Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Mehrunissa
Odd for me at this age to hit nightclubs with Abhishek-Amitabh Bachchan
03 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; February 3, 2013)
At 70, Amitabh Bachchan’s film and social diary is jam-packed. Indian cinema’s biggest icon, who has just wrapped up the sixth season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), barely has time to take a breather as five films with celebrated filmmakers await him. Excerpts of a brief conversation with Big B…
Is there a void now that this season of KBC has wrapped up? One always misses KBC because it gives me great joy to meet different kinds of people. I’m eagerly waiting for the next season. One tends to get involved with the people who come on the hot seat. Now, I’ve got film shootings beginning in a week’s time. Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha will be the first to go on the floors. It has Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Arjun Rampal and me. I like Prakashji’s cinema. He makes films that deal with topics that have some social or moral standing.
Are you playing Anna Hazare in the film? No. I’m not playing Anna Hazare. I play a man of principles who fights for rights.
Which are the other films that you will do in 2013? There is a host of other films that I need to just programme. There is Sudhir Mishra’s Mehrunissa, Bhoothnath-2, R Balki’s film, Sujoy Ghosh’s film and then there is television. Yes, there will be the next season of the game show.
Mehrunissa is a love story. Does it feel good that makers are writing love stories for you even at this age? Mehrunissa is not a love story in the traditional sense. This is all I can say. More >
Men can’t take no for an answer-Chitrangda Singh
04 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Jayoti Soor (DNA; December 23, 2012)
Chitrangda Singh DNADelhi-girl Chitrangda Singh is outraged at the recent rape case in the capital and has gone all out on Twitter to express her anger. Ironically, her upcoming film Inkaar also deals with sexual harassment at work.
When asked whether objectifying women in films and advertisements has in any way been responsible for the increase in crimes against women, she says, “I totally disagree that item numbers are in any way responsible. It’s all in the mind and men can’t take no for an answer.”
Elaborating further, she adds, “The Indian society is in a state of flux wherein women are getting more confident about their sexuality and are becoming financially independent. Men biologically take longer to deal with change than women. Thus, it is becoming difficult for them to adapt to the changing gender roles. Men usually channelise their anger through physical aggression and sex is largely a power game.”
Speaking about sexual harassment that her film Inkaar starring Arjun Rampal deals with, she confesses that it was an eye-opener. “I had no idea that sexual harassment was so prevalent until I started working in my film. An Indian software giant has 60 reported cases annually and had to assign a special committee to look into it. Even Sushmita Sen had filed a case against a cola company executive over alleged sexual misconduct. It’s an ugly reality that can no longer be shoved under the carpet.” She also adds that contrary More >
Love to play childish games with Aaradhya-Amitabh Bachchan
06 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Big B talks about his granddaughter Aaradhya keeping him on his toes and an international milestone that he has set his heart upon
Jayoti Soor (DNA; November 9, 2012)
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan has achieved what many people only dream of — being sought after in films as well as on television even at the ripe age of 70. In an exclusive chat with After Hrs, he shared the joy the birth of the youngest member in the Bachchan household has brought him and what are the milestones that he still has to achieve.
"This is not the first time that I have become a grandfather as my daughter Shweta has two kids, so the joy is equal,” says AB. “But nowadays, I am always in a hurry to rush back home and spend some quality time with Aaradhya. It is always great fun and I love to play childish games with her,” he adds. It appeared that Big B was in a rush to wind up the interview and head home to the gleeful greetings of Aaradhya who seems to have wrapped her grandfather around her little finger.
