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Post time 1-8-2006 03:44 PM | Show all posts
Sify Movies

Nandita Das splits with second husband
IndiaFM | Tuesday, 01 August , 2006, 07:51  

Nandita Das, known for her earthy looks has split from her second husband, Soumya Sen. Sen, an ad man and Nandita had a quiet wedding ceremony, a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, things didn? really work out. This was her second marriage.

The talented actress has given memorable performances in films like Fire, Earth and Pitaah. She will soon be seen in Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked alongside actors like Aishwarya Rai and Naveen Andrews.
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Post time 1-8-2006 03:46 PM | Show all posts
Nerve WS of India

It's raining multistarrers at the box office
Tuesday, 01 August 2006

By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Aug 1 - This monsoon, audiences are going to see more stars on screen than the ones obfuscated in the sky by the clouds.

Indeed, those whopping star-crammed multistarrers that were the order of the Friday in the 1970s are back in vogue.

And leading the bright pack is Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Omkara', which stars Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Viveik Oberoi, Bipasha Basu, Konkona SenSharma, Naseeruddin Shah and Saif Ali Khan.

This has got to be the biggest multistarrer since Ramesh Sippy's 'Sholay' in 1975.

'And let's hope my 'Omkara' is as big a hit as 'Sholay',' said Bharadwaj.

'The profusion of stars in my film was completely dictated by the script. Every actor justifies his or her character,' Bharadwaj told IANS.

But the fact remains Bharadwaj made his previous film 'Maqbool' with no stars except Tabu. If 'Maqbool' hadn't worked so wonderfully, Bharadwaj would have cast art-house actors once again in 'Omkara'.

In fact, Akshay Kumar had turned down 'Maqbool' saying he didn't find the desi version of 'Macbeth' heroic enough.

'That's very true. I still haven't forgotten. I guess my script justifies the stars only because I could get them,' said Bharadwaj.

One director who has never had a problem getting stars is Karan Johar. And boy, does he cram them in!

If his last film 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' reads like a who's who of the film industry, Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (KANK), releasing Aug 11, has everyone from Amitabh to Abhishek Bachchan in its roomy frames.

Commenting on the big stars in KANK, Johar said: 'I don't deny that my film has the biggest stars in the industry. Not just the two biggest stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, but also Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan.

'The fact of the matter is that everyone goes to the cinema to see their favourite stars - the more the merrier. I guess I am lucky to have so many friends who are major stars.'

Amusing as it may sound, Johar's former associate Nikhil Advani has even more stars in his new directorial undertaking 'Salaam-e-Ishq' than Bharadwaj's and Johar's film put together.

'See, my film weaves a large number of different love stories together in one package. For every love story I needed a different couple. Whether it is Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra, or John Abraham and Vidya Balan -- each pair is perfectly placed in the pastiche.'

If 'Salaam-e-Ishq' salaams star power, Sanjay Gadhvi's 'Dhoom 2' and Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' do even better.

'Dhoom 2' has Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai as the villain and the moll, besides Abhishek, Bipasha and others.

Farhan's 'Don' features stars like Kareena and Arjun Rampal in roles that were originally played by character actors.

'There are no character actors any longer, only actors and stars wanting to prove they can act. That's how we find a Tabu doing a peripheral part in 'Fanaa', or an Anil Kapoor in 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye' playing what looks like an offshoot of Amrish Puri's tyrannical husband's act from 'Koyla',' explained Hansal Mehta who prefers to work with newcomers at this point of his career.

'I think the star system has had its day,' said Mehta.

Not if you go by the films that are ready to be unleashed in the second half of 2006. They are so crammed with stars you'd need calculators to keep track of them in the credit titles.

Not that stars ensure success. If they did, Ram Gopal Varma's 'Darna Zaroori Hai' would have been the biggest hit of the year and Anurag Basu's 'Gangster' would've sunk without a trace.

'What stars do is to bring audiences in. After that it's up to the director to hold audiences' attention,' said Bharadwaj.

Apart from 'Omkara' other star-studded extravaganzas are:

1. 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' (Amitabh, Shah Rukh, Rani, Preity, Abhishek, Arjun Rampal)

2. 'Eklavya' (Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan)

3. 'Umrao Jaan' (Aishwarya, Abhishek, Shabana, Suniel Shetty)

4. 'Salaam-e-Ishq' (Salman, Priyanka, Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Juhi, John, Vidya Balan)

5. 'Jaan-e-Man' (Akshay Kumar, Salman, Preity, Anupam)

6. 'Dhoom 2' (Abhishek, Bipasha, Aishwarya, Hrithik)

7. 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' (Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani)
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:13 AM | Show all posts
Rediff News

Bollywood's never had a year like 2006
Surajeet Das Gupta & Abhilasha Ojha
August 01, 2006 14:37 IST



There hasn't been another year like this for the movies in a long, long time. Why, there hasn't been another year like this, say old-timers, ever. A year that will sieve through a range of reigning idols to establish the new badshahs of Bollywood. A year when every producer and director worth his salt will light up the marquee, however briefly, to sink in ignominy, or ride the crest of success. A year when older talent must make way for the younger, the hungrier -- or not.

In 2006, by coincidence almost, every major actor (and alas, they are ageing, our Bollywood heroes) has at least two releases lined up -- films that will reestablish their iconic connection with the masses, or sign their obituaries and consign them to character roles forever. A year after most movies bombed at the box office, there's a great deal of hope, history and money riding on every big banner in town. This is Bollywood's comeback year. But which production house will survive the year to tell another celluloid tale, and which will perish?

In 2006, a few beautiful women worshipped by the nation may end up a footnote in Bollywood history, or light up the screen for a little longer. A year, then, on which the fortunes of Bollywood's richest, most powerful A-list will ride. In an industry where playback singers, choreographers, designers and lighting assistants offer prayers on Friday mornings to the deity that controls their destinies, 2006 is the year when Shah Rukh Khan is battling for survival and Aishwarya Rai praying for her career's longevity.

It is a year when Karan Johar is betting on his brand to create magic. A year when the movies are getting bigger, more expensive. A year when titans of the industry are clashing, and from the dust and ashes of defeat, a few good men will snatch victory, to make it to awards ceremonies next year.

No, ladies and gentlemen, 2006 is not just another year at the movies.

Weigh the facts. In 2006, Shah Rukh Khan's numero uno status is under serious threat. King Khan's only release in 2005, Paheli was a commercial dud. By comparison, Aamir Khan has already delivered two mega-hits in 2006.



Rang De Basanti and Fanaa have raked in around Rs 200 crore at the box office. Producers and distributors are now betting Rs 90 crore on Shah Rukh Khan's releases -- Don and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

Waiting for their fortunes to unravel are other contenders -- Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan. While Shah Rukh remains on intravenous drip till his new releases, joining him in the biggest blockbuster battle in Bollywood ever are top Bollywood directors Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, J P Dutta and Vishal Bharadwaj.

