Starzshowz Bollywood Shows .LLC

Happy Birthday Rekha

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 11:35:00 +0000

As Rekha turns 67 today, we take a look at some of her best performances in Bollywood. Rekha debuted as a child actress in the Telugu films Inti Guttu (1958) and Rangula Ratnam (1959). Her acting career began in 1969 with the Kannada film Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999. Anjana Safar, her first Hindi film, was released the same year. Sawan Bhadon was her debut Hindi film (1970).

Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972), Kahani Kismat Ki (1973), and Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye were her next films (1974). The critical acclaim she received for her parts as a sexual assault victim in Ghar and a courtesan in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) signalled the start of her most successful time. She won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Khubsoorat (1980).

Rekha turns 67; Happy Birthday Rekha! From 'Silsila' to 'Umrao Jaan' - her most iconic roles

In addition, Rekha also appeared in the films Kalyug (1981), Umrao Jaan (1981), Vijeta (1982), Utsav (1984), and Ijaazat (1985). Her outstanding performance in Umrao Jaan as the famous classical courtesan earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. Khoon Bhari Maang, which starred Rekha in the role of a woman avenging her husband's attempted murder, was one of the first of a new trend of women-centred vengeance films and earned her a second Best Actress Filmfare Award. She played a Kama Sutra instructor in Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996) and a housewife working alongside as a sex worker in Aastha: In the Prison of Spring (1997), both of which received critical acclaim but also public scrutiny. She eventually took a long break from acting in films.

Written By

Piyushi Sharma

South Remakes in Bollywood: Will Salman Khan's 'Kick' Repeat Success of Original Version in Telugu?

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 08:16:00 +0000

South Remakes in Bollywood: Will Salman Khan's 'Kick' Repeat Success of Original Version in Telugu?

The success of "Holiday – A Solider is Never Off Duty" has once again proved that remakes of South Indian films are a safe bet for big Bollywood stars like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Remaking south films in Bollywood and vice versa has been a trend followed for many years. But, for the last few years, there seems to be an increase in the number of south films getting remade in Hindi with big stars in the lead. Interestingly, most of these films have set the cash registers ringing.

Aamir Khan's 2008-release "Ghajini," remake of a Tamil film with the same name, was one of the biggest hits of Bollywood cinema. The action entertainer, directed by AR Murugadoss, earned more than ₹100 crore at the Indian box office. Apparently, it was "Ghajini" that started the ₹100 crore club.

Salman Khan, who was going through a rough phase, made a comeback with the crime action killer "Wanted," which was a remake of Vijay's "Pokkiri." The film reportedly broke many records at the box office in 2009. Since then, the actor has starred in several south remakes including "Ready", "Bodyguard" and "Jai Ho." His upcoming film "Kick," touted to be an action comedy entertainer, is also a south remake.

Askhay Kumar has also starred in a few south remakes which have performed well at the box office. His masala action entertainer "Rowdy Rathore" and the recently-released "Holiday" are in the ₹100 crore club. Ajay Devgn, who has starred in remakes like "Son of Sardar" and "Singham" also tasted success with both the films.

What makes these remakes work in Bollwood? The remakes work because of the presence of big stars. "The remakes of south films are getting highlighted now because of big stars here. As big Bollywood heroes are doing these films, this space (of remakes) is getting established further," actor-director Prabhu Deva, who has done three south remakes in Bollywood was quoted saying by the Press Trust of India at an event held last year.

The content of these remakes appeal to the audience even though critics give average reviews for them. Take "Holiday" for instance – the film fetched mixed feedback from the critics, but audience has given big thumbs up. The Akshay Kumar-Sonakshi Sinha starrer is still running successfully in theatres even after three weeks of its release.

The stupendous of these films have made more Bollywood filmmakers to remake south films.

Check below the list of upcoming Bollywood films which are remakes of south entertainers.

"Kick" – Salman Khan's most-awaited "Kick" is a remake of the Telugu film with the same name. The film, directed by Sajid Nadiadwala, has Jacqueline Fernandez, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saurabh Shukhla in pivotal roles. The film is set for Eid release.

It remains to be seen if "Kick" turns out to be another successful film in Salman Khan's career. The film's first look and trailer have received fantastic response from fans and have raised the expectations among them. The action entertainer is slated to hit screens during Eid festival, which is considered as a lucky period for Salman. Will "Kick" impress the audience and reprise the success of the original version? Only time will tell.

