Bipasha Was Caught In The 26/11 Terror Attack; Speaks For The First Time

"I feel vulnerable and helpless. That's why I haven't spoken until now," says Bipasha Basu softly.

Bipasha was returning from Film City on 26/11 when she was caught in the blast. "It happened at Vile Parle as I crossed the area. There was mayhem on the road as my staff and I sat huddled in our car wondering what to do next. Should we go forward? Or go back? I told my driver to drive in the middle of the road as fast as possible."

Three weeks down the line, and as the city nurses its wounds, Bipasha wonders what she can do to help the situation. "I've been extremely affected by 26/11. I haven't spoken to anyone about it until now. I don't know how I can ease the pain of Mumbai. Everyone wants to put forward more than just a point of view. But no one seems to know what to do. I do believe in the mass movement that Mumbai has been seeing over the last three weeks. I think people lighting candles, holding hands, showing their solidarity speaking out...it's all very effective."

Bipasha was skeptical to begin with. "I thought this movement would die down after the first few days. But now I feel it's not losing momentum. And I'm very happy about that. The media is playing a very important part in keeping the movement against terrorism alive. I must admit I thought it would be over after one Sunday. That's why I kept quiet."

But now Bipasha believes in the power of people. "I just hope it continues. If the people's voice continues to be heard whichever government comes into power will be forced to pay heed and provide us with basic security. Sure, our economy is booming and the industries are doing well. But what do we do without security in Mumbai? If the financial capital of India which generates the maximum taxes is hit, how do we sustain global confidence in our country?"

Bipasha can't believe that ten terrorists could do this to Mumbai. "What happened to Mumbai is a shame for the entire country. I went out socially for the first time this week. Life must go on. The important thing is to not forget the lessons that we've learnt from 26/11. Now I feel far less defeated far more optimistic about the future than I did the first few days after Mumbai was attacked. Mumbai won't forget. We have Zero security in the country. Otherwise how could there be continuous blasts all over the city for so many hours? And if the detonated RDX had not been discovered in time, it could have been worse."

Bipasha caught up with a film on the Mumbai blasts. "I saw Neeraj Pandey's A Wednesday after 26/11. I can't believe it's so sensitive and so prophetic. Like Naseeruddin Shah being pushed into destroying terrorism the Common Man is ready take action. A Wednesday should be a textbook on terrorism. All of us should see it and learn its lessons.

Wishing Salman Khan a very Happy Birthday

Known as the man with a golden heat, yet with a hint of bad anger, he has wooed Bollywood for over two decades he has today turned 43.

With his latest interest in the expressive art form of painting he has quite literally managed to paint not just the town but entire Bollywood red and all shades of colours. The birthday boy for today as you may have already guesses is none other than Salman Khan.

Starting his career with Biwi Ho To Aisi in '88, Salman soon became the heartthrob of the nation. With his youthful looks and his well toned body he had directors lining up at his doors. Not long after he was at pinnacle of Bollywood and touted as the best, most watched loved and adored celebrity.

Sallu as he is fondly known is even today regarded as one bright star shining forth for friends and foe alike, keeping differences apart and helping when most needed. Though he has been embroiled with a multitude of controversies the golden heart boy has managed to surmount them with ease and emerge victorious.

Jism 2 Will Launch Three New Faces With Great Bodies

Five years after Bipasha Basu and John Abraham scorched the screen in "Jism", Shagufta Rafique, screenwriter for the much-hyped sequel to the film, says part two will be about infidelity and will launch three new faces with great bodies.

"Since 'Jism' was all about the human body and keeping up with the tradition of Vishesh Films' launching new talent, we'll take a completely new and absolutely raw cast for 'Jism 2'. We'll launch three new faces and three great bodies in three newcomers in the film, " Rafique told over phone from Mumbai.

Released in 2003, "Jism" was an unexpected box office success and the launch vehicle of Bollywood heartthrob John. The film gave a boost to John and Bipasha's careers and both got tagged as sex symbols.

While the first was written by Mahesh Bhatt, "Jism 2" is being written by Rafique, who holds to her credit films like "Woh Lamhe",
"Awarapan" and box office dud "Dhokha".