And yes, Bachchan will finally make his Hollywood debut in Baz Luhrmann’s 3D adaptation of The Great Gatsby. But he seems to be a bit disappointed with the duration of his cameo appearance. “In The Great Gatsby I will come and go as I have a small role,” he says. The superstar fondly recalls how the Hollywood director spotted him in a village poster. “Baz Luhrmann had come to tour India on a motorcycle and expressed a desire to see me. I think he had seen a poster of Sholay in a village. About a More >
What’s the big deal about turning 70?-Amitabh Bachchan
07 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
The whole of Bollywood is gearing up for Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday. But the man himself prefers to stay nonchalant. As he turns a year older, Bachchan talks to us about his health, family, work, granddaughter and above all, the D-day
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; October 11, 2012)
At his office — Janak — in Juhu, Amitabh Bachchan has been giving interviews in the build up to his 70th birthday. The place is full of his snapshots over the decades as well as a plethora of awards, apart from numerous art works. The Big B is nursing a cold and there is a cricket match on. It’s the last few overs and he is keen to catch the action till the end, considering that he has missed the previous match due to a prior commitment. Attired in his characteristic kurta-pyjama-shawl outfit, Big B has three cell phones within reach! So we begin with the most obvious question…
What happens when all the three cell phones start ringing together? They are always on silent mode… actually I have more. But I carry only three, as it is very embarrassing to be seen with so many cell phones. They are all diversified according to my needs and I answer accordingly. There is so much new stuff nowadays. Whenever I am stuck, I call my grandson (Agastya) and within seconds he tells me what to do.
Is turning 70 a big deal for you? I really can’t understand why there is this big deal about turning 70. Why not 69? Why not 71? I shy away from birthday celebrations. When you are in school, there is this thing of More >
If I didn’t get into films, I’d drive a taxi-Amitabh Bachchan
07 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
A life well lived. Presenting Amitabh Bachchan at 70
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; October 11, 2012)
Happy Birthday, Amitji. It’s your 70th birthday and obviously a landmark year… I have always wondered why these years are made a landmark. And, who makes them a landmark? It is just another year in someone’s life. Why is 70 special; why not 71, 72 or 69, for that matter? Of course, I know that for some reason these ages 50, 60, 70, 75, 80 are given designations. Never mind the fuss, today I’m 70.
Looking back, would you remember how you were when you were, say, 10 years? A few instances, perhaps. It is strange but certain things remain in your mind more prominently when you grow older. I would have to think what I did yesterday. But I could relate an incident that happened in school in a jiffy. I think, most aspects of my life are already known. Everyone knows I was born in Allahabad; I went to the Jnana Prabodhini and Boys High School there, and Sherwood College in Nainital, and later to Kirori Mal College, New Delhi. I was attracted to the stage even when I was young and I used to land up on it on many occasions. I have played the part of a chicken in kindergarten. Every year when there was the school play, I used to be interested in that. Even when I was at home, our group of friends would put up an impromptu stage, put a curtain and put up a play. Apart from that, I had no intentions of being where I am today.
Years later, you enrolled for the Filmfare-Madhuri talent More >
I have been a doubter, a skeptic-Sudhir Mishra
07 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Jayoti Soor (DNA; September 24, 2012)
Critically acclaimed director and screenwriter Sudhir Mishra doesn’t promise a rosy world; and his hard-hitting films have struck a chord with many. His films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Dharavi and Chameli have dealt complexities with a simplicity that has won him many laurels. We take a peek into his mind to unravel what makes him tick…
How has your journey as a filmmaker been? I have been lucky so far, as I have gotten the chance to tell the stories that I have wanted through my films. As a 23-year-old with dreams in my eyes I got an opportunity to write for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. With Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi I got a overwhelming response and the best part was being able to connect with the youth. In a filmmakers’ life, these heartening moments provide the strength to go on even when your chips are down.
What do you think has worked for you and your films? I don’t make it easy for the audience nor do I tell lies to paint a rosy picture of the reality around us. I have shown the brutal truth in all my films and yet managed to stay afloat in an industry that sells gloss. I have been a doubter, a skeptic and an unbeliever. I make movies that are a far cry from the escapist cinema that have been the lifeblood of Hindi cinema.
I treat every film as if it were my first. Every film is like a new adventure as I don’t rest on my past laurels. But I am living in exciting times now….
What excites you about contemporary Hindi cinema? I think More >
Farhan Akhtar’s Dhruv finally set to roll?