"Tevar" – Amit Sharma's film is a remake of Telugu hit "Okkadu." The film has Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles.

"Gabbar" – Akshay Kumar will be seen in yet another south remake. The film, directed by Krish, is a remake of Tamil blockbuster film "Ramana."

Besides these films, remake of Tamil films including "Soodhu Kavvum", "Pizza" and "Vettai" are also in the pipeline. There are also reports claiming that the recently-released blockbuster flick "Manam" will be remade in Hindi. Reliance Entertainment, the co-producers of "Manam" are said to be interested in making the Hindi version, reportedSakshipost. Buzz is that Amitabh Bachchan might be reprising ANR's role. However, an official announcement regarding the project is still awaited.

Big gets bigger in 2014 : Bollywood, News - India Today

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 05:52:00 +0000

Big gets bigger in 2014 : Bollywood, News - India Today

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Bollywood stars who drink lead miserable lives

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Bollywood stars who drink lead miserable lives:

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Bollywood rallies for Sanjay Dutt - thenews.com.pk

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:28:00 +0000

Bollywood rallies for Sanjay Dutt - thenews.com.pk:

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Hooray for Bollywood: 100 years of Indian cinema - Features - Films - The Independent

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:01:00 +0000

Hooray for Bollywood: 100 years of Indian cinema - Features - Films - The Independent

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all from Starz&Showz.LLC #Christmas2012 on Twitpic

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:36:00 +0000

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all from Starz&Showz.LLC #Christmas2012 on Twitpic

Salman Khan to perform Gangnam Style with singer Psy at CCL opening ceremony - National India Headlines | Examiner.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:59:00 +0000

Salman Khan to perform Gangnam Style with singer Psy at CCL opening ceremony - National India Headlines | Examiner.com

According to a report from Hindustan Times on Dec 09, 2012, Bollywood superstarSalman Khan and 'Gangnam Style' singer Psy will be performing together at the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) opening ceremony.

The South Korean pop singer Psy, whose 'Gangnam Style' single is the highest viewed video on YouTube, had everyone grooving to his song.

From US President Barack Obama to cricketers and celebrities, no one has escaped the dancing gig.

Psy is visiting India to perform with actor Salman Khan at the opening ceremony of the third edition of CCL, which will be held in January next year.

An insider from the organising body said that pop singer Psy knows about the mass popularity of Salman Khan in India.

Since Salman is the captain of the Mumbai team, he will be sharing stage with Psy at the opening ceremony.

The source added along with 'Gangnam Style', Salman will perform to a few of his own numbers. The event venue is still undecided and is expected to be either in Delhi or Mumbai.

The eight teams of the CCL are Mumbai Heroes, Chennai Rhinos, Bengal Tigers, Veer Marathi, Telugu Warriors, Kerala Strikers, Karnataka Bulldozers and Bhojpuri Dabbangs.

Salman is real Bigg Boss of B'wood: Dolly Bindra - The Times of India

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:33:00 +0000

Salman is real Bigg Boss of B'wood: Dolly Bindra - The Times of India

London wants Bollywood’s money - Bollywood News & Gossip, Movie Reviews, Trailers & Videos at Bollywoodlife.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 07:54:00 +0000

London wants Bollywood’s money - Bollywood News & Gossip, Movie Reviews, Trailers & Videos at Bollywoodlife.com

Don’t cry for me India, I hate tears Rajesh Khanna

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:09:00 +0000

Don’t cry for me India, I hate tears:

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Bal Thackeray Says, Send Back Veena Malik To Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Mrityunjay Singh [ Updated 20 Dec 2011, 08:15:04 ]

Mumbai, Dec 20: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today lashed out at Pakistani actor Veena Malik and all other artistes, saying all of them should be packed off to their country.

In an editorial in his party's organ Saamna, Bal Thackeray writes: "Veena Malik is a blot on our country's culture. Who is Veena Malik? Why is so much ruckus being raised about her?

"She goes missing for some days and it appears to be a publicity stunt. ..Sometimes she does obscene acts in Bigg Boss and sometimes she gets herself photographed in the nude for magazines.

"Veena is not such a big actress from Pakistan that we should go on praising her.

