Bobby Deol Is Setting Up A Production Empire

After losing ten kgs for his role in Chamku, Bobby Deol is now heavily into chocolates. "It wasn't easy for me to lose weight. But once I made up my mind, I did it. But now I'm trying to make back that weight and binging on chocolates."Like his dad and elder brother, Bobby Deol is now fully into family concerns. In fact the younger Deol scion is so much into production now, he wishes he had got into before. "It's with my film Chamku that I've become involved with our home production. I've been totally involved with its shooting and post-production. I'm like an apprentice on the job, learning about how to produce a film. My brother believes I've been lazy. But I now realize home productions give me the choice to do the kind of films I want to do. Outside producers only come to you with the films that THEY believe in. For Chamku, I was part of the music sitting, pre-production, post-production. It's my baby." Bobby now wants to assist directors and get more proficient with the technique of filmmaking. "I've been part of this industry for years. And my brother is into direction. I don't feel ready for it. I wish I was." What Bobby is ready for is another film with his father Dharmendra. "It's a father-son story. There's no other way we can come together on screen. Sangeeth Sivan is directing it. It's the story of a father and son discovering each other during a journey. Then I'm doing an action-comedy with Sunny Deol. But it won't be just fun. We brothers will share a lot of emotional moments We can't come together without sharing emotions. That will be directed by Samir Karnik who's another of my favourite director's right now. I've done two films with Samir and we Deols are very impressed by his work." Sangeeth Sivan and Samir Karnik are part of a new set of directors the Deols want to cultivate, like they once nurtured the talents of Gurinder Chadha and Raj Kumar Santoshi. Says Bobby, "Though I'm open to outside offers, it's definitely more productive to do home productions where everything is under our control. And we have three in house actors." Dad Dharmendra recently underwent knee surgery in the US. "And he has recovered very well. I'm dying to work with him."

Fashion Magazine Verve's collaboration with Dostana

These are really the days of collaborations. Latest one being the collaboration between fashion magazine Verve and this season's blockbuster, Dostana. Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Parmesh Shahani, Editorial Director- Verve, said, "We wanted to be associated with the films that reflect the spirit of Verve. Not just that, the banner should be a prestigious one and that the placement of our esteemed brand should be with the flow of the film and not just as a mere prop. And Dostana is one such film which fitted our parameters to a 'T'.The guys at Verve were so impressed with the way the film has shaped up that they have dedicated their November issue to the film and have also named the issue as 'Dostana Special'. Shahani finds immense pride in saying that "We are really very happy to be associated with Dostana, as 'Verve' is at the same wavelength as that of John, Abhishek and Priyanka." The cast of Dostana had even paid a visit to the Verve office to get references for the film. With Dostana going great guns at the Box-Office, one thing is for sure that the Dostana-Verve association is just the tip of the

iceberg!

Gracy Singh To Perform Rabindranath Tagore's 'Shyama'

Immediately after her debut film Lagaan, Gracy Singh was touted as the next big thing to be happening to Bollywood. The sad part was that after a few forgettable films (Armaan and Munnabhai MBBS being the exceptions), she was nowhere in the race. Gracy next release is Deshdrohi but the film has been banned in the Maharashtra.

Leaving all this behind, Gracy is now all set to enthrall the audiences with Rabindranath Tagore's famous dance ballet 'Shyama' in Kolkata, on November 16. An excited Gracy said that 'Shyama' is challenging but at the same time, it is extremely exciting as there is so much depth in it.

'Shyama', basically is a ballet that is a soulful narration of a court dancer (Shyama) falling in love with a foreign merchant (Bajrasen). Since the entire ballet will be presented in the dance form of Bharatnatyam, it only works immensely in favour of the good-looking actress, as she is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer herself.

With the controversial film Deshdrohi and a few others in her kitty, Gracy seems to be back in the race!

A.R. Rahman Composes Theme Song For Champions League Twenty 20 Cricket Tournament

This has been a bonanza year for all A.R.Rahman fans. After all, the music maestro gave us some really different, catchy and foot-tapping music in films like Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and the soon to be released Yuvvraaj. Before the year comes to a close Rahman will also unveil the musical score of Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini.

