By Anand J [Email: Cine@monsoonjournal.com]
[monsoonJournal.com]
Siddharth Anand’s Ta Ra Rum Pum plays on every human’s ultimate fantasy to conquer against all odds and take home the trophy. Here the trophy stands as a metaphor for the realization of one’s most precious dreams. And that is precisely what makes Ta Ra Rum Pum a universal subject to identify with and feel for.
As everyone expects from a Yash Raj Film, even if a story about inspiration and hope, it is bound to be lavish, stylish and commercially viable. Film is set in New York City. What’s new, you ask? What is new is Anand’s vision of the most populated city of The States. Not only do you get to do some fresh sight-seeing but also innovative angles of oft-repeated locations like Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square.
Car racing is the basic premise of the story. Expectedly, there is a whole lot of vroom-vroom going on all through the movie. Rajveer aka RV (Saif Ali Khan) makes a dashing entry; a la Tom Cruise in Top Gun, helmet in hand, against the violent strumming of an electric guitar. His racing skills impress a cabbie Harry (Jaaved Jafferi in his best Gujarati speaking accent goes in for a swell image makeover) and they strike a deal with Billy Bhatia’s (Bharat Dabholkar) company Speeding Saddles.
During his winning spree, the carefree RV also hits it with the fastidious Radhika (Rani Mukerji). He calls her Shona because ‘it’s Bong (Bengali in slang) and sweet, and so are you’. The duo, with funny hairdos, also find time to parade on the empty streets of Manhattan. Again, Anand appears to draw inspiration from another Tom Cruise flick, Vanilla Sky. The latter has Cruise running on the empty streets of Times Square, not a soul in sight.
RV proposes to Radhika with Tiffany, a Merc and a mansion in Manhattan – all of which is irresponsibly purchased on loan and installment, if you are the one for details. Soon they have two kids, with nicknames that’d have you mistake them for a horse, Champ (Ali Haji) and Princess (Angelina Irani)
All the adulation makes RV feel over-confident about his game. In trying to fool around and entertain the crowds against his closest competition, RV makes a faulty move resulting in a major accident. After missing out on a whole year, he gets back into the action, nonetheless scarred from his previous experience. His poor performance on the track leaves him jobless, homeless and bankrupt. While RV never stepped inside a university, Radhika never finished her degree post-marriage. Silly move, we think. Lack of proper education forces the two to take up low-end jobs and shift to a rundown desi neighbourhood. While the children are made to believe their new impoverished status is a play and part of a reality show, Don’t worry. Be happy.
Eventually, RV has to take a stand, which means an edge of the seat contest from start to finish and, of course, lots of cheering. The sentimental turn in Anand’s story is heartfelt. But what is particularly appealing that none of the characters crib. Instead, they tackle every problem with resilience and humor. Sure, kids will be kids and occasionally sigh at the sight of creamy puffs and spicy hot dogs. Generally, there is a positive vibe running through this family and the film. The foursome make a happy picture hopping inside the enormous Disney store. Speaking of choreography, Vaibhavi Merchant infuses an impressive rhythm and frolic in the movements. Almost every song and dance is a pleasure to watch.
If Salaam Namaste (Anand’s directorial debut) was inspired albeit cool, Ta Ra Rum Pum is inspiring and sweet. The filmmaker has a knack for bringing wit in woe. He does that admirably. Saif Ali Khan’s spontaneity is utterly disarming and distracting. He plays RV, a huge racing star, with amusement as if to say ‘big deal’ not losing his boyishness even during stressful times.
Rani Mukerji’s Radhika is a confident lady. Self-assurance comes naturally to the actress.
Essentially, Ta Ra Rum Pum is a feel-good family entertainer with good looking actors, thrilling car chases, playful melodies (Vishal-Shekhar) and pretty visuals. Then again, there’s lot more beneath. It talks about taking responsibility for one’s own problems instead of finding an easy way out. It packs in a lot of optimism and grace, especially in the way new age parents are depicted. Even if in passing, the fast-growing obsession and dependency on plastic money and installment schemes is mentioned as well.
