Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Bombay Times
In 1999, I was drawing over 50 lakh p.a.-Sujoy Ghosh
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
BT in conversation with Kahaani director Sujoy Ghosh about his own kahaani
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; April 7, 2012)
For a man who is the toast of Bollywood, the flavour of the season, Sujoy Ghosh’s phone is remarkably silent. The 45-year-old director of Kahaani, the surprise hit of 2012, was sprawled on the parquet floor munching bhel-puri in his office, like one of those innumerable aspirants in Bollywood who have time to kill, waiting for their dreams to come to fruition. Over an hour-long conversation, Ghosh veers from his somewhat ‘bizarre’ background to why he thinks Shah Rukh is a good actor. Excerpts:
You’re a bit of an unknown quantity in Bollywood despite having made four films. Should we start with Kahaani? I started from Kolkata as a ‘watcher of films.’ I come from a humble background. My father was a taxi driver. My mother is a doctor, a psychiatrist. They fell in love and eloped. But this is one of the least bizarre things about my family. My maternal grandfather, who was from Nepal, got embroiled in a brawl that ended in someone accidentally losing his life. After that, my grandfather came to Kolkata where he became a rich man’s chauffeur, and fell in love with another rich man’s daughter, and they also eloped. My biggest regret today is that my grandmother, who was also my best friend, is not alive today (to see all the success).
Where does Bollywood come into the picture? I had a nice, cushy job at Reuters, where I was the media manager, South Asia. I More >
Chitrangda Singh lookalike in B-Town
11 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Nidhi Subbaiaha has signed first film with Akshay Kumar
Tushar Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; March 22, 2012)
There have been several times when South actress Nidhi Subbaiaha, who has done seven Kannada films so far, has been mistaken for Chitrangda Singh. We don’t blame those people, because there is a startling similarity between the two. Ask her about the comparisons and she says, “I get that all the time, but I don’t want to be somebody’s mirror image. I think Chitrangda is gorgeous, but I am my own person.”
Nidhi, who has just signed her first Hindi film Oh My God! with Akshay Kumar, reveals her entry into B-town was quite filmi. “I was at the Bombay Times party with my friends in November last year, and Akshay and John Abraham were around promoting Desi Boyz. After they left, someone came and told me that Akshay had noticed me and wanted me to come for an audition. I thought it was a joke and didn’t show much interest. I gave him my email address and left the party thinking it was someone wanting to get fresh with me!”
But the next day, when she received an email calling her for an audition, Nidhi was super excited. “I couldn’t believe Akshay had actually shown interest in me,” she says.
Keen to do more films in B-Town, she adds, “People down South recognise me because of my films, but it will be great to have more people watch my work.”
Don’t know why people pull me down-Mallika Sherawat
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
The siren is in India to shoot for her item number with Tamil star Simbu
V Lakshmi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 7, 2011)
How did you land the offer in Osthe (Dabangg’s Tamil version)? I was in Los Angeles, basking in the critical acclaim my Hollywood film, Politics Of Love, was receiving when I was made this offer. I’ve always been a big fan of the song-and-dance sequences in Tamil cinema. Moreover, the original Hindi item number, Munni Badnaam Hui, is a popular track. Fans will connect with it so I said okay.
How different is Kalasala… from Munni…? The Tamil version is more upbeat. Munni… was more of a folk melody, but Kalasala… has given me a lot of opportunity to exhibit jhatkas and nakras. The song’s composition and beats have been put together in such a way that the entire focus of the movements lies on my waist. Director Dharani and choreographer Robert keep asking me to move my hips to the beat. I’m yet to shoot with Simbu, but I hear he’s an exceptionally good dancer.
Are you looking to do more films in the south? I’m already part of Tamil cinema. I’ve worked with Kamal Haasan already. I’d love to do a film with Rajinikanth too. There are so many talented actors in the south with whom I’d love to do a film. This is the best part of being a female actor — you can be part of all the ’woods.