The pecking order for heroines is being disputed between Rani Mukherji, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra -- all with interesting releases in 2006.

Not everyone will survive the year.

Behind the glitz and glamour, far removed from the audiences, there's blood on the floor. Controversies and epic battles are brewing. Take director Farhan Akhtar, whose Don was to be the big Diwali release. That is, until producer Yash Chopra decided to take him on with his mega movie Dhoom 2. Fine. Only Chopra went about booking multiplexes so aggressively, there were no decent screens left for Don. Just rumours, both camps hasten to explain; and last heard, a truce has been reached: Dhoom 2 will hit screens after Don.

But then, Bollywood is just another business. The unprecedented success of Krrish has already collected Rs 150 crore (and counting, according to director Rakesh Roshan), bringing it into the league of the top five all-time grossers of Bollywood. It has also brought actor Hrithik Roshan back into the reckoning. He will now take on Abhishek Bachchan in Dhoom 2, as the two vie for top slot for the country's most saleable GenX star.

2006 will change some star ratings forever. Kunal Kohli, who directed Aamir Khan and Kajol in this year's big hit Fanaa, says, "Audiences are going to sit back and take note of who will finally emerge as winners." Kohli's bets are on Aamir Khan who, he says, is already leading the race after two clear winners. Film critic Komal Nahta agrees: "It will be a crucial year for Abhishek, especially after Hrithik's success in Krrish. Both have big films coming up to prove their mettle."

It's another matter that 2006 also offers an amazing variety of films from big-league directors. "We have love stories, family sagas, even run-of-the-mill stories, but we also have directors who will execute them brilliantly," says Rakesh Roshan. "That, I think, is the magic of 2006." For producer Pritish Nandy, 2006 marks an important trend. "The day of domination of single film actors and actresses is now over. What we will now see are multi-starrers."

Big directors. Big actors. Big bucks. Before earning them, you've got to spend them. And budgets have never been bigger. Producers have together invested Rs 300 crore on 10 of the largest movies, an increase of 50 per cent over last year. In 2006, at least four films (compared to only Mangal Pandey last year) boast budgets of Rs 30 crore and over. The Rs 50 crore barrier has been breached once again with Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Last year, the biggest film cost under Rs 40 crore.

But then, movies are also making more money than before. Industry estimates show that, in the first six months of this year, net box office collections in the domestic market went up by 35 per cent as compared to last year. This year, three movies (compared to none last year) have already made over Rs 50 crore in net collections from the domestic box office alone, with half the year still to go. Overseas collections of at least three movies (Krrish, Rang De Basanti and Fanaa) have crossed the Rs 30-crore mark and, if Roshan is to be believed, Krrish is close to matching Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham's record of the highest grosser abroad (Rs 35 crore).

Executives at Adlabs (which has picked up overseas distribution of movies like Krrish and some other blockbusters) point out that the overseas rights for multi-starrers are being offered at Rs 8-9 crore, and are still being snatched up. Says Ronnie Screwvala, CEO, UTV, whose company is involved with film production and distribution: "Nine out of 10 movies today are not losing any money."

The easy availability of institutional money might have a lot to do with that. Sanjay Bhandari, a chartered accountant who helps producers get finance, says, "Nearly all the big budget movies this year have been funded, and these include Fanaa, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Umrao Jaan, Dhoom 2, Don and Jaan-e-man."



Industry estimates that at least 30 per cent of the cost of the top 10 films (in terms of budget) has been raised institutionally. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani (Don) says, "As you have to return the loan, there is a need to plan out budgets, keep them under tight control and formulate marketing strategies, which helps us look at the film business more professionally."

Adlabs, a film processing, financing, production and distribution company, has funded nearly half the cost of Salman Khan-starrer Jaan-e-man. Says Manmohan Shetty, Chairman of Adlabs, "Earlier, you may have had a good project but no recourse to non-traditional finance. Today, there is more money, but fewer projects."

The growth of multiplexes has also helped in pushing larger box office collections, as has the increasing trend to push more prints in the market in the first week to reduce piracy. Nearly 55 per cent of Rang De Basanti's theatrical revenues came from the 80-odd multiplexes across the country, and Kunal Kohli agrees that 60-70 per cent of film revenues are generated in multiplexes.

And while only Mangal Pandey hit the market last year with 500 prints, in 2006 there are already three blockbusters (Fanaa, Krrish and Rang De Basanti) that have crossed the 500-print release figure. Karan Johar is expected to hit the market with a staggering 700-print release for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

Big banners, big stars -- er, big stories? Well, no. Says Shetty, "Most blockbusters are made with well-known stars. No one is taking risks. You still have a love story with a 40-year old boy and a 30-year old girl. New talent isn't coming to the fore."

But with the box office sizzling, no one is thinking beyond 2006. "The coming six months will only get better," says Kohli. "You will get to watch the survivors at awards ceremonies next year." The others can sit back and relax -- the lifetime achievement awards are still light years away.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:17 AM | Show all posts
Rediff News

Catfight to the finish
Surajeet Das Gupta & Abhilasha Ojha
August 01, 2006 16:14 IST

Continuing the feature on Bollywood 2006, we look at top heroines, each facing tremendous odds this eventful year.

RANI MUKERJI



Last year, she ruled Bollywood with a critically acclaimed performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, and as Babli to Abhishek Bachchan's Bunty in Shaad Ali's blockbuster -- also the year's biggest grosser. This year, she has Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Baabul (with Amitabh Bachchan) as her big releases, but will have competition from Aishwarya Rai, who is back in Bollywood after a hiatus.


AISHWARYA RAI
Rai's Bollywood success owes a lot to Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas). She went on to deliver some duds, even though she won critical acclaim in movies like Raincoat and soon-to-be-reeased Provoked. She warmed 2005 with a sizzling item song (Kajrare) last year, and is back in the reckoning with Dhoom 2 and the remake of Muzzafar Ali's classic Umrao Jaan. Will Bollywood's import to Hollywood still rule in 2006?

PRIYANKA CHOPRA
Of her six movies last year, only Bluffmaster and Waqt did above average business. This year, she has started off with flak for her performance in the super-hit Krrish. She's got Don with King Khan, where she keeps Kareena Kapoor company, but still needs a powerful performance to elevate her to the top position.


PREITY ZINTA
Salaam Namaste raked in Rs 29 crore to become the fifth highest grosser of 2005. Earlier, Veer Zaara did better with Rs 41 crore in the domestic market alone, but it was Rani Mukherji who walked away with all the accolades. It's now up to Zinta to recover lost ground in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Jaan-e-man.

KAJOL
The semi-retired actress was last seen in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Her return with Fanaa has been one of the reasons for the film's success, but she's unlikely to enter the rat-race full time.

