Pranab stands by Shah Rukh

Kolkata, Feb 8 : Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, who faced the Shiv Sena's ire for saying he would have liked to include Pakistani players in his Kolkata Knight Riders team for the the third season of the Indian premier League (IPL), Monday got support from union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Answering queries from the media here on the issue, Mukherjee said nobody can tamper with anybody's freedom of speech and expression, which was a fundamental right in India.
"Freedom of speech and expression in any form is a fundamental right. In India, fundamental right is guaranteed by the constitution. Nobody can tamper with it," Mukherjee said.

Keep rolling: Ranbir Kapoor's skating spree in New York!

By Subhash K Jha, Feb 8, 2010 : It was meant to be Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor ice-skating together at the Central Park in New York for 'Anjaana Anjaani' ...the first film couple since John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in 2001's 'Serendipity' to get the privilege of being captured on camera gliding on ice at that location.

Alas, filmmaker proposes. Actress disposes. Priyanka had to return to India for four days to promote her new film 'Pyaar Impossible'.
The field, rather the icing rink, was left clear for Ranbir Kapoor who for three consecutive nights skated non-stop all night in Central Park.
Not just that Ranbir spent all of the New Year weekend in New York learning how to skate.
Says producer Sajid Nadiadwala, "Ranbir's dedication to get it absolutely right just took our breath away. He is relentless in focusing on getting it right. He had to skate alone because Priyanka had to return to Mumbai. He skated for three nights from 11 pm to 4 am in minus-6 degree temperature in Central Park."
It was important to can all the footage in those three nights.
Says Sajid, "We were the first film unit since 'Serendipity' to get permission to shoot in Central Park's icing rink and we had limited time. But the weather was freezing. We were worried how we'd manage it. We underestimated Ranbir's passion for excellence. He skated non-stop all night for three nights."
It was only after those three nights of super-frozen weather conditions that Ranbir finally fell on his bed with utter exhaustion. He's gradually recovering from the marathon ice-sport.
Says Sajid, "The footage we've captured of Ranbir ice-skating shows his ballet-like elegance and precision. I don't think we've ever got anything like this before."
Apparently Priyanka had a sneak peek at the footage of Ranbir ice-skating and has expressed a desire to do some of it herself. Apparently Ranbir and Priyanka don't just play a combative couple in 'Anjaana Anjaani', they're also ruthlessly competitive while shooting.
Says a source, "It's hard to say which of the two rushes to the monitor first after every shot. There's a minor marathon race on location after every shot."
From New York 'Anjaana Anjaani' now moves to Las Vegas where Ranbir and Priyanka intend to out-gamble one another.

I was recognized with the sex-talk show -Sameer Kochhar

Feb 8, 2010: TV anchor turned actor Sameer Kochhar who made his Bollywood debut in film 'Zeher' is now coming back on the screen in the forthcoming film 'Hide N Seek'.
Moser Baer Entertainment and Idiot Box's film 'Hide N Seek' is the directorial debut of Shawn Arranha and produced conjointly by Apoorva Lakhia and Laxmi Singh. The film stars Sameer Kochhar, Purab Kohli, Arjan Bajwa, Ayaz Khan, Mrinalini Sharma and former Miss Earth Amruta Patki. In a brief chat with Sameer, he opens up on his role on the film and future projects...
Tell us something about 'Hide N Seek'. What's your character in the film?
I'm playing the role of 'Abhimanyu' who's the son of a famous industrialist and brother of Om (Purab Kohli) in the film. Abhimanyu is the neglected older son, always jealous of Om as he's the apple of his parents' eye. Basically the films is based on 6 childhood friends who start playing the game of hide and seek on a cold Christmas night but as they grow up, they find themselves playing the same game in a fatal way which changes their lives forever.
How does it change their lives forever?
(Laughs) You want me to tell you the climax of my film? Seriously watch it! It's a mind-boggling film.
All your co-stars in the film are more or less of the same age including director Shawn Arranha. How was it working with Shawn?
I think Shawn is fantastic with his directorial skills. After a long time, audience would be able to see a good suspense flick and obviously the credit of a good suspense film always goes to the director.
From a TV anchor to actor, which one do you enjoy the most- small screen or big screen?
Well television and films both have a different charm and you cannot compare the two! I was 17 when I started off my career in Jain TV but people started recognizing me only when I hosted a sex talk show along with Kamal Sidhu on Zoom TV.
Did you also host the IPL matches?
Yes that's true! I've hosted both the seasons of IPL matches and I thoroughly enjoyed as I'm a huge cricket buff! My first cricket show was for kids on Hungama TV called 'Indoor Cricket Tournament'.
Tell us about your upcoming films?
My upcoming films are 'Chase', 'Chargesheet' and 'Gandhi Se Pehle Gandhi'.

