Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged december
King of Comedies strikes again with ‘No Problem’
Aug 24th
By Taran Adarsh, August 24, 2010 – 08:31 IST
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That Anees Bazmee has an impeccable track record as a writer/director is known to all and sundry. No wonder his films are eagerly awaited. The King of Comedies, who has three solid Hits behind him [NO ENTRY, WELCOME and SINGH IS KINNG], is all set to unleash his new laughathon NO PROBLEM, which, like his previous films, also boasts of an impressive star cast and is aimed at tickling your funny bone.
The expectations from NO PROBLEM are humungous and if one goes by the promos of the film, Anees seems to have pulled it off yet again. This writer had the privilege of watching the promos [rough cut] and also an entire song ['Mast Punjabi'] from this keenly anticipated film and I have to confess, the goings-on are truly funny. The song, filmed on the entire cast, is sure to be a rage with not just Punjabis, but also non-Punjabis.
Looks like Anees and Anil Kapoor [who produces the film] have a sure-shot winner on hand. NO PROBLEM is in post-production stages and is slated for release in December this year.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Ameesha Patel’s grandmother passes away
Aug 21st
The actress, who had once accused her parents of embezzling her career earnings, was rather close to her granny Susheela Patel
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 21, 2010)
The Patel household is in a state of shock. Ameesha and Ashmit Patel lost their paternal grandmother on Thursday night. Ameesha’s grandmother Susheela Patel breathed her last at 10.30 pm, after suffering from a prolonged illness. The entire family rushed the next morning to attend to her last rites.
Ameesha was very close to her grandmother. She used to spend a lot of quality time with her and would often take her out too. Having suffered from a chequered equation with her parents, whom she once accused of embezzling her career earnings, Ameesha was rather close to her grandmother.
Her patch-up with her parents last December could well have been her grandmother’s doing. This therefore is a big loss for the actor.
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| A file picture of Ameesha Patel (R) with her grandmother Susheela (L) |
Her sibling, a grieving Ashmit Patel, said, “She had been bedridden for the past couple of years due to a car accident she suffered in 2005. She was extremely alert, intuitive and full of life. In her last 10 days, she suffered a lot. But she passed away peacefully on Thursday night. She was very close both to my sister and me. It’s quite a shock for us. More so for my sister because she had taken care of her single-handedly for the past five-six years.”
Incidentally Ameesha was shooting in Hyderabad for a Telegu film when she heard the news. She rushed to Pune immediately to attend to the last rites, accompanied with her recently-reconciled mother.
Katrina walks out of The Italian Job?
Aug 7th
Unable to juggle dates between Dostana 2 and a new YRF film, the actress walks out of the Abbas-Mustan film. Or so she claims…
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 07, 2010)
Why Katrina Kaif has chosen to walk out of the much-talked-about The Italian Job is a mystery. After months of speculation, the actress quit Abbas-Mustan’s Bollywood remake of F. Gary Gray’s 2003 original.
Katrina has cited date problems for walking out of the film. Recently, she signed a new project with Yash Raj Films. Simultaneously, when Dostana 2 was postponed to December, her original dates for the film had to be changed. Though the actress had signed The Italian Job when it was announced eight months ago, she let go of the project because managing dates was becoming a problem.
What’s shocking though is that Katrina let go of a role that was actually quite a meaty one. Apparently, she would have played the role Charlize Theron enacts in the original. Our source said, “There have been rumours that Katrina was not keen to do Abbas-Mustan’s The Italian Job. Apparently, she had even asked for some changes in the script. Obviously, Katrina walking off at this stage comes as a surprise, considering her role is extremely pivotal in the film.”
Added to this, you wonder why the actress would let go of a directing pair like Abbas-Mustan, especially after her last film with them, Race scored well at the Box Office. Apparently, when Katrina expressed her anxiety to Abbas -Mustan, they talked to her at length. And they did convince her until her dates for Dostana 2 were pushed to the end of the year. Since The Italian Job is supposed to go on floors in mid-November, neither Abbas nor Mustan could argue further.
Soon after the Dostana 2 dates were shifted, Yash Raj Films offered a project to Katrina, which will go on floors from mid-September. But just being paired opposite Imran Khan couldn’t be incentive enough for Katrina, right? The actress made her decision and has now conveyed it to Abbas-Mustan, despite everything.
When contacted, Katrina Kaif confirmed that she had left the film due to date problems.
