Bollywood News Gossips

Harry Patch Dies In 111 Age

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Harry Patch Dies In 111 Age

The last British survivor of the World War I trenches, Mr Patch , has died at the age of 111. Mr Patch wasconscripted into the Army aged 18 and fought in the Battle of Read more

Oye Lucky Lucky Oye Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:35:00 +0000

Oye Lucky Lucky Oye is very very intelligent film bound to be underestimated and ignored for the lack of big stars and exotic locations. The depth in the film’s plot, setting and narrative under the surface of a comedy really amazed me.One critic said, “Oye Lucky…” is a sly, shimmering mirror of a dysfunctional society always craving for more… not knowing where the greed to be upwardly mobile finally ends. The all-consuming impulses of the Indian middle-class, their craving to be seen on television and their desire to be heard above the daily din is used really well by director Bannerje.

The narration is miraculously liberated from the claustrophobia of middle-class ambitions to take us on a joyous bumpy caper ride. Not for a second do we feel the weight of the morality tale that lurks under the crowded front of the middleclass need and greed.” Its a story of Lucky who grows up desiring everything that his childhood did not offer him at the suburbs of Delhi. He becomes a thief there by.

Unlike other crime capers, the director doesn’t want to justify Lucky, nor does he want us to judge him. He just keeps unfolding the story in which Lucky’s life as a thief is neither glamorous nor too much fun. Its not even squalid.

Abhay Deol does full justice to his role. He is definitely one of the most underrated actors in the industry. Paresh Rawal is like wine and gets better and even better with every film. Every movie is like his best performance so far and that way I think he has even better to come.
I don’t want to give away too much. Go watch this film to see how an intelligent filmmaker can come up with an intelligent film break stereotypes and shunning cliches with the most simple ingredients.

Worth a dekho!

Rating - 3.5/5

Sorry Bhai Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:33:00 +0000

Interesting films to watch this weekend. Sorry Bhai is one of them. Onir once again proves that his best skill is sensitive handling of turbulent relationships.”‘Sorry Bhai’ is the story of how a shy but charming young scientist Siddharth Mathur (Sharman Joshi), who travels to Mauritius for his elder brother Harshvardhan’s (Sanjay Suri) wedding, finds himself irressistably drawn to his brother’s fiancée Aaliyah (Chitrangda Singh) who also experiences the same feelings. They try their best to douse these feelings, but they keep coming back with renewed vigor, leading to several complications,” says Onir.Performances are amazing. Boman and Shabana need to special praise for their performances. They are actors par excellence. They have the same Honeymood Travels Chemistry between them which is a delight to watch. Shabana’s scenes with fiesty Chitrangada are also entertaining. Much subtle and enjoyable than telly’s saas-bahu drama.

Chitrangada is one actress who I dunno why we dont see in mainstream cinema. She is beautiful, she is sexy and she is an amazing actress - she can definitely give all our reigning queens a run for their money. She is a wonderful mix of Smita Patel’s rawness, Shabana Azmi’s fiery and Tabu’s honesty.
sorrystay_full.jpg

Overall, this a movie that you should definitely watch after a cosy dinner on a chilly November Sunday, savouring a hot mug of coffee.

Rating 3/5

Sonali Bendre A Happy Home Bird

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:31:00 +0000

We’ve seen the gorgeous Sonali Bendre on come back to small screen as a stylish judge at the Indian Idol show. The lady as pretty and gorgeous as ever yet she has no plans of making a comeback to Bollywood. She is very much happy being a home bird and a yummy mummy for her son. “Nothing will make me come back to films. My three-year-old needs me more. I want to be home for my child. I’m definitely not looking at a commitment that will take me away from home,” said Sonali.

Thats sad! Wish we could see her sizzle on screen all over again!

Ghajini Music Review

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Ghajini’s music album has been finally released. Couldn’t wait to hear the full version of Guzarish when I saw its trailer with Aamir Khan looking his best with his six-pack abs and chiseled chest singing in the middle of the desert.

As expected Ghajini’s music is good. It is similar to A.R Rahman’s recent compositions like Taare Zameen Par, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Yuvvraaj and Adah. The lyrics were penned down by Prasoon Joshi, as in Taare Zameen Par and an obvious influence of Gulzar sahab’s imagery and lyrical style is seen.

The first song of the album called Guzarish is an extremely romantic number. Javed Ali as a vocalist offers a new fresh feel to the song. While we have Sonu Nigam humming in the background. The second song is Kaise Mujhe a rythmic number with soul-touching lyrics with Benny Dayal and Shreya Goshal singing the great composition to perfection. This is one song you would feel like dedicating your soul-mate.