Any film that makes you feel good about life and prioritizes hope over struggle is worthwhile. Ta Ra Rum Pum brings a smile to your lips and song to your heart.
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent)
[monsoonjournal.com]
Slow 2007
If 2006 was the year of blockbusters, then 2007 might be the year of disappointments. Guru being the lone glowing exception, all other big budget, big banner films have fallen by the wayside in 2007. Some have managed to garner some respect while others have fallen flat on their face. The season of disappointments kicked off with Salaam-e-Ishq and has stretched along till Ekalavya. The jinx does not seem to be over as yet. Recent releases Nishabd and Nehle Pe Dehla have both got off to nearly disastrous starts at the box office. Never expected to take big openings during the inauspicious (for the box office) Holi weekend, no one expected the films with such star value to crawl at a 15-29% opening. And to make matters worse, the word of mouth has not been too good. Critics have found nothing other than Amitabh Bachchan and the cameraman to point out as positives in Nishabd. Nehle Pe Dehla is waiting to be reviewed, three days after its release. These are not things that normally happen to films starring the Big B, Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt. For Nishabd, the blame is being put on the theme which is being labeled as one with severe limitations. The treatment is sensitive they say, but there are not enough twists and turns to keep the viewer interested. Things look bleak. So what happened after farewell was said to 2006. Is Bollywood yet to get over its hangover of the dream run or is it just the great cycle of fortune that is playing tricks. Whatever it may be, the truth is that the industry now needs a hit and there are quite a few candidates in the coming weeks. 1971, Sarhad Paar, Cheeni Kum among others. Let’s wait and watch.
Mercedes Salman
It seems to be the season of cars gifting. First it was Amitabh (or was it Amar Singh of Samajwadi party) to gift Abhishek Bachchan a car, then it was Vidhu Vinod Chopra who gifted Amitabh the Rolls Royce and now it is the turn of Salman Khan to show his love and gratitude to actor Govinda. Salman surprised Govinda with a Mercedes Benz when the latter was in shooting. Govinda’s market in Bollywood is down after getting into politics joining the Congress party. Govinda has done a dance number in the Tamil movie “Three Roses” along with Rambha. After long gap Govinda featured along with Akshay Kumar in the Priyadarshan directed “Bhaagam Bhaag” which did not do good business at the box office. It is said that Salman Khan was instrumental in Govinda’s come back. “I was in the midst of shooting when Salman asked me to come to the gate. I saw a brand new Mercedes there and knew he is up to some surprise. I was thrilled” said Govinda. Govinda is now all praise for his new found friend.
Hollywood Aishwarya
The most talked about and the most written about lady in the recent times could only be Aishwarya Rai who continues to remain in spot light for various reasons. Announcements have finally started pouring in about her impending wedding with Abhishek Bachchan. Now the next question on everybody’s lips is - will she continue to act in films after wedding? Despite society’s tall claims about the improvement in equality of gender, a lady artist in Indian films after her wedding receives a volte-face treatment. She is no longer considered fit enough to play somebody’s beloved or spouse. However the same cannot be said about the male artists. One cannot ask Abhishek Bachchan if he would continue to act in films after wedding. It would certainly be a ‘breaking’ or ‘flash news’. But as per the grapevine, former Miss World has decided to consider acting as any other profession and plans to shift only her workplace after her wedding. It would be more of Hollywood movies this time for this talented actress. Though her earlier films Provoked and Bride and prejudice were received with a lukewarm response, she continues to be flooded with Hollywood offers, says her international manager. After completing her domestic assignments, she would concentrate on her Hollywood projects as there is a steady market for her there. Good Luck Aishwarya.