Asked about the plot of "Jism 2", she said: "Like the previous 'Jism', part two will concentrate on the issue of infidelity and it will be a murder mystery. I have already started working on the film and Pooja (Bhatt) will be directing it."

Loosely based on Lawrence Kasdan's "Body Heat" (1981), "Jism" was directed by Amit Saxena and also starred Gulshan Grover, Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey.

Rafique added that Pooja Bhatt and Sujit Kumar, who produced "Jism", would soon be starting a "Jism" franchise.

"The franchise will be a series of erotic and passionate films, but with different stories. We in fact have 10 scripts ready on the same with us.

"'Jism' was a big success as a brand. Pooja opened a Pandora's box with the film in the industry. Soon everyone started making films on the body. But the film's got to do with passion, love and lust and to live up with its brand, we'll come out with a 'Jism' franchise altogether, " Rafique said.

Apart from "Jism 2", she has also penned the scripts for upcoming films like "Raaz - The Mystery Continues", "Sincity" and "Jashnn".

She is also set to wield the megaphone for "Cabaret", which she has scripted.

I Can't Rate Aamir Khan As The best: Asin Thottumkal

We all know it's not 'a sin' to work with Aamir Khan. It's a boon and a blessing in disguise instead. What say?(Laughs out loud) Nice way to put it huh?
I've been an ardent admirer of Aamir Khan's movies, his acting and him as a person, ever since I was a kid, it is a dream come true. To work with him in my first Hindi venture is fabulous. I must say that he is a very supportive co-star, encouraging and very down to earth.
That is the high point of his personality. He is passionate about his work which we all know and to see him in an avtaar like this in Ghajini is inspiring.

What made your director Murugadoss or Aamir for that matter, sign the same face of the Tamil version Ghajini in Hindi too?
(Laughs) I have no idea. You'll have to interview Murugadoss to get your answer. All I know is that I've done the original Ghajini and am lucky to be a part of the same film made in Hindi.

I'm sure the Hindi version of Ghajini must've been a piece of cake for you, isn't it? Same role, etc…

You're somewhat right. I was already familiar with my character. My role in the Hindi version of Ghajini has not been changed and is the same as in the original.

Kalpana, the girl I play remains Kalpana, except the settings keep on changing. The film has been changed a little bit in the second half, the action sequences too have been changed and the climax of Ghajini is tweaked for the better.

Now to ask you the question, how was your experience working in a biggie like Ghajini makes no sense because you'll be seen doing the same thing what you did in the original?
Not really. The people working on the Hindi Ghajini are quite different from those working in the original. When you're working with a different technical crew and the people behind the scenes, they tend to bring a whole new flavour to the film.

It's not always the same as to what you've done before. I wouldn't say this film is a repeat of the Tamil version because the entire experience of working with the cast and the crew was like a new change.

I would advice the people who've seen the Tamil version to go to the theatres with a fresh frame of mind to watch Ghajini and watch it as a different movie.

Thanks to Aamir who liked the Tamil version and we know the rest is history. But if it wasn't for Aamir's fondness for the subject, we wouldn't have seen Asin launch in Bollywood.
(Laughs) That's an interesting observation. Well, I had been getting Bollywood offers before Ghajini but I was waiting for the right kind of projects to come to me.

When I was approached for Ghajini, I thought it was the perfect baby step into Bollywood because it's a dream come true to be working with the perfectionist Khan in your debut.

When you've got Murugadoss behind the camera, when you've got A.R.Rahman's music and when you've got Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography, you can't ask for more in your first film.

The song 'Aye Bacchu' has got a lot of attitude which is picturised on you. Have you got one?

(Laughs) No, I don't but the song has. 'Aye Bacchu' has got a bindaas attitude with a message, live your life to the fullest, which is basically what Kalpana the character is all about. It's my introduction song. Off screen, I am bindaas too.

How do you rate Aamir as a dancer?

I really don't have any song with him where we actually shake a leg. The only two songs in which I'm there with him are romantic duets. Aamir is doing most of the singing and I'm just filling in the gaps. I'm sure Aamir is a good dancer but I can't rate him as the best.

