Shahrukh Khan's Paheli is India's entry to Oscars
The Hindi feature film Paheli directed by Amol Palekar has been selected as India's entry in the foreign films category at the Oscars. A 10-member jury, headed by noted filmmaker Vinod Pandey, made the selection after week-long deliberations, Secretary of Film Federation of India Supran Sena said.
"I'm happy at the nomination of the film for the Oscars", said Palekar in Pune. The film is produced by actor Shah Rukh Khan who also plays the lead role in it. Rani Mukherjee is the other key actor in the movie.
Asked if he would go for lobbying which plays an important role in mobilising opinion in favour of a film at the Oscars, the director "it is not the lobbying but the subject matter of the film which is important."
Paheli beat 14 other films including Swades, Veer-Zaara, Black, Parineeta, Page 3, Iqbal, Mangal Pandey and Marathi film Uttarayan for the nomination, Sena said.
Paheli, which, according to Palekar deals with a "woman's right to make a choice", is a love story set in the picturesque locales of Rajasthan.
Paheli is based on the novel by leading Rajasthani writer Vijaydan Detha and the same book was reproduced on the celluloid by Mani Kaul several years back.
Palekar said when he narrated the script of Paheli to Shah Rukh, he liked it so much that he offered to produce it.
He said Shah Rukh is an "able producer" and "everything depends on him how he handles things in the run up to the Oscars.
The director said he and Shah Rukh would sit together and frame the strategy.
Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan starring Aamir Khan and Marathi film Shwaas were nominated for Oscars in the last few years but missed the eventual glory.
According to Palekar, Paheli, which also features Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Juhi Chawla, Suniel Shetty and Amitabh Bachchan, was completed in only 47 days.
Marathi film Shwaas, which was India's entry to the Oscars in 2004, could not live up to the hype generated.
Some of the earlier entries in the last few years include the Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas.
The following have been some of India's entries to the Oscars over the years: Mehboob Khan's Mother India (1957), Guru Dutt's Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam (1963), Shyam Benegal's Ankur (1974) and Manthan (1978), Mahesh Bhatt's Saransh (1985).
Interestingly, directors of three of the last four Indian entries for the Oscars are from Maharashtra from where late Dadasaheb Phalke, pioneer of the Indian film industry hailed.
Shahrukh Khan's Paheli is India's entry to Oscars
The Hindi feature film Paheli directed by Amol Palekar has been selected as India's entry in the foreign films category at the Oscars. A 10-member jury, headed by noted filmmaker Vinod Pandey, made the selection after week-long deliberations, Secretary of Film Federation of India Supran Sena said.
"I'm happy at the nomination of the film for the Oscars", said Palekar in Pune. The film is produced by actor Shah Rukh Khan who also plays the lead role in it. Rani Mukherjee is the other key actor in the movie.
Asked if he would go for lobbying which plays an important role in mobilising opinion in favour of a film at the Oscars, the director "it is not the lobbying but the subject matter of the film which is important."
Paheli beat 14 other films including Swades, Veer-Zaara, Black, Parineeta, Page 3, Iqbal, Mangal Pandey and Marathi film Uttarayan for the nomination, Sena said.
Paheli, which, according to Palekar deals with a "woman's right to make a choice", is a love story set in the picturesque locales of Rajasthan.
Paheli is based on the novel by leading Rajasthani writer Vijaydan Detha and the same book was reproduced on the celluloid by Mani Kaul several years back.
Palekar said when he narrated the script of Paheli to Shah Rukh, he liked it so much that he offered to produce it.
He said Shah Rukh is an "able producer" and "everything depends on him how he handles things in the run up to the Oscars.
The director said he and Shah Rukh would sit together and frame the strategy.
Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan starring Aamir Khan and Marathi film Shwaas were nominated for Oscars in the last few years but missed the eventual glory.
According to Palekar, Paheli, which also features Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Juhi Chawla, Suniel Shetty and Amitabh Bachchan, was completed in only 47 days.
Marathi film Shwaas, which was India's entry to the Oscars in 2004, could not live up to the hype generated.
Some of the earlier entries in the last few years include the Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas.
The following have been some of India's entries to the Oscars over the years: Mehboob Khan's Mother India (1957), Guru Dutt's Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam (1963), Shyam Benegal's Ankur (1974) and Manthan (1978), Mahesh Bhatt's Saransh (1985).
Interestingly, directors of three of the last four Indian entries for the Oscars are from Maharashtra from where late Dadasaheb Phalke, pioneer of the Indian film industry hailed.
Shahrukh Khan BIOGRAPHY
There are a lot of qualities Shah Rukh Khan shares with both his predecessors and his contemporaries. While there are those who claim he's nothing more than a clever amalgamation of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan, there are others who swear he's made a fine art of hamming ('Darr's' K..K..K..Kiran being the classic example) and is yet to graduate beyond six set expressions.
