RE: August 2007 - News - 3

No Ajay films for Nysa

Ajay has barred his daughter from seeing his films.

He may want the whole world to see and appreciate his films, but there is one person whom he doesn’t want to see any of his films.

And she happens to be his little daughter Nysa. Ajay has barred his daughter from seeing his films.

But she is a smart kid, soon she will find her way,” smiles the doting father. Wonder what will be her reaction when she sees her dad’s film?

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2262741.cms

Remaking Sholay is like playing with fire

Hrishikesh Mukerjee fondly called him Sachubaba and he used to regard him as guru. Sachin Pilgaonkar has come a long way playing a simple village boy in Nadiya Ke Paar to directing successful serials like Tu tu Main Main. Now, the actor plays Babban's younger brother in Sholay's remake Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.

What made you say yes to Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag?
I wasn't very convinced but he said there were certain reasons for choosing me. First, the film is different and my character has been introduced. Second, Ramu felt that only I could play Amitabh Bachchan's younger brother.. Satte Pe Satta had a huge influence on him.

Did you feel nostalgic while doing the film?
I have a small role.. but yes, it was nostalgic. We were working together after almost 25 years.. this is our first film after Trishul. We had a good time on the sets.

Any similarities in the character you played then.. and now?
I was just 15 years old when I did Sholay.. The only similarity is that I died in that film.. I'll die in this too.

Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan aren't too happy with the remake. Your comments?
In the film industry, Sholay holds a special position. When one decides to make a remake of such a huge hit, it's like playing with fire. Ramu has taken it up as a challenge.

So, what's your true calling.. an actor, director, singer, producer, dancer or an anchor?
I never had professional training in any field. Hrishida (Hrishikesh Mukerjee), whom I consider my guru used to call me Sachubaba. And during my adolescence, I often used to visit his sets. Once I sat in his editing room. That changed my perspective towards films. Now, I feel I am more comfortable behind the screen.

After Kadvee Khatti Meethi, are you planning to direct any other serial?
At present I am busy with a Hindi film based on a married couple. This will be my fourth Hindi project as a director. I am also acting and directing a Marathi film that goes on the floors this year.

Quelle: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/...+with+fire';

CASH producer Anish - "I thank the audience" - August 9, 2007

Against all odds, CASH has gone ahead and done the impossible. Released with a high number of 800 prints (including digital and fixed hire), it has netted an impressive 11 crores during the first weekend itself. The dreaded Monday did see a fall (like most action movies), but not alarming. It has also made its debut at No.10 in the UK charts, and against (barely a week old) mighty oppositions like THE SIMPSONS MOVIE and TRANSFORMERS. We decided to get the views of the makers themselves.

Says the producer Anish Ranjan, "I am very happy with the initial results and I thank the audience for making CASH their first choice. We released the movie with great difficulty (you know the reasons), but all the hard work seems to have paid off. And we stand vindicated. Even a flood ravaged state like Bihar is expected to yield good shares."

The director Anubhav Sinha is a relaxed man and says, "See, I had confidence in CASH. And the favourable result speaks for itself. I have done my job. Now, its upto the audience to support it further."

Talking about his future endeavour, Anubhav adds, "I will soon be moving to Rome (Italy) to shoot for CHASE, which is my next project after CASH. As you know it features Caterina Murino of CASINO ROYALE (2006), and all my attention is now focused on CHASE."

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...ence_080701.asp

Ajay Devgan gets actors drunk

Ajay Devgan is known for his creative pranks, and even while directing his maiden venture U, Me Aur Hum manages to lighten things up! While shooting for a song sequence the scene required actors Divya Dutta, Isha sharvani, Karan Khanna and Sumit Raghvan to drink shots of tequila, which were in reality only glasses of plain water of course... However after the first take, Ajay insisted on a retake and this time round replaced the water with real tequila for all four of them! As the scene required they gulped it down in one shot and needless to say left them red in the face and dazed! Divya Dutta was so inebriated she went home and slept a long while, whereas Karan Khanna was unable to make it to his classes! Isha too was in a daze but Sumit was the only one quite unaffected by the drinks! Talk about ‘great spirits’.

