As the year comes to an end we bring an interesting rating on the face values of Bollywood stars.
Ace photographer Sabi Samuel lists his top ten favorite faces of 2009.
Indiatimes
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Worst film of 2009
3 Idiots has cast a spell on everybody and it is unanimously being declared as the best film of 2009. But lets take a look to the major disappointments of this year.
This is what the Bollywood thinks when asked to pick the worst film of 2009.
Click here
This is what the Bollywood thinks when asked to pick the worst film of 2009.
Click here
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Deepika Padukone at PM residence.
Well there isn't any serious issues discussed between the Prime Minister and Deepika but incidentally Deepika happens to be a favorite of the Japanese PM Yukio Hatoyama and his wife Miyuki Hatoyama! They just loved her performance in Om Shanti Om, and expressed their wish to see her at the Prime Minister ManMohan Singh’s residence at a dinner. Sonia Gandhi and the other Cabinet Ministers were also there.
Deepika took a day off from the shooting of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se to be there for the dinner.
Deepika said, “It is a privilege and honour for me to be invited for this dinner. I am excited and nervous at the same time." She is completely overwhelmed by their gesture.
Deepika took a day off from the shooting of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se to be there for the dinner.
Deepika said, “It is a privilege and honour for me to be invited for this dinner. I am excited and nervous at the same time." She is completely overwhelmed by their gesture.
Katrina in love
Katrina has bought all the four books of the Twilight Series and she has been gulping them down ravenously. She would start on the last book soon. Wanna know why? She is completely mesmerized by Edward Cullen. She is totally in love with him.
Katrina is so much in love with the bloodthirsty hero that she wants to meet Robert Pattinson who plays the role. A formal meeting!
“You don’t understand. This is like an obsession for me. I can’t get Robert Pattinson out of my head. I see the love of my life in every object that moves or doesn’t move. I’ve never felt this way about any man before.”
“Obviously, I can’t stand under his window to get his attention. So yes, the meeting has to be more formal. He says he’s single. But I don’t believe him. That’s what they all say.”
Is Katrina single?
What would we say to that!
Katrina is so much in love with the bloodthirsty hero that she wants to meet Robert Pattinson who plays the role. A formal meeting!
“You don’t understand. This is like an obsession for me. I can’t get Robert Pattinson out of my head. I see the love of my life in every object that moves or doesn’t move. I’ve never felt this way about any man before.”
“Obviously, I can’t stand under his window to get his attention. So yes, the meeting has to be more formal. He says he’s single. But I don’t believe him. That’s what they all say.”
Is Katrina single?
What would we say to that!
A.R Rahman bags 2 Grammy nominations.
The Oscar winning musician has once again fetched two nominations at 2010 Grammy awards for his amazing soundtrack in Slumdog Millionaire.
'Jai Ho' which won Rahman two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, is nominated in the category of ‘Best Song written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
He has also been nominated in the category of ‘Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
Its a rare honour for Rahman because it is for the first time that an 44 yr old music director has been nominated at the Grammy,which is regarded as the Oscars of the music industry.
The Grammy awards will be presented on January 31st at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
'Jai Ho' which won Rahman two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, is nominated in the category of ‘Best Song written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
He has also been nominated in the category of ‘Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
Its a rare honour for Rahman because it is for the first time that an 44 yr old music director has been nominated at the Grammy,which is regarded as the Oscars of the music industry.
The Grammy awards will be presented on January 31st at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Neil Nitin Mukesh : Getting Married soon.
It's official. Neil Nitin Mukesh, is off the singles list as he is engaged to Mumbai based designer Priyanka Bhatia.
So who is Priyanka? This low-profile designer runs two boutiques, one on Peddar Road and the other in Bandra, and currently resides in Malabar Hills.
[TOI]
So who is Priyanka? This low-profile designer runs two boutiques, one on Peddar Road and the other in Bandra, and currently resides in Malabar Hills.
[TOI]
Priety Zinta- Off to Harvard
Little Miss Bossy:Preity Zinta has been indulging herself in the entrepreneurial side since long time.
The dimpled beauty along with then beau Ness Wadia bought the Kings IX Punjab cricket team of the Indian Premier League. Soon after, she dumped Ness. But the team is still her priority. She knows how to play boss, whether it's cheering her boys on the cricket field or promoting her team through reality TV show Behind The Seams which takes you through the journey of her cricket team.
The star, who's always had an opinion on everything, is not one to shy away from a challenge. So what if she hasn't a clue about business!
Preity Zinta is leaving Bollywood for B-school. “Yes, I’m going to the Harvard Business School to study a short executive course in negotiating and deal-making,” she says. “I thought that since I spend so much time in the US, I might as well use the experience better. I applied to Harvard and got accepted, so I’m quite kicked about going there next month.” Best of luck Priety!
