Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Dostana
The ‘Gay’teway To Bollywood
01 month ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Depiction of gay characters in Bollywood continues to be steeped in stereotype, even as realism’s struggling to rear its head
Aakanksha Naval-Shetye (DNA; March 28, 2013)
At a recent Gay and Lesbian Center gala held in LA, studio mogul (Sony Pictures) Amy Pascal, in her speech highlighted the stereotypical depiction of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community) characters in Hollywood films. She insisted that studio bosses scrutinise and make an attempt to eliminate gay slurs. She said, “How about next time, when any of us are reading a script and it says words like fag, faggot, homo, dyke — take a pencil and just cross it out.” The studio honcho also pointed out that not every gay character on screen needed to be defined by his or her sexuality. She quipped, “Can’t we depict men and women who just so happen to be gay — perhaps a lawyer or soldier or business executive or scientist or engineer…”
While the issue was raised about the depiction of LGBT characters in Hollywood, things are as bad, if not worse in Bollywood.
No laughing matter this! Filmmakers in popular cinema here continue to use characters of alternate sexuality seeped in stereotypical images as crutches to provide comic relief. Few will forget Kantaben’s shocked expression on seeing Saif Ali Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in bed together in Kal Ho Naa Ho or Abhishek Bachchan’s effeminate act in Bol Bachchan. John Abraham’s flirty act with Boman Irani’s character in Dostana had the audience in splits, More >
Tarun Mansukhani out of Dharma Productions?
09 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Rumour has it
Mauli Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 28, 2012)
Having started his career as an assistant to Karan Johar in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Tarun Mansukhani has always been a Dharma Productions loyalist. But if insiders are to be believed, the Dostana director has recently been shown the door by the man who he considered his mentor – KJo.
A source from the production house spilled the beans. “The sequel to Dostana has been on the back burner for a couple of years. Nothing was really moving forward. Probably, Tarun became restless with the endless ‘reworking’ of scripts. He started approaching other producers. Karan found out and was very upset. He asked Tarun to leave Dharma,” the source explained.
This sudden turn of events also puts a question mark on the much-anticipated film – Dostana 2. “We have no idea what is going to happen to the sequel. It depends on Karan whether he will shelve the project or rope in a new director for it,” added the source.
Another source from the production house claimed that Tarun too wasn’t too happy with KJo of late. “While Dostana 2 was not going anywhere, Karan was busy promoting younger directors like Shakun Batra, Ayan Mukerji and Karan Malhotra. Tarun did not like it much as he had been waiting to make his next film for years,” said the source.
In spite of a successful debut with Dostana, Tarun had been waiting to make the sequel for over four years. Reportedly, the film had run into a bit of trouble due to creative differences between the Karan and More >
Failure won’t surprise me now-John Abraham
012 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
John Abraham reveals how it wasn’t religion but his ability to take risks that has helped him resurrect his career once again
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 24, 2012)
After a film that was too long in the making, a multistarrer boxoffice dud and another that passed without a whimper, John Abraham, a year and a half back had faded into the background. Resurrecting his career again had not been an easy task. And though now, he is ‘overloaded with work’, the actor believes that there are crests and troughs in life and admits that he won’t be surprised if the ‘inevitable happens, again.’
“But every time I go down hereafter, I shall bounce back stronger,” says the actor who loves taking risks, and adds, “Think of it, I took a risk even when I did Dostana. Full marks to Karan Johar for giving homosexuality such a credible platform. Dostana is perhaps the only film that did not show homosexuality in a bad light.” Talking about the low phase, John admits that it wasn’t religion that kept him going. “I don’t go to church,temple or mosque. I believe people who are too religious are also fanatical. And most problems in this world are caused by such fanatics. I have no idols in my home. Actually, this is what my father taught me. When I was four years old, he told me that we don’t need to go to any religious place to be a good person. I remembered that,” reveals John. And thus, John never gave up on his belief. He kept trying. Having produced thirty commercials, film production More >
Receiving positive feedback for my Dostana pic-Tusshar Kapoor
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
The slam fest over his bare derriere continues, but Tusshar says it’s raining praises
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 19, 2012)
It was meant to be a spoof. But Tusshar Kapoor’s torso did not feel up to it. And somewhere between the actor’s bare chest and short swimming trunks, what was supposed to be a funny take on John Abraham’s scandalous expose in Karan Johar’s Dostana, became (literally) the butt of all jokes. But even as social networking portals started overflowing with comments about Tush (not meant to be punitive), the actor maintained that he is indeed receiving only positive feedback about his derriere-exposing act in Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum.
