Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged commercial
Bhatts back out of Spanish Beauty
Nov 11th
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 11, 2010)
My Brother’s wife, which stars Barbara Mori is releasing on the same day as Guzaarish that stars Hrithik Roshan- November 19.
Producer Jayantilala Gada was going to jointly distribute Spanish Beauty (My Brother’s Wife) with the Bhatts. But Rakesh Roshan allegedly requested Mahesh Bhatt not to distribute the Barbara Mori starrer.
But Mahesh Bhatt said, “The deal fell through because it is not a commercially viable project for us.” When quizzed about Rakesh Roshan asking him not to distribute the film he said, “I don’t know the Roshans and since when has Mahesh Bhatt succumbed to pressure?”
Producer Jayantilal Gada however said, “Yes, we did approach Mahesh Bhatt. He liked the film and said, ‘agar mere naam se kisi ka bhala hota hai to kya bura hai?’ But the commercials did not work out with Mukesh Bhatt.”
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I am the lowest paid star-Akshay Kumar
Oct 27th
In a candid chat, Akshay talks about why he always “plays” with Vipul Shah and why he doesn’t have a darbar of chamchas recommending scripts
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 27, 2010)
Action Replayy is your fifth film with Vipul Shah. What makes you tie up with him so regularly?
We both believe in making commercial cinema which is commercial yet sensible. That’s why I enjoy working with him, whether he is directing or producing.
People are beginning to say that it’s high time you look at different films and stop doing comedies.
I would like you to go back and see at all the successful films in the last five years. Most of the films that have worked at the box-office are comedy films and the percentage ration is 92% which is very high. Take any recent film for example be it 3 Idiots or even Dabangg, it had heavy does of comedy in it.
I think people have had enough of depression in their life. Everyone, especially people who are paying 200 to 300 Rs of money to watch a film, want entertainment. There should be comedy with a sensible storyline and good music and it will work and that’s what I am doing.
Have you totally stopped even trying to pretend to do ‘serious’ roles?
I did try with 8 X 10 Tasveer, but hardly anyone came to see the film. So now I play a commercial hero and try to rediscover myself in that genre. But here again I want to say that 8 X 10 Tasveer was one of my best efforts and I am and will always be proud of that film.
Since the last three years you’ve produced quite a few films.
Yes, I am enjoying my role as a producer. I have made about seven films and I can say that I am a hands-on producer. I look into every department of the film. Barring my Hollywood film, I have worked hands-on in all the other productions, so that I can be present to see what’s happening around me.
You are the original action hero. But now that action films are working, you don’t have even one action film on the floors?
I am starting one next year and I will announce it soon.
Joker will now be made in 3D. What do you think about it?
I have a great technician in the form of Shrish Kunder and I know that if there is anyone who can make a 3D film, it’s him; he is technically very sound. I am excited about making Joker.
You are probably the only actor who works with directors despite their flops. Shirish Kunder, Nikhil Advani. Why?
It is not an emotional thing as one would like to believe. I must say that Nikhil has come up with a mind-blowing script in the form of Patiala House and it is definitely one of my favorite scripts. Similarly for Shirish. I go by the script and the role. Hits and flops are a part of everyone’s career and I don’t judge anyone on those grounds. I don’t have chamchas around me suggesting flicks. I listen to everyone but at the end of the day I take my own decisions.
You were the highest paid actor till recently.
Yes, and now I am the lowest paid star. I have demolished the term, ‘actors’ remuneration’.
Firoz Nadiadwala is making Hera Pheri 3. However you are not a part of it?
I don’t want to do the same things over and over again. (Smiles)
Bollywood under terror watch
Oct 12th
Superstars get extra security, Bollywood looks at foreign workers without valid documents
Prithwish Ganguly | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; October 12, 2010)
Threats of a global terror attack are looming large and India, reportedly, is one of the top targets. As the second anniversary of 26/11 approaches, Bollywood is suddenly exercising extreme caution against allowing strangers on the sets. BT witnessed industry officials carry out surprise checks on foreigners and cross-check if they are members of the fraternity. People who were not, were asked to leave the sets immediately and taken for further questioning to the police.
