RE: August 2007 - News - 4

Omkara in English

Filmmaker Deepa Mehta is thinking on the lines of producing Vishal Bharadwaj’s Omkara, which released last year.

Vishal admits saying that, “Yes, she wanted to buy the rights of Omkara and make it into an English film when I met her in Canada. Then when I met her at IIFA two months ago she offered to convert Omkara into a play to be staged at Shakespeare’s birth place.”

Vishal Bharadwaj has also made a short film titled Blood Brothers for Mira Nair.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...in-english.html

Parineeta Vidya desires a Lajja

Vidya Balan feels content performing a small role in Rajkumar Santoshi’s hard hitting Halla Bol, starring Ajay Devgan in a pivotal role.

Offlate, the actress has done a lot of small roles in films like Guru, Salaam-E-Ishq. Vidya explains,”Every other film cannot be Pareenita. Yes, Halla Bol belongs to Ajay , but at the same time my character is also very strong. It maybe small but Rajji has the reputation of doing justice to every character he evolves in his films.”

“Hopefully, after seeing my performance, Rajji may make a Lajja with me some day,” adds Vidya.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...es-a-lajja.html

I felt bad when Veeru turned Heero

Interview mit Ajay Devgan

From acting to directing, Ajay Devgan seems to have his hands full. The actor, who is currently busy with his directorial debut, U, Me Aur Hum, is also eagerly awaiting the release of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.

He seems to be convinced that the film will appeal to the masses. Here's why:

What's cooking these days?

I am busy shooting for my film, U, Me Aur Hum, and I am trying to finish it as soon as possible.

Coming to Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, you must have felt bad when Veeru turned Heero.

Honestly, I did feel bad. But I don't think it will affect the fate of the film. Also, we did not have any choice. It's upto the audience to see it or not.

Are you apprehensive about comparisons between the original Sholay and Ramu's version?

We are not competing with any film. This film is just Ramu's tribute to the original.

Also, when you adapt a film, you need to keep so many things in mind. Many years have passed and attitudes have changed. The way people speak as well as language has undergone a change.

The setting of the first film was a village whereas Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is based in a city. I don't think there is any room for comparison.

Amitabh Bachchan said at the film's launch that he was the first choice to play Gabbar Singh and had requested Ramesh Sippy for the same. What about you? Did you want to play any other role besides Veeru?

I always wanted to enact Veeru because he has so many shades to his character. I think Amit ji has done a fantastic job in the film. I would not like to divulge much but the way Amitji has portrayed the role is fabulous.

Did you get to meet Dharmendra in connection with your role?

I did not meet him in connection with the film though I have met many times.

Prashant Raj plays Jai, your partner in crime. How is he in the film?

He is very good and has done a good job in the film. I think he matches the level of confidence that RGV was looking for.

The promos show a whole new lot of fun elements to your character...

Yes, it has everything and it is for this precise reason that I like my character a lot. My role has got elements of action, romance, songs et al. So in a way, the scenario is such that it encompasses everything. It was fun enacting such a role.

Before you started shooting for Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, did Ramu give you any specific instruction?

Hundred per cent. A director makes a film with his or her vision, and knows best what sort of performance is required from an actor. Ramu knew what he expected of me, and the credit or discredit goes entirely to RGV whether people like or dislike me in the film (smiles).

The original Sholay was a blockbuster. How do you foresee the fate of this film?

I really don't know how the audience react. I feel that we have made a good film from the way it has shaped up.

Tell us about your role in the film.

I play Heero. I'm sure I don't need to talk a lot about the character because everyone who has seen Sholay will know my character.

It's only the attitude of the character and the film that has changed. The base is the same.

Finally, what do you think will appeal to the audience, in this modern version of Sholay?

I don't think I'm the right person to ask as I am biased about this film. Usually, I am not biased about my films. There have been some films which I did not like, and felt that I made a mistake.

But not this one. I got more than what I expected out of this film. It has shaped up very well and I hope the audience likes it too.