"I think she has a temporary visa and she is staying here since months. It seems she has obtained Indian citizenship. This amounts to stabbing oneself in the back.

"There is a trend in Bollywood to hire Pakistani artistes. Pakistani actors come to India and do not want to leave. People from Pakistan come to India to watch cricket matches and suddenly vanish. It's difficult to say whether they work for terror outfits or not.

"We are so careless that we are welcoming our enemies too..

"Adnan Sami also seems uninterested in going back to his home country. Pakistani comic artistes come here in the name of improving ties and go back earning money.

"On the other side, Pakistani government doesn't even give visas to our artistes. There is a virtual ban on entry of Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle in Pakistan.

"There is also a ban on our film songs there, but we bring in useless Pakistani artistes here and feed them. ..

"Dolly Bindra says, Veena Malik has ISI connections. If that is so, the person who gave her visa should be jailed.

"Such persons should be in the same cells with Afzal Guru and Kasab.

"We should clean up our country and send Veena to hell", signs off the Shiv Sena supremo.

Salman Khan unveils campaign with History channel

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:18:00 +0000

Crafted by McCann Erickson, the campaign will go on-air from next week; watch the 3 TVCs here

Neha Saraiya | New Delhi | September 30, 2011

A+E Networks | TV18, a joint venture between A+E Networks and TV 18, has launched three TVCs for their soon-to-be-launched factual entertainment channel ‘History’ in India. The brand has unveiled the new campaign online first, to be followed by TV. The ad features Bollywood actor Salman Khan challenging people’s perception of ‘achievement’ and ‘newness’.

The idea for the campaign, concept-alised by McCann Erickson, came from the insight that history, an otherwise mundane topic, needed to be put in the most interesting and engrossing manner. Thus, the campaign plays with the copy reading ‘Watch History being made’, ‘Kuch Naya Dekho’ and ‘History Bante Dekho’.

Speaking about the launch campaign strategy, Sangeetha Aiyer, general manager, marketing, AETN-18, said, “The factual entertainment segment as a whole is witnessing a growth of 30 per cent year-on-year basis. But we don’t want to cannibalise the market with any other player including Discovery and National Geographic. Thus, we have entered the market with a different approach, like we will be launching in six different languages at the same time and we have also picked Salman Khan as our ambassador as he reaches out to different target segments. We wanted to shake up the market, as history has a new contemporary side to it being made everyday by people.”

The TVC has been released in three versions — ‘Mountains’, ‘Swamp’ and ‘Samurai’ — all shot in southern France. Directed by Prashant Issar of Tubelight Films, the TVCs urge people to push the envelope, go beyond the regular, and watch something new.

Angshumani Khanna, Creative Director, McCann Erickson, said, “The idea was to communicate ‘kuch naya dekho’. Basically we believed that the channel has a fantastic content line-up.”

The agency has planned a 360-degree marketing campaign spanning outdoor in metros, activation in key shows, PR and Radio, with key emphasis on innovation on all platforms.

The channel that will go on air from October 9 will be supported by marketing initiatives worth Rs. 15-18 crore across all platforms.

Bollywood film-makers vie for larger screen pie - The Economic Times

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Bollywood film-makers vie for larger screen pie - The Economic Times:

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GET WELL SOON SALMAN KHAN

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan will be traveling to the United States in order to undergo treatment

The 45-year old confirmed rumors that he suffers from a medical condition

known as,Trigeminal neuralgia

Which is a facial nerve disorder that causes unbearable pain in the face and jaw.

The actor’revealed that he will be leaving to the United States either on August 27 or 28,

Salman said that the problem first stated during the shooting of Partner
back in 2007 and worsened last year when he was shooting for Veer.

“The pain is a bit too much now.So I am going now to the US to get it fixed."

There is constant pain and if you google this thing you will find out that the amount

of pain it causes resultsin maximum amount of suicides”, he said.