Aye Bachchoo sounds wierd out of the context of the film. It rather comes as a shock after the soulful Kaise Mujhe.

Latoo brings forth Shreya Goshal’s versatility as a singer who sing all kinds of songs with great ease and perfection. This song has a gentle mix of hip hop and soft music. Its a foot tapping and a jazzy track.

The last song is Behka which is more appealing visually with Aamir Khan in six different avataar. Its an average song otherwise.

On the whole Ghajini’s music album offers you refreshing and entertaining film music that will grow on you eventually as you keep hearing it.

Its a must buy.

Cosmopolitan Awards 2008 for Fun and Fearless

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:28:00 +0000

On 26th November, the Cosmopolitan magazine hosted an Award function for the most fun and fearless people in India.

Amongst celebrities, Ranbir Kapoor and Bipasha Basu won the awards for Most Fun Actors while Sushmita Sen and Shahrukh Khan won awards for Most Fearless Actors. Farah Khan was the Most Fun Director and Sania Mirza was awarded the Most Fearless Sportsperson awards.

Salman finds another Katrina duplicate

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:17:00 +0000

Looks like Salman Khan is on Katrina’s duplicate spree, first Zarine and now he has found another Kat-look alike in Miss UK Lisa Lazarus and both Kat-look-a likes will be seen opposite Sallu in his upcoming movie Veer.

Lisa who is a model, is 5 feet and 10 inches tall and has a sexy figure of 32-26-36 measure. She protrays the role of an English woman who is rescued by gladiator Salman Khan on his way to a mission and eventually she falls in love with the hero. However, producer Galani says that the casting was completely decided by him and not by Salman, he says, “Salman left the casting to us, he didn’t interfere.”

Well do you think Lisa looks like Katrina?

I feel lost without all the attention, says ‘Vogue’ girl Katrina

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:53:00 +0000

Bollywood’s uptown beauty Katrina Kaif has side tracked all her worthy contenders to become the leading lady of the glam world. Her glamorous and trendy style statements have made her the most sought after celeb of tinsel town and the ad world. Her latest venture is being the cover-shot of the hottest issue of ‘Vogue India’ this December. Her grandeur has become a craze for her ardent fans and perhaps that’s exactly why Vogue brought the sparkling beauty on the cover for the second time in a year. Katrina had earlier graced the February issue.

Katrina is seen sporting top international labels such as Cartier, YSL, Donna Karan and Manolo Blahnik and few others for the magazine. And, that’s not all, the issue also carries a heart-to-heart interview with the actress.

In the course of the interview, Katrina confesses her love for the Peking Duck at a suburban Mumbai restaurant, aversion to clubbing saying, “My body can't afford regular clubbing”, and also how she craves for ‘attention'.

“Actors feel lost without all the attention. I'm most comfortable in front of 300 people on a set. Otherwise, I'm lost. It's too much quiet, too much alone.” Well said Kat.

Well, she’s undoubtedly the most talked about celebs these days, both on screen and off screen. Her latest movie ‘Yuvraaj’ is the talk of the town as she stars opposite her real life lover Salman Khan. Her striking looks and lustrous face is conceivably the very essence of the movie.

Ashish Chaudhary's sister trapped in Mumbai's Oberoi Trident Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:51:00 +0000

Among the many people who are awaiting the release of their family members from the clutches of the terrorists here is Bollywood actor Ashish Chaudhary, whose sister and brother-in-law are held hostage at the Oberoi Trident Hotel.

"My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls," he told a news channel Thursday. Aindianews.com "My parents have been here since last night and when we last heard from them, they told us that they have seen two terrorists and have heard a lot of gun shots. I didn't come at night fearing there will be panic, but since morning I have been standing here, waiting for them to be released," he added.

Mumbai saw an audacious terror attack where terrorists went on the rampage, killing at least 101 people and injuring over 250 since Wednesday night. On target were high profile landmarks, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Metro Theatre and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station.

Ashish, who was recently seen in the film "EMI", is worried since he is unable to get any information on his sister and her husband's well being. He added though the situation seems calm, "it must be tough inside".

IANS

Bollywood mourns Mumbai terror strikes, suspends screening of movies

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:49:00 +0000

Bollywood on Thursday reacted with shock and disbelief over terror strikes in Mumbai overnight and appealed to the people to stick together in times of crisis. As the grim situation prevailed, the Maharashtra government issued an order directing managements of both single screen theatres and multiplexes to suspend the screening of movies until further orders as a security measure.