Quelle: http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/13slid1.htm

Which is the best patriotic Hindi film?

Bollywood has a very strong sense of patriotism. And so, every year sees at least a couple of movies dedicated to India and her freedom fighters.

We have biographies like Gandhi, The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Bose and Mangal Pandey; dramas like 1942: A Love Story, Hey! Ram and Mission Kashmir; and more light-hearted fare like Lagaan.

Then, there are movies like Rang De Basanti, which seem to redefine the patriotic film.

On the eve of India's Independence day, we ask: Which is the best Hindi film dedicated to patriotism?

Quelle: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/14msg.htm

Kajol goes grey in U Me Aur Hum

The Ryan Gosling-Racheal McAdams romantic drama The Notebook is one of the most romantic dramas of recent time. The movie recently made it to a Top 10 DVD Rentals of All-time list.

Striking similarities

If reports are to be believed, Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut U Me Aur Hum is inspired by The Notebook. Recently, pictures of the shoot aboard a cruise ship were all over the internet. The snaps show Ajay and Kajol as an aging couple.

A source reveals, “Ajay and Kajol will be shown as young couple first and then as an aged one. Kajol wasn’t ready to go completely grey, hence she is sporting lesser grey hair than Ajay!”

It’s a romcom

The Notebook opens with an old man reading a story about two lovers to a woman in an old age home.

Though the plot of U Me Aur Hum has not been disclosed yet, sources working on the film reveal that it has elements of The Notebook.

“The setting is that of a cruise ship, and it’s an out-and-out romantic film with elements of comedy.”

The film also stars Isha Sharvani, Sumeet Raghavan, Karan Khanna and Divya Dutta in supporting roles.

Quelle: http://mid-day.com/hitlist/2007/august/162363.htm

Devgan denies being inspired by Hollywood for debut directorial film - August 15, 2007

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan has denied that his directorial debut 'U, Me Aur Hum' is based on a Hollywood film.

The actor refuted recent reports that the film was based on a Hollywood movie 'The Notebook'.

He said 'U, Me Aur Hum' starring himself with wife 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 an emotional drama and is produced by Devgan Films.

All reports of the film's storyline being taken from any other film are absolutely denied and are to be considered false, he said.

Devgan's upcoming films are 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' and Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Hallabol'.

'U, Me Aur Hum' is being planned for a January 2008 release.

Quelle: http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=54030

Celebration for mobile content of Ramu's film - August 15, 2007

It was a party to celebrate the mobile content of Ram Gopal Varma’s forthcoming film Yes.

Looking sexy at sixty-plus was Amitabh Bachchan as he walked into the JW Marriott ballroom on Tuesday night, dressed in a smart black-and-white ensemble.

You also saw him, along with other stars, on the big screen looking like an older version of the angry young man. Host Anupam Mittal observed, “I had no clue that you could look so menacing.” It was a party to celebrate the mobile content of Ram Gopal Varma’s forthcoming film.

Yes, the director was very much there, holding forth about formula films and the intensity of the characters in his ‘revenge drama’ movie, saying that if people find the film good, the credit should go to the actors and if they find it bad then the mistakes should be credited to him.

The Big B quipped that this was the longest speech he had ever heard from Ramu and found it “honest and heartfelt”. Speaking briefly, though, was Ajay Devgan looking cool in his blue jeans and white shirt. Prashant Raj, who also stars in the film, was very modest, saying that all this was very new to him and he was still living a dream.

Looking like a dream girl was Sushmita Sen, in an elegant polka-dotted dress with red ribbons around her waist and ankles. She was happy to be in an essentially all-male movie and felt it was like being a spark that you can’t miss. Adding a further spark in the dark was Nisha Kothari who was gushing and saying that she was excited but also nervous.

Also present at the do were Anupam Mittal’s girlfriend Anchal Kumar, fashionable couple Arshiya Fakih and Rij Eappen, Bharat Shah and Prasoon Joshi.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumba...how/2282881.cms

Is that Ajay Devgan's directorial debut a copy? - August 16, 2007

Rumours were on that Ajay Devgan's Directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum is based on a Hollywood film The Notebook.

