'My Name Is Khan' to be dubbed in German and Turkish

Updated on : Monday, February 22, 2010

MUMBAI: There is more good news for MNIK. Inspired by the overwhelming response in the overseas market, the producers of Shah Rukh Khan-starred 'My Name Is Khan' (MNIK), has decided to dub it in German and Turkish.

In addition, the movie will be subtitled in Polish to get a big global audience. The company wants to reach out as many people as possible. It was confirmed by Fox STAR Studios India, which distributes and markets MNIK.

'My Name Is Khan' is already doing great in North America and Britain. It broke the overseas records for any Hindi film released worldwide.

MNIK will be released in Poland in 50 screens. It will be huge, as none other Hindi film was released in more than five screens so far.

Katrina Kaif quits from 'The Italian Job'

Updated on : Sunday, February 7, 2010

MUMBAI: In a much controversy of Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif’s chase over the female lead role in Abbas Mustan’s remake of ‘The Italian Job’, finally it has been heard that after formers dismiss, the later is planning to quit.

What Katrina has to say in this counterpart is that because her character in the film does not have much substance she is planning to quit.

According to the sources report Katrina is going for a second thought whether to play or not. She has initially read the script and agreed at first. But due to her high demand in the film industry she has become quite cautious about her roles and won’t sign on anything that is not relevant to big banners.

Reportedly, it is heard that she chose to do the film because of Saif Ali Khan but after he quit Katrina seems to have lost her interest in the film. However, she may agree to do the film if the script appears more appealing to her after the changeover she demanded.

Katrina seems to be taking every step wisely considering every aspect of it.

Shahrukh and Aamir are '2 Idiots' : Hindu extremists Shiv Sena

Updated on : Tuesday, February 2, 2010

MUMBAI: Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan are '2 Idiots'. That's what the Shiv Sena believes and the party’s Hindi mouthpiece ‘Dopahar Ka Saamna’ said in a statement: “In real life, Aamir and Shahrukh have been proved as ‘2 Idiots’ as both are making stupid statements supporting the cause of Pakistani cricketers.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also said that if Shahrukh was so keen on Pakistani players he could go play his matches in Lahore and not in India.

Shahrukh had to face Sena's wrath when he voiced his disappointment at Pakistani players not being hired by any of the franchise for the third season of the tournament.

Sena had stepped up it's campaign against King Khan on Sunday and took out a morcha to his house Mannat. They also tore down posters of his upcoming movie My Name is Khan and also warned theatres against screening the movie in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena also targeted Aamir who was on a rare occasion heard voicing the same opinion as Shahrukh.

Aamir had said "National boundaries are man-made. If someone is a good cricketer, then I would want him in my team. I don't care which country he belongs to.”

Well it seems Sena is panning to take on anybody who voices his opinion, which doesn't fall in line with Sena's ideology and its leadership.

Aamir, Rekha, Saif get civilian honours

Updated on : Monday, January 25, 2010

NEW DELHI: Bollywood star Aamir Khan and Tamil composers A.R. Rahman and Ilayaraja were Monday named for Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third highest civilian award,

While actors Rekha, Saif Ali Khan, Arundhati Nag and sound engineer Resul Pokutty got Padma Shri.

Aamir, 44, who struck gold at the box office with his latest outing “3 Idiots” that grossed over Rs.375 crore worldwide, is already a recipient of the Padma Shri.

Allah Rakha Rahman, who shone at the Oscars last year with his double golden statuette win, seems to be on an award winning spree post the success of “Slumdog Millionaire”.

In 2008, Rahman scored the music of Danny Boyle’s rags-to-riches drama “Slumdog Millionaire” for which he won a Golden Globe. He also bagged two Oscars for the film, becoming the first Indian citizen to do so.

Apart from the Oscars, Rahman has also been awarded with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award, four National Film Awards and 13 Filmfare awards.

Tamil composer Ilayaraja has been a prominent name in the southern film industry since 1976. He debuted with “Annakkili” and is known for integrating Tamil folk lyric with Western music. He won the Indian National Film Award thrice for the movies - “Sindhu Bhairavi”, “Rudraveena” and “Saagara Sangamam.”

And now Ilayaraja gets the Padma Bhushan.