Papa Pankaj Kapoor ready to be surprised by sonny Shahid Kapoor

By Subhash K Jha, Feb 8, 2010: The original plan was to only direct his first film and let his very talented son Shahid Kapoor take the lead.

But now giving in to pressure from all around him Pankaj Kapoor has decided to make an appearance in his directorial debut. "It would be an Alfred Hitchcockian kind of fleeting appearance. But I'd largely like to concentrate on making the film and stay behind the camera."
Speaking excitedly about working with his son in 'Mausam', Pankaj says, "The idea was to do something meaty and challenging. We should be starting in another 2-3 months. We're into pre-production. I've written a lot of scripts which I couldn't direct and could only star in. When Shahid became an actor he expressed a desire to be directed by me. I thought it'd be wonderful to work with my own son. But I signed him only after I saw the potential in him that I was ready to direct him. We've been working on the script for three years. In the meanwhile a really wonderful thing has happened. Shahid became a big star. I'm very proud of him as his father. And Shahid's stardom is a happy happening for 'Mausam'."
Pankaj is not apprehensive about people's expectations from the father-son duo. "I know people would be curious to know what we're making together. That would be a big USP for me. Shahid has great potential. People have always seen him as a chocolate-box hero. But in 'Kaminey' we could see another side of him. Shahid's USP are his dancing skills and fluent diction. For 'Mausam' I required an actor with range. I've a gut feeling my son is going to surprise not just the audience, but also me."
Beyond this Pankaj is reluctant to talk about 'Mausam', "It's a love story and we don't want any of the details being picked up by other filmmakers. I plan to bring my own sensibilities together with Shahid's. It's rather sad that I've been dubbed an offbeat actor. But whenever given an opportunity I've done mainstream cinema. I've nothing against commercial cinema as long as the rendering of the story is sensible. I've learnt so much watching the commercial greats. I hope to use all that I've learnt from them into my own 'Mausam'. If the producers are spending crores on my film I better get it back for them."
We don't get to see enough of Pankaj on-screen.
Laughs the picky actor, "I do very selective work. The problem is producers have their own rhythm and pace for releasing a film. I did two films in the last one year Bhavna Talwar's 'Happi' and Rajiv Mehra's 'Office Office'. I played the character on television for 5-6 years. Playing the common man is easy for me. I come from a middleclass family. My father was a professor. It was an academic family. The day-to-day problems in 'Office Office' are all familiar to me. For the movie version of 'Office Office' we've moved out of the sets into various cities like Delhi and Hardwar. I've stopped thinking about the film. Once one finishes acting in a film there's nothing one can do about it."
In 'Happi' Pankaj plays a role inspired by Charlie Chaplin.
Says Pankaj, "I wouldn't even dream of comparing myself to Chaplin! He was a genius. 'Happi' is the story of a nondescript man in the city. There're very few dialogues in the film. Yes the story and character are Chaplinesque. But he and his films were way superior, yaar!"
'Office Office' is an adaptation of the long-running television serial of the same name. Says Pankaj, "While in the serial I had to play many different characters, in the film I had to carry just one character throughout. I'm fortunate to get substantial roles. I've built up a reputation for turning down insubstantial roles. For a year now I've said no to all acting assignments because of the film I'm directing. I've just been writing and preparing for 'Mausam'."
Incidentally the title 'Mausam' for Pankaj Kapoor's film may change. "We'll try and find an alternative name. I know the association with the film by Gulzar Saab called 'Mausam' is too strong. The format of that film was inspired by Ingmar Bergman's 'Wild Strawberries'. That 'Mausam' is far superior to what I'm trying to achieve in my first film as director."

Preity Zinta peps up business school

By Subhash K Jha, Feb 8, 2010: The pretty actress Preity Zinta is all done with her course in the prestigious Harvard business school is all set to dabble in various aspects of the entertainment industry, including production.
Narrating the light moments of her studies at Harvard Preity laughs and says, "The Indians in the faculty did recognize me eventually. They were taken aback that I was coming to Harvard. But they were discreet. They'd come up and say. 'Oh my God, what're you doing here? Why aren't you doing movies any more?'"
Apparently the Bollywood fever caught up with the actress at the serious business school eventually, as she narrates, "At the gym on the campus I saw a work-out dance class for cardio exercises and when I went there they were dancing to Bollywood stuff including my 'Where's the party tonight'. When I joined them the dance instructor said, 'You really move your hips well.' I had the best time of my life."