However now the actor has been telling everybody that his film consisting of him and K ajol in the lead along with Divya Dutta, Isha Sharvani, Sumeet Raghvan, Karan Khanna is written by Robin Bhatt, Shantanu Gupta, Akarsh Khurana. And it i s an original screenplay.

Well we will wait, watch the film and give our views on whether this one is an original or not… Till then watch this space for more.

Quelle: http://www.b4utv.com/showtime/gossip/0708016ajay.shtml

RGV Ki Aag to spread on mobile phones

Mauj, the flagship brand of People Infocom Pvt. Ltd officially announced their tie up with two of Bollywood’s best known names, Ram Gopal Verma and Adlabs Films for the mobile content of RGV ki Aag.

For Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Mauj has customized the downloads, ringtones, wallpapers and games – to help users attain a complete experience of the film.

Mauj has specially conceptualized and designed two games in tribute to the movie – ‘The First Attack’ & ‘The Last Chase’ using the Java and BREW superior technology.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...ile-phones.html

Event Photos: Mauj ties up with RGV & Adlabs for RGV Ki Aag - August 15, 2007

Enables mobile downloads of RGV ki Aag; also launches games ‘The First Attack’ and ‘The Last Chase’ based on the popular tracks of RGV ki Aag-

Mauj introduces ‘M Premiere’ - which shows audio-visual promos of RGV ki Aag never before viewed by the public eye-

At a glittering star-studded event held today, Mauj, the flagship brand of People Infocom Pvt. Ltd officially announced their tie up with two of Bollywood’s best known names, Ram Gopal Verma and Adlabs Films for the mobile content of RGV ki Aag. Speaking on the occasion were Anupam Mittal, CMD People Group, Manoj Dawane, CEO – People Infocom (MAUJ), Ram Gopal Varma, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan Sushmita Sen, and Nisha Kothari.

At the event, Mauj unveiled the exciting mobile content it has developed which allows mobile users to select content, download ringtones, wallpapers and screenshots of the movies as curtain raisers to the upcoming hit. For Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Mauj has customized the downloads – ringtones, wallpapers and games – to help users attain a complete experience of the film. Mauj has specially conceptualized and designed two games in tribute to the movie – ‘The First Attack’ & ‘The Last Chase’ using the Java and BREW superior technology. These colorful and highly engaging games have been planned keeping in mind the unforgettable characters and exciting situations from RGV ki Aag.

Anupam Mittal, CMD People Group stated “Mauj has always been known for the quality content and innovative products that it provides to its consumers…and this tie-up with Ram Gopal Varma and Adlabs, is a step towards making some more exciting content available to the consumer.” On the technology aspect he added “Bollywood remains the most popular source of entertainment in India, and hence we are working towards bringing an increased number of Bollywood content and new products to our consumers. This tie-up with Ram Gopal Varma and Adlabs is an apt vehicle to drive our objective and further highlights our commitment to the consumer. We are honoured to announce such innovations via RGV ki Aag – one of the most eagerly awaited movies of 2007″.

Amitabh Bachchan speaking on the occasion said, “RGV ki Aag is highly special to me and essaying the role of Babban has been a challenge. I hope that the character of Babban will form a long lasting impression in the minds of the audience, and the products and content developed by Mauj will go a long way in helping keep Babban alive in the collective consciousness of India. My personal favourite ringtone would have to be the ‘Mehbooba Video Ringtone’”. The Bollywood stalwart added, “It’s encouraging seeing how the industry is evolving due to its openness to the latest technology”.

