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Others Asian Country ~ Entertainment News & Info HERE!
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Source: nowrunning.com
Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007)
Critics Rating: (3.0/5)
Language: HINDI
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Reema Kagti
Producer: Farhan Akhtar,Ritesh Sidhwani
Cast: Abhay Deol,Minissha,Shabana Azmi,Boman Irani,Amisha Patel,Raima Sen,Kay Kay Menon,Sandhya Mridul,Vikram Chatwal
Karan Khanna,Ranvir Shorey,Dia Mirza,Arjun Rampal,Suzanne Bernert.
Music: Vishal, Shekhar
By GaRaM
Honeymoon Travels Private Ltd, as one expects, is a story of six diverse couples on their honeymoon tour to Goa. But what one doesn't predict is the experience in store for them.
There is a Bengali couple with a conservative husband (Kay Kay Menon) and a raring-to-go wife (Raima Sen). There is a perfect Parsi couple (Abhay Deol ? Minissha Lamba) who are always in sync with each other and never ever catch up a fight. A Gujarati duo flawlessly named Hitesh (Ranvir) and Shilpa (Dia Mirza) forms the imperfect couple.
Then there is an NRI Richie (Vikram Chatwal) married to a Bambaiyya girl (Sandhya Mridul). A college lovebird duo (Amisha Patel ? Karan Khanna) and an elderly couple (Boman Irani ? Shabana Azmi) complete the dozen honeymooners. So what's the story? Well their characterizations itself! The character driven film takes the story forward with each couple's flashback narrative and a fast-forward tale telling in a span of the six days of their honeymoon in Goa.
With its six assorted anecdotes, this light-hearted romantic comedy tries to capture the varied flavors of love. You might love some story, laugh on some, relate to some and perhaps even reject some. But there's enough on the platter to keep you satiated. How and what you digest depends on your love appetite.
Debutante director Reema Kagti (who has assisted on films like Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai) adopts a fascinating storytelling technique. Despite six separate stories the film isn't episodic which gives more scope of chemistry between the characters that forms the major highlight of the screenplay. The flashback fable of each couple unravels in an interesting black-n-white frame with a retro song to support each. The use of a radio show to narrate the flashback episodes is a unique idea but might not connect with those accustomed to conventional narrative techniques. Each flashback installment is kept crisply short.
The screenplay is intelligently innovative though at instances it even resorts to some cinematic clich閟. The best example of the former being Raima Sen's parasailing sequence in a sari and for the latter it's when Raima Sen displays her martial arts antics ? nevertheless both the scenes keeps you in splits. The treatment is rather subtle and at times is left for the audience to apprehend ? like the culmination of Karan Khanna's character.
There are a couple of surprises in the climax. (And this doesn't include the identity of the biker who follows the bus from the start. That's revealed in the initial reels itself). In fact the bigger of two surprises will make your jaw drop out of disbelief. But if you don't mind cinematic liberties for fun-factor in films, it might just stretch a smile on your face out of the hilarity. However it makes you wonder why in the end, the director did not bank upon the build up made for this surprise throughout the film through the clues thrown out (this might sound gibberish while you read but you will understand this only when you watch the film). If you aren't a keen observer, the clues thrown in by the director to invoke suspense in the film, might become apparent to you only on a second viewing.
While most of the characters have put in a decent performance, Kay Kay Menon steals the show. His characterization is the strongest or perhaps he has made it so believable with his sincere act. You instantly connect with his character of a modern day man but with a conservative traditional backdrop. The actor often relegated to serious roles in films like Sarkar and Black Friday, surprises with his flair for comedy. And his now-popular dance movements in the song 'Sajnaji Vari Vari' is one of the major highlights of the film. His fight sequence with Ranvir Shorey in the bus is absolutely hilarious. How one wishes the film had more of the brilliant Ranvir.
Boman Irani never goes wrong with his character, then be it any role in the world. So even as Oscar Fernandes, he perfects the accent for a Goan Christian. Raima Sen gets a meaty role and impresses both with her looks (despite being sari-clad throughout the film) and performance. Karan Khanna doesn't have much to speak but emotes well.
