Hema Malini to produce film to help daughters

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 3 : Hema Malini is so worried about daughter Esha Deol's career that she is ready to start her own production house to kick start Esha's and second daughter Ahana's careers.


"No one is able to use Esha properly. I want to produce a film where Esha will play the lead and Ahana will get into production. It's time Ahana got a chance to prove herself behind the camera," Hema told IANS.

"I must start a production house right now and get both our daughters involved. Even Dharam-ji (Dharmendra) feels it's important for me to give them that home start."

Talk of Dharmendra and Hema's eyes light up. "Do you know he shares a terrific rapport with Ahana? He's very worried about what she'll finally do."

"And he loves Esha so much. For the first time he typed out an SMS to send to her in South Africa when he couldn't get through on the phone. I checked with Esha to make sure she got it. It was a very precious moment for us."

Hema said she is on the lookout for a good scriptwriter who can turn an idea she has in mind into a film starring her and Esha, "That's my top priority now."

Irrfan Khan nominated for Spirit Awards in US

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 5 : The American company Film Independent which honours independent films and filmmakers across the world has announced nominations for its 2008 Spirit Awards. And one of the contenders is Indian actor Irrfan Khan.


He is rubbing shoulders in the best supporting actor category with the stalwarts of world cinema like Steve Zahn, Marcus Carl Franklin and Kene Holliday for his performance as Tabu's silently progressive husband in "The Namesake".

The Spirit Awards, held a few days prior to the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, are usually seen as a precursor to the Oscars.

Speaking to IANS from New York Irrfan could barely contain his surprise. "Mira Nair got the hugely prestigious Gotham award, and I was there to watch this historic moment. Barely 24 hours later comes this announcement about me.

"The Spirit award is to me every bit as prestigious as the Oscars. Unlike the Oscars it's a totally independent award based entirely on merit rather than lobbying. So whoever gets nominated gets in there solely by merit.

"I'm honoured to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Don Cheadle, Frank Langella and Philip Seymour Hoffman (all nominated in the best-actor category). Philip is my favourite actor in the world."

In fact, Irrfan met his favourite actor after the Gotham awards at a party Monday. "His versatility has always taken my breath away. He started with just two scenes in 'Scent Of A Woman'. Somewhere I identify with him. When I met him it was a dream come true."

Tere Naina (Geet)

A beautiful sentimental song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7Fw9L-GeKc&feature=related

Another beautiful song from Geet!

Jo dil mein

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaD99Ka8p9s&feature=related

Another one!

Jiske sapne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GxUCUDaEYI&feature=related

quote:

Originally posted by Rosita:
Another one!

Jiske sapne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GxUCUDaEYI&feature=related

................................................
Nice song Rosie..

Dharmendra has a quiet birthday with family

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 9 : She is one of the long-standing screen queens and he the macho man. But Hema Malini and Dharmendra in real life are as non-filmi as they can get.


On Saturday, Hema brought in Dharmendra's birthday with the minimum fanfare.

"We're not a filmy family at all. We don't believe in pomp and show. So we didn't have the typical cake cutting, stuffing one another's mouth with the cake and cameras clicking all the happenings," Hema told IANS.

She said her husband is basically a shy person and likes to be with the family.

"All four of us, Dharam-ji, me and our two daughters spent a quiet day at home. To us, that's a day well spent. And that's how we celebrate our birthdays."

quote:

[] likes to be with the family.

"All four of us, Dharam-ji, me and our two daughters spent a quiet day at home. To us, that's a day well spent. And that's how we celebrate our birthdays."

I guess sunny deol, bobby deol and dem mom are not as important family members?

jes wondering

quote:

Originally posted by chameli:
I guess sunny deol, bobby deol and dem mom are not as important family members?

jes wondering

That is what happens when you spread yourself thin. That happens to many families in America and I guess Canada.

Still better then people killing each other when the goings get too much to handle.