Bollywood diva Rekha, 55, has been selected for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest honour, after four decades in the Indian film industry.

Rekha has acted in over 150 films and maintained versatility in films like “Do Anjaane” (1976), “Ghar” (1978), “Muqaddar Ka Sikander” (1978), “Khubsoorat” (1980), “Silsila” (1981), “Baseraa” (1981), “Utsav” (1984), “Khoon Bhari Maang” (1988), “Ijaazat” (1988), “Kama Sutra” (1996) and “Zubeidaa” (2001), et al.

After being awarded with the 2008 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, now Arundhati Nag, a well-known name in the theatre world, wins Padma Shri. She was recently seen in “Paa” as Amitabh Bachchan’s grandmother.

Saif Ali Khan, one of the top notch actors in Hindi film industry, has been honoured with the Padma Shri. He became a sought after name after the success of “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001). After that there has been no looking back for the actor who also bagged the National Film Awards for his performance in “Hum Tum”.

'Inglourious Basterds' wins top honor at SAG Awards

Updated on : Sunday, January 24, 2010

LOS ANGELES: Quentin Tarantino's bloody World War Two revenge flick "Inglourious Basterds" won the top honor at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards Saturday, a key indicator of possible Oscars contenders.

After being overlooked in favor of science fiction epic "Avatar" at last week's Golden Globes, "Inglourious Basterds" revitalized its Oscar hopes by scooping the best ensemble performance award.

The SAG Awards are seen as a bellwether of likely winners at the Academy Awards, which take place this year on March 7.

For the past two years, the winner of the SAG Awards best ensemble statuette has gone on to win best picture at the Oscars, with "Slumdog Millionaire" triumphing in 2009 and "No Country For Old Men" prevailing in 2008.

Actor Eli Roth accepted the award Saturday on behalf of the "Inglorious Basterds" cast, which included Brad Pitt who was nowhere to be seen Saturday.

Roth paid tribute to "Pulp Fiction" director Tarantino in his acceptance speech. "Quentin your belief in us lets us rise to the occasion and brings out the best in all of us, it was an honor to be a part of this," Roth said.

Other films nominated in the category included "An Education," "The Hurt Locker," "Nine," and "Precious."

Top individual acting honors were won by Hollywood veteran Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock in a repeat of last week's Golden Globe Awards. The wins cement Bridges's and Bullock's status as Oscars front-runners.

Bridges, 60, won for his portrayal of a washed up country singer battling to rebuild his career in the drama "Crazy Heart."

"This means so much to be acknowledged by my acting family," Bridges said. "It's like a big family, playing advanced version of pretend. I love being an actor, pretending to be other folks."

Bridges beat out competition from George Clooney for "Up in the Air," Colin Firth for "A Single Man," Morgan Freeman for "Invictus" and Jeremy Renner for Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker."

Bullock triumphed for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in "The Blind Side," the true story of how the southern housewife took in homeless black teen Michael Oher, who went on to become an American football star.

"If this were only not televised so I could use the appropriate words I'm feeling right now," Bullock, 45, said in her acceptance speech, which included a heartfelt tribute to her husband of five years Jesse James.

"You get dressed up in monkey suits and sit at tables with people you don't know," Bullock said. "I love you so much and you're really hot and I want you so much."

Other nominees in the category included Helen Mirren for "The Last Station," Carey Mulligan for "An Education," Gabourey Sidibe for "Precious," and Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia."

In the supporting actor categories, Austria's Christoph Waltz followed up his success at the Golden Globes to underscore his status as Oscars favorite.

Waltz won for his performance as a deranged Nazi officer in "Inglourious Basterds."

Other nominees included Matt Damon for "Invictus," Woody Harrelson for "The Messenger," Christopher Plummer for "The Last Station" and Stanley Tucci in "The Lovely Bones."

The best supporting actress award was also a repeat of the Golden Globes, with Mo'nique taking home the statuette for her performance as an abusive parent in the gritty drama "Precious."

Mo'nique beat out comptition from Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick from "Up In the Air," Penelope Cruz from "Nine," and Diane Kruger from "Inglourious Basterds."