KAREENA KAPOOR



A listless 2005 has made way for Don and Omkara in 2006. Though expectations from both movies are high, Kareena will have to share screen space with Priyanka Chopra (Don) and Konkona Sen Sharma (Omkara), indicating a struggle to gain a foothold in the list of toppers.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:18 AM | Show all posts
India Daily

Hrithik Roshan says his son is top priority
Aug. 1, 2006

Popular Bollywood movie star Hrithik Roshan misses his 3-month-old son so much while filming away from India that he's planning to bring him on location next time. Roshan is due back in Bombay later this month after weeks away filming the action movie ``Dhoom2'''' in Swakopmund, Namibia and Durban, South Africa. ``He (Rayhaan) is undoubtedly the most important thing in my life,'''' Roshan told the Mumbai Mirror newspaper, commenting on his son. ``I have come to understand that fatherhood is probably the best thing that has happened to me,'''' he said. ``A smile from Rayhaan every morning gives me energy to work hard.'''' Roshan plays a smooth-talking thief in ``Dhoom2,'''' which also stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu. His recent release ``Krrish,'''' where he plays a superhero who glides over water and leaps over buildings has been a huge hit across the country. Roshan will begin shooting a historical film ``Akbar Jodha'''' opposite Bollywood beauty Rai in September.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:26 AM | Show all posts
Rediff News

Bollywood's new dancing queen
Anoothi Vishal
August 02, 2006 17:20 IST


Move over Farah Khan.

Hindi cinema is now dancing to newer beats. Ever since she choreographed the fabulous Pehla Nasha in slow-mo for Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander, Khan became the undisputed goddess of dance for much of the film industry in Mumbai.

Now, a decade and a half (and directorial ambitions) later, the choreographer seems to have found a worthy successor.


Vaibhavi Merchant

Vaibhavi Merchant, just a couple of years into the film industry, is as much a bundle of energy as Khan and a trifle more initimidating -- if you go by reputations in the industry.

Actors who have struggled to replicate her 'perfect' moves on screen -- Ayesha Takia says, 'When you watch her you think if you are able to do it exactly, it will be perfect' -- will tell you how the petite frame and pleasant demeanour belie the tough taskmaster within who focuses not just on the technical movements but on everything else too. Right from the dynamics of the frame, the colours and so forth to camera angles and -- more importantly -- an actor's attitude and emotions.

But, first, rewind. If you have watched a lot of Hindi cinema lately, you would probably have realised that most hit numbers have one name in common -- Merchant's.

Starting from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (where she bagged a National Award for Dhol baje) to Lagaan (O re chori), Devdas, Rang De Basanti, Dhoom, Bunty Aur Babli, Fanaa and Krrish, Merchant has directed most of the popular dance sequences in recent times, including the spectacular Kajra re last year.

In fact, you could even attribute the unlikely casting of Aishwarya Rai in this quintessential 'item number' to Merchant. "Shaad (Ali, the director) was discussing who to cast for the number and the first name that came to me was Aishwarya's," Merchant says.



The choreographer seems to be a favourite with Rai (and vice versa) ever since she directed the actress in Aankhon ki gustakhiyan (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam).

Merchant is a staple with Sanjay Leela Bhansali too -- the latter is supposed to have gone to her father after the filming of Aankhon ki to tell him that 'without your daughter I would have screwed up,' or so goes the story. Indeed, the song done without any lip-synching on the part of the lead actors was beautifully conceived.

Now, Merchant is set to direct Rai in another film that will (hopefully) get the nation's feet tapping yet again. JP Dutta's Umrao Jaan, set for a September release (the filming has been completed), has Rai essay the role made memorable by Rekha in the Muzzafar Ali period drama set in Lucknow.

It is not just the actress who has a lot to live up to but also the choreographer -- and not just because of the highly stylised way in which Ali had presented the mujra in his version. The choreograher for Ali's film was guru Kumudini Lakhia (director Apoorva Lakhia's mother; Bollywood, after all, is one big family!), a well-known name in the circuit even if few may have heard of her otherwise.

Lakhia has also been Merchant's teacher and a big influence on her, a fact that she acknowledges when you ask her who (or what) has influenced her most. Merchant trained in Bharat Natyam before Lakhia taught her the nuances of Kathak -- "In Kathak, you need to move your body differently, just the upper half," the choreographer points out.



But despite the influence of her guru, one way in which Merchant's mujra will differ from what Rekha showed us will be in the fact that it will be definitely more lively, more pop, if you like. "J P Dutta told me just one thing, 'please don't make her (Rai) dance sitting down'!" Merchant says.

The film apparently has a breathtaking sequence where Rai dances (for Abhishek Bachchan) with the City Palace, Jaipur, where the film has been shot, as the backdrop.

But films apart, Merchant has been involved with another big project that is likely to win her even more of a name in the months to come. The Merchants of Bollywood, a first-of-its-kind musical inspired by all the hits in recent years (including Mehndi laga ke rakhna from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge), is ready to make its debut in Britain this winter.

The show, written by Toby Gough, was originally an Australian production and was successfully put up in that country before finding British sponsors. It features 40 singers, dancers and actors and has not just been choreographed by Merchant, but is, in fact, loosely based on her life!

It tells the story of the ambitious Ayesha Merchant and her grandfather Shantilal and the clash of generations -- in true Bollywood ishtyle. Like her namesake on stage, Merchant too had to overcome a deeply traditional family in order to make it big in the film industry.

Despite the fact that dancing is in her genes -- she is dance director Chiniprakash's niece and started out assisting him while still in her teens, and her grandfather was the choreographer for the Dev Anand-Waheeda Rehman starrer, Guide  -- Merchant met with stiff opposition from her family when she announced her choreographing plans.

"Girls in the family were very protected," she says, "And, dance, ironically, seen more as a 'male thing.'"

Since then, obviously, Merchant's world and the world of Hindi cinema have both come a long way.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:27 AM | Show all posts
Hindustan Times

Costume drama
Anamika Chatterjee & Bhawna Gera
New Delhi, August 3, 2006

Bollywood has always been in the forefront when it comes to setting style trends. And the public has paid homage by dressing up like its stars.

But now, TV is recreating the popular big screen looks. Haven? you checked out Shweta Tiwari of Kasautii Zindagii Kay doing an Aishwarya Rai from Devdas, or Shweta Salve of Left Right Left doing a Sushmita Sen from Main Hoon Na?

There? more ? Tina Parekh? bespectacled look in Kasautii? bears a striking resemblance to Preity Zinta in Kal Ho Na Ho, or Kanchi Kaul as Ananya in Ek Ladki Anjani Si, looks quite similar to Preity Zinta? character in the first half of Lakshya. Kanchi also plays a photojournalist in the serial.