Purab Kohli is not scared

Feb 8, 2010: Purab Kohli in his forthcoming film 'Hide N Seek' plays one of the six friends whose life turns upside down because of an incident, which has occurred six years ago. The incident also leads his ladylove to leave the town due to which he is depressed in life.

Purab finds his reel-life character to be poles-apart from what he is in real-life. He says, "To get trapped in a limited space and not be aware of who is trying to kill you is quite spooky, which is actually the situation of my character in the film. However, in real-life I would have stayed alert and protect myself. I am not someone who will get frightened and agitated as easily as my character 'Om' in the movie; I can give few punches back! I would not die without giving a tough fight."
Well, that sounds scary and interesting too. Nevertheless, hope audience would like Purab's reel-life character as much as they like him in real.

Sharman Joshi takes the bride!

Feb 8, 2010: Tips Production 'Toh Baat Pakki' is a comedy-romance drama, which is all set to arrive soon and stars diva Tabu, Sharman Joshi, Yuvika Chaudhary and Vatsal Sheth in principal roles. The film revolves around the groom finding his bride amidst lots of twist and turns. Now the main question here of who takes the bride home- Sharman Joshi or Vatsal Sheth, is a well-kept secret, till now.
But you don't have to wait to know the climax of the film as we bring out the exclusive climax of the movie.
Our well place source from the industry says, "It's a fun film and Sharman and Vatsal are battling out for their love up until the climax of the film but only one guy will get to marry. And he's none other than Sharman Joshi who takes away the bride!"
The film will also be a great treat to watch as after a long time Tabu will be seen playing the bride's (Yuvika Chaudhary) elder sister in the film.

Vivek Oberoi wishes luck to Misti Mukherjee for Don King

Feb 8, 2010: Misti Mukherjee and her family recently threw a lavish party at Athena, Bangalore to promote their album Don King. Misti, DJ Sheizwood and Manik Soni together have churned out the album.

The party began at Planet M at brigade road in Bangalore where DJ Sheizwood received Vivek Oberoi. Entire brigade road was blocked as Vivek Oberoi reached the venue. Vivek Oberoi told media that he came only to wish good luck to Misti, DJ Sheizwood and Manik Soni for the album. DJ Sheizwood sang two songs from the album and later escorted Vivek to Athena where Aftab Shivdasani, Guru Kiran, Ejaz Khan, Manik Soni, Mr. and Mrs. C Mukherjee, Samrat Mukherjee were waiting for the surprise party. Vivek says, "The album Don King sounds great and I wish Misti, DJ Sheizwood and Manik Soni all the best for its success."
Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani launched the album and had a blast at the party.

Riteish Deshmukh teaches a lesson to Jacqueline Fernandez!

Feb 8, 2010: Former Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez is all geared to impress us with her Marathi very soon. And the person behind her soon to be fluent Marathi is none other than Riteish Deshmukh.


We hear that Riteish Deshmukh who stars alongside Jackie in 'Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai' takes time out between shoots to teach Jackie his mother tongue.
"Jackie is new to the industry and is making a conscious effort to improve her Hindi and to learn Marathi. Riteish was nice enough to teach her. In fact she is quite fluent in Marathi now," reveals a source close to Jackie.
We also come to hear that Jackie's Marathi is getting better than her Hindi!
Well if the girl puts in this much effort in learning a language, we're sure there is no stopping her from being the industry's next rising star!

Bachchan ecstatic after wearing 'air-conditioned' dhoti

New Delhi, Feb 8 : Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan believes in "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" and he followed suit while in Kerala recently by donning the local dress code - a crisp white shirt and "air-conditioned" dhoti, as he puts it.

"Keeping in tune with the phrase and #65533;do in Rome as the Romans do', I order some extraordinary crafted dhoti and sari to be worn... The sari, of course, for the ladies in the house," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday night from Cochin.
"So, I wear the dhoti or mundu as it is more colloquially known for the evening and I think there is an appreciation of it," he added.
The 67-year-old was also ecstatic by the whole procedure while tying the wrap-around.
"The and #65533;dhoti' in all its pristine glamour, tied up around the waist by sheer will power and some dextrous use of the stomach muscle, else it slips down and opens up! It is just a piece of cloth, no buttons, no belts, no clips, nothing.
"Simple, elegant, convenient and with its own characteristic charm and above all - air conditioned at all times. The fall of the main design as a strip down the front to be positioned on the right hip and just around the right knee. Rules of culture," he added.

