I wanted to be an interior designer: Deepika Padukone

Bollywood graces March mag covers!

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Salman Khan to play Lord Krishna?

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Sanjay Dutt dedicates SFL to dad Sunil

Bollywood graces March mag covers!

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Bengal needs special attention, says Trinamool Congress

Kolkata:  Ahead of the budget session of Parliament, the UPA's most troublesome ally, the Trinamool Congress, has again made a pitch for financial aid from the Centre, saying that the finances of West Bengal, which it rules, have been crippled and that the state needs special attention.

Top Trinamool leaders met in Kolkata to firm up the party's strategy for the crucial session that begins next week and are set to raise tough questions and several issues like price rise. Trinamool leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay said today that the party would raise Bengal-related issues in the Lok Sabha. "The debt of the state is Rs 22,000 crore... Bengal needs special attention," Mr Bandhopadhyay said after the meeting. Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly sought a special package from the Centre for West Bengal, where she stormed to power two years ago.

Though the Trinamool partners the Congress in the UPA, it has given not an inch on matters like foreign direct investment in retail and or hike in fuel prices. Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee has used her party's status as the second largest group of MPs in a government with a razor-thin majority, to push through her populist agenda, often derailing reform measures.

The Trinamool has also been at odds with the UPA stand on key central legislation like the Lokpal Bill and a proposed land Bill; Mamata Banerjee stalled the Teesta river accord between India and Bangladesh objecting to the amount of water it gave Bangladesh. And she has now joined hands and is indeed at the forefront of opposition mounted by several Chief Ministers to the Centre's proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre, saying it goes against the basic tenets of federalism.

The Trinamool has 20 MPs in the Lok Sabha that the UPA badly needs to make up its majority in the House. It also has six MPs in the Rajya Sabha, where the Congress-led UPA does not enjoy a majority. The Assembly election results in far-off Uttar Pradesh would have emboldened the party further. The Congress's best laid plans to acquire another ally through a quid pro quo with the Samajwadi Party at the Centre and in UP came a cropper when the SP managed a comfortable majority in the state. If the Congress could have ensured that the SP needed its help to form a government in UP, it could have had the SP's overt support at the Centre in return to offset the sheer clout of numbers that Ms Banerjee wields in the coalition and uses without compunction. Right now the SP, with its 22 MPs, provides issue-based support to the Congress.

Mr Bandhopadhyay refused to comment on how the recent elections would affect coalition equations. But for the UPA, those equations could come into play come as early as next week, when Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presents his General Budget for the year. Conventionally, this would be one year when the Centre could have pushed through some tough measures for fiscal reform. But Mr Mukherjee needs at least the full support of all the UPA allies for that, which might be a big ask right now with the Trinamool already flexing its muscle.

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Amitabh-starrer Aankhen sequel to go on floors

By Hindustan Times

Producer Gaurang Doshi is all set to churn out a sequel to his hit heist film Aankhen, with only megastar Amitabh Bachchan being retained from the original cast.

The 2002 film directed by Vipul Shah, starred Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal and Sushmita Sen in lead roles. It was about a bank robbery by three blind men.

"We have been working on this idea of a sequel since quite some time. The first part of the film had two endings --one for the Indian market and the other for the overseas audience. The three protagonists in the film would remain blind," Gaurang told PTI.

The second installment will be helmed by a new director as Gaurang had a massive fall-out with director Vipul Shah during the making of Aankhen.

Also, there were reports that Akshay and Gaurang had a huge showdown due to monetary issues. Besides, a romantic song between Arjun and Sushmita was edited out. So the two were unhappy about it.

Talking about the fresh star cast, Gaurang said, "There will be a new cast except for Amitabh Bachchan. We are on the verge of finalising things and would make an announcement soon."

The sequel will be shot in India, Canada and England. The film would go on floors this year and is expected to release next year.

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Mamata keeps Congress on edge, will send emissaries to swearing-in ceremonies

Kolkata/New Delhi:  After putting the Congress in an embarrassing position by reportedly committing to go to the swearing-in ceremonies of Parkash Singh Badal and Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Chief Minister and UPA's most troublesome ally at the Centre, Mamata Banerjee, today changed her mind. The Trinamool Congress was reportedly "keen to attend" the swearing-in ceremonies of the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, but will have to miss them for she has to attend the budget session at West Bengal assembly.

