Ishq Mohabbat'. Then I did a lead role in 'Amdani Athanni Kharcha Rupaiya' with Vinay Anand."

But you have lost out on time. Why did you venture Southwards?

While my commercials were airing on television, K S Ravi, a producer from the South, noticed me and offered me work. Naturally, I grabbed the offer, as I did not want to wait around unnecessarily. My first film, 'Kaathal Kavithai', was well received. I did some good work with 'Ahathian' ('Sirf Tum'), C. Sundar (Khushboo's husband), Ravi Chandran, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna down South. I even won the Filmfare Best Debut award in 1999. In the recent past, I have done 'Fiza' and 'Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat' in Hindi. Now I'm planning to channelise my energy into Hindi films. My ultimate base is Mumbai. Unless I work here, I won't feel satisfied. But I don't regret doing films down South. They've been a good training ground.

What is it like making it on your own, without any connections?

If I make it big, I will savor my success all by myself. I'll be proud of the fact that I have managed it without anyone's backing.

So, what next?

I will be seen next in the 'Ishq Samundar' number in 'Kaante'. Apart from that I have Harry Baweja's 'Qayamat', Sanjay Gupta's 'Kaante', Hriday Shetty's 'Plan' with Dino Morea; Ramgopal Vama's 'Bhooth' and Chandra Prakash Dwivedi's 'Pinjar', which is being shot in Navalgarh and Ganganagar. I'm also doing Mani Shanker's 'Rudraksh'. I want to whatever films come my way. I cannot expect a 'Damini' or a 'Mirch Masala' right away. I'm yet to prove myself. I can't afford to be too choosy at this point. At the same time, I want to take it easy and live for the moment. I don't know whether I will be a superstar but I definitely want to be known as a good performer.

JUHI CHAWLA BACK IN BUSINESS

Juhi Chawla has returned to the silver screen after a long break. She has acted in over 60 films since 1988 and was especially noted for her performance in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' with Aamir Khan. She can essay any role, be it village belle or cabaret dancer, and is still the heartthrob of millions. She won a Filmfare Award in 1994 for 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke' Juhi and Shah Rukh Khan are friends of long standing and have a joint business venture, 'Dreams Unlimited'. Though there were rumors of a rift between the two following the production of a flop film ('Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani') by the company, Juhi denies it.

Is it true that you are no more close to Shah Rukh Khan?

No. These rumors of a rift between us surprise me. Believe me, both of us continue to be friends. There is no misunderstanding between us. Probably this disinformation arose out of my not frequenting the Dreams's office for some time. The office has been functioning smoothly. I go to there thrice a week at the most. Thus, I get time for my other work like practicing music. Moreover, I have to look after my daughter, Jahanavi.

Which films have you been busy with this year?

I commenced the year with 'Jhankar Beats', a comedy film by Sujoy Ghosh. I also got busy with the shooting of 'Teen Deewarein', a serious film directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, who has directed 'Bollywood Calling' and 'Hyderabad Blues'

What is the story of 'Teen Deewarein'?

The story is that as a documentary filmmaker I want to make a film on three prisoners - Jackie Shroff, Naseeruddin Shah and Nagesh Kukunoor. All of them seek freedom from prison. I strike up a relationship with all three despite the fact that they are convicts. I am the only female character around.

What are you other assignments?

I am doing a film with Rani Mukherjee and Nitish Bhardwaj. The script of this film reminds me of 'Premrog'. The film is based on widow remarriage. This is a commercial film with a fair amount of dance and music. Another film I have on hand is 'Yahoo' in which I put in a guest appearance for ten minutes. Besides these, I am working in Priyadarshan's 'Kashmakash', which is full of suspense and romance. My role is very different in this movie.

Is your role in 'Kashmakash' a negative one?

No, I wouldn't characterize it as a negative role despite the fact that I play an insane woman in this film.

Why doesn't one see you in 'uninhibited roles'?

I don't mind a challenging performance, but feel ill at ease in intimate scenes.

How do you maintain a balance between your professional and household work?

I do not know myself. Work is, of course, a priority with me. I wouldn't be able to do justice to my professional work without the help of my husband Jay Mehta. He has had to put up with a lot of inconvenience of late because of my music lessons. He never comes in the way of my professional assignments.

AMITABH WISHES MANOJ TO PLAY HIS 'ZANJEER' ROLE

Manoj Bajpai also traveled a long way from theatre to television to big screen. In silver screen too he first played small roles and then became a central figure. Thus he emerged as an ideal villain, who can be described as the hero as well. He is the actor who is known for his acting sensibilities. From his childhood, Manoj's developed an ambition to follow in the footsteps of his ideal actor, Amitabh Bachchan. He is contented with Amitabh's compliment, "Manoj should play my role in 'Zanjeer' if it is made today". He started with a small character role in 'Bandit Queen'. Later, 'Satya' happened and Manoj became synonymous with just one name-Bhiku Mhatre. Then he acted in 'Kaun' and 'Shool'. He showed his deft hand at comedy in Hansal Mehta's 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar' and his subtle performance in 'Zubeidaa'. Recently, 'Aks' and 'Road' earned him more admiration.