John launches Kolkata Fashion and Lifestyle Week

Kolkata, Feb 8 : Bollywood actor John Abraham unveiled the logo of the first season of Kolkata Fashion and Lifestyle Week (KFLW) here on Monday.

"I won't be walking the ramp this time, but I wanted to associate myself with the KFLW because it is a fashion week with a cause. They are trying to promote eco fashion, something that is an ardent need of the day," said John.
The KFLW, organized by Purple People Entertainment Pvt Ltd, will be held from Feb 24-28 at the PC Chandra Greens here.
The theme of the fashion and lifestyle week this year is 'Eco Fashion', which refers to stylized clothing using environmentally sensitive fabrics and 'responsible' production techniques. This theme is in accordance with the fact that 2010 has been declared as the 'Year of Biodiversity' by the UN.
"This is an initiative to showcase the fashion talents of Kolkata, and the East. Also we are sourcing weaves from different parts of India and doing two shows to promote the weavers. We want to concerntrate on showcasing the beauty and originality of natural fabrics, fibers and dyes," Yudhajit Dutta of Purple People told at a press conference on Monday.
"Also we believe that a fashion week should have a cause. That's why we are promoting 'Save The Tiger' project, keeping in mind the tigers at the Sunderbans in West Bengal," Dutta added.
Designer Narendra Kumar will be opening the KFLW, while JJ Valya will be showcasing his collection at the finale.
A bevy of Bollywood stars will walk the ramp for renowned designers, including Rocky S, Neeta Lulla, Manish Malhotra, Satya Paul, Anita Dongre, Komal Sood, Monapali and Abhishek Dutta at the KFLW

When Harman Baweja danced with kids...

Feb 8, 2010: Harman Baweja was the guest of honor at the fun filled fair of Oberoi International School in Mumbai. Being the guest of honor, Harman, inaugurated the event along with stand up comedian Jimmy Mosses and Sheena Shahabadi.

The kids from the school were more than excited to have Harman with them and crowded him with a billion requests out of which one was to dance to 'What's Your Raashee?'. The modest actor obliged the kids and performed to the tunes of his song 'What's Your Raashee?' from the film 'What's Your Raashee?'. Enjoying thoroughly with the kids, Harman also taught a few kids some dance moves, which were enacted by the kids joyfully. Making the event memorable for the children, Harman also educated them on being environment friendly and shared his ideas on how to 'Go Green' and 'Save Green'.
The actor was seen having a gala time dancing and posing promptly for the students, surely Harman made the event enjoyable for them.

'I am an Idiot': Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Flush with the success of 3 Idiots, Vidhu Vinod Chopra is back to the sets...all set to start work on his next project Broken Horses. The filmmaker in conversation with Sreya Basu From 'Sazaa-e-Maut' to '3 Idiots', Vidhu Vinod Chopra has always been associated with 'good' cinema...
That's because I am an 'Idiot'. I follow my heart and make films that I want to make. I am not concerned about what others are doing. I make films that I like and believe that people will like.
According to you, how do 'good' films happen?
Good films don't happen, you have to make them. You have to dedicate two-three years on the script...then, the pre-production, shooting, post production hazards...it requires lots of hard work and dedication.
But then, the efforts do get heavily paid off at the box office and award ceremonies...
True. But I sincerely believe that it's the duty of filmmakers to make good films. If people are spending money to watch a film on Friday, it has to be a good one. This is the one thought that always plays on my mind when I work on a film...be it Munnabhai MBBS or Lage Raho Munnabhai or 3 Idiots, or Parineeta or Ekalavya. If the film is bakwaas (nonsense) then even if Aamir Khan tours round the world to promote it, no one will be able to save it.
Having said that, tell us honestly, don't you get panic attacks before the release of your films?
Rajkumar Hirani and I, in fact, everyone who works with our production house (Vinod Chopra Films) are trained in making films within budget. We make good films because we make films within our budget. So we don't get panicked thinking about the fate of the films. By God's grace most of our films do really well. Now 3 Idiots has rewritten the Indian Box Office history. But even if the film won't have worked, there was no reason for us to get heart attacks.
What are your next projects?
There's Broken Horses, Munna Bhai Chale Amrika, Pachaasvi Saalgirah, Ferrari Ki Sawaari and Taalismaan. Generally at Vinod Chopra films, we plan for the next 3-4 years and then work accordingly.
Earlier, you said you want to raise funds for National Innovation Foundation through 3 Idiots. What is the current status of the project?
See, I don't want to confuse the marketing of the film with this, unlike one Mr Bhagat (Chetan Bhagat) who believes in cheap publicity stints. I don't want people to think that we want to start this foundation to promote our film. Having said that, now that the film has run its course, we are very serious about it and hopefully we will have a foundation. But I don't want to confuse what I want to do for the country, for the people, with the marketing of my film. At this moment there are people who are working on the modality on how this foundation will work, and once we have it we will call it the 'Idiot Foundation'. This foundation will try and help the idiots of the world, particularly our country. It will take them to where they deserve to go. But I will speak more on this once the foundation is formed. I am glad that you know about it.
As you mention Chetan Bhagat; what will you tell him if the two of you come face-to-face somewhere?
For rest of my life I don't want to meet Chetan Bhagat.

