Desi You

Bollywood gets paid the ultimate compliment: a lawsuit

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:58:33 -0800

Oh, if only I was joking, but that's how some bollywood industry-ites interpret the latest surge of lawsuits from Hollywood.

Mumbai film critic Anupama Chopra reasons, "This is all a long time coming. It means India is no longer some country in the boondocks where no one cares what's going on.

She's not gone completely "Bollywood" because Chopra also says, "Personally, I am really glad. It got to the point where I said to one director, 'Where is your artistic skill?' And he looked right at me and said: 'My skill is knowing what to steal.'

An the list of bollycats who've shamelessly replicated scene by scene or concepts with their "skills" have also found their pocketbooks have become a little bit leaner.

Recently a Bollywood producer had to pay up a $200,000 to 20th century fox after being accused of copying it's Oscar-winning comedy "My Cousin Vinny," or Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai.

..and since Bollywood has realized they can't always beat 'em, they've decided to join em.
Indian industrialist Anil Ambani recently made news when reported his company is paying $325 million to Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks SKG Studios.

I suppose, but how about using that a

Aasif Mandvi's outrage at not being able to cover the "dude from Twilight of Calcutta"

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:54:20 -0800

Forgive me for my tardiness on this clip..but as John Stewart says, "wow, that would make a great movie"

As Stewart reviews the much publicized event where the ShahRukh Khan was held back in Newark, NJ due to racial profiling, Indian correspondent Aasif Mandvi interjects, protesting that being an Indian he should have been contacted to cover the event. For more silliness click here

Aishwarya and hubby to appear on Oprah

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:42:31 -0800

It's been reported that last week Aishwarya and Abhishek flew down to Chicago for an appearance on Oprah. This mark's the second time Aishwarya will have appeared on Oprah and the jr. Bachaan's first time.

Everyone is abuzz speculating on what the duo will talk about and what they will wear. Two years ago, Aishwarya was featured in an episode documenting how women across the globe live and was even honored with the distinction of "the most beautiful women on the planet".

I'll keep you posted with more details on her appearance!

Los Angeles Honors Mallika Sherawat as an Honorary Citizen

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:54:04 -0800

Join Ridhi Patel as she witnesses history in the making. Mallika Sherawat receives honorary citizenship from the city of Los Angeles. This is the first time in history that this honor is bestowed upon a Bollywood star. Mallika, known as the "Original Bollywood Bombshell," has made her claim to fame starring in the movies "Murder," "The Myth," and "Hisss." Don't miss out on Desiyou's exclusive interview with Mallika Sherawat.

3 TO C - A DesiYou Newsletter & DesiYou's Summer on Fire Party

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:45:47 -0800

Ridhi Patel fills in for Priya Bhola for this edition of the Desiyou Newsletter. Find out what's new with Desiyou!

DesiYou's Summer on Fire party at Cinespace in Hollywood is a huge success with actors, musicians, and models attending to celebrate the launch of the new DesiYou website. Hostess Ridhi Patel interviews rapper Celestine, Richard Elfman, and rapper Lil Deep.

DesiYou's Summer on Fire party at Cinespace in Hollywood is a huge success with actors, musicians, and models attending to celebrate the launch of the new DesiYou website. Hostess Ridhi Patel interviews the cast and crew of the new DesiYou web series "Bollywood to Hollywood."

Summer on Fire party fashion show presented by Highglow Jewelers

Summer on Fire Fashion Show presented by Mirage

Check out the sizzling hot attire, women, and jewelry presented by Highglow jewelers at the DesiYou Summer on Fire party series. If you missed this one join us September 25th at Sutra for our next hot party!