Bhai we all luv you our prayers and thought are with you,

kaizaad kermani

Filmfare - Priyanka Chopra : Girls just wanna have fun,. I’m a big fan of Dolly Bindra too

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Filmfare - Priyanka Chopra : Girls just wanna have fun

In matters of the heart and craft Priyanka Chopra chooses the tricky trail. Filmfare chats up B-town’s girl on the go

An actor recently remarked, ‘Priyanka Chopra is the female Shah Rukh Khan!’ And knowing PC’s admiration for the King Khan she is probably jumping through hoops at this one. The girl has energy and a distinct brand of joie de vivre that’s unwavering. Come rumours of heartbreak or her father's ill-health, nothing can numb her energy. She survives heartbreak and box office thuds with equanimity. We at Filmfare were witness to her gusto as she laughed with Imran Khan to court the camera for our photoshoot. She may have given away her beauty pageant crown a decade ago, but this B-town princess is here to reign…

You’ve been experimental in your choice of roles in films that didn't do well at the box-office. How difficult was it to do that in a male-dominated industry?
It is a male-dominated industry but I’ve been fortunate to get plum roles. Fashion, for example, completely rested on my shoulders. I’ve reached a point where directors feel I’m capable of playing heavy duty roles. Whether Saat Khoon Maaf did well or not, at least Vishal Bhardwaj felt I was competent to do it. No One Killed Jessica was based on women and it did so well. Times are changing for sure.

You play an autistic in Barfee. That must be tough…
Barfee is one of my toughest roles. I play an autistic character. There’s a very thin line between being autistic and mentally challenged.

Your look in Kunal Kohli’s untitled film has created a buzz…
I’m doing a romantic comedy after a while. So being in this light space is refreshing. It’s too early to talk about the look but you know me na, I can’t do anything normal. (Laughs)

You’re working with Shahid Kapoor in Barfee again after Kaminey.
Shahid is a great co-actor and a fantastic actor. He’s also someone I know really well. Amidst jokes and laughter we don’t realise how time passes.

How easy or difficult is it being friends with your ex?
It’s a individual thing.

Reportedly, you had problems with your co-actress Illeana D’Cruz in Barfee.
I’ve never even met her.

Reportedly, Katrina Kaif was signed on for Illeana’s role but later she walked out. Were there some issues between you two?
I don’t have any trouble with Katrina. I don’t know what happened and why she walked out.

You had signed three films opposite Saif Ali Khan but none have seen the light of day…
Yes, but somehow they didn’t work out.

Does it have something to do with Kareena’s proximity with Saif…
I don’t think Kareena would be so petty or small-minded. The films didn’t work out due to professional reasons.

If you were a film journalist, which celeb would you follow and what secrets would you unravel?
The greatest challenge for me would be to get a quote from Priyanka Chopra about what’s happening in her personal life as she never talks about it.

If you were to interview Shahid, what would you ask him?
Just before a shot he becomes very quiet and goes into a zone for like four minutes. I always wonder what he’s thinking about then.

If you woke up as Salman Khan one morning…
Oh I love Salman! I love the way he lives his life on his own terms. Just being Salman Khan would be enough. The only thing I’d do is take out his Harley Davidson and go riding around Bandstand.

If you were to pick 10 men who’d compete in Priyanka Ka Swayamvar, who would they be?
It’s difficult to choose 10 men but I can give you an idea of what he should be like. He should be confident and successful. A man’s confident only when he’s successful. (Laughs) I have a really long list but there’s no harm in wishing.

Which 10 people would you like to watch in the Bigg Boss house?
I’d like to watch Ashu sir (Ashutosh Gowariker) and Sajid Khan, Rakhi Sawant and Mika Singh. Also Rekha. There’s a mystery about her. I’d like to know what she does on a regular day. I’m a big fan of Dolly Bindra too. My ears would turn red whenever she’d talk. I love Daler Mehendi. And in the midst of all this I’d love to see Shashi Tharoor, Kamal R Khan incessantly, Jitesh Pillai and Karan Johar.

If you were stuck in a lift with Kareena what would you do?
Whenever we meet we discuss vacations. I’m jealous of her holidays because I never take any.

If you could go back to an era, which would it be?
The ’60s. I’d like to be like Mumtaz. Asha Parekh mam was telling me how there would be so much politics but still they spoke so kindly of each other. They’d behave with adab (respect), tehzeeb (etiquette) and tameez (manners). But actually in their heads they’d be thinking something else. That was the era of the stars. Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna… they were larger than life.

Ashwini Deshmukh

Kaizaad Kermani - Google+

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Kaizaad Kermani - Google+

Starzshowz

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:55:00 +0000

Starz&showz was launched in 2002 by Kaizaad Kermani

in reference to: Starz&showz - Bollywood events worldwide (view on Google Sidewiki)

Dolly's hubby doesn't watch Bigg Boss Cauz hes too BUSY......

