When Big B turned A Dialogue Writer

Bollywood On My Mind (June 25)

Its going great guns. I've interviewed Aamir, Shahrukh, Salman in a span of a month. To top it, did a quick interview with Mr Bachchan a few days back and did a long and satisfying interview with Big B today. Its a treat talking to Mr B. We spoke about BHTB music and Abhi-Ash good news (Ash is tentatively due for delivery in November). Mr Bachchan also spoke about some of the famous props like the billa no 786 in Deewar, rope in Deewar etc. He also spoke about some of his colorful characters from movies like Naseeb, Namak Halal, Yaarana and Don.

Did you know, Mr B has written the 'I can talk english, i can walk english' dialogue from Namak Halal on the spur of the moment. Big B told us that he requested the director and the cinematographer to leave the room as they shot this scene. He also went down the memory lane remembering the shooting experience in Nepal for Mahaan, the lights in the Yaraana number and the hazards it had.

I met Singham director Rohit Shetty the other day. He is a hardworking bloke who believes in letting the box office numbers do the talking. For him the critics don't matter as almost all of them have their agendas while reviewing films.

I may have done some high profile interviews in the last few days but I've also done some immensely satisfying interviews with Prakash Jha, Ram Gopal Varma, Vikram Bhatt, Ram Sampath and Roshan Abbas. Also, recently interviewed Akshat Varma, the script writer of Delhi Belly. Quirky guy with a wicked sense of humour.

Salman Khan with the Chillar Party Gang

Check out an interview with Salman Khan and three kids from the Chillar Party gang...Hope you guys like it....

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Interviews/OCFYrU27/3/Salman-Khan-Speaks-About-Chillar-Party.html

Big B, Shahrukh, Aamir....And Chandigarh Di Star!!!

Bollywood On My Mind June 18, 2011


An interview with Mr Bachchan is always special. In the discotheque of a Bombay five star hotel, Big B strutted in style, dressed in a colorful shirt and funky glares. I started off the interview with a few lines written by my father:

Iss umr ke safar ka
Kitna taweel rasta tai maine kar liya hai
Aur ab bhi taaza dum hoon, bilkul nahi thaka hoon
Hairat ki baat kya hai?


While talking to the legend I always feel blessed for being a part of the profession that I am. Amitabh Bachchan is God and being right in front of him is a wonderful feeling. We discussed the influence of director Puri Jagannath and the South Indian influence that's apparent in 'Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap'. Big B said that the exchange has always been there. Rajnikanth has remade several Bachchan films in South like 'Namak Halal', 'Don' and 'Deewar'. The budget of BHTB is a mere Rs 10 crore. The satellite rights have already been sold for Rs 13.5 crore so it becomes a profitable venture even before the release. I have a strong positive gut feeling about BHTB. It has a good chance of succeeding at the Box Office. Really hope BHTB producer Abhishek Bachchan is careful about the budget of his own films as an actor as well.

Here's the promo of Delhi Belly featuring Aamir Khan...

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Movie-Promos/UoSiwL7/3/Dialogue-Promo-1-Delhi-Belly.html

Alright, Raveena Tandon's item number 'Chandigarh Di Star' is a scorcher...Check it out:

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Movie-Promos/mmcgWd62/3/Main-Chandigarh-Di-Star-Bbuddah-Hoga-Terra-Baap.html

For all those asking here's the link of of Prakash Jha's interview

"Mr Bachchan Has The Versatality": Prakash Jha

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Interviews/wx2XsY67/3/Prakash-Jha-Speaks-About-Aarakshan.html


Here's the part two of Shahrukh Khan and the team of 'Always Kabhi Kabhi'

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Interviews/RmfJQY97/3/Shahrukh-Khan-Speaks-About-Always-Kabhi-Kabhi-Part-2.html

One of you sent me a mail asking, how do I tackle detractors. Well, I just don't react or give importance to good-for-nothing-'losers'. My work speaks for itself. And mashallah, things are getting better with each passing day :)

God Bless!!!

When Big B Almost Didn't Do 'Lagaan' Voice Over

Bollywood On My Mind (June 16, 2011)

I really admire and respect Raju Hirani. He speaks less and his work is so tall that his modesty becomes extremely endearing. On the other hand, there are filmmakers obsessed with picking up fights just for the sake of publicity. Their films are watched by a miniscule number of people and their coterie constantly tries to keep them at a 'pedestal'. While they consider themselves God, maximum number of people don't even know them. Then the blame game starts about Indian audience being immature and all the sho-sha of how they need to appreciate 'good' cinema. Yawn...

