Celebrity Gossip: June 2009

Sophie Chaudhary denies relationship with Peter Andre

What's common between Lara Dutta, Jessica Simpson?

The sexy lady who makes Ranbir uncomfortable

DNA confirms Shiney had sex with his maid

Where did Michael Jackson hide his cash?

Grace Rwaramba, the woman closest to Jackson and his three children, was in London when news of the tragedy broke on Thursday. As she prepared to board a plane to fly home and comfort the orphaned kids Grace got the call from one of the Jackson family which shocked her to the core.She told interviewer Daphne Barak: "The relative said, 'Grace, you remember Michael used to hide cash at the house? I'm here. Where can it be?' "I told them to look in the garbage bags and under the carpets. But can you believe that? They just lost Michael a few hours ago and already one of them is calling me to know where the money is! "They also told me the children were crying and asking about me. They can't believe their father died." This is the first time Grace, 42, has broken her silence on her 17 years with Jackson - five as his secretary and 12 as nanny.In candid conversations she revealed sensational details of the pop king's secret life, how he:

* DOWNED so many drugs she had to pump his stomach on many occasions to prevent a fatal overdose.

* SPONGED off generous pals' handouts and loans.

* SPENT weeks living in the basement of a former employee's cramped home recently because he was BROKE.

* TERRIFIED his children who actually HATED the masks he forced them to wear in public. Choking back tears, Grace spelled out her fears over the orphaned kids - Prince, 12, Paris, 11 and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, known to the family as Blanket - and admitted: "I'm really distraught for them. Michael hadn't been eating and the kids have been so scared for him."Now the youngest has been saying,'Why Daddy? God should have taken me not him.' " Uganda-born Grace, 42, revealed she fled America to join TV interviewer Barak at her Swiss holiday home after she was abruptly sacked by ailing Jackson just two months ago. And on Thursday she screamed with shock as she learned of his death.Grace now finds herself at the centre of the billion-pound custody battle for the children - now being looked after by Jacko's mum Katherine, 79.

Michael Jackson's mother granted temporary custody of his children

Deepika Padukone is the new much sought after Bollywood star

Priyanka Chopra latest to catch the Twitter bug


Powered by: Chakpak.com	New York

New York opens around 7 years after the 9/11 attacks with Omar (Neil Mukesh) being wrongly held captive by the FBI. Investigating officer Roshan (Irrfan Khan) offers to go easy on Omar if he agrees to spy on old-time friend Sameer (John Abraham) who the FBI suspects to be a terrorist. With a maneuvered reunion, Omar gets entry into Sameer’s house and tries hard to unveil his activist identity but fails every time, much to his relief.In contrast, Sameer himself narrates his distressing past to Omar of how he was illegally detained and brutally tortured by the FBI for 9 months, immediately after 9/11 and victimized for being a Muslim suspect in New York.New York opens on an intriguing note with Omar’s attempts to infiltrate into Sameer’s life. The ensuing chemistry between the characters keeps you riveted till the movie takes an interesting (though palpable) twist at the interval point. The terrorism theme comes into picture predominantly in the second half. The physical and mental abuse on innocent Muslims, imprisoned merely on suspicion and their consequent repercussions are effectively portrayed.But beyond that Aditya Chopra’s story doesn’t work towards the rehabilitation of the disturbed mind that has taken to the wrong path. In a way, the film turns the villain into more of an antihero imparting him no character change. Above that the commonplace climax where the FBI headquarters is held as the terrorist target doesn’t go beyond Fanaa frontiers. The terrorist is terminated but the topic of terrorism it tackles keeps long lingering. The message doesn’t come across compellingly and perhaps that’s why the director preaches with an extended epilogue.All the three lead protagonists of New York are Muslims affected by the 9/11 episode in varied ways and to different degrees. Sameer turns a scapegoat of the situation; Omar’s identity gets him in trouble, while Roshan’s character (a Muslim investigating on terrorism) offers that ray of hope prevailing amidst discriminating humankind. Unfortunately the scope it had to represent the contrast of the characters isn’t used as distinctly and effectively like in the Pakistani film Khuda Kay Liye with similar concerns.The issue of global terrorism somewhere goes for a toss with the film turning into a human emotion drama. As the victim is released from prison and his atrocities are still fresh in your mind, the intensity of his trauma is diluted with a love song stuffed in. The couple further goes on to make love and start a family. More mush comes into picture as Omar confesses his campus feelings to the married Maya (Katrina Kaif) amidst the pre-climax mayhem. Thankfully the traditional Yash Raj triangle is averted. The side-track of a frustrated Muslim driver (Nawazuddin) committing suicide doesn’t contribute to the plot and could have been avoided.John does well in his frail characterization which could have been much more convincing, intense and effective. Neil looks rehearsed in some scenes but doesn’t disappoint. Irrfan Khan never misses any punch in his lines and is as expressive as ever. Katrina Kaif doesn’t get the meatier portion and contributes to the sloppy effect.As the last frame closes amidst the Yash Raj mascot of maple leaves, you just wish the film had a lot more grit, the characters had a lot more depth and the treatment had a lot more sensitivity. Alas New York fails to break new grounds on that note.