Attempt to ape

TV actors sporting the big screen looks, however, don? feel they are aping. Shweta Salve, who stars as Dr Ritu Mishra in Left... sporting chiffon saris, says, ?ushmita? character in Main..., was such a hit that now whoever wears a chiffon sari is compared to her.But my character is different in terms of mannerisms.?

Nim Sood, who designed the Bengali-Paro look for Prerna in Kasautii..., says, ?e gave Prerna a regal Bengali look with traditional clothes. And Tina? soft character in Kasautii? is explained by her attire.? Says Kanchi, ??e been compared to Preity in Lakshya but that wasn? the brief given to me.?

Thoughtful coincidence

But does this all help the serials? Feels Sood, ?he style endorsed by TV actresses settles better with the masses because they see them everyday. Much before Bunty aur Babli, I had given a similar look to Urvashi in Kasautii... Now that she is coming back in the serial, I?e given her a new look.?

Priya Mishra, programming head, SAB TV, adds, ?t? a matter of sheer co-incidence. While Sushmita? character was high on glamour, Shweta? character in Left... is pivotal to the plot and will reveal many layers as the show progresses.? As long as it looks good and feels great, no one? complaining.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:31 AM | Show all posts
The Telegraph

Cola heat on Aamir
- BJP targets actor in pesticide uproar  
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Friday, August 04, 2006



New Delhi, Aug. 3: Smash a few soft drink bottles and while going about it, don? forget to smash one, figuratively, in Aamir Khan? face.

In the middle of shrill and almost unanimous cries in Parliament for no less than banning soft drinks made by multinationals, the BJP took a sideswipe at thanda-matlab Aamir.

? want to ask Aamir Khan where all his ethical values have disappeared?? V.K. Malhotra, the party? deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, said.

Aamir, who endorses Coca-Cola, had earned the BJP? wrath by joining the camp of protesters against the Narmada dam and speaking up on the Gujarat riots.

Malhotra did not name the other big stars ? Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan ? who promote soft drinks.

The other jewel in India? crown, the cricket team, also shines on the caps of soft drink bottles. Malhotra didn? mention the cricketers either.

He explained why. ?is (Aamir?) heart was bleeding for the farmers some time back. What happened to those sentiments when he went around promoting a product that caused immense suffering to farmers by depleting the groundwater table in several states??

In the outrage against soft drink companies after the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) tests showed high levels of pesticide in some bottles, the BJP and the Left spoke in one voice.

Gurudas Dasgupta, the CPI member, wouldn? be happy with banning just soft drinks. ?epsi, Coke and junk food should be banned,? he said.

Outside, footsoldiers of the BJP? student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, broke soft drink bottles on university campuses.

Malhotra said: ?oke and Pepsi should bebanned. Their advertisements should be banned. All sports bodies, including cricket associations, should stop promoting Coke and Pepsi.?

Then he turned on Aamir. The BJP has led a campaign against the actor after he came out in support of Medha Patkar, who leads the Narmada Bachao Andolan, and criticised Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

An undeclared ban was imposed on Aamir? Fanaa in Gujarat while Modi? supporters went around burning the film? posters across the state.

Malhotra carried on against Aamir for a while before he was interrupted with a question about the BJP? own track record on soft drinks. He had to admit that BJP-ruled states had not taken any action.

?e will find out what is happening in the states. We will definitely ask the states to take appropriate action,? Malhotra said.

He diverted the attack towards the central health ministry for not prescribing standards for soft drinks.

The first CSE report on soft drinks had come out in 2003, when the BJP was still in power. Parliament intervened and a joint parliamentary committee was set up to probe whether soft drinks contained pesticides. Towards the end of the same year, the committee recommended that standards should be set for permissible limits of various elements in the soft drinks.

The Bureau of Indian Standards was entrusted with the task. It was to come out with the recommendations on March 29 this year when the ministry prevented it from finalising the report on the ground that it would form its own committee to set standards.

The Congress said the decision to ban soft drinks lies with the states. ?his is a state subject,? said parliamentary affairs minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi.

Das Munshi, who had a bitter argument with the CPM? Mohammad Salim on the issue earlier, said the Centre could not stop any industry in states.

?ncidentally, the first Coke plant was launched in Kerala by a CPM chief minister. It was expanded by the CPM in Bengal,? he said, taking a dig at his Left partners, some of whom demanded the ban on soft drinks.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:33 AM | Show all posts
The Hindu

Project `Ramayana'
V. GANGADHAR

Rajkumar Santoshi emerges from hibernation with the epic. At Rs. 80 crores, it is the costliest Hindi film ever.


Rajkumar Santoshi

Bollywood and the film media are bound to talk when a leading director announces half a dozen major films with huge star casts and then goes into apparent hibernation.

Well, national award-winning director, Rajkumar Santoshi, who had announced several grandiose productions, has finally swung into action. His forthcoming ventures include `Ramayana' which will be made at a cost of about Rs. 80 crores, making it the costliest-ever Hindi film.

But then Santoshi always thinks big. Remember the huge budget for `China Gate,' which, however, did not fare well at the box office. But Santoshi is not one to dwell on the past.

`London Dreams'


People were wondering what had happened to his `London Dreams' for which, he was unable to get dates from Salman Khan. Now those problems appear to have been solved and the film unit will be leaving for London for a 45-day shooting stint from August 10. Santoshi clarified there will be no date problems with two of his major stars, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan.

But Santoshi's magnificent obsession is `Ramayana' for which, he has now arranged the necessary finance. It was rumoured that the film would cost around Rs. 100 crores.

While the final budget is being worked out, the total cost should be in the region of Rs 80 crores. "The film needs immense preparatory work," explains Sanoshi, who is now busy finalising the costumes, script and the list of characters.

The cost is bound to be high in view of the planned spectacular visuals and the hiring of well-known Hollywood special effects teams and technicians. This is to be a no-expenses-spared kind of film.

With `Ramayana' very much on, it is only natural that Santoshi will shelve earlier plans to film another epic, `Mahabharat.'

This is bound to be an expensive production too and it is not possible to arrange for finance for two such big films.

Similarly, another of his plans to film the historical romance on Rajput prince Prithviraj and princess Sanyukta has been given the go-by because another producer is making a film on the same theme with Sunny Deol in the lead.

Further, there is also a current television serial on Prithviraj Chauhan.

On the cards


But Santoshi has a lot more items in his bag. There is an untitled film with an unusual theme starring his favourite hero, Ajay Devgan, and Priyanka Chopra.

"There are a lot of other interesting characters in the film, and we are now working to sort out date problems with Priyanka," says Santoshi.

Once these are finalised, he will turn his attention to `Ladies and Gentleman,' which will be a musical comedy.

For someone who has directed highly topical and socially-relevant films such as `Damini,' `Ghayal,' `Ghatak' and `Khakhee,' it must be rather difficult for Santoshi to postpone the making of a film like `Saamna' with stars like Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai.