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/News__Gossi...how/2267468.cms

"Aag on August 31, come what may" - RGV

Overwork hasn't quelled Ramu's self-deprecating humour. Says the Sarkar-Aag director, "I've been simultaneously dubbing and editing Aag (Sholay). So I’ve been in a state of utter exhaustion. Aag has to release on August 31, come what may. And I'm heading straight for the Congo in Africa thereafter where there's no network, so I don't have to face the flak."….As they would be to see Sholay, Gabbar and all the characters re-christened in Ramu's version of the tale of bravura banditry.

Explains the fatigued filmmaker, "It was always my intention to pay homage to the original Sholay. I didn't want to do a re-mix of the earlier film; I wanted to do my own take. Unfortunately, some people didn't see it that way. That's okay. Now Aag will be judged on its own merit, as every film, re-make or original, ultimately is."

Why Aag? "Because I wanted the fire element defining the Thakur (Mohanlal)'s passion for vendetta to be uppermost in the theme and the title. Aag is a very conventional commercial title associated with the vendetta films of the 70s and 80s. I like that spirit."

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/08/11/9898/index.html

Ashtavinayak signs on Arshad Warsi for a 3 film deal - August 11, 2007

Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd has signed on actor Arshad Warsi for a three film deal. Producer Ashtavinayak confirms, "Ashtavinayak has signed Arshad Warsi for a three-film deal, excluding GOLMAAL RETURNS. We want to further our association with Arshad as he is extremely talented and a thorough professional."

GOLMAAL RETURNS directed by Rohit Shetty stars Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade along with Kareena Kapoor and Anjana Sukhnani.

Arshad is confident that the deal will keep up to the quality standards that the production house has always maintained. He says, "Ashtavinayak goes all out when making a film. The three films ranging from romance to action to drama will be made over a couple of years. We will decide on the scripts and directors mutually. If I find an interesting script, they are willing to produce it."

When asked about his character in GOLMAAL RETURNS he says, "GOLMAAL RETURNS has absolutely no connection with the first film. It's not a sequel in that sense. The stars are the same but the characters are different. I play a cop."

Arshad Warsi's next release will be Ashok Thakeria's DHAMAAL, directed by Indra Kumar, Anil Kapoor's SHORTCUT, Leena Yadav's TEEN PATTI, Vivek Agnihotri's DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...l%20_080708.asp

Box Office Report for this Week

Cash
Verdict: Awaited
Weekly Earnings: UK $111,224
Total Earnings: UK $111,224

Despite the fact that a major segment of the trade and media (affiliated to sabotaging producer Sohail Maklai), tried to flop `Cash` from day one , the Anubhav Sinha directed movie had an impressive start. The weekend has netted an impresive 11 crores.
In fact, there was false reporting about its opening day being poor and in the range of 50 to 70 percent!
However, as per reputed trade journals, `Cash`, which released at Regal, Eros and 82 other cinemas of Bombay, had a very good opening. Outside of Bombay, the opening was very good at many places but not upto the mark in smaller circuits like C.I., and the first week numbers will reveal the truth.
The movie has also entered the UK charts at number 10.

Quelle: http://www.planetbollywood.com/BoxOffice/

I was intimidated by Sushmita, says Prashant - August 10, 2007

Prashant Raj, who in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag plays the character that Amitabh Bachchan did in the 1975 cult hit Sholay, initially had a tough time getting used to Sushmita Sen as a co-star.

"But that was only until she came on the set and we met. In two minutes she had me completely relaxed. Till the end of shooting, not for a minute did I feel I was shooting with someone with such an aura around her," he said.

"But, yes, initially I was more intimidated by Sushmita than Mr Bachchan and all the other seasoned troupers I worked with."

Now that Aag is over, Raj is content with his performance. "Imagine, I got to play Mr Bachchan's role from Sholay. But nowhere have I tried to impersonate his Jai. Ajay Devgan and I have played Jai and Veeru in our own way. You won't find any traces of the earlier actors in our performances."

The young actor is incensed by the comparisons that have already started. "The news channels are putting my picture next to Mr Bachchan's. I find that very unfair. He's like god, way, way above. To even mention my name in the same breath is ridiculous".