Like Hollywood? Yes. It was more difficult for me to make a foothold in Bollywood than in Hollywood. In B-Town, there’s nepotism. But Hollywood gives everyone a fair chance. I More >
Don’t brothers fight?-Sanjay Dutt
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
From his reported spat with Salman Khan to hosting his first telly show, Neha Maheshwri puts actor Sanjay Dutt on the grill
BOMBAY TIMES (October 7, 2011)
It may have been the first time, but Sanjay Dutt is keen to master the tricks of the trade (hosting) as soon as possible. Here, Dutt speaks about his friends, his TV debut and why he is against his daughter Trishala’s wish to make a career in Bollywood. Excerpts…
You may have received TV offers earlier too, then why Colors’ Bigg Boss? The show enjoys great loyalty among viewers. And Salman is another important reason behind me doing this show; he really encouraged me to take it up. He always wanted me to enter television right since he started hosting Dus Ka Dum but he wanted me to debut with the best show and this looked like it was the one.
Would you personally enjoy watching a show where the cameras are on someone’s personal life? Yes, I like watching it. 55 cameras constantly watching you is what the media does always anyway.
Hosting TV shows requires a certain personality and you are known to be reserved and shy, how do you think you would cope up? What makes you feel I am shy? I like to keep away from the media glare. If I just keep blabbering in front of the press, they tend to turn and twist it around as per their convenience to present it in the most spiciest avatar. So, it’s wise to say the right thing at the right time.
What are the kind of reactions have you got from within the industry, your wife and More >
Aamir mamu is like James Bond-Imran Khan
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
BOMBAY TIMES (October 7, 2011)
This year, he’s got everything he asked for, twice over. Two superhit films, two big banners and two gorgeous co-stars in Katrina and Kareena. Recently, in the headlines for stealing his brother’s dulhan, Imran Khan is well on his way to grab the top spot in the industry. In this exclusive chat with Madhureeta Mukherjee, Imran talks about his favourite Bollywood ladies, the three hot Khans and his newly acquired nickname, ‘Imikipedia’. Read on…
MBKD was your second hit this year…. I’m glad it turned it out that way. When the director approached me with the film, I asked him whether he was sure he wanted me for the part. I didn’t think I was the right choice for MBKD. Delhi Belly, on the other hand, was completely my cup of tea. I was very sure that I’d pull it off.
One adult comedy and one YRF romance. How difficult was it switching between the two? That’s what I find appealing about my profession, you get to do different things every day. ‘Delhi Belly’ was a very adult, edgy kind of a film while on the other hand, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan — a complete Bollywood film. I love stretching my limits like that.
After Katrina, you’re over to Kareena… She is so damn good. I was intimidated at times. I felt like a viewer in awe of Kareena Kapoor, while watching her perform.
You look younger than most actresses in BTown… It’s always been the issue with me. I’m 28, for God’s sake! I get that ‘cute’ compliment a lot, but I guess it’ll get better with More >
Want to take action to another level-John Abraham
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Following Force, John wants to do more action films like Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson
Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; October 6, 2011)
John Abraham is elated and naturally so. His new release — Fox Star Studios and Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd’s Force — has had his biggest solo opening in eight years. “I am relieved and happy. This genre is such that if it works it will fly, and it did. I am now clear that my audience wants to see me in the action hero avatar,” says John, who now wants to take the genre more seriously.
“I want to take action to another level and do raw action films. I want to be like Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as The Rock in his professional wrestling avatar). It’ll get more dangerous and difficult, but I love it,” he says excited.
Later this year, he will be seen in the comedy film Desi Boyz with Akshay Kumar, and his fans will be treated to two action films next year – Race 2 and Shootout At Wadala. “Now I want to put my head down and do my work,” he says.
Vipul Shah, the producer of Force, is all praise for the actor. “Not only has John packed a punch with the action scenes, he has also put in a very strong performance.”
John adds, “The success of Force has taken lot of people by surprise. I will have faith in those who had faith in me. As far as the audience is concerned, I hold them responsible for my success,” says John.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says that John is a complete revelation in the film. “Robust in looks and smug with More >
Rascals: Jr Prankster meets Sr Prankster
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt to tickle your funny bone with Rascals, releasing today
Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; October 6, 2011)
Looks like Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn’s camaraderie has worked wonders for David Dhawan’s 40th release, Rascals. Sanju, who has done many comedy films with Govinda, says, “Govinda and I had a great comfort level and comic timing, but with Ajay it is better.”
When Sanju launched his first home production Rascals, Ajay willingly supported his buddy. “For a comedy, you have to gel well with your partner. You have to be selfless and like the other person,” says Ajay.
Known for their love for pranks, Sanjay says lots of people in the industry are scared to work with them because of it! And both have taken one tip from each other —keep a poker face and take everybody’s pants off. “Sanju is one of the most senior rascals in the industry. There are certain things he’s done that I can’t even talk about!” laughs Ajay. While Sanjay adds, “Ajay and I don’t play pranks on each other, we play pranks on others.” With Rascals releasing today, we wonder what the anxiety level is among the cast and crew. “I do get anxious and curious about the box office collections, but I never panic. I didn’t get tense even on the day of my first release,” says Ajay.
For Sanju, release day is like any other day. In fact, he is actually shooting today — that’s how chilled out he is about it.
David Dhawan remembers panicking on the day his Govinda-Divya Bharati film Shola Aur More >
I wont go nude-Shakti Kapoor
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Neha Maheshwri spoke to the man, before he entered the Bigg Boss house and who is currently locked up with a number of pretty women
BOMBAY TIMES (October 5, 2011)
He made it to the probable list every season. And after four seasons, Colors’ has finally nabbed the big screen’s serial molester, Shakti Kapoor. And he is locked up in the Bigg Boss house for 90 days surrounded by 13 girls. Excerpts of an interview with Shakti just hours before he entered the house…
Why did you agree to participate this time around? They took four years to negotiate and agree to my price and conditions. Secondly, I have seen this show grow every season and my family has started religiously watching it. This was my chance to spend sometime with myself and disconnect from the rest of the world. I would like to be alone for sometime, away from the madness.
The show features controversial people. Do you think your bad man image got you entry into the show? In fact, the major chunk of my fan base constitutes kids who have loved me in movies where I have played comic roles. I am a specialised comedian and youngsters find me happening and cool. The channel wanted me because I have mass appeal and am a complete entertainer.
What advice did your wife and daughter give you? Shraddha understood that I needed a break from the monotony of the world but asked me to remember that I have a family back home and that our pride should be intact whenever I come out of the house. My wife hopes that I come out a More >
Payal Rohatgi to marry Sangram Singh?
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Suruchi Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; October 5, 2011)
Actress Payal Rohatgi and wrestler Sangram Singh, who have been dating each other for the past five months, are planning to take their relationship to another level, or so it seems, with the way things are happening with respect to both the stars and their families.
A month back, Sangram met Payal’s family members and now Payal is coming to Delhi to meet Sangram’s sister. Confirming the news Sangram said, “I stayed at Payal’s place when we came back after completing our new reality show.” Is he okay with the kind of image Payal has in the industry, and with her numerous link-ups, especially the one with Rahul Mahajan? “Who is Rahul Mahajan? I don’t know him and I’ve even told Payal that I’m not interested in her past, as long as we are happy in the present,” said the wrestler.
Payal was a little diplomatic. She said, “Yes, I am coming to Delhi on October 4, but I am coming to meet my dad. Sangram’s parents stay in Rohtak, so I’ll be meeting only his sister who stays in Delhi.” On her relationship with Sangram, she said, “Sparks flew while we were shooting for the reality show and we started dating soon after. He is a very down to earth person and his simplicity is what attracted me.” So are they both looking towards taking the next step and settling down? “Well, in the long run we might, but right now, we both want to concentrate on our career, for at least two years,” she said.
Anu Malik’s solo judge plans ruined
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in TV News
He’s unhappy with the channel’s decision to rope in another judge
BOMBAY TIMES (October 5, 2011)
Music director Anu Malik is angry and he believes he has every right to be so. Malik signed up for Zee TV’s upcoming celebrity singing reality show — Star Ya Rockstar thinking he was the only judge on the show. However, now there’s buzz that the channel has roped in his former friend, Alisha Chinai to be the second judge on it.
From what we hear, the man has been doing everything in his power to remain the only judge on the show and is now furious at the thought of having to share the panel with another; least of all his sparring partner Alisha Chinai against whom he had filed a defamation suit a few years back! An exasperated Anu says, “While signing on the dotted line of my contract, I had told the Zee team that I want to be the one and only judge on the show. I was brought on board for my expertise and superior knowledge in music. I am upset that they have another judge on the show. Chalo thank God it’s Alisha!”
Alisha on the other hand, is said to be pretty relaxed and is taking these developments within her stride. “I am not surprised, Anu loves to hog the limelight”, she quips.
Whether Malik manages to get his way once again is yet to be seen but given the past history between the two judges, this combination is bound to be combustible! Singing on national television for the very first time will be: Chhavi Mittal, Manish Paul, Mansi Parekh, Neha Marda, Ragini Khanna, More >