RE: August 2007 - News - 8

Sushmita Sen is not donning any make-up in 'Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag' - August 29, 2007

Sushmita Sen is not donning any make-up in 'Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag'. She said it in a show at television. Sush offers, "Ram Gopal Verma told me he would be placing the camera so close to my face that every pore of my skin would be visible and that made me extremely worried. Though Amit Roy is a fantastic cinematographer and the lights, camera angle and make-up can only help to an extent, but at the end what you need is a good clear skin which is what I realized."

Quelle: http://www.bollywoodpremiere.com/movies/...sushmita-29.php

'Aag', 'Darling' belong to different genres: Varma - August 29, 2007

Mumbai, Ram Gopal Varma is unfazed by scepticism that his two directorial venture "Aag" and "Darling" are releasing back to back.

"Do you mean to say people look at the director's name in the credits before seeing a film? How does it matter who directed 'Aag' and 'Darling' as long as audiences find the films interesting enough?" asks Varma.

"Aag" will hit the screens Friday, while "Darling will follow suit the week after.

"'Darling' would do just as well or just as badly even if it was released long after 'Aag'. The two films belong to two different genres and don't tread into each other's territories at all. So I'm not the least apprehensive.

"Both the films have their own destiny. And it wouldn't have mattered even if they released on the same day.

"I'm now looking at the next schedule of 'Sarkar Raj'. All the work with the Bachchans in 'Sarkar Raj' is over. "Now I've to shoot scenes with the rest of the cast."

Ramu hopes to complete the film in the next couple of months.

Quelle: http://www.bollywoodworld.com/news/bwnew...rom=&ucat=1&;

Big B skips promotional event for Ramgopal Varma Ki Aag in Delhi, owing to his mom's ill health - August 29, 2007

vorher oben im Artikel gehts um die Rechte von "Sholay" für eine Animation

Amitabh Bachchan failed to turn up at the press conference of his new film Ramgopal Varma Ki Aag. According to unit members, Bachchan was to fly to New Delhi on Tuesday morning, stay the night there and return to Mumbai on Wednesday. But he excused himself from going to Delhi as his mother's health needed his attention and therefore decided to drop out at the last minute."

PVR cinema in New Delhi had made huge preparations to welcome the superstar. According to a unit member, "40 feet-high vinyl standees of Bachchan's Ramgopal Varma Ki Aag were especially made for the occasion. The two standees must've cost them at least Rs 2.5 lakh. Besides, that a presidential suit was booked at the Le Meridian Delhi. PVR Plaza had even cancelled two shows!"

Salu Sabarwal of PVR Cinemas, New Delhi when contacted confirmed saying," Mr. Bachchan was quite excited about coming to Delhi for the press conference but his mother fell ill and he had to cancel his visit here. In fact, we were in constant touch with him. We had cancelled two shows but we have now opened the shows." When asked about which film was being screened at PVR Plaza, Sabarwal said," We had Chak De playing there and the shows are now houseful." Ramgopal Varma, Nisha Kothari and Prashant Raj addressed the press conference of the film.

Quelle: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper....42713640d11b10e

'Aag' is born out of respect for 'Sholay': Varma - August 29, 2007

Ram Gopal Varma's film "Aag", which has made rounds of courts for infringing the rights of the blockbuster "Sholay", is now ready for release.

"I always made films on ideas I like and I believe. I think every filmaker should do this. "Aag is not the copy of Sholay," Varma says.

"I made "Aag" because I have tremendous respect for Sholay. But, in my film everything is origional and different from Sholay. Be it its characters, storyline, dialogues or the sequences," he says.

Despite the fact there were lots of problems in making the film and even the title which Varma had opted had to be changed, he managed to complete it. "I believed in this film and I have made it," he says.

Quelle: http://www.hinduonnet.com/holnus/009200708291401.htm

I was too boring for Ajay Devgan - Nisha Kothari - August 29, 2007

Nisha Kothari's RAM GOPAL VARMA KI AAG is getting ready for release this weekend and she is already being seen in three songs from the film 'Ruk Ja', 'Chaa Raha' and 'Holi'.

Agreeing to the fact that she is one of the characters in the film rather than someone who is the main heroine or one of the major leads, she gets talking to Joginder Tuteja about her co-stars and how she prepared herself for the character immortalized by Hema Malini.

Since this is the first time ever that Nisha has been paired opposite Ajay Devgan, was she intimidated about the fact that she may soon be victim of his infamous pranks? Was she also a victim of those on the sets?

