Maatraan nearing completion

Maatraan starring Suriya and Kajal Aggarwal has reached its last leg of shooting. KV Anand, the director of the film has been shooting for the film in the exotic locations of Russia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Albania. Now the director and his crew are in Jodhpur for his last schedule. In his social networking page, he blogged, “Shooting the last phase of Maatraan in Jodhpur with 500 junior artist & Suriya. It's very hot here (around 41 degrees).”


The film that is being produced by Kalpathi S Aghoram also stars Vivek, Isha Shervani and Sachin Khedekar in supporting roles. Sounder Rajan handles the camera and Anthony is editing the film. Harris Jayaraj has done the compositions.

Anushka to replace Vidya Balan?

There has been considerable speculation that Anushka will be appearing the Tamil and Telugu version of The Dirty Picture which saw Vidya Balan play a character inspired by Silk Smita. So far nothing has materialized on this front and the rumors have petered out. Now the rumor mills have started up again.


Apparently, Anushka has been approached for a remake of Kahaani which is Vidya Balan's latest hit film. It is about a pregnant woman who is searching for her missing husband. It is a powerful role and Vidya Balan was praised to the skies for her gutsy performance. Will something concrete happen this time around? Keep watching this space for more!

Yuvan, Venkat and Premgi loved it

Bhavatharini, National Award winning singer and daughter of Ilaiyaraja organized "How to Name it" - a live show in honor of the 25 year anniversary of her father's Indo-Western music album of the same name that was inspired from Bach and Thiagaraja. It was held in Anna Centenary Hall, Chennai.


The show featured violonists Ganesh and Kumaresh and performances by Ambi Subramaniam and Rajhesh Vaidhya were also the highlights of the show. Bhavatharini is planning to go international with this show. Her brothers, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Venkat Prabhu and Premji Amaren praised her efforts and said they loved it. They also showed their support by actively promoting the show on social networking sites.

MS Subbulakshmi honored with gold!

MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary singer and winner of the Bharat Ratna passed away in 2004 at the age of 88. Tanishq, the jewellery brand has launched a limited edition of gold coins engraved with the image of the singer. The coins will be available in two, four and eight grams. a portion of the proceeds will be donated for cancer and diabetes research. 


This initiative taken by Tanishq seeks to honor the singer for her phenomenal contribution to Carnatic music which is an integral part of India's rich cultural heritage. In life, MS Subbulakshmi was famous not only for her extraordinary voice but her charitable work as well.

Jayam Ravi is struggling

Jayam Ravi informed fans that the Aadhi Bhagawan unit is currently in Goa and work has been proceeding at a frantic pace for the past 10 days. The actor is working 22 hour shifts under trying conditions. But he is not complaining, in fact he is very happy that the film is making steady progress.


Aadhi Bhagawan directed by Ameer has suffered its fair share of setbacks and inordinate delays owing to the FEFSI - TFPC strike. It has been reported that Jayam Ravi has a very challenging role to play and he is putting his heart and soul into his character.

Why Vidya Balan said no to 'Vettai' remake

A source from Juhu says that Vidya Balan's producer beau, Siddharth Roy Kapoor is a very possessive kinda guy. He doesn’t want her to work with the actors she has been linked with. Apparently, when Tamil director Linguswamy suggested casting Balan for the Hindi remake of his film 'Vettai', Siddharth vetoed it saying the role wouldn't do justice to her talent as an actress.
However, our insider reveals that the producer wasn't comfortable with the idea of casting his actress girlfriend opposite Sasha since they were rumoured to be an item during the making of 'Kismet Konnection'.
Incidentally, she’s believed to have turned down Sanjay Gupta and Ekta Kapoor’s joint venture for a similar reason. "She didn’t want to be paired with John Abraham due to strong reports of their affair while filming 'Salaam-E-Ishq'," recalls our souce.

neethane en ponvasantham Poster

Billa 2 song Promo

Billa 2 Images

Ram Gopal Varma said Nishabd Big B was a good performance

Amitabh Bachchan and Ram Gopal Varma have united again after a gap of two years, for their upcoming action film 'Department' and the filmmaker feels that the megastar has a lot of faith in his directorial skills.
"He (Bachchan) trusts me a lot as a director. So I think so far it has not happened like that where I had approached him (for a role) and he said no. Somewhere he knows my commitment and seriousness," Varma said.
RGV and Big B first teamed up for 'Sarkar' (2005), a dramatic thriller set in the world of politics. The film did average business at the box office.
 