'Why' for New York Film fest

Nashik, Dec 10 : ''Why?'', a short film made by Nashik-based Ashish Kulkarni, has been selected for the New York Film festival, to be held from February 28 to March 6 next year.


''The film is an attempt to show that nobody is perfect. It stresses the need to make people aware of their weaknesses. This is the only Indian entry for the festival,'' Mr Kulkarni told mediapersons here.

This attempt has received international attention as the film is the only one selected from entries sent by more than fifteen producers from India. The film has been shot entirely in Nashik.

Is Aishwarya Rai pregnant?

New Delhi, Dec 19: Is there a Salim on the way? Actress Aishwarya Rai, Jodha Bai of the period epic "Jodhaa-Akbar", is "enjoying the speculation" about her pregnancy in the media. And she refuses to rise to the bait.


"If I walk too carefully or if I stand with dupatta draped on one side, the media will be rife with speculation the next day. So I am myself, going along with the flow," said the chirpy former Miss World-turned-actress shimmering in a cloud of green chiffon and diamonds.

She was in the capital to unveil a new collection of Nakshatra diamond jewellery, a brand she represents.

She is not even threatened by the return of Madhuri Dixit in "Aaja Nachle". "Have you watched 'Devdas'?" Aishwarya shot back when asked how did she take the former superstar's comeback.

Aishwarya is comfortable in her new role.

"This new phase of my life, as Abhishek's (Bachchan) wife, has been special. I have another set of parents in Amit (Amitabh Bachchan) and Jayaji. The goodwill of the media and the people in general also has mattered," the actress said.

The actress is full of memories of "Jodhaa-Akbar".

"It is a director's film all the way. Ashutosh Gowariker is a committed filmmaker and for me it was another project that I enjoyed. The choice was between two films and Ashutosh was undecided which one he would make first. Then he messaged me one day saying will you be my Jodha. I said why not?" recalls Aishwarya.

There is no special connect on the part of Aishwarya with Jodha Bai, emperor Akbar's favourite Hindu queen, whose identity is still a mystery.

"Ashutosh is not here to give a lesson in history. He just made a movie on the moving love story between Jalaluddin Akbar and Jodha Bai. It is an inspiring story. They were two people, who had an arranged inter-religion marriage despite the fact that they came from different backgrounds," she clarified.

The only aspect of Jodha Bai the actress identifies with is her "silence". "She made her presence felt through her silence and spoke only when she wanted to make herself heard," Aishwarya said.

Speaking about love for diamonds and accessories, she said: "Diamonds were to a woman what cars were to men."

The actress is nostalgic about her first diamond. "I got it from my father. It was a diamond ring which belonged to my grandmother."

The rest of the diamonds she acquired along the way "with experience and they have been priceless".

quote:

She is not even threatened by the return of Madhuri Dixit in "Aaja Nachle". "Have you watched 'Devdas'?" Aishwarya shot back when asked how did she take the former superstar's comeback.

does this mean she thought she was the better actress?

Teji Bachchan cremated

Mumbai, Dec 22 : Amidst chanting of Vedic hymns, Teji Bachchan, wife of the late Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and mother of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, was consigned to flames Saturday at the Juhu Ruia Park Crematorium here.


Teji, who passed away around 1.15 p.m. Friday, was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra in January for multiple age-related health problems.

The funeral procession started from the Bachchans' bungalow Pratiksha. The pallbearers included Amitabh, brother Ajitabh, Abhishek, son-in-law Nikhil Nanda and other family members. Others in the procession included Reliance's Anil Ambani, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Singh and Sahara Group head Subroto Roy.

Amitabh Bachchan lit the funeral pyre around 10 a.m.

A steady stream of callers-on included Yash Chopra, Prasoon Joshi and Mac Mohan who paid homage to Teji at the crematorium. They also offered condolences to the bereaved family members, including Jaya, daughter Shweta and daughter-in-law Aishwarya.

Tight security was maintained at the venue and on the route to the crematorium, mainly to keep away hordes of fans who had lined up since early morning to catch a glimpse of the stars.