Giggles Nisha, "Sorry to disappoint you but I have no story to tell about any of his so-called pranks on me. We shared a very good rapport on the sets but there was never a situation when I had to worry about his pranks. Yes, I had heard from others about the way he plays around with his co-stars by coming up with one prank or another but then perhaps I was too boring a person for him."

One can see her romancing with her hero though in the film's promos. "We shot for two tracks 'Ruk Ja' and 'Chaa Raha'. While former is a 'tapori' number, the second has both of us in a sensual rendezvous. Both the tracks have different flavors to them which only help in bringing on some variety."

How about working with Sushmita? "She is such a sweetheart. She is simply adorable", says Nisha fondly, "Her aura is unmistakable and yet she would go all out to ensure that I was comfortable when she was around. We had a blast doing the 'holi' song which is currently on air. She comes across as so cute, simple and yet graceful when she joins in the celebration."

Returning back to her role in the film, does she feel that a character like 'Ghunghroo' would be taken seriously by the audience? "I agree that Ghunghroo is a fun element in the film but still I am sure that in spite of limited screen presence she would leave a mark. One of my favorite scenes in the film is the one where she becomes all emotional."

What was so special about it? She informs, "Now for a regular character, it is not a big deal since emotions come easy on women. But here Ghunghroo is hardly what a regular woman is made of. She is a tapori and hence her emotions too had to be in the same mould. There was a different style and in which she had to let herself go and that had to be unlike any other regular female would behave."

It is difficult not to ask her how she has enacted the role that has been made ever-so-famous by Hema Malini. "At the very scripting level, there is a different angle given to her by making her a Rajnikanth fan. She is someone who hero-worships him and has all her mannerisms and talking style too based on the superstar. Yes, the energy of Basanti has been the same as earlier though there is a different attitude that has been brought on. Moreover one should not be over looking the fact that this is a different time, different era, different setting", explains Nisha thoughtfully.

How did she bring on a different attitude? Did she model her character on someone she has known? "I didn't have to make a conscious move to model myself on someone I had known or interacted with. I don't have any qualm in admitting that I was a 'tapori' in my real life too when I was in college. I used to be extremely naughty, just like the character of Sridevi in CHALBAAZ, and was known for my notoriety. This is the reason why the role came to me quite easily."

Apart from THE KILLER with Vishesh Films, each of her Hindi films have been with Ram Gopal Varma. Hasn't she been approached by the Bhatts again as they are known for repeating their actors? "I am in regular touch with them and I am sure that they would certainly have me on board the moment they find me suitable for a particular role. I am always there for them as always and now it would be my luck if they have a good enough character for me to play."

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...hari_080705.asp

Ram Gopal Varma ke Newcomers

Ram Gopal Varma – you may love him or hate him, but you can’t grudge him of the fact that he has given a break to many newcomers in an industry that is highly clannish. It is this reputation that has made aspiring actors flock to Ram Gopal Varma’s production company. Of course RGV modestly brushes this off saying they’re both ‘using’ each other – but it’s clearly the newcomers that need him more. While some of his discoveries have made it big, the others are struggling and trying not to be like the ones that have been forgotten. So here’s an introduction to them…

Prashant Raj – Aag

Prashant Raj started out as one of the many wannabe actors who made rounds at RGV’s production company. After talks fell apart with Mohit Ahlawat, it was Prashant that was noticed by one of RGV’s assistants. Prashant is a model by profession and has walked the ramp on a number of occasions. Ramu has given Prashant a chance of a lifetime by allowing him to play the part originally done by Amitabh Bachchan in the original Sholay.

Quelle: http://movies.indiatimes.com/quickies/2318841.cms

Ram Gopal Verma and Bachchans work on Cobra - August 29, 2007

Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are to star with each other in yet another Ram Gopal Verma film.

Sarkar, Sarkar 2, Time Machine, and now Cobra. Yes Cobra. Shooting will commence on this film later this year and Ajay Devgan and Sunil Shetty will also star.

Not much is known about this flick as of yet.

Don’t you think RGV and Bachchans are going a little overboard?

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...k-on-cobra.html

At no point have I tried to mimic Mr Bachchan - August 29, 2007

Prashant Raj Sachdev appears to be nonchalant even as his debut film Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is nearing release. For this first runner-up of Grasim Mr India, Jai's role (Amitabh Bachchan's in Sholay) was unexpected.