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:07:00 +0000

By: Shaheen ParkarDate: 2010-11-11 MIDDAY

Prefers to get updates, if needed, from Salman Khan!

Dolly Bindra may be creating a ruckus on Bigg Boss, high-pitched voice et al, but her hubby Kaizaad Kermani claims he doesn't watch the reality show!

"I have barely seen it and prefer to keep myself away from all this. But I do get updates from people and via email about the happenings.

Dolly Bindra with husband Kaizaad Kermani

Of late, I have been spending a lot of time in Malaysia," says Kaizad who runs a Bollywood event management company, Starz &Showz.

He states that he knows the show's host Salman extremely well for a decade now. And Dolly calls him Bhai like those close to him do. "If I need to know anything about the show, I just call Salman," he says.

According to him Bigg Boss is a game and like any game, which you play for money, the stakes are high and you have to go all out. "The contestants are playing for money and so is Dolly."

When his actress wife was approached for the show, he had no reservations. "It was her decision to be part of it.

And I knew what to expect. I have seen the international versions like Big Brother so I was familiar with the format.

About the doings of the housemates he says, "That is expected. They have been selected because of a certain reason their reputation. Except for the wrestler The Great Khali, all the rest have one and they have to maintain it."

Personal attacks are all part of the game. "If you keep 10-12 people in a small space with no stepping out, what can you expect?. Even in Big Brother, the happenings get really ugly."

Those who know Dolly off-screen know that she is full of life with a bindaas attitude. Her extrovert nature with a care-a-damn attitude gels well with the show's format.

Sunny Deol and Dolly Bindra thrill Patna during unique launch of Anil Kumar Singh's Aryan TV Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 10:21:00 +0000

He came, he met and he conquered fans! Superstar Sunny Deol, sporting the new adorable Sardarji look of his forthcoming film "Amla Pagla Deewana”, launched technocrat Anil Kumar Singh's Aryan Channel in Patna, heart of the Hindi belt. Accompanying him in this unique rare feat attempted by any channel in the region were several other Bollywood and Bhojpuri stars including Raju Shrivastav and Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari.

The event was organized to mark the inauguration of the Aryan News Channel, a unit of the Pataliputra Group of Companies, at the Sanskrit Vidyapeeth premises in Raja Bazaar. Anil Kumar Singh's Aryan Channel of Starzshowz LLC was overwhelmed with the rocking response the launch got. Kaizaad Kermani also of Starzshowz LLC ensured a great show. Sporting blue jeans and a blue shirt along with the traditional Sikh turban, Deol, the son of yesteryear's superstar Dharmendra, mixed freely with the audience while impressing them with dialogues from his past films. Sunny Deol looked cool in a jeans and a shirt while Dolly Bindra wore a green stole with a kurta and looked cute. They both bonded really well.

Aryan is the local news channel launched in Bihar and Jharkhand. The channel aims at providing an exciting blend of news, views and entertainment. It will offer the right blend of Hindi and Bhojpuri compelling content to the locals. Amidst the 20,000 people who were frenzied in delight as they set sight on the Bollywood and Bhojpuri superstars, Sunny Deol rocked in Patna.

A delighted Sunny, said, “I am glad being in Patna and I ma delighted to see the efforts Dolly and ail have put into organizing this wonderful and enigmatic event. This has given me the opportunity to once again connect with my fans. And the response here has been tremendous. I hope the Aryan channel will show the truth.”

Anil Kumar Singh, owner of the channel, said, “Aryan Channel will do what no one has ever done before in Bihar and Jharkhand --- a big bang in everything it attempts. It was a pleasure getting Aryan channel launched in the presence of superstar Sunny Deol, who is adored by fans in this part of India! We wish him all the very best for his forthcoming film ‘Amla Pagla Deewana’ as well. We hope the channel and the movie reaches the hearts of all Indians.”
Bhojpuri superstar Manoj Tiwari, also owner of the channel, said, “Sunny Deol, the star of Gadar, is so popular that fans went berserk We are happy that Aryan TV has begun with a big bang in true Bollywood style. I’m sure the channel is going to go miles and endear itself to fans.”

