Video views for Shahrukh's BH exclusive: 502710

In the new site, we have been breaking longer interviews int various parts. The results are tremendous in terms of video views. For example the latest Shahrukh Khan interview was broken in four parts. Here's the break up of video views for each parts

Part 1: 168780
Part 2: 86556
Part 3: 152322
Part 4: 95052

Total video views for Shahrukh's BH interview: 502710 video views

Sent from my iPad

'Shab-e-Gham Kya Karein'...A Ghazal By My Dad

Hi Guys

Here's a Ghazal written by my father Professor Shahryar. I have composed and sung it. My friend Navneet Kedar has done the music arrangements and also played the music instruments. Hope you like it





Shab-e-gham kya karen kaise guzaren
Kise awaaz den kisko pukaren

Vahi mubham si sargoshi hava ki
Vahi afsurda shamon ki khataren
Vahi dhundhle se nanhe nanhe saaye
Vahi sooni sisakti rahguzaren

Magar is ke siva chaara hi kya hai
Khala mein ek naya chahra ubharen
Uttho neendon se ankhon ko jalayen
Chalo khwabon ki pariyon ko pukaren

"I Like Playing Bad Guy": Shahrukh Khan

I waited for 10 and a half hours. Kept on pumping in the patience gas. There were moments when I felt it won't happen (two interviews were cancelled for Don 2 a few days earlier). Even contemplated going back home. Something kept me going. Our turn came at 10 pm in the night. I was dead tired, quietly went in the bathroom, washed the face and pumped in the fist a few times. I recalled what Naseeruddin Shah recently said in our interview, "when you come before camera you have to give it all. You can't tell people later that you were not good that day because you had a backache." I smiled BIG... and with full vigour and energy, I was ready to interview Shahrukh Khan. Twenty two minutes later, things were fine. A satisfying day at work. Here is that interview in four parts. Hope you like it.

"I Am Not Good at Being Mean"



"I Like Playing Bad Guy"



"Don's Real Name Is Mark"



"I Like Going Back To Germany"

Live Video Chat On Facebook With Daler Mehndi

After the huge success of Priyanka Chopra's Facebook Live Video Chat, we shall be doing a Live Video Chat on facebook with superstar Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi tomorrow December 19 from 4-5 PM (IST). I shall be hosting the chat on behalf of Bollywood Hungama.

Here's the link where you can watch this chat

http://www.facebook.com/Bollywood?sk=app_204668122904459

Don 2 Dubai Premiere Cancelled

Dubai Premiere of Don 2 on December 21 has been cancelled

Interviewed Abhishek Bachchan today. He says Dostana 2 is very much on. The news report that has appeared today stating that Tarun Mansukhani has asked for a share in the profits of the film, according to Abhishek, is incorrect.

Ferari Ki Savari first look promo (60 sec) will be coming along with Don 2. In an informal chat with Sharman today (not an interview on camera or otherwise), we discussed more about the film. Its going to release on April 27 and the dialogues of the film have been written by Raju Hirani. Sharman denied news reports that he may be doing Hirani's directorial venture starring Aamir. We spoke about the continued success of 3 Idiots. Incidentally, 3 Idiots recently released in China with a whopping 900 prints and is doing extremely well. It also did exceptional business during its release in Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan recently. 3 idiots is also being remade in Chinese.

Why Ram Gopal Varma Interviews Are the Best

It is always special to do an interview with big stars. But to be honest, the most satisfying interviews are the ones where you are not told by a publicist, 'Don't ask any personal questions', or to' wrap it up pronto' or 'ask only about the film'. That's one reason it is always great fun to interview Ram Gopal Varma. You can ask about anything under the sun, and you are assured a ready answer laced with deep thought, wry humour, self admitted conceitedness or deep wisdom.

Some of my best interviews this year will include all the interviews that I've done with Mr Varma. I met him today to discuss his latest passion, the film that he is making on 26/11 Bombay attacks (tentative title: The Attacks Of 26/11). Mr Varma spoke in detail why he is making the film on 26/11. He said that he is not justifying anyone's actions or passing judgement or indulging in Pakistan bashing. 'I am just trying to understand what happened that night and how it took Bombay police, the whole administration by complete surprise. I am trying to understand why Kasab killed a 10 year old kid at CST station. I am focussing on the Human story. I won't go into the NSG operation at all.'

What about media's role in intimating the terrorists about Police plans with their relentless reporting of every available detail? 'No, I am not focusing on media either.'

A famous visual immediately after 26/11 was that of Ram Gopal Varma going to see what happened at Taj Hotel Colaba along with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Ritesh Deshmukh. Media labelled it 'terror tourism'. Many say, it precipitated Deshmukh's resignation as the Chief Minister.