Bollywood Cricket
The cricket fever will grip world over this March 2007. Cricket world cup is to start in West Indies on March 11th. The Indian team has reached the Caribbean islands on March 1st. A grand send off was organized in Mumbai for the Indian cricket team. Pepsi cola under the banner “Blue Billion” has organized such extravaganza with Shankar, Eshan and Loy performing for the cricket stars. How can Bollywood left behind in such functions. Priyanka Chopra too contributed her bit by singing along with Shankar Mahadevan. King Khan Sharukh was also seen cheering the Team with his wits and comments. Singer Adnan Sami too sang for the team. What is a cricket function without Mandira Bedi? She played her part as the hostess. The Indian cricketers were seen enjoying themselves and there were some bullying going on in the team and Dhoni, Sreeshanth and Yuvraj were the men behind. Sachin, Harbhajan, Munaf, Sehwag and Uthappa were also present. Later in the show Dhoni and Sharukh were seen pouring Pepsi over the media and visitors. If Indian team wins the World cup it will be after 24 years since they last won the World cup in the famous 1983 World cup.
International A R Rahman
Rahman is all set to rule the international music charts. With the release of his self-composed-and-sung English track titled ‘Pray For Me Brother’ produced by Universal Music, it could just be possible. However, notwithstanding the commercial reasons, Rahman has composed the number for a noble cause to support the vision of Millennium Development Goals.The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) was formed from the pact that was signed in the year 2000 at the significant UN Millennium Summit held at New York by Prime Ministers, Presidents, and other noted leaders from 189 countries. Rahman is an ardent supporter of MDGs that functions with an aim to eradicate poverty, hunger, and disease in the world by 2015. ‘Pray For Me Brother’ will be made available on the Millennium campaign’s website www.millenniumcampaign.org, for free downloads according to Salil Shetty, director of the Millennium Campaign, New York. The song will also be used for the organization’s global campaign to propagate its goals around the world including Europe and the US. Rahman mentioned that this song would be India’s rendition to the world in achieving the cause of MDGs. “Hunger is the only common thing among people and it is only to survive that people beg. I hope that this song will inspire people to do something to eradicate those kind of social evils”, the maestro added. Not many people knew that Rahman has been appointed by the UN as Brand Ambassador to eradicate tuberculosis. “It was while planning to compose a song for the same that I started to think about the much bigger universal issue - poverty and hunger. I decided to shift the focus and with the help of my friend Blaaze came up with the song”, revealed Rahman.
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent)
Bachchans Vs Roshans
[monsoonjournal.com]The Bachchans are pumping big money into Abhishek’s superhero flick ’Drona’, although they aren’t the official producers. Is it an answer to Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish? If sources are to be believed, Big B is investing a whopping amount in beta Abhishek’s forthcoming film Drona. After Abhishek delivered a knock out performance in Mani Ratnam’s Guru, Amitabh Bachchan obviously wants to keep no stones unturned in establishing his son as the next big superhero in Bollywood. Apart from mobilising finances, Sr. Bachchan has been taking a keen interest in the look of the film, not to mention the dexterously executed special effects. The content of the film may have been kept under wraps but those in the know reveal that it’s an out-and-out superhero flick and all efforts are being made to outdo Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish. A source close to the Bachchans says, “Drona is their answer to Krrish. The budget of Krrish was approximately Rs 45 crores and Drona will be somewhere close to Rs 60 crores.
The Bachchans along with director Goldie Behl are making all efforts to overshadow Krrish’s superpowers.” Not long ago, the Bachchans weren’t overly pleased with the buzz doing the rounds that Hrithik’s portrayal in the film ‘Dhoom II’ was far better than Abhishek’s. Taking a leaf from that experience the Bachchans are now going all out in their pet project Drona. A unit member informs, “The clash is evident. It’s all about ‘Who is a better superhero?’ Let me tell you, Krrish has a tough contender in Drona. The first schedule of the film was shot in Prague and we had the full liberty of shooting at any place we wanted. Needless to say there have been no limitations as far as the budget is concerned.
