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‘Har Shaakh Pe Ullu Baithaa Hai’ actor Rajeev Nigam recalled what he learned from late comedian Raju Srivastav and he praised him for the kind of energy he used to have while performing on the stage.

He said: “From acing characters to giving a complete performance we all have learned a lot of things from Raju Srivastav. Amongst all of us, he was the most senior and experienced artist. And the good part is that he used to perform with us continuously. I still remember when he recently performed, I was completely blown away by the energy he had.”

Speaking during the Raju Srivastav special episode on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, he said that vacuum has been created after his demise and no one can take his place.

“Wherever he used to perform he would bring life to the whole set. When his video was played on the show, it...

Known for his act of a Mumbai bar girl, Julie, on ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, Navin Prabhakar spoke about the inspiration behind his act on the comedy-based reality show hosted by Kapil Sharma.

He said: “This is an on-the-ground experience, we keep searching for characters, and the ones who really search for it do get it. So, I got this character in Lokhandwala (Mumbai). During that time, we were not able to afford the incoming and outgoing calls on mobile phones that would cost 16 rupees.”

“So, I used to make sure no one saw me and would go to the Pco and make calls. So that time this character (a bar girl) was already inside, I copied her body language and voice and added my own script to it. And that’s what the audience witnessed on television and the rest is history,” he said explaining how a real...

Well-known actress and TV personality Archana Puran Singh recently remembered late comedian Raju Srivastav and shared her experience working with him in films.

She said: “I have done numerous films with him and realised that he was a very fine actor but then, he became more popular with his stand-up comedy. I think he was an actor, a stand-up and a wonderful comic talent. It is heartbreaking as we lost him too soon.”

Archana added his last visit to a comedy reality show and the way he expressed his love for comedy.

“Just one week before he was hospitalised, he came on the set of ‘India’s Laughter Champion’ and graced the sarpanch’s chair. And in this very studio where the set was put up, standing on the stage he said ‘I want to live on this stage, and I find my share of happiness here. He told me...

Comedian Sunil Pal recently revealed an interesting story behind his popular comic character Ratan Noora during the Raju Srivastav special episode of ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’. Ratan Noora is the character which made him a winner in the first season of ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’.

He will grace the special episode as a celebrity guest along with comedians Vijay Ishwarlal Pawar, Khayali Saharan, Ahsaan Qureshi, Sunil Pal, Rajiv Thakur, Navin Prabhakar, Rehman Khan, Suresh Albela, Rajeev Nigam, Rajat Sood, Jayvijay Sachan and Kettan Singh.

In a conversation with the host Kapil Sharma, he said: “In my hometown, government servants used to get alcohol on credit as the shop owners knew that every month on a particular date these people would get their salary, so they would reach their respective houses to get their money. For this very reason, people over there would drink a lot.”

‘The Great Indian Laughter...

14th February 2017. I was very excited. Why? I had the chance to interview Mr. Tommy Sandhu, the host of the Breakfast Show on the BBC Asian Network. Tommy will be hosting BBC Asian Network Live on Saturday 25th February at Eventim Apollo, in Hammersmith. The event will see some of the hottest acts on the British-Asian and global music scenes come together on one stage for one night only. Performers include Badshah feat. Aastha Gill, Naughty Boy feat. Kyla, Steel Banglez presents Mist, Mostack, Abracadabra, Haile (Wstrn), Anirudh, Zack Knight, Fateh, Jasmine Sandlas, and Arjun Kanungo.

Sandhu joined the station’s daily schedule in February 2010 as the London showbiz reporter for the BBC Asian Network covering premieres, parties and all the gossip from the capital. Having DJ’d in London’s China White, Movida, Cafe de Paris, Paper, The Roof Gardens and The Shadow Lounge, Sandhu has also provided the...

Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor are back together on screen in this week’s release Ok Jaanu. The romantic comedy with a millennial twist tells the story of Adi and Tara. Both are intent on pursuing their careers but then love finds a way in. Do they stay together or go off to America and Paris? Well, we will find out on January 13th.

Let’s set the scene:

In a fun and laughter filled conversation Aditya Roy Kapur chatted with Stacey about all things Ok Jaanu! Check it out!

So a film directed by Shaad Ali, music by Ar Rahman, with Karan John and Mani Ratnam producing…. what were your first thoughts when you heard about the role?

As an actor you can’t ask for anything better than this. You want to work with the best people that are at the top of their game and want...

Upcoming dramatic thriller ‘31st October’, which stars Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan, marks the comeback of legendary singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who is known for having trained several noted playback and classical singers including Asha Bhonsle, Geeta Dutt, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Alisha Chinoy and A.R Rahman among several others.