Our inquiries revealed that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had issued an alert notice to its vigilante team to heighten security measures at all shooting locations. The federation is believed to have been tipped off by state authorities of a possible terror attack on big superstars. Bollywood and terror have had a close connection for years with many getting threats from the underworld and sometimes even attacked, as in the case of Rakesh Roshan. An FWICE official said that nine top actors, and four actresses, are on the concern list. “Bigger stars are bigger targets, and if anything happens to them — the repercussions will be huge. We are in no mood to take chances. We have increased security measures in Mumbai. Wherever the stars are shooting, be it for films or TV commercials or promos, we have been doing spot checks especially on foreigners. We have also warned filmmakers not to hire foreigners whose identities
have not been crosschecked by us,” said the insider. Dinesh Chaturvedi, a key member of the FWICE, confirmed these developments.
Mandira Bedi gets sporty with The Man
Sep 17th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, September 16, 2010 – 18:57 IST
The very name of Mandira Bedi immediately gets the picture of ‘Extra Innings’ and many other things that she has been associated with. Well, now, she is all set to elevate her ‘standing’ with one of the hottest photo shoots that she has ever done so far. Mandira is on the cover of ‘The Man’ magazine, for the month of September. No prizes for guessing as to why we are experiencing the heat this monsoon!
Aptly titled as ‘Mistress Of Reinvention’, this is one not-to-be-missed issue! Having started her romance with the camera with the TV serial ‘Shanti’, Mandira, in no time, became a household darling of millions. Looking back in time, Mandira, in this issue, says, “I was doing an internship with adman Prahlad Kakkar, when he was working on a commercial for Haywards. Adi Pocha, the scriptwriter of ‘Shanti’ saw me on the floor and thought he had found his ‘Shanti’. After several screen tests, it finally fell into place for Adi when he saw me in a salwar kameez with an arrow bindi. That was the start of the rage for bindis with odd shapes. I would go to Lajpat Nagar in Delhi and ask for ‘shanti bindis’, and they would give them to me without recognizing me, explaining that some actress on TV wore such bindis!”
Not many know that the ‘Shanti’ serial was not just a ‘hit’ in India, but a smash hit in Sri Lanka. Mandira goes onto says, “There would be near hysteria whenever I went there, with people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of me. I felt like a queen, waving to people from my car. Once the then Prime Minister even grumbled good-naturedly that some Indian film star had caused a traffic jam on the roads.” All this hysteria was followed up with her subtle yet powerful role in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Mandira does confess that, “Post DDLJ, unfortunately, I was offered only sister roles. I didn’t want to do inconsequential roles in movies when I had such meaty ones on TV. The ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ role was good, but after a gap they wanted me to become a totally black character, whereas earlier, shades of grey had already worked quite well. So I opted out.” Post all of this, her famous tryst with cricket happened. Talking about which, she says, “Anchoring for cricket happened when I was feeling fed up with the whole TV soap scenario. I’d been to Sri Lanka in 2002 to watch the Champions Trophy and Sony had the telecast rights for that season. Someone from Max saw me and asked what I was doing there. At the meeting later, the first question they asked me was, “What’s the score?” They chose me because I was a familiar face. They knew I was ‘kaccha’ at this but figured that I would bring in the female audience by asking the laypersons questions. The experts were there to take care of the rest.”
Amongst all this, the Mandira fever was fast increasing even for her ‘dressing sense’. She proudly says, “It was my decision to wear saris for the Indian matches and other clothes for the other matches. People had been wearing them before, but they were called ‘spaghetti’ straps – but now, famously, they became ‘noodle’ straps. While earlier, they’d been worn by the fashionistas alone, they now came into every woman’s wardrobe.”