Having said that, can Mr. Perfectionist be perfect if he moves to the south Indian film industry?

Obsolutely yes, there is no doubt about it. He can not only be perfect in the south but all over the world. I'm sure if he goes to Hollywood he will be accepted with open arms.

And yes, he doesn't have to have a moustache if he intends to join Tollywood because that's an outdated concept now. It's a wrong notion that people have about having a moustache. This entire quick gun murgan thing is not at all applicable in today's time down south.

Is Ghajini an A.R. Murugadoss film or an Aamir Khan film?

In a way, an Aamir Khan film. Ghajini is about Sanjay Singhania, that's Aamir Khan's name in the film. It is also a complete Murugadoss film because it is visualized, screen played, written and directed by Murugadoss.

Ghajini's highlight is exactly what an Indian commercial romantic action thriller needs and both Murugadoss and Aamir have proved that.

How really perfect is Aamir Khan the perfectionist? Or is he?

Perfectionist is a good term to describe Aamir. But somewhere I've seen the media has portrayed him slightly in a negative manner. Yes, he is very particular about every shot, looks into the detailing a lot.

People think he ghost directs, he hasn't done that in Ghajini but if he gives an idea to the director, the media thinks he directed it. I don't buy that. He is non-interfering at all.

Jiah said it, now it's your turn. Did you go gaga over Aamir's physique?

Oh yes. He looks so hot. More than the weight and his six packs, he has put in a lot of effort into his character. Another reason to watch Ghajini is Aamir's body. Bollywood's latest action hero is here.

Any exciting moments you can recall?

We shot on real locations in Mumbai, the roads, the buildings, etc. We hardly put up sets for the film. I remember I had to ride a scooty with Mr. Aamir Khan behind me.It was real fun because imagine one fine Monday morning when people saw Aamir on a scooty in Mumbai. The excitement and the experience on real locations with Aamir was truly unique.

Did you then treat him with some idli sambhar or dosas?

(Laughs) Not yet actually. I would've loved to treat him though with some idli vada and sambhar.

What message would you like to give to your fans in the south and your future fans of Bollywood?

I don't know. I seriously have no message for them regarding myself. But I'd love to tell all Bollywood fans to go and watch Ghajini, the experience that is - Aamir Khan. Remember the date - 25th December

What next?

Vipul Shah's London Dreams with Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan and a Walt Disney production titled 19th Step with Mr. Kamal Hassan and the Japanese actor Asanu. It is based on Indian martial arts.

Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin and Jiah Khan

Director: A. R. Murugadoss...

Sanjay Ramasamy (Aamir Khan) is a rich tycoon suffering from short term memory loss. This was due to a severe head trauma he received while trying to stop his girlfriend's murder.

Sanjay's amnesia lasts for 15 minutes at a time and he can't remember events or incidents that happen during this period. As a result, Sanjay can now only live any sort of life by tattooing notes on himself and taking pictures to remind him of incidents that have happened.

His story is unravelled by a police officer (Riyaz Khan) hunting him down for several murders he commits while trying to find his girlfriend's killer.

Sanjay's story attracts the attention of psychology student Chitra (Jiah Khan), who stumbles upon Sanjay's medical report during a college project. Chitra comes to know about Sanjay's girlfriend, a model-turned-activist.

With the help of Chitra, Sanjay sets out on a revenge spree, searching for his girlfriend's murderer in this psychological thriller.

Directed by AR Murugadoss, who also made the Tamil version in 2005, this Hindi remake sees Aamir Khan showcasing a beefy and muscled new look.

Ghajini has been shot in a Namibian desert and Cape Town in South Africa.

Is Salman cheating on Katrina Kaif..?

Salman Khan might have a steady girlfriend in the form of Katrina Kaif but the shirtless wonder is still busy mingling with other girls.

There were lots of talks about him taking out Kat dummy Zarine Khan to many gatherings in the place of his girlfriend. The latest is that he's mingling a lot with Miss Universe UK 2008 Lisa Lazarus. This lass is acting in his next project 'Veer' alongside Zarine.