Then came 'Nishabd' (2007), where Bachchan played the role of a 60-year-old falling in love with his daughter's 18-year-old friend. Their next venture was 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag', a remake of 'Sholay'. Both bombed at the box office. This was followed by 'Sarkar Raj' (2008), a sequel of their earlier film, 'Sarkar'. It was a commercial hit. However, their next, 'Rann' (2010) which focused on Indian media, was panned by critics.
Of all the films in which the duo has worked together, Varma, likes Bachchan the most in 'Nishabd'.
"I liked him in 'Nishabd'. I think that was his best performance. People react to overall things, but I as a director would react to his performance as to how he drew emotions and all in that film. I feel Sarkar was easier for him to do...people like that more," Varma said.
Now the 67-year-old actor would be seen in 'Department' where he plays the role of a gangster-turned-politician, alongside Sanjay Dutt and Rana Daggubati.

Shah Rukh Khan stop with public smoking

 A Jaipur trial court summoned Shah Rukh Khan for smoking in public. He did so during an IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8 in the Sawai Madho Singh stadium. The court has fixed May 26 as the next date of hearing.
However, this is not the first time Shah Rukh Khan is getting any legal notice for smoking in public. He has been criticised at several occasions including the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit and a T-20 match between India and Australia.
National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) has expressed its unhappiness over SRK’s public smoking on more than one instance. NOTE had also filed a case against Amitabh Bachchan for the same reason when he was shown smoking in an advertisement of electrical appliances, but that was not primarily his fault. Though the veteran actor is expected to know the rules, but the prime responsibility was of the makers of the advertisement. The case is not the same with King Khan because he is the sole person responsible for his genuinely public acts.



In fact, what meant a joke to him was a serious hazard for the common people. He waved the questions of smoking in public in air during the HT Summit and some journalists took it as a part of his ruthless wit, but it shows his disrespect for ethics in public life.
It's understandable that his lifestyle is very stressful and smoking couldn't be a big deal in a film celebrity's life, but they are also the role models. The way a gangster film can prompt a crime, these gestures can also do.
Further, apart from these public smoking cases, Shah Rukh Khan is extremely well behaved in open. This makes Khan endear to the people who aspire for a lifestyle like him, and they can react in an unwanted manner after seeing their ideal smoking on TV.
News reports have spoken in the past that Shah Rukh wants to quit smoking but he is just waiting for a certain thing to happen. Sometimes it was the release of one of his films, sometimes it was a crucial cricket match. The decision taking authority is confined to Khan and his family, but the normal people should be spared till he makes up his mind to really quit smoking.

