Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Meena Iyer
Bhajji still bowled over Geeta?
Jul 29th
The grapevine says Harbhajan Singh is reportedly good friends with starlet Geeta Basra even now…
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 29, 2010)
Harbhajan Singh, the Team India offbreaker, has bowled a googly to the media which is still wildly speculating over his reported relationship status with Bollywood starlet Geeta Basra.
The two, if some media reports are to be believed, are no longer an item. But that is baffling, because the ace spinner has been taking a keen and undue interest in Geeta’s Bollywood career of late.
BT has reason to believe that between his very recent and truly hectic Zimbabwe and Sri Lankan cricket tours, Bhajji found time to actually hobnob with a couple of important Bollywood personalities. And the reason for his networking is simple. A source says, “Harbhajan is keen to see that Geeta’s career which virtually ground to a halt after her appearance in Mukesh Bhatt’s The Train with Emraan Hashmi, gets back on track again. Harbhajan has spoken to a few people who he knows in Bollywood requesting them to take Geeta in their projects.”
Now if a A-list cricketer is going out of his field to give a maidenin-distress such importance, it could only add up to one thing. That the bowler and the Bollywood beauty continue to be friends. Harbhajan, who is in the midst of the Sri Lankan tour, couldn’t be reached for comment. But Geeta said, “He’s a well-wisher but that doesn’t mean he’s helping me in my career.
Kajol-Kareena call a truce
Jul 29th
Only Karan Johar could have managed this…
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 29, 2010)
Can two mothers make a home? And can two powerhouse actresses exist peacefully on the same set? Yes, if you have Karan Johar trouble-shooting. Once again Bollywood’s premiere filmmaker has managed to pull off another first. Dharma Productions’ We Are Family that will hit the screens on September 3, is an intimate, emotional film. “UTV and I decided to release it on September 3 because it’s a film meant for women and family audience, and we wanted an opposition-free clean week,” says Karan. He adds, “It’s the first official adaptation in Bollywood of a Hollywood film — Step-Mom in this case.” He points out that Dharma is fortunate to have a good equation with Hollywood giants such as Fox (My Name is Khan) and now Sony Pictures (We Are Family).
And whether it is getting the lyrics of a song — like he did with Pretty Woman for Kal Ho Na Ho or whether it is adapting the 1998 Susan Sarandon-Julia Roberts film Step-Mom, Karan believes it must be done officially. “There is just no other way to do it than in collaboration with the foreign studio or with getting the official remake rights,’’ says he. He is happy, too, that UTV Motion Pictures is also on board this project that brings together two of his favourite actresses — Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.
“These two return as a pair after they worked with me in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Siddharth Malhotra, my director, has brought these two women of substance, in substantial roles, for the first time. And, as a viewer and a cinegoer, I was truly excited to see their pairing. I’m also happy that Arjun Rampal has solidly held his own despite being thrown in with these two solid performers in what I describe as an intimate family experience.’’ Karan is particularly proud of the fact that the debutante director has managed to get the desired performances from his actors. “I personally think WAF will provide the audience a happy laugh and a good cry.’’
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
I don’t know if it’s Aamir or Shah Rukh-Rajkumar Hirani
Jul 27th
Bollywood’s number one director Rajkumar Hirani won’t reveal who his next leading man is
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; July 27, 2010)
Rajkumar Hirani is generous to a fault. At his office in Bandra, he is busy distributing books to the people around him. Having just returned from New York after a heavy-duty scripting session, the filmmaker is in a gregarious mood. Filmfare has chosen him the top-ranking director. And the trade is waiting with bated breath to know what Raju will make next, especially since his 3 Idiots is the biggest hit in Bollywood history.
