Oscar-winning musician A.R. Rahman is set to compose music for his first full-fledged Hollywood project Couples Retreat and he is determined not to create anything similar to the Slumdog Millionaire tunes. He also stressed that while there wouldn’t be any Indian sounds, there would be a touch of Indianess.
Apparently, there were numerous brainstorming sessions during which the sound of Slumdog Millionaire kept cropping up repeatedly. And Rahman gently but firmly steered the music away from the expected.
“There’s no point in doing something I’ve already done. I’ve reached a stage where I’ve to do new things. There’re so many avenues to be explored. So Couples Retreat will be their kind of music with my touch, done in my way,” Rahman, who is looking at Couples Retreat as his real launch into the West, said.
Directed by Peter Billingsley, the comedy revolves around four couples who settle into a tropical island resort for a vacation. While one of the couples is there to work on the marriage, the others fail to realise that participation in the resort’s therapy sessions is not optional. It stars actors like Jason Bateman, Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman and Kristen Bell.
“Couples Retreat will have music that suits an American rom-com. There’re no real Indian sound in it,” said Rahman.
“But, yes, there will be a touch of Indianness in the sound. Otherwise, what is the point of bringing me into the picture?”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Rahman set to compose for Hollywood comedy
Monday, September 21, 2009
Kareena, Saif in Udaipur to celebrate her B-day
: Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor reached Udaipur on Saturday afternoon. She will celebrate Eid and her 29th birthday with boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in the city of lakes on Monday.
Fans of Kareena and Saif had been waiting for them at the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur since Saturday morning and the swelling crowd made it difficult for the security personnel to keep them away from the actors. Every one wanted to take a picture of Kareena, even as she tried to escape the shutterbugs.
According to sources, Saif and Kareena are here to participate in a Kingfisher magazine photo session. The two-day photo session that began on Saturday will be shot at the famous lake Pichhola and other heritage spots of Udaipur.
After a busy photo session on Monday, Kareena is expected to celebrate her 29th birthday at the hotel. The members of hotel staff are quite excited about the preparations for her birthday. According to hotel sources, Kareena has yet not issued any specific instructions about how she would like to enjoy the day and who would be in the guest list. However, Saif was heard saying that he would be the only one playing host to the celebrations.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I am not on Twitter: Katrina
“Something has to be done to stop this sort of vandalism. I am not on Twitter or any other social networking website.I plan to start my own website by the end of the year.”
Katrina Kaif doesn’t believe in half-measures. It comes as no surprise to know that she intends to start her own website after months of research, preparation and build- up before the internet’s most ‘hit’ girl delves deeply into her own domain.
The actual launch will be by the end of the year. “I don’t want this to be something I start and then leave to others to take care of. Of course there will be professional employed to oversee my website. But I’ll picking and choosing all the material and pictures that go into it.”
Katrina’s website to be called katrinakaifofficial.com is being launched with maximum care. Katrina wants it to be one-stop all-purpose Katrina Kaif stopover for all fans on the net. Other websites using her pictures and quotes without proper consent would have to face legal consequences.
Considering she’s the most searched and googled Bollywood actress , surely telescoping and restricting the inflow of information and pictures would be tough.
Says Katrina, “My website will be comprehensive. It will have my exclusive pictures. In fact I’ll be doing photo sessions done specially by me. It will also have pictures taken by me on my sets and on location.”
What Katrina’s website won’t have is accounts and reports on her day-to-day activities. “I don’t think it’s cool to let people know where I am or what I’m doing throughout the day. I’m not on any of the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. I guess my life is no an open Facebook, “ she puns.
The design colours and format for her website are ready. “ I looked at several designs presented to me. Then I saw a British actress’ website which I quite liked, though it was too dark for my personality. My website will be fun, feisty, bubbly and colourful, to go with my image.”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Priyanka, Harman still in love?
Though the couple — who is all set to be seen together again in What’s Your Raashee? — has always maintained silence about their now ex-love affair, the two still have a soft spot for each other, or their gifts at least.