Salman has been helping this English lass a lot and this includes holding her by the hips and showing her how to dance.

A source says, "Lisa Lazarus could not get the dance steps right for a song which she was shooting with Salman. During one of her attempts, she fell flat on her face. Before she could get up, Salman rushed by her side and gave her a helping hand."

It adds, "Lisa was shooting for a number which required her to perform a few typical Bollywood dance steps. Since Lisa is not used to dancing to Hindi numbers, she was struggling quite a bit to follow the instructions. However, all's well that ends well. Salman really helped Lisa that day."

The movie has been scripted by him. Looks like Sallu miya has done a lot to accommodate these girls

He should thank his stars that Kat ain't a jealous girlfriend. Othrwise things would have been much difficult for him.

Post Bluffmaster, Rohan Sippy Reunites With Abhishek Bachchan

Rohan Sippy certainly has a lot happening for him. As a co-producer of Chandni Chowk To China and someone who has contributed from the scratch till the execution of this biggie with writer Sridhar Raghavan and director Nikhil Advani, he has been waiting with a bated breath to see the kind of response that this film generates. His other production, The President Is Coming would eventually be coming on 9th January, just a week before Chandni Chowk To China and in the interim he is counting days, as the 16th January release of the Akshay Kumar starrer is just 30 days away.

Meanwhile, he is getting groundwork in place for his Abhishek Bachchan film that will go on floors in April 2009. What's the title of the film? "Well, sometimes the most difficult part about writing a film is coming up with that elusive title. So yes, as you would have guessed it by now, we don't have any title yet. Heck, we are yet to finalise a girl as well", quips Rohan as he continues to get good feelers for his biggest film till date Chandni Chowk To China.

"Yes, CC2C is my biggest till date. However, now it's time to get back into direction as well, lest I start loosing it all. I have to get my hands dirty fast and am looking forward to calling the shots again", winks Rohan who insists that this film now holds top priority in his return to direction more than three years after Bluffmaster.

What is the film all about? "Well, since it's a Sridhar Raghavan's script, you can expect a lot of twists and turns. It is very different from what I have done before in Bluffmaster or Kuch Naa Kaho. I had an enjoyable experience while working on the script with Sridhar", is all that Rohan is willing to talk about his next venture.

But Rohan, this is hardly any information being shared about the film! At the least, he can reveal the genre, isn't it? He laughs, "I have a hard time to decide the genre of even Bluffmaster, years after its release. Seriously, I can't put one tag against this film. It is hard to explain."

He concludes on a serious note, "I am sure that there will be something extraordinary when we put this film together. When Abhishek and I did Bluffmaster together, we had embarked on doing something really crazy and different. You would see the same streak in our next film together as well."

Behind The Scenes Of Kingfisher Calendar 2009

"I briefed Atul to work in a space that would create images that were sensual yet understated," says Vijay Mallya about the much-anticipated Kingfisher Calendar featuring six hot babes from across the globe. The breathtakingly gorgeous pictures were clicked by mercurial photographer Atul Kasbekar at 'Six Senses Hideaway Resorts' at Koi Samui and Yao Noi in Bangkok, Thailand. "The images this year have been photographed for a graphic layout that has two images per page. Twice the Good Times," Atul adds. We bring you some of the behind the scenes images from the shoot.Hey Gorgeous...simply lo and behold! Moments like these can only be experienced, not told.Thou look like a lioness out of a den,No wonder then! The camera and the time stand frozen ...

"Why Should We Copy Movies?" - Karan Johar

The news-report states that Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar are making films with similar subjects and shooting at the same location. Let's get more specific: The two film-makers are making different films based on the same Hollywood film - ARLINGTON ROAD. While Adi's film NEW YORK is already complete [the film has been shot in Philadelphia] and will be Yash Raj's first release in 2009, Karan has commenced the shooting of his film, also in Philadelphia.