"We have decided to close the industry for a day as a mark of tribute to those innocent people who died due to indiscriminate firings by the terrorists and to the police officers and constables who fell to their bullets during the shootout. We condemn the heinous act," a joint statement issued by all the associations of the film industry said. Aindianews.com Bollywood celebrities have expressed their pain and grief over the plight of the mourning Mumbai.

A shaken Amitabh Bachchan writes on his blog: Mumbai under terrorist attack!! Several locations bombed and terrorist firing all over the city. Major hotels under siege. Taj hotel battle going on inside the hotel. Terrible! terrible situation!

A devastated Sharmila Tagore says: I am from Mumbai. I've been here for so long that it was really devastating to see all that is happening in the city. There seems to be no near end to these terror activities.

I don't understand how did the terrorists manage to take so much RDX inside the hotel? Only day before yesterday (Tuesday) I was at the Taj Hotel, even our Aviation Minister Praful Patel was there and there was so much security. My bag was properly checked. How did things became so bad?

An angry and hurt Farooq Sheikh says: It’s very disturbing. It is hurtful to see the common man bear the brunt of such terror strikes every time. Nothing happens to the politicians. They don’t have to pay for it. It’s always the common man who has to lose his relatives, his loved ones to such terrifying attacks.

A concerned Shefali Chhaya says: Terrorists come with a thought process of do or die, and there’s no back up system in our country. It’s extremely disturbing. Every time we hear the politicians talking of the spirit of the citizens, the spirit of Mumbai, but such terror attacks definitely put a dent to each person emotionally.

A worried brother Ashish Chaudhary says: My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls. My parents have been here since last night and when we last heard from them, they told us that they have seen two terrorists and have heard a lot of gun shots. I didn't come at night fearing there will be panic, but since morning I have been standing here, waiting for them to be released. I hope my sister and brother in law are safe inside, and wish the same for everyone.

A concerned Javed Jaffery says: I'm genuinely worried about this. I'm disturbed because this seems to be never ending as nothing is being done about it. I have come here (one of the attacked locations) to see as to what can we do to rescue the country out of a terrifying situation like this.

A terrified director Anurag Kashyap says: I am scared! shocked! I don't have words to describe my feelings. It seems unreal to me, almost like a film. I don't know who are they and why they have resorted to such ruthlessness. They just enter the city like that and hold it hostage. It is unbelievable. Obviously Mumbai will bounce back but it has been hurt badly and it will take time to heal.

A disturbed filmmaker Kaushik Ghatak says: The situation in Mumbai is “unfortunate”. I know we can't do anything about it but it is still very disturbing. So many people have been killed. So many able officers have also been killed. This is a big loss for the country. The industry will definitely be affected. As it is, so many producers are planning to set up their studios outside Mumbai. Even though no place is safe at the moment, repeated attacks are making the city even more unsafe.

A bothered Raja Chowdhary says: Terrorists can't see people happy. Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city and it is a very happening city. I think they need psychiatric treatment," he said.

The most audacious terror strike in the city began Wednesday night, when militants attacked high profile landmarks in the city, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, the Metro Theatre and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station. Bollywood insiders feel that if attacks would continue like this, people will refuse to shoot in Mumbai and would prefer going out for entire shooting schedules.

IFFI: Terror attack in Mumbai mars proceedings on Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:47:00 +0000

The unprecedented terror attacks in Mumbai today cast its shadow on the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2008 in Panaji as security was enhanced in theatres and hotels and the incidents replaced films as the topic in two discussions here.

The venues Kala Academy and Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) saw more frisking and searching as a direct fall-out of the multiple terror strikes on the commercial capital of India.
The festival organisers were quick to react to the attack. All the screenings of the day began with a minute's silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks.

"Wherever possible, I will personally go to the theatres to observe one-minute silence," Festival Director S M Khan told a news agency.

The state government began the day with a security review at the festival venues. Security at the five star hotels-- Cidade de Goa and Goa Marriottes -- was heightened.

However, the business of cinema remained as usual on the fifth day of the festival. Abhay Deol and Paresh Rawal's press conference, a day after their Hindi flick 'Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye' was premiered at the festival, saw a huge media presence.

But veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who was supposed to be present here to promote his film 'Barah Aana' directed by Raja Menon, could not make it. Khan said flight cancellations had put his visit on hold.

