GURU - Movie Preview

Mani Ratnam is a master filmmaker, in fact one of the best in India. He has that unusual story-telling ability, a first-rate command over the medium and to top it all the zest to go for remarkable and gallant subjects. With some of the premium international and national awards to his credit Mani Ratnam is one of the most talented and enterprising directors in the business today.

His previous two Hindi movies DIL SE and YUVA didn’t go well at the box-office. The business was bleak and the acclaim too was more of a mixed bag. This time the soft-spoken director offers his latest Hindi venture GURU starring Abhishek Bachchan in the title role. The movie is rumored to have been based upon the life of one of India’s leading business tycoons. GURU is more of a period film set in the 1950’s onwards.

The promos of the film are fat catching up and so is the music. This time again is the trio of Mani Ratnam, Gulzar and A R Rahman who had previously teamed up for DIL SE. The music of DIL SE is everybody’s knowledge and it was a rage in those days. The song ‘Chaiiya Chaiiya’ remains simply unforgettable and so is the picturisation. The music for GURU also looks promising and might catch up as well.

GURU stars Abhishek Bachchan in the title role. This would be his second film with the ace director. It was Mani Ratnam’s YUVA that had in true sense brought Abhishek Bachchan in the reckoning. This would also be his second title role after his debut REFUGEE that was a box-office disaster. Aishwarya Rai, R.Madhavan, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan and Mallika Sherawat round off the rest of the cast.





GURU is the story of a simple but ambitious villager Gurukant Desai. He dreams big and to fulfill his dreams he arrives in the then Bombay (1958). He is married to Sujata (Aishwarya Rai) and has a brother-in-law. He also has something else; two shirts and Rs.15,000 to start his business. But soon he realizes that the business world is ruled by a handful of rich and influential people and for him to make his foray in to this globe he has to “force” his way into it.

So it’s both black and white sides to him now. His fair side wins him admirers, at the same time as his grey side earns him a few detractors. Nanaji (Mithun) who runs a newspaper Swatantra and Shyam Saxena are two of them who stand up to fight Guru’s unjust ways.

So does Guru emerge as the winner, forms the rest of the story.

The cinematography for the film has been done by the eminent photographer Rajiv Menon. The film is produced by Mani Ratnam and G.Srinivasan. The dialogues been penned by Vijay Krishna Acharya and the audiography is by H.Sridhar.

Mani’s previous two Hindi ventures could not scoop up success at the box-office. Will GURU write a different story for him this time around?
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

GURU - Movie Preview

Mani Ratnam is a master filmmaker, in fact one of the best in India. He has that unusual story-telling ability, a first-rate command over the medium and to top it all the zest to go for remarkable and gallant subjects. With some of the premium international and national awards to his credit Mani Ratnam is one of the most talented and enterprising directors in the business today.

His previous two Hindi movies DIL SE and YUVA didn’t go well at the box-office. The business was bleak and the acclaim too was more of a mixed bag. This time the soft-spoken director offers his latest Hindi venture GURU starring Abhishek Bachchan in the title role. The movie is rumored to have been based upon the life of one of India’s leading business tycoons. GURU is more of a period film set in the 1950’s onwards.

The promos of the film are fat catching up and so is the music. This time again is the trio of Mani Ratnam, Gulzar and A R Rahman who had previously teamed up for DIL SE. The music of DIL SE is everybody’s knowledge and it was a rage in those days. The song ‘Chaiiya Chaiiya’ remains simply unforgettable and so is the picturisation. The music for GURU also looks promising and might catch up as well.

GURU stars Abhishek Bachchan in the title role. This would be his second film with the ace director. It was Mani Ratnam’s YUVA that had in true sense brought Abhishek Bachchan in the reckoning. This would also be his second title role after his debut REFUGEE that was a box-office disaster. Aishwarya Rai, R.Madhavan, Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan and Mallika Sherawat round off the rest of the cast.





GURU is the story of a simple but ambitious villager Gurukant Desai. He dreams big and to fulfill his dreams he arrives in the then Bombay (1958). He is married to Sujata (Aishwarya Rai) and has a brother-in-law. He also has something else; two shirts and Rs.15,000 to start his business. But soon he realizes that the business world is ruled by a handful of rich and influential people and for him to make his foray in to this globe he has to “force” his way into it.

So it’s both black and white sides to him now. His fair side wins him admirers, at the same time as his grey side earns him a few detractors. Nanaji (Mithun) who runs a newspaper Swatantra and Shyam Saxena are two of them who stand up to fight Guru’s unjust ways.

So does Guru emerge as the winner, forms the rest of the story.

The cinematography for the film has been done by the eminent photographer Rajiv Menon. The film is produced by Mani Ratnam and G.Srinivasan. The dialogues been penned by Vijay Krishna Acharya and the audiography is by H.Sridhar.

Mani’s previous two Hindi ventures could not scoop up success at the box-office. Will GURU write a different story for him this time around?
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Kabul Express - Movie Review

Let’s clear the myth pertaining to KABUL EXPRESS within the film industry!

Nasty naysayers have been text-messaging that KABUL EXPRESS is a documentary, a dry film that talks of post-Taliban days in the battered Afghanistan. Also, those looking for some cheap naach-gaana kind of entertainment in this Yashraj enterprise are bound to be disappointed since KABUL EXPRESS may star known names in its cast, but debutante director Kabir Khan, a known documentary maker, believes in enlightenment, not entertainment!

After having watched KABUL EXPRESS, all you want to do is hit the blokes hard for spreading malicious stories about the film. Agreed, KABUL EXPRESS traverses a different path and Kabir Khan is a documentary maker, but KABUL EXPRESS is not a documentary at all. It’s a ‘proper’ Hindi film -- a thriller to be precise -- that dares to tackle a difficult and different theme.

Besides the subject matter that’s its USP, the film takes you to Afghanistan -- a country most of us haven’t visited, as tourists or as moviegoers. Yes, DHARMATMA and KHUDA GAWAH did visit Afghanistan, but the post-Taliban Afghanistan hasn’t been witnessed on the Hindi screen. That makes KABUL EXPRESS a novel experience indeed!

Now to the pertinent question: Does the story hold your attention for the next 1.45 hours/12 reels?

KABUL EXPRESS is a film with different sensibilities. It’s not one of those films that depict two Indians taking on the Taliban and bashing them to pulp. It narrates the story of two Indians, one American, one Afghani and one Pakistani and what transpires in the next 48 hours. It’s straight out of life and certain moments do make you get into an introspective mood.

A film like KABUL EXPRESS is more for the elite and the thinking viewer than the aam junta. While the theme of the film is anything but stereotype, the sequence of events that lead to the climax as also the liberal usage of English and Afghani languages will restrict its appeal to multiplexes mainly. In the single screens, KABUL EXPRESS will find few takers!

Another factor that goes against the film -- in Overseas territory at least -- is the conflict between the Afghanis and Pakistanis in the film. Although director Kabir Khan may argue that he’s tried to be authentic, you cannot overlook the fact that Pakistanis -- who form a major chunk of movie-going audience in U.K. and U.S.A. -- may not give KABUL EXPRESS their mandate or whole-hearted approval because of the anti-Pak flavor.

KABUL EXPRESS is set in post 9/11 Afghanistan where the American bombing has destroyed the Taliban regime and the Taliban soldiers are trying to escape to Pakistan to avoid the wrath of the Afghans. Against this turbulent backdrop, Jai [Arshad Warsi] and Suhel [John Abraham] -- two Indian television reporters -- have entered Afghanistan and their aim is to somehow get a rare interview with a Talibani. Helping them in their pursuit of a Talibani is their Afghan guide, translator and driver Khyber [Hanif Hum Ghum] in his Toyota Jeep called Kabul Express.

The trio is having their share of adventure as they go from being blindfolded and taken to secret hideouts in the mountains to interview Taliban prisoners to nearly getting trampled by horses while shooting a game of Buzkashi. They are saved from getting trampled by an American photo-journalist, Jessica [Linda Arsenio]. Despite all their attempts, the Taliban remains elusive. But unknown to them, these hunters are being hunted down themselves...

One cold winter morning in Kabul, they get kidnapped at gunpoint by a Taliban fugitive who wants to escape to the Pakistani border. The kidnapper, Imran [Salman Shahid], is a Pakistani army soldier who was part of the Taliban. He knows that as journalists, Jai and Suhel’s movements in the country will not be questioned and posing as their local guide, he can reach the safety of his country.

From here on begins the two-day journey from Kabul to the volatile Afghan-Pakistan border. Jai and Suhel’s mission becomes a nightmare as they are taken hostage aboard the Kabul Express and made to drive across the most dangerous country in the world. Jessica sees their car driving away from Kabul and mistakenly thinks that they are onto a big story. She begins to chase them. Before she knows it Jessica gets stuck in a bizarre situation and inadvertently, also gets taken hostage by Imran.

By the end of the journey, Jai, Suhel and Jessica actually help Imran reach the border of Pakistan -- his country that he is very proud and patriotic about. But the turbulent political situation at that time has a surprise in store for all of them.

KABUL EXPRESS is director Kabir Khan’s first foray into feature films and you have to acknowledge the fact that the director knows what he’s talking. A storyteller is only successful if he’s able to narrate a story with utmost conviction and the listener/viewer listens to every word with rapt attention. Kabir succeeds in his mission of not just narrating an unadulterated story, but also making you travel to a country that’s hit headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The film has several poignant moments, but Kabir reserves them for the penultimate reels. The relationship between the kidnapper and the hostages, which changes from mistrust to trust, is carefully handled. As also the banter involving Indian and Pakistani cricketers. The highpoint of the film is the Pakistani’s reunion with his daughter and his subsequent killing by the Pakistani soldiers. Kabir deserves full marks for taking the film to an appropriate finale.

Kabir also gets ample help from the locations and the cinematographer, Anshuman Mahaley, takes full advantage of it. Not only are the locales of Afghanistan breath-taking, the lensman also captures them with dexterity. Without doubt, this ranks amongst the finest works [cinematography] of this year!

You walk out of KABUL EXPRESS with two actors in mind -- Arshad Warsi and Salman Shahid, the Pakistani. Arshad has an amazing sense of timing and it’s very difficult to compete with him. The actor is lovable yet again and in fact, contributes to the light moments in the thriller. Salman Shahid is excellent. He enacts his role with precision and his sequences, more towards the concluding reels, will win him ample fans in India.