The message has been conveyed through a comment posted on Twitter by her party spokesperson Derek O'Brien that reads - "Just spoke to Mamatadi. Was keen to make trip to Ch'garh/L'now but now she'll be in #bengal on opening day of Assembly for Guv."

Now, instead of attending the functions herself, Ms Banerjee will be sending emissaries to the two ceremonies.

Sources say the Bengal Governor has asked Chief Minister Mamata to stay back for budget session. But Didi it seems has managed to send across the message to the Congress.   

It was another tweet by Derek O'Brien yesterday that had indicated that Ms Banerjee would attend the swearing-in ceremonies of Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal and Samjawadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav.

Since both parties are staunch opponents of the Congress, Mamata's "keenness" to attend the functions is being seen by many as yet another snub to the party. Over the past several months, Ms Banerjee has often confronted the Centre over key policy decisions like FDI in multi-brand retail.  She has also been a loud voice in a campaign by Chief Ministers who say the Centre is a serial offender of the principles of federalism.

The Congress, however, has so far tried to downplay the invites extended to the Trinamool chief. "Inviting someone for a function does not necessarily have some political motivation. In human relations, people invite people for a party and it should not all the time considered exclusively political," explained Congress General Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, who reportedly met Ms Banerjee yesterday after reports said that she would attend the ceremonies in Punjab and UP. Interestingly, these reports came on a day when in no small measure of relief for the Congress, Ms Banerjee said that "she is not a traitor" and has no plans to create the need for mid-term elections.

In Punjab, the Akalis have been voted back to power with their partner, the BJP.  The Congress had counted on winning the state. Ms Banerjee's desire to be present at the ceremony there will be seen as an indication of her increasingly warm relations with Congress rivals.

Mr Badal's son, Sukhbir Singh Badal, has explained that his invite to Ms Banerjee has "nothing to do with wooing." "We have invited Chief Ministers from several states because of personal relations Mr Parkash Singh Badal shares with them," he said.

After the recent state elections in Punjab and UP, BJP's Sushma Swaraj said that mid-term polls are likely. Dinesh Trivedi, cabinet minister from Ms Banerjee's party, said this week that he believes his party may prefer mid-term polls to capitalize on the voter preference that gave Ms Banerjee a stunning verdict two years ago. He later said that was his personal view and Ms Banerjee has said in Kolkata that all MPs from her party have been alerted not to share private opinions.

The elections in Punjab and UP have demonstrated the political might of regional parties who their states identify with. Both national parties- the BJP and the Congress-were marginalised. In Punjab, the BJP won fewer seats than it had in the last state elections. It was saved by the strong numbers if its collaborator, the Akalis, with who it now returns to power.

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'Shilpa already wishing for another baby'

Bollywood graces March mag covers!

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Ekta Kapoor to present ‘classier’ awards!

Bollywood graces March mag covers!

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Bollywood graces March mag covers!

Bollywood graces March mag covers!

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Daily soaps get preachy!

Bollywood graces March mag covers!

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Vidya Balan on winning first National Award!

By Hindustan Times

Actress Vidya Balan, who was declared the best actress for playing a sex symbol in The Dirty Picture at the 59th National Awards on Wednesday, said she is still trying to believe that she has won the prestigious trophy.

"I want to believe it..long cherished dream has come true.... my first...I don't know what to say....I want to thank director Milan Luthira for giving me this film. This is really unbelievable...It is the biggest honour of the ocuntry...it is very speical...every award is special," Vidya, 33, told CNN-IBN after winning the award.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor, the unofficial biopic of the southern sex siren Silk Smitha not only rocked the box office and set the cash registers ringing, it also won the maximum popular awards.

"As the role is concerned, it really required mentally to be totally uninhibited...the film's success has opened a lot of opportunities especially the kind of roles for the female actors. It is very nice to see that the line between so called meaningful cinema and commercial has blurred," said the actor.

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John-Akshay: Teacher special!

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, March. 6 -- My jasoos from Juhu has decided that whether I like it or not, he will ping me every day. Today, he's left a message that Akshay Kumar has become a teacher. Huh?

Basically, John Abraham has turned Akki into his teacher. The previouslybitter enemies of Garam Masala have now become close buddies. In fact, Johnny addresses AK as guruji and gives him all the credit for getting his comic timing and punches right in funny scenes. Well!