The dimpled beauty along with then beau Ness Wadia bought the Kings IX Punjab cricket team of the Indian Premier League. Soon after, she dumped Ness. But the team is still her priority. She knows how to play boss, whether it's cheering her boys on the cricket field or promoting her team through reality TV show Behind The Seams which takes you through the journey of her cricket team.
The star, who's always had an opinion on everything, is not one to shy away from a challenge. So what if she hasn't a clue about business!
Preity Zinta is leaving Bollywood for B-school. “Yes, I’m going to the Harvard Business School to study a short executive course in negotiating and deal-making,” she says. “I thought that since I spend so much time in the US, I might as well use the experience better. I applied to Harvard and got accepted, so I’m quite kicked about going there next month.” Best of luck Priety!
Shilpa Shetty on a long extended honeymoon.
The celebrity Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has been enjoying her married life very much. There are not too much time passed of Shilpa shetty and Raj Kundra wedding. But Shilpa Shetty wants to be a mother of babies soon.
According to the apunkachoice.com, “Oh yes! I certainly want to be a mother. I can’t wait to start our family,” the newlywed told a news daily.
The couple were now off to their honeymoon in America and the Bahamas.
After a rather extended honeymoon in the Bahamas, the newly weds have returned to London and now packing up again to leave for a cruise through the Mediterranean. This time, however, their families will be joining them.
The actress likens her honeymoon to a dream.
According to the apunkachoice.com, “Oh yes! I certainly want to be a mother. I can’t wait to start our family,” the newlywed told a news daily.
The couple were now off to their honeymoon in America and the Bahamas.
After a rather extended honeymoon in the Bahamas, the newly weds have returned to London and now packing up again to leave for a cruise through the Mediterranean. This time, however, their families will be joining them.
The actress likens her honeymoon to a dream.
Priyanka Chopra- New Brand ambassador of Asmi.
The hot-and-happening Priyanka Chopra has signed up as the new brand ambassador of Asmi Jewelry.The Bollywood actress will be seen playing herself (model-actress) in this recently shot commercial.
She is styled by Gavin Miguel here
She is styled by Gavin Miguel here
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sushmita 's dream project, Still a dream....
By now everybody knows of actress Sushmita Sen's fascination for the character of Rani Laxmibai. The actress has been planning the film for a while now. But her pet project is "indefinitely on hold" due to cash constraints, Sushmita admits.
"The script, the storyboard, everything is ready...it's just a matter of putting in the money now and making the film."
The actress admits she is disappointed with the deferment of the endeavour.
"The script, the storyboard, everything is ready...it's just a matter of putting in the money now and making the film."
The actress admits she is disappointed with the deferment of the endeavour.
Rajneeti's first promo screening on hold.
Prakash Jha's much awaited multi-starrer Rajneeti's trailer was all set to be unveiled with 3 Idiots, which was one of the highlights of this week. However, reports now suggest that, in an apparent flip flop, the producers of 3 Idiots have decided against carrying the Rajneeti theatrical.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra who earlier agreed to screen Rajneeti promo during the interval of 3 Idiots has now changed his mind. The filmmaker has developed cold feet after watching the Ranbir-Katrina starrer's powerful promo.
A source informed, "This decision came in the wake of a private screening of 3 Idiots held recently. Everybody who saw the film spoke very highly about the trailer of Rajneeti and felt that it would be a very strong film. This kept Vidhu bothering and he decided that he would rather do away with the trailer than have people distracted from 3 Idiots."
Vidhu Vinod Chopra who earlier agreed to screen Rajneeti promo during the interval of 3 Idiots has now changed his mind. The filmmaker has developed cold feet after watching the Ranbir-Katrina starrer's powerful promo.
A source informed, "This decision came in the wake of a private screening of 3 Idiots held recently. Everybody who saw the film spoke very highly about the trailer of Rajneeti and felt that it would be a very strong film. This kept Vidhu bothering and he decided that he would rather do away with the trailer than have people distracted from 3 Idiots."
Bipasha Basu : No smoking please!
Bipasha Basu is popularly known for not drinking or smoking, refused to smoke a cigarette or even hold it in a scene in Pankh.
Director Sudipto Chattopadhyay wanted Bipasha to smoke for a vital sequence. However, Bipasha boldly refused. She was not in favour of the scene and if she smoked, it would`ve meant that she was promoting smoking. Sudipto even gave her the option of holding a cigarette, but she refused that as well. It was agreed upon to shoot the scene differently.
Bipasha confirmed the story by saying, “I don`t smoke and i don`t encourage smoking. Unless it`s absolutely essential to smoke for my role, I wouldn`t agree to do it.”
According to Sudipto it was a song sequence in a smokey atmosphere. He wanted to show smoke coming out from Bipasha`s mouth when she starts singing. Eventually a canister jar was placed in front of her which emitted smoke and framed it such that when she sings, it seems as if the smoke is coming out of her mouth.