Powered by: Chakpak.com	Khuda Ke Liye

Director: Shoaib MansoorCast: Shan, Fawad Khan, Iman Ali, Rasheed Naz, Naseeruddin ShahLanguage: Urdu, Hindi, EnglishCountry: Pakistan

At the advent of the millennium Indian cinema witnessed a slew of fanatically jingoistic Pak-bashing films. Like any other passing phase, this too was substituted with pro-Pakistan films on the grounds of establishing good relations in changing times with our neighbouring country. From the victimized Muslims to terrorizing ones, we have seen enough of them on the Indian screen. But in most cases it was often served with the commercial consideration of manipulating an audience in the minority community. But when a Pakistani filmmaker comes up with a film, valiantly and unabashedly showing the black and white shades of the countrymen in a seemingly unbiased demeanour, the outcome appears more credible and relevant. Cinematically, we have often realized the potential of Pakistan in poetry but ridiculed it for prose. Khuda Kay Liye changes the latter notion with its poised and progressive point of view.

At the outset, Khuda Kay Liye starts as a story of two rock musician brothers Mansoor (Shan) and Sarmad (Fawad Khan) from Pakistan who are at the prime of their careers. The younger, Sarmad however comes in contact with a religious extremist group headed by Moulana Tahiri (Rasheed Naz) who brainwashes his mind into believing that pursuing music is against Islam. Slowly and subsequently he gives up music, starts keeping a beard and separates himself from his family to join the radical fundamentalists.

The story diversifies into a parallel track where Sarmad’s uncle (Humayun Kazmi) who is settled in London is worried of losing his only daughter Mary (Iman Ali) to a British guy who she is in love with. This despite the fact that the father himself is in a live-in relationship with a British woman! He justifies his double-standards offering the excuse that Islam allows a man to have relationship outside their religion but not a woman. So he gets his daughter to Pakistan to surreptitiously get her married with a prospective Pakistani groom. While we have seen such setting in several Hindi films ( DDLJ, Namastey London ), this one fortunately doesn’t lead to exploiting patriotic sentiments but on the contrary shows how the daughter is wronged in settling in country, absolutely alien to her.

The father initially asks Mansoor to get married to Mary but when he refuses, Sarmad is approached. Sarmad agrees and an incognizant Mary is forcibly married off to him at the outskirts of undeveloped Afghanistan. The father heartlessly leaves Mary behind in a region so rural that he finds difficult to use the toilets there. All this just so that his descendants are Pakistani!

On the other hand, the liberal Muslim, Mansoor’s story proceeds as he migrates to US to study music. But unfortunately after the 9/11 attack he is wrongly accused of being involved with terrorist organizations since he’s a Muslim.

Director Shoaib Mansoor remarkably reveals the plight of Muslim in three different continents and connects them in a fascinating way to comprehensively capture all interconnected issues. Not only does the film exhibit a drift between the Muslims and the Western World but also internally amongst the Muslim community amid the Liberals and the Extremists.The climax set in a courtroom clears all ancient myths about Islam of men growing beard, women being behind veil and youngsters abhorring music and Western attire. Naseeruddin Shah impresses in a cameo playing a Muslim cleric who gives a disclosing discourse on how the fanatic fundamentalists manipulate Islam for their personal gains. All in the name of God! The director conceivably puts in a lot of his personal reformist thoughts in the film without getting preachy and retaining the entertainment value.