US telethon raises more than 58 million for Haiti

Updated on : Sunday, January 24, 2010

NEW YORK: A US telethon to help earthquake victims in Haiti has raised more than 58 million dollars, setting a new donation record by the general public, organizers announced.

"The public has set a new standard of giving for a relief telethon with 'Hope for Haiti Now,' and the donations continue to come in -- people can still contribute 24/7 via phone, web and text," said Lisa Paulsen, president and chief executive officer of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a non-profit organization providing philanthropic support to "Hope for Haiti Now."

The event led by Hollywood actor George Clooney was broadcast by all major television networks in the United States.

It featured performances by Wyclef Jean, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Coldplay, Bono, Jay-Z, and Rihanna.

Internet social networks Facebook and MySpace contributed to funds collection.

The January 12 earthquake has left more than 111,000 Haitians dead and about 500,000 homeless, according to the latest figures released by the Haitian Interior Ministry.

Precious Avatar win Critics' Choice awards

Updated on : Saturday, January 16, 2010

LOS ANGELES: "Precious," "Avatar" and "Inglourious Basterds" won early prizes on Friday at the Critics' Choice Awards, a ceremony that has an uncanny knack of foretelling Oscar success.

Quentin Tarantino's Nazi revenge fantasy "Inglourious Basterds" picked up the first award, for best ensemble. The film led the field with 10 nominations, tied with the all-star musical "Nine."

Comedian Mo'Nique was named best supporting actress for her turn as an abusive mother in the harrowing urban drama "Precious."

She described the film's director, Lee Daniels, as "one of the most brilliant directors and visionaries of our time," and said she was "awe-struck" by the film's star, Gabourey Sidibe.

"Avatar," which scored nine nomination, was named best action movie.

All three movies will compete for the best picture award, an honor that usually leads to the top Oscar.

"Avatar" producer Jon Landau declined to be drawn on the film's Oscar chances, or how much money writer/director James Cameron's blockbuster would make at the box office. It is quickly catching up to the pair's all-time champ "Titanic."

"I'm very excited about the whole season," Landau said. "I think it's a very competitive year this year. To be included with the group of movies that we are it's very exciting."

Other early winners included "Up" for best animated film, and Saoirse Ronan for best young actor/actress. She played a teen who was raped and murdered in Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones."

The Critics' Choice Awards, organized by the 235 members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, have established a reputation as the leading barometer of Oscar success. In the last 10 years, 80 percent of its best-picture winners went onto take Oscar gold. The success rate for director, best actor and actress is 70 percent.

The Golden Globes, by contrast, have a 60 percent rate for best picture in the same period, even after dividing its category into drama and comedy. Its hit rate with best director is 50 percent. "Up in the Air" is the leading contender at the Globes, which will take place in Beverly Hills on Sunday.

Priyanka to play Mohanlal's wife in 'Seven Husbands'

Updated on : Thursday, January 14, 2010

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is now set to play Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s wife in Vishal Bharadwaj’s next movie Seven Husbands.

“Mohanlal will be playing one of Priyanka’s husbands in Seven Husbands. The names of other actors are being kept under wraps as of now,” a source close to the actress told media.

This will be for the second time that Priyanka will play multiple characters in a single film. She had essayed 12 roles in Ashutosh Gowariker’s What’s Your Rashee?, but the film failed to pull in audiences.

Seven Husbands” is Bharadwaj’s next venture after his acclaimed movie Kaminey, which also starred Priyanka. The movie is said to be co-written by Bharadwaj and author Ruskin Bond.

Vidya Balan to star in 'No One Killed Jessica'

Updated on : Sunday, January 3, 2010

MUMBAI: Vidya Balan is pretty excited to portray the character of Jessica’s sister in the biographical flick 'No One Killed Jessica’. The lady who has earned lot of accolade for her performance in ‘Paa’ is keen to do different kind of roles. The actress after making her debut in Bollywood with ‘Parineeta’ has since then not looked back.

The film based on the much hyped Jessica Lal murder case will be directed by Rajkumar Gupta. Jessica was gunned down in a bar amidst several people in April 1999 and the victim’s sister has been fighting since then to get justice. Vidya would be portraying the character of Sabrina in the movie.

The director said that film will be on floors on Feb 2010. Speaking about his choice for the actress to play the part, Gupta said, “Vidya Balan seemed like the right choice from the start. Now that I have got her for the role, the rest of the casting will be easy.”