It’s no wonder that, after all of this, Mandira became a national phenomenon. She, gradually, took to the ramp and walk for prestigious names like Satya Paul, Archana Kochar to Swapnil Shinde and Ritu Kumar. Needless to say that Mandira always was a show stopper!
TV happened to her yet again in the form of reality shows like ‘Deal Ya No Deal’, ‘Fame Gurukul’, ‘Jo Jeeta Wahi Superstar ‘and ‘Fear Factor’. Talking about ‘Fear Factor’, the dare devil Mandira says, “I broke my foot and have a metal rod with seven screws holding the bones in place, but I would love to do it again. It’s all about adventure sports and I’m a junkie there.”
Amongst all this, romance bloomed in the form of Raj Kaushal, whom she married with much fanfare. Revealing the ‘secret’ of her longstanding marriage, Mandira says, “We work because we are such total opposites. I’m volatile and hyper while he’s cool headed. Also, our Sundays are sacrosanct. It is rare for us to be away from each other on a Sunday. You know, when you have less time together, you make sure it’s good time together. It’s precious to both of us. The only thing that bugs me about him is his lackadaisical attitude to health and fitness. I’m particular about working out and what I eat. He doesn’t care at all. His heart attack sometime ago gave us both a scare. Now, thankfully, walking has become an [enforced!] part of his routine.”
Lastly, talking about cricketers, Mandira confesses, “I find M.S. Dhoni really sexy. Shane Warne, too, despite his ‘rangeen’ personality, Kumar Sangakkara and Adam Gilchrist and even Ranbir Kapoor is hot as well!”
Way to go, Mandira Bedi!
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
SRK turns into babysitter
Sep 10th
To tame a moody four-year-old child actor, Shah Rukh Khan played with her for hours and drew her a painting himself
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 09, 2010)
That Shah Rukh Khan is a doting father to his children and loves to spend time with them, is well-known. But the actor happens to love children and very few know that.
The actor was recently shooting for a commercial, which required him to act with a four-year-old girl. Normally, you would expect the child actor to have cold feet in attempting to act with one of the biggest stars of Bollywood. But the new generation of kids sure is full of surprises.
Apparently, this particular kid happened to be a quite moody and naughty. But SRK did not think twice before turning into a babysitter for this child. Hard to imagine? Read on.
A source from the sets reveals, “Few days ago, Shah Rukh was shooting a commercial with a four-year-old baby girl in Mumbai. She was a little mischievous and refused to deliver the shot as required. She was extremely cranky and was misbehaving constantly.
Although her parents were present there, SRK went up to her and started playing with her. He gave her a box of chocolates, and sat and spoke with her till she calmed down.”
It doesn’t end at the playing bit. Apparently, Shah Rukh decided to make a painting just for this kid. Who would’ve imagined colours to be therapeutic to children as well?
The girl was thrilled with the new painting when SRK handed it to her. All of a sudden, she was ready to shoot with King Khan. Of course, what followed was an hour-long mischief and games session between the girl and SRK, who was in splits most of the time.
The shoot was wrapped up by the end of the day and the girl clicked a lot of pictures with the actor. And mind you, this wasn’t because the four-year-old had suddenly discovered a star in Shah Rukh. She had found a new friend.
Vidya, Pradeep reunite
Aug 11th
Estranged actress-director duo Vidya Balan and Pradeep Sarkar work together again after five years
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2010)
When Vidya Balan turned down Rani Mukerji’s role in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (a good decision perhaps in hindsight), her mentor Pradeep Sarkar, who had approached her with the role, did not take it lightly.
Pradeep was the one who launched Vidya in Parineeta (2005) as the quintessential Indian saari-clad, coy woman, resplendent in the beauty of her simplicity. The film won her a lot of praise.
After several years, Pradeep and Vidya are finally building bridges by deciding to work together once again.
Sarkar has been telling his friends in the industry that he wants to cast Vidya in his next film, which will be a costume drama.