Director Sudipto Chattopadhyay wanted Bipasha to smoke for a vital sequence. However, Bipasha boldly refused. She was not in favour of the scene and if she smoked, it would`ve meant that she was promoting smoking. Sudipto even gave her the option of holding a cigarette, but she refused that as well. It was agreed upon to shoot the scene differently.
Bipasha confirmed the story by saying, “I don`t smoke and i don`t encourage smoking. Unless it`s absolutely essential to smoke for my role, I wouldn`t agree to do it.”
According to Sudipto it was a song sequence in a smokey atmosphere. He wanted to show smoke coming out from Bipasha`s mouth when she starts singing. Eventually a canister jar was placed in front of her which emitted smoke and framed it such that when she sings, it seems as if the smoke is coming out of her mouth.
3 Idiots : Movie review
Life is all about listening to your heart and chasing your dreams. That's the essence of 3 IDIOTS, directed by the supremely talented Rajkumar Hirani.
3 Idiots is a must watch. The movie that was the most awaited flick of the year has lived up to the expectation.
3 IDIOTS easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 IDIOTS. It's emotional, it's entertaining, it's enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way.
For full story click here
3 Idiots is a must watch. The movie that was the most awaited flick of the year has lived up to the expectation.
3 IDIOTS easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 IDIOTS. It's emotional, it's entertaining, it's enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way.
For full story click here
Monday, December 21, 2009
A brand Old SRK
Shahrukh Khan turns 75.
In an upcoming ad for Dish TV, SRK has donned an avatar of a 75-year-old man who romances his wife behind closed doors by dancing with her. Anurag, together with adman Prasoon Joshi, the brain behind the concept, planned the look and the ad.
In an upcoming ad for Dish TV, SRK has donned an avatar of a 75-year-old man who romances his wife behind closed doors by dancing with her. Anurag, together with adman Prasoon Joshi, the brain behind the concept, planned the look and the ad.
Hindi movies based on novels
Bollywood is increasingly banking on literature to gain a foothold in global cinema.
Parineeta" is the first of a slew of novel adaptations to be released. The much-anticipated Rani Mukherjee-starrer "Paheli" which featured Shah Rukh Khan essaying the role of a ghost, is director Amol Palekar's take on Vijayadhan Dehta's "Folktale".
The other films to follow are: Pritish Nandy's under-production "Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam" based on Bimal Mitra's book; Vishal Bharadwaj's "The Blue Umbrella" inspired by Ruskin Bond's book; Gulzar's cinematic adaptation of his own book "Raavi Paar"; and Munshi Premchand's "Bazaar-e-Husn" made as "1918 Benares: A Love Story".
After sourcing from William Makepeace Thackeray for "Vanity Fair", Indian-origin Mira Nair took to contemporary literature for her next film - "The Namesake". The film is a cinematic adaptation of Pulitzer-prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri's book by the same name.
On much the same lines, Nikhil Advani is planning a film based on Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women". And Sudhir Mishra is interested in making a screen version of Robin Sharma's bestseller "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari". Aishwarya Rai's next, a Gurinder Chadha production by husband Paul Mayeda Berges, is reportedly based on Chitra Divakaruni's "The Mistress of Spices".
3 Idiots
While Atul Agnihotri adapted Chetan Bhagat's One Night at a Call Centre as Hello in 2008, Rajkumar Hirani clearly was sensible enough to acquire the more interesting and entertaining work of Chetan Bhagat. Bhagat's first novel Five Point Someone is being adapted into celluloid as 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan and Kareena Kapoor. In the book, Chetan Bhagat wrote about life in IIT engineering college though disclaiming it to be an autobiography.
Slumdog Millionaire
Another early release of 2009, Slumdog Millionaire that was already garnered name and fame across the globe is based on a novel by Vikas Swarup titled Q&A. Having won several international awards, this Danny Boyle film is said to be already in contention for Oscars
Rang Rasiya
Ketan Mehta's biographical episode Rang Rasiya on the controversial painter is an adaptation of Marathi writer Ranjit Desai's novel Raja Ravi Varma. Aparna Sen's The Japanese Wife is based on Kunal Basu's short story. The film stars Rahul Bose and Raima Sen.
Devdas
Sarat Chandra's Devdas saw a contemporary adaptation as Anurag Kashyap's Dev D. And the novel is all set for another contemporary adaptation as Sudhir Mishra's Aur Devdas. Though not an exact screenplay adaptation, the basic theme is clearly derived from Sarat Chandra's literature.
Raavana
Though not much is known about Mani Ratnam's Raavana, it seems to be adapted from the Indian mythological epic Ramayana.
What's Your Rashee?
Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Rashee? is based on a novel Kimball Ravenswood by Madhu Rye. The film stars Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. Other contemporary literature that is being considered for cinematic adaptation include Advaita Kala's Almost Single, Mukul Deva's Lashkar, Abhijit Bhaduri's Married But Available, Anuja Chauhan's The Zoya Factor and Vikas Swarup's The Six Suspects.
