Emraan Hashmi is sick of kissing women on Screen

Emraan Hashmi, who has been tagged as a 'serial kisser' by the media, says he is sick of Kissing beauties on the screen. After his marriage Emraan promised his wife that he wouldn't kiss on the screen but he couldn't help himself and went on kissing in very film. But from Awarapan it seems Emraan really wants to change his 'serial kisser' image...

"I was sick of kissing on screen," the 28-year-old actor said during a news conference in New Delhi to promote Awarapan. "I was being typecast as a kisser. Thankfully, I'm not kissing anyone in this film.

"When I used to see myself kissing on screen, I did not feel good myself and I can understand what the audience must have felt. There was a time when people came up to me and said that our kids love you but they cannot go to see your films,” Emraan said.

He added: "I wanted to break this stereotyping of myself and I took a risk in Awarapan by not doing all that I was previously related to. This film marks the second phase of Emraan Hashmi."

Read more.....

Hansika Motwani talks about Aap Ka Surroor

Child Prodigy turned Himesh Reshammiya's leading lady Hansika Motwani talks about 'Aap Ka Surroor', Himesh Reshammiya, Mallika Sherawat, her character in the movie and loads more. A Must Watch interview!

Read more.....

Himesh REshammiya speaks about his film Aap Ka Suroor, Mallika and Hansika

Himesh Reshammiya thrives on speculation. He is impartial to his Mallika Sherawat and Hansika Motwani, his leading ladies in Aap Ka Surroor, he says. And feels that Mallika's anger at feeling short-changed in the film is completely unfounded.

Himesh says, "Both Mallika and Hansika were signed before we left for Germany to shoot. We never made any effort to hide the fact that Hansika was a child artiste or that she was doing a South film before she was signed for Aap Ka Surroor. As for Mallika, hers isn't a ten-minute role. She's done two songs and that itself comes to eleven minutes, Mallika is very annoyed by the rumour about her abbreviated role and also about the speculation on her fee. Mallika has been paid what she deserves. No more no less."

Apparently, Mallika refused to kiss the capped musician. "How can I kiss Mallika in Aap Ka Surroor? She plays a full-fledged negative role. My equation with my leading lady would've been completely spoilt if I kissed Mallika," he clarifies.

Himesh enjoyed shooting the Mehbooba song with Mallika. He says, "She's a thorough professional. And I must say she plays the part of Helenji from Sholay very well. My director Prashant Cheddha has tried to retain the '70s flavour from Sholay in the song. He has also brought in the modern setting of James Bond's Casino Royale."

Saroj Khan has choreographed Himesh Reshammiya's Mehbooba in Aap Ka Surroor. And everyone is wondering how it compares with Ganesh Hegde's Mehbooba in Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay.

He's also all set to star in a sequel to Aap Ka Surroor. "I'll of course be a musician at heart. But I'll continue being an actor. But first a long break after Aap Ka Surroor. I intend to take a two-month holiday. Of course my future as an actor depends on the fate of my debut. But I'll definitely do a sequel. Of course, Hansika will be with me in the next film."

Himesh says that he has taken critics' comments in his stride. "Ninety-nine per cent of the people have been kind. As for the smirking minority who're questioning my right to be an actor, let the film come. I started my career as a serial producer, even then I faced rivalry. I've changed my profession several times, from producing serials, to composing music, to singing, to doing music videos and now I've come to acting. I've had a large number of professional rivals. My acid test was the dialogue promotional clippings for Aap Ka Surroor. The film didn't go thanda when the dialogue came on. In fact, it has been sold to distributors everywhere. That has given me a high," he says.
Some filmmakers think Himesh has been neglecting his work as a composer to be an actor. "My Namaste London as a musician is a big hit. Incidentally, Red was a flop. But the music was a hit. I've never neglected my job as a music composer."

The mysterious hair under Himesh's cap is also revealed in the film. He says, "For ten very dramatic minutes I appear without a cap. Even in the Mehbooba song I appear without the cap for half the film. People will get to know through the film why I wear a cap. He thinks , "All the controversies have kept interest alive in the film. I hope the film lives up to the hype."

Strangely, Himesh's lucky mascot and ‘God’ Salman Khan doesn't figure in Aap Ka Surrorr. "I never asked him to be in the film. But yes, my dad's, God's and Salman's blessings are with me," Himesh says

Source: Mumbai Mirror

Read more.....