The production values aren’t slapdash as anticipated from usual Pakistani films. In fact it’s top-notch and at par with what the story seeks. The language wouldn’t be a problem with the Indian audience but the viewer needs to be a little more attentive in Naseer’s chaste Urdu revelation. Music undoubtedly is a highlight with the Sufi rock-number ‘ Bandya ’ and the undiluted devotional track ‘ Allah Ho ’ standing out.

Performances are equally accomplished. On an Indian analogy, Shan appears as a mix of Sanjay Dutt and Adnan Sami in his looks and comes up with a fabulous act. Fawad Khan as the indoctrinated extremist is engaging. Rasheed Naz is convincing as the venom-spewing and influential fundamentalist. Iman Ali gets an equally meaty role as much as her male counterparts and emerges victorious with her riveting performance.

Khuda Kay Liye vindicates the fallacy against the regressive approach of Islam and also clears the myth that Pakistani films are constrained to shoddy standards. In fact this one is much above excellence as compared to several Bollywood potboilers.

For God’s sake, you can’t afford to miss Khuda Kay Liye !

My Sister's Keeper (2009) Moview Review

Cheri (2009) Movie Review Hollywood

Box Office: 'Transformers 2' earns $201 million its first five days

MICHAEL JACKSON (Some known unknown facts)

The King of Pop is no more with us. As he leaves for a moonwalk to the heavens up above, we present to you a few lesser known facts about the pop icon

1. Through his "Heal the World" Foundation, Jackson spearheaded airlifts of food and medical supplies to war-torn Sarajevo, instituted mentoring, immunization and drug-abuse education programs and paid for a Hungarian child's liver transplant

2. Michael Jackson’s estate contains a child's mini coaster, Zipper, Bumper cars, Merry go round, octopus, Giant slide and rocking dragon. There is also a full size basketball court, water wars section (for water gun fights), 2 Trains, (one steam train) and a zoo where he has various exotic animals including elephants, giraffes, alligators, a tiger and even an Anaconda.

3. Jackson shocked his fans when he dangled his third child, infant Prince Michael II, over a balcony on the fourth floor of a Berlin, Germany hotel for all hovering fans to see. He later stated that he made "a terrible mistake." In 2008 Michael was featured on a list of the world's worst hotel guests on a website due to the incident.

4. Jackson refers to his music videos as "short films"

5. Michael Jackson’s favourite ‘Beatles' song is "Come Together"

6. Tatum O’Neal was Jackson's first girlfriend and allegedly his first real love.

7. Michael once dated Brooke Shields.

8. Copied his moon walk after mime Marcel Marceau in "walk-against-the- wind" pantomime techniques.

9. Michael had a pet chimp named 'Bubbles', a rat that’s called Ben, a ram called Mr. Tibbs, a python called Crusher and Louie the llama.

10. President Ronald Reagan wanted to award a special White House medal to Jackson. However, future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts advised against the proposal, saying the award was too much for a pop singer.

11. Received a Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Reagan at the White House in May 1984, in recognition of Jackson's contribution to the government's campaign against drunk driving

12. Was offered to write and perform the songs for Batman (1989), but had to turn it down due to his concert commitments

13. In January 2000 Jackson announced he was considering retiring from the music industry, citing his weariness at publicity as a reason.

14. Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the "Bad" album's title track. When the 18-minute music video debuted on television, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it was apparent that Jackson's appearance had changed dramatically

15. Recorded an anti-war song about the US invasion of Iraq, "We've Had Enough", which was included on his greatest hits package "Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection".

16. Promotional videos of some of his songs have cost more than some motion pictures.

17. Was reported to have attempted suicide in December 2005.

18. Some of his favorite pastimes were water balloon fights and climbing trees. He wrote several songs sitting in his favorite tree at Neverland, which he called Giving Tree, because it was so inspiring.

19. Won a poll of superstars to have his image on a stamp issued by the Virgin Islands in July 1985. He asked the Virgin Islands to donate all revenue generated by the sale of stamps priced between 60 cents and $1.50 to welfare and education.