Sunidhi Chauhan, Hitesh Sonik's wedding reception

Reality better than dreams: Katrina Ka

 She was almost written off when she arrived in Bollywood. Nearly a decade later, with three Yash Raj projects, three reigning Khans as her co-stars and endorsements galore, actress Katrina Kaif says reality is far better than dreams.Katrina, 27, has teamed up with ex-boyfriend Salman Khan in 'Ek Tha Tiger', Aamir Khan in 'Dhoom 3' and Shah Rukh Khan for an untitled film -- all are being made under Yash Raj Films (YRF).Not just that. Veteran director Yash Chopra is directing her film with Shah Rukh. "Yashji undoubtedly is the king of romance and I have always admired the way he presents his heroines. It was always a dream to work with him and the reality is even better," Katrina, who was brought up in Britain and boasts of 28 Bollywood films, told IANS in an e-mail interview."He is very precise in his brief on what he expects from a scene and extremely perceptive. It has been amazing to work with him," she added.YRF's untitled film is her first project with Shah Rukh. Katrina is bowled over by the superstar's energy."Shah Rukh is a thorough gentleman and it is a delight to work with him. I admire the sheer energy, hard work and passion that he puts into his work. It is also nice that my first film with him is a Yash Chopra film; they have done some great work together," she said.If Katrina is getting into romantic mode with Shah Rukh, she will be doing a lot of action too with Aamir in 'Dhoom 3'." 'Dhoom 3' is a concept film and the characters are required to look a certain way and do physically strenuous sequences. So there is a lot of physical training involved to prepare for the role," said Katrina.Today she is counted among the top Bollywood actresses, but Katrina doesn't believe in the numbers game and tries not to let anyone down."I don't believe in numbers; the fact that I'm getting to work with the best people in the industry makes me feel blessed. With every project I get to learn so much that I can't thank all the people around enough," she said."Every day in this industry is an experience in itself and I try to work hard not to let anyone down. It is a great feeling, but it does come with responsibility towards your colleagues and the audiences," she added.When Katrina entered Bollywood with the 2003 release 'Boom', trade pundits had predicted it was touch and go for her in tinsel town. But she has proved everyone wrong by giving hit after hit.In a span of almost a decade, Katrina has given hits like 'Maine Pyaar Kyon Kiya?', 'Welcome', 'Sarkar', 'Race', 'Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani', 'Raajneeti' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'."I am very fortunate that I have been working with some very senior and experienced directors almost from the beginning of my career - Raj Kanwar, Abbas-Mustan, Raj Kumar Santoshi to name a few," said Katrina, whose recent Slice ad 'Ab Ras Barsega' is out and she is looking her ravishing best in it."As for the directors, banners, actors and projects I am working with today, I have just gone about doing my work to the best of my abilities and in as professional a manner as possible," she added.

Dhanush rubbishes Rajinikanth paid for '3' losses

Tamil star Dhanush is upset with reports that his father-in-law, the legendary Rajinikanth, is reimbursing the Telugu distributor's revenue losses for his movie '3'. Dhanush, who became a sensation across the country with his song 'Kolaveri di', is married to Rajinikanth's daughter Aishwarya, who has directed '3'.

"How I love the stories that are created just because I am married to a particular person's daughter," said Dhanush.

"'3' has suffered no losses. And even if there are losses to be compensated for, god has been kind to me. I can take care of my own financial liabilities, thank you very much," he added.

The Hindi version of '3' will be released next month, and it also features Kamal Haasan's daughter Shruti, who is yet to establish a good foothold in Bollywood.

The protective father and the movie enthusiast in Kamal feels '3' could do good to the Hindi film careers of Dhanush and Shruti, provided it is edited well, especially in the second half.

Dhanush, who has been painstakingly working on the Hindi version of '3', has perhaps decided to take Kamal's advice seriously.

"The film has gone into serious re-editing. Most experts feel '3' didn't work to its optimum level at the Tamil and Telugu box office because of its inordinate length," said a source close to the project.

"Kamalji saw the film and made suggestions as to how and where to prune down the length, specially in the second half," the source added.

Dhanush confirmed the news, saying: "Yes I am editing the film down further. Kamal sir did see the film and was kind enough to make suggestions."

Bollywood is for newcomers, says Mohanlal

 A lot of southern Indian actors may be making their way to Bollywood but veteran actor Mohanlal is happy doing Hindi films only once in a while and says he agrees to only "irresistible" roles.

The actor, who has dedicated over three decades to the Malayalam film industry, made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma's 'Company' in 2002. He was later seen in Varma's "Aag" and will now be seen in a cameo in Priyadarshan's 'Tezz'.

Despite many offers, Mohanlal wanted to be selective and to choose good roles."'Company' was an irresistible role for me. A couple of (Bollywood) scripts came to me after that, but I didn't find anything interesting. For an actor to get a good role is a blessing," Mohanlal told reporters in an interaction.

While many young southern actors like Rana Daggubati, Ram Charan Teja, Dhanush and Siddharth are making a mark in Bollywood, Mohanlal is content where he is.

"I am not a newcomer! I have been in this industry for so long. What should I prove? I am happy with my own language. Now if I get a very irresistible role I will try it. I don't want to prove anything.