The Padma Bhushan awardee, who has made a comeback after more than two decades, has crooned the number ‘Maula’ in the film and the song, which was unveiled today, is an auditory treat for music lovers. The song, which is a tribute to the Almighty and humanity, is quite melodious and moving and is totally worth listening to on a loop. The number has been composed by Vijay Verma and penned by Moazzam Azm.

Ustad Ghulam Khan says, “The song is dedicated to God and humanity. I was so touched by the film’s subject that I decided to sing the track.

Making its premiere tonight at the London Indian Film Festival is Shefali Bhusan’s magical musical tale Jugni. The film, set to the rustic beats and full of sound and feeling music by Clinton Cerejo, stars Sugandha Garg, Siddhant Behl, Sadhana Singh, Anuritta K Jha, Samir Sharma, and Chandan S Gill.

Set in the beauty of Punjab, Jugni tells the tale of Vibhavari (Vibs) a young composer from Mumbai. She is in search of Bibi Saroop, the voice that she believes will be the saviour of her new score. She bumps into Bibi’s dashing son Mastana who also has an incredible voice. Vibs records Mastana’s renditions of Punjabi folk songs as well as Bibi Saroop’s song. What happens next? Is it a bittersweet tale or happily ever musically after? You have to watch the film to see! The film is all about dealing with the hardships in...

The music of director Shefali Bhushan’s debut film Jugni released on 15th December, 2015. Among the names slated to attend the grand launch are lead musicians and ace singers including Ar Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Clinton Cerejo among others. Also there was be the cast and crew of the film including the leads, Sugandha Garg and Siddhant Behl.

Jugni marks the debut of Maverick singer, music producer & composer Clinton Cerejo as a music director and in his debut album itself he has managed a coup of sorts by roping in some of the biggest names in the music industry. The album boasts of a 12-tracks composed by Clinton and brings together acclaimed musicians like Ar Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rahat Fatah Ali Khan, Rekha Bhardwaj amongst others in one album, as they lend their voices to the soulful numbers.

Only one prayer song sung by Rahman, ‘Lakhon Salaam’, has been penned and composed by Kaashif sahib.

Shefali Bhushan has roped in the ace musicians to lend their voices for a prayer song and a travel number in her directorial debut.

Debutant director Shefali Bhushan has managed to pull off what most filmmakers could only dream of! In a coup of sorts, that’s bound to make any filmmaker envious, the newbie has gotten two of the biggest names in the Bollywood music industry – Ar Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj – on board to sing one track each in her directorial debut, Jugni. The film boasts of a 12-track album composed by Clinton Cerejo. Only one prayer song sung by Rahman, ‘Lakhon Salaam’, has been penned and composed by Kashif.

About Rahman’s song, Shefali says, “It comes at a significant, pious moment in the film when the male protagonist goes into a deep emotional space and we could only think of Mr Rahman to give voice for it.

Debutant director Shefali Bhushan has managed to pull off what most filmmakers could only dream of! In a coup of sorts, that's bound to make any filmmaker envious, the newbie has gotten two of the biggest names in the Bollywood music industry - Ar Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj - on board to sing one track each in her directorial debut, Jugni. The film boasts of a 12-track album composed by Clinton Cerejo. Only one prayer song sung by Rahman, 'Lakhon Salaam', has been penned and composed by Kashif. About Rahman's song, Shefali says, "It comes at a significant, pious moment in the film when the male protagonist goes into a deep emotional space and we could only think of Mr Rahman to give voice for it." And while Rahman's number is a prayer song, Vishal's track is a travel song with a lilting tune, 'Duggu Duggu Dug' which is composed by Clinton.

For the music of the films of 2014, the composers brought in classic voices, new vocal sounds and vibes and even an actress or two to bring their songs to life. Usually we limit our list to the 5 Best Female Singers but this year we had to expand to 10 in order to highlight their fabulous performances.

10. Shraddha Kapoor

For the first time an actress makes it to our Best Female Singers countdown. Shraddha not only shined in two completely different roles in Ek Villain and Haider, the young actress also showed off her lovely voice with two completely different tunes. With ‘Galliyan’ from Ek Villain, she impressed with her melodious tones. In ‘Do Jahaan’ from Haider she sang a Kashmiri folk song, about which director and composer Vishal Bhardwaj said, “After listening to the song they (Kashmiris) would want to keep you with themselves.” Perhaps one day in the future she...

Shiamak is known as the Guru of Dance, and has choreographed some of the best dance pieces for stage and screen. To celebrate the choreographer’s birthday, we thought we would shine the light on his work in films! He truly has an eye for creating incredible creativity with his choreography on screen and we know you will enjoy watching every one.