Almost a year back, when the duo was asked about the most romantic thing someone’s done for them or the most romantic thing they’ve done for someone at separate interviews, the two had co-incidentally mentioned the same gift, but without mentioning the names of the person involved. For the Bollywood hottie, the best gift she ever recieved was a CD of her fave 12 tracks — one for each month — with a couplet/poem recorded before every song. Incidentally, the best gift Harman had ever given his special someone was also the same. And it didn’t take long for anyone to figure out who the special ones in their lives were.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Rani denies being secretly married to Aditya Chopra
Bollywood actress Rani Mukherji says that rumours about her getting married have started affecting her career.
"These rumours have been going on for three years and they have started now affecting my career. Lot of filmmakers who approach me for roles start by asking whether I am getting married. They have apprehensions whether I can commit myself to their project," Rani said.
The numero uno actress termed as "most laughable" the rumour which said that she had left her posh Juhu bungalow because it had brought her ill luck and had moved back to her old flat at Andheri.
"I have made the new house for my family from my hard work, sweat and blood. My house is my temple and how can I run away from it. I am being made to look like an insecure person which I am not," she said.
The actress said the baseless stories about her are getting stretched too much.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Kareena says cheese
An international pizza chain has introduced a size zero pizza and implied that it is inspired by Kareena Kapoor, the Bollywood diva with the most fashionable size on her.
Kareena, who was out of the country till five days ago, wasn’t even aware of this latest ‘tribute’ to her till sister Karisma Kapoor, a Delhiite, called in to tell her that her friends were all tripping over the size zero pizza.
Kareena has been a pizza fan for the longest time. A source reveals how the actress’ mother had flown to the outdoor schedule of a film carrying pizzas for her from
Mumbai because she wasn’t getting it locally.
“I love Italian food,’’ says Bebo. “I must eat pizza at least twice a week; and yes, I’m flattered that a pizza has been named after me.’’ But, she added, “Honestly speaking, I’m no longer a size zero. I’m slightly rounded because I need to be that way for my role in Karan Johar’s Hindi version of Step Mom.”
Incidentally, the size zero pizza is a thin crust affair with healthy vegetable toppings and some low-fat cheese. “It’s a misconception that cheese is unhealthy,’’ argues Bebo. “My dietician has put me on a cheese diet for the longest time. Cheese has the right fat percentage required for the body and if eaten right, it can be advantageous rather than detrimental.’’
Asha Bhonsle turns 76
Singer Asha Bhonsle, who has enthralled music lovers the world over with her scintillating voice and a career spanning over 60 years turns 76 on Tuesday.
The queen of melodies is strong as ever and plans to launch her grandson Chintu Bhosle's album featuring her in one of the songs.
The evening also called for a small pre-birthday celebration with family members present at the function but when it comes to Asha Bhonsle, celebrating her birthday it is strictly a family affair.
"My son, my daughter-in-law and a pair of twins in my family will keep me at home, celebrating my birthday with them," Asha told CNN-IBN.
The one person she misses on every birthday is her husband (singer and musician) R D Burman who is no more.
RD Burman, often called Panchamda or just RD was instrumental in directing some of the biggest electrifying hit numbers that Asha has ever sung.
"On every birthday, Panchamda would celebrate my birthday in the studios. Every year, either Usha Khanna or Jai-Kishan would celebrated my birthday by having a song recorded on the day. When I would enter the studios, everyone would rise and sing the birthday song. It was all great fun," said Asha Bhonsle.
But even after working with musicians all over the world, her album having featured in the top 100 of the Amazon.com list and having recorded a staggering 13000 songs, Asha Bhosle believes she still has a lot to do
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Shruti Hasan all set to try her luck in Bollywood
Actor Kamal Hassan's daughter, Shruti Hassan is all set to try her luck at acting with her debut film, Luck. The film, directed by Soham Shah, also stars veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty and Sanjay Dutt, along with the new Khan on the block, Imran Khan.