Bureau Report

Delhi High Court lifts stay on release of 'Sorry Bhai'

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:21:00 +0000

The Delhi High Court Thursday cleared the release of Bollywood film "Sorry Bhai", lifting the stay after its producers agreed to delete a contentious song.

The film was scheduled to be released Friday.

The court Wednesday stayed the release of the film till December 8 following a complaint by singer Rabbi Shergill that one of the film's songs was copied from a composition from his album 'Avengi Ja Nahi'. The film will release Friday as originally scheduled subject to deletion of the particular song and the music related to the song from the film.

"Sorry Bhai" has the punch line "Come, fall in love with your brother's bride". It stars Sanjay Suri, Sharman Joshi and Chitrangada Singh in lead roles, supported by Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani.

IANS

Priyanka Chopra VS Bollywood boys

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Priyanka Chopra, who is basking in the success of ‘Fashion’ and ‘Dostana’, has announced that she only considers the Bollywood boys as a competition and not anyone else.

According to Priyanka, “Fashion has broken the myth that heroine-centric films don’t work.” The actress is riding high on her newly found success and is considering herself much above her female contemporaries. When asked why a lot of attention shifted from her Dostana gold swimsuit to co-actor John Abraham’s butt, the actress exclaimed “I’m so glad that it did. There’s no woman left to compete with... so now I’m competing with the boys.”

Kareena says No to British PM for Karan Johar

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Kareena left on Sunday night to shoot in the below-freezing temperature in Philadelphia. Kareena Kapoor is so excited about shooting this film produced by Karan Johar that she has said no to a special invitation from the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

"It was a huge honour. I was the only invitee from Bollywood and it always feels great to represent our country. It was an invitation from the British House Of Commons to visit the Prime Minister. But if I had gone Karan Johar's dates would've suffered."
"What to do?" sighs the overworked Diva as she gathered her wits and clothes for her imminent departure. "I don't have the time. Besides, the invitation came too late….My fault.

They couldn't access me, so they finally had to get to me through my father. By then it was too late for me to accommodate a flying visit to the House Of Commons for this uncommon honour. So sad."

Priyanka Chopra finally breaks the jinx

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:27:00 +0000

Priyanka Chopra is indeed smiling as 2008 comes to a close. The going was just not right with four major flops in a row - LOVE STORY 2050, GOD TUSSI GREAT HO, CHAMKU and DRONA.

Add to that box office flops like SALAAM E ISHQ and BIG BROTHER that were carried forward from 2007 and she was certainly seen looking for Lucky Number 7!

Well, number 7 did come at the right time and so did number 8, what with both FASHION and DOSTANA turning out to be box office winners.

While FASHION completely revolved around her character and saw her making an appearance in each and every frame of the film, DOSTANA saw Priyanka managing to make much more than just her presence felt even as the entire PR machinery of the film went ballistic painting the town red about the romance between Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham - on screen, of course.
With some sabbatical round the corner and her next release KAMINAY not arriving before March 2009, is she looking at spacing her movies more carefully?

Also, is she now wary of signing multiple projects in one go and instead taking it a little slow, especially after FASHION and DOSTANA bringing her into the top league once again?

"Hey, but I was never signing films in a heap", defends Priyanka who has only one more film confirmed to arrive in 2009 - WHAT'S YOUR RAASHEE? - which sees her opposite Harman Baweja in an Ashutosh Gowariker directed film, "I have always believed in doing three films in a year and the last couple of years have been no exceptions."

But she did see as many as six films arriving in 2008, right?

Says Priyanka with a shrug, "And no one sees that my first release of 2008, LOVE STORY 2050, came one and a half year after SALAAM E ISHQ which had released in January 2007. People are willing to ignore this gap but are just mentioning about six releases in a row. Well, even that could have avoided because some films got delayed. Otherwise there would have been good gap between the releases."

"I can't help if post production of certain films takes time. LOVE STORY 2050 especially got delayed due to all the SFX that were being incorporated. There is a maximum that an actor can do and at my end I ensure that I do only one film at a time", smiles Priyanka as she finally gets to relax after an eventful 2008.

One hears that her Miami stint for DOSTANA was eventful too, both on and off the sets.

"Yup, Miami was great and that was not just because of the people I was working with.

Of course they were all fun since I got along well not just with the cast but also the film's crew but what made my stay even more entertaining was due to the fact that relatives from my mom's side live in Miami. My 'maasi', cousins and other friends were all around and I could be what I am in real life while being at their place.