Most twitteratti commented on the actor’s act calling him the poor man’s John Abraham. However, some went a step ahead. For instance, sample this – Frootifer Vajpayee ? @Oinkoo: Tusshar Kapoor ‘s butt? It still exists after so many people kicked it?! Some went on to call Tusshar the ‘female Ayesha Takia’. And some simply said – Comedian Praveen ? @Funny_Leone: Why is everybody making fun of Tusshar Kapoor?.. just leave her alone..
However, the actor, who is also present on the social network seems to be unaware of all the negative reviews. When asked about the bad feedback, he told Mirror, “No. I have been receiving positive feedback from all friends and fans. Why would there be any negativity? The movie is a slick comedy and when one watches it, they will understand the context to this particular scene.” He explained More >
I was excited about showing my butt!-Tusshar Kapoor
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Tusshar Kapoor worked through a gruelling exercise and diet regime for 45 days to get a hot bod for a single scene in Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum
Upala KBR (BOMBAY TIMES; May 16, 2012)
Tusshar Kapoor believes in always putting his best foot forward. In his next, a raunchy comedy — Alt Entertainment’s Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum — he bares his butt a la John Abraham in Dostana!
Says a source, “If the film’s trailer became a rage within a day of launching online, Tusshar is determined to take its shockingly bold humour and entertainment quotient to a new high. The film is already one of the most keenly anticipated sequels this year. Attempting a hilarious spoof on John Abraham from the Shut Up And Bounce song in Dostana, Tusshar will be seen emerging from the sea in tight trunks, mischievously flashing his derriere. And even though the scene is a spoof, he wanted to look his best in it.”
Talking about the butt-flashing scene, Tusshar says, “KSKHH is going to be the baap of all entertainers, so even though I’m not the kind to flaunt my body, I readily agreed to the scene for the fun of it! We were shooting in Goa. I play a struggling actor and am trying to give a macho vibe to my love interest Neha Sharma in the scene. I wasn’t embarassed at all. On the contrary, I was excited about showing my butt!”
Tusshar went on a high protein diet and eliminated sugar for almost two months to buff up for the scene. “My trainer Pramod changed my diet and pushed me to get this physique. My More >
Tusshar Kapoor to do a Dostana?
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Rumour has it
Believe it or not, the actor plans to pay a tribute to John Abraham by reliving his epic ‘butt’ scene from ‘Dostana’
By Divya Unny (MID-DAY; April 16, 2012)
Not many of us can easily forget John Abraham’s introductory sequence from Dostana.
He emerged out of the water, wearing a pair of tiny yellow trunks, which he tugged down just a little! And guess who hopes to replicate that exact same scene. Well, Tusshar Kapoor believes he can pull off something like that in his forthcoming comedy flick Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, and is prepping for it too.
The scene will be shot in Goa next month and Tusshar is already working on a six-pack for bare body sequences.
It is learnt that this particular shot is part of the scene where Tusshar is trying to impress his lover Neha Sharma in the film. “It comes after the scene where Riteish Deshkmukh giving Tusshar ‘macho’ tips to impress the girl he likes,” says a source.
Interestingly, the actor shared the idea with John recently during the shoot of their gangster flick. Needless to say, the Dostana dude was absolutely amused.
Our source adds, “John was cool about it and understood that Tusshar was in a way paying him a tribute through the scene. In fact, he even suggested that Tusshar needn’t worry and must go all out filming it.”
At the moment Tusshar is following a suitable exercise routine prescribed by his trainer. “He’s on a strict high-protein diet and has stopped intake of fried food, sweets and alcohol too,” explained our More >
Desi Boyz: The original Dostana returns
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Akshay Kumar and John Abraham bring back the Garam Masala magic with some bromance in Desi Boyz
Nimisha Tiwari (BOMBAY TIMES; November 26, 2011)
Akshay Kumar and John Abraham’s chemistry in Desi Boyz, which released yesterday, is the talk of the town. So much so, that it is being touted as ‘the new Dostana’. But we say it’s the return of ‘the original Dostana’, which began way back in 2005 with Garam Masala!
Says Akki, “It was like ‘affection at first sight’ with John, from our first day together on the sets of Garam Masala. He’s so grounded and humble. Always eager to do his best. When we returned together on the sets of Desi Boyz six years later, it was as comfortable as before. You’ll see our genuine care and respect for each other in the film, because neither John nor I are good enough actors to fake it. That’s what we’ve brought on screen in Desi Boyz.”