NetIP North America Unveils Its Toronto Labour Day Weekend Conference Itinerary!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:05:14 -0800

The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) has an exciting line up of networking panels and events planned for its 18th Annual Conference being held on Labour Day weekend, September 4th - 6th in the dynamic city of Toronto .
This year's conference content is themed under the banner, Believe! Create! Achieve! Accordingly, attendees of the conference will have the opportunity to partake in superb panel discussions featuring some of the brightest talents from a whole host of industries ranging from the world of business, technology, law, medicine, and fashion, involving major media personalities and high-profile South Asian leaders. Concerned about the financial crisis? Want to know what to do with your investment dollars? Don't miss keynote speaker Ali Velshi (author & broadcaster) and his remarkable insights about the markets and more.
If you are thinking of exercising your entrepreneurial spirit, you will want to catch a great panel of experts - Sanjay Singhal, Sunil Sharma, Dr. Piyush Patel and Syerah Virani who will share their professional wisdom and experience with you.
Meet and listen to inspiring individuals Neena Kanwer, Jas Brar, DJ Jiten and Manjit Minhas. These are people that dared to be different and became leaders in their respective fields.
Desi Divas - Saira Mohan, Alia Khan, Anjula Acharia-Bath, Melanie Kannakoda and moderator Raj Girn. Hear what these five smart, sexy and successful women have to say about balancing their South Asian heritage, while exercising their entrepreneurial streaks to reach the top in fashion, modeling, beauty and media.
Technology On The Go! - Featuring panellists Sanjay Dharwan, Amar Verma, Kunal Gupta and Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria. Techie or not, hear what these technology experts have to say on subjects ranging from mobile applications to the most up-to-date technologies we use in everyday life and daily business.
India Super Power or Super Poverty - This is a candid, eye-opening inquiry into the trajectory of a unique and emerging nation, India . With one of the world's fastest growing economies and the largest democracy on the planet, we still have a country where millions still live below the poverty line. Featuring, Dr. Raywant Deonandan, Dr. Gopalk Bhatnagar Mukesh Gupta (still tentative) and Sneha Arora, hear what these expert panellists have to say.
What does the Obama presidential win mean to the rest of the world and to minorities - especially South Asians in the field of politics? Panellists are Tarek Fatah, Sajeev Nair, and Baljit Sangra.
Just added to the distinguished list of speakers is the charming Gurbaksh Chahal who talks about becoming a self-made millionaire in his 20's!
In addition to this year's panels of speakers, there are exciting optional events planned to allow conference attendees the opportunity to network in a casual and more informal manner within our conference setting. The optional events are also an excellent way for out-of-town guests to see more of the dynamic city of Toronto and area.
Come and experience the Vodka Revolution at Pravda Vodka House - we think of it as the typical wine tasting, but with a twist. With hundreds of bottles of vodka on display, this Russian-themed dark and elegant bar with a Kremlin interior, where portraits of Lenin oversee the crowd, is sure to be a great way to bring in happy hour on Saturday with your fellow delegates.
Come experience the Amazing Race - NetIP style. See if you have the street smarts to win a race across downtown Toronto . This is a super way to take in the sights of this dynamic & vibrant city, while enjoying a personalized sightseeing experience with a strong NetIP flavour, and the perfect opportunity to interact and meet new individuals, while exploring Toronto in a uniquely adventurous way.
If you are a sports fan, spend Sunday afternoon taking in a Blue Jays Major League baseball game with your fellow conference delegates in discounted and specially-reserved secured seats in the 200 level outfield of Rogers Centre. While there, take in a self-tour of this amazing world-class facility too.
Our most popular optional event returns in its own exclusive time slot! Speed Networking is a structured event that puts both outgoing and more reserved individuals on a level playing field by facilitating one-on-one conversations. You will be sure to find Speed Networking is a focused yet fun way to ensure that you make the most number of contacts in the shortest amount of time - forge new friendships and with luck, you may just meet that someone special.
As the deadline for registration approaches, space is getting limited, so don't miss out. To view more of this year's exceptional host of speakers and the entire programming schedule, and to register for the 18th Annual Conference, visit NetIP's website atwww.netipconference.org. The conference will be held at the luxurious Sheraton Centre Hotel in the heart of downtown Toronto , and will host over 800 attendees from across North America . This is your opportunity to benefit from an exciting activity-filled weekend of engaging seminars and workshops, inspirational speakers, social networking opportunities, along with elegant nightly entertainment, culminating in a grand Bollywood-inspired formal gala. This year's conference is an event that should not to be missed!