According to Santoshi, the film is still on the cards. Social issues and values are changing fast and 'Saamna' which has a lot of real situations, had to have changes in its script.

But Santoshi is confident that the film will be taken up when circumstances are more favourable.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:35 AM | Show all posts
Mid-Day News

Ash's dad hospitalised
By: Ketan Ranga
August 4, 2006



Aishwarya Rai? father Krishnaraj (55) was admitted to Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, yesterday afternoon, after he complained of stomachache. He even vomited several times.

Last night, doctors operated on his small intestine. They say he suffered from some gastro-intestinal problem and acidity.

Krishnaraj was admitted to room number 15 on the 14th floor. After the operation on the fourth floor, Krishnaraj was transferred to the ICU. He is out of danger now.

Aishwarya? secretary Hari Singh confirmed the operation. Singh told MiD DAY that Krishnaraj came back to Mumbai two days ago.

?esterday morning, after several bouts of vomiting, he was taken to Hinduja hospital. A CT scan was performed. Later the doctors had to operate on his small intestine. He is now fine,? he said.

Aishwarya and her mother Vrinda were with Krishnaraj till late in the night. Aishwarya left the hospital at 3 am. ?rishnaraj was under sedation after the operation. He has been kept under observation,? said a source from Hinduja hospital.
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Post time 7-8-2006 10:41 AM | Show all posts
The Hindu

Not just a pretty face

An actress known to lend her voice to social causes and speak out against injustice, Preity Zinta, who recently kicked off the Godfrey Phillips Bravery Blood Donation Drive, awaits the release of her new movie, `Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', says Madhur Tankha...

She is more than just a pretty face in the glamorous world of Bollywood. Also, she has the rare ability to speak up against injustice without bothering about the consequences. Hindi film actress Preity Zinta believes in the mantra of living life to the full and even takes time off to lend a helping hand to social causes.

Here in the Capital recently to kick off the Godfrey Phillips Bravery Blood Donation Drive, her razor sharp wit was more than apparent. "I was brought up to do things that my conscience told me were right. Since childhood, it has been ingrained in me to stand up against injustice. To be uncompromising about one's values is accepted as a characteristic of a brave girl."

Dismissing suggestions that Bollywood superstars associate themselves with social causes only when their films are about to be released, Preity retorts: "This is pointing a finger at someone who is doing a good deed. It is just coincidental that I have become the brand ambassador of Godfrey Phillips when my film `Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' is about to hit the theatres. There is absolutely no correlation between this cause that I support and my upcoming film."

"Salaam Namaste" that released in 2005 was Preity's last film. No wonder the actress is banking heavily on the star-studded `Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'. "It is a fantastic film and I have a fantastic role in it. The film has been delayed for a long time. However, I am happy that it is finally ready for release. It also got postponed by a few days because of the rains and subsequent floods in Mumbai. During the making of the film, Amitabh Bachchan fell ill. One has to keep juggling with dates as sometimes I also get indisposed. I am playing a fashion editor of a New York magazine, who is an ambitious and righteous girl but cannot express her emotions. She is completely focused on her work."

The chirpy actress is excited about her upcoming film that has been directed by Karan Johar as she got the opportunity to act and dance opposite the famous father and son duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishekh Bachchan. "The rock and roll song with the two Bachchans was really hectic. This was my first song with them. They are both so tall but I had a blast while shooting with them."



Reckoned to be among the best actresses in the tinsel town, Preity has definitely moved away from her bubbly image in films like "Soldier". "God has been kind to me. In fact, producers and directors have come up with outstanding scripts and given me such meaningful roles. I think I have matured as an actress. Change is the only thing constant in life. Earlier, I was jumping around and used to be chitty-chatty. Now, I am more focused and am associating myself with issues that are not glamorous. I am also evolving as a human being," she adds.

Proud of the fact that she was part of the Bollywood contingent that recently visited an event organised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London to celebrate and explore Bollywood cinema, Preity says: "The British film industry gave Bollywood a chance to showcase its talent. Filmmaker Yash Chopra, director-cum-producer Karan Johar and superstar Aamir Khan also attended the function. As far as not attending the recent Osian Cinefan film festival at New Delhi is concerned, I was simply not invited to it."

Asserting that Bollywood like cricket is a religion in the country, Preity says: "People definitely identify you with a cause if you are an actor. The polio drive got a fillip after Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and I campaigned for it. Besides blood donation, women's empowerment and nationalism are also close to my heart."

On her fitness mantra, Preity bursts into a peel of laughter. "Well, I am fit because I have kept a trainer, who instructs me on my workouts at the gym. I am also trying to meditate but am not able to find time. However, I am confident that one day I will manage to find time for meditation," she says.
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Post time 9-8-2006 01:17 AM | Show all posts
'Force of Nature' gamit kehadiran Melly dan Padi
04-08-2006 12:52:22 PM
Radin Sri Ghazali  
Dua tahun tidak mengunjungi Malaysia,  komposer dan penyanyi terkenal dari Indonesia, Melly Goeslaw, bakal mengubat rindu di kalangan peminat-peminatnya dengan persembahan menerusi konsert amal Force of Nature Yogyakarta Quake Aid 2006, 19 Ogos ini.

Konsert amal Force of Nature tersebut akan diadakan di Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club bermula jam 4 petang.

"Saya akan menyanyikan tiga buah lagu termasuk 'Ada Apa Dengan Cinta' serta duet bersama Kris Dayanti menerusi lagu berjudul 'Cinta'," ujar penyanyi yang sering membawa imej Harajuku (fesyen serta budaya jalanan yang berasal dari negara Jepun).

Melly berkata dia bakal membawa konsep futuristik menerusi penggunaan grafik secara digital ketika persembahannya kelak.

"Saya tersentuh kerana adanya negara seperti Malaysia yang mengambil berat terhadap keadaan kami di Yogyakarta sehinggakan sudi untuk mengadakan konsert seperti ini untuk mengumpul derma.

"Ini sedikit sebanyak dapat menyembuh luka yang ada pada kami," ujar penyanyi yang sudahpun bergelar ibu kepada dua orang anak ini.

Padi kembali untuk kali ke dua

Kedatangan kumpulan rock, Padi pula ke konsert Force of Nature ini merupakan persembahan konsert kedua mereka di Malaysia selepas Pesta Malam Indonesia pada bulan April yang lalu .

"Konsert ini lebih bermakna kerana ianya berkonsepkan amal untuk membantu mangsa-mangsa gempa bumi di Yogyakarta," ujar Fadli selaku vokalis utama kumpulan itu.

"Bukan sahaja kita dapat menikmati muzik yang enak pada malam itu tetapi boleh beramal untuk membantu saudara-saudara kita yang telah ditimpa musibah di Yogyakarta," tambah Rindra yang berharap agar peminat-peminat Padi dapat memeriahkan konsert.