He was gearing up to leave for Los Angeles when the role fell into his lap. Aag, as he puts it, was a stroke of luck while he was busy making other plans.

Now after bagging one of the most coveted roles of the cult film Sholay, Prashant is thrilled to bits.

Swati R Chaudhary profiles the latest model-turned-actor. Excerpts:

Give us a brief overview of your background.

Though I was born in Mumbai, I've lived in Delhi for many years. I graduated in English honours and did a course in marketing. Ever since I was a kid, I was very passionate about modelling and wanted to give it a shot. I was very keen on trying out some of the lucrative modeling pageants so I participated in various inter-college festivals and did a lot of shows in college.

I was the first runner-up for Grasim Mr India and won the title of Mr Model of the Universe in Quito, Ecuador. I was the first Indian to win that pageant.Then I decided to come back home. I have also participated in the reality show -- The amazing Race Asia (AXN) with my friend Sahil Shroff.

So acting was a natural progression?

Not really! Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag just happened to me. I attribute it to luck and destiny. I had left my portfolio at Mr Varma's (director, Ram Gopal Varma) office and as soon as I left, about an hour later, I got a frantic call asking me to come back, and the next thing I know is I'm sitting face to face with Mr Varma.

I was all set to leave for Los Angeles to pursue a career in events and international modelling. I had got my US business visa and was supposed to fly in a few months time when this happened. I was least expecting that call and the sudden series of events has just changed my life. Believe me I had no idea why I was called!

And Jai's role must have been a bigger shocker?

I was blown over when I was offered Jai's role.

Mr Varma asked me for an impromptu audition but I wasn't nervous at all. He asked me for my views on acting, what I thought of this profession etc and the next minute I was offered this role. Obviously I was over the moon. Before I knew it, I was all over the newspapers and life just changed.

He gave me a 'scene paper'. He said he wanted me 'in character' the next time we met. So I came home, pulled out my father's old shirt, bell bottoms and just immersed myself into Raj's (Jai) character.

It's an overwhelming feeling. I strongly believe in destiny. I think we all make plans for ourselves but there is someone up there who has a different agenda for us. I was least expecting Aag to happen.

Immortalising Amitabh Bachchan's role must have been intimidating, more so because you are a newcomer?

I was told from day one that Aag is a modern day Sholay. I was very sure of the inevitable comparisons to Mr Bachchan and the original film of course, but at no time did I try to mimic Mr Bachchan. We all have consciously tried to bring in a new flavour to this film.

I admire Mr Varma's decision of doing the impossible, of doing the unthinkable. It takes a lot to remake a cult film, something that was made 32 years ago, that too for a new generation.

I personally feel it's wrong to compare the two films because at no point is Mr Varma trying to make a better film. He is just presenting a modern day version to the audience.

It's quite a futile effort to compare the two because even if they have the similar sequence of events, the entire plot is different. Moreover if people hold the previous one too close to their hearts they won't enjoy this one.

Sushmita Sen's presence must have been daunting as well?

I was intimidated by Sushmita Sen until I met her. Sushmita Sen today is a brand by itself. She is a larger than life personality. I was supposed to shoot an important scene with her that kept getting delayed. It was like a countdown and the pressure was building up. I was a bit nervous when I met her for the first time but she has an innate quality where she just put me at ease in a second. She introduced herself and gave me a huge hug. We hit it off like old friends.

How was it hobnobbing with Ajay Devgan?

Most of my scenes involved Ajay Devgan. The chemistry that we share on screen is pretty much the same off screen. He took me under his wing. I will always cherish the time we spent together and his invaluable advices. Not once did he make me feel like I didn't belonged. He was very encouraging and supportive to say the least.

How many times have you seen Ramesh Sippy's Sholay?

I saw Sholay in totality when I signed Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. As a kid I only remember Gabbar Singh and watching the film with my friends in bits and pieces but I never got a chance to see the film at one go.

After watching the film I realized why it was such a huge hit. Even today all the characters are firmly ensconced in audiences' minds, whether it's Gabbar Singh, Thakur or mausiji. Each character was larger than life. Sholay has definitely redefined Indian cinema. I realized it was so impactful because it had every ingredient that catered to all sensibilities. It provided wholesome entertainment.

Can you recall your toughest scene with Mr Bachchan?