However, there's one characteristic to Shah Rukh's personality that no one can even hope to match _ his boundless energy. You could be his worst critic, but whether he's guiding you through a mindless comedy like 'Duplicate' or an intense romance like 'Dil Se..' his own passion is infectious. It's something you cannot shrug off easily and it is, perhaps, the essence of his charisma.
The other attribute that sets him apart is his mind-boggling self-confidence. How else can you explain a small-time television actor from Delhi getting quick breaks like 'Deewana' (1992) and 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' (1993) _ both won him high praise _ and then putting his newfound career on he line with a trilogy of negative characters. 'Baazigar' (1992), 'Darr' (1993) and 'Anjaam' (1994) were risks no established star would have taken _ in fact he got 'Darr' only after Aamir Khan turned it down.
But then, Shah Rukh has made no bones about the fact that he believes he's the best. It is this belief and a sensible decision to seek out respected names like Yash Chopra ('Darr', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Dil To Pagal Hai'), Subhash Ghai ('Trimurti' and 'Pardes') and Mani Ratnam ('Dil Se..) that has put him ahead of the competition. There's no disputing the fact that Shah Rukh Khan is the most saleable Bollywood star, both in India and overseas.
No wonder then that he decided to rake in the benefits of his own popularity by turning producer with 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' (alongside co-star Juhi Chawla and director Aziz Mirza). While his labour of love (which was released two weeks ago) hasn't gone down well with audiences within the country, it has apparently secured a good opening in the international market _ where SRK has a loyal following amongst NRIs.
But such is Shah Rukh's stature today, that neither the success nor failure of any particular film is likely shake people's faith in him. 'King' Khan is here for a long and glorious innings that is just beginning to shape up.
Shahrukh Khan BIOGRAPHY
There are a lot of qualities Shah Rukh Khan shares with both his predecessors and his contemporaries. While there are those who claim he's nothing more than a clever amalgamation of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan, there are others who swear he's made a fine art of hamming ('Darr's' K..K..K..Kiran being the classic example) and is yet to graduate beyond six set expressions.
However, there's one characteristic to Shah Rukh's personality that no one can even hope to match _ his boundless energy. You could be his worst critic, but whether he's guiding you through a mindless comedy like 'Duplicate' or an intense romance like 'Dil Se..' his own passion is infectious. It's something you cannot shrug off easily and it is, perhaps, the essence of his charisma.
The other attribute that sets him apart is his mind-boggling self-confidence. How else can you explain a small-time television actor from Delhi getting quick breaks like 'Deewana' (1992) and 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' (1993) _ both won him high praise _ and then putting his newfound career on he line with a trilogy of negative characters. 'Baazigar' (1992), 'Darr' (1993) and 'Anjaam' (1994) were risks no established star would have taken _ in fact he got 'Darr' only after Aamir Khan turned it down.
But then, Shah Rukh has made no bones about the fact that he believes he's the best. It is this belief and a sensible decision to seek out respected names like Yash Chopra ('Darr', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Dil To Pagal Hai'), Subhash Ghai ('Trimurti' and 'Pardes') and Mani Ratnam ('Dil Se..) that has put him ahead of the competition. There's no disputing the fact that Shah Rukh Khan is the most saleable Bollywood star, both in India and overseas.
No wonder then that he decided to rake in the benefits of his own popularity by turning producer with 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' (alongside co-star Juhi Chawla and director Aziz Mirza). While his labour of love (which was released two weeks ago) hasn't gone down well with audiences within the country, it has apparently secured a good opening in the international market _ where SRK has a loyal following amongst NRIs.
But such is Shah Rukh's stature today, that neither the success nor failure of any particular film is likely shake people's faith in him. 'King' Khan is here for a long and glorious innings that is just beginning to shape up.
Monica: I have surprised myself with DHOBI GHAT
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With a strong presence that her character boasts right through this film which is now ready for theatrical release in India after making the rounds of the festival circuits, one wonders if Monica ever realised the enormity of the platform when she actually began to shoot for DHOBI GHAT.
"Not really actually", Monica says in a cautions tone, "You know what, my situation in case of DHOBI GHAT was quite curious actually. I have been extremely interested in music and played with 'Shaa'ir + Func' for four years now. In many ways I am very happy with my career in music. It is art that excites me, whether it is music or acting. As long as I can get a special change in the world regardless of the capacity that I can contribute, it would be worth it."
But didn't she miss her team from 'Shaa'ir + Func' while shooting for the film? After all from being a live performer, she was suddenly getting into a more rehearsed environment?
"As I stated earlier, it is all about the different formats of art that you are a part of at any given point in time", says Monica who has cut a few albums via her band in the past, "I have always been an actor; it's just the platform that differs. It's eventually about changing people's minds and pushing things forward. I have always aspired to do great things and working really hard since I was very-very young. With my first feature film now, I have happily surprised myself. More than just being an actor in the film, I am glad that a film like this has been made."