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Rishi Kapoor: Eat beat!

Kareena-Arjun on Heroine sets!

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Madhuri Dixit unveils statue at Madame Tussauds

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit Nene's wax statue was unveiled at the Madame Tussauds today. The 44-year-old dancing diva is the latest Indian film star to join the top line up at the Madame Tussauds wax museum which also houses statues of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan.

The actress is famous for her performances in Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Sajan, Beta, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Devdas. After her marriage to US-based doctor Shriram Madhav Nene, Madhuri shifted her base to Denver and bid adieu to Bollywood in 2002.

But the actress recently relocated to India with her husband and two sons. The actress was last seen in the film Aaja Nachle, which failed to create magic at box office. However, the dancing queen struck the right chord with her fans when she appeared on the small screen as the judge of dance reality show Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa 5.

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A tribute to Bengali babu Joy Mukherjee

By Hindustan Times

Joy Mukherjee, often referred to as Bengali candy, breathed his last here Friday. Thousands of fans will always remember this chocolaty charmer of the 1960s as Dev of Love In Simla - his debut film - who made women swoon.

He became a heartthrob thanks to his matinee idol good looks. He wore Western clothes like a fashion model and won a huge number of female fans, who remember him for his boyish looks and physique.

Some of Bollywood's best love songs, such as Woh Hain Zara Khafa Khafa (Shagrid), O Mere Shahe Khuba (Love In Tokyo) and Hamko Tumhaare Ishq Ne (Ek Musafir Ek Hasina), were picturised on Joy.

Often criticised as a bit wooden and one dimensional as a performer, he showed great comic timing. With his debut in Love In Simla, in which Joy romanced Sadhana, he became a king of love stories.

In films like Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963) and Shagird (1967), he wooed the most popular Bollywood actresses of the era - Asha Parekh and Saira Banu - respectively.

Born into an influential film family, Joy was the son of Sati Devi and Sashadhar Mukherjee who ran the famous Filmalaya Studios. Sashadhar is often credited for discovering both Sadhana and Asha Parekh.

Joy had two brothers - Deb and Shomu. The latter was married to actress Tanuja and they had two daughters, Kajol and Tanisha. Rani Mukherjee is his cousin's daughter.

As his debut Love in Simla catapulted him to stardom, it later came to fore that he wasn't even the first choice for the role. Many newcomers, including Dharmendra, were considered for the project. But director RK Nayyar noticed Joy and convinced him to sign for the film. Joy was barely 21 then.

Nayyar worked wonders as he paired Joy with newcomer Sadhana and the wide-eyed Azra. If Sadhana's Audrey Hepburn fringe became the talk of the town and a style statement, Joy's chocolate boy looks were equally appreciated.

From 1963, Joy teamed up with Sadhana's rival, Asha Parekh, to collaborate on a hat-trick of musical hits - first he was signed by Nasir Hussain to act opposite Asha in Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963).

A year later came Pramod Chakravarthy's Ziddi, again with Asha. And in 1966, the duo hit bull's eye with Love In Tokyo. At the height of the craze for shooting abroad, Joy declared his love for a kimono-clad Asha fluttering an embroidered fan and false eyelashes in the film that was shot in Japan.

Contrary to the Joy-Asha successful pair, Joy's films with Saira Banu didn't quite hit it off. Of the five films they did together - Shagird, Door Ki Awaaz, Aao Pyar Kare, Saaz Aur Awaaz and Yeh Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hain - only Shagird did well at the box office.

Joy ruled the roost till the advent of the Rajesh Khanna craze, which caused audiences to lose interest in him as a romantic hero. It was then that Joy turned producer and director.

He produced and directed Humsaaya (1968), where he gave himself a double role.

Film historians remember the movie as it included risky stunts and a series of blasts that blew up trucks, but what people remember the most is the cat fight between Mala Sinha and Sharmila Tagore on the sets, which gave the film unexpected publicity.

But his magic waned after that.

In the early 1970s, Joy worked in a series of films, including Ehsaan, Anjana, Puraskar, Aag aur Daag, Kahin Aar Kahin Paar, but failed to charm the audiences.

Joy tried to revive his career with the 1972 movie Ek Baar Muskura Do, which was a moderate success. In this family film, Joy co-starred with brother Deb Mukherjee and to-be sister-in-law Tanuja.

