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Premiere of Shootout at Lokhandwala
[Friday, May 25, 2007]

The star studded Premiere of Shootout at Lokhandwala took place last night in Mumbai with the whole starcast present at the event which included Sanjay Dutt, Vivek Oberoi, Sunil Shetty, Arbaaz Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, Dia Mirza etc. Vivek Oberoi was accompanied by his family while Lara Dutta came in with Kelly Dorjee. The Khan Clan was in full attendance and included Salman, Sohail, Arbaaz, Zayed and Saif Ali Khan. Strings performed on the occasion and were joined by Director Apoorva and Producer Sanjay Gupta on the stage. Surely a Superhit Premiere.

Venue: Inorbit Mall, Malad, Mumbai, Thursday Night

Present: Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Sunil Shetty, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Zayed Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Lara Dutta and Kelly Dorjee, Dia Mirza, Aarti Chhabria, Geeta Basra, Tusshar, Ekta and Jeetendra Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Celina Jaitley, Sanjay Gupta and Apoorva Lakhia.

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Adnan Sami dances for 'Baarish'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, May 25, 2007]  



Adnan Sami is turning out to be overtly cute with every passing week. And no, we are not even talking about the aggressive weight loss drive that he has been on.

One look at the music videos of his new album on the stands and one can make out that the composer/singer is pretty keen on rediscovering himself on a continuous basis.

After 'Teri Yaad' and 'Kisi Din', he is now back with his latest song 'Baarish' where he has actually shown his lighter side to the world. Not just he sings and romances (as he has been doing over the years) with the ladies, he has also danced to the tune.

A groovy track, it has some graceful dance steps that go with the image of Adnan Sami hence also making him look cute on screen. Pairing up with a popular model, he brings a smile on throughout the track's duration and makes sure that he is remembered not just for his singing and composing but also dancing skills.

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Kailash returns with 'Bam Lahiri'
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, May 25, 2007]  



Kailash Kher is back with his latest album 'Kailasa Jhoomo Re' and surprisingly the opening track/music video of the album has been hardly impressive.

Titled 'Bam Lahri', the track has a weird look, feel and music to it as it tries to fuse in religious elements with contemporary beats and dance routine.

Though the track carries a grand canvas with horde of dancers and extras involved with Kailash holding the centre stage, 'Bam Lahiri' is strange to say the least as it is accompanied by some in comprehendible setting and situations.

Neither eye pleasing nor catchy, 'Bam Lahiri' in fact is a turn off of sorts and a disappointment, especially due to the fact that it comes from Kailash Kher who has traditionally never failed to impressive.

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Box office analysis
Exclusive By Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Friday, May 25, 2007]  



First weekend performance of latest release

Two medium budget films released last weekend: RAQEEB and EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL. On paper, it always seemed that RAQEEB had a better chance at the box office due to its better placed star cast in the world of Bollywood. On the other hand EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL wasn't a film with which there were many expectations to begin with.

As the release date came closer, the vibes about EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL started taking good shape while the Raj Kanwar-Tanushree dutta controversy too was expected to gain some revenues for the film. Also speculations were already in place (rightly so) that RAQEEB would work in single screen theatres while EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL would have its chances with the multiplex audience.



It was never expected that the two films would take anything above an average opening. The movies belonged to word of mouth variety. The same happened as EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL grew from strength to strength (across select multiplexes which accounted for the target audience) whereas RAQEEB struggled to find many takers. By the time weekend came to a close, the picture was clear that EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL would end up as a decent earner while RAQEEB would have to struggle a little to break even.

Not that RAQEEB wasn't made decently. In fact it has well been the surprise of the season since there were number of positive reviews for the film, something that wasn't much expected from a 'masala' flick like this. What also turned in favour for the film was that it boasted of a new plot that wasn't witnessed before. Surprisingly, the message wasn't passed on to the audience through promos and good product didn't result into serpentine queues. Each of the actors performed well with Sharman and Tanushree leading the bunch but that didn't quite translate into box office returns.

On the other hand EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL surprised in a big way as it turned out to be one of the most original films ever seen on the big screen, at least when it comes to Hindi cinema. A dark comedy, it has been a laugh riot experience with director Sanjay Khanduri exceeding expectations.