In fact, one can easily say that the Bachchans are making the film. Director Goldie and producer Shrishti are family friends of the Bachchans, and they’re working closely as a team. If Krrish had an aggressive marketing strategy, Drona will have a better one.” The film will see Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek teaming up as a mother- son duo. The look of the characters is being closely guarded from the media glare. Stringent security measures have been taken on the sets of the film erected in Kuchaman City, a former fort of the Rajputs on a rock cliff in Nagaur. We hear that Abhishek has been practising pulsating stunts for the film. He dons a European look in the film with long locks et al. All those months when Abhishek was moving around town sporting a hair band was just an attempt to grow his mane. When quizzed about the Drona look, stylist Anaita Shroff (she has previously styled the cast members of Dhoom 2) refused to divulge too many details. She says, “I have not drawn any inspiration from any superhero for that matter. It’s an original vision that I had for Abhishek and Priyanka in the film. All that I can say is that Goldie’s treatment of the film is completely novel and we’ve given the actors the best possible look. Looks like ‘Drona’ is a film to watch out for this year.
Saif Ali Khan
Guess who is the star attraction of the two biggest releases in the coming months? None other than Saif Ali Khan! After making headlines with his lean mean act in ‘Omkara’, Saif would be seen in two back to back high profile projects - ‘Eklavya - The Royal Guard’ and ‘Tara Rum Pum’. Though former is a multistarrer with Big B, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Shergill and Boman Irani filling in for the men power, with TRP Saif goes solo in a project that is produced by none other than Yash Raj Films.Between ‘Eklavya - The Royal Guard’ [February 16] and ‘Tara Rum Pum’ [April 27], there are a dozen odd other films lined up for release but none match to their scales when it comes to budget and grandeur. In between the two movies, there is also a probability of Saif’s ‘Nehle Pe Dehla’ arriving on March 02 though one awaits an official confirmation.
KBC Shah Rukh Khan
Amitabh Bachchan says he hasn’t seen Shah Rukh Khan on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) yet, and if the Television Audience Measurement (TAM) ratings were anything to go by, then it looks like a lot of people haven’t either.”I haven’t seen it as yet, my apologies. But I will and I am sure Shah Rukh is doing a good job of it,” says actor Amitabh Bachchan. The TAM ratings show a decline in viewership of the latest edition of the popular quiz show meaning that Shah Rukh Khan may not exactly be doing a good job on KBC 3. A comparison of television viewership ratings (TVR) of Amitabh Bachchan’s second stab at the show and SRK’s debut as a quiz show host show a dip in eyeballs lately. While Bachchan debuted with a TVR of 19.75 in August 2005, Shah Rukh could only manage a rating of 12.33. While the Big B fell to 15 on day two, it was 10 for SRK. And Day three saw a low of 10.33 for Amitabh Bachchan while Shah Rukh’s KBC dipped to 7.36. “The two ratings are actually not comparable. TAM now compares a larger geography than it covered before and therefore the footprint or the actual number of consumers who are covered by the TAM are much higher than those covered by the previous ones,” reasons President of Star India (Ad Sales and Distribution) Paritosh Joshi. Shah Rukh, on his part, feels fairly pleased on his small-screen performance. “I think I am doing good and the reason I know that I am doing good is because I get to hear it from a lot of people. Though reports show that KBC3 has boosted the channel’s viewership in the 9-10 pm slot, undoubtedly, the initial interest in the show has dimmed down.
**Comments or suggestions by e-mail to: cine@monsoonjournal.com
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent for Monsoon Journal)
Oscar Anupam
Anupam Kher has been signed by none other than the ace Oscar winning director Ang lee for his movie LUST, CAUTION. The makers and the actor closed the deal on January 3, 2007 and the actor will begin filming for this venture soon. Ang Lee has directed oscar winning films including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain. The movie LUST, CAUTION is being made in Chinese language. Its an ultimate honor for the Indian actor to work in an International film project by the world acclaimed film director. LUST, CAUTION is an espionage thriller set in World War II era in Shanghai. Anupam kher’s role is said to be one of the key role in the movie. Well done Anupam.