'Lagaan' completed 10 years yesterday. Aamir along with the cast and crew of 'Lagaan' and all his other productions gathered at a Mumbai Hotel along with strong media presence amongst the dignitaries. The evening started with the Making of 'Lagaan'...'Madness In The Desert-The Lunacy Of Filmmaking'. This documentary, directed by Satyajit Bhatkal was engaging. Later, Aamir (teary eyed) and Ashutosh Gowarikler (he has lost lots of weight, the healthy way hopefully) went down the memory lane reminiscing what all happened during the making of the film. I asked both of them, that since they've made a phenomenal film and are so appreciative of each other, why haven't they worked together again and can we see that happening in the future. Both Aamir and Ashutosh stated that as and when they shall have a good script they would be very keen to work together again (Not a convincing answer guys :)).

Javed Akhtar sahab remembered how he had tried to pursuade Aamir not to make 'Lagaan' as it was an unsafe film from all counts. Akhtar also said that even 'Zanjeer' was rejected by many producers and actors. Like 'Lagaan' it was breaking a lot of conventions, Akhtar said. Mr Bachchan came almost at the end of the evening. He was in his 'Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap' look. Aamir shared an interesting bit of info that most of us didn't know. Ashutosh wanted Mr B's voice over but then later Ashutosh changed his mind and felt that a fresh voice should do the VO as Mr Bachchan's voice is easily recognisable. Aamir went back to Big B to apologise that they wouldn't be requiring his VO in their film. Ashutosh changed his mind once again after a month and told Aamir that he felt that Mr Bachchan's Voice Over is the right choice. Khan was baffled and went back to the legend once again. Big B agreed.

Here's the video of this event...

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Parties-and-Events/yg7m3r20/3/Aamir-Khan-Celebrates-Lagaan-s-Decade-Run.html

I interviewed the director of 'Aarakshan' Prakash Jha today. His office carries a stamp of an educated man with lots of wonderful books, furniture having a simple old world charm to it and nice comforting spaciousness. He was slightly late and apologised profusely. We had a long interview where we talked about the issue of Reservation in jobs and education institutions in India. I also asked him questions about his stint in politics and did he and Ajay Devgn really had differences over 'Raajneeti'. We also had a Down The Memory Lane segment where I asked him about his films like 'Hip Hip Hurray', 'Damul', 'Parinati', Mrityudand', 'Gangaajal', 'Aparahan', 'Khoya Khoya Chaand', 'Dil Dosti Etc'. Mr Jha made me see a 10 min showreel of 'Aarakshan' as well. Looks like a very interesting film.

When The Painlessness Hurts

Hopelessness infests
Ruthlessly,
Trampling
All traces
Of positivity,
Eerily smiling,
Brandishing
A knife, that
Gleams sinisterly.

It is easy
To philosophise
About the End,
But its a
Stab-in-the-heart
To Look beyond
The Inevitable.

Stripped of protection,
Leaves of attachment
Gear up for a
Bloody battle ahead
As the storm rages on.

Defeat seems imminent
As the Loss gets into
The garb of memories
Painlessness hurts...

"Ra.one And Don 2 Are Macho Films": Shahrukh Khan

Finally, here's the Shahrukh Khan interview that all of you guys have been asking for. I've got many emails, asking details about this interview. I've tried to reply to as many of the emails as possible but if at all I haven't been able to reply so please don't mind. Your feedback and appreciation is very important and precious. I've always valued it and always will. Yes, if we do SRK's interview for Ra.one and Don 2, I'll surely try and take questions from all of you guys as well. Till then, hope you enjoy this one. Part 2 of this interview will be up on Thursday June 16.


http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Interviews/7TgajL42/3/Shahrukh-Khan-Always-Kabhi-Kabhi-Team-s-Bollywood-Hungama-Exclusive-1.html

Enjoy and Best Wishes!!!!

"Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak Is My College Film": Shahrukh Khan

Check out one more teaser from the Bollywood Hungama exclusive interview of Shahrukh Khan and the team of Always Kabhi Kabhi. The first part of this video interview will be live on Monday June 13...on Bollywood Hungama.


http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Special-Features/BFcfRW42/3/Teaser-Of-Bollywood-Hungama-s-Exclusive-Interview-With-SRK-And-Always-Kabhi-Kabhi-Team.html

Live Webcast Of Hrithik, Abhay, Farhan...Live Concert On Bollywood Hungama

We at Bollywood Hungama are doing the Live Webcast of Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol's Live Concert in Mumbai tomorrow June 11 at 1830 Hrs (IST). Its gonna be a real time viewing experience. Don't miss all the fun and excitement all across
the world only on www.bollywoodhungama.com

Here's the link where you can watch the live webcast:

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/livetv/znmd10june/index.html

"If You Feel Good, You Look Good": Shahrukh Khan

Check out the teaser of Shahrukh Khan and the team of Always Kabhi Kabhi's Bollywood Hungama Exclusive Video Interview

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Special-Features/Z1iq4k98/3/Teaser-Of-SRK-And-Always-Kabhi-Kabhi-Team-s-Bollywood-Hungama-Exclusive.html