Five days ago, Mehboob Studios (Bandra) was a scene of emotional tears when the mentor and the muse came face-to-face. Both of them were a trifle uneasy in the beginning, but as the camera started rolling, it all seemed like yesterday.
Amitabh Bachchan was also present at the venue. “Bachchan told Sarkar that he and Vidya had created magic in Parineeta and that they should work together again,” says an eyewitness.
Says a source, “Sarkar and Vidya had patched up sometime ago, but there was never any project on the anvil where they would come together again.
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| Pradeep Sarkar |
But now, all that is a thing of the past. The commercial shot at Mehboob Studios erased all the prevalent discomfort if any.”
While Sarkar remained unavailable for comment, Vidya said, “It was like old times. I was very happy to work with Dada (as she calls Sarkar) again.”
It’s a tough life for most Bollywood beauties
Jul 29th
WHERE’S THE MONEY, HONEY? (Clockwise) Jacqueline Fernandez, Ameesha Patel, Celina Jaitly, Dia Mirza and Lara Dutta
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 28, 2010)
Blame it on recession, blame it on male superstars who’ve decided to become choosy. Blame it on the reduced number of films Bollywood now makes. Whatever the reason, the fact is that three-quarters of the film industry’s beauties live life in the shadows. Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who gets a knock on his door from many of these actresses, says he feels helpless but there is “only those many actresses who I can accommodate in my movies… and though I’d ideally like to create roles for the number of actresses I meet, it isn’t possible”. A leading producer confirms that when he spread the word that he is auditioning for his new film starting this September, he got calls from a dozen actresses. “Such is the paucity of good projects that when you announce one film, at least 10 good actresses turn up for the same role,” says he.
Sanjay Bhattacharya, a film financier, says that since medium budget movies have become fewer, roles for the middle-order guys and girls have completely dried up. “We’re either making top-order projects done by the A-list actors like the five Khans (Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman, Saif and Imran), Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor, or we are making arthouse cinema like Udaan, Tere Bin Laden and Love Sex Aur Dhokha. The typical medium-budget film has become so rare.”
Whether it’s the himbos or the bimbos, with the exception of the top seven guys or girls in Bollywood, most of the others are sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Priyanka Kothari admits that after her beneficial stint with Ram Gopal Varma films — James, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Sarkar and Agyaat — she is still to find the right break. She admits that post Agyaat she has only shot for regional cinema and a couple of commercials because she is still waiting for a good Bollywood film to materialise. And though many of the other actresses aren’t as candid as her, the fact is that life in the movies has become arduous for many.
It is no exaggeration that the girls who show up in pretty clothes at premieres, survive mainly on dance shows in smaller cities, ribbon cutting, commercial endorsements refused by the more-in-demand actresses, ramp-walking, catalogue shoots and appearances at events. What’s more is that unlike in other professions, where the wait invariably takes its toll on their patience, here in Bollywood, waiting for movies also takes its toll on their pockets. Just check out the list of expenses even the “in-waiting” actresses have to definitely spend on.
COMPULSORY EXPENSES:
Driver
Valet
EMIs for House & Car
Trendy wardrobe
Latest accessories
Beauty Parlour visits
Spa treatments
Gym
Dance class
Net-working lunches
Gifting key people
PR expenses to stay in news
MONEY MATTERS: Neetu Chandra, Priyanka Kothari and Neha Dhupia
One film at a time-Sanjay Singh
Jul 19th
That’s the mantra Sanjay Singh plans to adopt for his newly-launched production house, as he prepares to produce his next film after Udaan
BOMBAY TIMES (July 19, 2010)
India’s solo entry at the Cannes Film Festival — Udaan — has had a successful release in India and obviously, producer Sanjay Singh is delighted. He has now launched his own production house — Sanjay Singh Films — and is all set to produce his second movie. This time he will be working with director Manish Jha, who has previously won an award at the Cannes Film Festival, for a movie titled Manjhi. Sanjay is convinced that this movie will be more compelling than Udaan.