20. Originally intended to begin his solo career when he turned eighteen in 1976, but financial problems forced him to remain with the Jackson Five, renaming themselves The Jacksons for legal reasons, until 1979.

21. In 1997 a survey declared Jackson the most famous person in the world, ahead of Pope John Paul II and then US President Bill Clinton.

22. Michael once said, “There is a lot of sadness in my past life. My father beat me. It was difficult to take being beaten and then going on stage. He was strict; very hard and stern.”

23. The pop king was once said, “I don't like pop music.”

24. Jackson once said, “I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart.”

25. Eminem in his song ‘Just Lose It’ had poked fun at Michael Jackson to which he reacted, “I think that it's demeaning and disrespectful but I also want to make it clear it's not just about me but a pattern of disrespect that he has shown to our community. He needs to stop it and he needs to stop it now." - MJ

26. Michael's hair caught on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1984.

27. Michael Jackson is a pure vegetarian

28. Jackson's Billie Jean was the first video by a black artist to air on MTV.

29. Jackson's waxwork features in five Madame Tussauds museums across the world

30. Jackson's favourite superhero is Morph from the X-Men.

31. Jackson picked up his iconic moonwalk moves from street-dancers he spotted performing outside a hotel.

32. One of Jackson’s fans from France committed suicide in 1984. His mother had reportedly refused to allow him to undergo surgery to look like MJ.

33. The Scream music video Jackson made with sister Janet is the most expensive promo ever made, costing more than $7 million

34. Jackson is a King in West Africa - he was given a royal title by villagers in Gabon, Ivory Coast in 1992.

35. Before every concert, Jackson drinks Ricola candy dissolved in hot water. He claims it helps to keep his throat and his voice clear.

36. Jackson owns the patent for a stage shoe device that allows performers to lean forward and appear to defy gravity.

37. Jackson's performance during the 1993 SuperBowl half-time show drew the largest TV audience in American history.

38. Jackson provided a voiceover on The Simpsons - but it remained a secret for 12 years. He voiced a character in a mental institution in the Stark Raving Dad episode, which aired in 1991, but, because of a contractual problem, Jackson had to be credited as John Jay Smith.

39. The book ‘Michael Jackson Was My Lover’ features a picture that – purportedly – depicts Michael Jackson's penis

40. Michael Jackson often carries an umbrella.

41. Artists to have sung Michael's songs include Ian Brown (Billie Jean), Blackstreet (Billie Jean) and the Flying Pickets (Billie Jean), Ashanti (Rock With You), Alien Ant Farm (Smooth Criminal) and Boyzone (Ben).

42. Michael’s father Joseph once donned burglar attire and broke into Michael's bedroom while he was asleep, to teach him a Lesson - about not leaving the window open.

43. Michael cries sometimes. He was quoted as saying, “People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me.”

44. Michael took to music to music to give the world escapism through the wonder of great music. He also wanted to reach the masses through his music.

45. It was James Brown who inspired Michael to take up dancing. Jackson once said, “When I saw him move I was mesmerized. I've never seen a performer perform like James Brown and right then and there I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

46. Michael likes to be called The King of Pop.

FIRSTS AND RECORDS OF JACKSON

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Adnan Sami: I was working with Michael & Janet

First his father, and now fellow-musician Michael Jackson is gone in less than a week..This hasn't been a good time for Adnan Sami.

"I was working on an album with Janet and Michael Jackson. I'm producing and composing the album. But now I wonder what happens to it!" wonders Adnan.

Describing Michael whom Adnan met a number of times for the album as a childlike genius, Adnan says, "His life was troubled. But his music was his solace. Artistes who suffer always seek an escape route in their art. Ask me, I should know"

When Adnan first received a phone call from Michael and the Jackson brothers they discussed Adnan's music in detail. "The Jacksons knew every detail about my songs. They had studied my music in detail. I listened quietly to them talk about my music. These were the same guys whose music I grew up."

How did it happen? "Michael's brother Jermaine's wife Halima is from Afghanistan. For some time she lived in Chandigarh. She got acquainted with my music while in India and she took my music to LA and introduced her husband to it. And then Jermaine introduced Michael and Janet to my music."