Each of the cast members, known or unknown, acted quite well but the film completely belongs to Abhay Deol who has been performing consistently since his SOCHA NA THA debut. The word of mouth is very positive which should take this reasonably priced film well past the safety mark.

Last week's movies



After the first show rumours of a 'flop' film, METRO has turned out to be a winner and shut up it's detractors with it's convincing collections. For a medium budget film released at select theatres across strategically identified show timings, METRO went on to earn in the excess of 6 crores! Now that's quite an achievement since the film has shown consistency over the days and has gone well into the second week too.

The film collected more than 30% of its collections from Mumbai which got it 2 crores. Delhi was good too at 70 lakhs while NCR accounted for 50 lakhs further, hence adding on the booty. Already in a state from where the film should be earning profits, this Anurag Basu film is aiming at being a clean hit.

GOOD BOY BAD BOY started well at the single screens but as the week came to a close, it exhausted itself to a good degree and had to contend with a 5 crore total. With no respite as it entered its second week, the film looks like a loosing preposition, though not by a huge degree. Mumbai wasn't impressive at all with only 75 lakhs coming in while Delhi too read a poor 40 lakhs.

From the past

YATRA is a washout all over as it came up with negligible second week collections to boost its first week collections of 25 lakhs. The film was out of theatres in a matter of a fortnight.



TA RA RUM PUM held on quite well in its third week too to net 5 crores more and hence bring it's total to 31 crore. Confirming once again that there was a mass campaign to pull down the movie even before the first show of the film commenced, TA RA RUM PUM is the second consecutive success of Siddharth Anand and puts him into the big league. Collecting 1 crore + in Mumbai and another 1 crore in Delhi, TRRP ensures that Saif Ali Khan has yet another good solo success to his name while Rani Mukherjee only adds on her repertoire.

Vaah...Kya Super Hit hai! 5 weeks after its release, BHEJA FRY is now a 7 crore + earner and still counting cash. Taking less than 40% fall, the film collected another 50 lakhs + and is now looking at its DVD arriving at the stands. Looking forward to more films by the cast and crew of this hilarious film!

NAMASTEY LONDON now sees it's collections on the lower side as it gets 15 lakhs more in it's 8th week. Near 37 crore mark, the film is now out on DVD and is registering bumper response. VIVAH meanwhile is consistent and refuses to step down with 7 lakhs more in.

In the future

Two completely distinct films, SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA and CHEENI KUM arrive this week. While former is a gritty action drama, latter is a feel good romantic comedy. There is decent buzz and hype for the two films and there is no reason why the two shouldn't open well. Looking safe, both the films have their own target audience and should do well at the box office.

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'Ghatothkach'1st Indian Animaiton Feature at Cannes
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



Shemaroo takes Indian Animation International with Ghatothkach at Cannes

'Ghatothkach - Master of Magic' is 1st Indian Animaiton Feature to be promoted at Cannes Film Festival

Shemaroo Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. is setting a remarkable milestone for the Indian Animation Industry at the Cannes Film Festival with 'Ghatothkach

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Rakhi Sawant with Zenith
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



For Rakhi Sawant dance means a passion, which helps human beings to be rhythmic in their life.  

Recently she was in capital to rehearsal for her dance show. Apart from that she appeared in a new incarnation that is as a dance teacher. She was on fire with the dancers of Zenith Dance Institute, South extension, New Delhi. Zenith is one of the favorite dance troupes for most of the bollywood celebrities for their shows not only in India even abroad.

We were there to catch some of her dance movements; during this rehearsal we had a chat with her. Little dancer of Zenith bloomed to see Rakhi at their dance institute. Even Rakhi herself enjoyed a lot with them. When she asked about her recent hunger strike because of water logging problem in her residential area. She said, apart from dance she had always interest in social work when ever and wherever she finds a problem she will stand against it and fight for the justice.