No controversy in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - Ehsaan

There can never be a more apt introduction to him than the fact that he’s one of the three men who gave us the song Kajra Re. Music composer Ehsaan Noorani of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio says there is no controversy over the title track of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom as singer Daler Mehndi insists.

CNN-IBN caught up with Ehsaan at the launch of a music store in the Capital.

Iram Mirza: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is set to release. What kind of reviews are pouring in for the music?

Ehsaan Noorani: I do read press reviews but I usually check user reviews on the web. I had a couple of interesting experiences. One user had completely thrashed the music saying it was the worst album we had ever done. At the end he had written ‘Why’ in capitals.

Iram Mirza: How do you respond to that ‘Why’?

Ehsaan Noorani: The interesting thing is that the same guy reposted the review a week later saying it was the best thing that he had heard. So that says a lot about the music and that is important to us.

Iram Mirza: What’s your take on the Daler controversy?

Ehsaan Noorani: I’m not really into it because there is no controversy. Voices get changed all the time. Shankar Mahadevan sang Kal ho na ho first. But then we thought Sonu (Nigam) would be better for the song. So since the song demanded it, we did it.

Read more.....

Life after marriage is wonderful - Aishwarya Rai's First Interview after marriage

Life after marriage is "wonderful" for the new Mrs Bachchan who is currently on a honeymoon with her actor-husband Abhishek and gets ready to return to work in a week's time.

"I am feeling wonderful. I am very happy. By the grace of God, everything is wonderful," Aishwarya Bachchan nee Rai told a TV channel in Cannes where she is set to walk the red carpet with her husband at the film festival.

In perhaps her first interview after her marriage on April 19, the Bollywood actress said: "It's all things good. It's a blessing. And it's a wonderful family," she said, going on to describe Abhishek as "superlative and fantastic.”

Aishwarya said she had found wonderful parents in her parents-in-law Amitabh and Jaya. Asked if she had changed after marriage, she said, "No. I am just a normal girl in a wonderful time of my life, a very special time. It's fantastic. It's all things good."

Aishwarya said she was at the Cannes Film Festival for a day after which she would continue with her holiday that is at its fag end. She said she was looking forward to working with husband Abhishek and father-in-law Amitabh in Sarkar II.

"...This will be kind of working with family as we are all related now. It's always a privilege to work with actors like Abhishek and an iconic legend like my father-in-law," Aishwarya said.

Read more.....

Ustad Ghulam Ali's Exclusive Interview

Ghulam Ali, the singing sensation has enthralled audiences all over the world for almost four decades now.His "Chupke Chupke Raat Din Aasoon Bahana Yaad Hai...." whose words still haunt. And the man behind that voice still stays as elusive as he ever was. Here is an exclusive interview of Ghulam Ali

You keep coming to India.
I really enjoy working with talented musicians like Aadesh (Srivastava). I don't come to India just for concerts and performances. I've lots of friends here. People like you love me immensely in India. So nowadays I come more often to meet my dear friends than for shows. I've done quite a number of charity shows in India recently. Koi bhi ho kissi ki musibat apni hi hoti hai.

Is friendship between India and Pakistan feasible?
Why not? Both countries want it. On a cultural level, we've been trying to bring the two countries together for a long time. I think the relations between the two countries must improve. Peaceful relations between neighbors comes above everything else. I'm glad to see we're slowly working towards that goal. Indian artistes are loved in Pakistan as much as Pakistani artistes in this country. Pyar-mohabbat to badhni chahiye. Yeh ghatne wali cheez nahin hai.

What did you think of Yash Chopra's Indo-Pak romance Veer-Zaara?
Usne bahut achi baat kahi hai. Peace and love between the two countries is imperative. Even I've been trying to build a bridge between the two countries in my own way, through my music. I first came to India in 1980. And I never stopped coming since then. I must have been in India a hundred times. I feel very comfortable over here.

Where do you think the traditional Ghazal fits in the contemporary music scene? Today's music is far removed the Ghazal. Ghazal ek apna muqaam rakhti hai…It's not just a genre… It's a thought, an attitude and a way of life. When a Ghazal is featured in a film it acquires an exceptional longevity…my Ghazal chupke chupke raat bhar in Nikaah is remembered to this day. I've sung many Ghazals in films. They're all loved to this day.

Do you still feel satisfied singing Ghazals?
My love for my work remains undiminished. I never gave up singing in the style and mood that I had adopted from the start. That's what keeps my love for my art alive. One should love and respect one's own work. I never sing at a venue where my musicians and I aren't comfortable.

What do you do with rowdy members of the audience?
Aapki dua se unko meri baat maan-ni padti hai tabhi main gaata hoon…I prefer live performances to studio recordings. I like to relate to my audience directly.

Do you prefer singing your own compositions?
Ninety five percent of my songs are self-composed. But if others compose something good, I'm happy singing it. But yes, I've become used to singing my own songs.

Tell me what you think about the musicians in Mumbai.
I remember recording an album Meraj-e-Ghazal with Asha Bhosleji in the 1980s. During that recording I met nearly everyone from the music industry. I've continued my association with Mumbai's music industry, including an album of Punjabi songs with Kavita Krishnamurthy. I might be working with Lataji soon. She's a one-woman authority on Sur and music. I'm her big fan. Bade hi sureeli artiste, Didi hain hamari, bahut pyar karti hain mujhe.

What is your next project?
This visit to India is for some Australian friends in Pune. Tomorrow I leave for Pakistan. India is an ideal place for good songs and singing. Every visit of mine is a pleasure. I sing in every part of the world. Lekin Pakistan aur Hindustan mein doosra hi mazaa aata hai

Read more.....

Madhuri dixit getting used to techno savvy Bollywood

Now that she's back to Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit has realised that things have changed a lot since she left. For instance, the actress finds it uncomfortable while shooting sync sound for her comeback film Aaja Naachley as this technology is alien to her.

"I am still getting used to it," says Madhuri Dixit. The actress has been part of the industry for almost two decades but in her time, the concept of sync sound was still not so common. "When Anilji (Mehta) explained that the film would be shot sync sound, I felt as though I had been away forever. Bollywood has become very technology savvy. In that sense, it is an advantage to work with a producer like Yashji as he's always up-to-date," she says.

For Madhuri it is an entirely new experience altogether, one that leaves the seasoned actress ill-at-ease. "It was a different experience for me. Earlier, studios would be full of noise. From the irritating sound of the camera to technicians chit-chatting, I was comfortable with all sorts of disturbances. In fact, it used to work really well for me because I could concentrate 100 per cent on my facial expressions, knowing that I could dub later. But now it's a different story. Now there's complete silence and I have to be very conscious about both aspects of acting, expressions and lines, during a shot," she explains.

In fact, Madhuri says it feels strange to hear her own voice during shooting. "It was really funny to hear my own voice on the sets. I became slightly conscious. Younger actors like Konkona and Kunal Kapoor are really good with all these techniques. Frankly speaking, I am enjoying every bit of the shooting because the process of filmmaking has become so refined," she admits.

Read more.....

King Khan on brand SRK, his kids and why he absolutely loves women!

Whose autograph would you want?
I have just asked for a hockey stick because I hear Dhanraj Pillai is coming here and I would definitely want his autograph for myself.

What’s one social cause closest to you?
Anything to do with women. I absolutely love women. I’m doing ‘Chak De’ to encourage them to get into sports. I also want to get some public toilets made for women in smaller cities. I have grown up in Delhi and when I used to drive down to Agra, I would see women actually bathing in open, obviously attracting undue attention. I have a huge amount of respect for the privacy of a woman. I don’t even look into my wife’s cupboard or her purse. I don’t know how I should go about doing it, but I do want to do it someday.

One person you never thanked, but you want to…
I want to thank my father. I never got a chance because I was too young when he died. I want to thank him today because I can see my daughter and son are growing up to be like him.

Would you feel more secure if your mother was around?
I think I would. She would always take up for me.

What do you think of when you want to smile?
I think of all the gifts that God has given me. I think of my kids. Looking at them sleep I smile. I see them coming out of the bathroom with their little towels around their little bodies and I smile.

What’s one worry that’s on top of your mind now?
I hope my kids are treated as individuals in their own right. It’s a tough job, but I try and give them as normal a childhood as possible. I hope my father’s genes will help them sail through. He was a good, free-thinking, honest man.

Film star, TV host, youth icon — which describes you best?
I am just an actor, working hard to preserve the image I’ve achieved. I am a servant of my image. I know I’m working for SRK, the brand. People should also know that. My advice to youngsters would be: Don’t be trapped by anybody’s expectations of you. Stand by what you believe in. People who mind won’t matter and people who matter won’t mind it

Read more.....

Aamir talks about his new film, the World Cup and more

It's confirmed. Aamir Khan will not be part of Dhoom 3, as was reported in some sections of the press. The actor is, in fact, busy with his only release of the year, Tare Zameen Pe, a film revolving around children. Aamir seems upbeat about his film, and calls it unique.

A day after his 42nd birthday on March 14, Aamir talks about his new film, the World Cup and more.

What did you do for your birthday?

I spent the evening with my ammi, and the whole family. It was a simple get together.

Aamir, you have just turned 42. It's being said that once an individual crosses 40, his focus towards life undergoes a change. How far is this true for Aamir Khan?

I don't think my mindset has changed after I crossed 40. I don't believe age has anything to do with these things. Every human being goes through several experiments in his or her life and gradually, we pass through various phases. Because of these experiments, changes are bound to happen.

If I were to talk about the year that went by, it was a stupendous year for you. Success came from all quarters -- be it Fanaa, Rang De Basanti, BAFTA or even the Oscars. Did you expect this or do you feel God could have given more?

I am really thankful to God. Whatever I have earned or achieved in life is courtesy Him and the good wishes of the people who happen to be my audience. I would like to thank my audience. Last year was quite fruitful for me. All my films did well at the box office and won people's hearts. I am very happy. In future too, I would like to do quality work and entertain people.

Your forthcoming film is called Tare Zameen Pe and the plot revolves around children. How was the experience of working with kids?

The film's plot attracted me. It's an emotional story and after going through the script, I really thought of acting in the film. This is the only release I have this year. The shooting is over; the film is in postproduction now.

All said and done, this industry does not make films for kids. The number is pretty less. Films meant for kids should be made on a regular basis. Every home has a child so invariably, they too happen to be an important audience for us and we can make so many films for them. Lets hope the audience appreciates this effort when it hits the theaters.

Read More

Read more.....

'Taare Zameen Par' is my only release - Amir Khan

“Taare Zameen Par is my only release for 2007,” disclosed Aamir Khan at the launch of the new collection of Titan Aviator watches inspired by World War II Aircraft at an event held in Mumbai today. “It’s a film about children and hence it is very close to my heart. The shooting has finished and the post production is on. It should release in the latter half of this year,” the perfectionist Khan elaborated.

Nattily dressed in a jeans, T-shirt and half-opened-brown jacket, Aamir looked in great shape. What are your views on year 2006? “It was a good year. Rang De Basanti and Fanaa did very well. I am close to Rang De as it’s a film that affected people strongly. Very few films inspire a generation, move people or start a change. I’m proud to be a part of RDB.” And what about Fanaa? “Fanaa was a blockbuster. It was an entertaining film,” Khan said.

Read more.....

'Bombay to Bangkok' is romantic comedy

New-age director Nagesh Kukoonoor launched his romantic comedy film Bombay to Bangkok under the banner of Mukta Searchlight yesterday. The film stars Shreyas Talpade and Thai actress Lina Christianson.

Speaking at the occasion producer Subhash Ghai adjudged Nagesh as a “great director” with whom he had delivered a quality film in Iqbal that raked in the moolah at the Box Office besides winning many awards.

“I am very happy he has brought another fine subject in Bombay to Bangkok. Such scripts fulfill the aim of Mukta Searchlight that supports the sense of independent cinema, good cinema made within a reasonable budget,” said Subhash Ghai in his role of a veteran filmmaker patronizing quality films like Joggers Park and Iqbal.

Talking about the subject of Bombay to Bangkok, Nagesh said that he has been a frequent visitor to Thailand. “I truly enjoyed the place…this is a place I wanted to showcase in the film. I’ve tried to understand the Thai culture and from my research I can say that there are a lot of similarities between Indian and Thai cultures. It’s Same Same…But Different.” Same Same…But Different also happens to be the catch line of the film that is written in a zany manner on the film’s poster that resembles an Airline Boarding Pass.

Actor Shreyas Talpade who won the Star Screen Award for the Best Actor in a Comic Role for Kukoonoor’s Dor this year was “extremely honoured and happy at working with Mukta once again after Iqbal.” Stunning Thai actress Lina Christianson started off by saying “Swastika” which can be Namaste, Hello or Salaam as Indians are familiar with. “I am very honoured and really excited,” she said.

While Subhash Ghai is hoping that Bombay to Bangkok will be a “Superhit of 2007”, Nagesh spelled out the premise of the film by stating in lucid terms, “The basic concept of the film is that it’s a romantic comedy….There’s a lot of chaos…And in the end everyone lives happily ever after.” Considering Nagesh Kukoonoor always comes up with something different, this ticket to Bangkok is something that the cine goers must be surely looking forward to….Isn’t it!

Read more.....

Ram Gopal Varma on his latest film 'Nishabd'

Ram Gopal Varma is used to kicking up controversy but that's never stopped him from making films with daring subjects.

His latest, Nishabd, is about an old man in love with a teenager. The catch? It stars Amitabh Bachchan, hence the inevitable scandal. Here's what he talked about:

So Nishabd has a pretty rocking new song. Where did that come from?

Oh yeah. I just wanted one song to capture the emotion of an old man, his angst, his guilt, his conflict. So I asked Vishal Bhardwaj to do a song. It was the first time we worked together after Satya, and he was great. He got Mr Bachchan to sing a song called Rozaana, and I think it really captured the mood of the film.

Your film is about a 60-year-old man and a barely-adult girl. Aren't you annoyed every time comparisons with Lolita come about, which was a story dealing with paedophilia?

I'm really not bothered. The media makes up its own mind. They'll call it 'RGV's Lolita,' because they think it's a good headline. It's an amazing novel and maybe I've been influenced by it, but Nishabd isn't about that.

So what, in your own words, is Nishabd about?

Fundamentally speaking, bodies age, feelings don't. Age is a relative thing, and at one level, it is all in the mind. But society has conditioned us towards so many wrongs. There are restrictions of family, religion... And then, in this case, there is not just an age gap, but the man is a married man in love with his daughter's friend. Which brings about, for him internally, a big question of sin. There is a sense of responsibility, but a question of temptation might overpower that.

So in Nishabd, I want to show his emotional state. I want audiences to feel his conflict, not judge him.

Jiah Khan and Amitabh Bachchan in NishabdWhile the subject is a potentially volatile one, your trailers seem sensitive. Would you call this a film with shock value, or is that just to lure audiences?

See, the subject is the subject. I think there is no shock in Nishabd. You can write that for your readers right now. I think it's the most emotional film I've ever made. The thing about audiences is that we can't generalise them, it's very unfair. My film could connect with them, could offend them, sure. But my attempt is to definitely make an impact, based on the convincing power of the narrative. If that is strong, the film will work.

And Jiah Khan, the poison ivy for Mr Bachchan in the film, is a brand new heroine. Wasn't it a bit of a gamble taking an unknown actress for such a demanding role?

She's absolutely new, and that's what I really wanted. I wanted an unknown entity, someone fresh. That's the only way this film could be convincing. And I think she has the correct look for Nishabd.

Is she a good actress?

I feel there are only well acted or badly acted roles, and no such thing as a good actor or actress. In the same way, there are well directed or badly directed films, no good or bad directors. I think it's all about using the talent properly, in the context of the script. I think Jiah's done well in this film, and for this role.

And then there's Mr Bachchan...

Casting him was integral to the film. Because I wanted to take someone of such stature, someone that much larger than life, and then show a fall from grace. If someone that respectable, someone you look upto that much can get affected by these feelings, it'll make you and me take the situation that much more seriously.

I think it's his best [work], simply because it doesn't look like a performance. He's absolutely in the character. He's just there. It's phenomenal.

Read more.....

Amitabh Bachchan on Eklavya and Vidya Balan

Amitabh Bachchan talks about Eklavya and co stars...
Eklavya is apparently a very short film….
It's about two hours long, which is fine. You don't need too much time to spread out a dramatic thriller. Every film has its own rhythm. Eklavya looks like an intriguing film. The visuals may suggest a mythological or a period film. But Eklavya is modern thriller which is set in today's Rajasthan.

Vinod Chopra insists Eklavya is your best performance.
That's his viewpoint. I don't agree with him. True, I've never done anything like this film. I did have a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan's Paheli where I was a similarly dressed. But everyone has told me that my physical appearance is very different in Eklavya.

You hated the beard, didn't you?
It was such a pain! It was an absolute pain. Once you stick on the beard with gum it just restricts your facial movements and irritates you. And you lose your facial movement. I don't know how Praansaab managed to work so wonderfully with beards. Vinod and I have agreed that if I'm required to wear a beard in my next film with him everyone else on the crew will have to do the same.

Does that apply to Vidya Balan to?
Yes, provided she's part of the next film.

You had to recite lengthy dialogues in sync sound.
That was tough. But when you have to do something, you do it. The false beard made the dialogues difficult. Vinod Chopra suggested I take six months off and grow a real beard. But my other commitments do not allow me the luxury of changing my physical appearance. But others in Eklavya went out of the way. Sanjay Dutt cut his hair. Jackie Shroff grew a beard. It would've taken me a couple of years to grow the beard that was required to play Eklavya.

Most of the Eklavya cast is new to you.
Except Sanju. He has a unique personality. You could put him in any circumstance, his presence and personality takes care of everything.

And Vidya….
I've a special soft corner for her. She's absolutely marvelous and so wonderfully natural. She's so endearing to watch on screen. When I saw her in Parineeta for the first time in Amsterdam I wanted to look only at her and nobody else on screen…with all due respects to the rest of the cast.

How do the mentor Vinod Chopra and his most accomplished protégée Sanjay Bhansali compare?
When during Black I saw Sanjay's detailing and passion, I didn't know Sanjay had worked with Vinod for eight years. It was only after working with Vinod that everything fell into place. The time spent with Vinod has obviously rubbed off on Sanjay. Today Sanjay has his own subjects and style, Vinod has his own.

Finally, Abhishek and Ash's wedding date…
We're still in discussion. As soon as we decide on a date, we'll get them married

Read more.....

There is no time for marriage - Shilpa Shetty

From Big Brother house to the royal House of Commons, Indian actor Shilpa Shetty has sure taken a big leap. Shilpa along with her mother, Sunanda Shetty, paid a visit to the House of Commons in London on Wednesday and met Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Shilpa is on an emotional high after winning the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother. The show has brought her publicity and some very lucrative assignments in UK. She is thankful to the British Asian community that stood besides her during the ‘much touted’ racist row. Here is an her interview with CNNIBN...

You just stepped out of the House of Commons where you met Prime Minister Tony Blair. What did he have to tell you?

He was very sweet. I just took the opportunity to thank him. He perhaps had to answer a lot of questions about the goings-on in the Big Brother house. I had to thank him for his support and humbleness.

Mr Vaz (Labour MP Keith Vaz) too had addressed a lot of such issues. So, it was a great opportunity for me to thank him and I did so. He was very kind, extremely warm. He truly did stand up for my country, which is something that we all must appreciate.

He was extremely sensitive about the racial issue raised up by a lot of people in the context of the show. There is something that we have changed about the whole perception, I feel.

There is obviously a lot of attention that you have got, from movie offers to brand endorsements, do you have any idea where you are going from here?

Shilpa Shetty: I’m moving upwards. In one word, things are moving upwards for me. I have some interesting job opportunities here. I have been offered to write a book, and a perfume by my name, which seems quite an interesting offer besides the others. My agents are looking into it. It’s a totally different ball game all together here honestly.

So, would you be writing an autobiography?

Shilpa Shetty: It’s too early for me to write an autobiography. I might come up with a cookery book or perhaps something that talks about my days in the Big Brother house.

What about chicken curry?

Chicken curry rules you know.

Does that mean you will bid adieu to Bollywood?

Shilpa Shetty: No way. I am who I am because of Bollywood. Nobody is ever going to take that away from me. The very name Shilpa Shetty is synonymous with Bollywood.

So, are you ready to live with one foot in London and other in Mumbai?

Definitely. It will have to be that way I guess.

Are marriage offers pouring in for you?

Shilpa Shetty: There is so much on the platter right now that there is no time for marriage. But I would love to get married someday. There is nothing on the cards yet. I don’t know from where these rumours come up.

Read more.....

Kunal Khemu on his role in Traffic Signal

Kunal Khemu is an actor by fate. Son of noted television director Ravi Khemu, he had never planned to come into cinema but an incidental brush with camera, light and action on the sets of his parents serial Gul Gulshan Gulfaam brought him under arch-lights as a child artiste. Kalyug of Mahesh Bhatt brought him back to Bollywood. This most promising artist talks about his dreams, career and himself in bare all interview.

What is your role in Traffic Signal?
My character is Silsila who is a beggar and was born on the streets of Mumbai. He grows up to become the manager of that signal. This entire signal is like a large family, where everybody has adopted someone as a brother or sister or maee.

This is not run of the mill role and the rumour has it that you went deep into the characters by researching on beggar?
Research is important but one should not allow it to overrule the character or the perception of the director. Yes I did connect with these people and understood the psych but I have worked within the parameters set by the director Madhur Bhandarkar. On my end, I worked on the look of the character. I kept long curly hair to provide the ruffian look, then I took a darker skin colour because exposure to sun tans them and changed my body language to suit them. My clothes are also realistic.

What is the story of Traffic Signal?
In a nutshell it is the story of people who live on the roads of Mumbai but in totality it talks about the entire profession that is like an industry today. It is properly organized and their collections are mind blowing. Some of the beggars and street people even have bank accounts and homes. It is quite fascinating.

Your last film as child artiste was with Mahesh Bhatt and your first film as an adult was with him too. Was it planned?
Coincidence but I am happy for it. He came to me with ‘Blue film’ which was later retitled as ‘Kalyug’. I was apprehensive because I did not want to begin my career with such a film but once I heard the story I was convinced. I would have done the film even if title had not been changed.

Read more.....

A R Rehman composes anti-poverty theme song "Pray for my brother"

Renowned music composer A.R. Rahman unveiled Friday his first ever English rendition "Pray for me brother", the first music video to be shot on mobile cinemascope format, to create awareness about poverty in the world and urged people to support the cause.

A. R. Rehman on his Video

"I feel that more than anything every person in the world needs some good wishes and love. I hope this song will create awareness and make a valuable difference in making a brighter tomorrow for the underprivileged children. Please support the good cause,"

"This is the first video to be shot on mobile cinemascope vertical format. This song was conceived as an anti-poverty anthem for the millennium goals for the UN. When I was doing it, I never realised it is going to go to this level. It took me two years to make it,"

"Pray for me brother" is part of a joint venture between Nokia and the A.R. Rahman Foundation.

"Pray for me brother" will have its worldwide launch early next year and the video will be exclusively available on Nokia music edition. Rahman will sing the anti-poverty song live at Nokia's New Year's Eve celebrations in Mumbai Dec 31 for the first time.

Rahman's foundation also plans to help the needy by opening schools and hospitals. The composer had bought land near Chennai four years ago and is hoping to generate funds through his performances to fulfil his dream.

Read more.....

Dino Moreo's website helps him improving his drawbacks

Dino Moreo recently started his own website and a fan posted a note to the actor, saying that he acted well but blinked too much, and ever since Dino has been practising eye exercises to control his blinking.

Dino says about his website

"Ever since I launched my website www.dinomorea.net on December 9, I've been trying to keep it as interactive as possible. I log on daily and post messages to my fans about my daily activities. My fans in turn give me some great feedback like this one told me I blink too much.
I thought it was a very astute observation because coming to think of it I do blink more than other people. It's probably because I play too many video games, I'm crazy about Play Station 2. Now I've been practising eye exercises to correct the blinking."

About his online fans

"Most of these fans are overseas fans from America and South America and they want to know more than just what's written in my interviews and what's happening in my movies. So I try and post a topic like I'm going on a date and what do you think and they write back. There is a German fan who has started her own German website called www.dino-moreo.de and wanted to know for certain whether she could use some of my pictures."

"I'm planning to start online merchandising of mugs and posters autographed by me because most of these fans end up buying fake stuff for huge sums. So I'm planning to offer them the real stuff at a reasonable price. I want to give my fans what they really want, not snippets they read here and there. There's nothing more they want than real interaction and that's what I'm going to give them -- the real thing!"

Read more.....

Hrithik wants to play "A Villain" in Krrish 3

After his successful Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish, Rakesh Roshan will be making a third part of his super-hero series with Hrithik in the second-half of 2007.

Hritik wants to play "A Villain"

Hrithik says, “All I can say at this point is, I wish I could play the villain in Krrish 3. I'm really excited about the villain's role, so much so that I feel like g