"Others from the south who are settling in Bollywood are newcomers. They want to do Hindi films for various factors," the 51-year-old said. He says he agreed to 'Tezz' only for his filmmaker friend Priyadarshan, with whom he has done 42 films in the past.

" 'Company' was enough for me. With this particular film 'Tezz', Priyadarshan is my key factor... not my role or anything," he clarified. Mohanlal says he will be seen as a cop in his cameo in 'Tezz'.

"I am playing a police officer. It's a small role, but the placement of the role is very critical in the film. This is one of Priyadarshan's best films. Action, choreography ... everything is brilliant," said the actor. He says Priyadarshan, a Padma Shri awardee, knows how to use or handle every artist.

"He has made more than 84 films. He has grown a lot. He is thorough with his job. His way of making a film, his way of taking a song and choreographing it is entirely different," Mohanlal said.

"Most of the actors are comfortable doing Priyadarshan's film. He knows how to use or handle an artist. He is one of the greatest directors I know and of course he is my friend," he added. 'Tezz' will release April 27.

Produced by Ratan Jain, the action drama features Ajay Devgn, Kangna Ranaut, Anil Kapoor and Sameera Reddy in key roles.

Salman Khan wants to shoot in Kashmir

 Salman Khan is completely fida over Kashmir. Ever since the Bollywood superstar watched the trailers of Qasam Se Qasam Se, he felt that the land of paradise has all the potential to be one of the best shooting locations in the world. Azim, who makes his debut in QSQS, looks up to him and the two share a thick bond of brotherhood.

In fact the star even made it a point to be with the debutant to watch the trailer. "It was while watching it that Salman noticed the beauty of Kashmir. In fact so impressed was he that he even told his brother Arbaaz Khan that the second schedule of Dabangg 2 should be shot there. This is also Salman's way of promoting tourism to Kashmir. He wants not only Indians but also foreigners to visit the place. And shooting there is the best way to promote tourism," said the source.

Says Azim, "Salman bhaijaan and I were just watching the trailers when he asked me where we had shot the film. I told him about Kashmir and ever since Bhaijaan wants to shoot there. If my film inspires people to shoot in Kashmir, I am happy. I am glad that filmmakers have begun to notice its worth. It's like having gold in my own backyard and not knowing it. Thankfully, people have awakened to the place now."

Qasam Se Qasam Se is set to be released on June 15.

Can't be ungrateful to Prakash Jha: Manoj Bajpayee

Manoj Bajpai values his friendship with filmmakers Prakash Jha and Sanjay Gupta so much that he even goes on to claim that he would do anything for them. In fact, he signed both the directors' forthcoming films even before actually listening to the script or even discussing remunerations.

Bajpai says, "These are the two people in this industry who I consider my very good friends. I do their films not because of good roles or money. It's pure friendship. They have given me great roles and trust me as an actor. I can't be ungrateful to them." The actor was seen in Jha's Raajneeti and Gupta's Dus Kahaniyan and Acid Factory.

The actor has just finished shooting his next and is leaving for Bhopal today for Prakash Jha's film. Bajpai points out, "When Prakashji approached me, he said that he would really want me to do this film. He also said it's not a big budget film, so there is not much money involved. I readily agreed because I think of him as my friend. For me it was not about money or the role. He wanted me in the film with so much heart."

The actor will start shooting Gupta's film in June.

Loved my time away from the limelight: Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor, who returns to Bollywood after a six-year hiatus, admits that she actually enjoyed her time not doing any film. "I've been working since I was 16. So I needed time away," she states. Lolo chats with us about returning to the big screen and giving priority to her two kids, Samaira and Kiaan Raj.

Having been in the centre of attention during your reigning days, how was it keeping away from it all?

I loved my time away from the limelight. I was very clear that once I have children, they would be my priority. Having worked since I was 16, I needed a break. In fact, Vikram Bhatt was after me for the last two-three years saying he had an amazing idea. But then, I told him I was not keen on working.

So what changed your mind?

The script. Last year he contacted me again, saying I must at least hear it. And I was bowled over by it. I have played amazing roles and characters in the past and this is something I haven't done before. It is a supernatural thriller with a plot that people will identify with because all of us at some time have been intrigued by karma, destiny, crystal ball, astrology, tarot card reading. And it's the first time a woman-centric 3D film is being made in India.