From singer, to music director, to now an actor, Shruti sure seems to be following in her dad's footsteps - trying her hand at different things at the same time. For now, she is all set to try her luck in Bollywood.
"Luck is about human gambling, human betting. You have game shows, you have people betting, except for this time, it's on people itself," says she.
"I've known Imran for years now but in a working environment, it really doesn't matter who you do or don't know. Having said that I would say though that he was a very nice co-star and he was easy to work with," she adds when asked how it was working with actor Imran Khan.
Shruti has also sung a song in the film, but she is more excited about her action sequences.
"I would be absolutely lying if I say I was fine with it. I was fine with the idea of it till I actually got there and they were like 'ok, let's go'. I was like 'am I really doing this?' Overall, I'm so happy I did it. I found it really exciting," she states.
"The scene was swimming with sharks. That I felt was highly unnatural. I felt like I was invading somebody else's living room. I was not supposed to be there underwater chilling with them. The sharks were cool though, so it's fine," she reveals.
Besides Luck, Shruti is busy composing music for Unnaippol Oruvan the remake of A Wednesday, starring her father Kamal Hassan and actor Mohan Lal.
Deepika: Too much Kareen
Strangely, it’s not because Kareena has anything to do with the film but because she’s not in the film.
This constant reference to a Rebecca-like presence in Love Aaj Kal has irked Deepika. She has apparently been wondering to her friends if Love Aaj Kal should be dedicated to Kareena.
Confirming the news, Deepika said, “This must be the first film in the history of cinema where a leading lady is being talked about so much for not being in the film. No, I’m not annoyed by these never-ending references to Kareena. When people see the film I know they’ll come out talking about me and my performance. Director Imtiaz Ali was very sure he wanted only me in the film.”
To elaborate her point further, Deepika lets out a secret, “Imtiaz was so sure that he wanted me for the part that he had offered me Love Aaj Kal even before my first film, Om Shanti Om, was released. Even before seeing me on screen, he knew that I was right for the role. So there was no question of any other actress being in the film.”
Deepika’s subtext is loud and clear. Imtiaz discovered her potential long before he discovered Kareena for Jab We Met. “I wanted to work with Imtiaz when I saw his first film Socha Na Tha. As this wide-eyed teenager, I remember seeing the film and wondering who the director was. I remember many years ago when I was a model, Imtiaz had offered me a film. At that time I wasn’t ready for an acting career. In fact when I had told him I wasn’t ready to join films, Imtiaz had said, ‘When you’re ready let me know’. He kept his promise. That’s how I got Love Aaj Kal. So now I’m not affected by people talking more about Kareena than me,” she said.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Rakhi proposes to Salman Khan
Sassy item girl Rakhi Sawant had macho star Salman Khan completely stumped when she unexpectedly popped the question - "Marry me!" - during the grand finale of his reality television show Dus Ka Dum.
Rakhi also produced a ring after asking Salman to marry her, according to a press statement.
During the finale of the Nach Baliye 3 dance reality show last year, when Salman was the chief guest, Rakhi had walked away from the sets in a huff.
Rakhi had lost to Sanjeeda Sheikh and Aamir Ali in the show and stormed off the stage with her beau Abhishek Awasthi in tow. Even though Salman followed her to pacify her, she snubbed him and drove off in her car.
Salman was apparently miffed with her after that. But considering that she was invited to his show, Salman seems to have forgiven the controversy queen.
Rakhi was on the show with comedian Shakeel Siddiqui to play the game. Two other celebrities, actors Rani Mukerji and Lara Dutta also graced the show, which will be telecast on Sep 14.