John Abraham doesn’t really get a chance to exhibit histrionics, but gets two major scenes -- one, when he talks to the Pakistani about his daughter and the other, when the Pakistani is offering prayers. John handles them with supreme confidence. Hanif, the Afghani, is first-rate, while Linda, the American journalist, does an okay job.

On the whole, KABUL EXPRESS is aimed at the elite and the thinking audience. A well crafted thriller, the film has better chances at multiplexes mainly. However, the liberal usage of English and Afghani languages will restrict its appeal to urban centres in India. At the single screens, the film will find the going very, very tough since there’s nothing for the aam junta.

Also, its ride in the Overseas territory will be bumpy thanks to the depiction of the conflict between Afghanis and Pakistanis in the film. The Pakistanis form a major chunk of movie-going audience in U.K. and U.S.A. and they might not give KABUL EXPRESS their whole-hearted mandate due to the anti-Pak flavor in the narrative.

Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Kabul Express - Movie Review

Let’s clear the myth pertaining to KABUL EXPRESS within the film industry!

Nasty naysayers have been text-messaging that KABUL EXPRESS is a documentary, a dry film that talks of post-Taliban days in the battered Afghanistan. Also, those looking for some cheap naach-gaana kind of entertainment in this Yashraj enterprise are bound to be disappointed since KABUL EXPRESS may star known names in its cast, but debutante director Kabir Khan, a known documentary maker, believes in enlightenment, not entertainment!

After having watched KABUL EXPRESS, all you want to do is hit the blokes hard for spreading malicious stories about the film. Agreed, KABUL EXPRESS traverses a different path and Kabir Khan is a documentary maker, but KABUL EXPRESS is not a documentary at all. It’s a ‘proper’ Hindi film -- a thriller to be precise -- that dares to tackle a difficult and different theme.

Besides the subject matter that’s its USP, the film takes you to Afghanistan -- a country most of us haven’t visited, as tourists or as moviegoers. Yes, DHARMATMA and KHUDA GAWAH did visit Afghanistan, but the post-Taliban Afghanistan hasn’t been witnessed on the Hindi screen. That makes KABUL EXPRESS a novel experience indeed!

Now to the pertinent question: Does the story hold your attention for the next 1.45 hours/12 reels?

KABUL EXPRESS is a film with different sensibilities. It’s not one of those films that depict two Indians taking on the Taliban and bashing them to pulp. It narrates the story of two Indians, one American, one Afghani and one Pakistani and what transpires in the next 48 hours. It’s straight out of life and certain moments do make you get into an introspective mood.

A film like KABUL EXPRESS is more for the elite and the thinking viewer than the aam junta. While the theme of the film is anything but stereotype, the sequence of events that lead to the climax as also the liberal usage of English and Afghani languages will restrict its appeal to multiplexes mainly. In the single screens, KABUL EXPRESS will find few takers!

Another factor that goes against the film -- in Overseas territory at least -- is the conflict between the Afghanis and Pakistanis in the film. Although director Kabir Khan may argue that he’s tried to be authentic, you cannot overlook the fact that Pakistanis -- who form a major chunk of movie-going audience in U.K. and U.S.A. -- may not give KABUL EXPRESS their mandate or whole-hearted approval because of the anti-Pak flavor.

KABUL EXPRESS is set in post 9/11 Afghanistan where the American bombing has destroyed the Taliban regime and the Taliban soldiers are trying to escape to Pakistan to avoid the wrath of the Afghans. Against this turbulent backdrop, Jai [Arshad Warsi] and Suhel [John Abraham] -- two Indian television reporters -- have entered Afghanistan and their aim is to somehow get a rare interview with a Talibani. Helping them in their pursuit of a Talibani is their Afghan guide, translator and driver Khyber [Hanif Hum Ghum] in his Toyota Jeep called Kabul Express.

The trio is having their share of adventure as they go from being blindfolded and taken to secret hideouts in the mountains to interview Taliban prisoners to nearly getting trampled by horses while shooting a game of Buzkashi. They are saved from getting trampled by an American photo-journalist, Jessica [Linda Arsenio]. Despite all their attempts, the Taliban remains elusive. But unknown to them, these hunters are being hunted down themselves...

One cold winter morning in Kabul, they get kidnapped at gunpoint by a Taliban fugitive who wants to escape to the Pakistani border. The kidnapper, Imran [Salman Shahid], is a Pakistani army soldier who was part of the Taliban. He knows that as journalists, Jai and Suhel’s movements in the country will not be questioned and posing as their local guide, he can reach the safety of his country.

From here on begins the two-day journey from Kabul to the volatile Afghan-Pakistan border. Jai and Suhel’s mission becomes a nightmare as they are taken hostage aboard the Kabul Express and made to drive across the most dangerous country in the world. Jessica sees their car driving away from Kabul and mistakenly thinks that they are onto a big story. She begins to chase them. Before she knows it Jessica gets stuck in a bizarre situation and inadvertently, also gets taken hostage by Imran.

By the end of the journey, Jai, Suhel and Jessica actually help Imran reach the border of Pakistan -- his country that he is very proud and patriotic about. But the turbulent political situation at that time has a surprise in store for all of them.

KABUL EXPRESS is director Kabir Khan’s first foray into feature films and you have to acknowledge the fact that the director knows what he’s talking. A storyteller is only successful if he’s able to narrate a story with utmost conviction and the listener/viewer listens to every word with rapt attention. Kabir succeeds in his mission of not just narrating an unadulterated story, but also making you travel to a country that’s hit headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The film has several poignant moments, but Kabir reserves them for the penultimate reels. The relationship between the kidnapper and the hostages, which changes from mistrust to trust, is carefully handled. As also the banter involving Indian and Pakistani cricketers. The highpoint of the film is the Pakistani’s reunion with his daughter and his subsequent killing by the Pakistani soldiers. Kabir deserves full marks for taking the film to an appropriate finale.

Kabir also gets ample help from the locations and the cinematographer, Anshuman Mahaley, takes full advantage of it. Not only are the locales of Afghanistan breath-taking, the lensman also captures them with dexterity. Without doubt, this ranks amongst the finest works [cinematography] of this year!

You walk out of KABUL EXPRESS with two actors in mind -- Arshad Warsi and Salman Shahid, the Pakistani. Arshad has an amazing sense of timing and it’s very difficult to compete with him. The actor is lovable yet again and in fact, contributes to the light moments in the thriller. Salman Shahid is excellent. He enacts his role with precision and his sequences, more towards the concluding reels, will win him ample fans in India.

John Abraham doesn’t really get a chance to exhibit histrionics, but gets two major scenes -- one, when he talks to the Pakistani about his daughter and the other, when the Pakistani is offering prayers. John handles them with supreme confidence. Hanif, the Afghani, is first-rate, while Linda, the American journalist, does an okay job.

On the whole, KABUL EXPRESS is aimed at the elite and the thinking audience. A well crafted thriller, the film has better chances at multiplexes mainly. However, the liberal usage of English and Afghani languages will restrict its appeal to urban centres in India. At the single screens, the film will find the going very, very tough since there’s nothing for the aam junta.

Also, its ride in the Overseas territory will be bumpy thanks to the depiction of the conflict between Afghanis and Pakistanis in the film. The Pakistanis form a major chunk of movie-going audience in U.K. and U.S.A. and they might not give KABUL EXPRESS their whole-hearted mandate due to the anti-Pak flavor in the narrative.

Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Aryan Unbreakable - Movie Review

More than a decade ago, Sohail Khan was planning to turn director with a script that would star Jeetendra’s nephew Abhishek Kapoor in the lead. The project didn’t materialize; Sohail made his directorial debut with AUZAAR [Salman Khan, Sanjay Kapoor], Abhishek too got launched as an actor by someone else. Now, Sohail and Abhishek team up in different roles: Sohail is the actor, Abhishek the director.

Let’s face it! On face value, ARYAN doesn’t generate curiosity, like one of those biggies around the corner. But the film, starring Sohail Khan in the lead and directed by actor turned director Abhishek Kapoor, takes you by complete surprise as the reels unfold.

If the promos of ARYAN give an impression that the film is all about boxing, you’re partly right. Boxing is an integral part of the storyline, but the film has much more to offer. It’s also about the relationship between a husband-wife and the ups and downs in their relationship.


In most cases, you do notice some raw edges when you watch a film directed by a first-timer. But Abhishek Kapoor seems to have done his homework pretty well and the deft handling of the subject matter deserves highest praise. In fact, his handling of the emotional, tense and thrilling moments in the film will leave you spellbound.

Without doubt, ARYAN is one of the most stylish films, with content to match!

Aryan [Sohail Khan] was born to fight. He is the college champ and under the tough training of Coach Ranveer Singh [Puneet Issar], he dreams of winning the nationals. His love, Neha [Sneha Ullal], is more than just his better half. She is his support system, his strength. He needs her to be around every time.

Life takes a turn and Aryan chooses to give up his dreams and marry his love instead. They have a kid and start living a common man’s life. Life moves on and so does Aryan. He takes up a job as a sports commentator, but life is never the same for him. He hits a low professionally, as well in his married life.

One day, his ex-coach asks him to get back into the ring and gives him the courage to face the world head on. Aryan decides to follow his dreams again, but he isn’t the man he used to be. His support system, his wife, has left him. Will Aryan be able to achieve his dreams?

The Sylvester Stallone starrer ROCKY has had its share of admirers in Bollywood. Years ago, Raj Sippy captured the sport on celluloid in BOXER and now, Abhishek Kapoor does so in ARYAN. While Sippy’s version of BOXER was well shot too, the film lacked a strong emotional side that would balance the combat in the penultimate reels. That’s where ARYAN really scores!

ARYAN starts off as a routine love story, of a rich girl and a poor guy, but the emotions come to the fore as the husband and wife go separate ways. And the rift in the relationship is very well depicted here.

Another highpoint of the film is its penultimate 30-minute climax fight, where the protagonist not only has to crush his opponent in the boxing ring, but by winning the match also earn respect in the eyes of his wife and son. The fight-to-finish boxing sequences are outstanding and a never-seen-before experience on the Hindi screen.