But going by RA.One and Don 2, 3D has't really worked so well for Bollywod.

Those films were converted into 3D. Haunted was made in 3D and we had a similar crew, shooting with a different camera. This story required 3D and this format will enhance the audience's experience in going into past life.

How much do you think filmmaking has changed in the past few years?

Not much actually. The magic of being on a film set remains the same. Technically, with the equipment, etc and the way people work in a more professional manner, things have improved. But as far as just giving the shot is concerned, it remains the same.

What do your children Samaira and Kiaan Raj think of your films?

They like the entertainers. They're very excited about my forthcoming film too.

What are you plans for the forthcoming trip to Cannes?

I don't think we'll be going, as I'm not sure if we're making the deadline for our film.

In one of her interviews, Kareena said that your grandfather Raj Kapoor was biased towards you and she was jealous of you. Comment?

It was in good humour. The dig was amongst us cousins, since I was the first born and have my grandfather's light eyes. We were all loved equally.

No delay, 'Department' to be released on May 18

The makers of upcoming film 'Department' have rubbished reports that the film's release has been delayed due to pending shoots. According to reports, the climax of the film has to be reshot, while a song featuring Sanjay Dutt also remains to be filmed.

"The reported facts are baseless and false. 'Department' will release across all theatres May 18 as scheduled," said a statement from the production house Viacom18.

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, 'Department' features Amitabh Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, apart from Sanjay.

 

Lady Gaga turns alien for 'Men In Black 3'

Singer Lady Gaga is to make a cameo appearance as an alien in upcoming movie 'Men in Black 3'. Director Barry Sonnenfeld revealed the singer could make an appearance as an alien in the movie, which will also have a cameo by teenage singer Justin Bieber.

"So, the challenge is getting celebrities that are famous, will give you permission and won't be like 'Who's that guy?' in 10 years. So that's one thing, the alien surveillance board that we've had in all three movies," aceshowbiz.com quoted Sonnenfeld as saying.

Talking about nabbing famous names for the cameo part in the 'Men in Black' franchise, Sonnenfeld said: "The first movie I know we had (Steven) Spielberg, Danny DeVito, George Lucas, (Sylvester) Stallone, Isaac Mizrahi, my baby daughter."

"I can't remember who we had in the second one, but in this one there are a few people that you'll see up on the surveillance board including Lady Gaga, Tim Burton, who probably knows more about aliens than I do, and let's see who else... Justin Bieber... oh, I think in the second one we had Martha Stewart and Michael Jackson."

"So far we've been pretty luck and people have been kind and interested. I am surprised that Lady Gaga said yes," he added.

Asked whether Gaga would be able to tackle a comic role, the filmmaker said: "Yes, and by the way, probably could be an alien."

Erotic thriller 'Hate Story'

Actor Nikhil Dwivedi who will be seen in 'Hate Story', which is said to have a lot of bold content, says it's not right to question whether Indian audiences are ready for a film of this kind.

"All the adults will be ready for it ('Hate Story'). If you are an adult, you are allowed a lot of privileges by even the law of the nation because you have attained a certain sense of maturity," said Dwivedi.

"I think somewhere by talking like this we are insulting the intelligence of the people of this country. Of course, they are ready and mature enough to watch a film like this," he added.

A Vikram Bhatt production, 'Hate Story' also features Gulshan Devaiah of 'Shaitan' fame and controversial Bengali actress Paoli Dam.

Paoli Dam makes her Bollywood debut in 'Hate Story', however her posters are being painted blue in Kolkata to hide her bare back following orders of the Calcutta High Court.

After 'Shaitan', actor Gulshan Devaiah will once again be seen exploring his negative streak in forthcoming film 'Hate Story'. Unlike others, Gulshan doesn't fear getting typecast and says he is enjoying playing the bad guy.

"There is a possibility that I might get typecast but I don't feel threatened. I am not bothered about playing negative roles. My role in 'Shaitan' was also negative but Siddharth in 'Hate Story' takes very calculative risk," Gulshan told IANS.