I could afford to play around in the house, lie down on a couch and relax, watch movies, even sleep away. All of that made it worth an extended trip that I enjoyed", signs off Priyanka.

Attention hogger Mallika Sherawat?

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:24:00 +0000

Mallika Sherawat was an unusual visitor at veteran filmmaker B.R. Chopra's Chautha ceremony just a few days back. If you can unearth her connection with the Chopras let us know.

Our source recalls the incident, "A lot of industry people – actors, filmmakers, and musicians were present for the Chautha.

Everyone was coming in and after bowing down in front of the legendary filmmaker's photo frame was going towards Ravi Chopra and offering mute condolences passing ahead. But Mallika Sherawat could not contain herself doing just that and moving ahead.
She spent a good few minutes chitchatting with Ravi Chopra offering him her condolences. She just wasn't stopping offering her words of encouragement and support to him.

Chopra's uncomfortability was completely visible on his face but there was nothing that he could do to stop her apart from nodding his head in assertion.

Now what surprised everyone present was the fact that she is not even an acquaintance of Ravi Chopra leave alone being friends with him.

She has also neither worked in any of the B.R. Productions films before nor is she slated to do any of their upcoming films. So what exactly was the reason of her arrival there and offering such a long condolence?

May be perhaps she couldn't stop herself from hogging the attention even at a serious occasion like such."

Gauri Khan is my soul mate: Karan Johar

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:22:00 +0000

Reportedly in the latest People magazine issue, flamboyant Karan Johar opened up about his real-life friendships and his ability to nurture friendships in an industry which has a tendency to create camps.

He has talked in length and called Shah Rukh Khan his 'older brother', Gauri Khan his 'soulmate' and Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra and Manish Malhotra his close friends.

He's said, "This is odd but, in a sense, she [Gauri] is like my soul mate. We chat up at least four times a day. She is as much family to me as my mother is. SRK is not my friend. He is my older brother. I place him in my father's position in my life. If I'm in a professional mess, I will make the first call to him. And if I'm in an emotional crisis, Gauri will be the first to know."

Well, when K Jo does it, he does it in his true blue signature style!

It's time to hike my price - Tusshar Kapoor

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:20:00 +0000

Post the success of Golmaal Returns, Tusshar Kapoor has pretty much realized his market worth. Though he was content working in a particular price range over the years, now he certainly wishes to be more demanding when it comes to monetary compensation.

''Yeah, why not'', questions Tusshar, ''I guess it's just fair for me to hike my price. I have worked hard to reach this stage and deserve the price I should command now."

So is he also looking at mega crore deals, just like so many colleagues? ''I don't wish to divulge how many crores but I can assure that it won't be something overtly obscene which you see with so many other actors.
It would be the price that I deserve. Also, I am not talking about some of the most unreasonable numbers that you keep hearing about when it comes to the big stars.

I am also talking about the medium level stars who don't blink an eyelid while raising their price but continue to retain it even after their immediate next film flops. Now that's unfair'', Tusshar says.

How about the kind of films that he would like to do now post Golmaal Returns? Would he be restricting himself to comedy? '

'To answer your first query, the first and foremost criteria that I have set myself is to choose my projects very carefully. No wrong move from here on; I can't afford to do that, you know. I have had enough of experimental cinema, now it's entertainment time", Tusshar says as a matter of fact.

What is his definition of entertaining cinema? "Well, entertaining cinema is the kind that you see in Golmaal Returns as well as Shootout At Lokhandwala.

Both films are as different from each other as chalk and cheese but are entertaining nevertheless. I want to be a part of such cinema which is fun, regardless of whether the genre is action or comedy", signs off Tusshar.

Karan Johar has finally stopped being sentimental

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:18:00 +0000

Gone are the days of emotional con.

After being continuously let down by directors whom his illustrious company Dharma Productions has nurtured and cultivated to directorial triumph, only to have then walk out on him, Karan Johar has finally stopped being sentimental on these matters.

All his directors are now put on a 3-film contract including Kajol's cousin Ayaan Mukherjee who has just started directing Wake Up, Sid with Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen-Sharma for Karan.

One would think any member of Karan's buddy Kajol's family would qualify as family. But work, now feels Karan, should be kept separate from the heart.
"Barring Rensil d'Silva who's bound to make just one film with us (because he comes from an established ad world we mutually decided to keep him bound for only one project) all the other directors are bound by 3-film contract."