Anand Raaj Anand’s music is soulful. ‘Jaaneman’ and ‘Chhuna Hai Aasman Ko’ are two tracks that stand out; the former for melody and the latter for the overpowering spirit. Ranjit Barot’s background score is electrifying. Cinematography [Neelabh Kaul] is topnotch. In fact, the cinematographer along with action co-ordinators Chris Anderson and Mahendra Verma and editors Renjit B. Vattakattu and Shakti Hasija deserve distinction marks for the penultimate fight. Something like this has rarely been seen on Bollywood screen before!

ARYAN gives ample scope to Sohail Khan to portray the gamut of emotions and Salman’s youngest brother proves that given an opportunity, he can rise to the occasion. He gets to portray three diverse shades in the film -- lover boy, husband and frustrated man -- and his performance stands out all through.

Sneha Ullal, who made her debut in LUCKY, shows improvement over her debut performance. However, she looks too young to carry off a mature role. Puneet Issar [excellent], Satish Shah [effective], Supriya Karnik [vicious to the core] and Inder Kumar [menacing to the hilt] compliment the lead characters. Farida Jalal is okay. Suved Lohia has the trappings of a natural actor. Fardeen Khan, in a special role, is first-rate.

On the whole, ARYAN is a well-made film that combines style and substance beautifully. Unfortunately, the box-office will sing a different tune altogether! Reasons: [i] Not-too-attractive face-value, [ii] Delayed release and [iii] Oppositions in KABUL EXPRESS this week and BHAGAM BHAG next week. To sum up, despite strong merits, ARYAN will be knocked down in the box-office ring!

Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Aryan Unbreakable - Movie Review

More than a decade ago, Sohail Khan was planning to turn director with a script that would star Jeetendra’s nephew Abhishek Kapoor in the lead. The project didn’t materialize; Sohail made his directorial debut with AUZAAR [Salman Khan, Sanjay Kapoor], Abhishek too got launched as an actor by someone else. Now, Sohail and Abhishek team up in different roles: Sohail is the actor, Abhishek the director.

Let’s face it! On face value, ARYAN doesn’t generate curiosity, like one of those biggies around the corner. But the film, starring Sohail Khan in the lead and directed by actor turned director Abhishek Kapoor, takes you by complete surprise as the reels unfold.

If the promos of ARYAN give an impression that the film is all about boxing, you’re partly right. Boxing is an integral part of the storyline, but the film has much more to offer. It’s also about the relationship between a husband-wife and the ups and downs in their relationship.


In most cases, you do notice some raw edges when you watch a film directed by a first-timer. But Abhishek Kapoor seems to have done his homework pretty well and the deft handling of the subject matter deserves highest praise. In fact, his handling of the emotional, tense and thrilling moments in the film will leave you spellbound.

Without doubt, ARYAN is one of the most stylish films, with content to match!

Aryan [Sohail Khan] was born to fight. He is the college champ and under the tough training of Coach Ranveer Singh [Puneet Issar], he dreams of winning the nationals. His love, Neha [Sneha Ullal], is more than just his better half. She is his support system, his strength. He needs her to be around every time.

Life takes a turn and Aryan chooses to give up his dreams and marry his love instead. They have a kid and start living a common man’s life. Life moves on and so does Aryan. He takes up a job as a sports commentator, but life is never the same for him. He hits a low professionally, as well in his married life.

One day, his ex-coach asks him to get back into the ring and gives him the courage to face the world head on. Aryan decides to follow his dreams again, but he isn’t the man he used to be. His support system, his wife, has left him. Will Aryan be able to achieve his dreams?

The Sylvester Stallone starrer ROCKY has had its share of admirers in Bollywood. Years ago, Raj Sippy captured the sport on celluloid in BOXER and now, Abhishek Kapoor does so in ARYAN. While Sippy’s version of BOXER was well shot too, the film lacked a strong emotional side that would balance the combat in the penultimate reels. That’s where ARYAN really scores!

ARYAN starts off as a routine love story, of a rich girl and a poor guy, but the emotions come to the fore as the husband and wife go separate ways. And the rift in the relationship is very well depicted here.

Another highpoint of the film is its penultimate 30-minute climax fight, where the protagonist not only has to crush his opponent in the boxing ring, but by winning the match also earn respect in the eyes of his wife and son. The fight-to-finish boxing sequences are outstanding and a never-seen-before experience on the Hindi screen.

Anand Raaj Anand’s music is soulful. ‘Jaaneman’ and ‘Chhuna Hai Aasman Ko’ are two tracks that stand out; the former for melody and the latter for the overpowering spirit. Ranjit Barot’s background score is electrifying. Cinematography [Neelabh Kaul] is topnotch. In fact, the cinematographer along with action co-ordinators Chris Anderson and Mahendra Verma and editors Renjit B. Vattakattu and Shakti Hasija deserve distinction marks for the penultimate fight. Something like this has rarely been seen on Bollywood screen before!

ARYAN gives ample scope to Sohail Khan to portray the gamut of emotions and Salman’s youngest brother proves that given an opportunity, he can rise to the occasion. He gets to portray three diverse shades in the film -- lover boy, husband and frustrated man -- and his performance stands out all through.

Sneha Ullal, who made her debut in LUCKY, shows improvement over her debut performance. However, she looks too young to carry off a mature role. Puneet Issar [excellent], Satish Shah [effective], Supriya Karnik [vicious to the core] and Inder Kumar [menacing to the hilt] compliment the lead characters. Farida Jalal is okay. Suved Lohia has the trappings of a natural actor. Fardeen Khan, in a special role, is first-rate.

On the whole, ARYAN is a well-made film that combines style and substance beautifully. Unfortunately, the box-office will sing a different tune altogether! Reasons: [i] Not-too-attractive face-value, [ii] Delayed release and [iii] Oppositions in KABUL EXPRESS this week and BHAGAM BHAG next week. To sum up, despite strong merits, ARYAN will be knocked down in the box-office ring!

Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Baabul - Movie Review

Films depicting social themes were extremely popular in the 1960s and later, in the 1980s. But, of late, paarivarik themes are relegated to the small screen and even if a film-maker dares to tackle such a theme for the big screen in this era of urbane themes and multiplex films, a section of moviegoers [read critics] are quick to label the efforts as 'outdated' and 'regressive'.

But VIVAH, four weeks ago, and BAABUL, this week, prove the detractors wrong!

BAABUL tackles the issue of widow re-marriage, an issue the late Raj Kapoor successfully raised in PREM ROG [Rishi Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure]. But comparisons between PREM ROG and BAABUL wouldn't be right, except that both talk about the rehabilitation of a young widow.

In terms of genre, BAABUL tackles a purely Hindustani issue, like the recent VIVAH. But let's quickly add that Sooraj R. Barjatya and Ravi Chopra's storytelling techniques are as diverse as chalk and cheese. While Barjatya adopts a desi approach for just about everything, Chopra takes a desi theme and gives the film an urbane feel. But the commonality is that both Barjatya and Chopra cater to the same set of viewers: Families.

In terms of content, BAABUL has its share of uppers and downers. Fortunately, the highs outnumber the lows in BAABUL and what really takes the film to another level is its climax. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that the graph of the film takes a big jump in the last half-an-hour thanks to the apt culmination to the story. The penultimate reels are truly outstanding!

Also, any film that raises a pertinent issue ought to rest on a solid foundation -- its writing. While Achala Nagar's writing isn't tight, it isn't trite either. Agreed, the writing could've been far more convincing and cohesive, but you cannot deny that there are ample moments in the film that make you moist-eyed.

To sum up, BAABUL is a competent follow up to BAGHBAN. After attempting diverse genres from ZAMEER onwards, Ravi Chopra gets it right with BAGHBAN first and BAABUL now.

Balraj [Amitabh Bachchan] is a rich businessman with progressive modern outlook towards life. For him, family, culture and values are of utmost importance. Shobhna [Hema Malini], his wife, is more than his better half. Together, they dote on their only child Avinash [Salman Khan]. For Balraj, Avinash is more of a friend than just his son. After spending many years in the U.S., Avinash returns home to his parents. Their lives light up!

Avinash meets the pretty Millie [Rani Mukerji], a painter. They fall in love and get married. They are blessed with a lovely child named Ansh. Rajat [John Abraham], a young musician and Millie's friend, has feelings for Millie, but never reveals it to her. He is now happy for Millie and Avi. He decides to settle in Europe, pursuing his musical career.

Fate plays a cruel game and on Ansh's birthday, Avinash meets with a fatal accident. Life without Avinash is unbearable for Millie. Meanwhile, Balraj and Shobhna try to find the love of Avinash in Ansh.

Balraj cannot bear to see Millie's colorless life. He decides to find Rajat and asks him to marry Millie and help him bring the colors back into her life. But Balwant [Om Puri], Balraj's elder brother, objects to Balraj's plans. Even Shobhna is not with Balraj this time.

Will Balraj be able to fulfill his plans? Will he prove to be a father [Baabul] rather than being a father-in-law?

An issue-based film has to be tackled with kid gloves, with utmost care, efficiency and sensitivity. And Ravi Chopra does just that! Although there are several emotional moments in the film, at least three sequences strike a chord…
Hema requesting Rani to wear colorful clothes, after Salman's demise.

Salman and Rani's son feeling the presence of his father by sitting in the closet.

Rani dancing with Salman's pullover amidst heavy rains.

Any shortcomings? Oh yes! The pace drops in the second hour. While the first half focuses on light moments, songs and romance, the emotional track in the post-interval portions unfolds at a lethargic pace. In fact, the film can easily do with a 15-minute trimming to spruce up the goings-on.

Aadesh's music stresses on melody and the score is quite pleasant. 'Come On Come On Chalo Jashn Manaye' is peppy, while 'Baawri Piya Ki' is soft and soothing. 'Bebasi' [rendered with feeling by Kunal Ganjawala] is melancholic. Barun Mukherji's cinematography is appropriate. The frames are vibrant with colors. Dialogues [Achala Nagar] deserve special mention. They are fantastic!

BAABUL rests on two actors mainly -- Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji -- and both emerge trumps. Bachchan is in top form yet again and proves for the nth time that he's the 'Big Boss' as far as histrionics are concerned. He is simply superb in the climax! Rani takes her character to a new level altogether. HUM TUM, VEER-ZAARA, BLACK, K.A.N.K. and now BAABUL, you can well imagine how impressive she is if one clubs her work in BAABUL with her earlier accomplishments.