Meanwhile an eager Vidya about her new challenge says, “The minute I heard the role, I wanted to do it. It’s my first biographical role and a big challenge. I’ll be meeting Sabrina shortly. After Paa and Ishqiya, I need to move forward.”

Huge response for Bollywoods's Three Idiots

Updated on : Saturday, January 2, 2010

NEW DELHI: Three idiots is on its way to becoming the biggest Bollywood blockbuster yet, surpassing the lifetime theatre ticket collections of the big-league Ghajini, Gadar, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, two leading film trade analysts said.

The Vidhu Vinod Chopra-produced film has grossed Rs 175 crore worldwide within a week of its release. Ghajini and Gadar are estimated to have collected Rs 225 crore and Rs 175 crore till date, and Three Idiots is slated to surpass these figures before the end of the second week of the release, a trade analyst said.

Although the two blockbusters of the mid-1990s, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun are considered to have made as much of an impact at the box office as Gadar and Ghajini, the last two grossed much more in revenues. This is because prices of cinema tickets have gone up manifold in the past 15 years.

Film trade analyst Komal Nahata said Three Idiots could safely be called the movie of the decade.

Taran Adarsh, another film trade analyst, wrote in his website: "Three Idiots’ numbers are bigger than the lifetime gross of most biggies."

Film distributor Sanjay Ghai, who looks after big movie territories of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, said this is the most-watched movie they would ever have seen in their lifetime. "If Ghajini was watched by over 4 crore people to make it a hit, this movie would have been watched by 7-8 crore people by the time it ends its run.

I believe it is the best movie we have seen in a long time in terms of gross revenues," Mr Ghai said. He said no movie can become a blockbuster without a repeat audience and added, "We have seen queues outside theatres like this after a long time."

Buoyed by the response, Reliance Big Pictures, which is distributing the movie in collaboration with the producers, is adding new centres where the movie could not be released in the first week.

Bollywood set to rock new year with romantic comedy

Updated on : Saturday, January 2, 2010

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and writer, producer and actor Uday Chopra say love is always possible, while promoting their upcoming film 'Pyaar Impossible' in showbiz capital Mumbai.

Priyanka and Uday Chopra addressed a news conference to promote the film, and said that the film would attract audiences because of its simplicity.

"We are very excited because we hope to start the year off with a bang. And I think what the audience will like about the film is the simplicity of it, as there are no complications. Its not something... not brainless comedy or brainless …where you have to leave your brains at home kind of film, its not like that. But it's also not a film where you have to really think too much, it's not cerebral. Its just a breezy, soft, sweet film," said Priyanka Chopra.

Uday Chopra added that anyone who feels their love is impossible should definitely watch this film.

"The message I would like to give with this film is of course is that don't believe your pyaar (love) is impossible if you do love somebody out there, who you think is above your league, or for whatever reason you think you cannot get her or him, just make the move, go out there, and tell that person, or probably bring that person and watch the movie with that person, and hopefully that pyaar would become possible," said Uday Chopra.

The movie is directed by actor-turned-director Jugal Hansraj under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The romantic comedy also features Dino Morea.

The film is slated for release on January 8, 2010.

'Pyaar Impossible' is said to be inspired by the hit British film 'Notting Hill', which starred Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in the lead roles.

The film's official website describes the film as the love story of a beauty and a geek.

Katrina Kaif going the Yoga way

Updated on : Tuesday, September 01, 2009

MUMBAI: Katrina Kaif is inclined towards spirituality these days. Either because she wants more success or because she has learnt how other Bollywood stars try to show off their spiritual side.

The actress is not just learning Hindi to get her dialogues right but is also trying to understand the nuances of Indian astrology, yoga and meditation.

She says astrology excites her and is trying to read books related to the subject.

Whenever Kat bumps into an expert who is good at palmistry, star gazing or numerology, she doesn’t miss an opportunity to ask what’s in store for her in the future. Kat reportedly has fun this way and finds it fascinating when another person predicts her future.

The New York-actress has also got hooked onto gems, yoga after meeting people who have sworn how certain gems have helped them improve their lives.