Band yang terdiri daripada Fadli (vokalis), Piyu (pemain gitar), Ari (pemain gitar), Rindra (pemain bass) dan Yoyo(pemain drum) bakal berangkat ke Malaysia pada 17 Ogos demi membuat persiapan awal sebelum berlangsungnya konsert amal tersebut.

Jika pada konsert Pesta Malam Indonesia, Padi menampilkan penyanyi kecil yang bersuara besar, Rossa sebagai artis jemputan, band yang berasal dari Surabaya ini bakal berganding dengan salah seorang artis dari Malaysia pada malam 19 Ogos kelak.

"Kami gembira bangat jika kami diberi peluang untuk berduet dengan artis Malaysia. Tetapi semuanya masih dalam tahap perbincangan ," ujar Rindra yang tidak mahu menyamakan persembahan pada malam itu dengan gimik yang telah digunakan pada konsert Pesta Malam Indonesia.

Kumpulan yang diasaskan pada tahun 1996 bakal membawa lima buah lagu termasuk 'Menanti Sebuah Jawaban', 'Kasih Tak Sampai' dan 'Save My Soul'.

Konsert amal Force of Nature Yogyakarta Quake Aid 2006 turut menampilkan Ning Baizura, Camelia, Marcell, Pop Shuvit, Dayang Nurfaizah, Ruth Sahanaya, Zahid (AF), Ahli Fiqir, dan ramai lagi.

Tiket berharga RM80 seorang boleh didapati di Music Valley and Tower Records mulai 4 Ogos manakala kanak-kanak di bawah 12 tahun masuk percuma.

Untuk keterangan lanjut layari www.forceofnature.org atau hubungi 03-7960 0366.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:14 PM | Show all posts
Indian Television

Zee Astitva Awards 2006 hails work of women in diverse fields  
(7 August 2006 6:00 am)

MUMBAI: Zee Telefilms Ltd and the Archana Trust Suburban hosted the Zee Astitva Awards on 5 August 2006 to honour the achievements of women in diverse fields. Specific to our country, where every girl has to struggle to make her mark, here are some inspirational stories that truly deserve to be honoured.

The show was kicked off with the lighting of the inaugural lamp by Zee Telefilms Ltd chairman Subhash Chandra Goel and chairperson Archana Suburban Trust Rajashree Birla along with other trustees.

The Chief Guest for the evening was (politician) Praful Patel setting the mood for the evening saying, ?n an era where women? achievements have equalled or surpassed that of men, it is truly a remarkable moment in our country that women are being able to overcome that hurdle. It is time for us to work together collectively for the betterment of our country.?

In an award show where the ladies ruled, performances included three of Zee? Lil Champs, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa? Twinkle and Sanchali, the Kasam Se sisters, Koena Mitra and Rimi Sen. There was also a special performance by lyricist, instrumentalist and ?onder tabla girl? Tina Sugandh, but before the night was over the sizzling Bipasha Basu got the crowd grooving to her latest item number ?eedi? from Omkara.

Awards were given out to women achievers in categories including social sciences, business, science and technology, health care, music fine arts, dance, sports and theatre among others. The hosts for the evening were Roshini Chopra and Ram Kapoor. However, chief guest Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit was not present.

Each awardee has performed exemplary work in their respective fields, some of which goes unnoticed and therefore, the awards provided a platform to not only reward these courageous souls but also to inspire others. Starting the show, Nita Ambani presented the award for classical dance to Vyjayanthi Kashi while the awards for contemporary dance went to Tilottamma Koshy, who could not be present. In recognition of her contribution to drama, Veenapani Chawla was honoured in the area of theatre, while Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia stepped on to stage to give away to the award to Arpana Kaur for fine arts.

This was followed by awards given to Mini Menon for constructive journalism, Hasina Khan for social services, Dr Shobha R. Arole for healthcare, Dr Amrita Patel for business, Dr Firuza Parikh for science and technology. The authors award was given to Sivashankari and for sports, to chess champ Koneru Humpi. Of course in the music category, Shubha Mudghal was delighted on receiving the award from Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma.

Dr Vishakha Desai and Zerbanoo Gifford were honoured with the International Women of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement awards were presented by Karisma Kapoor and Kumar Mangalam Birla to Mahasweta Devi, Ela Ramesh Bhatt and Dhondutai Kulkarni.

In addition, the Stellar Achievement Award was presented to three awardees, while awards for Outstanding Contribution to television, fashion and cinema were given to veteran TV actor Nina Gupta, model Dipika Padukone and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai respectively. Aishwarya however was not present to receive it due to her father? illness.

The jury for the Awards included Rajashree Birla, Nita Ambani, Chanda Kochhar, Shreyashi Goenka, Sangita Jindal, Satya Saran, Anaya Goenka and Pheroza Godrej.

Besides representatives from Zee, like Zee CEO Pradeep Guha, Zee executive VP network sales Joy Chakraborthy and the Kasam Se and Sath Phere cast members, also present were FCB Ulka? Parameswaran, Anil Kapoor and Kishan Premnarayan.

The Zee Astitva Awards will be telecast on 19 August.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:21 PM | Show all posts
Bollywood Press

August 7, 2006
Bollywood Star? Homes

Bandra is not called the queen of Mumbai? suburbs for nothing.

It is where some of Bollywood? biggest stars live.

BollywoodPress offers a glimpse of some star homes in Bandra:



Shah Rukh Khan? home Mannat, which faces the Bandra seafront, is an obvious tourist spot.

A sprawling bungalow, once owned by wealthy Parsis, Mannat is a heritage building. Buildings in this category are deemed important to the townscape and cannot be demolished.

Shah Rukh lives here with wife Gauri, their two children and SRK? sister.

The superstar is currently constructing a multi-storey building behind his home (seen behind Mannat in the photograph). Some reports suggest the building will house offices for SRK and close friends Karan Johar and Farah Khan

Some buildings away from Mannat is Galaxy Apartments, where Salman Khan stays.



Salman, who obviously doesn? care for bungalows and stuff, lives here with his parents Salim and Salma Khan, little sister Arpita, his youngest brother actor Sohail Khan, Sohail? wife designer Seema Khan and their son.

Another brother actor Arbaaz Khan and his glamorous model wife Malaika Arora-Khan live in Khar, a suburb close to Bandra. Sister Alvira and her actor hubby Atull Agnihotri also stay close by.

Aishwarya Rai occupies the 12th floor of Lamar, a building near Bandra? famous Mount Mary church.



Strangely, she is not the building? best-known resident.

That distinction belongs to a certain S R Tendulkar, currently the most famous batsman on the third rock from the sun.

Ash was brought up in Khar, a suburb close to Bandra, and went to the Arya Vidya Mandir school in Bandra, where she was, we hear, a bright head girl.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:23 PM | Show all posts
Bollywood Press

August 7, 2006
DON ahead in the chase

2 months and 13 more days to go and ?on - The Chase Begins Again? already seems to be far ahead in the race; well at least in terms of the kick start of the film? promotion!