However it's not just film compositions that's keeping Rahman busy. A.R.Rahman has also composed the theme song for the much awaited Champions League Twenty 20 cricket tournament. This is for the first time that the music maestro has composed the theme song for any major sports tournament. The theme song doesn't have any lyrics but only chants accompanied by Rahman's foot-tapping composition.

So now all you Rahmaniacs, have one more strong reason to tune into this cricketing extravaganza when it kicks off on Dec 3rd this year.

"Slumdog Millionaire Is A Fairy Tale Kind Of A Film" - Anil Kapoor

Slumdog Millionaire Is A Fairy Tale

With entertainment dominated by fresh-faced actors now-a-days, it's extremely heartening to see someone break into the corridors of power when in their late forties. Better still when that person's an accomplished actor making a comeback in Bollywood. But what if I say that he is just about to make his Hollywood debut in what is said to be a film which undoubtedly is going to win accolades at the Academy Awards and the Bafta's next year? The film - Slumdog Millionaire, the director - Danny Boyle, step forward Anil Kapoor, a renaissance man who's squeezed several (mostly successful) lives into one and come out on top of the Bollywood tree. In this world exclusive interview from London, the 'jhakaas' actor talks in depth to Devansh Patel about his first Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire, his London Film Festival experience, his expectations, his family reactions, his special message to his fans and above all, praises, praises and more praises for his award winning director Danny Boyle.

We are all eager to know how did an acclaimed Hollywood director like Danny Boyle sign you up for a role in his next film Slumdog Millionaire?
I received a sms saying that Danny Boyle wanted to meet me regarding his next film Slumdog Millionaire in which he had a role for me after he watched Taal and Virasat. Now as you are aware that in Bollywood one is so busy with their commitments that they tend to forget who Danny Boyle is. But when you talk of films like Trainspotting and The Beach, suddenly the name of the director pops up. So I mentioned this to my son as he is a big Danny Boyle fan, in fact all youngsters are. He loves his kind of cinema which is out of the box, pulsating and youthful. He got very excited and told me to reply back to the sms which was lying in my inbox since quite a few days. So I called my friend Deepak Nayar in L.A who coincidently was handling the production of the same film. He informed me that Danny Boyle is a cult figure in the U.S. Then the script came and my son and I read it. We loved it, fixed an appointment and there I was, without any auditions, a part of Slumdog Millionaire.

I received a sms saying that Danny Boyle wanted to meet me regarding his next film Slumdog Millionaire in which he had a role for me after he watched Taal and Virasat.

Were you at all worried about the screen space Danny would've given you in the film initially when he offered you the film?
When you're working with the likes of Danny Boyle and when the script is written by Simon Beaufoy, there is bound to be a good role for you irrespective of the length of your own role. When you work in an international film like Slumdog Millionaire, even two scenes done correctly in the film work wonders. And you're forgetting that I had already read the script. It's only in India that you worry about screen space and the length.

Danny Boyle has projected Mumbai in Slumdog Millionaire like no other film maker has ever done. What do you think?
I am more than happy about it. In fact, Slumdog Millionaire is a fairy tale kind of a film. You have to see the film to believe it. I mean he has shot some scenes in the slums so beautifully, you feel touched by the direction and the camera work. It was so perfect.

People across the globe who've watched Trainspotting, A Life Less Ordinary and The Beach wouldn't expect a Slumdog Millionaire, will they?

When you work in an international film like Slumdog Millionaire, even two scenes done correctly in the film work wonders.

Danny has got his own style. When the chief of Fox Searchlights, Peter Rice, was introducing Danny Boyle in a tribute to the director in L.A, that's the time I realized the kind of respect he has across the globe. Peter Rice quoted, "Danny has never made the same kind of film ever". When Danny was offered to direct Alien 4, he was offered a big cheque which he refused. He just wanted to direct films which he would believe in and wanted to make. He chose to direct a 15 million dollar film than a 150 million dollar one. He is a risk taker in a way. I mean, the only well known face in Slumdog Millionaire is Irrfan Khan who is known worldwide. All the rest are new comers including me.