In the past, many filmmakers have made films inspired by books. This includes Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy based on Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyay's books. Recently, the Apu Trilogy was named among 100 best films in the world by Time magazine.
As many as 17 Saratchandra Chattopadhyay novels have been adapted into Hindi and Bengali films. Similarly, Premchand's books "Shatranj Ke Khiladi", "Sadgati", "Gaban", "Godaan" and "Heera Moti" have been made into films.
The dearth of good scripts coupled with the audiences' raised expectations is the most fundamental reason for the trend to go back to the books.
Speaking to 'G' magazine, Chandraprakash Dwivedi who made "Pinjar" based on Amrita Pritam's novel by the same name, says: "Literature is rich with well-conceived ideas and plots that are elaborately thought out. Therefore, adapting a novel readily ensures strong content."
Well novels are definitely providing Bollywood with the much needed inspiration and story ideas. But with the audience knowing the story before-hand, their expectations rise with adapted films. So, it is a gamble for filmmakers making novel based films!
Parineeta" is the first of a slew of novel adaptations to be released. The much-anticipated Rani Mukherjee-starrer "Paheli" which featured Shah Rukh Khan essaying the role of a ghost, is director Amol Palekar's take on Vijayadhan Dehta's "Folktale".
The other films to follow are: Pritish Nandy's under-production "Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam" based on Bimal Mitra's book; Vishal Bharadwaj's "The Blue Umbrella" inspired by Ruskin Bond's book; Gulzar's cinematic adaptation of his own book "Raavi Paar"; and Munshi Premchand's "Bazaar-e-Husn" made as "1918 Benares: A Love Story".
After sourcing from William Makepeace Thackeray for "Vanity Fair", Indian-origin Mira Nair took to contemporary literature for her next film - "The Namesake". The film is a cinematic adaptation of Pulitzer-prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri's book by the same name.
On much the same lines, Nikhil Advani is planning a film based on Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women". And Sudhir Mishra is interested in making a screen version of Robin Sharma's bestseller "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari". Aishwarya Rai's next, a Gurinder Chadha production by husband Paul Mayeda Berges, is reportedly based on Chitra Divakaruni's "The Mistress of Spices".
3 Idiots
While Atul Agnihotri adapted Chetan Bhagat's One Night at a Call Centre as Hello in 2008, Rajkumar Hirani clearly was sensible enough to acquire the more interesting and entertaining work of Chetan Bhagat. Bhagat's first novel Five Point Someone is being adapted into celluloid as 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan and Kareena Kapoor. In the book, Chetan Bhagat wrote about life in IIT engineering college though disclaiming it to be an autobiography.
Slumdog Millionaire
Another early release of 2009, Slumdog Millionaire that was already garnered name and fame across the globe is based on a novel by Vikas Swarup titled Q&A. Having won several international awards, this Danny Boyle film is said to be already in contention for Oscars
Rang Rasiya
Ketan Mehta's biographical episode Rang Rasiya on the controversial painter is an adaptation of Marathi writer Ranjit Desai's novel Raja Ravi Varma. Aparna Sen's The Japanese Wife is based on Kunal Basu's short story. The film stars Rahul Bose and Raima Sen.
Devdas
Sarat Chandra's Devdas saw a contemporary adaptation as Anurag Kashyap's Dev D. And the novel is all set for another contemporary adaptation as Sudhir Mishra's Aur Devdas. Though not an exact screenplay adaptation, the basic theme is clearly derived from Sarat Chandra's literature.
Raavana
Though not much is known about Mani Ratnam's Raavana, it seems to be adapted from the Indian mythological epic Ramayana.
What's Your Rashee?
Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Rashee? is based on a novel Kimball Ravenswood by Madhu Rye. The film stars Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. Other contemporary literature that is being considered for cinematic adaptation include Advaita Kala's Almost Single, Mukul Deva's Lashkar, Abhijit Bhaduri's Married But Available, Anuja Chauhan's The Zoya Factor and Vikas Swarup's The Six Suspects.
In the past, many filmmakers have made films inspired by books. This includes Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy based on Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyay's books. Recently, the Apu Trilogy was named among 100 best films in the world by Time magazine.
As many as 17 Saratchandra Chattopadhyay novels have been adapted into Hindi and Bengali films. Similarly, Premchand's books "Shatranj Ke Khiladi", "Sadgati", "Gaban", "Godaan" and "Heera Moti" have been made into films.
The dearth of good scripts coupled with the audiences' raised expectations is the most fundamental reason for the trend to go back to the books.
Speaking to 'G' magazine, Chandraprakash Dwivedi who made "Pinjar" based on Amrita Pritam's novel by the same name, says: "Literature is rich with well-conceived ideas and plots that are elaborately thought out. Therefore, adapting a novel readily ensures strong content."
Well novels are definitely providing Bollywood with the much needed inspiration and story ideas. But with the audience knowing the story before-hand, their expectations rise with adapted films. So, it is a gamble for filmmakers making novel based films!