John adds, “Akshay and I both don’t drink alcohol, work out every single day and sleep early, to begin the day with renewed energy. These traits are so rare to find, so we both clicked instantly. He’s superb as an actor and I respect him immensely. This camaraderie often spills over on screen and we weave good entertainment and a fun time for the audience.”
Desi Boyz is an adult film and Akshay respects the Censor Board for its views, “A lot of people will be shocked that it’s been given an adult rating, as there isn’t even a single kiss in the film. The USP is the ‘bromance’ between John and me. It’s like that of More >
Shotgun steps into Big B’s shoes
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Amitabh Bachchan’s rival Shatrughan Sinha has been signed to host the Bhojpuri version of KBC, Saurav Ganguly may take charge of the Bengali one
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 06, 2011)
Kaun Banega Crorepati, the show that revolutionized Indian television as well as Amitabh Bachchan’s career, is back with its Bhojpuri and Bengali versions.
And the producers Siddharth and Anita Kaul Basu have roped in Shatrughan Sinha, who never shared a comfortable equation with Big B, for one of them.
Nilesh WairkarShatrughan who is all set to step into Amitabh’s shoes as the Bhojpuri host for the show, has worked with the senior Bachchan in films like Kala Pathar, Dostana and Shaan.
But the two seldom got along with each other. The batlle has continued through media interviews and more recently, through blogs.
A source close to the show told Mumbai Mirror, “Shatrughan was the first choice to host the Bhojpuri version of KBC. Isn’t he the ultimate Bihari babu?”
Well, the ultimate Bihari babu, we hear, has taken his role in the show rather seriously. Reveals the source, “Shatrughan has also started rehearsing for the same.” Maybe, he wants to give his old rival a bit of competition.
As for the Bengali version, talks are on to rope in India’s former cricket captain Saurav Ganguly as the host.
The same source revealed, “Ganguly is in two minds. Thoda dates ka problem hai. Let’s see kya hota hai. The producers are quite keen to have him on More >
Abhi-Ash to star in Ladies & Gentleman
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
By Subhash K. Jha, March 26, 2011 – 17:09 IST
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be playing the steady woman in ‘Casanova’ Abhishek’s life for Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ladies & Gentleman. After having done everything from a family drama (Dhai Akshar Prem Ke) to a bio-pic (Guru) to a modern-day drama (Raavan) together, this is Aishwarya’s opportunity to have fun with Abhishek…at his expense.
In Santoshi’s film which he starts shooting in July, Abhishek plays a guy with an insatiable roving eye. Aishwarya has sportingly agreed to let her husband play the field on screen. 3 years ago, she refused Dostana with Abhishek because her character was shown walking away with another man. “I don’t think that would go down well with our fans,” she had argued.
“That’s Ash for you… beautiful and dutiful to the core. She won’t do any role that compromises her personal dignity or image as the Bachchan bahu. But if Abhishek is playing a devious unfaithful character she doesn’t mind bending the gender rules,” says a close friend of the couple.
This would be their first rom-com together.
For the first time in his career, Abhishek plays a full-blown womanizer in Ladies & Gentleman. And Aishwarya has no objections to him romancing several girls in her presence, albeit on screen.
Laughs Santoshi, “I had actually offered this film to Aishwarya five years ago. And look at destiny. It’s come back to her. Every role is earmarked for a particular actor. I feel Aishwarya is perfect for this film. More >
John flies solo!
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
The actor made a solo appearance on Karan Johar’s chat show, industry sees this as a proof that his relationship with Bipasha Basu has gone kaput
BOMBAY TIMES (March 19, 2011) Macho Bollywood star John Abraham made a solo appearance on Karan Johar’s hit chat show Koffee With Karan. This has raised a lot of eyebrows and the industry is abuzz that no matter what John and his exgirl Bipasha Basu might be trying to sell to the world, the truth is that they are no longer together. John and Bips were inseparable but now, with B- town crying out loud that they have split two months back, they have hardly been spotted together. The industry is seeing John’s solo appearance as a proof that the couple have headed splitsville. And though Karan Johar did prod about his relationship, John managed to steer clear of it through the show. However, the episode was lively as KJo in his typical mastery of conducting chat shows, made John open up to a lot of things including his ease at talking about sex. The episode is brimming with sexual innuendos and harmless homosexual references that brings back Dostana memories to our mind. John was also touched when Karan showed him what his fans think about John, the star. One of them even said that his yellow boxers are a tribute to John’s butt-baring act in Dostana. Looks like John’s getting his much-needed love from his fans. To get more of John, tune in to Star World at 9 pm on Sunday.