"Just because the two films are shot at the same location doesn't mean they have similar subjects," Karan Johar [currently in the U.S.] sets the record straight, "Earlier, they said KAL HO NAA HO was ANAND. Then they said DOSTANA was I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK & LARRY. Now it's ARLINGTON ROAD. Why should we copy movies? Can't we come up with original stuff?"

Karan continues in the same breath, "Adi and I are best friends. Do you think we would go to the extent of choosing the same story? Just because the two films have the backdrop of terrorism doesn't mean they are similar in content. Going by this logic, even DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAAYENGE, KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, MOHABBATEIN and RAB NE BANA DI JODI have similar stories since they belong to the same genre."

Mid Week Box Office Review Top % Films

Meerabai Not Out Movie Reviews

It's often said that cricket and Bollywood are two major passions of Indians. Director Chandrakant Kulkarni's MEERABAI NOT OUT narrates the story of a cricket enthusiast who goes to the extremes -- even on the day of her engagement -- to watch a game of cricket.

But interesting ideas don't necessarily translate into interesting films. MEERABAI NOT OUT suffers because there's not much meat in its script. It's only during the penultimate moments that things begin to move, but that isn't enough to salvage the situation.

Also, though the film talks of cricket, there's not much excitement for a cricket fanatic either. A sports-based theme works only if the viewer becomes involved in the proceedings, when he/she becomes a participant. In MEERABAI NOT OUT, you're just a mere spectator. This one's more of a love story, actually!

Meera [Mandira Bedi], a mathematics teacher, has been a happy single for quite a while now. The great love of her life has been, and will always remain, cricket and Anil Kumble. The problem that worries her family is Meera's still-single status.

Enter Arjun [Eijaz Khan]. Meera realizes that there's more to life than praying for Team India and Anil Kumble. So, while her heart beats for Anil Kumble and India's fortunes, the more important question is: Will Meera be able to commit to her non-striker beau?

MEERABAI NOT OUT may give an impression of being a 'cricket film', but it's misleading. It's primarily a love story. In fact, a major part of the screen time is devoted to the love story, which, frankly, lacks the fizz.

It's only towards the pre-climax, when the lady doesn't show up for her own engagement ceremony on time, that things start moving. Come to think of it, even that looks far-fetched, for no person in his/her senses would give priority to watch a match on the day of her engagement. And if she had to catch a match, she could've done so on her TV set. Why travel all the way to the stadium?

Despite the hiccups [read faulty writing], director Chandrakant Kulkarni has handled the penultimate sequences well. The cricket match in the end -- between Mahesh Manjrekar and Eijaz Khan -- is interesting. Also, the finale -- Anupam Kher participating in a quiz show and Mandira answering the question right -- is well-treated.

There's not much scope for music in the enterprise. The sole track that merits a mention is the one at the very start [the promotional track]. Dialogues are well-worded at places.

Mandira acts her part well. She impresses more towards the finale. Eijaz is confident and if given an opportunity, can only go further. Mahesh Manjrekar doesn't really get scope, except towards the finale. Anupam Kher is efficient. Pratiksha Lonkar is wasted. The actress enacting the role of Manjrekar and Mandira's mother is perfect. Anil Kumble is passable.

On the whole, MEERABAI NOT OUT is a below average fare. At the box-office, this maiden will be run-out in the initial days itself!

Maharathi Movie Reviews

Most storytellers seek inspiration from Hollywood films. But very few film-makers look at what our auteur have to offer. MAHARATHI is the cinematic adaptation of Uttam Gada's Gujarati play, which was a huge success two decades ago. Another reason that enhances the curiosity is the fact that it brings four of the finest talents of the Hindi film industry together.

But not all plays are fit for cinematic adaptations. MAHARATHI may be a hugely successful play, but it's not as engaging as a cinematic experience. Let's face it, cinema and theatre are two different mediums altogether!

Also, MAHARATHI is not one of those Bollywood thrillers where everything, right up to the minutest detail, is spoon-fed to the viewer. Besides, it falters, loses balance and gets clichéd and contrived when the director and writer decide on winding up. And that's not good news for any thriller.

