Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Vulgar Rascals, Priyanka's 'People', Big B's Hanuman Chaleesa
David Dhawan's Rascals easily qualifies as one of the worst films of 2011. Loud, mad, vulgar and downright silly. Kangana Ranaut touched a new low with a shameless display of shedding-clothes-like-a-C-grade wannabe. Writing is crass, gags are limp and the saddest part is that such a dignified actor as Ajay Devgn is part of this sorry-comedy. Vishal Shekhar's music is bad. In fact nothing goes right with this movie. Do yourself a favour and stay far away from these Rascals. Star rating: Forget It!!!!
At an event in Bombay today Priyanka Chopra is being awarded People Magazine's Best Dressed of 2011. Considering that off late, Priyanka has been in news for her alleged linkups, breakup and being reportedly snubbed by a star wife, this award will hopefully bring some positive press.
Amitabh Bachchan will launch Hanuman Chaleesa (that is partly produced by his production house) at an event in a film studio tomorrow Oct 9. Bachchan has given his voice to this venture alongwith twenty other singers from the film industry. Incidentally Mr Bachchan celebrates his 69th birthday on Oct 11.
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At an event in Bombay today Priyanka Chopra is being awarded People Magazine's Best Dressed of 2011. Considering that off late, Priyanka has been in news for her alleged linkups, breakup and being reportedly snubbed by a star wife, this award will hopefully bring some positive press.
Amitabh Bachchan will launch Hanuman Chaleesa (that is partly produced by his production house) at an event in a film studio tomorrow Oct 9. Bachchan has given his voice to this venture alongwith twenty other singers from the film industry. Incidentally Mr Bachchan celebrates his 69th birthday on Oct 11.
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Friday, October 7, 2011
LBZ, Rockstar Music, SRK In 2 States?
Love Breakups Zindagi is a predictable love story with a nice first half and a loooong n convulated second half. What you take home is the progressive track of Cyrus Sahukar and Tisca Chopra. The older woman-younger man relationship has been explored well. Boman Irani, as Tisca's father, in one scene, steals everyone else's thunder. Zayed is good and so is Dia. The music is superb and the cinematography is wonderful. The in film advertising is over done. Jet Airways, In.com, Bascin Robbins, Cafe Coffee Day and then Shahrukh Khan doin his D Decor bit. The writing meanders from smart to ordinary. The sense of humour is intelligent in parts. If you have lots of free time, are willing to pardon the lennngggthhh of the film, then Love Breakups Zindagi is a somewhat 'love'ly experience. Star Rating: 2 1/2 stars.
These days I am constantly listening to the songs of 'Rockstar' and 'Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge'. Rockstar is a classic album that grows with each listening. Rahman is on the top of the game while Irshad Kamil has written very good lyrics. In fact Kamil is one of the best lyricists that we have today, better than the seasoned professionals in the market. My favourite song from the album is 'Sheher Main'. I just love the vibrancy and ebbulience of this number. Sadda Haq is a perfect Rock anthem with its mad guitar riffs and high octane energy. Tum Ho is a wonderful romantic song with superb music arrangements and the mountain-cloud-chorus that starts off the proceedings. Rockstar is an extremely well produced album in all respects. But there are several songs, which in spite of being great tracks musically, are low on mass appeal. Nadaan Parindey and Hawa Hawa are wow songs for me, but not sure, how the aam janta will react to it. Same with Kun Faya Kun. A lot will depend on how the songs are woven in the narrative of the film.
Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge's music has been composed by Raghu Dixit. Almost all the songs are fun numbers. Har Saans Mein is a traditional number, a sorta rock qawwali, sung by Raghu himself. Dheaoon, Baatein Shuru, Uh oh, the rocked up Choo Le...its a nice album that's worth a listen for sure.
Interviewed Chetan Bhagat today. He is a delight. His next book 'Revolution 2020' is being launched today. Chetan spoke on his latest book. He also spoke on the 3 Idiots controversy where he felt that he was shortchanged as far as the rightful credit is concerned. Chetan spoke on the 2 States novel that is being made into a film. Bhagat said that Sajid Nadiadwala has bought the rights for the book. He is not sure if Shahrukh Khan will be there. Chetan also spoke on his other novel 'The Three Mistakes Of My Life' that is being adapted by Abhishek Kapoor for Excel Films. Chetan says that he has written a screenplay called 'Love Practicals' which can be made into a movie. I also asked Chetan about his role as a Youth Icon courtesy his columns and how he reacts to critics who question his English writing skills. First part tomorrow.
Shahrukh Khan is shooting for an episode with Mr Bachchan for KBC today. The music launch of Hema Malini's Tell Me O Khuda happening today as well. So is the Success Party of Force. Also, the first look of Shiney Ahuja's 'Ghost' will be happening today as well.