RGV has his own take on what really happened and why media blew it out of proportion. He emphatically says that he is not casting Ritesh Deshmukh in the film.

RGV also spoke on his next film Department. The first look promo is most probably coming with Players and the film will be releasing in late February or early March, 2012. He is also starting a sequel to Ab Tak Chappan in a month's time where Nana Patekar will once again play the main lead. Shimit Amin is not part of the team. There's a new director.

After the interview, RGV showed me the theatrical trailer of Department. Its a hard hitting first look with some smashing moments from Mr Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Abhimanyu, Vijay Raaz etc. Violence is in abundance and it doesn't seem to be everyone's cup of tea. Sanjay Dutt, specially, is looking very impressive After Rascals, Desi Boyz and below par hosting capabilities displayed in Bigg Boss, Dutt seems to be making a solid comeback (I am not a fan of his Agneepath persona). The catchline for Department is: Legally Illegal.

I will try and post the transcript of Ram Gopal Varma's interview here on my blog. He calls 26/11 film as a 'dream' for him. He seems absolutely charged up. As I was coming out, Rommell Rodrigues, (the guy who wrote Kasab...the face of 26/11) came in RGV's room. Rodriguez is contributing a lot of inputs for the film.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone

Don 2 City Tour

Dec 14: Nagpur and Hyderabad
Dec 15: Ahmedabad and Jaipur
Dec 16: Kanpur and Indore
Dec 18: Don Comic Book will be launched in Delhi along with visit to some multiplexes
Dec 21: Premiere in Dubai (There will be a press conference before the premiere)

"Don's Real Name Is Mark": Shahrukh Khan

Well, we waited for over 10 hours. The corridors of Mahboob studio embraced us, endless cups of tea and fresh sandwiches kept us going. And then finally we got a call to set up for the interview. Shahrukh was there and welcomed us warmly. As our cameramen Tahir and Krishna did the set up, I chatted up with Shahrukh and congratulated him for the growing popularity of Don 2 dialogues. I suggested that maybe they should be having the dialogues in a CD and release in the markets, the way it used to happen in 70s with movies like Sholay.

I was damn tired but pumped myself up from within to look as fresh-n-agile as possible. Somewhere the '70 minute' speech from Chak De came to my mind. Well, 22 minutes of interview and we as a team were a satisfied lot. And happy. Lemme whet your appetite by shelling out some details.

1) Shahrukh says the real name of Don is Mark as told by Farhan to him.
2) He loved shooting in Berlin. And because of the love he gets in Germany, he loves going back there each time he is invited.
3) SRK burst a rumour that he is NOT doing any TV show by the name of 'Superstar Santa' (as per a news report today, its a show that were to be screened on UTV Stars with Sonam Kapoor as the first guest). "These days I end up reading stuff about me in news papers that I am not even aware of," he said.
4) He is starting Yash Chopra"s film with Katrina and Anushka on January 10, 2012. He is in talks with Rohit Shetty for Chennai Express. Casting and other details yet to be finalised. He also met Anurag Basu and Anurag Kashyap a couple of days back and is conisidering their films. He has also liked the script of one of his friends from Delhi. I am unable to promounce that guys name, hence not mentioning here. You'll have to check out the video for that.

A) What does SRK has to say on the longevity of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge?
B) According to SRK, what must be the thought process of Don's mom?
C) what does he have to say about the success of films like Darr, Bazigar, Anjaam or Ram Jaane and Don...all films where he played a negative role?
D) What's his favourite dialogue from Don 2?
E) What does he think of Farhan Akhtar as a writer?
F) Will there be a Don 3?

If you want to know the answers to the above questions and much more, you'll have to watch Shahrukh's interview on Bollywood Hungama :)

I am damn tired. Air is deliciously chilly as I head back home. I am smiling as I listen to some cool music on my IPOD. Life is good!

Will share the complete City Tour for Don 2 tomorrow morning. City Tour starts from tomorrow. So long. Good night!
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone

King Khan-The Official Opus Of Shahrukh Khan

A formal announcement of Shahrukh Khan's autobiography King Khan The Official Opus Of Shahrukh Khan will take place tomorrow December 11 at a hotel in Bombay. Karl Flower, CEO of Opus Media Group will make the formal announcement while Shahrukh will be signing the Copy Number 1 signature page. The autobiography will be out in 2012. The fans may be interested in logging on to srkopus.com and register themselves. Also log on to thisisopus.com that tells you how exclusive this publishing house is and has been associated with select achievers.

Kiran On Media Created 'Competition' Between Aamir-SRK

Check out the first part of 'Bollywood Hungama 2011 One OnOne' that has highlights from some interesting interviews on Bollywood Hungama from January to March 2011. Hope you like it.