Subhash [Paresh Rawal] has spent the last ten years unsuccessfully trying to get acting parts in films. One night, he saves a man's life. He accompanies the injured man back home. Subhash is awe-struck at the affluence of Mr. Adenwalla [Naseeruddin Shah]. Subhash realizes this may lead to a generous tip.

Soon enough, Subhash is hired by the grateful Adenwalla as his driver. The wife, Mallika [Neha Dhupia], resents Subhash for his proximity to her husband.

Subhash is now firmly ensconced in Adenwallas' house and discovers his wife's evil designs. On the other hand, Adenwalla, driven to the point of insanity by his money-hungry wife, decides to take the ultimate revenge. He commits suicide!

Subhash recognizes this as an opportunity to rid himself of a lifetime of middle class mediocrity and poverty. He collaborates with Mallika to acquire all the money and property. Working hand in glove, they get a caretaker [Tara Sharma], with the help of their family lawyer Mr. Merchant [Boman Irani], to be a witness to an ailing Mr. Adenwalla's presence in the house.

But the best plans can go awry and this brings ACP Gokhale [Om Puri] and Inspector Borkar [Vivek Shauq] into the picture.

The problem with MAHARATHI is its inconsistent script. To start with, there should've been a valid reason for Naseer to commit suicide. In the first place, if he had to teach Neha a lesson, why should he shoot himself? Why not shoot Neha instead? Much later, even Neha's death looks unbelievable. Another pertinent question that crosses your mind is, why does Naseer bequeath his riches to Paresh? In fact, he barely knows Paresh. The Boman track in the end is quite confusing as well.

On the brighter side, MAHARATHI has several well-executed sequences and that's why the deficiencies in the script bother you. It could've been an engaging experience, which it isn't.

Director Shivam Nair has shot the film well, but how one wishes he would've opted for a far more convincing screenplay. There's no place for songs in the film and the sole track towards the end -- the promotional number -- looks out of place. Cinematography is striking.

With a crème de la crème cast on hand, it's natural to expect sparkling performances from the cast. Naseeruddin Shah is convincing. Paresh Rawal scores yet again. Boman Irani is in form. Om Puri deserved a meatier role. Neha Dhupia is okay. Tara Sharma is fair. Vivek Shauq is hardly there.

On the whole, MAHARATHI has some curiosity-value thanks to its interesting cast and an equally inviting promotion. But the film lacks the power of an arresting script. That, in turn, will make the journey tough for the film...

Music Reviews Of Chandni Chowk To China

Ok, so Chandni Chowk To China is a huge film by all standards. After all Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone are coming together in this film which is supposedly based on Akshay's own life story. Moreover, both the films by director Nikhil Advani, Salaam-E-Ishq and Kal Ho Naa Ho, have boasted of some very good music. Still, one has good, not extraordinary expectations from the music of Chandni Chowk To China. Reason? The album has songs by composers as diverse as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Kailash-Paresh-Naresh, Bappi Lahiri-Bappa Lahiri and Bohemia. Frankly, when something like this happens, i.e. coming together of various composers, as an audience, one tends to be a little wary about the music. Whether it would come with a consistent sound? Whether each of the composers would have indeed come up with their best? Will someone end up compromising since the entire responsibility of creating the soundtrack doesn't lie on him?

MUSIC

Thankfully, all fears are laid to rest once you are through hearing the album 'at least twice'. Yes, at least twice because Chandni Chowk To China (CC2C) isn't one of those 'let's make an instant impact' kind of an album that works in the very first hearing. And this is pretty much because of the 'consistency in sound' factor! In the six unique songs that form a part of the film's soundtrack, there is so much happening in all directions that it is impossible to catch the sound and announce a genre after the first listening. One has to be patient enough with CC2C and once you have been successful in doing that, it will rock you.

And rock one does with the title song 'Chandni Chowk To China' by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy that is all set to be a rage in a fortnight from now. A fun track with funnier lyrics, it has a good fusion of Indian, Western and Oriental rhythm which accounts for a deadly combination. A unique number in quite a few aspects, it certainly must have been a difficult tune to compose, especially after considering the fact that it isn't one of those typical love songs or an item number. The remix version that appears later only adds

to the fun.