"I Am Embarassed And Humbled When I'm Called King Khan": Shahrukh khan

Here's a text story on the video interview that we've done with Shahrukh Khan and the team of Always Kabhi Kabhi

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2011/06/09/7575/index.html

"I am little embarrassed and humbled sometimes when I am called King Khan. I am happy that people call me that. I'm in a happy space where a lot of people have worked very hard to make me look as good as I am," said Shah Rukh Khan in a Bollywood Hungama video interview along with the team of Always Kabhi Kabhi comprising of Satyajit Dubey, Giselli Monteiro, Ali Fazal and Zoa Morani. "The Film Industry is a job where I think too much credit is given to too few people, mostly the heroes of the film. Dilwale (Dulhania Le Jayenge) becomes a hit and even now, I don't know after how many years of it running, it's a Shah Rukh Khan film. It really is not a Shah Rukh Khan film. The lead actors do get the credit more than is due to them," Shah Rukh said.

Before the interview started, producer Shah Rukh Khan interacted with the young guns of Roshan Abbas' Always Kabhi Kabhi and gave them interesting tips on acting and camera angles. Even during the other interviews, it was very apparent that SRK coaxed the budding newcomers to make their presence felt as much as possible and not be overawed by his huge presence. Khan says that he has seen the film and liked the honesty and the team spirit. "There's a huge learning curve for me as a romantic hero after seeing what they've done. Any romantic film I do, I'll do it differently," he said.

With Ra.One and Don 2 slated to release later this year, is Shah Rukh Khan hoping to end the year on a big high as an actor? "I'm past that age of thinking of big big highs at the end of the year. My thing is always a humble offering with a lot of confidence," SRK said. Do check out the Bollywood Hungama exclusive video interview of Shah Rukh Khan and the team of Always Kabhi Kabhi very soon.

Shahrukh Khan's Bollywood Hungama Exclusive Interview

Finally, got a chance to do a video interview with Shahrukh Khan yesterday after a gap of two years. The starcast of 'Always Kabhi Kabhi' Satyajeet, Ali Fazal, Zoa Morani and Giselli Monteiro were part of the interview. To be honest, I wasn't entirely happy as I would have wanted to do a one on one with SRK only. But never mind, as we ended up getting a good interview where everyone had a say, though obviously I ensured that SRK had a lot of bytes.

Well, Shahrukh spoke on Always Kabhi Kabhi, what makes him one of the finest romantic heroes in Hindi cinema, Don 2, Ra.one, Two States, Yash ji's film and what's happening with Angoor remake. Khan informed that 650 prints of Always Kabhi Kabhi will be coming out and it seems it is having an extensive overseas release as well since there will be 150 prints for the overseas market. I told Shahrukh that I've interacted with many of his fans on twitter who are not from India, are not Asians either, don't understand Hindi but yet adore him and call him King Khan, what does he attribute this adulation to? Shahrukh smiled and said that he is embarassed when people refer to him as King Khan.

We shall be bringing this exclusive interview with SRK and the team of Always Kabhi Kabhi in two parts. I'll let you guys know the date for the first part soon. Before that, we shall share a teaser from this interview very soon to whet your appetite for more :) I'm good at hyping up things...isn't it? :) But the fans will hopefully like what they'll get. The best part about Shahrukh is that he doesn't look down upon you and takes each question on its merit and answers diligently.

I tend to get many emails from Shahrukh Khan fans as to why I haven't done any interview with SRK in a long time. Some of you guys have also called me biased towards Aamir, Salman and Hrithik since I've done several interviews with them in the recent past. Most of you understand that getting interviews with big stars is not easy and its not in our hands. Publicists still consider News Channels and News Papers a better bet. Some of the publicists are still not aware of the tremendous reach of Bollywood Hungama across the globe. Things are changing fast and hopefully they'll get even better. I am very hungry for a long interview with Shahrukh, ask him a whole lot of questions on movies, personal space (especially about his parents), marketing, sense of humour, fan following etc. Hopefully, we will get that chance soon. But till that happens, I think you guys will like the Bollywood Hungama exclusive on Always Kabhi Kabhi.

Live Webcast Of Shahrukh Khan's Event TODAY on Bollywood Hungama

We at Bollywood Hungama are doing Live Webcast of the launch of Kanika Dhillon's 'Bombay Duck' today at 1600 Hrs (IST). Shahrukh Khan will be the Guest of Honour for this event. I feel its gonna be an exciting Press Con. Don't miss the live webcast!

"I Don't Want To Be In This Number Game": Salman Khan

Check out Salman Khan's Bollywood Hungama exclusive interview held in Dubai. Hope
you like it.

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Interviews/LNTpCI32/3/Salman-Khan-s-Bollywood-Hungama.html