Ram Gopal Varma said “We have worked with Mauj earlier when Sarkar was being launched, and are happy to tie-up with them again for Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag. Mobiles have become more than just a means of communication…they have become entertainment consoles for millions of people in India. With the content developed by Mauj, the characters of Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag will come alive in the hands of the audience and such innovative promotions are a part of our promotional strategy”.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...rgv-ki-aag.html

Getting upwardly mobile with movies

The stars come under one roof at the premiere of RGV's AAG

Looking sexy at sixty-plus was Amitabh Bachchan as he walked into this five-star hotel in Mumbai. You also saw him, along with other stars, on the big screen looking like an older version of the angry young man. Host Anupam Mittal observed, I had no clue that you could look so menacing.

It was a party to celebrate the mobile content of Ram Gopal Varma’s forthcoming film. Yes, the director was very much there.

Ajay Devgan looked cool in his blue jeans and white shirt. Looking like a dream girl was Sushmita Sen, in an elegant polka-dotted dress.

She was happy to be in an essentially all-male movie and felt it was like being a spark that you can’t miss. Adding a further spark were Nisha Kothari and Prashant Raj.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2285397.cms

I am sexy, not vulgar: Nisha Kothari

New Bollywood hottie Nisha Kothari is all set to win hearts with her bindas portrayal of Ghungroo in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. She speaks to NT about her character, shedding clothes and romance.

After creating a sensation in Tollywood, sexy Nisha Kothari went ahead and became Ram Gopal Varma's favourite heroine, replacing the oomphy Urmila Matondkar. And now she is playing the new Basanti aka Ghungroo in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, in which macho man Ajay Devgan stars opposite her.

Talking about the character of Ghungroo she says, "It's a very peppy character. She is a tapori who puffs beedi (hopelessly imitating her favourite actor Rajnikanth), drives an autorickshaw (called Laila) and looks after her parents. People are bound to compare this character with Basanti played by Hemaji in Sholay, but though both have the same flavour-- they are entirely different in attitude and have been treated differently. I am sure people will love me and my character."

Just a few flicks old, Nisha has had the opportunity to work with stars like Sushmita Sen, Ajay Devgan and Emraan Hashmi. She says, "There was a time when I would dream of working with these stars and today I am sharing the screen space with them. It is like a dream come true. The best part is that these senior actors make the newcomer feel so comfortable on the sets that you feel you have been working for ages with them."

Citing an example she says, "While shooting for this film, RGV suddenly asked me to puff beedi Rajnikanth style. Though I had practised the style quite a few times, I panicked and looked at Ajay Devgan. He realised that I was scared and quietly winked at me and smiled, which meant 'just do it'. The shot I gave then was perfect."

Ask her what all she does, when she is not working and pat comes the reply, "I either play video games, work out or catch up with my sleep. I don't party at all. I am a traditional person and like to maintain a low profile. I have a long way to go and I am concentrating only on my work."
But somehow this 'traditional' talk does not gel well with the speed with which she sheds clothes on screen and does passionate scenes with co-actors like Ajay Devgan. She calmly explains, "I have a beautiful body and can carry any outfit with grace. If I reveal or do intimate scenes that's only because I am convinced the role needs it. The director has to convince me that the scene is required and I know that I look sexy and not vulgar donning a short skirt or hot pants. Had I been doing anything unethical, my parents would have objected to it, instead they are quite supportive."

Not many know that the girl loves to dance. "You just have to put on the music and I can break into a jig. I love to dance and sometimes when I am feeling low, I put on soft music and dance," says she and signs off.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2286199.cms

Chandni Chowk, in Black & White

Old Delhi and its dusty bylanes have become Bollywood’s favourite. This time, it was the turn of Subhash Ghai, along with Anil & Shefali to come calling.

It's back to Chandni Chowk again. The place is becoming quite a magnet for filmmakers with its distinct mix of heritage and quaint old-world charm. This time it was Subhash Ghai who came calling for the shooting of his film Black & White .