Single and dont want to mingle
Some actresses like to flaunt their relationship while others are quite candid about it and are often in denial.
Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Rani Mukherjee often maintain their single status or ward it off as “we-are-just-good-friends”. Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan have not admitted to their relationship but they have been seen together at some occasions. Katrina has also walked the ramp for brand Salman.
Priyanka Chopra has always admitted to being single even if she is spotted with Harman Baweja or with Shahid Kapoor. When Rani Mukherjee was linked to Aditya Chopra, she maintained that she was single but it was understandable as he was a married man. But now that he is single again she denies her affiliation towards him. So why do they deny it?
Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Rani Mukherjee often maintain their single status or ward it off as “we-are-just-good-friends”. Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan have not admitted to their relationship but they have been seen together at some occasions. Katrina has also walked the ramp for brand Salman.
Priyanka Chopra has always admitted to being single even if she is spotted with Harman Baweja or with Shahid Kapoor. When Rani Mukherjee was linked to Aditya Chopra, she maintained that she was single but it was understandable as he was a married man. But now that he is single again she denies her affiliation towards him. So why do they deny it?
Kareena OR Ranbir?
The Kapoors, the first family of Bollywood, have been known for some truly incestuous screen combinations. Shashi Kapoor has romanced both his brother Raj's daughters-in-law — Babita Shivdasani-Kapoor in Haseena Man Jayegi in 1968 and Neetu Singh-Kapoor in Deewar in 1975, and Randhir Kapoor has also romanced his sister-in-law (bhabhi) Neetu Singh in a couple of movies like Rickshawalla in 1973 and Kasme Vaade and Heeralal Pannalal in 1978. By sheer virtue of the fact that all the Kapoor family members have ruled the roost at some time or the other, filmmakers couldn't help but cast them in the romantic lead opposite each other. The same dilemma has come back to haunt two major filmmakers now.
Rumours have it that Sajid Nadiadwala, who is making his next film Anjaana Anjaani with Bollywood's current heart-throb Ranbir and Priyanka Chopra, was heard telling an insider from the Kareena Kapoor camp that he would have ideally liked to work with Bebo and Ranbir. But, of course, since they are first cousins the pair would get audience rejection.
It is also reported that the Mehtas of Ashtavinayak will go on the floors with their film directed by Imtiaz Ali with Ranbir on April 1, 2010. Once again, this banner that loves Bebo because she is their Jab We Met heroine, wanted her in the lead. However, since they have had to choose between Ranbir and Kareena — both of whom are the current hot favourites — they have chosen to cast Ranbir. But Bebo is not entirely at a disadvantage.
There is a third film corporation that wants to cast her with the light-eyed youngster Imran Khan, who is another Bollywood hottie.
Rumours have it that Sajid Nadiadwala, who is making his next film Anjaana Anjaani with Bollywood's current heart-throb Ranbir and Priyanka Chopra, was heard telling an insider from the Kareena Kapoor camp that he would have ideally liked to work with Bebo and Ranbir. But, of course, since they are first cousins the pair would get audience rejection.
It is also reported that the Mehtas of Ashtavinayak will go on the floors with their film directed by Imtiaz Ali with Ranbir on April 1, 2010. Once again, this banner that loves Bebo because she is their Jab We Met heroine, wanted her in the lead. However, since they have had to choose between Ranbir and Kareena — both of whom are the current hot favourites — they have chosen to cast Ranbir. But Bebo is not entirely at a disadvantage.
There is a third film corporation that wants to cast her with the light-eyed youngster Imran Khan, who is another Bollywood hottie.
"3 Idiots is based on ‘5 Point Someone’ but don’t expect to see what you read in the book" ,Sharman Joshi
There is no doubt that Sharman Joshi is among the most talented actors of our industry. Be it his impeccable comic timing in films like Golmaal and Style or his restrained and matured performance in multi-starrers like Rang De Basanti and Life… In a Metro, Sharman has proved it each and every time. Now Sharman is all set with his big Christmas release – 3 Idiots where he once again re-unites with his RDB co-stars Aamir Khan and R. Madhavan.
In this free-wheeling chat, Sharman talks about his experience of working on 3 Idiots, his forthcoming projects and of course that unforgettable meeting with Rajkumar Hirani in the toilet of a suburban multiplex.
You return to the big screen after more than a year with 3 Idiots. Are you going the Aamir Khan way of doing only one film a year?
(laughs) No… not really. I’ve finished work on a couple of films- Toh Baat Pakki and Allah Ke
Banday. These films were supposed to release few months earlier than 3 Idiots but the multiplex strike kind of rescheduled the release dates and hence by
default 3 Idiots is my only release this year.
How does it feel being a part of the most anticipated film of the year?
It’s an honour to be part of this film. I feel lucky and completely blessed. It’s a special film that comes your way once in a while. Being a part of a film made under Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner, directed by Raju Hirani and starring Aamir Khan is a dream come true for any actor and I am fortunate that I could fulfill this dream.