What's your feeling after 'Road'?

I am really glad that people have liked me and appreciated my performance. I am all the more happy as I have managed to evoke a positive appraisal from all quarters.

What are your forthcoming films?

My next movie is 'Pinjar', a period film, directed by Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi. The movie is based on Amrita Pritam's novel against the backdrop of India's partition in 1947. The heroine meets a Muslim boy played by me, under an extraordinary situation. The plot deals with the awkwardness of their relationship. I am impressed with Dr Dwivedi's work and have decided to be part of his next project also.

What is your experience with J.P.Dutta during the shooting of "LoC'?

J.P.Dutta chose to make a film on the life of 35 soldiers and their brave acts. I play a soldier belonging to Meerut. In an encounter, I am shot. Despite the 15 bullets, I survive. 'LoC' is a tribute to those 35 army men. The army has been doing its duty without any personal consideration

Don't you feel suffocation in a crowd of artistes?

Yes, there are many actors in "LoC". I don't mind doing five scenes in a film that salutes our army. Shooting on the mountains is neither easy for the director nor for the lightmen or the technicians. Everything had to be carried right up to high altitudes. Oxygen is scarce and cold is biting there.

Any other film besides 'Pinjar'?

I am doing a thriller with Pankaj Parashar. He is making the movie for Sahara TV. Ishaa Koppikar and Nethra are also starring in it.

Who is your ideal film star?

My ideal star is Amitabh Bachchan. As a student of class IV, I traveled miles to watch his film. Mr Bachchan's entire persona was such that I was forced to become an actor. I started imitating him first with his hairstyle and then by wearing shoes just to match his height. Then I started practicing his dialogue style.

How does Amitabh rate your performance?

Amitabhji once said, "Manoj should play my role in 'Zanjeer' if it is made today". I don't think I can achieve what he has in 'Zanjeer'. He appreciated my performance in 'Shool'. And that is the biggest compliment I ever got. I wish Mr Bachchan to live for 600 years and keep entertaining all of us with many more 'Zanjeers'!

Amitabh Bachan


Manoj Bajpai


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 13-1-2006 10:28 PM ]

BHAGYASHREE BACK TO THE SILVER SCREEN

Bhagyashree was first seen on the silver screen in Rajshree's super hit, 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' with Salman Khan and caught the attention of her audience with her performance. Soon, she was flooded with many film offers, but suddenly announced her marriage with Himalaya and said no to all the producers lined up outside her door. After 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', she did only one more film 'Qaid Mein Hai Bulbul' with her husband Himalaya, which unfortunately did not fare too well. After a long time, Bhagyashree has now returned to the silver screen.

Tell us about your comeback.

After my marriage, things changed a lot. My family became my priority. Now I'm acting in 'Ma Santoshi', which is a family entertainer.

How is this film different from 'Jai Santoshi Maa'?

'Jai Santoshi Ma' belonged to the mythology category but 'Ma Santoshi' is a social drama directed by Jateeen Kumar.

What is the storyline of this film?

It is about a girl married into a family that doesn't treat her well. She is a firm believer in Santoshi Maa and in the end her devotion reunites the family.

Who are the other prominent artistes?

The music is provided by Vishwajeet. Playback singers are Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam, Roop Kumar Rathod, Abhijeet, Pankaj Udhas, Alka Yagnik and Purnima. Among other cast are Alok Nath, Kunika, Jyoti Mukherjee, A.K. Hangal, Anang Desai, Navin Nischol and debutante actor Rajesh Tandon.

Any experience about the film that you can recall?

Santoshi Ma dislikes khatta (sour) food. Therefore, the entire team ate pure vegetarian food without any sour items during the course of its filming. We were not even allowed to have cold drinks and yogurt.

What motivated you to do this film?

This film looked to me as if it would give me spiritual satisfaction.

Is 'Shristi', your husband's company, making any film?

'Kagaz Ki Kashti' is the maiden venture of Shristi, By January, we'll start our film production though the title of the new movie is yet to be decided. Raj Sippy will be the director. I will play the main female character of this musical love story. Shristi will produce two more films next year.

Will you act in your husband's venture?

No, he will cast some other actress. I don't want to misuse our production house.

Why did you stop working in Hindi films?

Hindi films hardly leave any scope for an actress and the commercial circuit still banks on hero-oriented subjects.

Why did you opt for the small screen?

No, I did not switch over to the small screen. In fact, I've done meaty roles in Telegu, Kannada and Bangladeshi films.

What's your view about the hero of your maiden movie?

Salman is a gentleman. His recent involvement in the hit-and-run-case has been blown out of proportion by the media.

Did marriage affect your Bollywood career?

I never said that. I'm always open to good scripts and good directors