Dia Mirza looks damn cute when she cries in the opening scene of the film. Minissha has a charming aura and indulges in an impeccable salsa with Abhay Deol. And when it comes to Shabana Azmi, the flawless actress doesn't need an approval for her act. Amisha Patel is supposed to play an irritating bimbo character and she succeeds in irritating you to the core. But don't misconstrue it for her doing justice to her character. She actually irritates and comes as the only actor miscast in the film with her constant hamming.
Overall Honeymoon Travels... is an entertaining journey. Do take the bus. Recommended! |
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Jiah's celebrates her birthday amidst fireworks
IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
Jiah celebrated her 19th Birthday on Feb 20th at a very hip-n-happening place 'Aurus' at Juhu Beach.
Jiah's mother surprised her with a firework display that spelt 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIAH' in true New York style. Everyone close to her came to wish her, including RGV's entire 'Nishbad' team, Praveen Nishchal (CEO of Adlabs films), Pankaj Kharbanda & Prashant Raj who is in Ram Gopal Verma 'Sholay'.
Jiah was simply ecstatic and said, "It was just wonderful but my birthday gift has yet to come in the first week of March when 'Nishabad' releases. That's all I want!' |
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'Man Dole' girl Neha Nagpal back with 'Honsla'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
All of 18 years of age, pretty lass Neha Nagpal is back with her latest album titled 'Honsla'.
She shot to fame 3 and a half years back with her remix version of 'Man Doley' from the namesake album that was accompanied by a striking music video.
Now after a hiatus, she is back again with 'Honsla' with which she aspires to take her Grammy dream further. Based out of Bangalore, she cut her first album at a young age of 13 and got noticed on the music scene. |
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Music video out for Rahman's 'Pray For Me Brother'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
Ever since one first heard A.R. Rahman's single 'Pray For Me Brother', one waited with bated breath to see the music video for the track to be out soon.
The wait is over as the song can now be seen on prominent music channels. A UN Theme song for poverty alleviation mission, the track has been unreleased but performed in live concerts over last couple of years.
The number has been composed and sung by Rahman along with Blaaze who has written the lyrics. Music video for the same has been directed by Bharatbala who says, "The idea behind this is to spread the message of humanity. We will tell people to preserve humanity. |
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Raj Zutshi believes in marriage
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
It's a season of marriages. And there are at least a couple of films about marriages and honeymooning couples that are hitting the screens soon. One of them is JUST MARRIED.
The film has Raj Zutshi and Tarina Patel as one of the 5 couples who meet at the 'honeymoon lodge'.
Arjun Kohli a.k.a. AK [Raj Zutshi] and Sara [Tarina Patel] are the "Lonely Planet" couple from UK who are back-packing through Ooty. While AK believes in marriage and proposes Sara, she opposed to it since for her love was enough.
All this and more goes through a change when the pair meets the other 4 couples at the 'honeymoon lodge'. What was this change? Stay tuned as the film releases this March. |
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Abhay Rustum Sopori gets an award
IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
Abhay Rustum Sopori gets prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademy's first 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar' 2006
Abhay Rustum Sopori, the internationally acclaimed Santoor Maestro and Music composer has been awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademy's first 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar' for the year 2006.
This award is been constituted this year only and shall be given to prominent personalities every year for their contribution and achievements in performing arts such as Music, Dance, Drama. This award consists of a cash prize of Rs.25,000 along with a citation. The award ceremony's date has to be finalized by the Sangeet Natak Akademy.
Abhay Rustum is the youngest Santoor Player of India from Delhi born in beautiful valleys of Kashmir, in a musical environment and spiritual surroundings, he has been the torch bearer of the exclusive traditional Santoor family of the country.
He is the son of Santoor Legend Pt. Bhajan Sopori. He learnt Santoor from Grand Father Pt. Shambhoo Nath Sopori and from his father. He has immense musical sense from traditional Sufiana Gharana. He also acquired knowledge of Western Classical Music to get a base for systematic compositional work.
Abhay has performed in so many concerts at national and international levels to spread the Indian music through his magic of Santoor. Opening-Strings, Shehjaar, Aao Kadam Badhayain, etc. are some of his innovations in the field of music.