She said, dance has been an integral part of my life. When it comes to dance shows Zenith has been my first choice. In most of my stage shows I accompanied by the Zenith Dance troupe. The dancers from this institute are very much energetic, rhythmic and a forty skilled team. When she asked about the experience as a dance teacher at Zenith she said, It's a tremendous experience for me to be here, I am enjoying my self with the children. Zenith recently started their dance classes in different parts of Delhi and NCR, and this is the first interaction of there selected children with star dancer like Rakhi Swant

Zenith dance institute is the one of the popular dance institutes in Delhi and North India, which has done more than 4,000 live shows till date with almost all the major brands of the country stars like Amithabh Bachhan, Koena Mitra, Udita Goswami, Preeti Jhingiyani to name a few and pop stars like Daler Mehndi, Sukhbir, Hans Raj Hans, Mann, Gurusevak, Anamika, Jassi, Mikka, Ashok Mastie, Shibani Kasyap etc. and last but not the least with singers like Anu Malik, Hari Haran, Shaan, Sunidhi, Jaspinder Nirula, Shankar Mahadevan, Hemesh Reshmiya, Kunal Ganjawala and many more .

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Amol Palekar's Dumkata a tribute to Basuda and Hrishida!
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



In his 26 year long career as director, Amol Palekar has made eleven films and is all set with his 12 th film Dumkata, which the director says is his tribute to Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chaterjee! Amol Palekar was an integral part of their genre of film and hence has decided to make a light hearted family film in the shape of Dumkata.


Says the director, "My fans have always asked me to make films similar to the legendary ones of Hrishida and Basu da, whose films I was an integral part of. Dumkata is that film, as we don't have enough films for children. They have to relish the Hollywood combos or second rate Indian attempts, I'm sure Dumkata will offer something original to our little ones!"

The story, screenplay and dialogues have been written by the writer of his last three films, Sandhya Gokhale. The cast of 'Dumkata', which deals with an urban couple and their two children, includes Om Puri, Sachin Khedekar and Sharnaz Patel along with child actors Khush Mallick and Aseem Desai.

The music has been given by the terrific trio Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the film will also see Om Puri with his rock solid base voice singing rap for the first time!


Well, fans of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee now have Dumkata to look forward to!

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Mohit opted for Emraan over Shiney in AWARAPAN
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



It is common knowledge that director Mohit Suri and Emraan Hashmi go back a long way and hung out together as kids. Mohit directed Emraan in his debut directorial venture, 'Zeher', after which Emraan did a guest appearance for his friend in the Kunal Khemu-starrer 'Kalyug'.

Mohit opted for Shiney Ahuja in 'Woh Lamhe' but things didn't exactly work out between the actor and director, so Mohit is back to directing his old friend in 'Awarapan', the Bhatts' costliest venture to date.

"Mohit and I share a great comfort level and understand each other really well. I know what he wants out of me and he knows how to extract the best out of me. I think that chemistry between us really shows on screen," remarks Emraan.

With 'Zeher' and 'Kalyug' proving to be money-spinners, Emraan and Mohit are obviously hoping for a hattrick with 'Awarapan', their third theatrical outing together. With the music fast selling out, the film is gearing up for a worldwide release on June 29.

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Shriya oscillates between Rajnikanth and Emraan
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



The 25-year old South Indian superstar Shriya Saran is on Cloud Nine. On 29th June, she will feature opposite Emraan Hashmi in Mahesh & Mukesh Bhatt's costliest venture, Awarapan , whose music is already a rage.

But next week she will witness the release of the biggest South Indian film, set to take the Tamil & Srilankan audience by storm -the Rajnikanth-starrer, Shivaji, which has been sold the world over at record prices. Shriya has acquired larger-than-life proportions for being "Rajni's girl" in Shivaji. In fact, recently, when she was shooting for Awarapan in Jodhpur, she almost missed her return flight to Mumbai, because she got mobbed by Srilankan fans!

Not many know that the stunning 25-year old trained Kathak dancer was actually brought up in Delhi but moved to the South after she got a big break in Telugu films.  

The Mohit Suri-directed Awarapan will see Shriya as a traditional Muslim girl playing Emraan's love interest.

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Music launch held for Rakesh Roshan's next
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



Recently, the music launch was held for Rakesh Roshan's next film KRAZZY 4.

In an event held at KRISHNA AUDIO, the musical launch of FILMKRAFT PRODUCTIONS (INDIA) PVT. LTD.'S KRAZZY 4 saw the entire producer Rakesh Roshan, director Raja Sen (erstwhile assistant to Rakesh Roshan), singer Sunidhi Chauhan, lyricist Javed Akhtar and music director Rajesh Roshan coming together.

