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Posts tagged direct
Imran & Shakun fight over title of KJo’s next
Jul 21st
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 21, 2010)
As we reported recently, producer Karan Johar has cast Imran Khan in his next, which is being directed by debutant Shakun Batra.
This romantic comedy will have Imran romancing Kareena Kapoor.
Turns out, Imran and Shakun can’t see eye-to-eye all of a sudden. Imran was apparently very keen on calling the film Short Term Shaadi, which had temporarily become the working title for the film.
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| Imran Khan | Kareena Kapoor | |
Director Shakun Batra has rejected Imran’s title despite the fact that Imran and the film’s writer Ayesha Devitre had strongly endorsed it.
You might wonder why Shakun should be obliged to take Imran’s suggestion anyway. That’s because Shakun and Imran actually go back a long way. The two became friends during Imran’s debut film Jaane Tu… in which Shakun was assisting Abbas Tyrewala. It was Imran who recommended Shakun to Karan Johar.
Clearly, the favour wasn’t unconditional because Imran’s now quite miffed with Shakun for turning down the title he had suggested.
Commenting on this, Karan says, “Yes Shakun didn’t like the title Short Term Shaadi. It was only a working title in the first place. Imran and my writer Ayesha were kicked about Short Term Shaadi.
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| Karan Johar |
But Shakun would hear none of it. We at Dharma go completely by the director’s vision. So we’re hunting for a new title now. What is decided for sure is that the film will be shot in Las Vegas.’
Meanwhile, Karan has left for an unknown part of the world to write his next script. “I’m tired of people asking me what I’m directing next. Even I want to know. I am not coming back this time without an answer.” We’re sure to get to know of it first
Farah misses Shah Rukh
Feb 16th
That’s Farah Khan’s pet dialogue when she has had enough of directing an arrogant new star in Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 16, 2010)
It is said that art imitates life. Well, in this case it is life imitating art. When Farah Khan agreed to be part of Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai little did she know that it would almost become the ‘story’ of her life.
The film’s script is quite similar to the real-life Tees Maar Khan episode which is Farah’s next film starring Akshay Kumar and not her buddy Shah Rukh Khan. This is the first time that Farah is not directing SRK. She had always maintained that she would never work without Shah Rukh but that was before Tees Maar Khan happened.
Much to Farah’s surprise, she had already shot for Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai in which she plays herself before realising that her role in it is similar to her current situation concerning SRK.
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| Ritesh Dekhmukh, who plays Assistant Director to Farah Khan, and Farah on the sets of Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai |
Milap Zaveri, director of the film, said, “In my film, Farah plays herself and is making a film after Om Shanti Om that too without Shah Rukh. Ruslaan Mumtaz plays Desh, an upcoming star. When Ruslaan throws some attitude, she says, `I miss Shah Rukh’ and throughout my film she says that she wants to work with Shah Rukh again. She plays a director who is quite fond of Shah Rukh and is looking forward to working with him again.”
When asked about Farah actually not working with Shah Rukh, Milap replied, “We shot the film a year ago and it is coincidental that she is now working with Akshay. But let’s not forget that Farah and SRK are very close friends and that’s the most important thing. I am sure everybody is eagerly waiting to see them work together again.
YRF announces its new project starring Anushka and newcomer Ranveer Singh
Feb 7th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, February 4, 2010 – 17:39 IST
Maneesh Sharma, Associate Director of the SRK starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which created box office history for both Yash Raj Films and Shah Rukh Khan, has been entrusted with directing the next YRF project.
Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film will star newcomer Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma as the lead pair.
Ranveer, a complete fresher with no modelling or acting experience, was selected after his very first audition, having impressed Aditya Chopra instantly. On the other hand this will be Anushka Sharma’s third film with YRF after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Parmeet Sethi’s directorial debut in which she stars alongside Shahid Kapoor.
The untitled film tells the story of two just out of Delhi University students, Shruti (Anushka Sharma) and Bittoo (Ranveer Singh) who reluctantly set out on their tumultuous entrepreneurial venture. Together their friendship and business enters the ups and downs of the lavish world of the glamour and glitz of Delhi baaraats and weddings!
Shooting of the film commences today and the film is scheduled for release later in the year.
Maneesh, who will be making his directorial debut with this project, has been with the Yash Raj Banner for many years and, apart from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, has also assisted on films such as Fanaa and Aaja Nachle.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Sujit Kumar no more
Feb 6th
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 06, 2010)
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| Sujit Kumar Pic: Yogen Shah  |
Veteran actor Sujit Kumar passed away at 4.30am, yesterday after a long battle with cancer. He was 75 years old and is survived by his son Jatin Kumar and daughter Henna Singh.