Hema Malini looks gorgeous and acts her part with amazing grace. Salman is natural and provides ample light moments. He's cute when courting Rani. John is perfect, although the dashing guy is looking pale and tired at times. What happened, John? Om Puri is loud, but that's the demand of the character. BAABUL stars a host of characters and those who stand out in brief roles are Sarika [tremendous], Sharat Saxena [very good] and Smita Jaykar [competent]. Rajpal Yadav doesn't get much scope. Aman Verma and Parmeet Sethi are forced characters.

On the whole, BAABUL makes a statement in a convincing manner. The film rests on three aces -- emotions, performances and execution -- which will attract the family audiences in large numbers. At the box-office, the strong theme has all it takes to make its target audience [families] cry with joy and its distributors laugh all the way to the bank!

Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Baabul - Movie Review

Films depicting social themes were extremely popular in the 1960s and later, in the 1980s. But, of late, paarivarik themes are relegated to the small screen and even if a film-maker dares to tackle such a theme for the big screen in this era of urbane themes and multiplex films, a section of moviegoers [read critics] are quick to label the efforts as 'outdated' and 'regressive'.

But VIVAH, four weeks ago, and BAABUL, this week, prove the detractors wrong!

BAABUL tackles the issue of widow re-marriage, an issue the late Raj Kapoor successfully raised in PREM ROG [Rishi Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure]. But comparisons between PREM ROG and BAABUL wouldn't be right, except that both talk about the rehabilitation of a young widow.

In terms of genre, BAABUL tackles a purely Hindustani issue, like the recent VIVAH. But let's quickly add that Sooraj R. Barjatya and Ravi Chopra's storytelling techniques are as diverse as chalk and cheese. While Barjatya adopts a desi approach for just about everything, Chopra takes a desi theme and gives the film an urbane feel. But the commonality is that both Barjatya and Chopra cater to the same set of viewers: Families.

In terms of content, BAABUL has its share of uppers and downers. Fortunately, the highs outnumber the lows in BAABUL and what really takes the film to another level is its climax. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that the graph of the film takes a big jump in the last half-an-hour thanks to the apt culmination to the story. The penultimate reels are truly outstanding!

Also, any film that raises a pertinent issue ought to rest on a solid foundation -- its writing. While Achala Nagar's writing isn't tight, it isn't trite either. Agreed, the writing could've been far more convincing and cohesive, but you cannot deny that there are ample moments in the film that make you moist-eyed.

To sum up, BAABUL is a competent follow up to BAGHBAN. After attempting diverse genres from ZAMEER onwards, Ravi Chopra gets it right with BAGHBAN first and BAABUL now.

Balraj [Amitabh Bachchan] is a rich businessman with progressive modern outlook towards life. For him, family, culture and values are of utmost importance. Shobhna [Hema Malini], his wife, is more than his better half. Together, they dote on their only child Avinash [Salman Khan]. For Balraj, Avinash is more of a friend than just his son. After spending many years in the U.S., Avinash returns home to his parents. Their lives light up!

Avinash meets the pretty Millie [Rani Mukerji], a painter. They fall in love and get married. They are blessed with a lovely child named Ansh. Rajat [John Abraham], a young musician and Millie's friend, has feelings for Millie, but never reveals it to her. He is now happy for Millie and Avi. He decides to settle in Europe, pursuing his musical career.

Fate plays a cruel game and on Ansh's birthday, Avinash meets with a fatal accident. Life without Avinash is unbearable for Millie. Meanwhile, Balraj and Shobhna try to find the love of Avinash in Ansh.

Balraj cannot bear to see Millie's colorless life. He decides to find Rajat and asks him to marry Millie and help him bring the colors back into her life. But Balwant [Om Puri], Balraj's elder brother, objects to Balraj's plans. Even Shobhna is not with Balraj this time.

Will Balraj be able to fulfill his plans? Will he prove to be a father [Baabul] rather than being a father-in-law?

An issue-based film has to be tackled with kid gloves, with utmost care, efficiency and sensitivity. And Ravi Chopra does just that! Although there are several emotional moments in the film, at least three sequences strike a chord…
Hema requesting Rani to wear colorful clothes, after Salman's demise.

Salman and Rani's son feeling the presence of his father by sitting in the closet.

Rani dancing with Salman's pullover amidst heavy rains.

Any shortcomings? Oh yes! The pace drops in the second hour. While the first half focuses on light moments, songs and romance, the emotional track in the post-interval portions unfolds at a lethargic pace. In fact, the film can easily do with a 15-minute trimming to spruce up the goings-on.

Aadesh's music stresses on melody and the score is quite pleasant. 'Come On Come On Chalo Jashn Manaye' is peppy, while 'Baawri Piya Ki' is soft and soothing. 'Bebasi' [rendered with feeling by Kunal Ganjawala] is melancholic. Barun Mukherji's cinematography is appropriate. The frames are vibrant with colors. Dialogues [Achala Nagar] deserve special mention. They are fantastic!

BAABUL rests on two actors mainly -- Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji -- and both emerge trumps. Bachchan is in top form yet again and proves for the nth time that he's the 'Big Boss' as far as histrionics are concerned. He is simply superb in the climax! Rani takes her character to a new level altogether. HUM TUM, VEER-ZAARA, BLACK, K.A.N.K. and now BAABUL, you can well imagine how impressive she is if one clubs her work in BAABUL with her earlier accomplishments.

Hema Malini looks gorgeous and acts her part with amazing grace. Salman is natural and provides ample light moments. He's cute when courting Rani. John is perfect, although the dashing guy is looking pale and tired at times. What happened, John? Om Puri is loud, but that's the demand of the character. BAABUL stars a host of characters and those who stand out in brief roles are Sarika [tremendous], Sharat Saxena [very good] and Smita Jaykar [competent]. Rajpal Yadav doesn't get much scope. Aman Verma and Parmeet Sethi are forced characters.

On the whole, BAABUL makes a statement in a convincing manner. The film rests on three aces -- emotions, performances and execution -- which will attract the family audiences in large numbers. At the box-office, the strong theme has all it takes to make its target audience [families] cry with joy and its distributors laugh all the way to the bank!

Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

DON was a completely different film, Salman Khan

Shah Rukh and Salman, the two big Khans of Bollywood are friends or foes, god knows. But whenever one is asked to say about other, the reply as comes is very pricking for fans, still very funny and interesting.
As recently, Salman said, when asked whether he's upset with the fact that in spite of all efforts his 'Jaanemann' didn't fare well as Shah Rukh's 'Don' did, "Arre, Kya Karen! Shah Rukh saab promoted his film so much. He didn't give us a chance!"
He was among the attendees too at the premiere of 'Don', in spite of his film releasing the same day. "Yeah, since the original film was written by my dad. But after watching, I realized it was a completely different film. They should have called it Bond," he laughed.
Like Shah Rukh's 'Don', does Salman also have a dream role he'd like to reprise?
"The answer is quick, "Ganga Jamuna'. I have always wanted to do that. But I know I won't be able to carry it. I'll probably mess it up. In fact I keep telling Shah Rukh he should do it."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

DON was a completely different film, Salman Khan

Shah Rukh and Salman, the two big Khans of Bollywood are friends or foes, god knows. But whenever one is asked to say about other, the reply as comes is very pricking for fans, still very funny and interesting.
As recently, Salman said, when asked whether he's upset with the fact that in spite of all efforts his 'Jaanemann' didn't fare well as Shah Rukh's 'Don' did, "Arre, Kya Karen! Shah Rukh saab promoted his film so much. He didn't give us a chance!"
He was among the attendees too at the premiere of 'Don', in spite of his film releasing the same day. "Yeah, since the original film was written by my dad. But after watching, I realized it was a completely different film. They should have called it Bond," he laughed.
Like Shah Rukh's 'Don', does Salman also have a dream role he'd like to reprise?
"The answer is quick, "Ganga Jamuna'. I have always wanted to do that. But I know I won't be able to carry it. I'll probably mess it up. In fact I keep telling Shah Rukh he should do it."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salman's response to Hema's poetry

Hema Malini has always been complimented for her aankhen, those limpid pools of emotion. But the dream gal herself swoons over Salman Khan's eyes. "They are so beautiful and sexy….crystal-clear like water," she rhapsodizes. "He only has to look directly into the camera and you can hear his speaking, without words." Guess, what's Salman's response to Hema's poetry?
"Hemaji, my face is sexy too."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salman's response to Hema's poetry

Hema Malini has always been complimented for her aankhen, those limpid pools of emotion. But the dream gal herself swoons over Salman Khan's eyes. "They are so beautiful and sexy….crystal-clear like water," she rhapsodizes. "He only has to look directly into the camera and you can hear his speaking, without words." Guess, what's Salman's response to Hema's poetry?
"Hemaji, my face is sexy too."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Abhishek on Mumbai road

It's not everyday, even in Film City that you casually glance out of your car window when it stops at the traffic lights to find Abhishek Bachchan parked in his white BMW, just inches away.
Despite his beard and the dark glasses, Abhishek was easily recognizable. But this being Mumbai, Bunty wasn't mobbed or even tapped for an autograph. Some curious glances were slanted in his direction by passers-by before they hurry off to work. A few tracked his progress in their rear mirror as the BMW sped down the road before swerving into a narrow by-lane.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Abhishek on Mumbai road

It's not everyday, even in Film City that you casually glance out of your car window when it stops at the traffic lights to find Abhishek Bachchan parked in his white BMW, just inches away.
Despite his beard and the dark glasses, Abhishek was easily recognizable. But this being Mumbai, Bunty wasn't mobbed or even tapped for an autograph. Some curious glances were slanted in his direction by passers-by before they hurry off to work. A few tracked his progress in their rear mirror as the BMW sped down the road before swerving into a narrow by-lane.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Priyanka never home until 8 p.m.

Priyanka Chopra is dead beat. She's up by 8 a.m. most days at the studio an hour-and-a half later and never home till 8 p.m.
"By then I'm so drained that I only want to crash," she reveals. So what about love? "What about it?" the star echoes. "I know this round like a cliché, but well, there just isn't time for romance." Sigh!
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Priyanka never home until 8 p.m.