Conference Sponsors:
Presenting - ROGERS Communications
Gold - Gemma Communications
Silver - Atelka Inc., Avalon Rare Metals Inc., Chaddha Family Foundation, SMT Direct, The Capital Hill Group, The Resource Group, Voysus Group Inc.

Media Sponsors:
Platinum - ANOKHI Magazine, Little India , MyBindi.com, Sahara One
Diamond - TV Asia
Gold - ANOKHI Pulse TV, DesiClub.com, DesiHits.com, DesiYou.com, Humdesi Radio, Saavn.com, India Abroad, India Journal, Mahiram.com, Panj Pani, South Asian Observer, SouthAsianObserver.com, Sulekha.com
Silver - Desiparty.com, Indus Tuesdays, SunoMusic.com
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The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals across North America . NetIP boasts 24 chapters across North America . It is recognized by political, civic, and community leaders across the continent, as a positive voice for South Asians.

For Media Enquiries/Accreditation:

Sonya Singh
Media Relations Coordinator
18th Annual NetIP Conference 2009 - TORONTO
Sonya@netipconference.org

www.netipconference.org
www.netip.org

Believe! Create! Achieve!

My Name is Khan,..yep we know

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:12:36 -0800

As we've all read, tweeted, seen and heard by now, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was held back at Newark airport this past weekend. The man dubbed as the "King of Bollywood" was en route to an appearance in Chicago for a South Asian carnival when he was questioned and was further delayed with the loss of his luggage.

With the upcoming release of his film, My Name is Khan which centers around racial profiling, this moment could have almost been scripted had it not been for Shah Rukh's reaction who told the Agence France-Presse "So if we are scared of violence and terrorism, all of us are responsible for it. It's not that the world is and America is not."

Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri: Those who dance together, judge together?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:29:27 -0800

Could be, if reports from the Times of India are correct. The Devdas dancing duo are said to be in talks to judge a reality dance show competition and are figuring out if their schedules coordinate. Of course this would be exciting news, but what I want to know is, which actress would take on Mary Murphy's persona?

An epic tale told one tweet at a time

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:23:00 -0800

@epicretold: And I feel the touch of a gentle breeze, a caress, an embrace, soothing me, wiping my fears away... my God is listening.

The above is not your typical tweet. In fact it's so far from celebrity blabbings, marketing gimmicks and whatever advice tech savvy entrepreneurs are doling out. Then again the above is about something epic. It's the Mahabharata, which tweeter and U.K based journalist Chindu Sreedharan has decided to microblog about. Read his Fields notes on an epic retold to learn about his inspiration behind this undertaking.

True Blood gets a dose of Karsh Kale

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:48:43 -0800

True Blood is one of the hottest shows on television right now and ranks as one of my all time favorites. I can't get enough of Sookie and the rest of the sexy gang in Bon Temps as they battle demons, mainstreaming vamps, and fellow humans. The music of course is an integral part of moving each scene forward, after all what would Maryanne's orgy and magical spells be without a little diddy? Which brings me to Karsh Kale. I've just been notified ( via facebook) that a song from his album will be on tonight's episode of True Blood @ 9 p.m. Can't wait to see which song they all battle to!

Bollywood style flashmob in Times Square

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:42:39 -0800

Photo Credit: Diane Bondareff/IFC

Flashmob dancing is nothing new in Bollywood, it's practically a requirement if you consider yourself a true Hero or Heroine. So, it was no surprise that part of the Bollywood Hero marketing campaign (starring SNL Alum Kris Kattan and Neha Dhupia) featured decked out dancers busting out their best moves to the surprise of Times Square tourists. I think Farah Khan would be proud, but I've got one complaint here. Can they pick another song?

Considering the industry is touted as one of the most prolific, can we move beyond Dhoom Tana and Jai Ho? The Om Shanti Om number was also featured on So You Think You Can Dance last season. If we are going to try to go old school-then how about some Ishq Kamina or another number from Dhoom.