Karan gets dreamy. "I've my own little Whistling Woods (Subhash Ghai's film school) in my production house. My endeavour is to establish an academy of directors who won't just make one movie for us and move on.

I hope they'll stay with us and make more movies. I want to encourage new-age cinema. I'm really happy to cultivate all this talent.

I've had first-time directors starting with Nikhil Advani in Kal Ho Na Ho and Soham Shah in Kaal to Tarun Mansukhani in Dostana, Ayaan Mukherjee in Wake Up, Sid and Rensil D 'Silva and we've just signed Siddharth Malhotra. But one must be professional about work.

Yes, they're contractually bound to make three films with us. But there's an inherent loyalty to the banner in them. And I've complete faith that these new directors won't move on from our banner."

But didn't he feel the same way about Nikhil Advani and Soham Shah before they moved on? "Shall we move on?" Karan says tersely. "Why can't we enjoy the positivity. I'm very excited about Ranbir and Konkona as a pair in Ayaan's film. They've an inherently unusual on - screen chemistry.

And now my latest director is Siddharth Malhotra who's developing a screenplay for us. He's the late Premnath's grandson and Prem Kishen son. I'm very friendly to that family. Our families go back a long way.

We really can't separate personal equations from the professional. I don't have a biological child. But all the directors who are making films for me are like my children. I give them full freedom to make the films the way they want.

When they go on the sets they take their own energy there. I want directors who have their own voice."

Dino Morea's brother Santino is also working with Karan. "He's my assistant on My Name Is Khan. And Boney Kapoor's son assisted us on Kal Ho Na Ho. And now David Dhawan's son Varun is also working with me.

These industry boys are very hardworking. They've seen both the ups and downs in the entertainment industry, so they value the opportunities they get."

Getting emotional again Karan says, "If any of my children want to leave 'home' I'll tear up the contract. But the legalities are important in the current corporate climate."

I waited six hours outside jail to meet Sanju

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:16:00 +0000

Sanjay Dutt's wife Manyata touched many a heart at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit Saturday as she recalled her travails when the Bollywood actor was behind bars.

Dutt was convicted for illegal arms possession in the run-up to the 1993 serial bombings in Mumbai was sent to the high-security Arthur Road jail in that metropolis last year - the last of the four occasions he was jailed.

"Initially, I wasn't allowed to meet him. Then I called up Satish (Maneshinde, Dutt's lawyer) and I said I want to meet Sanjay. I just drove and I waited for six long hours outside the Arthur Road jail and finally I got to meet him for 10 minutes, " Manyata said. She was speaking during an interactive session, "Leadership Lesson from Munnabhai" - titled so after Dutt's iconic character from the hit films "Munnabhai MBBS" and "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" - as the actor recounted his trials and turbulations.

Manyata, who was not married to Dutt at that time, recalled: "It was a thin net between both of us and another net barrier after three feet of space so that one can't even touch or feel a person.

There was a small yellow bulb in the closed room. I couldn't see anything so I asked him to stand beneath the light, like under a spotlight, so that I could at least see him.

"I tried my best to be strong but I couldn't and I collapsed and Satish had to take me back home, " she said.

Manyata took the opportunity to slam the media. "Thanks to the press, I couldn't go to the jail. I was mobbed and they were writing funny things about me. I was asked to stay back at home and not to accompany him to the court.

"There should be a code of conduct for the media because they are given unnecessary rights. They can write and destroy a person - they can make you what they want to make you. They come with a pre-set mind if they are anti- you.

"A line should be drawn and there should be a law where you can sue a person for writing s*** about you without knowing you. People are written off like villains because of them, " she said.

After Bigg Boss, Ashutosh is going to Bollywood

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:14:00 +0000

Life for young dhaba owner Ashutosh Kaushik has taken an upward swing ever since he participated in television reality shows. But after winning Rs.10 million on "Bigg Boss", he doesn't wish to take part in such a programme ever again.

"If I get a chance to be a part of 'Bigg Boss' again, I will not do it for sure. It's not that I can't spend time again there, but I don't want to do it because I don't want to snatch someone else's chance of winning the show, " Ashutosh told over phone from Mumbai.
This year has been pleasantly unpredictable for Ashutosh. He ran a roadside eatery just a year ago but then Lady Luck began to smile upon him and he got selected for adventure reality show "MTV Roadies 5.0" which he later won.

It was followed by his win at "Bigg Boss" Saturday night. He plans to buy a house for himself in Mumbai with the money he got.