Adnan had three meetings with the the Jacksons in Los Angeles. "It was progressing slowly. They like to work at their own pace. No hurry. The album is like Motown-music-meets-world-music-meets-Indian -music. I've brought the Sarangi and the Tabla-Dholak into their music."

It 's Adnan's first English-language album, and being produced by the Jacksons.

Adnan is also singing one song in the album.

Speaking of the Jacksons Adnan says, "They're very humble people. Always attentive to what I say, always open to innovations and suggestions. They recognized a component in my musical style, and that is this. I really like strong base lines in my songs. What they don't know is, that's something I learnt from the music of the Jacksons."

This is the first full-fledged collaboration between an Asian musician and a major American musical icon.

"I can't believe I'm actually working with the Jacksons. Without Michael it won't be the same. We've completed four songs…I'm really enjoying this. I realize I enjoy playback singing. But the independent albums are where I'm totally able to express myself."

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Box Office Preview: 'Transformers 2' will be huge this weekend...but just how big?

Michael Bay's over-the-top robot extravaganza sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, has already grossed $60.6 million on its opening day, so we know that the fanboys have turned out in force. In fact, the movie is destined to cross the $100 million mark before it even reaches the weekend. But how the film fares over the five-day, Wednesday-through-Sunday period is going to be determined by its core fans' repeat business, the impact of their word of mouth, and how broad the film plays (which, if you take my 3-year-old son's rabid interest in the giant robots, is incredibly wide). One thing is for sure: Fused metal will be the star of the multiplex this weekend, and it's bound to take theaters by storm. The following predictions are for the usual three-day frame, by the way.

1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -- $72.5 millionTwo years ago, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix opened on a Wednesday, and by the end of the weekend it had grossed $139.7 million. Transformers 2 is guaranteed to blow by that record...and go way beyond. It's not likely to get to the $203 million that The Dark Knight scored in its first five days of release, but Michael Bay's movie is going to work damn hard trying. The movie is opening in more than 4,000 theaters, including 169 IMAX screens, and will prove a big win for distributor Paramount, which will now be able to claim two of the summer's biggest hits: Transformers 2 and Star Trek.

2. The Proposal -- $20 millionBy Friday, Sandra Bullock's romantic comedy will have grossed $50 million in one week. Not bad for an actress who had all but abandoned the genre! Word of mouth has been solid on the movie, and expectations are high that the film, featuring a star-making performance by Ryan Reynolds, will hold on well during its sophomore session.

3. The Hangover -- $16 millionWarner Bros.' R-rated Vegas comedy isn't going away anytime soon. And its unbelievable hold last weekend is really impressive. It is inevitable, however, that the movie, which has already grossed $163 million, will get hit this frame with Transformers 2 steamrolling into theaters.

4. Up -- $14 millionPixar's latest animated hit has already surpassed WALL-E's grosses, and its sights are now set on surpassing Cars' $244 million cume. Transformers 2 will take out some of Pixar's audience, but with Ice Age 3 coming into theaters next weekend, this is really its last chance to stay in the Top 5.

5. My Sister's Keeper -- $12 millionThis three-hanky Cameron Diaz weepfest has generated some solid reviews, especially for the lead actress herself. So it will be very interesting to see how the film fares as the main counter-programming option for the weekend. With all the light and fluffy fare dominating the box office, it's likely that My Sister's Keeper's serious themes of a family dealing with a sick child may be too tough for the public to embrace. Some predictors have it in the single digits. I'm hopeful that the combination of star power and fan interest in the Jodi Picoult bestseller on which the movie is based will propel it into double-digit territory.