VIDEO LINK -http://videos.ta2.in/2010/09/30/aaryantvsunny-deol-mp4/

Sunny Deol with Anil Kumar Singh owner of Aryan channel

Anil Kumar Singh opens the event with Sunny Deol ,Dolly Bindra,Manoj tiwari

Sunny Deol &Aryan tv Owner Anil Kumar Singh

Vinod Sinha Receives Sunny Deol at Patna Airport

Sahara India Pariwar in talks to buy Hollywood studio MGM Inc

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Sun, Sep 19 05:59 PM
Yoshita Singh Boston/New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Diversified business house Sahara India Pariwar is in talks to acquire Hollywood-based film production and distribution major Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Inc. Though details on the Sahara-MGM deal were not available, media reports suggest that the Lucknow-based corporate major has made a bid of about USD 2 billion to buy the debt of the Hollywood studio.

When contacted, a Sahara spokesperson told PTI that talks are on, but it is too early to comment on the issue. "On mutual interest, discussions are on, but it is too early to comment on the issue," Sahara India Pariwar Head of Corporate Communications Abhijit Sarkar said.

MGM, however, could not be reached for the comment. Sahara India Pariwar has a presence in the finance, infrastructure and housing, media and entertainment, consumer products, manufacturing, services and trading businesses.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc is an independent, privately-held motion picture, television, home video and theatrical production and distribution company. MGM is owned by an investor consortium comprised of Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Sony Corporation of America, Comcast Corporation, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners and Quadrangle Group.

MGM has about USD 4 billion in debt. The company owns the world''s largest library of modern films, comprising approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming, as per details available on its website.

Its film library has received 205 Academy Awards, one of the largest award winning collections in the world, and includes numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, The Pink Panther and Rocky. The studio is facing possible bankruptcy and several companies have shown an interest in acquiring it.

Earlier, there were reports that the Anil Ambani Group is interested in acquiring the debt-ridden Hollywood studio. Spyglass Entertainment, Time Warner Inc and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp are also reported to be interested in acquiring the firm.

Shakira steps in Bollywood - bollywood news : glamsham.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:58:00 +0000

Shakira steps in Bollywood - bollywood news : glamsham.com

Bollywood Trade News Network

Renowned Columbian pop sensation Shakira is all set to venture into Bollywood!

According to reports, Shakira is to sing a Latin influenced solo dance number for a yet untitled Bollywood movie directed by Prashant Chadha (AAP KAA SURROOR) which will be shot in China-Germany-Czech Republic-Morocco and expected to be released in summer 2011. Music composer duo Salim Merchant and Suleiman Merchant will compose it and recording is expected to start in about a month. This song, whose lyrics will be in English with a smattering of Hindi, will be filmed on South African model Candice Boucher, but Shakira might possibly make a small appearance. Energy drink owner Sachin Joshi, who is producing the film, will also star in it.

Shakira will thus be following the footsteps of British dance-pop singer Samantha Fox (Kickin It Old Skool), Australian actress-singer Kylie Minogue (Neighbours), and American singer-songwriter Akon (Locked Up), who have ventured into Bollywood in the past. Oscar winner actor-musician Russell Crowe (GLADIATOR) also reportedly expressed his interest recently to sing and dance in Bollywood movies.

Grammy award winner and Golden Globe nominated singer-songwriter-musician-record producer-dancer-philanthropist Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (Love in the Time of Cholera), who was born and raised in Colombia, has sold about 50 million albums worldwide. She reportedly performed live in Mumbai and other cities of India in 2007.

Selling controversy the Bollywood way

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:15:00 +0000

SRK’s My Name is Khan saw one of the biggest controversies in Bollywood recently. We take a look at some headlines from the past.

While the Shiv Sena rage in Mumbai over My Name is Khan finally favoured the film's makers, Shah Rukh Khan rubbished that it was a calculated publicity gimmick. "I want to enjoy my film everywhere, I want to enjoy it within myself and to sickos who think this is for publicity, I have two words, 'SHUT UP',” tweeted Shah Rukh to clear his stand.

We look back at similar controversies raising questions on films that smell strongly of having resorted to marketing strategies, stage-managed to look like controversies.

The early days of online publicity

Every passing day, top stars of Bollywood are tearing their hair out to reach out to their target audience - India first and then the world.