What takes the cake though is another number which has the same title i.e. 'Chandni Chowk To China' but altogether different setting, tune (by Bohemia), lyrics and presentation. All set to be a flagship number of the album, just like it was in case of Snoop Dogg version of 'Singh Is Kinng', this track is a show reel for Akshay Kumar, the real life star, as demonstrated through the lyrics of the songs itself which go into a holds-no-bar approach while proclaiming Akshay to be the biggest start that the country has seen in the current times. Watch out for this one!

Another number which is primarily focused on Akshay again, though this time on his reel life character of Sidhu, is 'S.I.D.H.U. ' Coming with an out and out Indian feel to it, courtesy the tune by Kailash-Paresh-Naresh and a small town setting (in case of CC2C, a narrow lane setting due to Akshay's upbringing in Chandni Chowk), this is one track which requires multiple hearing to be grasped. In the beginning, it sounds like an advertisement jingle but as one delves deeper into the song's setting (which talks about the young man called Sidhu who is a simpleton and is loved by all), it does ultimately settle down.

Surprisingly, there isn't much fun in Bappi Lahiri-Bappa Lahiri combines 'India Se Aaya Tera Dost' which is a take off on yesteryear's 'Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost'. Though lyrics have been turned around a little and accompanying music made somewhat zanier, the final effect is just not enticing enough. Will picturisation make a difference here? Unlikely since the song tends to be a little screechy on ears.

Thankfully, 'Tere Naina' by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy acts as a soothing balm since the love song instantly reminds of the likes of a 'Chup Chup Ke' (Bunty Aur Babli) or 'Falak Tak' (Tashan) or 'Bol Na Halke Halke' (Jhoom Barabar Jhoom). No, the tunes aren't similar here but the genre, i.e. pure Indian melody is. A beautiful sounding number that leads a listener to 'Chak Lein De' which is made entirely for an Akshay Kumar fan. A track composed by Kailash-Paresh-Naresh that gives the sense of a revolution in the making, it doesn't go ballistic in creating a jingoistic flavor to the proceedings but remains subtle yet strong. A situational number (that also appears in a remix version) which is expected to make its presence felt at multiple junctures in the narrative.

LYRICS

Rajat Arora goes all out in getting the right fun quotient in place while writing the title song of CC2C. He writes 'Tere Naina' as well while contributing to 'India Se Aaya Tera Dost' but it would still be the title track that would come easily to kids and would be grabbed by elders alike. Kailash Kher writes 'S.I.D.H.U. ' and 'Chak Lein De' and once again delivers something which is non-filmy. Bohemia certainly had a task in hand to write a song (the other version of 'Chandni Chowk To China' which required Akshay Kumar to be shown in a particular light) and it seems that the superstar himself had a lot to contribute with words here

VOCALS

Neeraj Sridhar has seldom failed and he impresses yet again with his rendition of 'Chandni Chowk To China' as well. Anushka Manchanda comfortably adds on another hit to her tally while letting her hair down for the same track but it is Shankar Mahadevan who takes the tempo of the song to a different level altogether whenever he comes into the picture. However, the voice which would be heard for many more weeks to come would be that of Akshay Kumar who holds center stage for the other version of 'Chandni Chowk To China'. Pretty much comfortable behind the mike, he makes sure that he is not just seen but also heard.

Bappi Lahiri is a disappointment with 'India Se Aaya Tera Dost' though Kailash Kher gets a different flavor altogether to an out and out commercial film like this with his rendition of 'S.I.D.H.U. ' and 'Chak Lein De'. However, the moment the voice of Shreya Ghoshal is heard, all is forgotten as she pairs up with Shankar Mahadevan for 'Tere Naina'. She gets into an experimental mode here in her rendition and succeeds once again.

OVERALL

The album comes with a wide range and this is what works in its favor. Rohan Sippy's last major production, Bluffmaster, also had an ensemble score and the sound there was more Western in feel to go with the mood of the film. In case of CC2C, the sound is more rooted and yet comes with a good enough range to be offered to a listener. Chandni Chowk To China is clearly the next musical hit in the making.