Mustan, of the Abbas-Mustan duo, said, “Yes it is true. There are a lot of date problems and she (Katrina) is no longer doing the film. As of now, we have Abhishek Bachchan, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Omi Vaidya in the film. One more hero and two girls still need to be cast. Everything will be done in a week’s time.”
Want to change your mind Katrina?
T-Series acquires Eros Music’s forthcoming titles
Jul 26th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, July 26, 2010 – 11:16 IST
Continuing with its aggressive acquisition spree which started two years ago with music of all A grade films being released under T-Series followed by the acquisition of Reliance Big Music catalogue in December last year, the music major has now hit the bull’s eye with acquisition of Eros Music’s catalogue. This includes the music of three of the most anticipated films of this year – Anjaana Anjaani, Ra.One and Rockstar.
T-Series has entered into a strategic alliance with Eros International to exclusively exploit the music & audio visual rights of all the Eros Films across all formats globally. The music & audio visual content of films under the Eros banner shall be exclusively distributed globally by T-Series on all the platforms in all formats including all physical formats, Radio & Television, Mobile and digital formats, globally.
Apart from being the largest record-label in the country, T-Series has one of the most extensive distribution networks across all the entertainment verticals globally. Apart from steering sales on physical formats, T-Series will also champion the reach of Eros’ Music through its global network of licensees, publishers and aggregators and all formats of revenues that arise from radio, television & public performances.
On the mobile & digital distribution front, Hungama Mobile, being the exclusive digital distribution partner of T-Series, will be providing the digital footprint for Eros catalogue across Telcos, internet, IPTV and mobile networks. Their catalogue will be available for downloads on various digital distribution networks comprising of all telecom carriers in India and across 37 other countries. Through its international partnerships with iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon MP3, among others, the T-Series – Hungama alliance will power this vibrating content to South Asian consumer’s outside the country.
Yet another step of consolidation in the Indian music industry, we say. Watch this space for more details.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
I’ve fought my share of battles-Katrina Kaif
Jul 17th
TIME TO CELEBRATE: Katrina Kaif
On her birthday, Katrina Kaif tells Sharin Wader Butani that she wishes for smooth-sailing ahead
BOMBAY TIMES (July 16, 2010)
The gorgeous Katrina Kaif is turning 26 today and guess what she’s doing on her special day — baby sitting. She’s away in Spain shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, so there won’t be any party for the actress in Mumbai but she’s not missing out on any of that. In fact, the actress admits that she’s happy to get away from the rains in Mumbai. “My sisters have flown down from London to be with me and so has my three-year-old niece. I have not been able to spend time with her, so today that’s what I’m going to do,” she said on a long distance call from Spain.
The Cancerian might not have grand plans to celebrate her birthday, but she does have three wishes she wants to see fulfiled. “I want happiness, peace of mind and a lot of good film offers. I want to work in a film directed by Yashji someday,” said Katrina, who being in the top league of Bollywood actresses, won’t find it to too difficult to make her wishes come true. “I have had my share of battles. Life’s been tough. But now I want a smooth sailing,” she said.
Kat believes she’s a destiny’s child. “I came from nowhere and within six years, I’ve managed to make a place for myself in Bollywood. I think that’s because I live by my principles and one of them is not doing films for the sake of money. If people thought my debut film Boom was for monetary reasons then I would say it was due to sheer ignorance that I got myself in that film. But now I’m happy, even though I only work and have no life other than that,” she laughed. But for her, that’s the beauty of her job, it takes her places and allows her to meet different people. “In Zoya’s film, I’ve been zipping around on bikes, I did some deep sea diving too and it’s been fun. It’s not that I learned bike riding because of this film, I’ve always known how to ride bikes,” said the actress, revealing her sporty side. “I enjoyed watching the Spain-Germany football match here. Football mania had really gripped Spain. But unfortunately, I couldn’t catch all the matches because I was busy shooting,” she said.
There have been talks of how all work and no play has taken a toll on her health. She has been fainting on the sets due to low haemoglobin levels. “They are all Chinese whispers. I’m not sick as I’m made out to be. I was weak last December but that’s about it. I work out, eat well and take good care of myself. My trainer can vouch for that,” she said and added, “Actually I’m not accessible to people all the time, that’s why they cook up stories about me.”