"But I guess such comparisons are bound to happen and each one of us will be compared with all those unforgettable performers in Ramesh Sippy's Sholay."

Raj has already started shooting his next film. "Fortunately I'm not sitting at home waiting for Aag to release. I would have gone crazy sitting quietly waiting for things to happen. I'm already almost done with my second film Toss directed by Ramesh Katkar where I've Aarti Chhabria as a co-star.

"I play this ordinary guy called Samay caught in an extraordinary situation. A far cry from Sholay."

Quelle: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/...23-de20fb63406e

'Sholay' happened by chance, says 'Jai' Prashant Raj - August 11, 2007

Prashant Raj, who is currently shooting for Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sholay' as Jai, the character essayed by Amitabh Bachchan in the original film, is elated at the way his career has evolved in Bollywood.

The 29-year-old had initially wanted to pursue a career in advertising in Los Angeles, but a quirk of fate brought him to the glamour world of films.

"Look at destiny. I was planning to settle down in LA to pursue a career in events and advertising by becoming a liaison officer, when 'Sholay' happened. I'm a major movie buff, but I didn't really think of a movie career," Prashant told IANS.

Confident and extremely talkative, Prashant's voice lights up when he talks about his adventurous life in the last six years. "I've walked the ramp in the most exotic spots of the earth including Ecuador and Venezuela, won prizes in places in South America that I didn't know existed outside the map!"

One senses certain restlessness in Varma's latest discovery. His penchant for adventure is compounded by a welcome honesty. "I'm aware that my role of Jai has earlier been done by Amitabh. To step into his shoes isn't just a mammoth task but an impossible one too. I'm not even going to try to be equal to that task. To my relief Varma's Jai is quite different."

Amitabh is playing Gabbar Singh in the new version. Apart from him the film also has Ajay Devgan, Sushmita Sen and Nisha Kothari. When told that his playing Jai had resulted in his stepping into the shoes of Mohit Ahlawat, to whom the role had been earlier offered, Prashant laughs.

"I'm aware of that as well. But when I came on board, I had no knowledge of what I was doing. When Varma told me I was stepping into Jai's role and that Mohit was signed to do it earlier, I was like... okay! I've never met Mohit but I knew who he is. What can I say? We get what's in store for us."

Prashant had been offered a few films before."But they were heroine-centric. I guess I'm not too impulsive. I think before I act. Thank god I waited for 'Sholay' to happen." One of Prashant's happiest moments was when he told his family about his presence in the new 'Sholay'.

"Of course my family, who moved from Delhi to Mumbai a few years ago, were delighted. But it was my 90-year-old grandmother who was the happiest. She did my aarti... It was a full-on scene from a family drama."

Prashant has a penchant for different kind of films. "I like darker films like 'Sarkar' and 'Omkara'." Tell him he's being politically correct by mentioning Varma's favourite films and he quips: "Then let me be more politically correct and say I've enjoyed working with my co-star Ajay in the last two days."

The experience has been an eye-opener for the debutant. "I can't believe that in eight days my life changed. Of course, I've been working in the public eye for six years. I was the first runner-up in the Grasim Manhunt contest. And let me also tell you I've participated in the most amazing reality show in the world called 'Amazing Race Asia'."

There's someone special in his life, he says. "My girlfriend is really happy with the way things have worked out for me."

Quelle: irgendwo bei http://www.hindustantimes.com/Homepage/Homepage.aspx

Urmila Matondkar's item number in RGV's 'Aag' faced comparison - August 13, 2007

Urmila Matondkar's item number in RGV's 'Aag' faced comparison. Urmila just hates these kinds of comparisons. She clarifies, "Mehbooba is a legendary song. But the best part about my song is that it doesn't bear any resemblance to the original: both the track and the treatment are different. I love the thumping effect of the song. I'd be glad if Helenji likes it". She thinks it's not fair to compare everything from the hair to the make-up etc.

Quelle: http://www.bollywoodpremiere.com/movies/...g/urmila-12.php

Suchitra Krishnamurthy on a comeback trail

Suchitra Krishnamurthy seems to have finally decided to get serious about acting.. though not full-time.