Priyanka Chopra is dead beat. She's up by 8 a.m. most days at the studio an hour-and-a half later and never home till 8 p.m.
"By then I'm so drained that I only want to crash," she reveals. So what about love? "What about it?" the star echoes. "I know this round like a cliché, but well, there just isn't time for romance." Sigh!
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salman cracking jokes

When Salman makes a friend it's for life. Whether it's Sajid Nadiadwala or Rumi Jaffery, he revels in the company of his dosts and even invents a new lingo so the conversations remain very private.
On the sets of Rumi's new film 'God Tussi Great Ho', Salman and his director buddy had a lot to laugh about. Using code language they would guffaw over jokes that only then understood till it was time for "Action".
Then, Salman would sober up in a jiffy, and so also Rumi. But as soon as the shot was canned the duo would back to cracking their jokes and playing their pranks. Ha, ha, hee, hee!
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salman cracking jokes

When Salman makes a friend it's for life. Whether it's Sajid Nadiadwala or Rumi Jaffery, he revels in the company of his dosts and even invents a new lingo so the conversations remain very private.
On the sets of Rumi's new film 'God Tussi Great Ho', Salman and his director buddy had a lot to laugh about. Using code language they would guffaw over jokes that only then understood till it was time for "Action".
Then, Salman would sober up in a jiffy, and so also Rumi. But as soon as the shot was canned the duo would back to cracking their jokes and playing their pranks. Ha, ha, hee, hee!
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

DON ko Theif banna mushkil nehi hei

'Dhoom 2' is hit. Now Yash Raj has started working on the third installment of the series, 'Dhoom 3'. This time, however, Sanjay Gadhvi, who directed 'Dhoom' and 'Dhoom 2', will not be directing the third part. New director will be roped in. However the director has not been fixed yet. Also in the place of Hrithik Roshan, who played the smart thief in 'Dhoom 2' (John Abraham played the role in first part) Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan will be seen opposite Aishwarya Rai. It's official. There's buzz, Aamir Khan will be played an important role in 'Dhoom 3'. However Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue to play the cops, as in 'Dhoom 2'. But whether Bipasha will continue or not, it's not known yet.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

DON ko Theif banna mushkil nehi hei

'Dhoom 2' is hit. Now Yash Raj has started working on the third installment of the series, 'Dhoom 3'. This time, however, Sanjay Gadhvi, who directed 'Dhoom' and 'Dhoom 2', will not be directing the third part. New director will be roped in. However the director has not been fixed yet. Also in the place of Hrithik Roshan, who played the smart thief in 'Dhoom 2' (John Abraham played the role in first part) Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan will be seen opposite Aishwarya Rai. It's official. There's buzz, Aamir Khan will be played an important role in 'Dhoom 3'. However Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will continue to play the cops, as in 'Dhoom 2'. But whether Bipasha will continue or not, it's not known yet.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Hrithik & Zayed proved their daredevilry at the premiere of ‘Dhoom 2’

If you thought that Hrithik Roshan and Zayed Khan are just onscreen heroes, think again. The duo recently proved their daredevilry at the premiere of ‘Dhoom 2’ at Yashraj Studios. A source reveals, “After the show got over the guests got into the elevator. The lift was filled to capacity. So it got stuck.” But Hrithik, Zayed and VJ Ranvijay came to the rescue of those trapped. The trio actually broke the elevator door and got them all out safely!
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Hrithik & Zayed proved their daredevilry at the premiere of ‘Dhoom 2’

If you thought that Hrithik Roshan and Zayed Khan are just onscreen heroes, think again. The duo recently proved their daredevilry at the premiere of ‘Dhoom 2’ at Yashraj Studios. A source reveals, “After the show got over the guests got into the elevator. The lift was filled to capacity. So it got stuck.” But Hrithik, Zayed and VJ Ranvijay came to the rescue of those trapped. The trio actually broke the elevator door and got them all out safely!
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Casting for historical figures

Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai get their chance at history when they play Akbar and Jodha in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film. Last year, Aamir Khan played Mangal Pandey, and reports say Ajay Devgan is all set to play Prithviraj. A wish list of 10 historicals and one epic, in which we’d like to see our stars….


1) Razia Sultan: The story of the legendary female ruler was not given its due in the earlier film, and a remake is in order, and who else but Preity Zinta to play the strong-headed princess who was better than any man.

2) Bahadurshah Zafar: The intrigue and drama of the last days of the Mughal rule, with Amitabh Bachchan playing the doomed poet-emperor.


3) Jhansi Ki Rani: Apparently Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen are battling over the role, but Rani Mukherji with compact built and warrior eyes is made for the part.

4) Chanakya: The master strategist and patriot of the Maurya age, can anyone but Aamir Khan play him?

5) Noorjehan: The role of the imperious Mughal queen, who ruled while husband Jehangir stepped back, suits Aishwarya Rai to perfection.

6) Roopmati-Baaz Bahadur: The beauteous and young Kareena Kapoor could be paired with Shahid Kapoor for this musical romance of Mandu.

7) Sikander: The film about Alexander the Great and the brave King Porus is begging to be remade-Hrithik Roshan as Alexander and Shah Rukh Khan as Porus and the screen will sizzle.

8) Tipu Sultan: The ruler of Mysore who fought the British, a role meant for ‘fighter’ Salman Khan.

9) Karna: The bravest and noblest character in the Mahabharat, the sad-eyed Hrithik Roshan would be just right for the part.

10) Bajirao Mastani: Whoever Sanjay Leela Bhansali casts, and hope he makes it quickly-this great love story between a Peshwa and a dancer.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Casting for historical figures

Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai get their chance at history when they play Akbar and Jodha in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film. Last year, Aamir Khan played Mangal Pandey, and reports say Ajay Devgan is all set to play Prithviraj. A wish list of 10 historicals and one epic, in which we’d like to see our stars….


1) Razia Sultan: The story of the legendary female ruler was not given its due in the earlier film, and a remake is in order, and who else but Preity Zinta to play the strong-headed princess who was better than any man.

2) Bahadurshah Zafar: The intrigue and drama of the last days of the Mughal rule, with Amitabh Bachchan playing the doomed poet-emperor.


3) Jhansi Ki Rani: Apparently Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen are battling over the role, but Rani Mukherji with compact built and warrior eyes is made for the part.

4) Chanakya: The master strategist and patriot of the Maurya age, can anyone but Aamir Khan play him?

5) Noorjehan: The role of the imperious Mughal queen, who ruled while husband Jehangir stepped back, suits Aishwarya Rai to perfection.

6) Roopmati-Baaz Bahadur: The beauteous and young Kareena Kapoor could be paired with Shahid Kapoor for this musical romance of Mandu.

7) Sikander: The film about Alexander the Great and the brave King Porus is begging to be remade-Hrithik Roshan as Alexander and Shah Rukh Khan as Porus and the screen will sizzle.

8) Tipu Sultan: The ruler of Mysore who fought the British, a role meant for ‘fighter’ Salman Khan.

9) Karna: The bravest and noblest character in the Mahabharat, the sad-eyed Hrithik Roshan would be just right for the part.

10) Bajirao Mastani: Whoever Sanjay Leela Bhansali casts, and hope he makes it quickly-this great love story between a Peshwa and a dancer.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Rekha talks about playing a contemporary courtesan in ‘Yatra’

Director Goutam Ghose’s ‘Yatra’, starring Rekha in a pivotal role, has just won accolades at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. It will also be the opening film at the Trivandrum Film Festival on December 9. The songs composed by veteran Khayyam are climbing up the popularity charts.

Incidentally, Rekha plays Lajwanti a modern day courtesan in the film opposite Nana Patekar. Rekha says, “Lajwanti has no similarities to ‘Umrao Jaan’. It is a contemporary character whilst the latter belonged to the medieval era. I have a role that perfectly suits my age and acting abilities. Goutamda worked on me and drew out a subtle performance, the kind I have not done in recent years.”

What about her chemistry with Nana Patekar? Rekha smiles and says, “We are starring together for the first time. Nana as an actor needs control. Then he performs well. His acting style is very different from that of Amitabh Bachchan or Naseeruddin Shah. We shared good vibes on the sets.”

A highlight of ‘Yatra’ is the dance number choreographed by Saswati Sen. What does the diva have to say? Rekha answers, “There are two kathak numbers. I rehearsed many times before giving the final shots. Saswati took great care in training me for my mudras and steps. She has true mastery over kathak.”

Were there any conflicts with her and Ghose ? Rekha rubbishes the rumours saying, “If there were any conflicts would the film have been completed smoothly and within time? I felt very comfortable working with Goutamda. You will notice how he has made me underplay my emotions. He and producer Bipin Kumar Vohra have even incorporated some of my suggestions in the film.”
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Rekha talks about playing a contemporary courtesan in ‘Yatra’

Director Goutam Ghose’s ‘Yatra’, starring Rekha in a pivotal role, has just won accolades at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. It will also be the opening film at the Trivandrum Film Festival on December 9. The songs composed by veteran Khayyam are climbing up the popularity charts.

Incidentally, Rekha plays Lajwanti a modern day courtesan in the film opposite Nana Patekar. Rekha says, “Lajwanti has no similarities to ‘Umrao Jaan’. It is a contemporary character whilst the latter belonged to the medieval era. I have a role that perfectly suits my age and acting abilities. Goutamda worked on me and drew out a subtle performance, the kind I have not done in recent years.”

What about her chemistry with Nana Patekar? Rekha smiles and says, “We are starring together for the first time. Nana as an actor needs control. Then he performs well. His acting style is very different from that of Amitabh Bachchan or Naseeruddin Shah. We shared good vibes on the sets.”

A highlight of ‘Yatra’ is the dance number choreographed by Saswati Sen. What does the diva have to say? Rekha answers, “There are two kathak numbers. I rehearsed many times before giving the final shots. Saswati took great care in training me for my mudras and steps. She has true mastery over kathak.”