09 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Rumour has it
The director has started reworking on his long-in-the-planning political drama starring Farhan Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor and Chitrangada Singh
Jigar Shah (MID-DAY; July 27, 2012)
Way back in 2009, Sudhir Mishra had spoken about his plans to make Dhruv, his own magnum opus. The film was scheduled to star Farhan Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor and Chitrangada Singh.
However, courtesy the lead actors Farhan and Kareena getting busy with their other professional commitments, the film never saw light of the day. But now word is that the director has again started work on the film.
Sudhir tells us, “Yes, I’m reviving Dhruv and I’m re-working the script completely. The shooting will take place soon after I finish working on Mehrunissa.” The film, a political drama, is said to be produced by Farhan and his production house partner Ritesh Sidhwani. It remains to be seen if Kareena will still give her dates for the film.
No slowing, no stopping Big B
010 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Sources close to the actor have rubbished claims by filmmakers that their ventures have been delayed by his health
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 26, 2012)
Sources close to Amitabh Bachchan aren’t amused by reports that the mega-star has slowed down due to ill health. “Not true! He is fine. He’s working round the clock. All these stories about his ill health being the cause for delay are nothing but excuses to deflect attention from the real reason for the delay,” said a source close to him.
In response to Shirish Kunder’s claim that his dream project titled The Common Man has been uncommonly delayed because of Amitabh Bachchan’s ill health, the actor said, “We met on a few occasions and he discussed the idea with me. I have approved it. It is now up to him when he wishes to start the film. Once we are on set, only then can I say that I am ‘doing’ his film.”
The source revealed, “Whether it is Shirish Kunder’s The Common Man, Sudhir Mishra’s Mehrunissa, Shoojit Sircar’s Garden House or Mahesh Manjrekar’s Natsamrat, the Big B has given his nod and is awaiting the final script.”
The source claimed the problems lie elsewhere. “All I ask of filmmakers is not to blame the actor for the delay caused to projects. The Big B is certainly not convalescing at home, as is being made out to be. This false impression is being created to conceal the real problems plaguing troubled projects is just not acceptable to him. He has never delayed, nor ever will delay a project on health More >
Who will play the young Big B?
011 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
The search is on to find an actor to essay Amitabh Bachchan’s younger version in Sudhir Mishra’s magnum opus ‘Mehrunissa’
Jigar Shah (MID-DAY; June 7, 2012)
Ever since Sudhir Mishra announced his plans to make his most ambitious project, there has been constant buzz around the film on who the producer will be and even much speculation about the cast.
The film is said to star Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor and Chitrangada Singh. The makers had been on the look out for a younger actor to play the younger version of Big B in the film.
In fact, there was buzz that Abhishek Bachchan was roped in to play the character, but ultimately that plan is said to have been dropped. According to our sources, the makers are still searching hard to find an actor who fits the bill.
Big B in Mahesh Manjrekar’s Natsamrat?
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Rumour has it
The actor will be seen in the role of the protagonist – an aging Shakespearean stage actor in Mahesh Manjrekar’s on-screen adaptation of V V Shirwadkar’s Marathi literary masterpiece
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 16, 2012)
Amitabh Bachchan has given a green signal to his career’s first ever screen adaptation of Marathi literature. The actor will play the role of an aging Shakespearean actor in the adaptation of V V Shirwadkar’s Marathi literary masterpiece Natsamrat.
Mirror has learnt that director Mahesh Manjrekar, who had been scripting the screen version of the celebrated play for more than a year, finally took the screenplay to Big B for approval last week. The film will begin in the next couple of months ahead of Big B starrer Mehrunissa.
According to reports, the actor will begin shooting for the film soon after he returns from a medical check up abroad. When contacted Manjrekar said, “Mr Bachchan has done it all. When he read Natsamrat, the character of the protagonist just grabbed him. This is the kind of challenge he’s looking for at this stage of his career.”
However, we learnt that Big B fears that his role in the film will have shades of Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear where the Big B played an aging Shakespearean actor.
Manjrekar told Mirror, “I saw Rituparno Ghosh’s film to make sure there are no similarities between his film and mine. Mr Bachchan’s role in Natsamrat is completely different from The Last Lear. He plays a fading stage actor who forgets More >