‘Dhoom Again’ – Dhoom 2

The huge success of Dhoom 2 helped to solidify Hrithik Roshan’s career and no doubt his remarkable dance performance in the opening song ‘Dhoom Again’ showed him at his finest. Shiamak was of course responsible for the jaw-dropping choreography that can be seen throughout the song. It’s bold, edgy and something which we have never really seen in Bollywood before. Kudos to Shiamak on giving the song a big ‘dhoom!’

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=19yQgZXX0q8

‘Dance Pe Chance’ – Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi...

Veteran film lyricist, director, screenwriter, producer and poet Gulzar has been conferred the 45th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2013.

The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. It consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs and a shawl. The award was decided on the recommendations of a seven-member jury set up by the Government for this purpose.

Born in 1934 in Punjab in pre-independence India, Gulzar started his career in 1956. As a lyricist, he got his first break in Bimal Roy’s Bandini. He has worked with leading music directors including Sachin Dev Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Shankar Jaikishan, Hemant Kumar, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Madan Mohan. He has had outstanding partnerships with Rahul Dev Burman, A. R. Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj.

Films directed by Gulzar include Mere Apne, Koshish, Aandhi, Kinara, Khushboo, Angoor, Libaas,...

There is nothing better on Halloween than watching a scary film. It gets even better if it is a spooky, bone chilling, terrifying Bollywood film. With the spine tingling themes of haunted abandoned havelis (mansions), reincarnation, revenge of the dead and wandering lost spirits – who said that Bollywood only told romantic tales?

You may recall the chillingly melancholic ‘Aayega Aane Waala’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

Yes – this was the the first time Bollywood truly met the “horror” genre through Kamal Amrohi’s box office smash hit, Mahal (1949). Starring Ashok Kumar and Madhubala in the lead, Mahal was the very first Hindi film to explore the theme of re-incarnation. In the style of a thriller, Mahal pioneered the way for Gothic Indian fiction.

Bollywood through the 1970’s and 1980’s witnessed an abundant rising of the dead through the many successful horror films produced during these two decades.

In fact, Bollywood even...

It is Shaan’s birthday! While we put up an exclusive interview with the singing sensation on his Jhalak journey, we couldn’t help but think about that one song which made some part of our day, year or life memorable. Shaan’s voice undoubtedly casts a different spell, making each song lovelier than the last one. Son of late music director Manas Mukherjee, Shaan’s career kick started with the hit album Naujawaan, and then there was no looking back for him. R.D Burman’s remix album ‘Roop Tera Mastaana’ followed by his albums Tanhaa Dil and Aksar, Shaan made his place in the hearts of many. Bollyspice has put together a collection of our favourite Shaan songs that make our dil go ‘mmm’!

Chaand Sifarish (Fanaa, 2006)

Shaan gives this romantic number the precise tone and energy it needs through his voice. It is undoubtedly one of the...

Sushant Singh Rajput takes the lead role on Shekhar Kapur and Yash Raj Films’ Paani.

Paani tells the story of a future dystopia in which water is owned by international corporations, who use it as a weapon of control. The film focuses on a love story between two young people in a dystopian city that breaks all the rules and which, in the ensuing war, brings water back to the people.

Director Shekhar Kapur said of the casting: “Sushant is one of the most inspiring young actors to emerge out of India. It’s going to be an exciting director-actor collaboration with him on Paani.”

Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film will have a mixed western and Indian cast, with Rajput being partnered by a western female lead. Music is by A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) and filming will take place both in India and overseas in mid-2014.

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman has been known for her grace, her serene beauty and outstanding acting skills in Bollywood. Some of her more famous works include ‘Kagaz Ke Phool’, ‘Guide’, ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’, ‘Teesri Kasam’ and ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’. Talking about the Bollywood actresses of today in a recent curtain raiser, Rehman said that she thinks the actors of today are highly talented. She admired Kareena Kapoor and Vidya Balan from the present crop. "Today actors of this generation are very much talented and hard working. I like Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Kangana Ranuat... they are...

Some films offer one an instant cheer-up and others speak to that gloom that we feel at certain ages and times. If I watch Pyaasa every afternoon, then Kagaz Ke Phool would be for each weekend since it envelopes this viewer into a sighing and sniveling wreck. The film is one of the rare cases where its trivia and history cloud the film as a whole due to its eerie significance in Dutt’s trajectory. You cannot talk of the film without looking at the overlap and meta-ness of the narrative’s role in Dutt’s filmmaking oeuvre. The film broke Guru Dutt’s heart with its commercial failure of which he never directed another film after, sticking to acting and writing for his other protégé’s projects Sahib, Bibi, aur Ghulam and Chaudvin Ka Chand.