You play the host of the famous tele series 'Who wants to be a Millionaire'. From Big B to SRK and now comes Anil Kapoor. Any kind of research went into playing the role of Prem?
A lot of literature was sent to me through the script anyway. But first I spoke to Danny and the way he saw the character and how he wanted him to behave. Then he gave me some material on 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire'. In Mumbai, I contacted Siddharth Basu, the person who was responsible for the programme in India. He was very helpful in the research too. Playing an engineer, stock broker, doctor or a businessman is easy because you meet them in your everyday life. But there are very few hosts of the television programme whom you don't meet regularly. You see them only on the television. So there was not a direct reference point here except for the episodes of Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh in India and the shows done by hosts in the U.K and the U.S. I went through all these tapes and started doing some episodes with Siddharth and his team. I also had a lot of workshop with Danny and the main protagonist of the film Dev Patel.

Playing an engineer, stock broker, doctor or a businessman is easy because you meet them in your everyday life. But there are very few hosts of the television programme whom you don't meet regularly.

But how was it to be working with the British talent Dev Patel who plays the boy from the slums winning the million rupees?
He is the main hero of the film. He is the protagonist of Slumdog Millionaire. His journey has three characters that do the same role. How as a child in slums he grows up, then becomes a bit older and then it is Dev Patel. There are three actors and the casting of those three Dev Patel's is phenomenal. I was speechless after watching the film at the London Film Festival and thanks to Loveleen Tandon who has done an amazing job of casting in the film.

Was Dev at all nervous when he met you for the first time?
Not at all. He was a thorough professional. He originally comes from Gujarat but is born and brought up in London. He has also done one T.V serial called Skins in the U.K. For me, it was my first English film and for him, it was his first feature film. So we both were a bit nervous initially even though I had come with a lot of experience behind me. We got along very well and Danny also told me to help Dev out in whatever and whichever way I could. He had to play a slum boy and because I've had a personal experiences in the slums and have done films like Mashaal, etc I could identify with his role. I was very handy in adding flavour to my and Dev's role.

The critics in the U.K are vouching Slumdog Millionaire to get selected as the Best Film nominee at the Academy Awards in the U.S and at the Bafta Awards in the U.K. What do you have to say?
It's a bit too early to discuss this right now. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that whatever you've just mentioned comes true.

Any other Hollywood films you're going to be a part of in the near future considering the thunderous applaud you received after the screening?
I am at such a stage of my career that whichever film comes across me has to be exciting, on par or better than the one I've done earlier. Currently I've got my hands full in India as far as Bollywood is concerned and if someone does come knocking on my doors from the West, why not?

Danny is not only different from the Indian directors but international directors also. He has his own stand and style and when people do have this speciality in them like what Danny has, they always are different from others.

What differentiates Danny Boyle from all the Bollywood directors you've worked with so far in your career?
Danny is not only different from the Indian directors but international directors also. He has his own stand and style and when people do have this speciality in them like what Danny has, they always are different from others. As I've mentioned before, he is one director who hasn't repeated his style. Danny improvises a lot and never tells his actors how to act. He gives you the script and lets you be. His instructions are minimal and the most important thing - Danny didn't come to India with any attitude. Instead, he told us to help him make a good film. That made a world of difference. It's a hallmark of a great human being and a great director. There isn't a game show being used as the main part of any feature film script. That's the USP of Slumdog Millionaire.

Slumdog Millionaire isn't a cross over film in English. It is a Hollywood film directed by Danny Boyle.

Has your family seen the film and what did they think about it?
Yes they all have seen the film. My wife, Sonam and my son, all loved the film. They've said it's awesome. The kind of feedback I've received is incredible. The best comment I received was from a critic who writes for The Independent, UK. He said, "Anil Kapoor makes a memorably narcissistic and two faced quiz host smiling disingenuously while trying to ensure the contestant looses". Even the newspapers like the Observer, Telegraph and The Times have praised not only my performance, but all the other actors in the film who were truly worth admiring especially Dev Patel.