Farrah Fawcett dies at 62

Actress Farrah Fawcett died on June 25 in Los Angeles at the age of 62. With her passing after a long battle with anal cancer, we lose one of the quintessential symbols of post-feminist Hollywood, a definitive pinup who somehow parlayed a delicate-flower demeanor and all-American beauty into a 30-year career.“After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away," Fawcett's longtime companion Ryan O'Neal said via a statement. "Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."As it turned out, her bravest role of all was her final one: She shared every brutally unglamorous step of her cancer treatment with the world in the riveting NBC documentary Farrah's Story. Perhaps most touchingly, the film gave its 9 million viewers a glimpse of her extraordinary love affair with O’Neal, who has supported her throughout treatment -- and even told Barbara Walters on a recent 20/20 that he’d finally asked her to marry him after nearly 25 years together: “We will, just as soon as she can say yes.” Sadly, Fawcett died before before the two wed.The former University of Texas sorority girl became an instant star when she sashayed onto Charlie’s Angels in 1976. (Her trademark poster -- shot pre-Angels -- hit stores that same year, cementing her role as a sex symbol.) Fawcett left the show after only one season, and, after a string of big-screen flops, finally earned critical praise in the mid '80s with the off-Broadway play Extremities and the NBC movie The Burning Bed. (Her role, as an abused wife, earned the actress her first Emmy nomination.)In 1985, Fawcett -- divorced from Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors -- struck up her romance with O’Neal, and the two had a son, Redmond James O’Neal. Throughout the next decade, she attracted plenty of critical praise for her on camera work, including 1997’s The Apostle and 2000’s Dr. T and the Women. But she also engaged in her share of public foibles -- a naked-body-painting layout in a 1995 Playboy, a famously addled appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show in 1997. She even tried to tell her own story in 2005 with the short-lived TV Land reality series Chasing Farrah, to roundly dismissive reviews.In 2006, Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, the actress was cancer-free. Unfortunately, doctors found the disease had returned in 2007. Even as her treatment resumed -- and family's drug battles continued to make headlines -- Fawcett managed to maintain an upbeat outlook. As Alana Stewart, friend and co-producer of Farrah's Story, told EW.com in April, "She’s always been positive. Her spirits have always been good throughout this ordeal."

Bollywood mourns Michael Jackson's death

He is someone who called himself as 'Bad' and 'Dangerous', and still was loved by one and all, the world over. We are indeed talking about the one and only 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson, the very name who invented the cult 'Moon Walking' dance step. Well, the entire world came to a standstill yesterday when this musical legend breathed his last. He suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away, thus bringing the musical world to a grinding halt!We spoke to Bollywood's eminent music directors and choreographers for their reactions to MJ's death. This is what they had to say:A.R. Rahman:"I am shocked at the untimely passing away of Michael Jackson, one of the greatest musicians of our times. MJ, for most of our generation was an icon who made uncompromising music. He pushed the milestone of Pop music to unbelievable levels through the 80s and 90s.I am yet to find an artist with that energy, perfection and vision. I met him personally after the Oscars in Los Angeles and we vibed very well. He said that he loved India and the Indian people. He said he heard good things about me and he was praising the chord progression of Jai Ho's chorus.He was bursting with energy and told me that every dance move he did came from his soul and did a five second stunning example. It was like a lightning strike. He was concerned about developmental issues such as Global Warming and about wars and its damages to the human community. He asked me to compose a unity anthem on the likes of "We are the World" for him. I nodded in awe...!He introduced me to his three lovely bright kids. The kids told him "I love you Dad". And he replied, "I love you more" as a proud father. I wished him well for his concerts and he said "God Bless you". After hearing the shocking news, I wished it was another rumor which would fade away soon. It took me time to believe that he is no more.I remember, my late sound engineer H. Sridhar had brought me a video of the premiere of 'Remember the Time' when I was recording 'Kadal Rojave' for my first movie Roja. Seeing it inspired all of us that afternoon.Now, there is no Sridhar and no Jackson anymore. I hope all of us value people's existence more and respect them when they are alive. LIFE IS SHORT...! Artists and their art live for ever. Jai Ho, MJ! We love you for your music, regardless of all the controversies!" Vishal Dadlani: "Goodbye, Michael Jackson. The one thing we never let you be was a human being. You went from a God to an alien to a demon. But if we remember you for anything but your music, the failing will be ours. Sorry for all the harassment, thank you for all the music."Sajid (of Sajid-Wajid duo): "It is a big loss for the music industry, and he was a legend of sorts, someone who never paid heed to the image or personality, that he carried and the way we remember Bob Marley, Michael Jackson also falls in the same league. Today is by far a very mournful day for the entire music industry."Wajid (of Sajid-Wajid duo): "It's indeed very sad news, I was driving when I got this message from someone, I was so shocked that I actually stopped driving and started to think about the man since then.It's actually a very big loss to everyone, because all of us have grown up listening to his songs; he was a real example of a perfect singer and performer... a complete artist.I was in fact looking out for his new album that he was composing, but now everything has come to a stand still and I am at a complete loss for words."Jatin Pandit: "A major section of the music industry has been wiped out; he was in a class of his own. I was really fortunate enough to witness his performance when he came down to Bombay. He was a rare combination of performance and talent.Jatin Pandit: "A major section of the music industry has been wiped out; he was in a class of his own. I was really fortunate enough to witness his performance when he came down to Bombay. He was a rare combination of performance and talent."Sukhwinder Singh: "I am totally shocked. Since the time I first heard this news, I felt a great sadness from somewhere deep within."Saroj Khan: "It's a great loss to the world. He was not just a lovely dancer, but also a wonderful creator. I admired him very much. God bless his soul to rest in eternal peace."Ganesh Hegde: "It's an extremely sad day for the whole industry. His death means a total end to the world of music and an era in itself. There's a lot of reason for the fact that I am here and am what I am today.One of the main reasons is none other than the King of Pop Michael Jackson! He is the one who showed the way to many people like me that rags can surely be transformed into riches.I still remember the day when I had a chance to meet him just for a minute. And trust me, I must have told him 'Sir, I love you' at least 20 times in 10 seconds. He, very generously said that 'I like it'. That's the most important one minute of my life."