Raju dismisses speculation about making a movie called Hey Bhagwan on 300 Gods. “We have 33 crore Gods,’’ he says, “Why would I choose 300 of those? Unless of course, people think that in three hours I can only accommodate 300. Anyway the important issue here is that I will be making a movie on religion. But media reports saying it deals with 300 Gods is wrong. My writer Abhijat Joshi is here. And we have just got a fix on the idea. The script itself is still to be written. I’m also writing Munnabhai.’’
Asked whether he was flattered to be voted the number one director, Raju says, “My parents will be happy for sure. I will mail them a copy of the latest Filmfare. However, I don’t want to fall into this trap of numbers. I believe that today I’m on top because of 3 Idiots. Tomorrow there may be no film or there could be a film that has not done very well. This can happen. So why fall into this trap? I believe that each film is my first film and I give it all I have. Just because I have three good films behind me, it doesn’t make me allpowerful. I have to still strive to give my best to whatever I undertake. A filmmaker is only as good as his last film.’’
He also dismisses constant media speculation on whether he will make his next with Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh Khan. Says he, “I have worked with the best — Aamir. However, I can’t say who the leading man in my next film is unless I have a ready script. I don’t write films keeping an actor in mind. It goes the other way around.’’
Raju believes that Bollywood is going through the best phase. “While ten years ago we only made love stories with the song-dance fix, now we have makers like Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Kashyap and Imtiaz Ali doing different work. Each has his own style and strength. And Hindi cinema is certainly poised for a great take-off.’’ And finally is the world really his oyster? “Yes it is… but I can’t eat it all as the phrase says. I must still be content with eating only a small morsel. In other words, I will continue to make one film in two years. If I get greedy, I will fall flat on my face.’’
Imran’s got Katrina and Priyanka panting
Jul 26th
Both hotties are now eyeing the light-eyed boy
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2010)
In the flaky world of films everyone is as good as his last Friday. And the light-eyed Imran Khan, who had a hit in I Hate Luv Storys, is suddenly the object of Bollywood’s desire. Super-hotties Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra, who were chasing Ranbir Kapoor fast and furiously, completely over-looked Imran who was standing in the bylanes post those disasters Kidnap and Luck. In fact, when Sanjay Gadhvi’s 7 Days in Paris with Imran and Kat fell by the wayside after these two actors reportedly had “issues”, Kat didn’t even blink her mascaraed lashes. And PC, too, seemed in no hurry to come to the rescue of the pariah called Imran.
But all that stands changed post IHLS. And, why aren’t we surprised that the hoity-toity actresses now have a different stance on Aamir Khan’s light-eyed nephew. Reliable sources say that after Karan Johar announced his Short Term Shaadi (working title) with Kareena Kapoor and Imran, he reportedly got a message from Kat asking him why she was not selected for the Imran film. It is said that Karan assured her that his banner would be making many more films with Imran and, of course, Kat would be definitely considered for a role with the boy.
Sources close to Priyanka say that she has to choose between two films currently. One is said to be with Imran and the second could be Kunal Kohli’s film with Saif Ali Khan. PC is now in a dilemma on which of the two she should green-light. Her feelings for Imran are ditto that of Kat’s. Post IHLS the boy has the halo.
So, the clever PC is expected to do a photo-session with Imran to check out how good they look together. It clearly means that without saying anything, PC is making her preference evident. Or she may say yes to the Saif film, as well as the Imran one. Till yesterday, Kareena was envious of the fact that Kat and PC had a Ranbir in their kitty. Today the shoe is on the other foot. Both these girls want what Bebo has. Honestly, in this dog-eat-dog industry, the bone of contention is constantly changing. Now Imran has them all panting!
You’ll love Tichkule-Akshay Kumar
Jul 23rd
Akshay Kumar is super confident that his film will strike a chord with every Indian in the crowd
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOBMAY TIMES; July 23, 2010)
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and National Award-winning director Priyadarshan have tickled a funny bone many times. While films like Garam Masala and De Dana Dan have sailed through comfortably, Hera Pheri had broken box office records.