The essential plot is similar to A Star is Born, with the rising heroine...

Nomadic music composer Sneha Khanwalkar who wowed listeners with her new-age sound in Gangs Of Wasseypur has been missing from action in spite of all the raves and wah-wahs for her eclectic sound that she culled and collected from all across the world. In fact producers desirous of the most innovative music composer of Indian cinema since A R Rahman have been wondering where to find the Wasseypur ki Womaniya. Well, now it can be told. The shy Sneha has been out of circulation since March because of her fractured arm. Says Sneha, "Can you believe it? On Women's Day (March 8) I fell right on my right hand. So I've been nursing my arm for the past three months." Sneha's hand would heal not before July. But let's make it very clear that she is not interested in doing another music score until she is fully convinced about it. Says Sneha,...

There was a time when I was a teenager that I would watch Guru Dutt’s masterpiece Pyaasa every afternoon. Each time, something new was found in the narrative that was rich with detail and poetry that is right up there with my favourite film ever made, Citizen Kane. The similarities between Orson Welles and Guru Dutt are tantamount. They were both fiercely original and daring filmmakers who had changed cinematic storytelling and mise-en-scene forever. They had their demons of wine and women, but they were tortured artists afflicted by demons that bleed into some of their cinematic gems.

From the opening song ‘Yeh Hanste Hue Phool’ that is beautifully picturized against a bee pollinating the flowers as the poet Vijay (Guru Dutt) looks on at the serenity of this image, before a man stamps down on the bee. It tells us all we need to know about Dutt’s core themes in his films,...

Mumbai, April 5: Sudhir Mishra says that if he would ever remake an old classic, it would be Guru Dutt's masterpiece "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam".

Set in 19th century Bengal, the film tells decaying feudalism of landlords through the characters played by Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari, Rahman and Waheeda Rahman. Directed by Abrar Alvi, the 1962 film is still appreciated for marvellous performances by the entire cast, superb cinematography and extraordinary song picturisations.

"If I will ever make a remake of a film then it will be 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'," Mishra, known for directing films like "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi" and "Yeh Saali Zindagi", said here in an interview.

The film won four Filmfare Awards, including the best.

Bollywood actor was convicted of possessing illegal firearms as part of case over serial attacks that killed 257 people

India's supreme court has ordered the Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, the most high-profile of the 100 men and women who were convicted for the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings, to return to jail for a further three-and-a-half years.

The bombings on 12 March 1993 were engineered by a silver smuggler and gangster, Mushtaq "Tiger" Memon, widely seen as revenge for the destruction of the Mughal-era Babri Masjid, a hallowed Islamic site, by Hindu fanatics three months earlier. But the real mastermind behind the attacks was said to be the Muslim underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim.

Dutt had been out on parole since 2007, when he appealed against the original sentence by a lower court of six years imprisonment – not for the bomb conspiracy but for the lesser charge of possessing illegal weapons (an Ak-56 rifle and a 9mm pistol...

Mumbai, Feb 13: Popular stand up comedian Rehman Khan says jokes need to be selected carefully and one needs to experiment all the time.

"It depends upon what set of people you are performing for. Every joke doesn't work at every place. You need to keep on changing. You need to keep experimenting. You need to have lots of jokes with you," he told Ians in an interview.

Talking about the topics, Khan said: "They need to be relatable."

"There are two characters of mine which are famous - one is Mumbaiya Bhai's and other is qawwali. Apart from that I do observational items on male-female psychology, husband-wife," he said.

Jokes.

Legendary actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the closing stages of the 14th Mumbai Film Festival. After being presented with the award by film director Shyam Benegal, Ms Rehman made the following statement where she expressed her thanks to the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (Mami), the organisers behind the event, “I’m thrilled to receive this award from Mami, a body of the industry at the international film festival hosted in my city Mumbai and that too during the course of the centenary year of Indian cinema. I dedicate this award to the directors, producers, co-actors, technicians who’ve been a part of this journey with me.”

Waheeda Rehman initially worked in a few Tamil and Telugu films before being noticed by the eminent filmmaker Guru Dutt. She starred in a number of classic films alongside Dutt and which were also made under his production company.

So far it's been hearsay only. News of Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali getting together for an encore to Rockstar has been doing the rounds for some time now.

We now have a confirmation from someone very closely associated with the project that Ranbir and Imtiaz are indeed coming together for a film that Sajid Nadidawala would produce. And they've convinced A R Rahman to join them, although he's seriously pressed for time.