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Hollywood bigwigs descending on India

According to reports, Oscar winner Ben Kingsley is a math professor in “Teen Patti” (Three Cards), a Bollywood thriller set in India and England against a backdrop of high-stakes gambling, with superstar Amitabh Bachchan, premiering in August. Another Oscar winner Kate Winslet is reportedly being sought to play Dr. Sophie with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in an India-partition themed drama. In Bollywood romantic comedy “Kambakht Ishq” (Unfortunate Love) releasing on May 28, nine Hollywood actors, including Oscar nominated Sylvester Stallone, are reportedly participating.

India appears to be becoming the in-thing among Hollywood and other film circles of the world. Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, welcoming this India-trend of world film industry, says that instead of just focusing on poverty and crime, filmmakers should also explore many finer and deeper things India offers. Planet’s most multidimensional country, fast growing economy, emerging world power, largest democracy, etc.; India has snowcapped mountains, palm-fringed and sun-washed beaches, glorious temples, colorful festivals, rich philosophy and spirituality, abundant historical sites, wildlife safaris, recharging treks, historic trade routes, cultural wealth, etc. Four major world religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism—originated there; while Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam have long established history and traditions, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, adds.

Jennifer Chambers Lynch (Surveillance) is directing “Hissss” with Bollywood star Mallika Sherawat about the legend of vengeance of a ‘snake woman’. “Bride Wars” (Gary Winick) is reportedly being considered for Hindi remake centering on a big Punjabi wedding. Bárbara Mori, MTV award winner Mexican actress/model, is starring with Hrithik Roshan in a Bollywood production “Kites”.

Reliance Big Pictures of India has reportedly entered into deals with Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks, Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Films, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’s 1492 Pictures, Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films, Tom Hanks’ Playtone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment.

Various other India focused international film projects reportedly in the pipeline include British projects ambitious “Indian Summer” of Working Title, producer Leslee Udwin’s “West is West”, producer Graham Broadbent’s “These Foolish Things”, a detective series and a film about a crazed elephant by David Thompson of Origin Pictures, Gurinder Chadha’s two new projects, etc.; and Australian ventures “The Waiting City” by Claire McCarthy, “Bollywood Down Under”, “Family Unit”, documentary “Bollywood Bazaar”, producer Bill Bennett’s thriller, John Winter’s two India-centric films, projects by Anupam Sharma and Jim McElroy and David Wood, etc. Hollywood recently co-produced Bollywood films like “Chandni Chowk To China” and “Saawariya”. Los Angeles based PCB Productions reportedly is looking at mobile gaming to supplement major Bollywood releases for Western audience.

Reasons cited for this sudden passion for India are: Slumdog effect, globalization, Bollywood’s growing technical sophistication and resources, cost-effectiveness, exoticism, irresistible locations, exploding global market for India-centric films, etc.

India appears to be becoming the in-thing among Hollywood and other film circles of the world.