Mumbai belongs to all: Shahrukh Khan

Mumbai, Feb 8 : Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan said Mumbai belongs to everyone and rather everyone who came to Mumbai belongs to the city.

" Yes, it belongs to everyone," he told CNN-IBN in an interview by Rajdeep Sardesai aired on Monday.
"Mumbai doesn't belong to me, I belong to Mumbai and that's the way I see it," he said.
Shiv Sena has earlier threatened to stall the release and screening of his new film My Name is Khan for his support to the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He said everybody who has come to Mumbai from outside, they belong to Mumbai.
"I think I am owned by Mumbai and I would also like to say this very, very clearly, that the last thing I want is anyone getting physically and emotionally damaged in this city, so anyone who tries to do it to curb a Mumbai sentiment which they assume somebody has, because they're not from here, they're doing exactly the same thing, hurting the Mumbaikars and Mumbai only," he said.
Supporting CNN-IBN's Mumbai for All campaign, he said: "Like everyone else, but you know, I don't know about that ideology, but everyone says Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, so it comes as a subset. So I don't know where the question is there of anyone in Mumbai thinking otherwise or in the country thinking otherwise."
"It can be 'Jai Hind, Jai Dilli', it can be 'Jai Hind, Jai Bihar', 'Jai Hind, Jai Gujarat', 'Jai Hind, Jai Kerala' , 'Jai Hind, Jai Bengal' or 'Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra'...," he said.
The King Khan said he was bad at picking up language and so he cannot speak Marathi well.
"I am quite ashamed that I've not been able to learn it in 20 years, I am quite slow, I am not good with languages," he said.
"But, my children know it, its a natural progression," he said.
He said whatever he is today is because of Mumbai and how he can be anti-Mumbai.
He said he would speak in mind next time for any cause in which he feels he has an opinion.

Shah Rukh and I are connected to each other: Karan Johar

Mumbai, Feb 8 : It is common knowledge that 'My Name Is Khan' is going through a storm. However, in the midst of it all, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are standing by each other. The director strongly believes that they are connected to each other more as brothers than being business partners.

"'My Name Is Khan' is a film which is a strong emotional connect for both Shah Rukh and I. He and I co-producing the film has nothing to do with money," said Karan, whose Dharma Productions has made the film in collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment.
"We are too connected to each other and when it comes to a family, you don't question their close association. Do you question someone who is working with his brother in one assignment after another? Shah Rukh and I may be having different surnames but that doesn't take away from the strong sense of brotherhood that we both carry," he added.
What makes him supremely confident about his life-long relationship with Shah Rukh? Specially when Farah Khan had to move from Shah Rukh to Akshay Kumar for "Tees Maar Khan".
"See, its not just the matter of directing a film which would have him as an actor. Tomorrow, I may not be directing a film with him but the fact is that both of us will always be a part of each other's production house. In some way or another, in whatever capacity, we would be working with each other," said Karan.
Releasing Friday, the film also stars Kajol and is set in the post 9/11 US.
Clarifying yet another misconception about the film, Karan says "My Name Is Khan" is not an issue-based film.
"Please let me set the record straight that 'My Name Is Khan' is not an issue based film. Instead it's a human drama about a couple. The film will make you smile and result in tears in your eyes. It's a film which connects with you and is totally emotionally based."
He also clarifies on the religious connotation saying: "By no means am I aspiring to take forward the baton of an issue. Instead I am just using it as a part of the narrative. The film doesn't have any religious or spiritual undertone to it but basically sends across the message of humanity, so let's watch the film for its worth."