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Thursday, October 6, 2011
A Tribute To Shammi Kapoor
PRESS RELEASE
‘Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge’ – Shammi Kapoor Resurrects
A tribute to late Shammi Kapoor – An exhibition of memorabilia (9th October – 22nd October 2011) at CSMVS, Mumbai
An opportunity to revisit the magic of the Dancing Hero of the 1950s and 60s Indian cinema is right here at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India) as the Museum presents an exhibition ‘Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge’ – an exhibition of memorabilia related to late veteran actor Shammi Kapoor’s movies.
This exhibition is a nostalgic tribute to the veteran actor and will outline his journey of two decades as a film hero through posters, photographs, songbooks, press cuttings and censor board certificates of his movies.
Shamsher Raj Kapoor (born 21st October 1931) popularly known as Shammi Kapoor began his career in 1951 with ‘Jeevan Jyoti’ with debutant Chand Usmani. However, his career took off only in 1957 when ‘Tumsa Nahi Dekha’ hit the screens and with it was reborn Shammi Kapoor in a swashbuckling, debonair avatar. Cleanshaven, hair cropped in a Presley duck-tail, he exploded on the Indian film scene at a time when Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar were ruling the roost. Shammi Kapoor threw convention out of the window with his boisterous, mad, rockstar bearing, never seen before on the Hindi silver screen and swept with him an entire generation of Indian cinemagoers. Hailed as the ‘Elvis Presley of India’, he became the face of the swinging 60s and had the young audiences deliriously yelling ‘Yahoo!’ after him.
Success came with several hits like Dil Deke Dekho, ‘Junglee’, ‘Professor’,‘Kashmir Ki Kali’,‘Chinatown’, ‘Janwar’, ‘Teesri Manzil’, and ‘An Evening in Paris’. His ‘Brahmachari’ fetched him his only Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1968. His versatility pervaded through all these films as he silenced his critics with films such as ‘Junglee’, ‘Budtameez’, ‘Bluffmaster’ and ‘Brahmachari’. After an accident whilst singing on an elephant back, dancing became painful and he took to doing only character roles. His ‘Chhote Sarkar’ was his last film as a Hero. His last film, ‘Rockstar’ awaits release. He died on 14th August 2011, just two months short of his 80th birthday. He lived a full life and gave great joy and many happy memories to millions.
The collection to be exhibited has been generously offered to the Museum for exhibition by Mr. Rajan Jayakar, who is an avid collector of historic material and memorabilia. An advocate by profession, Mr. Jayakar has curated several exhibitions 125 years of Bombay High Court in High Court Building (1987), 125 years of Bombay at Port Trust at Durbar Hall of Asiatic Society (1998), 50 years of Supreme Court of India in New Delhi (2000) and many more such exhibitions on several themes related to Bombay and its history.
Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director, CSMVS said:
‘This exhibition is a unique initiative on part of the Museum as for the first time a collector’s personal collection will be on display in the Museum. This will create access for the general to such priceless memorabilia. I would urge people not to miss out on this exhibition. The Museum will also be planning other programmes in conjunction with the exhibition.’
The exhibition will be inaugurated by Shammi Kapoor’s son Aditya Raj Kapoor and Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra on 8th October 2011 and will be open to public from the 9th until 22nd October, 10.15am to 6.00pm. There is no extra fee for the exhibition.
‘Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge’ – Shammi Kapoor Resurrects
A tribute to late Shammi Kapoor – An exhibition of memorabilia (9th October – 22nd October 2011) at CSMVS, Mumbai
An opportunity to revisit the magic of the Dancing Hero of the 1950s and 60s Indian cinema is right here at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India) as the Museum presents an exhibition ‘Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge’ – an exhibition of memorabilia related to late veteran actor Shammi Kapoor’s movies.
This exhibition is a nostalgic tribute to the veteran actor and will outline his journey of two decades as a film hero through posters, photographs, songbooks, press cuttings and censor board certificates of his movies.
Shamsher Raj Kapoor (born 21st October 1931) popularly known as Shammi Kapoor began his career in 1951 with ‘Jeevan Jyoti’ with debutant Chand Usmani. However, his career took off only in 1957 when ‘Tumsa Nahi Dekha’ hit the screens and with it was reborn Shammi Kapoor in a swashbuckling, debonair avatar. Cleanshaven, hair cropped in a Presley duck-tail, he exploded on the Indian film scene at a time when Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar were ruling the roost. Shammi Kapoor threw convention out of the window with his boisterous, mad, rockstar bearing, never seen before on the Hindi silver screen and swept with him an entire generation of Indian cinemagoers. Hailed as the ‘Elvis Presley of India’, he became the face of the swinging 60s and had the young audiences deliriously yelling ‘Yahoo!’ after him.