As far as the trade goes, this is a formidable combination. And therefore their Khatta Meetha that releases worldwide today, is expected to get a heartwarming response. Based on the travails of the common man who lives his life dealing with everyday traumas like pot-holed roads and traffic congestion, the film touches on how the aam Indian can be lured into corruption by a failing system.
Such is Akshay’s faith in this satirical comedy produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd (SACVL) and Cape of Good Films Private Limited, that he is actually co-presenting it under his banner Hari Om Entertainment Company in association with SACVL. Says Akshay, “The film has innumerable things going for it. It is not your regular slapstick comedy. It has a very strong emotional base and the right dosage of drama. It isn’t a happy-go-lucky film. It cleverly combines emotions and entertainment.’’
While trade consultant Amod Mehra maintains that Khatta Meetha will take a very strong initial, especially so in Maharashtra, Akshay says that Sachin Tichkule, the character he plays in the film, will knock on the doors of every Indian with his goofy charm. Will Tichkule’s charms work mainly in Maharashtra? “I don’t think so. If Singh Is Kingg could win India over and not just Punjab, there is no reason why Sachin Tichkule’s reach can’t be pan-India,’’ he says.
Akshay re-iterates that the film in the genre of pure family entertainer also has other aces to throw up. It has South superstar Trisha making her Hindi film debut. It has terrific music, especially in the numbers Bull-shit and Nanachi Taang, that are currently the favourite downloads.
“And more importantly, it has Priyadarshan — who is as deft at handling emotions as he is with comedy, tackling a sensitive subject based in a small-town set up,’’ he adds. Akshay is confident that the backdrop may be slightly rustic and the setup may lack the gloss, “But if you have heart, you’re bound to fall in love with this film,’’ he says.
David Dhawan’s son in KJo’s film?
Jul 22nd
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 22, 2010)
It is set to be a dream launch. Varun Dhawan, younger son of former Bollywood box office pasha David Dhawan, has been signed by Karan Johar for a project that will take off in 2011.
Trade sources say that David was always clear that his older son Rohit will be a director and younger son Varun an actor. Rohit is meant to be directing Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Chitrangadha Singh and Deepika Padukone in Desi Boyz. And Varun was waiting in the wings till KJo discovered him.
Karan says, “The banner will launch two new boys in the same film. The details of the boys and the director are still in the process of finalisation there are no confirmations as yet.”
However, it is almost certain that Varun will be one of those boys. Incidentally, the director too will be a Dharma faithful. There was a time when David could have been the ideal filmmaker to launch his own son. He was ruling the BO with super-hits like Biwi No 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Coolie No 1 and many of those critically-spurned puerile super-hits. However, post Partner (again a huge hit) David is in semi-hibernation. In fact, after his Do Knot Disturb fiasco, the trade has been sceptical about DD’s box office prowess. The filmmaker has been signed for Sanjay Dutt’s Rascals with Sanju and Ajay Devgn in the lead.
John khelega dandiya!
Jul 21st
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 21, 2010)
John Abraham in his current avatar, can easily do the desi version of The Incredible Hulk. But Bollywood producer Madhu Mantena has other plans for him. Sources say that the actor who had two left feet till yesterday, will be marketed as this year’s main Navratri garba attraction reportedly along with dandiya queen singer Falguni Pathak or someone equally famous.
How did this happen? It is said that John shot a dandiya song for the first time for Abbas Tyrewala. And though John is not as proficient a dancer as Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapoor, he did his dandiya steps correctly while the other youngsters in the film were struggling to get it right. For this, John has his college training to thank. The actor, who is well versed with Gujarati culture and speaks the language fluently too, used to go for a lot of dandiya functions and was a hit there too. So since he’s such a pro at it, his film’s marketing team has decided to make him the attraction at the various garba dos that will take place during October coz that’s when the film’s releasing too.