The Bachchan family had earlier planned the last rites at Chandanwadi crematorium, about 20 km in south Mumbai from the Bachchans' old bungalow `Pratiksha', but later decided on the nearby Juhu crematorium.

Shah Rukh emerges undisputed box office king in 2007

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Dec 31 : As 2007 comes to an end, Shah Rukh Khan is the undisputed king of box office and Kareena Kapoor is the "actress number 1".


Director Shimit Amin hit the bull's eye with "Chak De! India" and revived the hockey mania. Ranbir Kapoor led the pack of newcomers in 2007.

The top actors:

Shah Rukh Khan: Undisputed king of the box office with two super hits "Chak De! India" and "Om Shanti Om" oozing star-power in every frame. Next feature is with good friend Karan Johar.

Akshay Kumar: Take a bow, Akshay. With four hits - "Namastey London", "Heyy Babyy", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and at the yearend "Welcome" - the man is the new invincible Midas at the box office.

Aamir Khan: With "Taare Zameen Par" Aamir proves he a man of integrity and an artiste who puts his money where his mouth is.

The top actresses:

Kareena Kapoor: One rousing performance in "Jab We Met", and she's back at the top. But where does Kareena go from here? Yash Raj Films' "Tashan" is her next release and the buzz is she's bagging Karan Johar's next with Shah Rukh.

Vidya Balan: Three solid hits - "Guru", "Heyy Babyy" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" have suddenly made Vidya a force to reckon with. In 2008, she'll be competing with Priyanka Chopra, who has an impressive line up of lavish releases, and Aishwarya Rai whose "Jodhaa-Akbar" could be the biggest.

Konkona Sen-Sharma: From Rani's chirpy sibling in "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag" to Kunal Kapoor's besotted Laila in "Aaja Nachle", Konkona didn't really deliver the hits. But her solid performing powers put her among the formidable actresses.

The top directors:

Shimit Amin: He made hockey sexy. Shah Rukh Khan in his most sober role to date was putty in Amin's hands. The guy has taken a long sabbatical after the triumph of "Chak De! India". Of course, he returns to a Yash Raj Film.

Imtiaz Ali: And so what if "Jab We Met" came when the lead pair parted? Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor never seemed to share stronger chemistry in any of the films that they did together as a real-life pair. Ali, who earlier directed Abhay Deol's debut film "Socha Na Tha", is flooded with offers. He has agreed to direct a film for producer Saif Ali Khan.

Priyadarshan: Only director of 2007 with two hits, a minor "Dhol" and a major "Bhool Bhulaiyya", Priya sure has come a long way.

Top music directors:

Monty Singh: The scintillating score of "Saawariya" has single-handedly revived the era of pure melodies.

Pritam Chakraborty: The composer delivered modern songs in "Life... In A Metro", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and "Jab We Met".

Vishal-Shekhar: "Sajna ji vari-vari" in "Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd" at the beginning of 2007 and "Dard-e-disco" in "Om Shanti Om" at year-end rocked the charts.

The top newcomers of the year:

Ranbir Kapoor: Rock-solid pedigree, endearing screen presence and oodles of self-confidence made the newest Kapoor on the block every girl's favourite "Saawariya". Next year Ranbir will be seen wooing Bipasha, Katrina, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba.

Sonam Kapoor: She's been compared with Waheeda Rehman and Rekha. Sonam is here to stay. Everyone from Ekta Kapoor to Preity Zinta finds her interesting.

Ruslaan Mumtaz: "Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar" was a damp squib, but Ruslaan created a ripple in a quiet way. Watch out for him in his second film "Tere Sang".

Deepika Padukone: Shah Rukh Khan's dreamy girl from "Om Shanti Om" made a dream debut in a double role. Her next film "Made In China" pairs the OSO babe with Akshay Kumar.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Beyonce to star in Sajid's next

Mumbai, Jan 9: Bollywood producer Sajid Nadiadwala has roped in none other than Hollywood stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Beyonce Knowles to star in his next magnum opus 'Kambakth Ishq'.