Were there any conflicts with her and Ghose ? Rekha rubbishes the rumours saying, “If there were any conflicts would the film have been completed smoothly and within time? I felt very comfortable working with Goutamda. You will notice how he has made me underplay my emotions. He and producer Bipin Kumar Vohra have even incorporated some of my suggestions in the film.”
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Sallu's comments about john too insignificant

John Abraham has had enough of his Baabul co-star's seemingly inexplicable bouts of snideness in print and on television where Salman has made it amply clear that there's no love lost between the two actors, despite John trying to extend the olive branch by saying good things about Sallu. In a television interview, Salman dismissed John as someone who only makes politically correct statements, and even made a sarcastic remark about John's much-lauded physique. When asked if he had stopped talking to John, he asked, "But when did we start talking?"
John, in his turn, now makes it clear that this issue has become too petty, and Sallu's comments too insignificant, for him to give too much importance to, now. His nonchalance comes through when he says with a shrug, "I'm just not bothered. All I can do is brush it all off with a smile. In fact, the comments and this entire issue have no relevance in my life. I've so much happening to my career…my films, my clothes line, my motorbike endorsement, my own calendar. I really don't have time for all this. And I'm not being arrogant. I'm just being practical."

John admits he shot with Salman for about five days in Baabul. "Technically we come in mutually exclusive halves in the film. I come in only after his character dies. But our characters do meet. So we did have to shoot together before we went on the world tour. And then we shot for a day after it. And everything was exactly the same between us before and after," says John, obviously hinting at the war between the two.

So what about rumours of a squabble between them during the Rockstars tour? He says, "Well, I had no issues with him any time during the concerts. I didn't know what was happening until I returned to Mumbai and read reports in the papers about our hostility."

John adds, "As far as I'm concerned I'm very comfortable with everyone around me. I don't like to work under any kind of stress and avoid it as much as possible. I am comfortable in my space, and that's what matters to me."

But what happens when Salman enters that space? As another member of the Rockstars team says, "The problem between the two was definitely there…and a lot of it was in Salman's head. You see, he had appointed himself the unofficial rock star of the concerts. But John kept getting as much hysterical ovation on stage as Salman did, if not more. This hurt Salman's ego. Also the fact that John kept in his own space, hung around with his best friend whom he had taken along on the tour, instead of joining Salman's coterie, really hurt Salman. He's basically like a child who wants and needs constant attention. If you don't give it to him he'll extract it out of you. And if you still don't give him attention he'll turn childishly nasty on you. That happened with both John and Shaahid Kapoor during the Rockstars concerts. While John was busy being on his own, Shahid stayed aloof with Kareena. Both situations were unacceptable to Salman. He's a people's person, likes to have friends around. If you go to the Khans' residence you'll see Salman surrounded by family and friends cracking jokes at everyone's expense including his own. During the concerts he felt that John and Shaahid were distancing themselves from him. And Salman's ego couldn't take that. Hence, the manifestation of resentment."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Sallu's comments about john too insignificant

John Abraham has had enough of his Baabul co-star's seemingly inexplicable bouts of snideness in print and on television where Salman has made it amply clear that there's no love lost between the two actors, despite John trying to extend the olive branch by saying good things about Sallu. In a television interview, Salman dismissed John as someone who only makes politically correct statements, and even made a sarcastic remark about John's much-lauded physique. When asked if he had stopped talking to John, he asked, "But when did we start talking?"
John, in his turn, now makes it clear that this issue has become too petty, and Sallu's comments too insignificant, for him to give too much importance to, now. His nonchalance comes through when he says with a shrug, "I'm just not bothered. All I can do is brush it all off with a smile. In fact, the comments and this entire issue have no relevance in my life. I've so much happening to my career…my films, my clothes line, my motorbike endorsement, my own calendar. I really don't have time for all this. And I'm not being arrogant. I'm just being practical."

John admits he shot with Salman for about five days in Baabul. "Technically we come in mutually exclusive halves in the film. I come in only after his character dies. But our characters do meet. So we did have to shoot together before we went on the world tour. And then we shot for a day after it. And everything was exactly the same between us before and after," says John, obviously hinting at the war between the two.

So what about rumours of a squabble between them during the Rockstars tour? He says, "Well, I had no issues with him any time during the concerts. I didn't know what was happening until I returned to Mumbai and read reports in the papers about our hostility."

John adds, "As far as I'm concerned I'm very comfortable with everyone around me. I don't like to work under any kind of stress and avoid it as much as possible. I am comfortable in my space, and that's what matters to me."

But what happens when Salman enters that space? As another member of the Rockstars team says, "The problem between the two was definitely there…and a lot of it was in Salman's head. You see, he had appointed himself the unofficial rock star of the concerts. But John kept getting as much hysterical ovation on stage as Salman did, if not more. This hurt Salman's ego. Also the fact that John kept in his own space, hung around with his best friend whom he had taken along on the tour, instead of joining Salman's coterie, really hurt Salman. He's basically like a child who wants and needs constant attention. If you don't give it to him he'll extract it out of you. And if you still don't give him attention he'll turn childishly nasty on you. That happened with both John and Shaahid Kapoor during the Rockstars concerts. While John was busy being on his own, Shahid stayed aloof with Kareena. Both situations were unacceptable to Salman. He's a people's person, likes to have friends around. If you go to the Khans' residence you'll see Salman surrounded by family and friends cracking jokes at everyone's expense including his own. During the concerts he felt that John and Shaahid were distancing themselves from him. And Salman's ego couldn't take that. Hence, the manifestation of resentment."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Priyanka's new pet talking robot

Priyanka Chopra is busy shooting for her film Love Story 2050 in Australia. The film is the launch pad for Harman Baweja and his father Harry Baweja is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that his son gets a deserving launch as an actor in the film industry.

Love Story is rumoured to be a sci-fi futuristic film and in the film Priyanka is constantly accompanied by her friend Boo. However Boo is not Harman but a two and a half feet hig robot. The price for making the robot is around 500,000. Boo, the robot talks, walks and is human like. Harry says “It is an interactive toy and keeps Priyanka company in the film.”

The film has a big budget and hence Oscar award winner John Cox has created the robot which is extremely expensive and is seen throughout the film. The film is being produced by Adlabs Films. Harry Baweja states “Love Story 2050 is a futuristic film and has a lot of special effects, therefore John Cox was signed on to do the visual effects in the film.”
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Priyanka's new pet talking robot

Priyanka Chopra is busy shooting for her film Love Story 2050 in Australia. The film is the launch pad for Harman Baweja and his father Harry Baweja is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that his son gets a deserving launch as an actor in the film industry.

Love Story is rumoured to be a sci-fi futuristic film and in the film Priyanka is constantly accompanied by her friend Boo. However Boo is not Harman but a two and a half feet hig robot. The price for making the robot is around 500,000. Boo, the robot talks, walks and is human like. Harry says “It is an interactive toy and keeps Priyanka company in the film.”

The film has a big budget and hence Oscar award winner John Cox has created the robot which is extremely expensive and is seen throughout the film. The film is being produced by Adlabs Films. Harry Baweja states “Love Story 2050 is a futuristic film and has a lot of special effects, therefore John Cox was signed on to do the visual effects in the film.”
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

to be not just an on-screen experience, but also a complete family event

Patna's poshest theatre Regent, has turned into a quasi-marriage venue. Ever since the release of Sooraj Barjatya's Vivah the wedding spirit has caught on with such vigour in and around Bihar that the theatre management has converted the cinema hall into an impromptu marriage venue.

The front gate of Regent theatre has been adorned with an elobrorate pandaal (festive banner) announcing, 'Punam Weds Prem'. That's Shahid and Amrita in the film. Go forward, and auspicious Shehnai music greets you in full glory. The foyer of the festive theatre is scattered with floral decorations.

Says the theatre owner Suman Sinha, "People have been inquiring if we've shut down our theatre and gone into the wedding business In the coming weeks when the films grows bigger and bigger we intend to diversify into more wedding-related paraphernalia in the theatre. We want Vivah to be not just an on-screen experience, but also a complete family event."

Sinha compares the audiences' enthusiasm for Vivah to the gusto he had experienced first-hand when his theatre had released Sooraj Barjatya's Hum Aapke Hain Koun ten years ago. " Vivah is going to be as big, if not bigger than Hum Aapke Hain Koun in Bihar. The hysterical response to Vivah is not restricted to Patna. In neighbouring cities of and towns of Bihar Vivah is equally successful.

The last time a film had gone beyond an on-screen experience to this extent was when Jai Santoshi Maa had been released in Bihar in 1975. Female audiences did aarti in the theatres, threw flowers at the Goddess on screen. A Santoshi Maa charity fund was started in by the theatre owners.

Says Sinha, "I see the same shared spirit of excitement for Vivah. We had though that level of excitement had ended in the movie theatres. Vivah is an eye-opener."

Sinha attributes the film's unprecedented success in Bihar to the small-town values pertaining to courtship and marriage. "Audiences in Bihar and UP see a bit of themselves in Vivah. Not so in the metropolises where weddings are now arranged on a contract basis and the bride is more concerned with getting her outfit rather than values right," says Sinha.

Vivah isn't the first film to have gripped Bihar more strongly than other parts of the country. The Salman –starrer Kurbaan, the Bachchan -starrer Sooryavansham, the Govinda-comedy Dulhe Raja and the Akshay Kumar –starrer Jaanwar were all mega-hits in Bihar and comparatively less successful elsewhere.

So huge is the impact of Vivah in the state that the marriage market has suddenly gone into over-drive. Many eager marriageable couples are now looking at the possibility of discovering love after engagement.

"They see Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao as their biggest role models ever. If after Bobby couples wanted to elope like Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia after Vivah they want to get married like Shahid and Amrita," observes Suman Sinha happily, as he prepares to add more of the wedding spirit to his bustling theatre.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

to be not just an on-screen experience, but also a complete family event

Patna's poshest theatre Regent, has turned into a quasi-marriage venue. Ever since the release of Sooraj Barjatya's Vivah the wedding spirit has caught on with such vigour in and around Bihar that the theatre management has converted the cinema hall into an impromptu marriage venue.

The front gate of Regent theatre has been adorned with an elobrorate pandaal (festive banner) announcing, 'Punam Weds Prem'. That's Shahid and Amrita in the film. Go forward, and auspicious Shehnai music greets you in full glory. The foyer of the festive theatre is scattered with floral decorations.