Other artists who have been awarded the first ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar include Niladri Kumar (Sitar), Sandipan Samajpati & Manjari Kelkar (Vocal), A.A. Bhat (Direction), Rajinder Rozy (Acting) etc. Sangeet Natak Akadamy is the first Akademy which is established by Republic Inida as National academy for dance, music and drama to establish Indian Culture and Tradition. |
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Source: IndiaFM
Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor in Om Shanti Om
By IndiaFM News Bureau, February 23, 2007 - 03:23 IST
Farah Khan is busy shooting Om Shanti Om, her second directorial venture after Main Hoon Na starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in principal roles. Recently Shreyas Talpade and Malaika Arora were added to the cast. And the cast of film is just growing bigger by the day.
Since the time the film was announced, there was a buzz that it is a remake of Subhash Ghai抯 Karz which starred Rishi Kapoor in lead role. The rumours originated from the fact that the title of the film 慜m Shanti Om |
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Source: SantaBanta.com
It's Priyanka Vs Kangana now
There's an ongoing rustle of a tussle to the finishing line between Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut to bag the coveted lead in South Indian director Murugadoss's remake of his Tamil hit Gajini. it has been left up to Aamir Khan to decide who he wants to work with.
While Ayesha Takia has been finalised to play one of the leads in this adventure-drama about a hero's amnesiac quest for love, the other leading lady's part is open to both the ladies!
Kangana Ranaut has shown a keen interest in the project. And the film's producers are more than happy to have her aboard.
Priyanka, on the other hand is also looking for a meaty new project and has shown an equally keen interest in being cast with Aamir.
At this stage in their careers both the actresses would hanker for a role with Aamir for different reasons. Kangana could move up from Emran Hashmi and Shiney to the Khan bracket. As for Priyanka, she has already starred opposite Shah Rukh and Salman. A film with Aamir would complete the picture."
The latest on the Gajini front is that the director, completely oblivious to the ways of Bollywood, has left the decision on the second heroine to cinematographer Ravi Chandran who apparently has asked Aamir to take a call.
"Aamir hasn't seen Kangana's work. He'll be watching Gangster on a DVD this week. And make up his mind," says the source. |
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Source: SantaBanta.com
John not taking Bips for Oscar
By Subhash K Jha
Deepa Mehta is as wound up as a Japanese doll. "Just two more days to go! John is on the way although his mother had pneumonia. Right now I'm only concentrating on the accessories for my sari for the Oscars night."
Deepa and her daughter Devyani are both donning Saris. "I'll be wearing my mother's pure-gold tissue-silk sari woven in Varanasi around 70 years ago. My mom has a gorgeous collection of saris which my dad's mother gave her. Who wants to wear a designer sari when I've my mother's treasured clothes at my disposal?
I'm trying to convince Lisa Ray to wear a sari too. I hope she does. But my daughter Devyani will also be wearing a sari. Why shouldn't we proudly wear our own clothes? Why should we get into dresses and compete with the Nicole Kidmans of Hollywood? It's very important for us to be proud of our Indian heritage"
About her whirlwind visit to Delhi and Mumbai promoting Water before its Indian release Deepa says, "I wanted to let my people know that I'm not scared of a fundmanetalist backlash any longer and that I'm very proud of the film."
After the Oscars Deepa Mehta takes time to complete the script of Exclusion. "I'll be going to my farm near Toronto to write the script. The images are already in place. I want to take the whole of March off to write."
As for the Oscar, "We've done all we could for Water. Now let's see what happens. This year the competition in the foreign-film category is really very tough. I agree our product is damn good. And even if we don't win the Oscar it's been a long long time since somebody walked the red carpet at the Oscars nite in a sari." |
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Source: SantaBanta.com
Shilpa charms the real Princes
Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty has been offered a lead role in the West End musical Chicago , but the Bollywood actress is yet to take a decision on the matter.
揝hilpa Shetty was invited to see the musical on Tuesday and she has enjoyed it and its producers have offered her one of the main roles in the musical, but she is yet to decide, |
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Source: SantaBanta.com
SRK is trying to kick the Butt!
With Saif Ali Khan抯 recent hospitalisation all the Tinsletownstars suddenly look concerned, thanks to the stressful lives they lead.
Here is SRK's take on stress, health and Saif抯 recent heart condition frightening them into becoming more health conscious:
"It is a serious issue for sure, but let抯 not make Saif feel as if his world has come to an end. We are adults and are fully aware of our job抯 advantages and pitfalls.
The stakes are high, so are the stress levels. And yes, sometimes the workload does get a bit more than a handful |
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Source: SantaBanta.com
People find Shahid's life dull..