An industry source revealed that Sajid is all set to roll his next magnum opus to be directed by newbie Sabir Khan in Los Angeles in May. Pre Production work is starting next week for which Sajid's making a hush hush trip to Hollywood.

An international source said, ''Sajid has managed a casting coup in Kambakth Ishq. Apparently Arnold Schwarzenegger has agreed to play an interesting cameo in the film. Pop Sensation Beyonce is also all set to act in the film. The film stars the super hit pair of Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Akshay plays a Hollywood stuntman in the film. '' Responding to queries about the film, Sajid said, ''Yes, we shall be making a formal announcement very soon. I cannot reveal any further details. As our Indian film industry is making its presence felt and going global, I would like my banner Nadiadwala Grandsons to scale the global level in film making too.''

Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila given lifetime achievement awards

Pune, Jan 11 : Yesteryear Bollywood actors Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore were honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Sixth Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), last evening.


Sharmila, who has an illustrious five-decade long career behind her, said the award is also an honour to the people she worked with. "Collective effort is what makes us. So, I want to thank everyone who has been on that journey with me and who has made me what I am today. Thank you very much," she said.

Shammi, who has carried forward the legacy of his father Prithviraj Kapoor, said, "I feel very honoured that you have given me this award. I feel very privileged because coming here to Pune itself has always been a pleasure," said

The Pune film festival, which saw several Bollywood actors and film fraternity in attendance, began on Thursday.

It's a week-long event showcasing around 170 films from 40 countries.

As many as 15 films in various Indian languages will be showcased in the 'Indian panorama' section in addition to six "Best of Mainstream Hindi Cinema" of 2007.

John Abraham may soon propose to Bipasha...


http://www.newkerala.com/video-news.php?action=fullnews&id=99

Yoga brings inner calm, but packed classes spark rage

London, Jan 13: From Baba Ramdev to leggy beauty Shilpa Shetty, yoga has been promoted by all in the United Kingdom to bring inner calm. But, the yoga classes are so packed here that a little disturbance is enough to spark a rage.


Besides, with their 'modern manners', beginners in the yoga classes are said to be intruding in the learning of this spiritual practice.

Looking at the situation, Jane Craggs, a teacher at the Yoga Shala centre in Manchester, said, ''Classes are absolutely packed at the beginning of the year, so yoga rage is definitely more exaggerated.'' ''The beginners don't realise that yoga is all about self-awareness, so they come into class late, take off their shoes noisily, drop their loose change and step on hands as they try to find a space for their mat which often prompts hard stares and angry muttering,'' the Daily Telegraph quoted the teacher, as saying.

To avert yoga rage, Union Yoga in Edinburgh asks all students to observe complete silence in the studio. Reiterating it, Victoria Bosso, a teacher at the centre, said, ''It is the only way to prevent classes being disrupted and annoying those who may be deep in meditation.'' In recent years, celebrities like Madonna and Julia Roberts have also been interested in yoga and at present, nearly three million people in the UK are estimated to practise it regularly, which is a three fold increase since 1998.

Om Shanti Om heads for Berlin Film Festival

Mumbai, Jan 20: Shah Rukh Khan's ''Om Shanti Om'', Bollywood's top grosser in 2007, has been selected for a German premier in the ''Berlinale Special 2008'' section at the prestigious 58th Berlin Film Festival 2008 to be held from February 7 to 17.


The Berlinale Special section shows works of contemporary filmmakers, whom the Festival wishes to honour, a press release issued here yesterday said.

''Om Shanti Om'' is among 12 films selected this year in the section. Directed by Farah Khan and produced by Gauri Khan, ''Om Shanti Om'' stars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade.

The film will have a German premiere at the Festival on February 8 at Kino Internazionale and will be attended by Shah Rukh Khan, who will also deliver a lecture at the Berlinale Talent Campus, the release added.

Eros International will be releasing ''Om Shanti Om'' theatrically in Germany soon after the Berlin Film Festival.