Each scene had its own level of difficulty but at no point did I feel like I was acting with Mr Amitabh Bachchan. He looks into your eyes and speaks to you. The very first question I remember asking him was how he felt about a complete novice like me essaying the role immortalised by him years ago. He reassured me saying I shouldn't worry about anything and that I should just go up there and do my best. So that boosted my confidence and everything else took a backseat.

Babban Singh is probably the greatest villain of all times and I can't see anyone other than Mr Bachchan pulling it off.

Any kind words for Ram Gopal Varma?

I consider myself blessed to work with a director who I was so fond of, way before Aag happened. I like the way he portrays his characters in all his films like Satya, Bhoot, Sarkar etc. They are so real and hard-hitting.

Mr Varma is an intense person and a hard taskmaster, understandably, because a film of this stature required him to be like that. He is an excellent mentor. I am grateful to him for giving me this once-in-a- lifetime-opportunity and I am proud to be a part of Aag.

Most of RGV's blue eyed boys (Mohit Ahlawat, Randeep Hooda, Manoj Bajpai) haven't done too well for themselves�

Maybe their sensibilities somewhere kind of collided with Mr Varma's. But I respect him and share an excellent rapport with him. I hope to maintain it. Besides, I don't lose sleep mulling over the future. This is the biggest moment of my life and I want to live it to the fullest. I believe in taking life as it comes.

Mohit Alhawat was the original choice for Jai's role...

I got to know about it after I signed Aag. I had no clue about the fact that he was supposed to do the film. I just feel that if it wasn't me, it would've been someone else. So there is no guilt feeling attached to it.

What else is happening on the professional front?

There is Ramesh Katkar's Toss starring Aarti Chabbria, Rajpal Yadav and Ashmit Patel.Then I may be doing one more film with Mr Varma that I am really excited about.

I am getting a lot of offers from different people and banners so I don't want to be choosy at this stage. I want to experience varied characters and am open to meeting more directors for the same. I don't want to be slotted in a particular image so I am not fixing a genre for myself.

Are you feeling the newbie jitters?

I am bound to feel jittery but it's also a lot of excitement coupled with nervousness and pressure. But I am prepared for it so I am going to just be. There is no point stressing out because what will happen will happen. So I might as well enjoy it.

Quelle: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/29prashant.htm

Sholay should be seen again, not made again: Hema - August 29, 2007

There is nothing wrong in remaking old movies, but classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay shouldn't be touched, says Bollywood star Hema Malini.

The actress-danseuse, who was in town to present her ballet Draupadi to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the Madhya Pradesh assembly, told reporters Monday: "The remakes of films like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam will not be able to bring back the era in which they were originally made. They should be seen again and again and not made again."

Asked if she would like daughter Esha to play Basanti in Ram Gopal Varma's version of Sholay, she said: "There has been no such proposal so far. In case such an offer comes, I will go through the script before taking any decision."

However, Hema was confident that Amitabh Bachchan, who was Jai in the original, would do justice to his role as Gabbar Singh in the new version.

"Amitabh Bachchan is a great actor and he is capable of doing justice to any role, including Gabbar."

She said she was unhappy that classical music and dance was disappearing from films, but confident that this was just a temporary phase. "It will return to the movies one day," said the actress who hopes to open a classical dance institute in Bhopal one day.

She has two dreams - to act with Esha in a film and perform at the Khajuraho Dance festival where daughters Esha and Ahana had danced last year.

Quelle: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/...made+again';

Unfolding the 'Raj' of Aag

One just cannot miss that spark in his eyes, as Prashant Raj, who is playing 'Raj' in Ram Gopal Varma's Aag, gets talking about his journey from modelling to Bollywood boulevard.

He is clearly the jack-of-all-trades and master of his instincts. His interests are as diverse as his career moves. He's a golfer, movie buff, fitness freak, avid traveller and what not. He also wanted to do a Big adventure reality show for AXN.

"I am a strong believer in destiny. I was all set to make my career in event management in Los Angeles, before I got the offer from Ram Gopal Varma. It was the company of one of my very close friends. So, you see I had different plans at that time and they changed."

Not that he is complaining. Prashant Raj, the first runner-up of Grasim Manhunt feel blessed having worked with a filmmaker like Ram Gopal Varma.

"I feel blessed that I got a break in Ram Gopal Varma's film. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and the entire process of learning while shooting for the film is unforgettable for me."