After the shooting of the film was wrapped up in the city, Ghai spoke to DT about the experience, "We were in Delhi for shooting. We did a patriotic finale shot at the Red Fort, and also shot some portions at Chandni Chowk and Sohna in Gurgaon. This is my last directorial venture and I am quite close to the project." And why did he focus on Delhi ? "The film is about different kinds of people living together in Chandni Chowk for generations . They have been there for almost 200 years and nothing affects their sense of co-existence. Frankly, it's an unusual movie, which I always wanted to make. I'm glad that it's complete now and has shaped up very well. The film will release by the end of this year," he explains .

While Ghai will be launching a new face in the film, Anuraag Singh, it will be anchored by Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah.

What with Dilli 6, Shagird , Sunday and, now, Black & White - it's going to be one shining year for Chandni Chowk!

Old Delhi, new take

Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Ayesha Takia and Irrfan Khan shot all across the city, including Old Delhi, in the sweltering summer for Sunday

Nana Patekar was caught in the thick action when people mobbed him in the Walled City while he was shooting for his film Shagird recently Rakeysh Mehra would be shooting in Chandni Chowk in October for his film Dilli 6, starring Siddharth.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2289274.cms

Shabri trailer in RGV Ki Aag

Ram Gopal Varma's two films Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag and Darling are releasing back to back but there’s no news about his much delayed film Shabri. Finally, the movie will be releasing in October and promos will be seen with RGV Ki Aag.

Isha Koppikar plays the title role in Shabri which deals with a woman gangster. Shabri went on floor at the end of the year 2005 but wonder why not released yet? “It got delayed because of some post production work”, explains Isha Koppikar who plays the title role of a woman gangster, Shabri. “Lalit Marathe (the director) had some different music in mind. He didn’t know whom to cast as music director and secondly Ramu wanted to release it differently because this is for the first time he is making a movie with woman as a gangster. He was waiting for his film Aag to release first and at the same time he wanted all the controversies regarding that movie to be ended. He was planning to package Shabri with Aag.” Says Isha

Director Lalit Marathe corroborates Isha’s statement, “It’s finally releasing in October. It got delayed because the work of the film is still happening and it’s in the post production stages. I am not sure about the date but it’s definitely releasing in the October. We are getting the background score done by Raju Singh. Shabri is an intense film and it’s very difficult to compose background score for such films. But Raju has given his best. He is coming out with something special even for Shabri’s promo which will be seen in theatres during RGV Ki Aag. There’s something intense he is coming out with and that is really complementing the film.”

Isha will be seen in a deglamorised look as her character Shabri has a very rustic look in the film. What kind of promotional strategy is being opted for? “This is the first film to be made on a female gangster so I want to present it in a unique way. There’s one promotional song coming up. We have just composed it but we haven’t planned whom to picturize it on. However, we will surely not picturize it on Isha since her character Shabri doesn’t sing or dance in the film. It might be a background sort of a theme where we could see moments from the film as well”, informs Lalit.

Ram Gopal Varma has been linked with many actresses in the past including Urmila Matondkar, Antra Mali and the most recent one on the list being Nisha Kothari. Was she ever linked with Ramu? “See, Ram Gopal Varma is like family. I am a factory product”, reverts Isha. “Whatever he thinks good for me, he offers me and if I like it, I do it otherwise not. Despite working in so many films for his banner this is the first time Ramuji has directed me (apart from her item number stint in Company). He gives lot of space to his actors. One thing he is very precise about is the kind of expressions he wants. I haven’t signed any other RGV film apart from these. Shabri has shaped up well. If you go to see Aag in the theatre, you’ll see the glimpse of Shabri.”

Isha has three films Darling, Hello and Shabri scheduled to release this year.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/08/17/9935/index.html

Sush praises Radha of Sholay

Sushmita Sen is excited about her portrayal of Radha in the urban RGV Ki Aag.

Sushmita rewinds to Jaya Bachchan who played Radha in Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay. “It was one of the most difficult roles in Sholay. Jayaji was fabulous. Very few people in our cinema understand the sounds of silences.

And hats of to Ramu for signing someone with a strong image like me to play someone like Durga…It requires guts and hindsight,” she added.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...-of-sholay.html