DHOBI GHAT releases all over on 21st January.
Madame Tussauds gets ready for Hrithik
HRITHIK ROSHAN WAX FIGURE |
Pictured here is the perfect clay sculpture of Hrithik's head, which was the first step in making the figure. Work is now in the final stages but details of the pose and style of the final figure are being kept a closely guarded secret until the very moment it is revealed.
Roshan has been closely involved in the entire process, including deciding how he will be portrayed and what his figure will wear. Whilst giving no details away, Madame Tussauds is promising the end result will be one of its most daring figures ever and that Hrithik's fans will be delighted.
Movie Review : Turning 30
GUL PANAG IN TURNING 30 30 is an age when you are perhaps well settled in your personal and professional life. And if you are not, God save you from hounding family members!
We haven't seen many desi chick flicks in India. RULES, PYAAR KA SUPERHIT FORMULA and AISHA are the few ones that come to mind. And now it's TURNING 30!!!.
Coming from a production house (Prakash Jha Productions) that has produced hard-hitting films like GANGAJAL, APHARAN, DIL DOSTI ETC and RAAJNEETI, TURNING 30!!! is a step in new direction. Directed by Prakash Jha's long time assistant, debutante Alankrita Shrivastava, this chick flick comprises of young actors.
With a steady boyfriend Rishabh (Siddharth Makkar) and a good job in advertising, Naina's (Gul Panag) life is just about perfect as she is about to turn 30. She feels that she's already married to Rishabh. But life takes a tumultuous turn as Rishabh breaks up with her and is about to get married to a high profile girl, Ritu. At the same time, a failed advertising campaign puts her job in danger. With her 30th birthday approaching, she's 'jobless' and 'manless' and unable to come to terms with it.
She bumps into Jai (Purab Kohli), her ex-boyfriend from college. She is involved in a physical relationship with him, but her heart still longs for Rishab. Whom she eventually chooses and what happens to her on the job front is what ensues.
The main flaw of the film is that it appears as if you are reading a book. Naina's copious and tripe narrations throughout the film are uninspiring. And you somehow don't feel for her plight. The numerous songs don't add any merit to the film. The climax, with a twist, is reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan's BAGHBAN. It's dreary to see her whining and crying all the time. It had the scope to be much more humorous.
One wonders why Rishabh breaks up with Naina in the first place if he loves her so much. And mind you, almost the entire film is in English.
Having said that, it's not an unbearable film. The first half of the film is pretty okay, with some engaging moments. But the narrative plummets post interval and drags. Apart from the decent climax, there is no movement in the story, just as Naina's torpid condition.
Composer duo Siddharth-Suhas' music is theek thak. Akshay Singh's cinematography is fine. Editing by Santosh Mandal could have been better.
Gul Panag delivers a good performance. She fits the bill perfectly. Purab Kohli is decent. Siddharth Makkar is average. Ira Dubey (AISHA fame) is fine in her special appearance. Tillotama Shome is excellent. Jeneva Talwar acts brilliantly.
Turning 30!!! doesn't 'turn' out all right and ends up being a passable fare.
Rating: 2/5
Shahrukh Khan Ra.One First Look Wallpaper
The film also stars actress Kareena Kapoor and hero Arjun Rampal in lead roles.
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film features SRK as a science-fiction superhero.
Reports indicate "Ra.One" stands for "Random Access - Version 1.0. The film is being made with a Hollywood-based special effects team and is expected to be expensive as well as spectacular.
In the Movie, If you think Shahrukh Khan plays the title role in his forthcoming film Ra.One, think again. The latest we hear is that it’s not Shahrukh but Arjun Rampal, who plays the character named Ra.One.
It is reported that Shahrukh plays double role in the film, one of which is a scientist who creates two robots – the good one named G.One and the bad one named Ra.One. Shahrukh plays G.One and Arjun plays Ra.One.
Ever since this sci-fi film was announced, it has generated tremendous buzz. Director Anubhav Sinha and his team have been working round the clock to ensure that they have a high quality product. SRK in fact recently shot for a couple of songs for the film in Mumbai along with his co-star Kareena Kapoor.
Kingfisher Bikini Calendar 2011
Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar 2011 - HQ Photos
The most awaited Kingfisher Calendar 2011 is out! Not only Fashion world and Bollywood wait for it, but even it’s becoming a rage among common people too. Each page of this calendar is adorned with a hot model in a sensual pose. Let’s have a look at Kingfisher Calendar 2011 and the sexy babes it features.
Kingfisher Indian Bikini Calendar 2011 - January
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - February
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - March
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - April
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - May
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - June
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - July
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - August
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - September
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - October
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - November
Kingfisher Calendar 2011 - December