Sanjay Dutt may have married Manyata

Mumbai, Jan 23 : A prominent half-page colour advertisement by Sanjay Dutt and Manyata in a Marathi newspaper Wednesday, greeting Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on his 82nd birthday, indicates that the troubled film star may have tied the knot with his live-in companion, an indication confirmed by Bollywood sources.


The advertisement has been released in the 88-page special edition Saamna newspaper. Below a large photograph of a reclining Thackeray is the revealing caption: "From Sanjay Dutt and Manyata Dutt".

According to Bollywood sources, the duo had a low-profile registered marriage in the presence of a few family members and close friends.

Though his sisters Priya, Namrata and other family friends remained unreachable on their mobile phones, sources told IANS that the marriage has been kept under wraps since Dutt has been sentenced to a jail term. He is presently out on bail.

"It would appear inappropriate to celebrate a marriage with him behind bars," one of his Bollywood friends said.

Dutt was always expected to tie the knot with Manyata alias Dilhaaz Shaikh, once an innocuous Bollywood item girl, who has been seen with him during the highs and lows in his personal and professional lives.

Ever since the star, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast case, was released from his latest jail stint in November last year, Manyata has been constantly seen with him at all public events, including his film shoots.

Manyata has reportedly become so possessive of late that not only Dutt's friends, even his sisters cannot walk into his apartment and talk to him without her remaining within earshot.

Sources said the couple is now planning to shift out of their Mumbai apartment building Imperial Heights to guard their privacy.

Balancing home and work not just domain of women: Ash

Mumbai, Jan 25: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wonders why only female working professionals are asked about how they balance home and work after marriage.


''Balancing commitments and prioritising them is applicable even to men and not just my gender. Focus on what needs your commitment at what time as time is precious. Balancing commitments and being true to your reality is important,'' the actress said while talking to reporters last night after launching ''Lux Provocateur'', a new black soap from the Lux brand.

Ash, who has been the brand ambassador of ''Lux'' for nine years said black lux arouses curiousity and intrigue among the consumers.

''Black Lux is very innovative and transcends the barriers of colour bias. Normally, consumers would ask how a black soap would clean their skin,'' she added.

Replying to questions, the actress said beauty knew no colour and tone variations. ''We do not chose the colour of our skin that we are born with. Black is mysterious to some and white is fascinating to many. The black soap bar was reminiscent of women who command attention by their mystery,'' she felt.

The former beauty queen said the year 2007 has been an eventful year for her personally and professionally.

The actress said she was awaiting the release of ''Jodhaa Akbar'' next month and was eager to know the reaction of the audiences to Ashutosh Gowarikar's labour of love. ''It has been a sincere and painstaking effort of all those involved in the project,'' she added.

Working in ''Sarkar Raj'' and ''Pink Panther'' has given her creative satisfaction, she said. Responding to a question on international projects which include films on the Bhopal gas tragedy and Shahjehan, Ash said ideas have been exchanged on both movies. As far as the Bhopal tragedy film is concerned, it is still in the process of scripting. ''When I get a full bound script, I will know where the project stands,'' she added.

Referring to Ben Kinsgley's ''Shahjehan'', Ash said he told her that after ''Gandhi'', it would be ideal to come back to explore India with ''Shahjehan''. ''Even this film is in the script development process,''she added.

Ash was also approached for Rajnikant starrer ''Robot''. ''If dates and schedules work out well, it will be a positive response from my side,'' she said.

When asked how she plans to celebrate hubby Abhishek's birthday on February 5, Ash replied, ''It will be special.'' To a query on the secret of her beauty, Ash said, ''Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, the love and affection of her fans, family and friends make her glow. It is neccessary to be real and stay connected with true self. Beauty radiates from within.

Titles like beauty queen are transient. Being who you are is constant.'' She said the Lux brand symbolised tradition and glamour. ''It has been a tradition for a female actor to be associated with this brand. I feel privileged to be part of it for nine years,'' she added.