Being a part of a film made under Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner, directed by Raju Hirani and starring Aamir Khan is a dream come true for any actor and I am fortunate that I could fulfill this dream.
First things first, how did you bag the film?
It’s a very interesting story how I bagged the film. I was watching a film at a multiplex when I bumped into Raju Hirani in the toilet. He was there to check the first promo of
Munnabhai Chale America. Surprisingly, he knew me and we exchanged pleasantries. He said he had something in mind for me and that was that. He got busy
scripting the film and I didn’t hear from him for quite a while. After many days, I again bumped into him again in the toilet of the same multiplex and both of us realized that
this does seem like some karmic connection. He told me he was still busy writing the script and would get back to me when done. Many days later, he called me for a
narration and the rest as they say is history.
Could you elaborate on what 3 Idiots is all about?
3 Idiots is a comic drama. It’s a story of these 3 friends who
meet at an engineering college. It does talk about the education system but it also talks about following your heart, chasing excellence and a lot of such things. It throws light on the choices we all make in the course of personal and professional career. Working on this film has enriched me as a person. It has re-affirmed my beliefs in myself.I hope people feel the same way when they watch the film.
When 3 Idiots was initially announced, it was talked about as a film based on Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’. However now the makers seem to be
saying that it’s completely different from the book. Could you please clarify if it’s based on the book.
Yes… 3 Idiots is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel ‘Five Point Someone’. In fact he has been credited for that in the film. The book inspired Raju to make the film. But
Chetan Bhagat was not involved with the screenplay of the film. The screenplay has been written entirely by Raju Hirani and Abhijat Joshi and they have changed it quite a lot from the book. So people shouldn’t expect to see the same things that they have read in ‘Five Point Someone’ else they’ll be disappointed.
Aamir’s character Rancho is already been talked about a lot. Could you tell us a little about your character?
My character’s name is Raju Rastogi. He comes from a very simple, ordinary family but is a brilliant kid academically. His father is a postman. Since his family is not really well-to-do they have a lot of expectations from him to relieve them of their poverty by getting a good degree and a good job. This kind of family pressure prevents my character from living life to the fullest.
3 Idiots gave you a chance to re-unite with your RDB co-stars Aamir and Maddy. So how was the experience this time around?
Truly special… it’s been a complete riot. We’ve just continued the party further from the sets of RDB to the sets of 3 Idiots. Since we shared such a special
bond during RDB there was no question of getting to know each other this time around. We boys had a blast together playing games, chatting about life, films, taking late night walks, partying till late.
Describe some idiotic things that you guys did on the sets / during the filming.
The one idiotic moment I can remember is when we were shooting the ragging sequence. Both Maddy and I had to take off our pants and were only in our underwear.
Unfortunately for us, our set was put up right next to the girl’s hostel. While we thought the girls wouldn’t come near the shooting area, we were shocked to see them
enjoying looking at us in our bare minimum. It was really quite an embarrassing yet idiotic moment.
The film has been shot amongst other places at the prestigious IIM-B campus. Talk us through your experience of shooting there.
It was a completely different experience shooting at IIM-B campus. The campus is a beautiful quiet place that is located far away from the city. It’s a different world out there. It was so peaceful out there, a truly rejuvenating experience. After many years I finally slept for 12 hours at a stretch one day. The campus had many facilities such as a badminton court, tennis court, basketball court, And since all of us are pretty much into sports we had a blast playing all these sports with the students. We got a chance to completely live it up.
Moreover, hanging out with the students and listening to their experiences in campus made us feel a lot younger which helped us in getting into the
skin of the character.
How has been the experience working with Rajkumar Hirani, one of the most respected filmmakers of our country?
Raju Hirani is a special person. What can I say about him that has already not been said? The whole world has seen his talent as a director. In spite of achieving so much success, he is still incredibly humble and down to earth as a person. He has a completely democratic way of operating on the sets. He is always open for suggestions from anybody connected with the film and gives a patient hearing if you have a valid point. That is a quality which very few filmmakers possess.
The music of the film is slowly picking up. What do you feel about the music of the film and which is your favorite track?
The songs of the film are such that they will grow on you more after you have watched the film. I like ‘Aal Izz Well’, ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ and ‘Jaane
Nahin Denge Tujhe’
You have even sung a few lines in a song ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’…how did that happen?
Mr.Vinod Chopra is someone who is very actively involved even with the music of his film. He called me one day and told me that he wanted me to say a few lines in one of the songs. I was more than happy to do whatever I could for the betterment of the film so I went to the recording studio and said those lines.
All 3 of you have been given distinct looks… you seem to be seen mostly in kurtas… could you tell us a bit about your look and styling in the film?
Generally one associates a kurta with someone who is from a humble background and since my character is not so well to do in the film, the stylists thought it would be best to dress me in a kurta. The credit for the look goes to both the director and the stylist who have done a fabulous job.