Courtesy:movies.ndtv.com
Complete artical HERE
Amrita Arora is no cradle-snatcher
Ok, the girl seems to have got over cricketer and ex-boyfriend, Usman Afzal pretty quickly and has even moved on — into the arms of Shakeel Ladak, a Hyderabad-based businessman. However, a recent report claimed that Amu’s new beau was younger than her, and even termed her a ‘cradle-snatcher’. Peeved, the girl decided to call BT and clarify. “I’m no cradle-snatcher. I’m 29 and my boyfriend is all of 34! When will people get their facts right?” Well, Amu, you deserve a pat on your back, as most of the 28-plus glam dolls go crazy insisting they are 23 and 25. Phew! An honest confession, at last!
Courtesy;timesofindia.com
Complete artical HERE
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Preity to attend 'Heaven...' premiere
Bollywood actress Preity Zinta will attend the special screening of her film Heaven on Earth, about domestic violence, at the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that started on Thursday.
Preity, who is currently touring with the Bachchans on their 'Unforgettable' tour, plays the leading role of a young Indian Punjabi woman who finds herself in an abusive arranged marriage with an Indo-Canadian man, played by Vansh Bhardwaj.
"Preity, director Deepa Mehta, producer David Hamilton and Vansh will be present at the special screening on Sep 6," said Sanjay Bhutiani, executive producer and chief executive officer, BR Films.
"Our film has a wide appeal and I think TIIF is the perfect place for its premiere as it has a lot of exposure. Besides, our film is also based on Toronto, so what could be a better place than TIFF to premiere it," said Bhutiani.
He said the film will be released in India in November. It will also be showcased in Canada, US and Britain.
Courtesy:movies.ndtv.com
Complete artical HERE
I'm not copying Bipasha: Rituparna
Rituparna Sengupta is all set to sizzle in the Bengali remake of Bipasha Basu-John Abraham-starrer Hindi film Jism, but she says that unlike the Bollywood actress it would be a challenge for her to play "a sexy loner" convincingly in Trishna.
"I'm not copying Bipasha in Trishna. It is no doubt a remake of Jism, but there are certain differences," said Rituparna, who is paired opposite newcomer Angshuman in the film.
"Bipasha did the film at the beginning of her career and people found it easier to identify her 'with her character in the film. But look at me... I have done so many roles over the last 10 years and it will be challenging for me to fit in the role of a sexy loner," she said.
Rituparna has gone in for a complete makeover for the film by debutant director Pritam Jalan.
"My fans will find me in a completely new avatar with curled hair, smoky eyes and skimpy clothes. I'm sure this film is going to set a new trend in the Bengali film industry.
"My character Piyasha is one synonymous with desire. So I spent long sessions with fashion designer Suchismita to decide my costumes in the film. For the first time you will find me doing lots of skin show. But I have not done anything beyond my comfort level."
Shooting for the film has already begun in Kolkata and its suburbs.
Asked whether West Bengal's orthodox audience would accept her in her new bold avatar, Rituparna said: "I'm not sure. Honestly speaking, the film is so irresistible that I'm risking my hard-earned reputation by doing it. But I have full faith in my fans."
Of late Bengali filmmakers have been influenced by Bollywood movies and now this remake. Does it mean it is running short of ideas?
"I don't agree. In fact, the Bengali film industry is becoming more balanced between creativity and commercialisation. And if Bollywood can remake south Indian and Hollywood films, why can't we do so! After all, what matters is entertaining the audience with good movies," she quipped.
Rituparna debuted in the Hindi film industry with Main Meri Patni Aur Woh and later featured in Sirf.
She is also doing Manish Gupta's Saab Chai Pani, Kalpana Lajmi's woman-oriented Mujhe Rang De with Isha Koppikar and Srinivas's Love Game in which she is paired opposite Randeep Hooda.
Bipasha and John's off-screen chemistry worked as a catalyst for their on-scree
Courtesy:moves.ndtv.com
Complete artical HERE
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sherlyn's bikini causes security issues
Sources reveal that they are losing sleep over the bold and flamboyant girl flaunting her trademark diamond-encrusted bikini top and golden hot pants that she's seen in the new super hit video of her remix album.