Any message for your fans who are awaiting your first ever Hollywood film?
Yes, I'd like to tell my fans in the U.K that the film releases on January 9 next year in the U.K and to my India fans, well, you'll have to wait just a little bit more. Slumdog Millionaire releases in India in the last week of January. That's our tentative date. We are also planning to keep a special premiere of the film. And more importantly to all my fans across the globe, Slumdog Millionaire isn't a cross over film in English. It is a Hollywood film directed by Danny Boyle. Looking forward for all your comments next year.

Bhatts Strike Again With The Special Look Of Raaz - The Mystery Continues

Trust Bhatts to continue to be their innovative best when it comes to promoting their films. They may keep the budget on a low/medium end for principal shooting or star remunerations but when it comes to bringing the film to the audience, they have seldom back tracked on any front. Whether it is publicity campaign, song promos on satellite/web/radio medium, poster design or sheer quotable quotes centered on the film's theme, Vishesh Films has made sure that heads always turn when a movie coming from their stable is introduced to the audience.

If the poster design of their recent films like Jannat or Awarapan caught instant attention, one can't forget the romantic 'kiss under a shirt' frame of Aashiqui or 'Sanjay Dutt hanging on a cross' still from Sadak more than a decade and a half back. The trend of shock value continues, typically Bhatt ishtyle, as Raaz - The Mystery Continues' look is revealed. And this time around, Bhatts are on rampage as even before the beginning of the song promos, they are unleashing one poster after another, hence managing to build an intrigue that goes by the name of Raaz - The Mystery Continues.

So if the first ever look of the movie sported an all-new logo in a venomous neon green colour that was designed to distinguish it as an out-and-out horror film, another look showed a backless Kangna Ranaut with Raaz - The Mystery Continues written with blood on her back. Well, if the warning of 'This Winter...Fear Comes Homes' wasn't scary enough, what with Kangna's fingers turning into claws waiting to attack anything that comes her way, comes another poster which introduces Emraan Hashmi for the first time to the audience.

With Kangna's pretty, yet glum looking face (which adds on to the mystery), superimposed into the upper half of the body, Emraan is shown to be standing still in the ruins of what looks like Mukesh Mills reconstructed! What also strikes is the halo behind Emraan's head which seems to give an indication of the full moon night, hence hinting the arrival of the troubled souls.

Says a source attached to Vishesh Films, "With an international appeal to boost, the look of the poster has been kept neon green (yet again) to go with the mood, theme and spirit (pun intended) of the film. Also, with a new hairstyle, a French beard and eyes staring right from the poster, Emraan is made to look all intense with the sole aim of going any distance to solve the 'mystery' which continues from the days of Raaz!"

Director Mohit Suri has been known to explore various themes for each of his films. Zeher, Kalyug, Woh Lamhe and Awarapan are good examples to demonstrate the varied routes that the young film maker has attempted in each of his outings. Well, the way his initial campaign is anything to go by, Raaz - The Mystery Continues should be no different

Movie Preview Dostana

Recall the 'Kantaben' episode in Karan Johar's KAL HO NAA HO. The episode is alive even today, in skits, on stage, amongst friends. That was a mere trailer. Picture abhi baaki hain. DOSTANA takes 'Kantaben' episode to another level altogether.

DOSTANA is no BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. It's not a serious take on homosexuality either. On the contrary, it's a madcap comedy where two straight men pretend to be gays. Although DOSTANA is a mainstream commercial film, it dares to push the envelope in its own way. It brings homosexuality out of the closet, gives it respect and dignity and doesn't treat gays as 'abnormal'.

Watch The Dostona Of Three Actor

Love triangle in Hindi movies often centre around two guys falling in love with the same girl, or two girls choosing to love the same guy. But DOSTANA is a first. It's the first Hindi film that, at the core, is a rectangle [three men loving the same woman], but two of them, guys in this case, pretend to be a couple.