Ironically, films with big heroines, Love in Bombay (1974) with Waheeda, which he also directed, Saanjh Ki Bela with Nutan (1981) and Umeed with Nanda (1989) trickled in, but Joy had then passed the prime of his life and so had his leading ladies.

His last success came with directing Chailla Babu, a film starring Zeenat Aman and Rajesh Khanna. His last screen appearance was in the TV series Aye Dil-e-Nadan.

Joy's death at the age of 73 Friday would mark an occasion for his legion of fans, now grown up, to reminisce the charms of the Bengali babu whose looks left a lasting impression.

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New 'Sridevi' for Ajay's 'Jeetendra'!

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, Feb. 28 -- Ajay Devgan will soon begin work in Sajid Khan's ext, which according to the director, is "based on" the cult Jeetendra film, Himmatwala (1983). Even as the actor prepares to shoot for the action flick, the makers continue their hunt for a 'new Sridevi' to cast opposite him.

The latest development is that they have decided to rope in an actor from the south for the role. "Our heroine should have the same purity and innocence that Srideviji had in Himmatwala.

She was a superstar down south when she was cast for it. And then she entered Bollywood in a big way. So that has inspired us to cast a south Indian star. I've spoken to Ajay and he's fine with that," reveals Sajid, adding that not too many established Bollywood actors fit the requirements needed for the role, which is why none are in the running.

Sajid, who has worked with Asin in Housefull 2, also credits her professionalism for his decision to pick a south Indian face. "If the call time (for south actors) is seven o'clock in the morning, they will be ready at that time sans any issues."

Himmatwala -set in a small town of Uttar Pradesh goes on the floors this August. "Ajay will have a lot of raw and rugged action scenes in the film. But it won't be like Singham or any of his other movies. He's quite excited about it himself," says Sajid, who has also roped in Rishi Kapoor and Prakash Raj for the other major roles in the film.

"Rishi Kapoor will do a comic role after a while," says Sajid. Bring up the topic of his film being touted as a 'remake' and he clarifies, "The only thing I can say about my film is that it is based on the yesteryear film. Otherwise, it's a completely new story in a contemporary set-up."

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Kahaani get thumbs up from critics!

By Hindustan Times

Sujoy Ghosh's Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani is a captivating thriller from commencement to conclusion, Vidya Balan proves her worth yet again by single handedly carrying the film forward on her firm shoulders. Stupendous, take a bow, Sujoy Ghosh, feel critics.

"Come to think of it, the Hindi film industry is branded for creating movies from a male perspective. The women's stories are not really exemplified conscientiously. But, out of the blue, the souk of women-centric flicks is fast turning out to be a bankable genre. Kahaani is a commanding story, has an authoritative central character, has several dominant and thought-provoking moments, which makes it an all-persuasive film," writes Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama.

"Kahaani is a captivating recount from its commencement to conclusion. Sujoy has fashioned enough scenes around the plot that keep the viewer on the edge. Besides, fragments of tongue in cheek humor pop up when you least anticipate to liven up the solemn plot. Yet, the storyteller never deviates from the fundamental somber premise. His attempt in infusing drama and pace in the narrative makes the movie accessible to the mainstream spectators. Just one itsy bitsy snag: Had the culmination been lucidly elucidated in a more simplistic fashion for the common man to decipher, the film would have created an even stronger impact," says Adarsh.

"Kahaani is not an ordinary thrill-a-minute film about a search for a missing person. It's a lot more. Bringing a virgin vitality to the suspense drama, the film strikes a captivating balance between realism in art and the art of courting realism, without losing the entertainment quotient," writes Subhash K Jha, IANS.

"From the moment Vidya lands in Kolkata, the colour, vibrancy, bustle and jostle that are peculiar to Kolkata assail your senses. It's a claustrophobic yet liberating world of intrigue and deception. A pungent flavour of anxiety and stress qualify the narration from frame one," continues Jha.

"Unlike many films that rely on a city's clichés to force feed its significance, there's none of the contrived Bong paraphernalia: O-emphasizing accent, dramatic play of conch shells, rasgulla/mishit doi excesses. Even the iconic Howrah Bridge shows up sparingly only to convey an unforeseen connection, a whiff of an infatuation," writes Sukanya Verma, Rediff.