India appears to be becoming the in-thing among Hollywood and other film circles of the world.On the reverse direction of Bollywood coming to Hollywood, Bollywood’s Aishwarya Rai is reportedly starring in the epic romance “Singularity” (Ronald Joffe). In the Hollywood adaptation of the French movie “Chaos” (Coline Serreau), Aishwarya reportedly will be acting with Oscar winner Meryl Streep. Anupam Kher has reportedly got a casting offer from Woody Allen for his next venture. Road Movie (Dev Benegal director), described as India’s “Cinema Paradiso”, has reportedly been picked up by Fortissimo Films for international exhibition. Reliance Big Pictures is reportedly planning “Voodoo Child” by Jonathan Lemkin and “The Things They Left Behind” based on a Stephen King story about 9/11 survivors. Serendipity of India is reportedly developing two international co-productions, one in USA and the other in the United Kingdom. Reliance Big Pictures of India plans to acquire multiple screens in the U.S. and Malaysia and try and exhibit Indian movies.


Powered by: Chakpak.com	Zor lagaa ke haiya

Much against its diminutive stature and deceptive title, Zor Lagaa Ke... Haiya is a big-hearted children’s film that could educate adults on ecosystems.The movie focuses on a group of society kids who are happy and contended in their own lives. Karan (Meghan) is the group leader, Ritesh (Ritvik Tyagi) – the whiz kid, Laddu (Hardik Thakkar) – the fatso and Priya (Ayesha Kaduskar) the only female in the gang. The only person they fear is the bizarre bearded beggar (Mithun Chakravarthy) on the roadside who they call Raavan.To keep an eye on him they plan to build a tree-house for which the street-kid Ram (Ashwin Chitale) comes handy. With Ram’s raw architectural expertise from the neighbourhood under-construction site, the kids erect their small abode atop the tree. But soon Raavan encroaches their tree-house. After some small squabbles, the kids and Raavan befriend each other with the tree-house serving as a common platform, bringing them close.Shortly they learn that the builder of the neighbourhood building, Bakshi (Gulshan Grover) and his associate Gupta (Mahesh Manjrekar) plan to cut the tree, legally or illegally, to build an access road to their new tower. The kids and Raavan wage a war against Bakshi making him unsuccessful in his attempts to ravage the tree.Zor Lagaa Ke... Haiya works as a simple social film with a clear message of ‘save trees’ conveyed through kids, perhaps because we turn a deaf-ear to elders. The film very clearly sketches its protagonist, antagonist and the passive agonist. The innocent kids who shape the future of the country form the protagonist, the hypocrite builder who promises natural habitat while not thinking twice before cutting trees is the antagonist while the silent spectator who is aware of the importance of green in global warming era but chooses to remain mute forms the passive agonist. The latter species is most injurious to the society.Director Girish Joshi tries to keep the mood of the film light with smart spoofs on Mahabharat, superheroes and Sarkar. The mature mind can overlook some silly toilet humour and childish pranks. Despite its social theme, the film doesn’t appear like a public service message, since the community cause is laced within a story. On the contrary, this film had more scope to be preachy on associated issues like global warming, deforestation, slum rehabilitation, child labour and corruption leading to widespread tree-cutting. While the film focuses only on its solo ‘save-trees’ concern, that also makes the plot one-dimensional.On the downside, the beggar’s background account on his estrangement from the family isn’t fairly fleshed out. Riya Sen’s minuscule side track is irritating and the film could have easily done without a female lead. Also the children’s attempt to save the tree is more emotionally driven and lacks a practical outlook.Mithun Chakravarthy and Gulshan Grover come up with decent performances. Mahesh Manjrekar makes a caricature of himself at times. The kid-gang is neither loud nor sugary-sweet. Ashwin Chitale (of Shwas fame) gives a touching performance. Ayesha Kaduskar is cute and charming. Meghan goes a little pretentious while Ritvik Tyagi and Hardik Thakkar are more natural. Amitabh Bachchan’s baritone, though short-lived, gives life to the tree and adds depth to its concern.Zor Lagaa Ke... Haiya does get shallow on its social scope and, to an extent, also has the trappings of a Pogo channel TV show. But otherwise the film is a decent attempt with dignified intentions. The film fruitfully adds life to a wooden concern.

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