Kat believes the energies that many of these gems contain can change a person’s life for the better. Well, Katrina’s life changed the day she ‘boomed’ into Bollywood!

The actress is eagerly looking an expert to learn more about palmistry, gemology, yoga, meditation and numerology.

Kaminey grosses Rs 630 million globally in 10 days

Updated on : Thursday, August 27, 2009

MUMBAI: After storming the box office in the very first weekend of its release, UTV Motion Pictures Kaminey has now grossed Rs 63 crores within the first 10 days of its release worldwide.

Mesmerizing audiences across the nation with its foot tapping music, ace direction and the flawless portrayal of characters by the talented cast, the film grossed over Rs 50 crores across 1200 screens at the Indian box office.

Despite its Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai release being rescheduled, Kaminey continues to rake in the moolah with its stupendous success both in India and internationally.

Spelling the Dhan te nan quotient all through, Kaminey received the second highest opening in India, US and UAE, the biggest Hindi film opening of the year in Pakistan and one of the highest openings of the year in Australia.

Salman Khan celebrates Ganesh festival

Updated on : Tuesday, August 25, 2009

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Salman Khan joined several Mumbaikars in biding emotional adieu to Lord Ganesh on first day of `visarjan' (immersion).

Among the prominent personalities who visited Salman's residence at suburban Bandra for the Ganesh puja ahead of immersion were MNS chief Raj Thackeray, cricketer Yuvraj Singh and actress Katrina Kaif.

Salman Khan gifts 25,000 to beggar

Updated on : Tuesday, August 11, 2009

MUMBAI: Actor Salman Khan may be a brat, but the brat has a heart of gold, and this, we must say is proven time and time again.

The actor while shooting for Boney Kapoor’s ‘Wanted’ at Bandra Fort seemed to recognize a beggar on the street. He went up to him, and asked him if he was the same person who used to sell kites at Band Stand, Bandra a long time ago. The beggar indeed was!

“Apparently, Salman Khan used to buy kites from him as a child. He hadn’t seen him for years, and now suddenly after 20 years to have spotted him in this state” says the source, adding, “But Salman is a very generous guy. He gave him Rs. 25,000 and bought him some food and clothes.

The beggar was eternally grateful.” Salman Khan has grown up at Bandra’s Band Stand. And flying kites on the rocks wasn’t unusual for him.

The actor has always done his bit for the underprivileged. He runs his own NGO, Salman Khan Foundation, and the proceeds of all his paintings go towards social causes.

Emraan Hashmi can't get a house in Mumbai

Updated on : Friday, July 31, 2009

MUMBAI: Being an A-lister in Bollywood can't get one past religious profiling and discrimination in Mumbai's Beverly Hills. Bollywood actor Emran Hashmi has just learned this.

Out to buy an apartment in an area close to where his parents live, the actor was politely told by Pali Hill's Nibbana Cooperative Society to go and look elsewhere. The actor believes the housing society is discriminating against him because he is a Muslim. He has filed a complaint with the State Minorities' Commission, demanding action against society members.

Commission vice-chairman Abraham Mathai told media that Hashmi had filed a complaint, saying the society had refused to give him a no-objection certificate even after he had paid the token amount of Rs 1 lakh. "We are sending summons to the society, asking for an explanation," Mathai said.

"My parents went to meet society members last week for the NoC along with the seller and the broker. Society members, however, told them they were busy and refused to meet them. I found it really offensive," said Hashmi.

"The seller, Suvarna, has now informed us that the society will not give us an NOC and it has blocked the sale. We have information that this has been done as they are discriminating against Muslims and will not allow any Muslim in the society." The society had mostly Hindus and a couple of Catholic families, Hashmi said.

This is not the first time Hashmi has faced such a problem. "I faced a similar situation in August 2007, when I was looking for a house in the same area; residents and brokers told me I would not be able to get a house because I was a Muslim. But I later managed to get one," he told media.

Hashmi's family has been living in Pali Hill for the last 50 years. "All the big names of Bollywood live in the area. Dilip Kumar, Nargis and Aamir Khan live here. So do the Dutts (Sanjay and his kin). But we still face such problems," he regretted.

Hashmi's uncle, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, said he was appalled that this was happening in an area like Pali Hill.