Says the theatre owner Suman Sinha, "People have been inquiring if we've shut down our theatre and gone into the wedding business In the coming weeks when the films grows bigger and bigger we intend to diversify into more wedding-related paraphernalia in the theatre. We want Vivah to be not just an on-screen experience, but also a complete family event."

Sinha compares the audiences' enthusiasm for Vivah to the gusto he had experienced first-hand when his theatre had released Sooraj Barjatya's Hum Aapke Hain Koun ten years ago. " Vivah is going to be as big, if not bigger than Hum Aapke Hain Koun in Bihar. The hysterical response to Vivah is not restricted to Patna. In neighbouring cities of and towns of Bihar Vivah is equally successful.

The last time a film had gone beyond an on-screen experience to this extent was when Jai Santoshi Maa had been released in Bihar in 1975. Female audiences did aarti in the theatres, threw flowers at the Goddess on screen. A Santoshi Maa charity fund was started in by the theatre owners.

Says Sinha, "I see the same shared spirit of excitement for Vivah. We had though that level of excitement had ended in the movie theatres. Vivah is an eye-opener."

Sinha attributes the film's unprecedented success in Bihar to the small-town values pertaining to courtship and marriage. "Audiences in Bihar and UP see a bit of themselves in Vivah. Not so in the metropolises where weddings are now arranged on a contract basis and the bride is more concerned with getting her outfit rather than values right," says Sinha.

Vivah isn't the first film to have gripped Bihar more strongly than other parts of the country. The Salman –starrer Kurbaan, the Bachchan -starrer Sooryavansham, the Govinda-comedy Dulhe Raja and the Akshay Kumar –starrer Jaanwar were all mega-hits in Bihar and comparatively less successful elsewhere.

So huge is the impact of Vivah in the state that the marriage market has suddenly gone into over-drive. Many eager marriageable couples are now looking at the possibility of discovering love after engagement.

"They see Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao as their biggest role models ever. If after Bobby couples wanted to elope like Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia after Vivah they want to get married like Shahid and Amrita," observes Suman Sinha happily, as he prepares to add more of the wedding spirit to his bustling theatre.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

This is the first time I’ve met Nicole Kidman, Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan endorses several products and Omega watches is one of the prestigious brands that he endorses. Recently Omega watches invited all its global brand ambassadors’ to Geneva for a high profile party and Abhishek was seen charming the beautiful Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman.

And he seemed definitely impressed by the ravishing Hollywood star too.

On his experience with meeting Nicole, Abhishek says “This is the first time that I have met Nicole Kidman actually. She is a wonderful lady and it feels great to meet another fellow actor from a different industry, exchange tips and get some pointers.”

"This is the first time I’ve met Nicole Kidman actually. She is a wonderful lady and it feels great to meet another fellow actor from a different industry, exchange tips and get some pointers," said Bachchan.

Riding high on the international success of Dhoom 2, Bachchan denies any marriage plans.

"I’m not getting married contrary to popular belief. I’m very busy working. As and when there will be any plans on marriage everybody will be told," said Bachchan.

He said that coming to Geneva is like coming home for him since he has spent eight years of his life in the city.

"I have studied in Switzerland. So, Geneva is like homecoming to me. I have spent eight years of my life here. Just down the road there’s this city near Geneva where I used to spend time as a kid. It feels wonderful to be back," said Bachchan.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

This is the first time I’ve met Nicole Kidman, Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan endorses several products and Omega watches is one of the prestigious brands that he endorses. Recently Omega watches invited all its global brand ambassadors’ to Geneva for a high profile party and Abhishek was seen charming the beautiful Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman.

And he seemed definitely impressed by the ravishing Hollywood star too.

On his experience with meeting Nicole, Abhishek says “This is the first time that I have met Nicole Kidman actually. She is a wonderful lady and it feels great to meet another fellow actor from a different industry, exchange tips and get some pointers.”

"This is the first time I’ve met Nicole Kidman actually. She is a wonderful lady and it feels great to meet another fellow actor from a different industry, exchange tips and get some pointers," said Bachchan.

Riding high on the international success of Dhoom 2, Bachchan denies any marriage plans.

"I’m not getting married contrary to popular belief. I’m very busy working. As and when there will be any plans on marriage everybody will be told," said Bachchan.

He said that coming to Geneva is like coming home for him since he has spent eight years of his life in the city.

"I have studied in Switzerland. So, Geneva is like homecoming to me. I have spent eight years of my life here. Just down the road there’s this city near Geneva where I used to spend time as a kid. It feels wonderful to be back," said Bachchan.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Amitabh - The Making of a Superstar

A number of books have been written on Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan but Susmita Dasgupta's "Amitabh - The Making of a Superstar" is probably the first to analyse the sociological impact of his popularity.

"It's a work that investigates the sociological causes of Amitabh Bachchan's popular appeal - how Bachchan is related to the history of the period of his times and what the sociological dynamics were behind the growth of his image," Susmita told IANS.

Susmita is a deputy chief economist with the economic research unit of the ministry of steel. The author spent almost 16 years researching on Bachchan but she is not happy with the actor's current image.

Said Susmita: "I find Amitabh Bachchan very disappointing because he is now compromising on his image. Amitabh seems to be very eager to disassociate himself with his previous image. He makes statements that are self-destroying."

She is also upset with her favourite star for not acknowledging her invite.

"He knows about the book and I sent him an invite. I am very unhappy he didn't acknowledge it."

Susmita's book, formally introduced Thursday, has been on the shelf for two months and has sold about 2,200 copies without any publicity.

"I wrote this book because of two reasons. First, I was a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and this was the subject in my command. The other was that while I was doing my Ph.D in sociology, I wanted to do work on living realities.

"I was familiar with Amitabh as a cine-goer, so I chose him. Had I been a cricket fan, I would probably have done something on Sunil Gavaskar. The idea was to do a work on living history."

Susmita started research on this book in 1977.

"I was writing notes on the subject since 1977 - the year I watched 'Sholay' and became an Amitabh fan. But formally I started writing it in 1991."

Susmita is one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed Bachchan's hospitality.

"After I finished my M. Phil, he invited me to his house and hosted me for seven days. During that time he introduced me to the film world, the inside of the film world and that is how I got inputs for my Ph.D."

Sharing one of the anecdotes, Susmita said: "One day Amitabh Bachchan told me, 'Do you know why these youngsters can't beat me? Because they don't have command over language! In films, command over language is not about delivering dialogues. Even when you sit still, command over the language should show'."

According to Susmita, there's a clever trick behind his popularity.

"The trick is that he played the roles of huge individuals. If you see, Anil Kapoor is equally suited in his times but he appears as an insignificant actor because he played insignificant roles in his films."

Sushmita feels that another notable quality in Bachchan is that he is a big star but hugely interested in common people.

"When I stayed with him I realised he was as much a fan of me as I was of him. When he used to sit in the 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' chair and when a common man would come and sit across him ... the way he interacted with them showed that he was extremely intrigued by them. That is his USP. He is our fan in a greater manner than we are of him. It's a reciprocal relationship.

"When I met him in Pratiksha, I found that he is a grand person because his house was so simple, so sparse in décor and he was so simple. He was grand in his simplicity. That huge sparseness, the huge economy of his lifestyle was absolutely grand in its own way.

"But today his spectacles are worth Rs.200,000 and he flashes Reid & Taylor, which he never used to wear in those days - he wore khadi (hand spun cotton). I think these are important changes, which can be a foundation for the future research into a man who just decided to survive. It is very disappointing."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Amitabh - The Making of a Superstar

A number of books have been written on Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan but Susmita Dasgupta's "Amitabh - The Making of a Superstar" is probably the first to analyse the sociological impact of his popularity.

"It's a work that investigates the sociological causes of Amitabh Bachchan's popular appeal - how Bachchan is related to the history of the period of his times and what the sociological dynamics were behind the growth of his image," Susmita told IANS.

Susmita is a deputy chief economist with the economic research unit of the ministry of steel. The author spent almost 16 years researching on Bachchan but she is not happy with the actor's current image.

Said Susmita: "I find Amitabh Bachchan very disappointing because he is now compromising on his image. Amitabh seems to be very eager to disassociate himself with his previous image. He makes statements that are self-destroying."

She is also upset with her favourite star for not acknowledging her invite.

"He knows about the book and I sent him an invite. I am very unhappy he didn't acknowledge it."

Susmita's book, formally introduced Thursday, has been on the shelf for two months and has sold about 2,200 copies without any publicity.

"I wrote this book because of two reasons. First, I was a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and this was the subject in my command. The other was that while I was doing my Ph.D in sociology, I wanted to do work on living realities.

"I was familiar with Amitabh as a cine-goer, so I chose him. Had I been a cricket fan, I would probably have done something on Sunil Gavaskar. The idea was to do a work on living history."

Susmita started research on this book in 1977.

"I was writing notes on the subject since 1977 - the year I watched 'Sholay' and became an Amitabh fan. But formally I started writing it in 1991."

Susmita is one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed Bachchan's hospitality.

"After I finished my M. Phil, he invited me to his house and hosted me for seven days. During that time he introduced me to the film world, the inside of the film world and that is how I got inputs for my Ph.D."

Sharing one of the anecdotes, Susmita said: "One day Amitabh Bachchan told me, 'Do you know why these youngsters can't beat me? Because they don't have command over language! In films, command over language is not about delivering dialogues. Even when you sit still, command over the language should show'."

According to Susmita, there's a clever trick behind his popularity.

"The trick is that he played the roles of huge individuals. If you see, Anil Kapoor is equally suited in his times but he appears as an insignificant actor because he played insignificant roles in his films."

Sushmita feels that another notable quality in Bachchan is that he is a big star but hugely interested in common people.

"When I stayed with him I realised he was as much a fan of me as I was of him. When he used to sit in the 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' chair and when a common man would come and sit across him ... the way he interacted with them showed that he was extremely intrigued by them. That is his USP. He is our fan in a greater manner than we are of him. It's a reciprocal relationship.

"When I met him in Pratiksha, I found that he is a grand person because his house was so simple, so sparse in décor and he was so simple. He was grand in his simplicity. That huge sparseness, the huge economy of his lifestyle was absolutely grand in its own way.