Coming to your career, the general perception is that Sharman is a bundle of talent but is among the most underrated actors today. Some even feel that you are very
laidback and have not capitalized on the success of films like RDB or Golmaal… what do you have to say about that?
No… that is not true. I am not at all laidback. In fact I am a bundle of nerves. I have been constantly reading scripts but unless there is something very exciting I don’t feel like taking it up. I am extremely keen to do every good work, am willing to go that extra mile to achieve what I want to in my career. As far as not capitalizing on the success of Golmaal and RDB is concerned, I feel it was too early in my career to go tom-tomming about the fact that I was a part of those films. It was just the beginning of my career. I would rather let my work do all the talking.
Finally, could you tell us what’s next after 3 Idiots?
After 3 Idiots, there is Toh Baat Pakki produced by Ramesh Taurani and directed by debutant Kedar Shinde. The film stars Tabu, Vatsal Sheth and Uvika. It’s
a complete entertainer and should be out early next year. There is Allah Ke Banday after that, again directed by a first time director Farooque Kabir. It’s a redemption drama about boys from the slums and stars Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni and Anjana Sukhani.
In this free-wheeling chat, Sharman talks about his experience of working on 3 Idiots, his forthcoming projects and of course that unforgettable meeting with Rajkumar Hirani in the toilet of a suburban multiplex.
You return to the big screen after more than a year with 3 Idiots. Are you going the Aamir Khan way of doing only one film a year?
(laughs) No… not really. I’ve finished work on a couple of films- Toh Baat Pakki and Allah Ke
Banday. These films were supposed to release few months earlier than 3 Idiots but the multiplex strike kind of rescheduled the release dates and hence by
default 3 Idiots is my only release this year.
How does it feel being a part of the most anticipated film of the year?
It’s an honour to be part of this film. I feel lucky and completely blessed. It’s a special film that comes your way once in a while. Being a part of a film made under Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner, directed by Raju Hirani and starring Aamir Khan is a dream come true for any actor and I am fortunate that I could fulfill this dream.
Being a part of a film made under Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner, directed by Raju Hirani and starring Aamir Khan is a dream come true for any actor and I am fortunate that I could fulfill this dream.
First things first, how did you bag the film?
It’s a very interesting story how I bagged the film. I was watching a film at a multiplex when I bumped into Raju Hirani in the toilet. He was there to check the first promo of
Munnabhai Chale America. Surprisingly, he knew me and we exchanged pleasantries. He said he had something in mind for me and that was that. He got busy
scripting the film and I didn’t hear from him for quite a while. After many days, I again bumped into him again in the toilet of the same multiplex and both of us realized that
this does seem like some karmic connection. He told me he was still busy writing the script and would get back to me when done. Many days later, he called me for a
narration and the rest as they say is history.
Could you elaborate on what 3 Idiots is all about?
3 Idiots is a comic drama. It’s a story of these 3 friends who
meet at an engineering college. It does talk about the education system but it also talks about following your heart, chasing excellence and a lot of such things. It throws light on the choices we all make in the course of personal and professional career. Working on this film has enriched me as a person. It has re-affirmed my beliefs in myself.I hope people feel the same way when they watch the film.
When 3 Idiots was initially announced, it was talked about as a film based on Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’. However now the makers seem to be
saying that it’s completely different from the book. Could you please clarify if it’s based on the book.
Yes… 3 Idiots is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel ‘Five Point Someone’. In fact he has been credited for that in the film. The book inspired Raju to make the film. But
Chetan Bhagat was not involved with the screenplay of the film. The screenplay has been written entirely by Raju Hirani and Abhijat Joshi and they have changed it quite a lot from the book. So people shouldn’t expect to see the same things that they have read in ‘Five Point Someone’ else they’ll be disappointed.
Aamir’s character Rancho is already been talked about a lot. Could you tell us a little about your character?
My character’s name is Raju Rastogi. He comes from a very simple, ordinary family but is a brilliant kid academically. His father is a postman. Since his family is not really well-to-do they have a lot of expectations from him to relieve them of their poverty by getting a good degree and a good job. This kind of family pressure prevents my character from living life to the fullest.
3 Idiots gave you a chance to re-unite with your RDB co-stars Aamir and Maddy. So how was the experience this time around?
Truly special… it’s been a complete riot. We’ve just continued the party further from the sets of RDB to the sets of 3 Idiots. Since we shared such a special
bond during RDB there was no question of getting to know each other this time around. We boys had a blast together playing games, chatting about life, films, taking late night walks, partying till late.
Describe some idiotic things that you guys did on the sets / during the filming.
The one idiotic moment I can remember is when we were shooting the ragging sequence. Both Maddy and I had to take off our pants and were only in our underwear.
Unfortunately for us, our set was put up right next to the girl’s hostel. While we thought the girls wouldn’t come near the shooting area, we were shocked to see them
enjoying looking at us in our bare minimum. It was really quite an embarrassing yet idiotic moment.