They are taking stringent security measures at all her promotional events across the country. Apart from expecting trouble from unruly crowds due to her skimpy attire, the organisers also feel it's extremely risky for Sherlyn to don the bikini top at public functions as it's actually studded with a couple of real diamonds.
Special care was even taken for this diamond-studded top when Sherlyn's video was shot. In fact, the actress too had employed an extra assistant just to keep an eye on the top whenever she left it in her vanity van in between shots.
Therefore, during all the shows, Sherlyn will perform with around six to eight bouncers guarding her and placed strategically near the stage's vicinity, and four other plain-clothes security men, who will intermingle with the audience, to subtly tackle any troublemakers in the crowds.
Courtesy:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Complete artical HERE
Amrita Rao sheds her touch-me-not look
Amrita Rao trod the path to Bollywood as most model-turned actresses do, but unlike most of them she made her presence felt, earning a Filmfare nomination in the Best Female Debut category for her second movie, Ishq Vishq.
After her chirpy and innocent look in Main Hoon Na and quintessential virgin beauty in Vivah, Amrita is ready to shed her touch-me-not image in Shyam Benegal’s period satire, Welcome to Sujjanpur.
She will be seen doing some intense scenes with co-star Shreyas Talpade. “I play a typical village girl, while he plays the letter writer of the village,” says Amrita. Interestingly, Amrita has mostly done romantic films so far but she has never kissed on screen. “I don’t believe in the popular dialogue, ‘I will kiss if the script demands it’ or something like that. For me, my level of comfort is the prime factor. I’d never compromise on my comfort, no matter how much a script needs it. At the same time, I am not averse to kissing or doing a rather bold scene. As long as I am fine with it, I can do anything,” clarifies Amrita.
Talking about director Shyam Benegal, she says, “He is one of the finest filmmakers India has ever produced. Welcome…was a challenging role for me. Be it the look or the dialect, every bit of it was new and exciting.”
Coutesy:hindustantimes.com
Complete artical HERE
Tanishaa in Kajol’s shoes
Kajol’s little sister Tanishaa Mukherjee just became hotter! Clad in a pink top with brown hot pants, the girl will groove to a Latino club number in a film titled Tum Milo Toh Sahi.
This will mark Tich’s debut as an item girl. For the song, Tanishaa had to rehearse for a week. Considering elder sis Kajol too did salsa and more in U, Me Aur Hum did Kads give her some salsa tips?
“Negative!” says Tanishaa, “But yes, I did borrow her dancing shoes for my rehearsals!” Let’s hope the magic gets transferred too, and Tich’s dainty toes perform some magnificent ‘feat’!
Courtesy:timesofindia.com
Complete artical Target="_blank"HERE
Lara: The water baby
Seems like Lara Dutta had an awesome time while shooting for her upcoming film Blue in the Bahamas.
Lara, from what we hear, is quite a water baby! And, for the shooting of the film, we are told, she swam with the sharks and rode on a dolphin’s back! As if this wasn’t enough, Lara even managed to balance herself on the snouts of two dolphins!
And even though this might make you think she’s playing the role of a mermaid, that isn’t quite the case. But must say, all this is quite impressive, especially for someone who, by her own admission, didn’t even know how to swim until recently.
Courtesy:timesofindia.com
Complete artical HERE
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Rimi Sen desparate for big banners
Bollywood actress Rimi Sen says she is tired of doing comedies and wants to diversify now, but the big banners don't give her a chance to showcase her talent and offer only inconsequential roles in their movies.
"That's all I get offered. Or some thrillers that are as thrilling as a visit to the dentist. I'm rather tired of doing comedies," said Rimi, who was recently seen in De Taali".
"Even my forthcoming films Sankat City, Horn OK Please and Shaagird feature me in the comic vein. Incidentally I've a very small role in Shaagird," she said.
Rimi wants to work in prestigious production houses with big-name heroes.
"But in such set-ups I'm getting utterly inconsequential roles. So I'd rather work with promising relatively small but talented directors like E Niwas, Sriram Raghavan or the guy who directed Aamir (Rajkumar Gupta). He has been praised so much," she said.