Priyadarshan apologises to SRK over 'publicity' comment

One such strategy they discovered two years ago was blogging. Amitabh Bachchan set the ball rolling. He blogged about everything from game shows to losing his luggage at Toronto airport to his anger against the 26/11 tragedy. Aamir Khan used his blog to take pot-shots at rival Shah Rukh Khan.

But this did not have the desired effect, so everyone decided to go back to mainstream ways of promoting their films.

The Om Shanti Om technique

Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi are two very good examples that did not try either controversy or strategised product placements. Blogging is now being replaced by tweeting on Twitter or 'facing' on Facebook, two blog-friendly sites Bollywood celebrities love. They even direct readers to the controversy about their film/role - as Shah Rukh did about the controversy over the release of My Name is Khan.

My Name Is Khan earns Rs.250 mn on opening day

Khan, however, has always been open about his brazen marketing and promotional strategies. This makes it difficult to link him to a cooked up controversy staged with the connivance of one of the most notorious political parties in Maharashtra.

For Om Shanti Om, his marketing strategy was a precisely planned exercise that offered a model lesson in mainstream marketing. Non-stop television promotions, tie-ups with news channels and popular online websites, birthdays celebrated with the media, his six-pack tagline created for the film, cricket matches and the Om Shanti Om clothesline.

The result - in spite of the storyline borrowed from earlier films of Bollywood and Hollywood, in spite of a weak script, crowded by paper-thin characters and average acting, the film went on to become a box-office hit.

The big Bhagnani fight

Pre-release controversies are not new. No one really knows whether these are stage-managed or coincidences or genuine controversies. The media in print, on television news channels and on the Internet, ever hungry to pounce on such controversies, go ga-ga over these while the actor/producer/distributor/exhibitor laugh all the way to the box office.

No MNIK row if Bollywood had unity: Anurag Kashyap

"Controversies create awareness, but there is no guarantee," says Mahesh Bhatt, who plugged a couple of his films to his link-up with Parveen Babi.

On the eve of the release of Vashu Bhagnani's Kal Kissne Dekha, director Vivek Sharma went public with his problems with Bhagnani during the making of the film.

One story, denied vehemently by both Bhagnani and Sharma, is that Bhagnani had slapped Sharma. The more believable one concerned payment.

My Name Is Khan running big in Karachi

Sharma insisted that Bhagnani had paid him just 30 per cent of the money agreed upon for his earlier film Bhootnath. Bhagnani claimed he was innocent. Sharma then said that though he directed KKD, he was not allowed to see the entire film because Bhagnani had re-edited it to focus on his son Jackky who was making his debut.

Sharma was about to take Bhagnani to court when the Bhatt brothers intervened, and requested him to opt for an out-of-court settlement. We do not know if this controversy was genuine or not. All we know is that it did nothing to boost box office stakes of KKD.

Lesbians and Monisha Koirala

Karan Razdan's low brow Girlfriend, released a few years ago, gained at the box-office after a tame start. Touted as a film on a lesbian relationship between two young girls, it attracted protests from political parties and generated a lot of debate in the media. The film made on a budget of Rs.20 million (approximately), finished its first week with an improved collection of 50 per cent, which would never have happened minus the protests and the media hype created not by publicity posters and advertising inserts, but by news stories.

"The post-release controversy and the hype generated seem to have helped the first week's performance of Girlfriend remarkably,” said film writer and industry analyst Taran Adarsh.

SRK apologises for 'giving stress' to fans over My Name Is Khan row

Actress Monisha Koirala took filmmaker Shashilal Nair to court. She claimed that he had used a body double in a negative way in Ek Chhotisi Love Story, plagiarised from Krzysztof Kieslowski's A Short Film About Love. A political party blocked the screening of the film in metro theatres. Trade journals insist that this controversy turned out to be a windfall for the producer who reaped unexpected revenues from its run.

But Nair says the court case lightened his pocket by Rs 5 million and the controversy actually backfired.

Keep 'em coming

A staged controversy can act like a blessing in the hands of a strategic manipulator. If used by the wrong group in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can equally become the most lethal weapon that can kill a film. Non-cooperation from stars, sudden changes in scripts, casting, technical team troubles, rumoured romances and splits, publicity posters and 'anything and everything' are being used as an important ingredient for creating and then solving controversies to ensure the commercial success of a film.