"Goddess Durga’s analogy is central to the film’s theme and the protagonist, played flawlessly by Balan, as she sheds her vulnerabilities to draw in on her inner strength or shakti to bring the perpetrators to justice," writes Bindu Suresh Rai, Emirates 24/7.

"The actress proves her worth by single handedly carrying the film forward on her firm shoulders, with an experience that transports you back to an era when Madhuri Dixit achieved the same with élan, breaking every rule in an industry that still favours a male lead," adds Rai.

"Kahaani is a thriller which you just cannot miss. Sujoy Ghosh goes about unraveling the mystery of Vidya Bagchi's (Vidya Balan) missing husband with such neat detailing that the trump card he reveals in the end is like a swift blow to the Solar Plexus. It catches you unawares and leaves you short of breath. Stupendous. Take a bow, Sujoy Ghosh," says Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com.

Performances
"This is indeed a favorable moment for a Hindi movie heroine, unlike in times of yore. She is being looked up to as an actor with strengths, limitations, failures and accomplishments. She is geared up to conduct experiments, equipped to explore uncharted territories. This also goes for one of the most proficient actresses of our times, Vidya Balan. The famed actress has persistently ambled the untrodden path vis-a-vis her choice of movies, Paa, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and now Kahaani...," says Adarsh.

"If, after The Dirty Picture you still needed convincing that you will miss a leading 'hero' in this one, get ready for another punch in the jaw. Once again, a 'pregnant' Vidya, ironically displays more 'male ornaments' (excuse the watering down) than most heroes. She takes on her role with power and pride. Living out of a suitcase, amongst strangers, she takes on the soul of the city. Her performance leaves you in awe of an actress, who walks through her role as easily as a stroll down Chowranghee Lane. And even that is perfected as a pregnant waddle, add to it her disheveled look and eyes dark with anguish," says Madhureeta Mukherjee, TOI.

"Balan is as usual in crackling form, but it is the array of other characters who make the film come alive. Parambrata Chatterjee is perfect as young Rana, who is half in love with Mrs Bagchi, and is her willing accomplice in breaking into offices and interrogating/charming informers. Nawazuddin plays an IB officer with gusto, abusing, smoking, throwing attitude around. Dhritiman Chatterjee, all stiff upper lip, is the IB chief (or commander in chief, we are told). My favourite though is Bob Biswas (actor Saswata Chatterjee), the moonfaced hit man masquerading as an LIC agent. All the cliches are there - the seedy motel owner, the cheerfully bumbling police officer, the smiling urchins. but used to good effect," writes Kaveree Bamzai, India Today.

"Vidya Balan’s performance will be applauded as she manages the highly intense breakdown scenes as well as the chirpy playful ones with the same ease and excellence. Her companion, assistant and committed to being obedient cop played by Parambrata Chattopadhyay is a strong contender for Best Supporting trophies and might attract curious character roles in Bollywood. Regrettably, Nawazuddin Siddique’s arrogant agent role doesn’t lend him an intimidating or even an abominable image to break into being a regular baddie in Hindi films. That said, it was refreshing that his character was consistently harsh and brash and didn’t have a hidden golden heart unlike most similar characters in other films. A special callout needs to be made for the deliciously devilish contract killer Bob Biswas played by Saswata Chatterjee (the one wearing spectacles in the top picture) who is easily the most terrifying of all in this film," writes Kunal Guha, Yahoo.

Cinematography
"The cinematography is strictly average and it doesn’t really contribute or take away from any scene. The background score however blends well and that is why you can hardly distinguish it in many crucial scenes. But the Ekla Cholo Re by Amitabh Bachchan isn’t any more than a publicity stunt and doesn’t fill up your senses or anything. Hope he doesn’t use it to lull his granddaughter to sleep," adds Guha.

Direction
"Sujoy, with the skills of a master storyteller, amalgamates a human story in a thriller format. There is a certain uninhibited genuineness in Sujoy's direction. Besides, the writing is outstanding [story: Sujoy Ghosh, Advaita Kala; additional screenplay: Suresh Nair, Nikhil Vyas]; one seldom witnesses such aptitude and deliberation to specifications. Without doubt, Sujoy gives it his best shot with gleaming sincerity. Positioned alongside an intimidating environment of Kolkata's tapered side streets and constricted alleyways, the setting is ahead of credence in its realism," feels Adarsh about Ghosh's direction.