Here's what Shahid Kapoor has to say about Saif's recent hospitalisation and his stress busting fundas.
"It抯 wrong to say that what happened to Saif was because of his lifestyle. It could have happened to anybody, but because Saif is a star so much is being said.
All stars are aware of their responsibilities and no one likes falling ill. But yes, this job is very taxing and one must be health conscious.
I try to do the necessary things to keep fit and healthy, like sleeping right, eating on time and working out.
I don抰 smoke or drink and I am a vegetarian, but most people find that lifestyle boring!" |
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Source: Rediff News
Indian survives Americian Idol elimination
February 23, 2007 16:00 IST
Seventeen year old Sanjaya Malakar, survived the elimination round of the popular reality series American Idol on Thursday night.
The first Indian American and the youngest among the 12 male contestants -- survived elimination despite some rather bad reviews from the judges.
His rendition of a Stevie Wonder classic failed to impress the judges who termed his attempt as 'boring'. Randy Jackson said the song was too big for him, but it was Simon Cowell who ripped Sanjaya to pieces saying his voice was 'weak and soft' and that there was 'nothing special' about the song.
However, the viewers did not think. Amy Krebs, Nicole Tranquillo, Paul Kim and Rudy Cardenas got the boot instead, as the show narrowed the 24 semifinalists down to 20.
The four were cast out by viewers getting their first chance to vote in the top-rated talent contest's sixth season.
The 24 singers -- 12 men and 12 women -- struggled through the show's early auditions and last week's emotional Hollywood rounds to get to this point.
The contestants have been divided on gender basis where two from each group will be sent home every week till the last 12-- men and 6 women, who will then perform at CBS Television City, Los Angeles from March 13 onwards.
The finale will be held in May at the Kodak Theatre. |
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Source: ApunkaChoice.com
Shabana Azmi's special gift to Boman Irani
23rd Feb 2007 16.03 IST
By ApunKaChoice
On the last day of shooting of 慔oneymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. |
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'Seema Sastry' for release in May
IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
Canning of song is in progress for 'Seema Sastry' directed and produced by G Nageswara Reddy with 'Allari Naresh and Farjana in the lead.
A remix song from a popular film 'Kondaveeti Raja' of Chiranjeevi, 'Manchamesi, Mallelesi Maapatelakochanu Rajaa |
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Neha is going places
IndiaGlitz [Friday, February 23, 2007]
Any girl who has acted with Amitabh Bachchan can legitimately be very proud of her achievement. Neha Jhulka, the heroine of Gopichand in Okkadunnadu, has acted with the Big B, albeit in a TV commercial .
Neha Jhulka in fact comes to Telugu on the back of the several commercials she has done so far. The young Punjabi lass is a pretty well-known model and comes to Telugu with high aspirations.
Like all North Indian girls, she looks just as if kneaded on wheat flour. And Neha, then again, like all Punjab girls working here, is not averse to glamour and style.
In fact, for such heroines, the stepping here is glamour. But they go on to conquer other frontiers too.
Nehe, apart from Okkadunnadu, is quickly getting more offers. Neha has been signed by the prolific Larsco Entertainments. She will doing their film Viyyalavari Kayyalu.
To be directed by Satti Babu, this movie will feature Uday Kiran as the hero.
Neha says she knows what is required to succeed in Tollywood. Here the public are sweet and affectionate.
If you reciprocate it, you can go places.
Neha is already. |
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Source: Yahoo India
Rohit Roy turns director with Dus Kahaniyaan
By Reshma Kelkar (IndiaFM News Bureau), February 23, 2007 - 11:01 IST
Actor Rohit Roy has turned director with Sanjay Gupta抯 forthcoming film Dus Kahaniyaan. He will be directing one of the short stories called Rice Plate and is currently in the process of finalizing the cast. The buzz is that he is planning to rope in Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah for the principal roles.
When asked his about the same, he says, 揗y wish list includes Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles as they fit the bill. Though I haven抰 signed them but yes I am going to approach them soon, I am keeping my fingers crossed. Rice Plate is pretty unique title, given by Mr. Gupta himself. It抯 about a Hindu lady and her interaction with a Muslim gentleman. |
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Shemaroo released Anwar抯 VCD and DVD
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, February 24, 2007]
Emotional and Heart touching Film 慉nwar |
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Post time 23-2-2007 11:37 AM