Says the source, "Initially Nadiadwala roped in Ranbir and Imtiaz for a sequel to Rockstar. However neither the actor nor the director was enthused by the idea of leaping into angst-laden journey of the traumatized musician again, at least not at the moment. They suggested a completely antithetical film to Rockstar."

We hear Imtiaz would now be directing Ranbir in a comedy rather than the Rockstar sequel.

"They needed to get away from the gloom of Rockstar.

Hallways adorned with the original posters of timeless classics. Auditoriums across the sprawling campus at Whistling Woods International (Wwi) playing Indian cinema’s gems such as Kabhi Kabhie, Bimay Roy’s Devdas, Sholay, Kanoon, Anand, Magadheera, Diamond Queen, Sahib bibi aur ghulam, Kalicharan, Kagaz ke phool, Charulata, Arth, Awaara, Sholay, Umrao Jaan, Charulata, Guide, Salaam Bombay, Meghe Dhaka Tara, Bandini, Sujata and 36 Chowringhee Lane, Amar Akbar Anthony, Mother India, Pushpak among many others. Workshops, seminars, panel discussions on subjects ranging from film-making, script writing, Marketing and distribution, dance, poetry, music, still photography, cinematography, as well as colourisation of black-and-white films. This and a lot more doses of entertainment, learning and fun concluded the 3-day celebration of the centenary of Indian Cinema organized by students of maverick filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s reputed film school ‘Whistling Woods International”

The inaugural ceremony began on a high note with A. R. Rahman, Gluzar, Saroj Khan,...

It was just eight years ago that Irshad Kamil started out with Chameli moving on to Socha Na Tha, Ahista Ahista, Karam, Shabd and more. The good times did not take long to start rolling, beginning with Jab We Met, and rapidly progressing to Love Aaj Kal, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, Action Replayy, Mausam, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Desi Boyz and Rockstar. The lyricist, however, is in no hurry of any kind. "I want to work hard and with complete honesty," he says candidly. "I am not in the game of trying to show that I am a big-name lyricist - I would like to be content even being a Raja Mehndi Ali Khansaab, a small name with an impeccable reputation. I have never been impatient in the matter of fame or money. I turn down films whose stories I do not like.

My Oh My, how fast has 2011 gone. Most may feel it was only yesterday when 2010 began but here we are in a new year and eagerly waiting to see what comes. Naturally, this is a big thing for Bollywood followers like BollySpice as we delve into the best films of 2011. So without further adieu, here we go.

Ten: Bbuddha Hoga Tera Baap

He began the angry young man trend and stamped his rights on history. Amitabh Bachchan returns to the screen to recapture the tag in Bbuddha Hoga Tera Baap, under the direction of South director Puri Jagannath.

For those that have been sitting under a rock or hiding in their rooms, Puri’s Telugu film Pokiri was remade with Salman Khan as Wanted. While he let Prabhu Deva take over the director’s chair for that film, he got back into his chair of familiar territory and brought along...

2011 has been all about variety. A run-of-the-mill, do it by the numbers soundtrack just won’t cut it anymore, not with an abundance of fresh talent injecting life and creativity into the industry, and pushing the veterans to try harder.

This year it was hard to narrow the list down to just 10 great albums (and even then we had to cheat a little bit!): don’t listen to the people who say Bollywood film music is stale, because they’re obviously not looking in the right places! Here are some of the best soundtrack albums of the year to delight your ears with!

10. Shor In The City

The film had a pretty low profile but it didn’t stop two of the tracks from the Ost album rocketing up the charts in the first week of release: the frenetic, pulsating ‘Karma Is a Bitch’ hitting #10 and the lilting, lovely...

Gautam Menon’s bilingual (Tamil/Telugu) masterpiece Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (Vtv) and Yeh Maaya Chesave (Ymc) is finally being re-made in Hindi as Ekk Deewana Tha with Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson as the leads. The music of Vtv/Ymc, composed by A R Rahman, was given as epic a status if not more than the movie. So it was not a surprise when it was heard that Rahman would be re-making the same songs in Hindi with lyrics penned by none other than Javed Akhtar.

Edt has 12 tracks and features the vocal talents of Clinton Cerejo (‘Kya Karoon’ – Wake Up Sid), Shreya Ghosa (‘Chikni Chameli’ – Agneepath), Javed Ali (‘Guzarish’ – Ghajini), Naresh Iyer (‘Robaroo’ – Rang De Basanti) and Rahman himself amongst others.

Ekk Deewana Tha hits cinemas 17 Febuary 2012.

Kya Hai Mohabbat is the only track in the album that cannot be found in the soundtrack of Vtv/Ymc, so naturally its first on the list.