The actress had a brief role in Dhoom 2 opposite Abhishek Bachchan.
"Yes, that was a special appearance for the sake of continuity from the first part to the sequel. Please don't ask me why I wasn't billed as a guest appearance. I've no clue how big banners work," said Rimi, who was seen in Dhoom as well.
Speaking of her highly unorthodox role as the gold-digging innocent-faced woman in De Taali, Rimi said: "E Niwas was very clear about how he wanted me to play the character. He told me to stop being Rimi Sen and become Kartika as long as the film was being shot. I took it from there."
"Although I played the seductive women, I was determined not to make her conspicuously stylised. That would've looked like I was fishing to do some scene-stealing."
Though she featured as Abhishek's suspicious wife in Dhoom and its sequel, not much is known about Rimi.
"That's because I'm from Kolkata and I've practically no friends in the film industry in Mumbai."
"I don't attend parties or filmy events. I'd feel very foolish and fake if I've to go and socialise with those very people with whom I share a cordial working relationship on the sets."
Rimi believes friendships aren't possible in the entertainment industry.
Courtesy:movies.ndtv.com
Complete artical HERE
Katrina: Bollywood's new queen?
British-born actress Katrina Kaif has delivered six back-to-back hits, bagged several brand endorsements and is now a highly sought after heroine - all the qualities needed to be crowned the reigning actress in Bollywood, say film critics.
"Katrina has immensely evolved as an actress. In Bollywood, actors are mostly known for the number of hits that they can deliver. Katrina has won in that respect hands down. She can undoubtedly be called a lucky mascot for her producers," said popular film critic Taran Adarsh.
After wowing audiences in the recently released romantic comedy Singh is Kinng opposite Akshay Kumar, Katrina has successfully displaced top-rung actors, including Kareena Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra.
Her success story started with Namastey London and continued with Apne, Partner, Welcome, Race and now Singh is Kinng.
"Last year was simply fantastic and, touchwood, this year is the same. I would like to thank god. I believe in enjoying doing the work I'm doing. It is also good to know that the hard work I have put in has shown result. I will continue to do so," Katrina said.
The 24-year-old star ventured into Bollywood in 2003 and was instantly written off because of her strong British accent. But after five years of hard work and determination, she is one of the most sought after actresses in the Hindi film industry.
Her next is Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj, which is about the arrogance and overconfidence of contemporary youth. Set to release in October, critics are confident that Katrina has another hit on the anvil in Yuvraaj.
Anupama Chopra, Consulting Editor, films, NDTV says there are high expectations from Katrina's performance in the movie.
"Katrina has had a fortunate choice of films" even though she "had a rather unfortunate start with Boom," says Anupama.
"She is a stunning looking actress and so far she is doing well with her glam doll image. We did see glimpses of an actor in her performance-oriented roles such as in Namastey London," she further says.
Katrina is one of eight siblings, all girls. Her mother is British and her father is from Jammu and Kashmir who has since acquired British citizenship.
The actress spent her formative years in Hawaii but later moved to London. She started modelling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the age of 14. Thereafter she continued modelling in London till she moved to Mumbai in quest of a career in the world's largest film industry.
Courtesy:movies.ndtv.com
Complete artical HERE
Preity’s pallu fascination
Actor Preity Zinta may come across to be your prim-n-propah glam doll, but the lady is more than happy to keep it simple in her latest flick.
It’s interesting to note that PZ wears beautiful saris and salwar suits vis-a-vis being decked up like a glam doll.
And, this has proved to be quite a breather for Zinta herself. She tells us, “What a pleasant change it was from all the dolled up work I have done. I got to play Shabnam, someone so real! I love my look in the film.
Ever since the posters of the movie are out, the compliments haven’t stopped coming in!” But, what are beau Ness’s thoughts? We’ll just have to ask him!
Courtesy:timesofindia.com
Complete artical HERE
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