"After I won 'Roadies', I was still living on the streets. And I had nothing to do. Now I hope that with this money, I am able to avail the basic amenities of life. I will also bring my family here, " he said.

While in the "Bigg Boss" house, Ashutosh was often accused of using foul language. But he says it was because there was nothing to do in the house.

"When we didn't have anything to talk about, that's what we used to do - abuse each other. And it was all in good fun. I never abused anyone on the face. If anyone can prove that I abused him or her openly, I'm ready to give the 'Bigg Boss' title to that person, " said Ashutosh who was also criticised for his unhealthy living habits.

Although Ashutosh shared a good relationship with almost every participant on the show, he became closer to Rahul Mahajan, son of late Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pramod Mahajan, and former Miss World Diana Hayden.

Ashutosh also won the title of Mr. Honest while in the "Bigg Boss" house.

He now has plans to join Bollywood, a dream he wanted to pursue after he won "MTV Roadies". span>

I am ready to get a ‘rakhi’ tied from Diana : Ashutosh Kaushik

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:12:00 +0000

Ashutosh has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 2. The results were given out by none other than the ‘Khiladiyo ka Khiladi’, Akshay Kumar.

The lattmar guy speaks to us about everything, from his girlfriend Sonel, to suspicius relationship with Diana and his urgency to win the Bigg Boss show. We got into a candid chat with the man himself.

“It feels great to win a reality show, especially if it is Bigg Boss. This is my second win in a row, MTV Roadies 5.0 and now Bigg Boss 2”, says Ashu as he is called by fellow mates. 1 Crore is a big amount, so what next? “I really needed the money badly. The amount is very huge. I needed the cash for my personal means”.

We asked him what will he do now after leaving the Bigg Boss house?

“First of all, I will convenience my girlfriend, Sonel (of MTV Roadies 5.0). She wants to break off with me. I am ready to get a ‘rakhi’ tied from Diana. There was nothing between us.

I never knew the media would exaggerate the situation so much. Diana is a good friend of mine. But if people still have second thoughts about it I am ready to get a ‘rakhi’ tied from her”.

So now that he has won two reality shows in a row, is he open for other reality shows as well?

“Certainly, why not. I am ready for any reality show now. Be it dancing on the stage, or again an adventurous one, I am open to all. The very thought of winning two reality shows has given me enough confidence level for the third or the forth one. In fact I am open to films also. I don’t mind acting in any movie be it a big or a small role”.

Coming back to Bigg Boss, whom does he admire the most amongst his entire house mate?

“He is the one and only Rahul Bhaiya. He has given me the will power to stand till the end. I owe him big time”.

How Shah Rukh Khan beat the Hollywood stars

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:19:00 +0000

Shah Rukh Khan bagged the most exclusive suite at the opening party of Dubai's Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, leaving behind a host of Hollywood celebrities.

The over Rs 18 lakh-a night exclusive suite, suspended between the resort's two towers, was initially slated for talk show queen Oprah Winfrey but when she pulled out from the party, it went to King Khan, the Daily Mail reported.

Shah Rukh is the most famous filmstar in Middle East. Hollywood legend Robert De Niro a partner in the Nobu restaurant chain, which has a site in the resort - had to make do with an over 11 lakh-a night presidential suite. While filmstars Lindsay Lohan and Charlize Theron bagged Rs seven lakh-a night suite in Lost Chambers submerged, alongside one of the world's largest aquariums in the depths of the Atlantis resort with a bedroom view of 65,000 sharks, rays and fish, the paper said.

The opening of Dubai's Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island-shaped like palm tree, was attended by over two thousand film stars, popstars, supermodels and billionaires from around the world. The highlight of the ceremony was a performance by Australian singer Kylie Minogue and her 113-strong dance troupe on the beach.

Minogue's performance was followed by a one million rocket firework display with 100 computer-guided rockets, seven times bigger than Beijing Olympics, which is the largest firework display till date.

Guests included filmstars such as Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Denzil Washington, Mischa Barton and Lindsay Lohan, supermodels Agyness Deyn, Petra Nemcova and Yasmin Le Bon, musicans Janet Jackson, Lily Allen and Shirley Bassey, sports legends like Michael Jordan and Boris Becker and some local royalty - the royal family of Dubai among others.

I did not steal your boyfriend Rakhi: Shradha

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:19:00 +0000

22nd November, 2008

Dearest sister Rakhi,

I am really shocked and stunned on reading your interview to Purba Dutt of the Times of India.