Why we need controversy

Every producer, actor, financier, distributor, exhibitor and director involved in each of the 1,000 films released every year fight the same war at the box office, which is a rather fickle master. In an ambiance dominated by elite multiplex theatres with up-market, sophisticated infrastructure, to resort to any strategy, ethical or unethical, direct or subversive is mandatory to ensure that the audience feel that this is a not-to-be-missed film. This is the only way to win in the cut-throat competition where a film like 3 Idiots rules the roost with its very unconventional marketing strategy.

This makes it problematic for successors to race it to the winning post. The media, in such cases, is mere putty in the hands of these manipulators-that-be.

A Bengali television channel moderator turned filmmaker, Aniket Chatterjee, said the controversy over My Name is Khan will make it to front page headlines in the national press on Saturday morning, the day after its release on February 12.

At the end of the day

He could not have been more correct. He added that 70+ men and women who followed the controversy on television or in the papers, who hated Hindi films, and never went to the theatres would surely want to watch this film just to find out what the controversy was all about. Shah Rukh Khan may still say 'SHUT UP' since the MNIK controversy stemmed from his harmless comment on Pakistani players, but the film industry has always been controversy's favourite child.

Toast of Bollywood

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:07:00 +0000

Could Hollywood North also be Bollywood West?

Toronto will be the first North American city to host the "Bollywood Oscars."

With that may come opportunities for Toronto to see the production of more Indian films here, said the vice-chairman of the Canada-India Business Council.

Peter Sutherland, a former ambassador who advises Indian and Canadian businesses about expanding their operations in the two countries, said the awards show will mean more than just the glitz and glamour of the event.

"I think there may be some business opportunities involved in film production itself," Sutherland said. "As you know, in Toronto in particular, in Canada in general, there's a burgeoning film industry. A lot of American films come here to produce.

"That could conceivably happen with Bollywood as well," Sutherland said.

Premier Dalton McGuinty was in Mumbai yesterday for the announcement that Toronto would host the International Indian Film Academy Awards from June 16-19, 2011.

"It brings with it a viewing audience in excess of 350 million, to say nothing of 60,000 tourists who are drawn to this, and the 500 or so stars and producers and the like," McGuinty said.

IIAF director Viraf Sarkari said Toronto made sense to host the Indian film event because of previous experiences here with Bollywood stars.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was in Toronto in July 2008 as part of The Unforgettable Tour, a huge stage show featuring music from Indian movies that was seen by over a million people around the world in six weeks.

In an effort to promote Indian films around the world, the awards show is held in a different city outside of India each year. The inaugural 2000 show was in London and other host cities included Bangkok, Amsterdam, Dubai and Singapore.

"I think it's a great thing for Toronto," Sutherland said.

Anger in India at Bollywood star’s detention in U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Kai K) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:11:00 +0000

MUMBAI, India — Saturday, August 15. Independence Day in India. News trickled in that one of India’s most recognizable faces and names had been detained at an international airport in the United States. Questions about individual freedom, independence, liberty, and laws of the land are still being furiously debated in India.
Shah Rukh Khan said he was detained by authorities at the Newark, New Jersey, airport.
Shah Rukh Khan said he was detained by authorities at the Newark, New Jersey, airport.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan says he was detained by immigration officials in the U.S. for up to two hours and questioned. He says he believes it’s because of his Muslim last name, Khan.

“They kept telling me it’s because my name is common and I was too polite to say, common to what?” says Khan.

U.S. officials deny the superstar was held up because of his name and say the whole process took just 66 minutes – and that too, because the airline had misplaced his bags.

Whatever the reason, the incident has kicked up a furore in India. There’s an outpouring of outrage and anger at the way an Indian VIP was treated. Ambika Soni, India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, said of the U.S.: “The way they frisk us, I say we frisk them the same way.”

Is she overreacting?

Among all the support fans are offering Khan, there are those who have little sympathy. Fellow Bollywood actor Salman Khan asks: “What’s the big deal? We all have to go through security.”

Do you agree with him? Has this whole incident been blown out of proportion? One observer said: “No-one is above the law of the land, and the U.S. officials were just doing their job.”

We’d love to know what you think. Should Shah Rukh Khan have not made such a fuss about being detained at Newark airport – or do you understand why he felt slighted?

Posted by: CNN Correspondent, Mallika Kapur
Filed under: India