Apart from doing a cameo in Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag, she has signed another film Karan Razdan's Mittal Vs Mittal. Razdan's film is based on marital rape where Krishnamurthy plays the role of an advocate.

"No no.. I'm not going on a signing spree. The casting director of this film Varun Vardan called me for this particular role. I liked the basic idea. Also, I've known Karan for years. He was very close to Shekhar (Kapur). So I accepted the project," she says.

"I'm very happy with my art work and being a single mother. I never thought I'll make a comeback as an actress.. but I did. Since my daughter goes to school, I need to be with her. I can't afford to go for an outdoor shoot for a long period."

On Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag, she says, "I'm playing a cameo in it like many others. I play Mohan Lal's wife and will be seen in just one song and a few scenes." A minuscule role? "I said yes because of Ramu (Ram Gopal Varma). I don't think anyone can say no to him. When he calls you for a particular role, he has this affectionate style of speaking. He said, ‘Suchitra, please feel free to say no.. but you know what Suchitra.. I can't think of anyone else but you for this role.' So I ended up saying yes to him," she laughs.

"Also, Shekhar and Ramu were great friends. I've known him for years. When I moved back to Mumbai, I went to him and said, ‘I'm at loss Ramu. I don't know what to do.' He gave me My Wife's Murder and I made a comeback as an actress." she ends.

Quelle: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/...+comeback+trail

Ajay Devgan's film is not based on the Hollywood film 'The Notebook' - August 14, 2007

Ajay Devgan is quite upset with the media. The reason being one tabloid reported that his directorial debut film U, Me Aur Hum is remake of the Hollywood film ‘The Notebook’. And this would be the last thing that Ajay would have expected to be speculated about the film with which he turns a director.

Confirm a source from Ajay Devgan’s film unit, “The film is a complete original screenplay written by Robin Bhatt, Sutanu Gupta and Akarsh Khurana. It has nothing to do with The Notebook.”

U, Me Aur Hum stars Ajay Devgan and Kajol in the lead roles along with Divya Dutta, Isha Sharvani, Sumeet Raghvan and Karan Khanna.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/08/14/9918/index.html

No action in Ajay Devgan's U, ME AUR HUM!

Actor Ajay Devgan, who off late has been concentrating mostly on meaningful cinema, does have a strong action image. In fact, his first movie, the superhit PHOOL AUR KAANTE (1991), was enough to establish him as an action star. He recently demonstrated that he can still carry action oriented roles with conviction in CASH.

However, as far as his directorial debut venture, U, ME AUR HUM is concerned, Ajay Devgan has kept action at bay and if the buzz is to be believed there is no action at all!

While on U, ME AUR HUM, the first look of the Ajay Devgan, Kajol, Divya Dutta and Isha Sharavani starrer has impressed one and all with its crisp and fresh visuals.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07..._hum_080703.asp

U, Me Aur Hum - not based on a Hollywood film - August 14, 2007

Contrary to recent tabloid reports, Ajay Devgan's directorial debut U, ME AUR HUM, is not based on THE NOTEBOOK, a Hollywood film.

The film starring Ajay Devgan and Kajol in the lead along with Divya Dutta, Isha Sharvani, Sumeet Raghvan, Karan Khanna is written by Robin Bhatt, Sutanu Gupta, Akarsh Khurana is an original screenplay. The film is produced by Devgan Films.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...ajol_080711.asp

Tusshar Kapoor has Anjana Sukhani for company! - August 14, 2007

Majority of those who saw GOLMAAL, 2006's hit film by Rohit Shetty, swear by Tusshar Kapoor being best part about the film. Playing a mute but certainly not dumb guy, Tusshar was excellent as a brat in the film.

Instead of looking for sympathy due to his handicap, he instead used it to his advantage and even walked away with the heroine towards the sunset.

In GOLMAAL 2, he gets a different girl for company as instead of Rimi Sen [in GOLMAAL], he would now be having pretty Anjana Sukhani for company.

Anjana is the same girl who was earlier seen in SALAAM E ISHQ as Anil Kapoor's love interest outside marriage. Currently she is making everyone laugh with her comic act with Amitabh Bachchan in the advertisement of a popular chocolate brand.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...hani_080704.asp