Everybody wants a national award
Jul 20th
All the reigning stars want it by hook or by crook
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 20, 2010)
The National Award has become the bone of contention in Bollywood with everyone, from truly competent actors to cardboard cut-outs, fantasising about it. Like Aamir Khan, who cold shoulders popular film awards, but made it a point to accept the National Award for Taare Zameen Par. Priyanka Chopra, who won the National Award for her role in Fashion, mentions this acting honour in every personal and professional conversation without fail. Katrina Kaif and Vidya Balan are hopeful that their names will feature in the nominations for Raajneeti and Ishqiya this year. Prakash Jha has already predicted that his lead pair, Ranbir Kapoor and Kat, will pick up National Awards for their performances. And Kareena Kapoor has only one clear objective in doing Madhur’s Heroine. A source close to the actress says, “She wants to win the National Award come hell or high water.’’ While Madhur, who has picked up the National Award for Chandni Bar, Page 3 and Traffic Signal, and calls it the Oscars of India, says, “These awards mean the world to me. I definitely feel my stock has gone up having bagged them.’’
But, of course, there is also a more interesting flip side to this new-found Bollywood obsession. A trade analyst says, “The National Award is just an ego massage for the actor/filmmaker that gets it. They have no bearings on the box office. Shah Rukh Khan hasn’t won a single one so far. He was a close contender for Swades but they overlooked him for some strange reason. Yet there is no denying that he is Bollywood’s biggest box office draw.’’
It is alleged that the National Awards are also shrouded in controversy. While the grapevine insists that some amount of wheeling-dealing in the corridors of power has helped one veteran filmmaker bag an award in some category or the other, there is also the instance of how these acting honours were deferred one year because of some mud-slinging between disgruntled jury members. Saif Ali Khan’s award for a film like Hum Tum came in for a lot of flak just the way Raveena Tandon’s award for Daman did. And when Arjun Rampal picked up his National Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rock On recently, a serious actor joked, “I have hidden my National Awards in the basement now.’’ And another actor’s cellphone status said, “Awards are like haemorrhoids, sooner or later even the undeserving get it.’’ But criticism and caustic comments apart, Bollywood continues to be obsessed with India’s highest acting honours.
Kareena to go back to Size Zero?
Jul 19th
Kareena ordered by KJo to drop a couple of sizes to romance Imran
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 19, 2010)
Everything about the project is under wraps right now. But if there is one recent film announcement that has got Bollywood truly excited it is the news of Kareena Kapoor teaming up with today’s poster boy Imran Khan.
Bollywood is happy that there will be one more star pair for them to market. Yes, these very good-looking actors have been signed by Karan Johar for his Short Term Shaadi, a film that is reportedly on the lines of the Cameron Diaz-Ashton Kutcher romcom What Happened in Vegas.
A source says that the film is likely to go on the floors in the month of November 2010. And Karan and his core team have been in closed-door meetings about the look of the characters, the locations, costumes, etc.
While Imran said, “I’m not at liberty to discuss anything about the film right now.” Kareena too has been vowed to secrecy by the creative team. However, it is being said that Karan has reportedly asked Bebo to lose weight again. BT managed to get some inside details. A source said, “It is ironical. Kareena had just started eating to look slightly rounded because her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan is tired of her looking like a clothes hanger.”
The actress herself had confessed, “Saif likes my butt,” and got a lot of rebuttal from the press for “talking like that”. So she had immediately backed off. But the bottom line is Bebo had actually altered her diet. She was eating well and just when she was sinking her teeth into more wholesome food, news comes that Karan wants her to lose weight again and get back to being size zero. The actress has also been asked to apparently go in for a shorter haircut by the end of October because she has to match the light-eyed Imran perfectly. Will Kareena oblige? While she is not at liberty to talk to the press about Short Term Shaadi, one thing is sure — Bebo will comply with whatever Karan wants her to do. She has that killer instinct, and if she has to drop a size or two for a role, she will gladly do so. Saif, we guess, will have to be patient once again!