Pushkar Aishwarya
Aishwarya Rai has been in news the whole of year 2006. Starting with a broken love with her ex-boyfriend Vivek Oberoi, year 2006 saw the media flashing news anything and everything about Aishwarya Rai. Rumors were agog that Aishwarya wedded Abishek Bachchan secretly in a South Indian temple. Rai’s family has supposedly challenged the priest who broke the news. Another news about someone sending her money in an envelope from South Africa was blown out of proportions. Latest we hear is about a drunken bodyguard of Aishwarya Rai supposedly misbehaved with the crowds and the security guards at the Pushkar temple when actress paid a visit. Ash reportedly was paying a normal visit to the temple after her film shooting of Jodha-Akbar was over. She is paired with the current heart-throb Hrithik Roshan in the movie and it’s a period film. Ash maintains an astounding silence through all this media controversies.
Baddie Hrithik
After Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish, Rakesh Roshan plans to start the shoot of the third film in the series in 2007. It is reported that the film will start rolling in the second half of 2007. Hrithik Roshan who plays the character of a Super hero in this film wishes to do something new this time. He wants to be a baddie (negative role) in the super hero film. He is even ready to give the super hero title for playing a negative character. However, since he already plays the role of both the father and son in the film, negative roles seems to be a big no. Discussions are still on to cast him as a villain in the movie with an altogether different get-up. Audience loved Hrithik in Dhoom-II especially for his camouflaged characters he played. Whether Hrithik turns a baddie, wait and watch.
Howzatt Kumble
Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble will be soon seen on Silver screen with a debut in yet another cricket-based flick Meerabai Not Out. Produced by Pritish Nandy’s PNC (Pritish Nandy Communications) and directed by award winning Marathi director Chandrakant Kulkarni, the movie also stars Mandira Bedi in the lead along with Anupam Kher, Mahesh Manjrekar and Eijaz Khan. Mandira’s husband Raj Kaushal, who has earlier directed Anthony Kaun Hai, will be the line producer. Mandira seems to fit the bill perfectly, as she is well acquainted with the game. She shot to fame due to Sony Entertainment Television’s cricket show Extra Innings during the last World Cup. She will be a part of next year’s Cricket World Cup as well. Kumble is going to do a cameo in the film. The team is hoping to release the movie before the World Cup starts. Meerabai Not Out is all about cricket and the story revolves around an avid cricket fan as well as Mandira.
Crorepati Shah Rukh
Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is back. And Shahrukh Khan is going to be hosting it instead of Amitabh Bachchan. So, does the tussle between SRK and Big B continue? After replacing him as the brand ambassador of Navratan Oil and ICICI Bank and being the new age ‘Don’ Shahrukh is all set to get onto the hottest seat of Indian Television. Wonder how will he re-christen Computer ji? C…C….C….Computer ji…Anyone….Kaun Banega Crorepati will be produced by Siddhartha Basu’s Synergy Communications. Says Siddhartha, “KBC with SRK will bring a whole new set of audience to STAR PLUS. Although I have been associated with KBC ever since it began, this is literally a new beginning for me. SRK’s wit, energy, excitement and enthusiasm will rub-off onto all of us and together as a team we hope to create some magical moments on television.” So, who makes a better host….Big B or SRK? Do let us know your thoughts.
Kajri Aamir
Aamir Khan plans his work meticulously. Everything is planned well in advance. But then he is also known to pull up surprises. Kareena Kapoor had been ecstatic about working with Aamir in Mani Rathnam’s ‘Lajjo’ early next year. Maybe she will have to wait a bit longer as Aamir may be launching his own home production a remake of Tamil hit film ‘Ghajini’ this January. The film has been tentatively titled ‘Kajri’ and will star Aamir in the lead role (A part played by leading Tamil actor Surya to ultimate perfection). Ravi K Chandran will be the cameraman. In a news published in a popular Mumbai tabloid, director of the original A R Murugadoss (He is directing the Hindi remake too) admitted that Aamir has told him that they will be starting the film soon. It has also been learnt that Aamir wants to cast Asin (She played Kalpana, the main heroine in the original) in the Hindi remake too. But the problem is that Asin can’t speak Hindi and since the film is going to be shot in Sync Sound, it won’t be possible for her to speak her own lines. If at all Asin is cast in Aamir’s remake, then she shall give all the top Bollywood heroines a run for their money. If Asin is not cast opposite Aamir, then in your opinion who do you think should be cast opposite Aamir in ‘Kajri’?