Sure, DOSTANA has ample shock-value since what has been witnessed in its promos is barely a fraction of what you'd get to watch in the movie. But more than shock-value, the film offers loads of fun-n-laughter and dollops of entertainment in those 14 reels.

A word of appreciation! It requires courage to fund a project like DOSTANA. Karan Johar, the producer, deserves to be lauded for treading the untrodden path. It requires courage and conviction to swim against the tide in your directorial debut. Tarun Mansukhani, the debutante, deserves a few brownie points extra for not thinking straight. It requires courage for two A-list actors to go all out and risk their professional [and personal] lives. Abhishek and John deserve an ovation for not only agreeing to play these characters, but also infusing life in them, without making a mockery of the gay community.

To cut a long story short, DOSTANA is not to be missed. Dharma Productions, the late Yash Johar and Karan Johar's film production outfit, has produced several significant films in the past. Add DOSTANA to the list!

Miami is the setting for DOSTANA. When Sameer [Abhishek Bachchan] and Kunal [John Abraham] are turned down for an apartment because the landlady [Sushmita Mukherjee] doesn't want two strapping young men to corrupt her young sexy niece Neha [Priyanka Chopra], they hatch a plan: they pretend to be gay to secure the apartment.

Over a period of time, Sameer, Kunal and Neha become buddies. When Neha's boss Abhimanyu [Bobby Deol] enters the fray as the third contender for her affections, it gets even hotter…

DOSTANA shocks you all the while and that is its biggest USP. Don't expect stereotypical situations or characters all through this film. Watch Abhishek cook up a romantic story between John and him in Venice. Watch Boman Irani's interaction with Abhishek and John. Watch Kirron Kher's dramatic entry at this point. Howlarious scenes all, they're sure to bring the house down.

If the first hour is laced with crackling chemistry between the guys and terrific humour, things get serious towards the second half since there's one more person vying for Priyanka's attention -- Bobby Deol. There's humour in this hour too, but the focus is mainly on who'd get Priyanka in the end.

The length is a slight deterrent in the second half and the editor could've easily cut the unwanted flab to make the narration in shape. But the film works as a package! Also, the film has a shocking end and people are bound to raise eyebrows. It would have its share of advocates and adversaries. A debatable culmination, for sure!

Director Tarun Mansukhani is here to stay. He deserves kudos for choosing an offbeat story, then making a foolproof screenplay and most importantly, executing it with flourish. DOSTANA merges form and content beautifully, since the film is, technically speaking, sound. Ayananka Bose's cinematography is top notch. The locales of Miami are a feast for your eyes. Costumes and styling are very upmarket.

Vishal-Shekhar's music goes well with the mood of the film. It's young, peppy and energetic. 'Desi Girl' and 'Maa Da Laadla Bigad Gaya' are foot-tapping compositions. The latter is bound to be a rage!

Both Abhishek and John are fantabulous! Abhishek pulls out all the stops and delivers one of the finest performances of his career. His comic timing is superb! John will make guys and girls drool over his amazing physique. But, most importantly, people will sit up and notice how fine an actor John is. Both Abhishek and John compliment each other so well. In fact, had the chemistry and camaraderie been missing, the story would've failed to look convincing. Two thumbs up for these two guys!

Priyanka looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. First FASHION, now DOSTANA, Priyanka is back with a bang. Bobby Deol lends the required class to his role. No other actor would've looked so real while underplaying this character.

Boman Irani is sure to bring the house down, the auditorium is sure to resonate with laughter in his sequences. Kirron Kher is superb as the Punjabi mom. Watch her throw a fit when she learns that her son [Abhishek] is gay and much later, when she accepts John as family. She's remarkable! Sushmita Mukherjee, as Priyanka's aunt, is fantastic. She's so, so funny. Shilpa Shetty sizzles in the opening track.

On the whole, DOSTANA is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter. In terms of business, the film holds tremendous appeal for the youth. The 16 to 25 age-group would go into raptures and bonkers over this film. Its business at multiplexes mainly will be amazing. In Overseas too, the film should emerge amongst the biggest draws of 2008. DOSTANA rocks... have a blast!