Success came with several hits like Dil Deke Dekho, ‘Junglee’, ‘Professor’,‘Kashmir Ki Kali’,‘Chinatown’, ‘Janwar’, ‘Teesri Manzil’, and ‘An Evening in Paris’. His ‘Brahmachari’ fetched him his only Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1968. His versatility pervaded through all these films as he silenced his critics with films such as ‘Junglee’, ‘Budtameez’, ‘Bluffmaster’ and ‘Brahmachari’. After an accident whilst singing on an elephant back, dancing became painful and he took to doing only character roles. His ‘Chhote Sarkar’ was his last film as a Hero. His last film, ‘Rockstar’ awaits release. He died on 14th August 2011, just two months short of his 80th birthday. He lived a full life and gave great joy and many happy memories to millions.
The collection to be exhibited has been generously offered to the Museum for exhibition by Mr. Rajan Jayakar, who is an avid collector of historic material and memorabilia. An advocate by profession, Mr. Jayakar has curated several exhibitions 125 years of Bombay High Court in High Court Building (1987), 125 years of Bombay at Port Trust at Durbar Hall of Asiatic Society (1998), 50 years of Supreme Court of India in New Delhi (2000) and many more such exhibitions on several themes related to Bombay and its history.
Mr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director, CSMVS said:
‘This exhibition is a unique initiative on part of the Museum as for the first time a collector’s personal collection will be on display in the Museum. This will create access for the general to such priceless memorabilia. I would urge people not to miss out on this exhibition. The Museum will also be planning other programmes in conjunction with the exhibition.’
The exhibition will be inaugurated by Shammi Kapoor’s son Aditya Raj Kapoor and Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra on 8th October 2011 and will be open to public from the 9th until 22nd October, 10.15am to 6.00pm. There is no extra fee for the exhibition.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"Munnabhai Part 3 Starting In July 2012": Sanjay Dutt
I finally got to interview Sanjay Dutt today at Mahboob Studio. We've had three cancellations, so I was apprehensive about today (specially because it is a Sunday and I didn't want to spoil it). In fact, it was a joint interview with Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn. Dutt looks in very good shape. It is apparent that he has been regularly working out.
Ajay Devgn is one of my favourite actors. Not merely because he is a big star. Not merely because he is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. For me Ajay is a Rockstar because of his simplicity and no nonsense attitude. He is always on time, interacts with his team members or journos without throwing attitude and is courteous-n-respectful. I congratulated him on Singham and mentioned that there's a sequel in this possible franchise since the character is dynamic-n-memorable. Ajay said that they'll think over it if a script comes their way.
The interview is a very cut-to-cut experience since both Sanjay and Ajay are very precise and to the point. Ajay spoke about Sanjay's look in 'Agneepath'. Dutt said he didn't feel like a Producer as Ajay was the one who ensured all goes well on the sets and there are no hiccups. Sanjay says, Munnabhai part 3 should be starting in July 2012. Ajay-Sanjay are working in one more film together 'Son Of Sardar'. The duo also spoke about favourite films of each other.
I asked David Dhawan, why Ajay and Sanjay's names in the film are named Chetan Bhagat. Dhawan said, it was a coincidence. He also said that writer Chetan Bhagat had called him up as well with regards to the same. Dhawan also spoke on the allegations of him copying Hollywood films.
Yesterday, I chatted up with John Abraham on the sets of Housefull 2. Abraham is excited with the positive response to 'Force' at the Box Office. John also answered to the criticism that is coming the film's way.
Both John Abraham as well as Sanjay-Ajay interviews will be up tomorrow morning.
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Ajay Devgn is one of my favourite actors. Not merely because he is a big star. Not merely because he is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. For me Ajay is a Rockstar because of his simplicity and no nonsense attitude. He is always on time, interacts with his team members or journos without throwing attitude and is courteous-n-respectful. I congratulated him on Singham and mentioned that there's a sequel in this possible franchise since the character is dynamic-n-memorable. Ajay said that they'll think over it if a script comes their way.
The interview is a very cut-to-cut experience since both Sanjay and Ajay are very precise and to the point. Ajay spoke about Sanjay's look in 'Agneepath'. Dutt said he didn't feel like a Producer as Ajay was the one who ensured all goes well on the sets and there are no hiccups. Sanjay says, Munnabhai part 3 should be starting in July 2012. Ajay-Sanjay are working in one more film together 'Son Of Sardar'. The duo also spoke about favourite films of each other.
I asked David Dhawan, why Ajay and Sanjay's names in the film are named Chetan Bhagat. Dhawan said, it was a coincidence. He also said that writer Chetan Bhagat had called him up as well with regards to the same. Dhawan also spoke on the allegations of him copying Hollywood films.
Yesterday, I chatted up with John Abraham on the sets of Housefull 2. Abraham is excited with the positive response to 'Force' at the Box Office. John also answered to the criticism that is coming the film's way.
Both John Abraham as well as Sanjay-Ajay interviews will be up tomorrow morning.
Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone
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