Saregama is extremely proud and excited to announce Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa’s first ever World Tour.

Kailash is a revered Indian singer, lyricist and composer whose prodigious vocal gifts, poignant writing and inspiring personality have made him a household name across the globe. Kailasa, formed in 2004, is made up of Kailash and brother duo Naresh and Paresh Kamath.

Kailash’s rich, powerful voice has earned him comparisons to Pakistani legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, but his populist approach and knack for writing catchy hits with his band have helped him bridge the divide between traditional and contemporary styles. Since 2001, his credits include over sixty different film soundtracks and nearly two hundred jingles, plus stints as a judge on popular television shows, such as Indian Idol, Ipl Rockstar, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs and Kurkure Desi Beats Rock On.

The world tour kicks off...

A special event was held for the grand finale of the “Aviva Great Wall of Education” at Phoenix Mills, Mumbai and was inaugurated by none other than Aviva Life Insurance’s brand ambassador and the Master Blaster himself, Sachin Tendulkar. Also present at the event were Gaurav Rajput (Director Marketing of Aviva India), Samaresh Parida (Director Strategy of Vodafone), Rajendra Kalkar (Sr. Centre Director of High Street Phoenix) and Himanshu Giri (CEO of Pratham Books).

An initiative by Aviva’s Street to School program, Aviva Great Wall of Education is India’s biggest book donation drive for underprivileged children. Over a million books have been collected over the last two years benefiting almost 5 lakh children across the nation. Sachin launched the event by placing his children’s books on the wall and said that, “Education is the key to a child’s future. Aviva Life Insurance’s initiative to bring...

Rockstar

Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhir, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shammi Kapoor | Written and Directed by Imtiaz Ali

Rockstar follows the rise and fall to fame of Janardhan Jakhar, who later becomes Jordan, played by Ranbir Kapoor. Determined to be a famous rockstar, Janardhan follows the advice of a friend to get some life experience by trying to get his heartbroken, because he believes all great musicians have to suffer.

Imtiaz Ali has previously only made romantic comedies, which he is very good at. The plot of Rockstar is a much more dramatic, and complex one than he has ever attempted, and it seems he’s pushing his creative limits. The story, which is his own, is well thought-out, and heartbreaking, but Ali lacks the skills to do it justice. The narrative does not flow well, particularly post-interval, and can occasionally throw you off.

The film’s saving graces are A R Rahman’s soundtrack,...

Note from the Director

Jordan, the protagonist, is inarticulate and can express himself only through music. His music is influenced by not only his situation but also by the music of the place he visits. So when Jordan is in Prague hanging about with gypsies, he imbibes their spirit and makes gypsy music. Likewise, when Jordan is thrown out of his house, he goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, spends time with the Qawwals, absorbs their music and plays with them. Jordan’s journey is not only about understanding music, but also about understanding life. As Jordan’s popularity with the masses hits full force in the story, I felt there was a need to demonstrate this craze with an anthem song. Lyricist Irshad Kamil and I spent a lot of time just thinking of phrases, such as Ban jaa, Banjaara, before stumbling on Sadda Haq, Aithay Rakh ((It’s our right,...

Eros International plc, a leading global company in Indian filmed entertainment invited us to a press conference with Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri and the talented Imtiaz Ali at their International headquarters in London for their much awaited film “Rockstar” releasing in cinemas worldwide on 11.11.11

The Rockstar team arrived in London on Sunday and went straight to promoting the film at Cineworld in Feltham where Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri interacted with UK fans for the first time. Imtiaz Ali, who also promoted his last directorial venture Love Aaj Kal in London was present too and joined his leading cast as they sold tickets for their film to their fans in west London.

Imtiaz Ali, Nargis and Ranbir spent their morning on Monday at the BBC where they did many live interviews and as Ranbir said, he was happy to put a face to his voice, as he had never been...

You know, sometimes an actor makes his debut in any film industry, be it Bolly or Holly, and he does not make much of an impression. It is only years later, when he gets that one special role, that you see him for the fine actor that he is. You then look back at his first movies and say, oh that was him? Not with Ranbir Kapoor. From his first moment on screen in Saawariya (2007), you knew he had that indefinable “it” and was someone we would be seeing in great roles for years to come. From Raj in Bachna Ae Haseeno, to the outstanding Wake Up Sid, from the comic Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani to the full on dramatic epic of Raajneeti, Ranbir has shown how talented an actor he is. He definitely inherited the amazing acting genes from his famous family and continues to hone his skill...