By: Anand. J (Cinema Correspondent for Monsoon Journal)
Guru
A Mani Ratnam film is special. So what if he hasn’t tasted box office success in Hindi films so far, his work has always been par excellence, whether it is ‘Dil Se’ or ‘Yuva’. With ‘Guru’, he embarks into narrating an epic tale that is supposed to be based on none other than Dhirubhai Ambani. Coming together of Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Mithun Chakravorty, Madhavan and Vidya Balan along with A.R. Rehman and Gulzar handling the music department is a good enough reason to check out the film. Want to see this tale unfold on the big screen? Then wait for next year to begin as the film releases all over on 12th January, 2007
Baabul
B R Films have been associated with making socially relevant films for half a century now. Last film coming from their stable was ‘Baghban’ which turned out to be a phenomenal success when released. Film’s success was special because it came at a time when the trend of making money in the first couple of weeks was just about catching up in India whereas ‘Baghban’ didn’t really set the cash registers ringing in the first few days. Later, it was due to audience’s nod of approval that the film rose from strength to strength and word of mouth ensured that ‘Baghban’ continues to be one of the most talked family films even today. This time around director Ravi Chopra picks up the issue of widow-remarriage and creates a film with his ‘Baghban’ cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Salman Khan. A soul stirring drama that promises to raise a lot of questions and act as an eye opener for the society we live in, ‘Baabul’ also stars Aman Verma, Parmeet Sethi, Rajpal Yadav, Smita Jaykar, Avtar Gill, Gargi Patel, Sharat Saxena and Vaishnavi with music by Aadesh Shrivastav. The film releases all over on December 8th.
Salaam-E-Ishq
Come 2007 and the year begins on a blockbuster note with ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’ that is destined to be an ideal follow-up to an eventful and highly successful 2006. Directed by Nikhil Advani who made his directorial debut with ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’ is in one word - HUGE. With half a dozen stories running in parallel and then coming to a common conclusion in the end, this certainly is going to be one cinematic experience of its kind.6 different couples 12 different lives. 6 different worlds. One common problem – LOVE. That’s the essence of this film which goes by the name of ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’ which narrates the tale of 6 couples who are not related to each other by any means but are eventually brought together by one destiny. For knowing more await the release of the film which happens all over on January 24th next year.
Provoked
What happens when a woman is pushed to the hilt? What happens when her suffering becomes unimaginable? What happens when the only way to escape is death - either yours or your tormentor’s? What happens when the tormentor is none other than your husband? That’s the essence of Jagmohan Mundhra’s ‘Provoked’ that is slated to release early next year. Starring Aishwarya Rai in the lead, it is based on a story about a woman who was based in London.
Kabul Express
What happens when India’s biggest and highly successful movie making house ‘Yash Chopra’ moves away from the formula to make a film that has world audience as a target and a subject that is its most unconventional and challenging ever? ‘Kabul Express’ is born! A film for which the shooting was completed last year followed by an extensive post production and rounds of various film festivals, ‘Kabul Express’ marks the debut of director Kabir Khan who takes you to a journey of war-torn Afghanistan and tells a tale through his own experiences in the country, The story revolves around 5 different individuals – 2 Indians, 1 Afghan, 1 Pakistani and 1 American. The movie stars John Abraham, Arshad Warsi and Salman Shahid in the lead roles and is slated for release on December 15 all over.