The film stars Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Boman Irani, Om Puri and Pankaj Kapoor in lead.

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SUMMER OF 2007 in late 2007
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, May 26, 2007]  



Call it ironical but a movie titled SUMMER OF 2007 would be releasing around the time when winters would be round the corner.

Come October 2007 and it is expected that SUMMER OF 2007 directed by debutant Suhail Tatari would hit the screens. The film stars Sikandar Kher in the lead along with Gul Panag who impressed one and all with her lead role act in DOR.

In all likelihood, this would be second release fo Sikander Kher this year after he makes his debut with WOODSTOCK VILLA, a thriller.

Coming back to SUMMER OF 2007, this Atul Pandey production also stars Ashutosh Rana, Sachin Khedekar and Divya Dutta in principal roles.

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Yet another chance to catch DON on 3rd June
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 28, 2007]  



Ok, so agreed that 'Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai', but still there is no harm in trying, right?

So here is your chance to aim at catching DON yet again as he invades your living room on 3rd June. The Shahrukh Khan starrer makes it's premier on the small screen on Sunday, 3rd June, on Star Plus and is expected to take over the TRPs while it is being aired.

When released last year, this Farhan Akhtar film opened to scathing reviews but turned out to be a big hit eventually. Brushing aside competition in the form of Salman Khan-Akshay Kumar starrer JAAN-E-MANN and surpassing it by a comfortable margin, the film went on to gain from strength to strength and ended with it's Indian box office run of over 50 crores.

Now as it comes on television, it is expected to create history yet again with great advertisement revenues looking at record breaking numbers.

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Shekhar Suman gets to live his singing dreams
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 28, 2007]  



Film actor, sitcom personality, popular anchor, lovable host and now a singer - Shekhar Suman is trying out all avenues when it comes to the business of entertainment.

After being in the industry for more than a couple of decades, a new facet of Shekhar Suman is being seen as he makes his debut as a singer with his debut non-film album KUCH KHWAB AISE. Releasing on T-Series, the album is made of some sentimental romantic tracks that promise to captivate you and touch your heart.

The opening song of the album is already out and the initial impression that Shekhar gives is that he has done his homework right before making the move. As has been the tradition with T-Series, the music video has been lavishly shot with beach, sand and a stunning beauty to boast! More fun is in store as Shekhar gets into body hugging vests to showcase his lean and fit body.

The man is truly living his dreams!

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AWARAPAN team coming to the UK?
IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 28, 2007]  



It is common knowledge that the Bhatt camp is making its foray into the international market with the release of Vishesh Films' costliest venture, Awarapan, out on June 29.

According to sources, in conjunction with overseas distributor Studio 18 and the music label Sa Re Ga Ma, select members of the cast and music crew (from Pakistan) of Awarapan are likely to visit the UK for an extensive promotion of the film in early June.

Awarapan will have a simultaneous theatrical release in the US, UK and UAE, among other international countries.  

Keep tuned for the final details.

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To Phir Aao is my film's signature track - Mohit Suri
IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 28, 2007]  



Mahesh Bhatt's obsession for melodies from Pakistan continues with Mohit Suri's forthcoming Emraan Hashmi-starrer Awarapan. Not many years back, Bhatt discovered Atif from Pakistan and used his hit tracks in Zeher and Kalyug.

With Atif becoming a household name in India, it's the turn of talented twenty-something Pakistani youngster, Mustafa Zahid, to come under the illustrious Bhatt umbrella. Mustafa's To Phir Aao from Awarapan has become an overnight rage and is on its way to becoming a cult hit like the tracks on the Bhatts' erstwhile soundtracks.

Not many know that vocalist Musti (as Mustafa is fondly called) formed the ROXEN band a few years back in Pakistan with Jawad Muhammad (known as Jodi) on rhythm guitars. Later on Omar Farooq joined them on bass. The name suggested by Musti's friend Kashaan has been derived from Roxen-e-Deewar, which means a light inlet in the prison.

It seems Khurram from Jilawatan Productions in Pakistan was in touch with Mahesh Bhatt. The latter liked To Phir Aao and the track found its way into Awarapan.