Vijayta Films' Next 'Cheers - Celebrate Life'

After APNE, Dharmendra and son Bobby Deol will team up yet again in their home-production, titled CHEERS - CELEBRATE LIFE. While APNE was directed by Deol favourite Anil Sharma, CHEERS - CELEBRATE LIFE will be helmed by another favourite, Sangeeth Sivan.

"It's an interesting film. I haven't attempted something like this before," Sangeeth confirms. Please elaborate. "It's a travel film with a bit of everything, including humour. But the humour is very character-based, unlike KYAA KOOL HAI HUM and APNA SAPNA MONEY MONEY. It's a father-son film," he divulges.

The principal filming should begin from February onwards. "There're lots of characters in the film, including a leading lady whom I need to finalize," he says. 2009 will see a number of Sangeeth Sivan films releasing one after the other, starting with EK - THE POWER OF ONE [Nana, Bobby] and CLICK, followed by CHEERS - CELEBRATE LIFE.

"I Want To Live, Not Exist" - Anupam Kher

Born in Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, I came to Mumbai 27 years ago in search of a career. That career eventually gave me a chance to showcase my talent, according me national recognition, and also some fame. I am thankful for that chance the city gave me.

Over the decades, I have slowly realised that Mumbai has seeped into my bones, into my psyche, almost imperceptibly. And it gradually changed me forever. As a small-town boy, its hugeness dwarfed me. It made me feel insignificant and that feeling made me strive to become a 'somebody' in the metropolis. The huge bank of available talent, and the prevailing competition, spurred me to give every role my best shot. Unconsciously, the city broadened my horizons, made me an international citizen and also sparked a professional attitude in my approach to life.

Yes. I became a Mumbaikar. So whenever a tragedy happens to Mumbai, it happens to me.

I have been wounded when the blasts occurred in 1993, when the city went down in floods, when the trains were bombed; and indeed on many other occasions. But this time, when a handful of terrorists battered Mumbai senseless for 60 hours, I have become comatose.

As I write, I am many thousands of miles away from my city, in South Africa, and I am trying to find my bearings. Many questions course my mind; Is it worth the endeavour to become somebody significant when our life itself is at stake? Is it worth the effort to remain an achiever when you do not know if a meal at a restaurant, or a walk down the streets, may be your last?

I am restless and I am angry, as I am sure are millions of my countrymen. I believe that no circumstance in life should change my attitude to life. I must carry on living with zest, or I will die.

In this numbness, I must be inspired by what I have learnt from Mumbai in 27 years. I must go back to life and living. Else, I will be betraying all those who have given their today so that we can have a tomorrow.

I want to live, not exist. So I must go back to the beginning…

Aamir Khan Features In The December Issue Of Men's Magazine GQ

How will you react if you were offered a date with someone who is perfection personified! Well, we are tad sure of the fact that the moment we utter the 'P' of perfection, the one and only name that pops up in everyone's mind is that of Aamir Khan - better known as Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist! Well, as his much-awaited film Ghajini is ready to hit the theatres this month, Aamir is bound to be all over the place for sure, and one of the early-birds is the world-famous lifestyle magazine 'GQ' that has got none other than Aamir Khan on the cover of its latest edition!

All that you have to do is pick up the recent issue of the world-famous lifestyle magazine 'GQ' which has got none other than Aamir Khan on the cover! 'If looks could kill...then we have a Killer in Aamir', who is all set to take the whole of not just Bollywood, but the whole universe ...all in one go with his forthcoming release Ghajini.

This edition of GQ has got none other than Bollywood's very own 'Midas Man' Karan Johar doing the honours of being the Contributing Editor of this mag.

The editor of this mag says, "Aamir Khan doesn't appear on many magazine covers. The fact that he has chosen to work with GQ is a testament to the magazine's 50-year old reputation as a publication featuring and read by intelligent, successful men. What makes the cover story even more special is the fact that Karan Johar, allegedly a member of a rival camp in the film industry, has interviewed Khan - for the first time. The result is an entertaining, candid conversation that even Bollywood skeptics would find engaging."

We just couldn't argue on that!