In one week, on 11-11-11 we will finally get to see Ranbir Kapoor in a role of a life time in the film Rockstar. Rockstar traces the journey of a young boy has music in his soul on his road to superstardom. We have a special promo for you, watch Ranbir Kapoor alongside gorgeous fresh face Nargis Fakhri in this exclusive trailer of Rockstar directed by Imtiaz Ali. Top-notch music director A.R.Rahman has composed the music of Rockstar.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIqrUDAfo4o

Stay tuned because we have an exclusive interview with Ranbir about the film coming up soon!

Rockstar: Ranbir & Nargis watch Junglee Jawani is a post from: BollySpice...

11-11-11, that is when Ranbir Kapoor’s Rockstar will hit cinemas everywhere. Ranbir says it has been an incredible journey from the first shot to promotions to getting ready to release the film to the world. Along the way he has shared some of his experiences on Facebook and we thought we would give you a few that we really enjoyed reading.

“Hellooo team Rockstar.. This is Jj Aka Jordan Aka Rk.. hope guys are well and rockin… firstly I wanna thank you guys frm the bottom of heart for all the love and support you guys have shown towards our movie…this film is as much yours as its ours… we’re en route frm Amritsar to Jalandar and tom we get to Chandigarh via Ludhiana…so hope to see all you lovely people around… stick around… next few days is gonna be palang todhh…and will try and post a msg everyday…...

With so much fervor surrounding Rockstar which is set to scorch the screens on 11.11.11, Ranbir and director Imtiaz came together for a press conference, indulging the audiences with spicy gupshups about working with Nargis, Rahman’s mesmerizing tunes, Bollywood’s true-blue Rockstar – Shammi Kapoor plus Ranbir bearing his heart open on his relationships and heartbreaks.

Read on for some excerpts from the press conference!

Ranbir on working with co-star Nargis Fakhri“I can say this with a lot of confidence and please don’t take this in a wrong way, but she is by-far the best actor I have worked with. Male-Female everyone included. She came into this film without any baggage, without any backdrop of acting, without knowing the language. When she came she worked so hard, she was dedicated, passionate. She learnt Hindi, used to do 6 hours of classes, she started writing Hindi. I really believe that she...

Music maestro Ar Rahman and Director Imtiaz Ali were treated to some sumptuous Kashmiri cuisine during their recent visit to the region while working on their upcoming film 'Rockstar' produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision.Since parts of the film have been shot in Kashmir, the duo visited the valley for some special sound work. Incidentally, one of the line producers from Kashmir is a distant relative of Imtiaz Ali and invited the director, along with Rahman to his place.There, they were treated to some authentic Kashmiri delicacies like .Vaazwan. cooked by the lady of the house. Obviously, they had a great time gorging on the traditional, home cooked Kashmiri dishes and couldn.t thank the lady enough for her generous treat! What followed was a tradition of sorts where almost every day the delicious Kashmiri 'Vaazwan' was brought on the sets and the entire unit would relish on it.

Bollywood has been the perfect entertainer for ages. Every age has its own group of celebrities offering special films to its audience. Ever since the black and white days the on screen romance of actor duos like, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, Raj Kapoor – Nargis or Guru Dutt and Wheeda Rahman to the fairytale romantic sequences of “Dekha ek khwab…” of Amitabh and Rekha in Silsila and other films. Even today the onscreen romance of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol has always been appreciated ever since “Dilwale Dulhanea Le Jayenge”. Ever since Srk and Kajol days, today there are other young actors whose romance s...

Locarno (Switzerland), Aug 7: French film critic Jean-Michel Frodon introduced Indian filmmaker Guru Dutt's 1957 classic 'Pyaasa' to the audience at the 64th Locarno International Film Festival as a dark film that helped the West discover the auteur theory - reflecting the director's personal creative vision - in Bollywood.

'Pyaasa', a cinematic masterpiece by the master craftsman, was a satire on the social system. Directed by Guru Dutt, the film that boasts of flawless performances by Dutt and other cast, including Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha and Rehman, was screened.

India has chosen its Singing Superstar. Zee TV.s Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar . the Mecca of soulful singing witnessed a extraordinary night replete with glitz, glamour and Christmas festivities! As cool winds blew around the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai . the venue of the Grand Finale .  the evening saw the who.s who of the music industry making their presence felt at the biggest musical event which declared Kamal . the Singing Superstar of India!The nineteen-week series of fierce competition between contestants belonging to various regions culminated in a magnificent star studded Grand Finale. The final battle between Kamal, Abhilasha and Bisakh, saw Kamal emerge as the winner of Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar while Abhilasha Chellum and Bisakh Jyoti remained first and second runner up respectively. Kamal walked away with  a newly launched Grande Mk II Car and a Hero Honda Zmr Bike.