"To Phir Aao is my film's signature track," says director Mohit Suri. "It's one of the most brilliant numbers I've heard. We have it in three different versions on the soundtrack - lounge, rock and remix. It's already playing in the clubs. People are loving it," he signs off from the suite where he Awarapan is being edited for a June 29 release.

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Aftab's fluctuating hair for Vikram Bhatt films
IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, May 29, 2007]  



Vikram Bhatt and Aftab Shivdasani do share a unique bond. Not just are the two inseparable when it comes to working with each other and giving whole hearted support in their professional career, Aftab is also quite flexible when it comes to changing his look for the Bhatt films.

Just recently the young actor had made a lot of news for his extra short haircut that he adopted for this year's released RED. He was much noticed for his new look and also saw an increase in his fan base due to the mature persona that he had adopted. Later in LIFE MEIN KABHI KABHIEE, he had to carry off an innocent personality and he pretty much succeeded there too with a boyish haircut.

Now in Bhatt's next film SPEED he would be seen in an extra long hair as he dons a charming-n-dashing persona for his act as a main villain in the film. As a suave, well educated and intelligent baddie, he carries off his new look quite well and is bound to get noticed once again by all those who matter in the industry.

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Shahrukh and Salman launch The Film Street Journal
[Tuesday, May 29, 2007]



Komal Nahta's The Film Street Journal was officially launched by Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan recently in Mumbai amidst a galaxy of stars gracing the event and wishing Komal on his occasion. Shahrukh Khan was accompanied by Karan Johar on the Dias as he unveiled the Journal which will focus on the business of cinema in India. Katrina Kaif came along with Ramesh Taurani of Tips and Rishi Kapoor was accompanied by Rakesh Roshan. Other notable celebrities present included Dharmendra, Kunal Kohli, Anil Kapoor, Abbas-Mustan, Manoj Bajpai etc.

Venue : Taj Lands End, Bandra, Sat Night
Present : Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Komal Nahta, Mithun, Mimoh, Rishi Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, Kunal Kohli, Abbas-Mustan, Anil Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Raza Murad, Dharmendra, Manoj Bajpai, Manmohan Shetty, Karan Johar and many more

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Revealed - The Ganpat of SOAL!
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, May 29, 2007]  



Purab Kohli is the man who has turned out to be 'Ganpat' in last Friday's release SHOOT OUT AT LOKHANDWALA.

No, he doesn't make an appearance in the film. Instead he appears as 'Ganpat' in a series of special episodes that have been shot for Channel V which has an exclusive tie up with the Apoorva Lakhia directed film.

For those who came in late, Ganpat is the character in the namesake song which has been picturised on Vivek Oberoi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Aditya Lakhia. In the song, there is call for Ganpat every time the group of baddies need anything to entertain themselves. At the end of the song the question is left open - 'Ye Ganpat Kaun Hai?'

Well, now there is an answer to this question as Purab Kohli is appearing as 'Ganpat' on the small screen and is interacting with each of the on-screen characters from the film for it's promotion purpose!

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Press Conference Of 'Fool N Final'
[Tuesday, May 29, 2007]



Feroz Nadiadwala held a press conference at his bungalow for his forthcoming film 'Fool N Final', directed by choreographer turned director Ahmed Khan. Shahid, Sameera, Ayesha Takia and Ahmed Khan were present to interact with the media and talk about their experiences while shooting the movie. Sunny Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Sunil Shetty and Paresh Rawal couldn't make it to the event as they were away busy shooting.

Venue: Feroz Nadaidwala's bungalow, Juhu, Mumbai, Tuesday noon
Present: Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia, Sameera Reddy, Jackie Shroff, Ahmed Khan, Feroz Nadiadwala and others

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Emraan to dance to AWARAPAN at IIFA
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, May 29, 2007]  



Emraan Hashmi is a nervous man these days. He has two releases in June though both have emerged musical blockbusters already!

The Train, premiering at the IIFA Awards, might not have a principal theatrical release in the UK, but his next, the Mahesh Bhatt-presented Awarapan, releasing worldwide on June 29, will be his maiden solo theatrical outing internationally.

But this is only part of the reason behind Emi's nervousness. He's also gearing up for his first ever international stage performance. At the forthcoming IIFA Awards in Yorkshire, we are exclusively informed that Emraan will dance to the remix of 慣o Phir Aao