Sujit Kumar is best remembered for his role in Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana in which he played Rajesh Khanna’s friend and was part of the popular song Mere sapano ki rani kab aayegi tu.
The late actor featured in over 200 films and had also directed a film titled Pan Khaye Saaiyaan Hamar in 1984.
His last rites were performed at the Juhu crematorium at 12.30pm yesterday.
Tahir Hussain passes away; Bollywood reacts
Feb 3rd
The actor’s father Tahir Hussain suddenly passed away yesterday following a heart attack
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 03, 2010)
Filmmaker Tahir Hussain, Aamir Khan’s father, passed away early yesterday morning following a massive cardiac arrest at his Bandra residence. He was in his early 70s. Aamir and his wife Kiran Rao were holidaying in Los Angeles when they heard about Hussain’s sudden death. They are on their way back to Mumbai and are expected to be here by today evening for the funeral.
Hussain started his career as an assistant director with Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Dil Deke Dekho in the late ‘50s. He went on to be the production executive in Teesri Manzil, Jab Pyar Kisise Se Hota Hai and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. He started as an independent producer with the blockbuster Caravan starring Jeetendra and Asha Parekh. After Caravan he went on to produce several successful films, Anamika, Zakhmee, Locket, and Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke among many others.
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| From (L): Aamir Khan, Tahir Hussain |
His last film as a producer was Madhosh (1994), his son Faisal Khan’s debut film as an actor, which failed at the box-office. Hussain had directed the film Tum Mere Ho with Aamir and Juhi Chawla in lead roles.
He had also produced Dil Dhoondta Hai in 1999 but the film still remains unreleased.
Hussain is survived by his first wife Zeenat, second wife Shehnaz and four children Aamir, Faisal, Farhat and Nikhat.
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| Caravan |
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| Aamir’s ex wife Reena with their son Junaid |
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| Kunal Kapoor and Faisal Khan at the residence |
| A DIGNIFIED PRODUCER |
 Rakesh Roshan
It is a great loss to his family, friends and the film industry. I worked with him in two films Zakhmee and Madhosh, for which he signed me when I was not doing well as an actor. He was a dignified producer. |
 Juhi Chawla
He was like a father to me and always treated me like his daughter and not an actress. I was a part of his family and it is a sad day for me. I had worked in Tum Mere Ho which he had directed. I am at loss for words after I have heard this news. |
 Asha Parekh
He was an very nice person and had a great sense of humour. I did three films with him, Caravan, Hamara Khandaan and Zakhmee. He had also acted with me in Dil Deke Dekho. I had a long-standing relationship with him and had attended his wedding and have seen his children grow up.He was also a partner with us in our distribution business called Movie Gem. He was a very lovable person and it is a sad day for all of us. His wife is a wonderful person and may God give her strength |
Nadita to direct Tabu
Jan 30th
Nandita Das is set to direct Tabu in a screen adaptation of The Vine Of Desire
By Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 30, 2010)
After playing bold roles in films such as Hu Tu Tu, Maachis, Astitva and Chandni Bar to name a few, one of the country’s finest actresses Tabu will once be seen in a women-oriented Hindi film. The film, to be directed by Nandita Das, is the screen adaptation of Chitra Banerjee Divkaruni’s book The Vine Of Desire.
The last time literature and Tabu came together was in Mira Nair’s screen adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s book The Namesake.
Tabu was last seen as a lead actress in a Hindi film in 2007 when she did Balki’s Cheeni Kum. In 2008 she only did two Telugu films lending credence to the belief that she has shifted base to Hyderabad. But now, the elusive actress is ready to return to Hindi films with Toh Baat Pakki in which she plays an incorrigible matchmaker.
But it’s The Vine Of Desire, an elegiac novel of two sisters, that Tabu’s fans will eagerly wait for. The film’s producer Sanjay Gupta went to great lengths to acquire filming rights of the book. Gupta says, “I waited patiently to get the rights for this novel since I really loved it. Then I spoke to Tabu who I thought was perfect for the film. Luckily, she had loved the book too. Tabu and I are excited about working together .”
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| Nandita Das |
However, the project was green lighted by the actress only after the director was finalised.
Gupta adds, “I had loved Nandita’s direction in Firaaq. Last week my wife and I were watching it on DVD and she suggested Nandita would be perfect. We contacted her and she is all for it.”
Vidya Balan is likely to play Tabu’s sister in the film.
Nandita said guardedly, “They’ve spoken to me. It’s still too early to discuss it but directing Tabu would be a great opportunity to extend my wings as a director. I’m told Tabu has read the novel. I’m yet to read it. I’d also need to choose someone to write the screenplay because I can’t focus on direction and scripting at the same time. In fact, I can’t even act in a film if I am directing it.”