But all that doesn’t affect the actress who has her faith keeping her afloat. “I’m a very spiritual person. I pray a lot. I feel God has his hand over me. I’m being looked after so I do my bit helping my mother with her charity. It gives me peace.” And when the time comes for her to call it quits in the film industry, Kat says she’ll happily hang up her boots. “I have not planned what I’ll do later on, but I’ll definitely move on in life,” she said.
Kat’s on Zoom tonight! Catch Katrina Kaif in an exclusive interview with Omar Qureshi on Planet Bollywood, ZOOM, 7.30 pm tonight. A teaser of the interview…
Raajneeti proves that Ranbir Kapoor and you have the perfect chemistry. This is your second success together…
• Though the audience loved us in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, I was really nervous about this one, simply because it wasn’t a typical love story. It wasn’t a man chasing a girl kind of role, it was more realistic. I feel wonderful that even this has been so well accepted.
In love, are you a realist or a romantic?
• Hmm… I love romance and I completely believe in romance. I think that is eventually what is going to get you through life. Your companion and the person who you love is the only thing that will remain with you forever.
Some sections of the media claimed that Kareena would be just a wee bit possessive if Saif and you were paired up. Your reaction…
• I don’t think Kareena can ever be insecure, she is a very confident person. I am sure that the story is entirely made up. Secondly, after Race, I haven’t signed any movie with Saif, though I think he is amazing actor and I would love to work with him again.
Aamir’s tribute to Asheem
Jul 12th
Aamir will pay a musical tribute to Indian Ocean member late Asheem Chakravarty, who worked with him in Peepli Live
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 12, 2010)
That Indian Ocean’s former band member Asheem Chakravarty passed away last December is known. Not many are aware though of the impact he had on Aamir Khan after working with the actor in Peepli Live. The film has Indian Ocean (all members including Asheem) performing together in four of its songs. So, the credit will also have all their names.
Aamir Khan has decided to pay Asheem a tribute. On Tuesday, at the music launch of Peepli Live, Aamir plans to have a live performance by Indian Ocean. Aamir will also release a video, which is currently under production, in Asheem’s memory.
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| Asheem Chakravarty |
A member of the crew said, “At the music release Aamir will request for one-minute silence in memory of Asheem. Aamir has also been working on a video as a tribute to the singer, whose contribution is invaluable to him. The video is currently under production and will be released in two weeks.
It will have the footage from Indian Ocean’s last performance (with Asheem) in Singapore. It will also have the footage of Aamir’s interaction with Asheem, while recording music for the film Peepli Live. There is extensive footage also of Asheem’s interactions with the entire team of the film.”
Apparently, after the release, Aamir plans to give the video to Indian Ocean so they can put it up on their official website for all their fans to see.
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| Aamir Khan |
Asheem has a cult fan following and they would love to watch this video.
Incidentally, the live performances on Tuesday will also see Raghuveer Yadav sing with his Badvai Mandali (his group of village singers from Bhopal) and a classical performance by Nagin (daughter of the late playwright Habib Tanvir).
The official spokesperson for Aamir Khan confirmed the news and said, “Asheem’s loss was a shock to the entire team. These songs are the last he has sung. We wanted to immortalise his memory and hence the video.”
Imran to woo Bebo
Jul 5th
For the first time in both their careers, the two would play lovers in Karan Johar’s next
Kunal M Shah and Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 05, 2010)
Imran Khan’s undying wish to romance Kareena Kapoor will soon come true. On screen of course, lest we’ve got Saif worried already. A new film, still untitled, will be produced by Karan Johar and directed by Shakun Batra, which will have the duo in the lead roles.
Imran and Kareena would be working together in a film for the first time. Does maamujaan want to give his favourite nephew a few tips?
Our source said, “The film is scheduled to start in December this year and will apparently be directed by a newcomer, Shakun Batra who has recently joined Dharma Productions. Shakun, who worked as an assistant in Rock On!! and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, has been a friend of Imran’s for some time now and it was Imran who suggested his name to Karan. Karan spoke to Kareena about it and she agreed immediately.
Kareena has always maintained that she will do anything for Karan and has never asked him any questions. The film will be an out-and-out love story.”
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With willing friends working together, and no space left for arguments, the film couldn’t but be a love story, could it? As for the leading pair, Bebo and Imran are more than looking forward to act with each other. Confirms the source, “Imran had recently said in an interview that he would love to romance Kareena Kapoor and his wish has come true. And Kareena too has always maintained that she is also keen to work with Imran.”