Tributes continue to follow Yash Chopra who added the "Asian Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema" honour to his long list of well-regarded achievements on Tuesday, October 26, in London. This follows Mr. Yash Chopra being felicitated with the 'Swiss Ambassador's Award 2010" for his contribution in promoting 'Brand Switzerland' through his movies, earlier last week. The Asian Award was presented to Mr. Yash Chopra by Gurinder Chadha. The Awards honour excellence and talents from business to the arts, technology to politics, sports to public service. Presented by Lord Sebastian Coe, this year the Asian Awards 2010, saw many industry leaders in attendance, including Ratan Tata, Sunil Mittal, Sachin Tendulkar, A. R. Rahman and Vijay Mallya who were also awarded for their yeoman services in their own spheres. Guests at the award ceremony included luminaries Jermaine Jackson, Nasser Hussain OBE, Gurinder Chadha, Christian Louboutin and singer Sonu Nigam. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tributes continue to follow Yash Chopra who added the "Asian Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema" honour to his long list of well-regarded achievements on Tuesday, October 26, in London. This follows Mr. Yash Chopra being felicitated with the 'Swiss Ambassador's Award 2010" for his contribution in promoting 'Brand Switzerland' through his movies, earlier last week. The Asian Award was presented to Mr. Yash Chopra by Gurinder Chadha. The Awards honour excellence and talents from business to the arts, technology to politics, sports to public service. Presented by Lord Sebastian Coe, this year the Asian Awards 2010, saw many industry leaders in attendance, including Ratan Tata, Sunil Mittal, Sachin Tendulkar, A. R. Rahman and Vijay Mallya who were also awarded for their yeoman services in their own spheres. Guests at the award ceremony included luminaries Jermaine Jackson, Nasser Hussain OBE, Gurinder Chadha, Christian Louboutin and singer Sonu Nigam. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

June 24, 2010:The stand up comedian, Rehman Khan was lately seen in ‘Laughter Challenge 3’, ‘Punjabi Chakde’, ‘Comedy Champion’, ‘Dekh India Dekh’, ‘Raju Haazir Ho’, ‘Chinchpokli to China’, ‘Bade Miya Chota Miya’ amongst others. But it seems that the audience have got a very confusing perception when it comes to his nationality.

He has now clarified the issue by talking to TellyCafe. He said, “People thought I was Pakistani as my name is Rehman Khan. I actually hail from Lucknow. However, I have spent my formative years.

June 8, 2010:Rehman Khan, the comedian known for his stand-up acts, which are original and include remarkable one-liners, will soon be seen on Sab TV’s latest venture ‘Papad Pol Shahbuddin Rathore ki Rangeen Duniya’. There is no situation which does not contain an element of humor for him. His unique style of delivering punches with a straight face sets him well apart from the rest.

After indulging in one-act plays and stage comedies, he enhanced his standing as a comedian by taking part in shows such as ‘Laughter Challenge 3’, ‘Punjabi Chakde’, ‘Comedy Champion’,.

Nobel laureate of Indian origin Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, noted theatre personality Ebrahim Alkazi were today conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award by President Pratibha Patil here today.Music maestro A R Rahman and Bollywood star Aamir Khan, classical vocalist Pandit Channulal Mishra and prominent hotelier Capt C P Krishnan Nair were among those honoured with Padma Bhushan awards at a glittering ceremony at the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.Pratap Chandra Reddy, founder chairman of Apollo Hospitals, was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan.The entire Ashoka Hall reverberated with applause as sportspersons Saina Nehwal and Virendra Sehwag walked up to the podium to receive their Padma Shri awards from the President.Hockey national Ignace Tirkey, dhrupad exponent Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, businesswoman Anu Aga, multi-lingual actress Arundhati Nag, former Cbi director D R Karthikeyan, plant scientist Palpu Pushpangadan and eye surgeon Vikas Mahatme were among those who were awarded Padma Shri.

The prestigious 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff), from March 21 to April 6, will pay special tribute to India’s late actor-director-producer-writer Guru Dutt, whom it calls “Bollywood Guru”. Festival will showcase his Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959, with Waheeda Rehman), Mr. & Mrs. 55 (1955, with Madhubala), Sahib Bibi aur Gulam (1962, with Meena Kumari and Waheeda Rahman), and Pyaasa (1957, with Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman) films. While Sahib Bibi aur Gulam was directed by Abrar Alvi, rest were all directed by Filmfare Award winner Guru Dutt himself. Commending Hkiff for honoring Guru Dutt, Indo-American statesman Rajan ...