"But today his spectacles are worth Rs.200,000 and he flashes Reid & Taylor, which he never used to wear in those days - he wore khadi (hand spun cotton). I think these are important changes, which can be a foundation for the future research into a man who just decided to survive. It is very disappointing."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Celina's forthcoming fun genre movies

Celina Jaitley will do all it takes to enhance her 'package' as an actress. And she is doing that by taking jazz ballet lessons from Terence Lewis. For the past few months she has been a regular at his Bandra studio sweating it out to improve her skills as a dancer. Her trainer says that though she lacks in skill a little bit, she makes up for it with her enthu. It's her enthu that has so far got her so many comedy films - so that we could laugh at her? - from 'No Entry' to 'Jawani Diwani', from 'Tom Dick and Harry' to her latest 'Apna Sapna Money Money'? Even her forthcoming 'Red', 'Shakalaka Boom Boom' and 'Hello' are of the fun genre. But putting on her dancing shoes indicates that she's not finding her career position too funny.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Celina's forthcoming fun genre movies

Celina Jaitley will do all it takes to enhance her 'package' as an actress. And she is doing that by taking jazz ballet lessons from Terence Lewis. For the past few months she has been a regular at his Bandra studio sweating it out to improve her skills as a dancer. Her trainer says that though she lacks in skill a little bit, she makes up for it with her enthu. It's her enthu that has so far got her so many comedy films - so that we could laugh at her? - from 'No Entry' to 'Jawani Diwani', from 'Tom Dick and Harry' to her latest 'Apna Sapna Money Money'? Even her forthcoming 'Red', 'Shakalaka Boom Boom' and 'Hello' are of the fun genre. But putting on her dancing shoes indicates that she's not finding her career position too funny.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salman Khan will play a cameo in Sajid Nadiadwala's next 'Hey Baby'

If the rumourmongers to be believed, Salman Khan will play a cameo in Sajid Nadiadwala's next 'Hey Baby'. Salman and Sajid are very good friends. And Salman cannot say 'no' to his friends. 'Hey Baby', directed by Sajid Khan, stars Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan and Ritesh Deshmukh in the leads. As per source, Salman will not play a blink-n-miss kind of cameo in the film. He will be seen in an interesting part in the film. When contacted, Sajid Nadiadwala however didn't confirm the rumour, but at the same time he didn't rule out it also. "Just wait and watch. I'm not revealing much at this point of time," said Nadiadwala.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salman Khan will play a cameo in Sajid Nadiadwala's next 'Hey Baby'

If the rumourmongers to be believed, Salman Khan will play a cameo in Sajid Nadiadwala's next 'Hey Baby'. Salman and Sajid are very good friends. And Salman cannot say 'no' to his friends. 'Hey Baby', directed by Sajid Khan, stars Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan and Ritesh Deshmukh in the leads. As per source, Salman will not play a blink-n-miss kind of cameo in the film. He will be seen in an interesting part in the film. When contacted, Sajid Nadiadwala however didn't confirm the rumour, but at the same time he didn't rule out it also. "Just wait and watch. I'm not revealing much at this point of time," said Nadiadwala.
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
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I rode an elephant for a scene, Aishwarya

Now that her problems with the customs department have ended , there are joyful tidings for Aishwarya Rai. She's back in Jaipur shooting with Hrithik Roshan for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha-Akbar.

"It's going great!" Ash exults from Jaipur as she prepares for the day's shoot . So has she done any horse riding and sword-fighting as yet? "None of the above. But I rode an elephant for a scene . And his name was Lakhi. After Dhoom 2 and its hi-tech ambience and accessories , entering a world of elephants and Mughal grandeur is a true culture shock. And a real challenge for both Hrithik and me after Dhoom. But what's the life of an actor without challenges? I’m at a stage in my career where I need to constantly re-invent myself."

About the elephant ride, Ash explains with a giggle, “It wasn't exactly a unique experience. I've ridden an elephant before for Gurinder Chaddha's Bride & Prejudice, though very briefly. In Jodha-Akbar everything is far more elaborate. I guess I must be the only actress of my generation to have taken two elephant rides."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

I rode an elephant for a scene, Aishwarya

Now that her problems with the customs department have ended , there are joyful tidings for Aishwarya Rai. She's back in Jaipur shooting with Hrithik Roshan for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha-Akbar.

"It's going great!" Ash exults from Jaipur as she prepares for the day's shoot . So has she done any horse riding and sword-fighting as yet? "None of the above. But I rode an elephant for a scene . And his name was Lakhi. After Dhoom 2 and its hi-tech ambience and accessories , entering a world of elephants and Mughal grandeur is a true culture shock. And a real challenge for both Hrithik and me after Dhoom. But what's the life of an actor without challenges? I’m at a stage in my career where I need to constantly re-invent myself."

About the elephant ride, Ash explains with a giggle, “It wasn't exactly a unique experience. I've ridden an elephant before for Gurinder Chaddha's Bride & Prejudice, though very briefly. In Jodha-Akbar everything is far more elaborate. I guess I must be the only actress of my generation to have taken two elephant rides."
Source URL: http://trendgrafitiinternasional.blogspot.com/2006/12/
Visit Trend Grafity for daily updated images of art collection

Salaam-E-Ishq - Music Review

Think Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the name Javed Akhtar comes to mind immediately. After all the four of them have scripted some of the best music together in their association over the years. But the credit details of 'Salaam-E-Ishq' catch you by surprise since Sameer has been roped in as a lyricist to pen the words for SEL to compose their tunes. Another surprise (a good one again) comes from the fact that in an age where each and every album comes with a remix version of 2-3-4 songs, SEL has 7 tunes with none of them being repeated as a remix.

Together, director Nikhil Advani and Shankar Ehsaan Loy had a chartbuster score in the form of 'Kal Ho Na Ho'. With a mammoth starcast in hand and the trio of Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy enjoying the best phase of their career, it is pretty much given thought that 'Salaam-E-Ishq' too would be a winner in the making. It truly is the case as album succeeds in sticking to the genre of the film i.e. 'a tribute to love' and actually conveys the emotions through the 7 songs.

Is it country music that you are hearing? Or are there Caribbean elements to it? 'Dil Kya Kare' is a combination of both (an amazing one at that) and a lot more as it marks the return of Adnan Sami to the big stage yet again as he goes extremely mellow in this smooth-n-silky love song. Sameer's poetry goes quite well for the song of this genre that mainly has a guitar playing throughout with very minimal dose of other instruments in the background. As one hears on the song for long, the classy touch of SEL start becoming quite apparent. A few seconds later, you are truly moved to a different world altogether as Caribbean/African flavor in the song becomes much more visible. A beautiful song that has a brief element of full blown title song 'Salaam-E-Ishq' which comes later in the album.

After a Western/Caribbean flavor, the album takes a twist with a 'qawalli' that begins with a prelude followed by new entrant Shilpa taking over the proceedings. With Sameer around, there is always a high probability of 'saiyaan', 'choodi', 'kangana' and 'jhumka' around and he delivers as expected with the song 'Saiyaan Re'. What takes the cake is the fact that there is a western fusion element to the qawalli that makes it stand out in the crowd. A 'jugalbandi' of sorts with Shankar Mahadevan pairing up with Shilpa and Loy Mendonca doing the supporting act; it is a guaranteed winner in the making due to its beautiful rhythm that hooks you on in the first listening itself. With Govinda in the film, 'Saiyaan Re' seems to be tailor-made for him and if that indeed is the case then it is good news for his fans!

After two (well done) experimental numbers, listener gets to hear a kind of composition that has Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy stamp all over it. Titled 'Mera Dil', it is a sugar coated love song with fantasy ingredients to it which makes it a feel-good number to croon around. Sung by Shaan, the song is also special for Nihira, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist, who had earlier played a supporting role to Sunidhi Chauhan in 'Dhadak Dhadak' [Bunty Aur Babli]. With 'Mera Dil' she makes a confident entry to the big arena and gives a good account of herself as someone who can croon for a girl in her teens or someone just out if it. Is this melodious track the one which has been composed for Ayesha Takia and Akshaye Khanna?

SEL's stint with experimentation continues as they follow up the sound of Bagpiper with Indian 'dholaki' beats. Now that's being innovative! A song that would have made a Yash Chopra or a Karan Johar proud, title song 'Salaam-E-Ishq' is an instant winner due to its overtly catchy and easy to croon appeal! Shot on a grand scale coming across as an ensemble piece with singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Sadhana Sargam and Shankar Mahadevan behind the mike, it brings together the majority of starcast together in the song which is truly a celebration of love! Fourth successive winning number in a row!

If one thought that 'Dil Kya Kare’ was the first and last song where SEL experimented with Caribbean sound then you need to hear 'Tenu Leke'. It is quite interesting to hear the sound of 'dhol along with 'band baaja' that actually is played on a Caribbean theme. Hear it to believe it. A marriage song about a guy coming to the girl's place with a 'baraat' and promising to take her away with him, 'Tenu Leke' is a song with an unconventional 'mukhda' which sets the pace for the rest of the song to follow. A dance number that is bound to look good on screen!

Nihira is the only female singer in the entire album who gets to sing two songs as she croons the re-arranged [not remixed] version of the classic 'Babuji Dheere Chalna' [Aar Paar] originally sung by Geeta Dutt. She does a good job in crooning this track which in all probability seems to be one designed for Priyanka Chopra who is shown as an item girl in the film. Good part about the song is that it's soft feel is kept intact without making it as yet another 'beat one-beat two' number and the slight techno arrangements given to create a true 'retro'-spective number makes it an eminently enjoyable number all over again.

With Kailash Kher's name on the credits, one expects a full throated number that is high on spirits. What instead comes a surprise (yet again) is to actually hear him sing on a medium pitch as he goes about rendering 'Ya Rabba', a thoughtful number about 'a problem called love'! A sad song that moves at a slow pace while creating the much required impact, it doesn't drag for a single moment and should be quite engrossing when appearing (expectedly) at different points in the film.

Each of the songs of 'Salaam-E-Ishq' boasts of high quality music. There are some new sounds interspersed with the kind of music that goes well with the Bollywood scheme of things and the final result is something that is going to stay with you for many more months to come. Music of 'Salaam-E-Ishq' is yet another winner before an eminently successful 2006 comes to a close. Also SEL can assure themselves a hat-trick after two back to back successes in the form of 'vKabhi Alvida Na Kehna' and 'Don'.

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