When contacted, Imran Khan said, “Yes it is true that I am doing another film with Karan Johar. The film will be directed by Shakun but beyond that, I can’t confirm anything on the casting front. Shakun has been a friend ever since he joined the industry and was a second assistant director on Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. He has written the script with our mutual friend Aayesha.
Karan Johar and Shakun Batra remained unavailable for comment.
Big B’s KBC 4 delays Salman’s Dus Ka Dum 3?
Jul 2nd
Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati 4 has pushed Salman Khan’s Dus Ka Dum 3 to the back burner
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 02, 2010)
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| Amitabh Bachchan |
Days after this newspaper reported that Amitabh Bachchan would be the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati 4, the channel has decided to concentrate completely on launching this show.
What’s surprising though, is that this is happening at a time when the third season of Salman Khan’s TV show Dus Ka Dum was set to launch; that too on a much bigger scale. And the verdict is in: Big B’s show has overtaken Salman’s. DKD 3 has been pushed to the back burner.
Evidently, Dus Ka Dum 3 will not be broadcast this year. The channel in question is putting all its labour into Kaun Banega Crorepati 4 as it marks Amitabh’s return to television.
A source from the TV industry says, “The officials in Mumbai were told by their head office that they should concentrate on Dus Ka Dum 3 only after they had put KBC 4 in place, and preferably on floors. Kaun Banega Crorepati is the channel’s baby.
Since this time they have the opportunity to broadcast it themselves, they have decided to pool in all their resources to make it grand.
Kaun Banega Crorepati 4 is expected to be on air from November/ December this year. Dus Ka Dum 3 will now air in 2011.”
Couldn’t the channel have concentrated on both the shows simultaneously? “Not really,” says the TV source, “They want Dus Ka Dum 3 on a much bigger canvas than its earlier two seasons.”
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| Salman Khan |
When questioned, Danish Khan, head of marketing for the channel, said, “Who told you? Aisa nahin hai.” Why was Dus Ka Dum 3 delayed? “I am not supposed to tell you that. I will talk when I have to. As of now, I am not supposed to make any statements,” he added
Meanwhile, Salman is busy shooting for Anees Bazmee’s Ready.
A man must have some time out with the boys!-Sanjay Dutt
Jun 29th
…says Sanjay Dutt, who is in SA without Maanyata and may not return for his b’day
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; June 29, 2010)
Don’t go making any plans to celebrate Sanjay Dutt’s birthday on July 29. The actor, who turns 52, will be in South Africa on the day. He’s already there on a 45-day break, despite three back-to-back releases including Bunty Walia’s Lamhaa, Sohail Maklai’s Knockout and Anil Kapoor’s No Problem. And despite the fact that wife Maanyata, who is due to deliver their first child in December, has been advised not to travel and will be alone in Mumbai. “But what to do, sometimes a man must have some time out with the boys,’’ grinned Dutt. He has gone to South Africa to attend all the important FIFA matches with three of his close male friends. The World Cup gets into the quarter-final stage this week and Dutt intends to shoot some football action for his next coffee-table of photographs over there. The actor said, “Work is worship. However, I have always believed in living life king-size. If I have the money, then I must enjoy it. Football is a childhood passion. Earlier, I didn’t have the inclination to go sit and watch the World Cup live. Now I can afford it… and I have taken ‘time out’ to follow my heart. I got tickets months in advance. I always knew that this is where I would be in July.’’ And that’s where he will be on his birthday, too, unless Maanyata throws a tantrum and summons him back.
Saif, Kunal team up once again
May 26th
Hum Tum team Saif Ali Khan and Kunal Kohli to come together for another love story
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 26, 2010)
The Kunal Kohli-directed Hum Tum had turned out to be one of biggest hits of Saif Ali Khan’s career. Now they are coming together again for another project very soon.
Saif has confirmed the development. “Yes I am doing a film with Kunal. We intend to start the film by the end of this year.”
Kunal Kohli elaborated, “Saif and I have worked together in two films – Hum Tum and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. We have decided to make one more romantic film together. It will begin with a short schedule in October and we’ll wrap it up by December or January. It’s a very interesting film in which Saif plays a rich businessman.
He is very stylish and he gets love from the most unexpected quarter. Saif has always been loved in romantic roles, be it Hum Tum or Salaam Namaste – or even his home production Love Aaj Kal. Romantic films have also proved lucky for me. I made Fanaa and am now producing Break Ke Baad.”