Big B and his humble persona
Contrary to how other newcomers go numb at the sight of legendary Amitabh Bachchan, Prashant was the first one to ask him a question.

"It was amazing talking to him for the first time. Every Indian wants to meet him and I was working with him. It naturally gave me a high. He has the innate quality of making people comfortable. He is truly a superstar. I still remember his encouraging words."

Sushmita, the mesmeriser
Unlike Amitabh, it took a while before Prashant could break the ice with Sushmita Sen.

"Susmita Sen is my leading lady in the film. I was unnerved when I met her for the first time. Actually I was nervous because my first scene with her got postponed due to some reason. But once we met and talked, we gelled well. She is the powerhouse of positive energy. She looks straight at your eyes and you can feel the warmth of her personality."

"I feel that she has got that ex-factor. She is simply amazing."

Ajay, the prankster
Prashant cannot forget his experience of working with Ajay as they got along like a house of fire.

"My chemistry with Ajay Devgan was rocking both on screen as well as off screen. He is such a prankster and I was one of the victims of his pranks. I was talking to Ajay's friend when Ajay appeared from nowhere and put his hands on me. Before I could get what was happening, something started exploding like - tad tad tad and I realised that while talking Ajay had put a ladi (a cracker) near me. I chilled out a lot with him."

Future frame
So, where does this effervescent dude see himself in future? "I haven't fixed any genres for myself neither do I want to work with a fixed set of people. I would love to work with as many people as possible and do justice to my role."

On being asked if it's the script, co-stars or director that matter to him while signing a film, he says: "I think it should be a combination of all. The opportunity should be good."

In love with a Delhi gal
On inquiring about the dude's love life, he smiles and replies, "Yes, I am dating a Delhi girl. She is the face for Zoom."

Can he drop any other hints about the identity of his ladylove?

"Now that is up to you guys to find out", he signs off.

Quelle: http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/...;+of+EMAag%2fEM

Gabbar was not a negative character

He has got those intense eyes that help him define beyond a filmmaker. Ram Gopal Varma is not just a director who makes films for the sake of box-office success. For him a film is an idea that depicts the 'frame of mind' of a creative artist (filmmaker) at a given time.

The director gets into a chatty mood with Parmita Uniyal on his soon-to-be-released film Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag and the psyche of Indian audience.

Could you elaborate why did you choose to include your name in the title of the movie - Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. I think it's for the first time a filmmaker has done that.
Yes (smiles). But I didn't do that consciously. Initially, I was keen on the title Sholay for my remake, but then there were copyright issues and I had no choice but to change the name to Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. It makes sense since it's my interpretation of the original Sholay.

But aren't you apprehensive about the inevitable comparisons that will be made, once the movie releases?
See, I have done my job and it's up to the audience to accept it or not. They would at the most say that the earlier Sholay pulled off and the new version screwed off (laughs).

(Gets serious) Every person has a different viewpoint. I can't read the mind of every person. People who do not belong to the generation of Sholay's time, say in 12-30 age group, wouldn't have seen Sholay, so there would be no pre-conceived notions about my film.

So, how's your version different from the original one?
The time when Sholay came was the period of formula film. Sholay has all the masala in it - action, comedy, dance etc. The films in the 70's like Yaadon Ki Baraat comprised of all those masala and that worked well with the audience.

As far as my film is concerned, it has extraordinary aesthetics and an altogether different packaging that this generation will relate to. Characters written for my film were entirely different from Sholay.

What do you think today's audience want in a movie?
I don't think all the people want the same thing from a movie. There are different people who come to cinema halls for different things. Some come to watch Hrithik Roshan, some for watching the heroine's waistline and the others for action and comedy.

You seem to be enamoured by a particular theme. You have made Rangeela, Naach, and Daud in song-dance genre and Satya, D, Company, Sarkar in the underworld genre. Do you try to explore various angles of the same theme?
It's not that. If I have made song-dance and underworld films, I have also delved into psycho-thrillers like Kaun and horror flicks like Bhoot and Darna Mana Hai. I think I am the only director who has explored every genre.

I want to make films on simple problems of people, anything that depicts behind-the-scene psyche of people.

You are also credited with giving Amitabh Bachchan a few unconventional characters to portray that is not his usual forte. Wasn't it a little risky for his image to do Nishabd. And do you think people would be fine with his negative character in Ram gopal Varma ki Aag as Babban?
See, I don't think Gabbar from Sholay was a negative character. He was a villain who did a heinous act of killing people. People come to watch movies for entertainment and not to tag anybody as negative and positive. It's just a character.