On this Diwali/Eid there as many as four films that have been lined up for release - ?aan-E-Mann?, ?mraao Jaan?, ?amilywala? and off course ?on - The Chase Begins Again?. While ?amilwala? is a relatively unknown flick that has been revived looking at Neeraj Vora? recent ?hir Hera Pheri? being a super-duper hit, J. P. Dutta? ?mrao Jaan? is still waiting for some hype to be built up. Meanwhile Sajid Nadiadwala seems to have been playing a waiting game for the promotion of his ?aan-E-Maan? to begin.

In the meantime producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar have gone ahead and unleashed the 20 seconds promo of the film that has dominated all the music channels this weekend. No wonder the teaser has made an instant impact all over with people wanting for more!

This has indeed made Don move ahead in the chase for being the biggest film this Diwali/Eid and now the other three flicks would indeed have some catch up to do to match the might of King Khan!
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:24 PM | Show all posts
The Hindu

A brand new treat for film lovers
Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Promising to provide film lovers with absorbing cinema, Planman Motion Pictures will soon be coming up with its two ventures "Mithya" and "Sunglass". "Mithya" is a story of the underworld which will be directed by noted model and actor Rajat Kapoor, who has recently hit the screens with his performance in acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar's "Corporate".

The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Neha Dhupia and Ranvir Shourie. The shooting of the film started this July. Rajat's first two movies were "Raghu Romeo" and "Mixed Doubles".

Noted Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, who grew up in the City of Joy, and actress Konkana Sen Sharma will once again team up after "Dosor" to entertain the Indian movie lovers with the upcoming bi-lingual film "Sunglass" in Hindi and Bengali. After "Raincoat" that starred Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgan, this will be Rituparno's second Hindi film. Konkana Sen Sharma will be the heroine in both versions of the film.

This is the first time that Ghosh is coming up with a comedy and masala film with Planman Motion Pictures. The star cast also includes Madhavan, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan and Raima Sen.

This movie has four songs and the music is composed by the band `21 grams'. Planman Motion Pictures has presented a number of quality movies to film lovers this year. Their last black and white venture "Dosor", directed by Rituparno Ghosh, was a film that was highly acclaimed by both critics and masses.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:26 PM | Show all posts
Indian Television

Sahara One, Endemol present Super Star reality show  
(7 August 2006 11:00 pm)

NEW DELHI: You think you look like Shah Rukh Khan. You think you move like Khan. You think you act like him. But for one night, can you make millions believe you really are Shah Rukh Khan?

Coming this September, Sahara One Television brings alive a brand new reality concept, Super Stars, in association with Endemol India.

The new show proposes to provide Bollywood fans with an opportunity to showcase their talent and perform as their favourite star.

This international format has seen a production of over 70-odd series in 20 countries across the globe under different names like Sound Mix and Stars in the Eyes.

The Indian version of this show kick starts with a five-city audition on Sahara One starting 10 August, 2006.

In each episode, contestants compete by copying their favourite artist as faithfully as possible.

?ndia is a nation obsessed with Bollywood. There are temples, clubs, associations dedicated to film actors. Dancing and singing is not only about performing; it? a passion that drives the souls of many. It? our endeavour to provide a national platform for such talent,? Sahara One COO Purnendu Bose says.

The jury for Super Stars includes Bollywood heavy weights like the gorgeous Urmila Matondkar and ace choreographer Shiamak Davar. There would be floating judges too for particular episodes.

The whole of August, Super Stars will do a nation-wide hunt in an attempt to unearth the flair people possess to be like their stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Kajol, Preity Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Hritik Roshan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.

The contestants will be judged on three parameters - look and style, acting and dance --- and will vie for the ultimate honour: the title of Super Star.

According to Endemol India MD Rajesh Kamat, ?e are very excited to partner with Sahara One Television on this special format. It is a show people will connect with and it will feature people that they will connect with.?

Kamath added that they have received ?remendous response? from people. Aspirants aged 18 years and above can walk in and audition at the city level. This would be applicable to five cities that include Ludhiana (August 10-12), New Delhi (August 13-14), Kolkata (August 17-18), Bhopal (August 20-21) and Mumbai (August 22-23).

Hundred and twenty winners from the regional auditions will be invited to Mumbai and groomed by experts.

Sahara One Television is part of the umbrella brand Sahara One, whose other businesses include Sahara One Motion Pictures, which is India? largest player in the motion pictures business.

Endemol is a global leader in television and other audiovisual entertainment. The company creates premium entertainment ideas and sells them to the world's leading broadcasters. Subsequently, the company exploits the value of its brands across other media and communications platforms including mobile phones and the Internet.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:31 PM | Show all posts
Usinfo.State.Gov

09 August 2006

"Bollywood Mania" Rising in United States
By Anita N. Wadhwani


Indian Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Aisharya Rai, and Abishek Bachchan perform at the 2005 International Indian Film Academy Awards in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (?P/WWP)

India's film industry sees strong growth in American markets the United States than films from any other country, according to the Internet Movie Database, an organization that tracks box office sales in several countries.

The increasing popularity of Indian cinema, often called ?ollywood Mania? by the press, is driving Indian filmmaking to new heights in terms of quality, cinematography and innovative story lines, critics say. As technical quality advances, moviegoers come in ever increasing numbers to watch the latest movies arriving from India? largest city. Entertainment Weekly reports that the now $8 billion film industry produces more than 900 movies a year in more than 20 languages, which makes India the world? most prolific film producer.

These melodramatic, flashy films typically run more than three hours and showcase Indian culture, dance, songs and, most important, romance. Whether set in the modern day or in colonial times, most films boast a lavish wedding scene, as authentic Indian weddings remain a highly valued tradition. For the Indian crowd, the music and songs are a major draw to the movie. Many films coming out of India have failed due to repetitive tones or unappealing lyrics. The pre-release of soundtracks is as strong a teaser for a movie to Bollywood fans as a video trailer is for many western moviegoers. Perhaps the most typical aspect of Bollywood films is the assured happy ending to give audiences an uplifting finale.   

BOLLYWOOD MEETS HOLLYWOOD

Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sadness), known as K3G, was released in December 2001 in the United States and grossed more than $1 million in its opening weekend.  It ended its one-month run in the United States with $2.9 million in box-office sales. The appeal was not only the star-studded cast and the exotic scenes filmed at the pyramids of Egypt but the emotional story line of a well-to-do family torn apart when the eldest son rejects a prospective bride his father chooses and marries a woman of his own choosing.