About the book
Anju and Sudha rekindle their friendship in America where the former gets the strength to pick up the pieces of her life after a miscarriage, and the latter the confidence to make a life for herself and her baby daughter, without her husband.
The bond between them is shaken to the core when they confront the passionate feelings that Anju’s husband has for Sudha.
I m searching for something deep within-Kangna Ranaut
Jan 30th
CITY OF DREAMS: Kangna Ranaut
Kangna Ranaut, the small town girl is taking big strides in showbiz
MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; January 29, 2010)
Kangna Ranaut doesn’t have the measurements to make you sit up and take notice of her. But if she were to make a clean breast of things, she would still have a lot to say. The 22-year-old from Manali made several mistakes (personal and professional) in her first year in Bollywood. But she’s used those very same mistakes as stepping stones on her journey to stardom.
With multiple releases lined up in 2010 including Kites, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, Tanu Weds Manu, Knockout, No Problem and The Actor, life is throwing a rainbow of roles for her.
She recently bagged the National Award as Best Supporting Actress for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion. Elated with her new honour, Kangna says, “I didn’t know how significant the National Award was till I got deluged with messages from within and outside the film industry.’’ Confessing that she is super-ambitious, she adds, “Till mid-2008, it seemed like nothing was moving in my life. I got good films from Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt. But things were still moving slow. Then all of a sudden I found my career gathering steam. After Gangster and Woh Lamhe, the accolades poured in for Fashion. Makers like Rakesh Roshan, Anees Bazmee and Mani Shankar Aiyar signed me for their projects. And, clichéd as it may seem, there has been no looking back.’’
Showbiz apart, Kangna is one of those introspective girls who are constantly looking for the true meaning of life. “Okay, the movies are my focal point. But, then I’m also looking for something beyond movies. I know I want to direct one some day. I have bought myself a fancy new car. I’m buying a home in Manali. Fame and fortune apart, I’m also searching for something deep within. I keep telling myself that if life is over at 50, I should have accomplished something substantial before that.’’
Drawing a deep breath, the curly-haired temptress adds, “There is a random energy that I draw strength from. And somehow I know, I’m not going to be satisfied with routine stuff. My life is special… and I’m going to treat it that way.’’
Men, she says, can wait…
Tannishtha in Lucy Liu’s directorial debut
Jan 21st
American actress Lucy Liu will be in Mumbai soon to direct a film starring Tannishtha Chatterjee
By Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2010)
Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill star Lucy Liu is turning director along with two other American actresses, Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie. This is for a four-segment, all-women feature film, which is yet untitled. The USP of this project is it converts some of the topmost American actresses into first-time directors.
It is to be shot in four continents beginning with India. Although the fourth director is yet to be finalised, the other three directors are set to go behind the camera; the first one being Lucy Liu.
The heartening news is that Lucy turns director with a film set in Mumbai. The hush-hush project starts filming in February at undisclosed locations in Mumbai. Two other segments of the film are to be shot in two other countries by Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep.
Bengali actress Tannishtha Chatterjee, who created ripples with her role of a repressed Bangladeshi wife in Sarah Gavron’s British film Brick Lane, is playing the lead in the Mumbai segment. After the actress (currently doing the festival circuit for Dev Benegal’s Road, Movie opposite Abhay Deol) was selected in Mumbai among many topnotch hopefuls, she flew down to LA to meet Lucy.
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| (L): Tannishtha Chatterjee (R): Lucy Liu |
Tannishtha confirms the news. She says, “At the moment, I am not supposed to talk about this project at all. If I breathe a word, I will be guilty of breach of contract. So let us just say, I love Lucy!”
Shahid-Deepika teamed?
Jan 6th
By Taran Adarsh, January 5, 2010 – 08:28 IST
Leading choreographer Ahmed Khan hasn’t directed a film for a while now. His last [directorial] venture FOOL & FINAL opened a few years ago and his next venture, PAATHSHAALA, produced by his company, opens worldwide on 9th April. Ahmed is now gearing up to start his new venture, which, according to sources, will star Ahmed’s buddy Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in lead roles.
Ahmed expressed complete surprise when this writer called to verify the news. “Sure, I am working on a script and it will star Shahid, but I haven’t thought of anyone yet. I would like to cast Katrina and Deepika both, but the script has to take shape first,” Ahmed clarifies.
He continues, “The script seems exciting now, but may not excite me after a point. So only when I am through with the final script, will I take a call on the casting.” Point noted!
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