I am told that this article was published in many print editions of the Times of India all over the country today. In fact, even my family members read it and phoned me and scolded me. In this article you have accused me of being Abhishek's new girlfriend - this is completely wrong and incorrect.

Dearest sister Rakhi, I am NOT DATING OR SEEING Abhishek Awasthi. I have always considered him to be a good friend. Yes, Abhishek has been showering me with a lot of attention and small gifts now and then, but I always thought that he was just being a good friend and a perfect gentleman. Since I am alone and not dating or seeing anybody else, maybe he was just trying to make me feel comfortable.

In fact when I came to know about some press reports linking me with Abhishek, I immediately told my good friend and free lance journalist Flynn Remedios (who I think is your Publicist and Media Manager) to talk to the media and even release an official written denial.

I have nothing to do with your breakup with Abhishek. If I had any idea that Abhishek was interested in me or interested in dating me, I would have immediately phoned you and informed you about it. You know dear Rakhi that we all need help in this industry. We all need references and tips and Abhishek did help me on a few occasions.

Dear Rakhi, I have always admired you. You are one of my role models in the industry. You have achieved so much over the last few years in spite of not having any godfather in the industry or a rich wealthy boyfriend. You have achieved all this by sheer hard work, determination and perseverance.

I admire your resilience, tenacity and even your style. Just about a month ago, when I met Flynn Remedios, I told him that I would like to meet you so that we could collaborate on some issues and he said he would arrange a meeting.

If you so desire, I can maybe talk to Abhishek and tell him to beg forgiveness and get back to you. You have done so much for him. You have been like a Messiah for Abhishek. I am surprised that he refused to marry you and dumped you.

Dear Rakhi, I want to clarify and assure you that I had nothing to do with the problems in your relationship. I have no "relationship" with Abhishek. And if I have done anything wrong unknowingly please forgive me

Wishing you a very happy birthday and many, many happy returns of the day in advance.

With love and respect,
Shradha Sharma

Marriage will happen when God wills: Salman

noreply@blogger.com (Pakmahfil.com) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:17:00 +0000

Even as there is speculation galore in media and film circles about his impending marriage with girlfriend Katrina Kaif, Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan continues to evade all queries on the subject, saying that it will happen whenever there is God’s wills.

''Marriages are made in heaven and not something which is in our hands. So when it is God’s desire that I get married, it will happen- even in odd hours of 3 or 4 in the morning,'' said Salman in his witty style at a press conference here to promote his latest film ‘Yuvvraj’, which has him and Katrina featured as a romantic pair. The conference, attended by director Subhash Ghai, the film's female lead Katrina Kaif and actors Anil Kapoor and Zayed Khan who, comprise the film’s cast, saw Salman at his wittiest best, parrying all media queries about his marriage and his chemistry with Katrina Kaif in the film, set for release this Friday.

''Whenever the marriage happens everyone will come to know,’’ he told reporters in response to pointed queries about his marriage.

On a question about his chemistry with Katrina in the film, which features her as his love interest, Salman said,'' There were so many lightmen, cameramen, assistant directors and other crew on the sets of ‘Yuvvraj’. So the chemistry between me and Katrina was there for all to see.''

When the mediapersons persisted with their queries, Salman quipped,’ All of you should go spend some money and go to the cinema halls to watch ‘Yuvvraj’ and you will come to know how our chemistry has shaped up.''

On a question to director Subhash Ghai about reports of disagreements between him and Salman during the making, Salman, intervening in the director’s reply, said, ''When people are in love with each other and have disagreements on the issue they will fight.

The purpose is to listen to each other and find out what the other person wants to say. This happens in every film and is a part and parcel of the process of filmmaking.’’

Talking about his role in the film, Salman said,’ ''My character in the film is that of a young man who is angry and frustrated as he was thrown out of his house when he was just 11 to 12 years old.

Then he realises that his two brothers are enjoying a life of luxury at home which makes him feel upset so much so that he does not want to see the person in the girl he loves but just wants to see the big bucks.

The film is about how this guy changes when he gets love and friendship.’’

Speaking at the press meet, director Subhash Ghai said ‘Yuvvraj’ was the story of three young men, played by Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and Zayed Khan who are sons of a billionaire father.

''All three of them want to know who among them will inherit their father’s property. Katrina plays the girl who binds these three men.

She plays a musician who plays a Cello, a musical instrument that absorbs the chaotic noise of all the orchestra. She plays the instrument so beautifully that she becomes the catalyst for the film in uniting these brothers which is what the film is all about,'' Ghai said.