Now that you’ve launched your production house, how many projects are in the pipeline?
I am looking forward to producing more films. But we will work on one film at a time and give it our complete attention. The fact that Udaan, my first film as a producer, has received such international recognition and has also had a great opening in India is very encouraging. When director Vikramaditya Motwane first came to me, he had been looking for someone to finance Udaan for almost seven years. The big production houses were quite reluctant. I loved the story and signed on immediately.
Why did you launch your production house after producing your first film?
I feel it’s important to do something good first and then talk about it. We achieved great success with Udaan, and now I feel more confident about venturing forth as a producer.
What is Manjhi about?
The film deals with a man’s heroic fight against obstacles, natural and manmade, that results in the creation of something that is truly extraordinary for his people. The story is based on the life of a man from Bihar, who passed away in 2007. It’s too early to say more, as we’re still scripting, but I am sure it will be a great film.
Will your production house only make parallel cinema?
Not at all. I don’t want to get stuck with tags of either commercial or critical filmmaker. I believe in good cinema, that entertains and also gives a message. We’re also co-producing Tanu weds Manu with Shailesh Singh, a film that I believe is fully commercial. I’m open to any project, which is one reason why we have launched a website — www.sanjaysinghfilms.com — so that we can connect with audiences, talented scriptwriters and directors, etc.
Ash and Kate to shoot together?
Jul 12th
The two blue-eyed beauties will be seen together in an ad
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 12, 2010)
The news is indeed of titanic proportions. Sometime soon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be seen rubbing shoulders with actress Kate Winslet. Aishwarya will be working with the British actress on a commercial, to be shot in Italy. This is for a brand Ash endorses.
In the past, Aishwarya has worked with Hollywood actors such as Jean Reno, Steve Martin and Emily Mortimer. But clearly, this one is a special feather in her cap.
A source close to Ash reveals, “Aishwarya is very excited to meet Kate and moreover shoot with her for the ad. Ash is headed to Italy sometime next week. The ad will be shot over two days.”
Aishwarya has met Kate in the past but very briefly and finds her very pretty. She has also watched a lot of Kate’s films. Shooting with her is thus something Ash is eagerly waiting for.
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| Kate Winslet | Aishwarya Rai | |
Katrina unable to cope overnight shoot stress
Jun 30th
Non-stop overnight shoots in Spain are taking a serious toll on Katrina Kaif’s health
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 30, 2010)
This paper recently reported that Katrina Kaif sprained her neck while shooting in Spain, for Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara. Far from soaking up the Spanish sun, the actress is actually roughing it out there. Added to this, Katrina doesn’t want to discuss her woes with anyone anymore.
She wants to bottle it all up because she thinks that her sob stories are creating an impression that she’s a crybaby.
Implores Katrina, “Please don’t write stories about my problems. People have started to think I’m cooking them up for sympathy.”
But the latest developments in Spain (sorry Katrina) have truly been unfair on the poor girl. Director Zoya Akhtar has been shooting with Hrithik Roshan, Kalki Koechlin, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Katrina, enjoying the uninhibited and colourful nightlife of Spain.
While the boys are actually partying hard and having the time of their lives, the girls who have to pretend to be as bold and vivacious on camera as their male counterparts, are often left groggy, under-slept and exhausted. This all-night revelry has been especially hard on Katrina. An early sleeper, she has been trying doubly hard to not lag behind but her body clock has gone for a toss. That Katrina flew out of Spain in this interim for two days to shoot a commercial in Abu Dhabi and returned to resume shooting, actually appalls you.
Apparently the hectic and noisy night shoots, which have been continuing non-stop, are taking a serious toll on Katrina’s health. She feels sapped out all the time. Says the actress, “I really don’t want to sound like a whining baby. But yes we’ve been shooting from 4 pm to 6 am every day here in Spain for Zoya’s film. It isn’t easy.”
Give her a break guys. She was hospitalised last year for being overworked.