"Shahrukh Is Extremely Popular": Farhan Akhtar

Live Webcast Of Players' Audio Launch/ Don 2 Premiere In Dubai

The Audio Launch of Players will be happening in Bombay tomorrow December 9 at 7: 30 PM (IST). It is going to be an open air event with the entire starcast performing some stunts. We at Bollywood Hungama will be doing a live webcast of this event.

The Premiere of Don 2 will be happening in Dubai on Wednesday, December 21, 2011.

Sonu Nigam's four year old son Nevaan Nigam has recorded his kiddie version of 'Why This Kolaveri Di' with some modifications in the lyrics (Scotch being replaced by milk :)). The song has already generated 1,485,050 video views so far and will be totaling many more. For Sure.

Insha With Shahrukh Khan/ Me With Tom Cruise

Top Gun's 'Mission' Accomplished

Tom Cruise came to India amidst huge fanfare and won everyone's hearts with his dazzling smile and humble persona. In this special video, we bring you highlights from Tom's visit to Mumbai. We bring you shots from the Mumbai Airport, the party hosted by Anil Kapoor at Taj Hotel in Colaba and finally the special screening of 'Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol' held at IMAX, Wadala where the screaming fans wanted to hug-n-click-pictures with the Top Gun superstar. Paula Patton and Anil Kapoor spread their charm. How is 'Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol'? Find out for yourself

"Hollywood And Bollywood Should Come Together": Tom Cruise

Anil Kapoor taught Tom Cruise how to say 'Jhakaas' in front of the media today after the special screening of 'Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol'. I saw the film at the media screening. The film boasts of some incredible edge of the seat thrills. The Burj Khalifa harakiri, the bombing of Kremlin or the chase through the sandstorm in Dubai, it was a fascinating journey all the way.

After the screening, Tom Cruise showed up along with stunning Paula Patten and gracious host Anil Kapoor. I asked Tom about the incorporation of humour in the Burj Khalifa stunt. Cruise said that they deliberately wanted humour in this version of Mission Impossible. He clarified that this is not the last in the series of Mission Impossible movies. He said that he was loving Indian hospitality and repeatedly said that Bollywood and Hollywood should come together and do something. He met up with many Bollywood stars like Aamir, Farhan Akhtar, Sonam etc at the party hosted by Anil Kapoor at Taj Colaba.

Many fans clicked pictures and hugged Tom. Media people turned fans too and the requests for autographs and pictures were abundant from the press people today. Seeing the mayhem, I joined the fray and got a picture clicked with Tom. Paula said that she loves Aishwarya Rai and would love to work in a movie with her. I asked her how was the experience of kicking her female adversary out of the window at Burj Khalifa. "My character in the film enjoyed it," she said laughing.

Anil Kapoor was overwhelmed with joy. He said that it is great that new avenues are opening up for India. He said that it is a matter of time in which Indian actors will be doing much more work in Hollywood. I asked him what sort of release will the film be having in India. Kapoor said that it will be the biggest release of a Hollywood film in India ever. "Something like over 1000 prints," he said.

It was a lovely experience being up close and personal with an international superstar like Tom Cruise. It was a working sunday but truly worth it. For sure.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone

"Who Doesn't Like Women, Don't You Like Women": Dev Anand

"Agle saal (for his birthday) wahi karenge," Dev Anand sahab told me in an interview on his birthday this year (September 26, 2011). Dev Sahab was referring to my statement where I reminded him how the media had celebrated his birthday three years back at his studio (Anand Studio, Bandra) with a lot of fanfare, senior journalists touching his feet. The moment I came to know of his sad demise today morning, I was invariably surrounded by memories of my interactions with Dev Sahab. I have had the privilege of interviewing Dev Sahab thrice. He had shared his memories, his failed love affair with Suraiya, how he felt let down by his muse Zeenat Aman, his views on almost all his classic films, was he banned from wearing black clothes as the girls used to go crazy, his association with Guru Dutt, competition with Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor and much more.

I spoke to Dev Sahab on phone several times. He always said, there's something interesting coming up and we will talk at an opportune time. At no point of time did I see an iota of cynicism or regret. He was always positive and smiling. The characteristic musical movement of the neck and he said at the beginning of one interview, "kya poochna chahte ho, poocho...."

"I Am One Of The Most Destined, Lucky Guys In The Country"



"Main Aaj Bhi Hoon, Kal Bhi Tha Aur Kal Bhi Hoonga Shayad"



"I Want To Excite The World Through My Excitement"



"I Think I Was A Hell Of A Guy"



"If An Idea Strikes You, Grab It, Don't Let It Go"



"Who Doesn't Like Women, Don't You Like Women"



I reviewed Dev Sahab's Autobiography 'Romancing With Life' four years back. Here's the link of that review

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/10/11/3113/index.html

Rest in peace Dev Sahab. You will always be around.