Veer-Zaara, marketed to both Indians and Pakistanis, followed in K3G? footsteps with its November 2004 release in the United States, also bringing $2.9 million during a two-month period. The familiar plot of a Hindu falling in love with a Muslim was filled with unfamiliar twists and turns. ?easoned Bollywood fans will be in heaven,? said a New York Times film review.


Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan looks on during an event to promote the merchandise of his upcoming movie "Krrish" in Bombay, India. (?P/WWP)

The growing popularity of the films led to a joint Bollywood/Hollywood production, Bride & Prejudice, the adaptation of Jane Austen? Pride and Prejudice. It opened in the United States on February 13, 2005, and grossed $6.6 million by May 22, 2005. The film starred Bollywood idol and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai playing the part of Lalita Bakshi (the equivalent of Austen? Lizzie Bennet) with actor Martin Henderson playing the snobbish William Darcy. Rai is the latest Bollywood ?rossover? star in Hollywood, and will appear with actress Meryl Streep in Chaos, due out in 2007.

Currently, Bollywood smash superhero movie Krrish is competing with America? own Superman. According to the Los Angles Times, the Indian film brought in $643,000 (in 59 locations) in its first three days in North America, averaging about $11,000 per theater. It has been reported that tickets to the movie were sold days in advance and in New York, almost half the crowds were non-Asian. Globally the film brought in $15 million in its first week, an all-time record for an Indian movie. Krrish, released June 23, is now playing on 75 screens across the United States and has topped the $1 million mark.  It still is playing in select theaters nationwide.

MARKETING BOLLYWOOD IN THE UNITED STATES

For the South Asian community in major U.S. metropolitan cities like Chicago and New York, the names of Bollywood megastars Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachan are just as big, if not bigger, than Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, but critics say much of the commercial potential of Indian movies remains untapped. ?f more improvements are made in marketing and distribution, Bollywood films can earn significantly more revenue,? explains Gitesh Pandya, editor of online movie sales-tracking site boxofficeguru.com. ?any of the bigger films are debuting in the Top 20 box office charts despite playing in only a few dozen theaters nationwide,? he added.

According to the U.S. operations of Yash Raj films, no more than 80 theaters in the United States show first-run Indian movies.

Pandya wants to bring more major Indian movie productions to the American media. ?here are so many more U.S. moviegoers who would love to see Bollywood films if they knew more about them, and had local theaters playing them,? he told the Washington File.

Over the past 10 years, Indian filmmakers have set their sights on the United States also when it comes to location filming. With growing numbers of south Asians migrating to the West, plot lines increasingly include scenes in America. A few recent prominent films made in the United States include Kaante (Thorns), Kal Ho Naa Ho (Tomorrow May Never Be), and Chocolate.

With its movie industry gaining popularity in the West, Bollywood enjoys instant access to American living rooms via ?ollywood On Demand? provided by Comcast Corporation, the largest cable television provider in the United States, and more movie titles are being offered through video rental companies Blockbuster Video and Netflix.  

These flashy, music-oriented films have influenced the first Bollywood musical to hit Broadway. Bombay Dreams, the story of Akaash, a Bombay slum-dweller who tries to make it big in Bollywood, was produced by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, with music by composer A.R. Rahman.  It now is touring across the United States.

Not only have Bollywood films achieved million-dollar revenues in the United States, but Bollywood ?tar shows? featuring the much sought-after stars of Indian cinema sell out in cities across the country. These shows bring old and new films to life with songs from popular movies, live dancing, pyrotechnics, costumes and audience participation. It is a way for fans to connect with their favorite movies and embrace the unique culture of Bollywood.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:35 PM | Show all posts
India FM

UTV to co-produce Akbar Jodha with Ashutosh Gowariker
By IndiaFM News Bureau, August 10, 2006 - 02:47 IST



There has been a lot of talk on the Ashutosh Gowariker directed Akbar Jodha. It's a known fact that Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan star in the film. But it was still unclear who would produce the film. Now, it has been confirmed that UTV will co-produce the film along with Gowariker.

The two have come together earlier for Gowariker's last film, Swades.
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Post time 13-8-2006 12:39 PM | Show all posts
Yahoo News

Coke, Pepsi struggle to find fizz in India
by Ed Lane
Thu Aug 10, 7:51 AM ET

NEW DELHI (AFP) - With a billion-plus people in a hot climate and a booming economy, India should be a choice market for Coke and Pepsi -- but the two cola giants have instead faced a very bumpy local ride.

The brands are in the midst of a publicity nightmare after an environmental group alleged that their sodas were high in pesticides, leading to full or partial bans in six Indian states.

But the issue is only one in a string of events that have kept the companies from getting a firm toe-hold in India, where stiff local competition has often seemed to get the better of the firms' global marketing juggernauts.

Pepsi paid millions of dollars for leading Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, while Coke nabbed former        Miss World Aishwarya Rai to endorse their drinks -- without getting all-star results.

"India is just a different market and strategies used elsewhere just don't work here," said Abhijeet Kunda, a consumer goods analyst with Indian brokerage Prabhudas Lilladher. "The star endorsements may just be a waste of money."

Coke and Pepsi hold about 95 percent of the market for soft drinks in India, according to industry figures, but profit has been hard to come by.

"One of the major challenges for them is to sell in the rural markets where volumes get spread out over a vast area," said Twinkle Saraf, a consumer goods analyst with Angel Broking in Mumbai.

"It's very hard to make money in rural India."

Coke moved aggressively to reach that market in 2003 by selling 200-mililiter (6-ounce) bottles at five rupees (11 cents), only to again rack up losses as Pepsi countered by offering more for less.

Both Coca-Cola and Pepsico were forced out of India in 1977, when a socialist government objected to a lack of local investors and an unwillingness to share technology such as Coke's top-secret formula.

The 16-year ban ended in 1993 with Coke coming back into India while Pepsi moved to sell colas through local companies before returning as a wholly-owned unit of the US parent.

Since re-entering India, however, the companies have lost money and been outwitted by local firms selling packaged juices in an expensive battle to lure as many as 300 million Indians termed middle class.

Coke has invested more than one billion dollars in India since re-entering, according to published reports, only to end up writing off 405 million dollars of the value of its bottling operations in 2000.

Pepsi has also posted millions of dollars in losses, according to local regulatory filings, but the company has managed to outsell Coke.

"The opportunity for both firms in India is huge. China is the only one other country with a billion-plus population," said a consumer goods analyst with a Mumbai brokerage who asked not to be named.

"However it is also a question of affordability, because soft drinks are still too expensive for most of India and have a Western association that is not always welcome."

Both firms have denied the pesticide allegations, and analyst Kunda said the soft drinks giants should be able to weather the storm.

The deeper problem, he said, is that newly affluent middle-class Indians prefer juices and bottled water.

"Coke and Pepsi came as novelties, but many Indians don't like the taste," Kunda said.

"They need to now keep reaching into small towns where distribution and other logistics are expensive, but they will continue to invest here because of the potential."
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