"Sujoy Ghosh, whose earlier films gave us no clue of the ingenuity that he displays here with such ostensible casualness, cuts the footage with razor sharp economy, leaving no sign of the surgery involved in leaving behind scenes and putting together a tale that pays homage to Hitchcock even while it tilts its topi to the detective films of Satyajit Ray," says Jha.

Conclusion
"On the whole, Kahaani works big time because Vidya Balan makes it come alive. It is several notches above the stuff we've been subjected to in the past. The movie triumphs in evoking emotions. You experience compassion, resentment, defenselessness and triumph at a variety of stages. A wonderful movie-going experience, you come out feeling a sense of pride, pleasure and fulfillment after having watched Kahaani. Just do not miss it. Hugely recommended!" concludes Adarsh.

Celebs on Kahaani

@Sophie_Choudry: #Kahaani is truly brilliant!Ammi Shotti Bolchi!So proud of @sujoy_g! Balan is outstanding.The entire cast superb!Massive congrats 2 the team

@ranvirshorey: 'Kahaani' seems to be a great way to celebrate women's day. All week. #fb

@shakunbatra: #kahaani - absolutely loved it!! Superb.

@iamsrk: @sujoy_g all the best sujoy and the team of kahaani. Korbo...lorbo....jeetbo.....inshallah allah

@Riteishd: A big day 4 my friend sujoy_g .So proud of him that his film #KAHAANI is getting critical acclaim frm all corners-A must watch this weekend.

@Tarunmansukhani: Just saw KAHAANI. If there ever was a film which is a must watch.... Then THIS IS IT!!

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Bollywood celebs share their Holi plans!

By Hindustan Times

While Nargis Fakhri is all set to celebrate her first Holi in India, Veena Malik is in love with the concept of the festival. Here's what Bollywood celebs are planning to do on Holi.

Nargis Fakhri

I have never played Holi in my life, but now that I am here (in India), I think I’ll surely attend a Holi party. The enthusiasm around the festival is quite exciting. I have heard that people are bombarded with colours on this day and there are water balloon fights too. Sounds fun! But I need to protect myself and will apply lots of coconut oil in my hair and maybe, on my face too.

Veena Malik

I have always lived in Pakistan and had only heard about Holi. For the first time, I played Holi last year and really enjoyed it, so I’m going to celebrate it this year too. I really like the concept of the festival since I am a very colourful person. I’ll eat, play and have a good time with my friends here in Mumbai.

Anushka Sharma

I love Holi but this time, I’m going to be out of Mumbai to shoot for my upcoming film, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. My most memorable Holi is the one which was my brother’s first Holi. He was very scared and I was like a protective elder sister, who didn’t let him get hurt. In the subsequent years however, he became sabka baap in playing Holi tricks.

Kunal Kapoor

I really enjoy Holi and have some wonderful memories attached to it. It’s one of my favourite festivals. I love celebrating it with close friends and family. But this year, unfortunately, I am travelling, so I am going to miss out on celebrating it with my my loved ones. I would like to wish everyone a happy Holi.

Kajal Agarwal

As a kid, I always went to Maker Towers (Cuffe Parade, Mumbai) and played Holi with friends and cousins. We played with water balloons, eggs, water guns, and I remember swimming in a pool of colour. At times, we even used cement on each other. This year, I will celebrate Holi in Delhi with friends and family.

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Bruce Willis film to open Cannes film fest

By Hindustan Times

The Cannes Film Festival will open on May 16 with an American work, Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. It has been written by him along with Roman Coppola.

The movie will open simultaneously in cinemas in France, though its theatrical release in the U.S. will be on May 25, two days before Cannes’ 65th edition closes on May 27.

Moonrise Kingdom will be screened at the Grand Theatre Lumiere on the evening of May 16 in the presence of Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti, who will chair the jury. However, the 5000-odd journalists from print and television who cover the Festival every year will have a chance to watch Moonrise Kingdom that morning.
Official poster of Moonrise Kingdom

Produced by Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson for Focus Features and Indian Paintbrush, Moonrise Kingdom has on its cast actors as impressive as Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton.

Moonrise Kingdom was filmed on an island in New England, and narrates tormented days in the summer of 1965. More specifically it is a story of two young lovers running away from their town, with the local sheriff and the girl’s parents in hot pursuit. Looks like it has all the masala of Mumbai!

Not surprising though, for one of Anderson’s latest movies, The Darjeeling Limited, in 2007 was a romp through India with three brothers (played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) on a long train journey that helps them understand and discover one another. Shot in India, a lot of the country must have rubbed off on the director.

Born in 1969, Anderson’s other films include Bottle Rocket (1996), Rushmore (1998), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The Life Aquatic and Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009).

Thierry Frémaux, the Festival’s General Delegate, commented: “Wes Anderson is one of the rising powers of American cinema, to which he brings a highly personal touch, particularly in Moonrise Kingdom, which once again is a testimony to the creative freedom in which he continues to evolve. Sensitive and independent, this admirer of Fellini and Renoir is also in his own right a brilliant and inventive director.”

Gilles Jacob, President of the Festival, is glad to proclaim: “With Wes Anderson opening the 65th Festival de Cannes, young American cinema will be celebrated on the Croisette.”

The official selection (Competition, A Certain regard, Out of Competition) will be announced on Thursday, 19 April.

Last year, the Festival opened with a highly acclaimed work of Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris. I wrote in these columns: “So amusing was it with its witty one-liners that the usually stiff lipped Cannes critics were caught actually laughing, even clapping.

“Indeed, the film is elegant, almost a love letter to Paris, with its classic French humour, seductive romance and inspiring heritage. The film’s first shots -- of Paris, a series of them in fact, was reminiscent of Allen’s 1978 classic, Manhattan. The rich montage of shots catches the French capital in its many moods - in spring, in sun, in rain, at dawn and at midnight, the hour when the story takes a fascinating turn much like a fairy tale”.

Will Moonrise Kingdom be as fascinating?

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Vidya Balan face of Victoria's Indian Film Festival

By Hindustan Times

Actor Vidya Balan has been roped in as the brand ambassador of Victoria's Indian Film Festival to be held in Melbourne this year. "I am delighted to be named as the brand ambassador for the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne. I love the format of the festival and the wide range of films
screened," Vidya said in a statement.

"It not only showcases the best of Indian cinema but also provides a platform for young, upcoming film makers through its short film competition," she said.

"When I was in Melbourne, I was smitten by the city and its love for films and its multi-cultural spirit. I am sure the festival will contribute greatly to add to that spirit," Vidya said.

Premier Ted Baillieu said strengthening ties with Indian cinema is a chance for Victoria to showcase what they have to offer in the arts.

"India's burgeoning film industry offers opportunities for Victorian co-production projects that build on our state's strengths in the creative arts," Baillieu said.

"Our government seeks to promote Victoria as a place that has the skills and infrastructure to work in film production, and where film producers can find a variety of people who can speak a range of languages and possess a cultural understanding."

"The festival will celebrate Indian cinema and create bonds of greater understanding and experience between the communities of Victoria and India," he added.

The 10-day festival will take place in mid-2012 and showcase the depth and diversity of the Indian film industry.

Louise Asher, minister for innovation, services and small business, said India is one of the largest film industries in the world and it makes sense to develop ties between our film industries.

"The festival complements a range of initiatives to develop ties between the Victorian and Indian film industries, including a Victoria/India Co-production Initiative which will see ten Victorians travel to FICCI Frames in Mumbai in March," Asher said.

"The initiative will also support up to three Victorian companies to develop a feature film, television or digital media project as a joint venture with a production entity based in India," she added.

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Hate Story mystery girl revealed!

By Hindustan Times

The mystery around the girl in the poster of Vikram Bhatt's production Hate Story has been solved. She is Bengali actress Paoli Dam, who created a stir with a nude scene in a movie last year.

She stirred up a buzz with the poster of Hate Story, showing a tattooed bare back and a gun placed strategically to titillate the viewers.

Paoli, who received flak for her bold scene in Bengali film Chatrak in 2011, is making her foray into Bollywood with Hate Story.

Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the movie, which also features Nikhil Dwivedi and Gulshan Devaiah, is based on a woman's vengeance and how she uses her sexuality as a weapon.

It will release April 20.

Paoli made her acting debut with Bengali film Agnipariksha in 2006 and hogged the limelight in 2009 when she won accolades for director Gautam Ghose's Kaalbela.

She also shared screen space with Bipasha Basu in Shob Charitro Kalponik.

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Karan Johar: From Delhi to Bangkok!

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, March. 6 -- Karan Johar has finally landed in Mumbai, beams Sandra from Bandra. But he won't be around for too long.

Reason: after a longish schedule for Student Of The Year in Kashmir, followed by Chandni Chowk, Lal Qila and India Gate in Delhi, the filmmaker will now fly most of the film's key unit to Bangkok for a 40-day schedule.

Needless to say his three newbies will be with him throughout the six-week shift, but the others like Rishi Kapoor and Ronit Roy will hop in and hop out since they don't have much to do on this trip. Phew!

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Kareena is the new 'Munni' in Dabangg 2

Kareena-Arjun on Heroine sets!

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Bollywood Poll: Which Movie are you looking forward to watching this year?

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Sach Ka Saamna is back!

By Hindustan Times

Despite its second season opening to poor ratings, TV show Sach Ka Saamna will return for a third innings on March 18, this time in the late night slot. Hosted by actor Rajeev Khandelwal, the producers of the desi version of American game show The Moment Of Truth aim to bring back some of the edgy material that made the first season a hit with the audience.

Season three, which will air on the channel Life OK, will comprise 36 episodes, featuring celebrity participants Yuvraaj Parashar, Nigaar Khan and Ali Merchant among others.

Producer Siddhartha Basu clarifies reports that the new series is a compilation of leftover episodes from season two, saying, “That season was titled Bhrashtachar Ke Khilaf Awaaz because the episodes dealt with exposing corruption, which mirrored the mood of the people at that time.” He adds that the upcoming series will return to its original format, saying, “It will explore the personal and psychological space of the contestants.”

The third season deals with extramarital affairs, illegitimate children and staged weddings. Ask Ajit Thakur, general manager, Life OK, whether they’re focusing on sex as a theme this time around, and he says, “We are returning to our original format, where the contestant courageously reveals details of his life. The show is about honesty, and how it pays — contestants can repair their mistakes and make a new start.”

He insists that even their celebrity guests are selected after a screening process, adding, “The show is not about celebrities, but about individuals. Even our famous participants go through the same rigours as the others.”

Basu reiterates that the on-screen drama is not scripted, saying, “The show will be about real people revealing their issues. Nothing has been scripted, which many so-called reality shows tend to do. It is very important for us to be authentic.”

Questionable behaviour
real Questions asked on the show
Ali Merchant
The actor married his
celebrity girlfriend Sara Khan on TV during season four of reality show Bigg Boss
Q Did you receive money to get married on TV?

Mukut Parasher aka Yuvraaj
The model accused film director Onir of making a pass at him
Q Have you framed false charges against someone to gain publicity?

Liliput Faruqui
He wrote and acted in popular TV show Dekh Bhai Dekh

Q Do you believe you might have a child that you are unaware of?

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Blood Money not an erotic thriller: Mahesh Bhatt

By Hindustan Times

The leaked intimate scene from Blood Money was not marketing strategy, says Mahesh Bhatt adding that the film does not belong to the erotic thrillers genre like Murder and Jism. "I am not happy. One of our over-enthusiastic PR person thought that leaking it would benefit the film. But these things send a wrong signal about. I was never apologetic about the kinds of films we make. Like Murder and Jism are erotic thrillers. But, Blood Money is not a product of that profile," the 63-year-old said here while promoting the film at a radio station.

"Because of these wrong signals, people think there is a lot of erotica in the film. Someone who doesn't like watching these kind of films will not come and someone who will come expecting erotica will be disappointed. I think it has done us more harm than good," he added.

Directed by Vishal Mahadkar, Blood Money stars Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri and hits theatres March 30.

Meanwhile, comparisons are being drawn between Blood Money and Bhatt's 1986 film Naam as both films talk about a middle-class boy who treads the wrong path in his pursuit to earn money.

The filmmaker says that they are similar, but only to an extent as both are about sin-money.

"Naam dealt with lower, middle-class Indian dream. Those were the days in 1980s, when everybody thought that if you reach Dubai or Middle-East, you were guaranteed a decent, secure way of life. But this (Blood Money) deals with a slightly upper strata. It talks about a person who has dreams in his eyes and the world of Rolls Royce and plush homes. But it is all built on something which is sin-money," said Bhatt who is also gearing up for Jism 2.

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