Abba's Poetry And The Fear Of Losing Him....

Its late in the night. I am reading Abba's poetry and getting amazed by the sheer class and the unique ability to resist attention grabbing tactics. His poetry just flows without clamouring for attention. The impact is solid and the experience of imagery is unique. Sample this:

Ek Aur Maut

Kat gaya din, dhali shaam, shab aa gayi
Phir zameen apne mahvar se hatne lagi
Chaandni karvate phir badalne lagi
Aahaton ke sisakte hue shor se
Phir makaan bhar gaya
Zaher sapno ka pee kar
Koi aaj ki raat phir mar gaya

Translating the last two lines in English will read like this:

Having drunk his dreams
Someone died this night, once again

Abba's condition has worsened. His left side has been paralysed. His left leg and hand are not functioning any more. He has had rigorous Radio Therapy post the assigned Chemo Therapy sessions. There are multiple tumours in the brain. Time is ticking like an unpredictable bomb. We as a family are trying our level best to make things as comfortable as possible for him. He never complains and always tries to project as if everything is fine. One can source 'Strength' from him. Whatever will be, will be...but he genuinely doesn't wish to cause anxiety to anyone because of his condition. The fact that everyone has a definite end, leaves you with such a sinking feeling. No matter how much one may deny or philosophise, no one wants to die. At any stage. At any age.

Past few months have been extremely tough for me. I am constantly in a thoughtful mood. I've also worked like never before in the last few months. I am far more sharp, focussed, determined and eager to excell in every sphere as far as my work is concerned. I've done some very fine interviews and people find it surprising that how do I manage to do so many interviews and yet retain interest levels in most of the interviews. As I've said earlier, I am laughing and enjoying myself in most of the interviews, but the imminent fear of losing a loved one hurts me from within. All the time.

I really don't know how I'll take it when the 'Bad News' will finally open its jaws. I hope I'm prepared. I've cried a lot in the past few months after the disease was disclosed to us. Something from within tells me, it'll be my work, that is, and will be, the perfect refuge to escape from pain and sadness. Let's wait and watch. Lemme read some more poetry before I call it a day. Good night folks!
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone

Hrithik Tops 'Sexiest Asian Poll'; Tom Cruise' Schedule In India

According to a survey conducted by Eastern Eye Weekly, Hrithik Roshan has emerged as the sexiest Asian man in the world for the year 2011.

Here are a few of the winners

1) Hrithik Roshan
2) Shahid Kapoor
3) Shahrukh Khan
4) Salman Khan
5) Ali Zafar
6) Ranbir Kapoor
7) John Abraham
9) Akshay Kumar
11) Arjun Rampal
12) Imran Khan
13) Saif Ali Khan
16) Atif Aslam
34) Farhan Akhtar
35) Aamir Khan

Well, publicists gleefully send such details but one would want to know how the poll was conducted, how many people gave their opinions, what are the areas, cities, countries in which this poll was conducted, if it was conducted online then was there an option for one person casting vote multiple number of times.

Tom Cruise will be reaching India (New Delhi) tomorrow morning Dec 3, 2011 at 6 am. He, along with Anil Kapoor, will be going to Taj Mahal, Agra. There will be a photo opportunity at around 1 pm (IST) tomorrow. Tom Cruise will be participating in a party at a plush Mumbai hotel tomorrow evening where media has not been invited (but media will be present nevertheless). There is a screening of Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol for select fans and media at a Mumbai multiplex on Sunday Dec 4, 2011 afternoon. After the screening, Tom will be interacting with the fans for a couple of hours. He'll leave for Dubai on Monday (Dec 5) morning.

Hosting Live Video Chat With Priyanka Chopra For Facebook

Just wrapped up a Live Video Chat with Priyanka Chopra for Facebook. It was a first of its kind. I hosted the chat and man it was exhausting. The questions flew like lightening in fast forward and I was like gasping. Still. I guess we managed very well. I kept on asking my own questions to break the monotony. Stuff on Don 2, can we see her breaking the Rs 100 crore club with Don 2, has she contemplated taking legal action against speculative stories regularly doing the rounds in tabloids. Her fans poured in from New York, Chicago, Toronto, Pakistan, Dubai, Doha, Sweden, Germany, Jordan, Peru etc. Many wanted to be waved at, ached for flying kisses, proposed marriage, asked about her fitness regimen, what her dream man could be like etc.

Here's the page where you can watch the recorded version of this chat

http://www.facebook.com/ChaseContinues

It was fun. Did any of you watch it?
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone