Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged chandigarh
Udaan survey-Premarital sex is fine, say 90% teens
Jul 3rd
REACHING OUT TO THE YOUTH: Anurag Kashyap and (right) actor Rajat Barmecha, who plays the lead in the film, check out the survey on the site along with the other teens
Survey on ‘growing up pains’ for teen Bollywood film reveals startling facts
Zeenia F Baria | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 3, 2010)
If you are a teenager who’s been abandoned for eight years in boarding school, then return home to an authoritarian father and younger step-brother who doesn’t know about you, are forced to work in your father’s steel factory in Jamshedpur, give up your dream of being a writer and study engineering instead… you are going to be one rebellious teenager indeed! That is what Anurag Kashyap, Sanjay Singh and UTV Spot Boy’s film Udaan is about. And, in a unique promo to the film which releases on July 16, the producers attempted to study the mind and world of the Indian teenager and provide him/her a platform to be heard. Here’s how…
They conducted a comprehensive online survey that got urban teenagers to reveal crucial information about their lives. Very little data is available on how adolescents are grappling with growing up issues — particularly the more taboo issues of sex, what drives them to try alcohol, smoking, lying or stealing from their parents, etc. The study, targeting internet users between 12 and 19 in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, ties in well with the ‘growing up pains’ theme of Udaan. It has been uploaded on surveymonkey with links on all major networking sites teenagers populate including the ‘Udaan FB page’.
And here’s a summary of the survey using 1,004 respondents (76% of them boys)… one in three teens is uncomfortable talking to their parents about stress/problems; one in three teens wants to change their study stream; one in 10 teens say they are closest to their dad; one in five teens have smoked before they turned 16; two in five teens have driven a car/bike before they reached 16; 50% of teens have kissed someone of the opposite sex; one in five teens have watched porn before they reached 13; one in two teens have watched porn before they reached 16; one in two kids steal money from their parents; one in five teens have got intimate in the school/college loo; 60% of teens want to choose a career purely of their own design; 90% of teens think premarital sex is fine.
That’s plane sweet of you, Imran
Jun 22nd
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 22, 2010)
Imran Khan won a fan for life while returning from his trip from Chandigarh, where he had gone to promote I Hate Luv Storys. Imran was spotted by 10-year-old Samrat on the flight, who wanted to get a picture clicked with the actor.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed on flights, so Imran could not oblige him. An eye witness said, “The kid was extremely disappointed. Finally when the flight landed, Imran went up to the kid, hugged him and gave him an autograph.”
Imran also confirmed the incident: “Yeah, I signed an autograph for him and then met him at the airport.” You’ve earned some good karma points there, Imran!
Tanushree’s Babe behaviour
Apr 14th
By Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 14, 2010)
Rohit Roy and Tanushree Dutta, who star in Jagmohan Mundhra’s Apartment, have stopped talking after a tiff on the sets became a major row.
Rohit, says, “There’s a scene in which I had to tell Tanushree, ‘Babe, don’t worry, all will be fine’. But when I said that, she retorted, ‘Don’t call me a babe. That’s cheesy’. I called her ‘babe’ simply because it was in the script. But even if I called her a babe out of the blue, what’s wrong with that? I took offence about how she reacted, and looking back, I think it was all so silly.” Denying reports that he was now refusing to promote Apartment with Tanushree, Rohit says, “We have a promotion in Chandigarh. Neetu Chandra is coming for it, but I don’t know what Tanushree is up to.”
We sent a text message to Tanushree but she remained unavailable for comment.
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| Rohit Roy | Tanushree Dutta | |
Dharmendra complains of uneasiness, hospitalised, discharged soon
Mar 18th
After complaining of uneasiness, Dharmendra was taken to a hospital in Chandigarh for a check-up. The results show that he’s in good health
By Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 18, 2010)
Dharmendra was rumoured to have suffered a heart attack yesterday, while he was shooting for Yamla Pagal Deewana in Punjab with his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol. He was hospitalised after complaining of uneasiness.
Director Samir Karnik says, “We thought it was the food that didn’t agree with him. But Dharamji suggested that a check-up would be advisable.”
The local doctors in Patiala suggested that he be taken to a better equipped hospital in Chandigarh. Sameer Karnik adds, “He’s absolutely fine. In fact he was shooting yesterday evening in Patiala again though we suggested that he rest. But Dharamji can’t slow down. He has more energy than all of us put together.”
The family was naturally concerned about his health. Sunny says, shyly, “Papa is fine. He had gone to the hospital for a check-up, nothing else.”
Hema Malini, who is in Haridwar, says she got to know of her husband’s health scare after people called her to inquire about Dharmendra’s health.
Says Hema, “I’m here for a dance performance. I rang him up and asked if he was hiding anything. I felt relieved only when he assured me that he was well. Now I’m doing Ganga Aarti and, of course, I’ll pray for his long life. It’s good that he got a thorough check-up done. At his age, he needs to be cautious.”
Rakeysh Mehra to make a film on Milkha Singh
Mar 17th
Rakeysh Mehra’s next Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a biographical film based on the life of The Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 17, 2010)
Rakyesh O
m Prakash Mehra is set to start his most ambitious project, a biographical film on the life of athlete Milkha Singh. Prasoon Joshi, who made his debut as a co-screenplay writer with Delhi-6, will team up with Rakeysh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. This will be the first biographical film to be made on a sports icon.
Our source said, “Padma Shri Milkha Singh is an athlete who represented India in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and then in 1964 in Tokyo. Popularly known as The Flying Sikh, he is one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced. Rakeysh loved the idea of making a film on the legendary sportsman.”
Milkha Singh had lost his parents during the Partition and despite a challenging childhood, rose to international glory as an athlete.
“Singh currently holds the post of Director of Sports in Punjab and has settled in Chandigarh. The film covers 75 years of his life. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a big production that will go on floors next year.
Mehra wants to cast someone who can give time to the project as he wants to mould the actor’s look. Mehra will also be buying actual footage of his winning moments. The film will be shot in India, Pakistan and all the countries where Singh travelled,” adds the source.
Mehra confirmed the news and said, “Milkha Singh’s story is extremely inspiring. He went from a boy who was running to save his life to an athlete who brought glory and fame for the country. We have spoken to Milkhaji and he has been extremely helpful with the research and has shared details of his personal life.”
The casting, of course, is crucial. Mehra said, “It’s too early to talk about casting. W e would get into it in the coming months.”
Shabana takes a break
Mar 10th
The actress bravely performed a play despite breaking her leg, but the fracture has put her out of action for the next six weeks
By Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 10, 2010)
On Sunday, Shabana Azmi slipped on the stairs of her home, fractured her leg but still managed to climb on stage the same evening to perform a complex double role in the play Broken Images. But now all further shows of Broken Images in Delhi, Bangalore and Chandigrah will have to be cancelled till Shabana’s broken leg is healed.
“Yes I’ve fractured my left foot, but it has nothing to do with my Leftist leanings,” she grimaces. “My foot will remain in a cast for the next six weeks. We just wrote in a sprained ankle for my character on Sunday. I went on stage pumped up with two injections and four painkillers. No one got to know that my character’s ‘sprained’ foot was actually a real broken bone. That’s acting, my dear.”
But never having been incapacitated like this before, Shabana is at her wit’s end. “I feel so helpless. Maybe this is destiny’s way of making me rest. Until forced, I’d never be at home for more than two days at a stretch. What worries me are all the cancelled shows of Broken Images.”
Though the play’s director Alyque Padamsee has assured her there’s no need to fret, Shabana remains worried. “This is the first time I’ve had to cancel my commitments. And I feel miserable about it. In April I’m supposed to go to London to promote Gurinder Chadha’s It’s A Wonderful Afterlife. I hope I’m able to make it.”
For now, Shabana has plans of taking care of things around the house for the next six weeks. “My domestic staff is in a state of panic, running helter-skelter wondering how they’ll cope with me in the house for six weeks. I wonder how I’ll cope with myself for six weeks!”
Five years… and going strong!
Feb 4th
Anupam Kher believes that soon over 70 per cent of trained actors in the industry will be from his acting school
Actor Prepares, the acting school initiated by Anupam Kher, celebrated its fifth anniversary yesterday. The school was inaugurated five years ago by Amitabh Bachchan,Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Aamir Khan and Mahesh Bhatt amidst many other celebrities. Over 400 students have passed out of the institute, most of whom have found careers in the entertainment business. Actor Prepares is the only acting school in the world which has been founded by an actor, while still actively pursuing his career. “With growing professionalism in the business, I believe that soon, over 70 per cent of the trained actors in the industry will be from Actor Prepares,” says Kher. His interactions with the current crop of international directors such as Danny Boyle, Ang Lee, Gurinder Chaddha and Woody Allen, keeps him abreast of global trends that are emerging in world cinema and that gives his students an edge over the competition. The school offers a three-month long intensive, full-time professional-level Diploma course in acting, plus a month-long evening programmes for those seeking to acquaint themselves with other required skills in the field. Inhouse faculty members, who teach the craft through practicals, theories, games, exercises and extensively filmed practicals, conduct the classes. Not just newbies, even some of our Bollywood actors and directors have been approaching the school for personalised classes to hone their craft and get a grip on their roles. In March 2010, Actor Prepares, in a tie-up with the Times of India Group, will be training the Pantaloon-Femina Miss India finalists, so that the best among them can realise their Bollywood dreams. And with growing demand for trained actors, Actor Prepares has opened chapters in London, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.
BOMBAY TIMES (February 3, 2010)
Dara Singh was shocked by son Vindoo's behaviour on Bigg Boss 3
Dec 27th
By SHAHEEN PARKAR (Mid-Day; December 25, 2009)
Dara Singh is both amused and horrified to see Vindoo become a weepy person on Bigg Boss 3. Though his son is the frontrunner for the reality show’s prize in the finale tomorrow, his drastic behaviour is worrying the father.
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| Dara Singh and Vindoo Dara Singh |
Beyond limits
“I am shocked to see this side of him,” says the Rustom-e-Hind. “He has become extra sensitive in the house. Vindoo is an emotional man no doubt but he has gone beyond limits. I don’t think he is missing his family and resorting to all this. He was keen to be part of the show. Guess the situation has made him kuch zyada hi.”
Singh Sr catches up on the antics of his son every night. People ask him: Pahalwan ka beta hoke bhi rota hai?
“When tears roll down his cheeks and Vindoo keeps wiping them away, I keep chuckling.”
About the housemates telling him to create his identity and not latch on to his father’s name, he says, “Vindoo has always been known as Vindoo Dara Singh. He prefers it this way. He has been telling the others, too, to write their names like that. Many people like to show others in bad light. Neecha dikhane me aur ilzaam lagane mein…some love to do this to others – to each his own.”
Dara Singh’s last B-Town outing was Jab We Met. “I lead a retired life and if there are some dada and nana roles that come my way and I like them, I am game.”
He’s looking forward to the show’s finale tomorrow night. “If an invitation comes along, I don’t mind going to Khandala for the show,” he says. And the first thing that he will tell Vindoo on meeting him is: “Tu itna kyu roya?”
Who Knew?
Vindoo has a brother Amrik who is based in Chandigarh and runs a film studio.
Results of Filmfare Annual Movie Poll 2009
Dec 15th
The nation makes its preferences clear in the Filmfare Annual Movie Poll 2009
MUMBAI MIRROR; December 14, 2009
Call it the (se)X factor, Katrina Kaif is the nation’s No 1 choice for best actress and sexiest actress. 40% voted Katrina as the No.1 actress this year. Not surprisingly, 42% men voted for her against 39% women
As far as sexiest goes, last year 26% had voted Katrina as the sexiest woman, this year she loses one percent of her votes but still tops this category.
There is a tie for the No.1 actor with Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan emerging as joint winners with 25% votes each.
Akshay with his well-toned body has been voted the sexiest star of 2009. Interestingly, 20% men find Akshay sexier as against 14% women. Among cities, Bangalore indicated a clear preference for SRK as being the sexiest. While Akshay is Delhi’s choice, Lucknowites like John.
In the best dressed list, SRK leads with 17% votes.
Like last year, this year too Mallika Sherawat topped the worst dressed list. This year 42% think she’s badly dressed as compared to 31% last year.
Ranbir came out on top in the next big thing list. 44% have voted him as the most promising actor. Almost 50% of women have vouched for his success.
Not surprisingly, Amitabh Bachchan has been voted the most versatile of all actors. 34% think that he’s the best that we have. He is especially a hit with the women.While SRK stands at No.2, Aamir comes in at a No.3 in the versatile list. Interestingly, SRK is considered most versatile actor in Chandigarh and Bangalore.
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| Most Versatile Actor | Sexiest Star | N0.1 Actor | ||
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| Next Big Thing | N0.1 Actor | Worst Dressed Actress | ||
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| Best and sexiest actress (Pic: Prasad Naik) |
Om Puri apologizes to wife; now blasts publishers
Nov 13th
Om Puri now directs his anger at wife’s publishers
By Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 13, 2009)
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| Nandita & Om Puri |
Om Puri blasted his wife Nandita through this paper for exposing some of his most private and sexual experiences in her biography, Unlikely Hero: The Story Of Om Puri.
However, Om, now regrets his decision to have spoken out so bitterly against his wife and her book.
“I was very angry and admit that I said things that I shouldn’t have said. I deeply regret my impulsive nature. It has hurt my wife and my son Ishaan.” While Nandita has been angry and grief-stricken, Om, who is still in Chandigarh said, “Nandita has been bombarded with calls, messages and visitors inquiring about what I said.
What’s worse is that my son Ishaan too has come under scrutiny. I’m not in Mumbai to protect them from the damage I’ve caused. I can’t sleep or focus on my work. I don’t want our child to suffer for the mistakes I have made. I therefore sincerely apologise to my wife and to my son for being so rash.”
Om is livid with the book’s publishers and says that they are to be blamed for sending out such sensitive aspects about his sexual encounters to the media. Om said, “My anger should have been projected at the publishers for trying to pre-sell my wife’s book by leaking out only the sexual episodes. My story doesn’t need this kind of publicity.”
It was coincidentally Nandita’s birthday yesterday and Om felt miserable. “My son has been crying over the phone. I beg my wife and son’s forgiveness.” Well Om, your life is certainly an open book now. You and she have said it all indeed.