Bollywood Hero second part of the three part mini series is on tonight.

Check out Kattan, Dhupia, Pooja Kumar and choregrapher Longinus Fernandes in the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXclwb_6LkE

Summer Film Festivals

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:45:30 -0800

Indian film festival 2009 - SAMRAT, RAVI, GEETA

DesiYou's Arshiya Parmar chats with a bunch of stars at the 2009 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. First up is actor Samrat Chakrabarti of "Bombay Summer" who talks about being Hollywood after successes like "Slumdog Millionaire" and his excitement about IFFLA's closing film, "Yes Madam Sir." This non-fiction feature film looks at the life of India's Kiran Bedi. DesiYou also got to speak with actor Ravi Patel, director Geeta Patel and actor Sunkrish Bala.

Lloyd Kaufman - Newport Beach Film Festival 2009

Priya Bhola catches up with director, actor, producer, and independent film Pioneer, Lloyd Kaufman and what he has accomplished with Troma Pictures. Lloyd will also be screening his film, Tromeo and Juliet at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Indian film festival 2009 Rupak Ginn

DesiYou's Arshiya Parmar interviews actor Rupak Ginn at the Los Angeles Indian Film Festival. Ginn, who was a juror at IFFLA, talks about what it was like filming on the beautiful sets of Rajasthan for Disney's "Cheetah Girls 3: One World." He also dishes on married life, and gets a little advice from hostess Arshiya Parmar.

Indian film festival 2009 footage POOJA KUMAR & PROJECT PULSE

DesiYou's Arshiya Parmar chats with a bunch of stars at the 2009 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. Check out this interview with actress Pooja Kumar who is showing her film, Sita Sings the Blues. Meet Sudeep Kumar one of the co-founders of Project Pulse.

Asia Pacific Film Festival footage - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa ("Mortal Kombat") talks about the convergence of gaming the his movie career at a screening of "Children of Invention" by Tze Chun during the Asia Pacific Film Festival in Los Angeles. Tagawa also talks about his upcoming video game follow up to "Mortal Kombat" as well a new film with Richard Gere.

Desiyou August Newsletter

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:13:21 -0800

Welcome to another edition of the DesiYou Newsletter. This month we are happy to launch our new show partnership titled Bollywood To Hollywood. Join characters Sunil and Amitabh as they embark on a Hollywood adventure fueled by fame.

For all of you who missed our last Party, be sure to check out our pictures and videos of the night's events.

Don't forget about the NetIP conference going on in Toronto during the Labor day weekend.

Be sure to check out our newest sponsor, Saavn at www.saavn.com. They have the largest library of Bollywood Content in the world.

Bollywood to Hollywood Online TV Series

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:02:44 -0800

Bollywood to Hollywood Episode 1- Sunil In Hollywood

DesiYou is proud to present this exclusive premiere (also featured on the MyWaves network). A pair of neighbors in Mumbai, Sunil and Amitabh have their eyes set on international fame, and their star-filled heads landed them smack-dab in the middle of Hollywood. Visions of glamorous lifestyles fostered by fast-blinking flashing lights, faster-flashing women in high heels and skirts all under the starch-white letters spelling "Hollywood" high atop the northern hills of Los Angeles, Sunil and Amitabh decide to make a movie. They are going from Bollywood to Hollywood.

Bollywood to Hollywood Episode 2 - Sunil's Painted Fantasy

What happens when Sunil's hot blond house mate wants to paint him. Plenty...through his fantasies that is. Join Sunil, Stacy, and the rest of the Bollywood to Hollywood cast as they work to make their dreams become reality.

Anil Kapoor gears up for 24 at Comic Con

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:12:50 -0800

Last Year's Slumdog Millionaire success for Anil Kapoor has parlayed into a role on the Fox hit 24. Apna Regis ( that's what I feel like calling him right now) was at Comic Con last week taking part in the panel with the cast
( including Keifer!) along with interviews with Ausiello TV and Eonline! Kapoor who plays Omar Hassan in the upcoming season fielded questions from the panelist and even surprised Ausiello by his gentle exterior.