The film has been shot amongst other places at the prestigious IIM-B campus. Talk us through your experience of shooting there.
It was a completely different experience shooting at IIM-B campus. The campus is a beautiful quiet place that is located far away from the city. It’s a different world out there. It was so peaceful out there, a truly rejuvenating experience. After many years I finally slept for 12 hours at a stretch one day. The campus had many facilities such as a badminton court, tennis court, basketball court, And since all of us are pretty much into sports we had a blast playing all these sports with the students. We got a chance to completely live it up.
Moreover, hanging out with the students and listening to their experiences in campus made us feel a lot younger which helped us in getting into the
skin of the character.
How has been the experience working with Rajkumar Hirani, one of the most respected filmmakers of our country?
Raju Hirani is a special person. What can I say about him that has already not been said? The whole world has seen his talent as a director. In spite of achieving so much success, he is still incredibly humble and down to earth as a person. He has a completely democratic way of operating on the sets. He is always open for suggestions from anybody connected with the film and gives a patient hearing if you have a valid point. That is a quality which very few filmmakers possess.
The music of the film is slowly picking up. What do you feel about the music of the film and which is your favorite track?
The songs of the film are such that they will grow on you more after you have watched the film. I like ‘Aal Izz Well’, ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ and ‘Jaane
Nahin Denge Tujhe’
You have even sung a few lines in a song ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’…how did that happen?
Mr.Vinod Chopra is someone who is very actively involved even with the music of his film. He called me one day and told me that he wanted me to say a few lines in one of the songs. I was more than happy to do whatever I could for the betterment of the film so I went to the recording studio and said those lines.
All 3 of you have been given distinct looks… you seem to be seen mostly in kurtas… could you tell us a bit about your look and styling in the film?
Generally one associates a kurta with someone who is from a humble background and since my character is not so well to do in the film, the stylists thought it would be best to dress me in a kurta. The credit for the look goes to both the director and the stylist who have done a fabulous job.
Coming to your career, the general perception is that Sharman is a bundle of talent but is among the most underrated actors today. Some even feel that you are very
laidback and have not capitalized on the success of films like RDB or Golmaal… what do you have to say about that?
No… that is not true. I am not at all laidback. In fact I am a bundle of nerves. I have been constantly reading scripts but unless there is something very exciting I don’t feel like taking it up. I am extremely keen to do every good work, am willing to go that extra mile to achieve what I want to in my career. As far as not capitalizing on the success of Golmaal and RDB is concerned, I feel it was too early in my career to go tom-tomming about the fact that I was a part of those films. It was just the beginning of my career. I would rather let my work do all the talking.
Finally, could you tell us what’s next after 3 Idiots?
After 3 Idiots, there is Toh Baat Pakki produced by Ramesh Taurani and directed by debutant Kedar Shinde. The film stars Tabu, Vatsal Sheth and Uvika. It’s
a complete entertainer and should be out early next year. There is Allah Ke Banday after that, again directed by a first time director Farooque Kabir. It’s a redemption drama about boys from the slums and stars Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni and Anjana Sukhani.
Sushmita-A mother all again!
For Sushmita sen , motherhood means a lot. The actress has once again adopted a three month old girl child and named Alisah.
She is too happy to buy clothes and toys for her, as she claims to be a mother all over again. She kept name Alisah as in Greek, it meant joyful.
About the new child the actress speaks, “Alisha is a happy child with winning and impressing nature.” For full story[ Click here ]
She is too happy to buy clothes and toys for her, as she claims to be a mother all over again. She kept name Alisah as in Greek, it meant joyful.
About the new child the actress speaks, “Alisha is a happy child with winning and impressing nature.” For full story[ Click here ]
Friday, December 18, 2009
Rajneeti's first promo screening
Everyone's keenly awaiting the release of Prakash Jha's multi-starrer Rajneeti. It goes without saying that this is one of those keenly anticipated films of 2010 (it's slated for release in May). While Prakash Jha had officially announced the release date of the film a month ago, one would be able to watch the first look of the film next week - almost five months before the film releases.
Yes, the first promo of Rajneeti, starring Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor and Ajay Devgan, will be unveiled with the prints of 3 Idiots on Friday.
According to the film's co-writer Anjum Rajabali, this film is hugely influenced by the epic story from the Indian mythology the "Mahabharat", and is set in the milieu of contemporary electoral politics. So the films characters are going to have the similar dilemmas and experiences drawn from the story of Mahabharat.
Yes, the first promo of Rajneeti, starring Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor and Ajay Devgan, will be unveiled with the prints of 3 Idiots on Friday.
According to the film's co-writer Anjum Rajabali, this film is hugely influenced by the epic story from the Indian mythology the "Mahabharat", and is set in the milieu of contemporary electoral politics. So the films characters are going to have the similar dilemmas and experiences drawn from the story of Mahabharat.
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