Bhagam Bhag
What happens when Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal come together? Probability of a riotous hungama becomes close to 100%. Now add on Govinda to the enterprise. Well, there is no way that the product won’t be superlative! Now how about pushing in some thriller and mystery element to the comic genre of the film. Irresistible would be the term that would be left to describe the kind of film that goes by the name of ‘Bhagam Bhag’. The movie has an impressive starcast with Akshay Kumar and Govinda in the lead roles supported by Paresh Rawal, Jackie Shroff, Lara Dutta, Tanushree Dutta, Rajpal Yadav and Arbaaz Khan. Produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd and Popkorn Motion Pictures Private Limited, ‘Bhagam Bhag’ is now THE most waited film of the year before 2006 comes to a close. It releases all over this Christmas i.e. on December 22nd.
Bollywood Marriages
December is the month of marriages and this year is no exception. On December 9, actress Perizaad Zorabian, who won acclaim for her performances in JOGGERS PARK and EK AJNABEE, will marry Boman Irani. Wait, Perizaad’s prospective husband is not the famous actor Boman Irani [KHOSLA KA GHOSLA, MUNNABHAI series], but he’s into the construction business, heading the leading Keystone Group. Will Perizaad continue to work in movies, post marriage? “Of course, I will. 140%. I have three films lined up for release — HIGHWAY 2003 [with Kay Kay Menon], KABHI UP KABHI DOWN [with Sanjay Suri] and P.N.C.-Meghna Gulzar’s JUST MARRIED. Plus, there are a couple of offers in the pipeline,” Perizaad truly sounds excited. Is Boman cool with the idea of an actress-wife? “Of course! He respects me and my thoughts. He’s a sweet guy,” she adds. A few days later, on 14th December, Emraan Hashmi will wed his sweetheart Parveen at an elaborate ceremony. At the launch of AWARAPAN a few days ago, when this writer quizzed Emraan whether he’d continue ‘kissing’ his co-stars in movies, post marriage, the actor had remarked, “I think the media took the issue too far, going to the extent of stating that kissing in movies ensures success. I don’t believe in it,” he smiled. Okay, we got the answer!
Bollywood-Clooney
George Clooney is quite impressed with Hindi film music and is considering signing up for a Bollywood movie to improve the status of Indian cinema in the US. Clooney praises the recent advances in the genre and says he would love to broaden his acting horizons by appearing in a high-profile musical set in India, reports hollywood.com. He says: “I’d love to. There are some filmmakers whose films when you see (them) you say, ‘That could be an interesting story to tell.’ I was watching a film the other day and the music was just amazing. It’s become such a huge industry.” “There is a small market in the States as of now, but it will be fun if it catches on because it is such a positive way of looking at filmmaking and I really love that. I truly think it’s fun,” Clooney added.
Hrithik-Abishek
Hrithik Roshan is elated at the world over praise for his performance as the suave Aryan in Dhoom 2. “The thing is, I’ve never played someone as cool as Aryan before. That’s what people like so much, I guess. It’s too early to gauge the film’s impact. The one thing that Hrithik is gung-ho about is actor Abhishek Bachchan. “I’m not saying this for effect. But Abhishek really inspires me. He has the potential to be one of our truly great actors. In fact we’ve made a pact. Abhishek and I will do one film together every two years. You’ve no idea how much fun Abhishek, Uday and I had doing Dhoom 2. There was never any one upmanship between Abhishek and me. We were constantly giving each other inputs to better our scenes together,” said the actor. And now Hrithik is looking forward to the world tour with the two Bachchans in mid-2007. For now, Hrithik seems to be looking at Dhoom 2 as the present tense and Jodha-Akbar… as the future perfect. “I never knew a costume drama could be so tiring! We’ve shot a battle sequence and I’ve been oblivious to the current world. Now I feel I’m back into the land of the living. Doing Jodha-Akbar… is like entering a totally different world. I feel I’m getting to know things about myself as an actor that I hadn’t known before,” said Hrithik.
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