Do you regret remaking your hit movie Shiva with the same name that turned out to be a disaster at the box-office? Why did you feel the need to remake it when it was successful the first time?
I remake my own film when I feel that something was missed in that movie. I had a particular frame of mind when I made Shiva previously and when I remade it, the frame of mind had changed.

Since you are a popular face among audience, would you like to give acting a take?
No, never. I am too nervous to face camera. I am perfectly okay behind it.

There were reports in the media that Abhishek Bachchan was roped in along with Urmila Matondkar in Mehbooba number, but he was later chucked out?
Abhishek is still there in the song.

Do link-up rumours perturb you?
No, it has become a routine affair now. I am used to being linked with my actresses.

Don't you think it's because you repeat your actresses too often?
I repeat my actors too. Amitabh Bachchan worked with me for Sarkar, Nishabd, Aag. Aishwarya Rai is also working with me in Sarkar 2.

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

Ramu liked my confidence

Amitabh Bachchan, he confesses, gave him no advice how to interpret Jai. “So in a way you could blame him if I do badly,” jokes Prashant aj, the modern-day Jai of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag

His deep baritone may have landed him the role of Jai in Ramgopal Varma Ke Sholay… oops, Aag. But that’s not all that he shares with Amitabh Bachchan, the original Jai. He is six feet-plus, exudes a brooding intensity and has a sunny swagger. But his overall attitude seems very much his own. He says, “It’s very contemporary and very 2007, like Ramu’s interpretation of Sholay.”

That’s Prashant Raj for you. Cockiness personified. In fact, that’s what got him the role. “Last November, I got a call from Ram Gopal Varma’s office. I dropped by, but Ramu was out so I left my portfolio there. Within a couple of hours, I got a call asking me to meet the director immediately. So there I was the next day in front of Ramu, answering questions like ‘What do you think of acting?’ and ‘What does the profession mean to you…’ And then he asked me to do an impromptu audition. I didn’t get up or do any movements: I simply talked about the room, starting with something like Aap ko kya lagta hai mujhe acting nahin aati…?”

Ramu was taken aback but asked him to come in for another audition in the character’s get-up and speak rehearsed lines from the script. Says Raj, “Ramu told me later that he liked my confidence.” The new Jai-to-be put on his dad’s old shirt, wore a scruffy look and did the second audition and within a week, he was on board.

He says, “I was the last actor to be signed on, the only newcomer in a cast of heavyweights.” Working with the likes of Mohanlal, Bachchan and Ajay Devgan was, of course, a dream come true. “What more could I have asked for? The director even agreed to let my character use my real name. Isn’t it amazing playing a character named after yourself in your debut film?”

Raj did not come into acting by design. His mother is a painter, his father the MD and CEO of Greaves Cotton. The Delhi-educated Mumbai boy oscillated between modelling and corporate jobs. “I worked with Percept and other companies, but my mind and heart weren’t quite there,” he says.

Advertisement

The winner of the 2004 Grasim Mr India first runner-up crown and the 2005 Mr Model of the Universe contest at Quito, Ecuador, Raj had faced the camera as a model — he poses for our photo shoot like a pro and even brainstorms a bit on possible concept shots with our photographer—- but he hadn’t been before a movie camera until the first take of Aag. “Though I knew at 16 that I would be a model, acting wasn’t an option. I refused three films and a host of TV serials before Aag and was all set to relocate to Los Angeles as an event director. I had even got a tough-to-attain 10-year US business visa just prior to my audition,” he reveals.

Raj, however, eased into the Aag assignment without breaking into a sweat. “Though I literally learned everything on the job, it was never like ‘Oh my God, what have I landed myself in?” says Raj. “None of the actors treated me like a newcomer though I could barely contain my joy when I learnt that Sushmita, an actress I admire a lot, would be my heroine.”

“My character, like the original one, is a serious guy who falls for a widow but has a tough time expressing his true feelings. You never get to see what their romance culminates into…” Does that mean his Jai isn’t bumped off? “For that you have to see the film,” chortles Raj.

His on-screen pairing with Devgan, who plays Ramu’s interpretation of Veeru isn’t quite along expected lines. “Unlike the earlier Jai-Veeru pairing, there’s an age gap. My character is much younger and, having lost his parents, looks up to him. He’s my guardian and guide on-screen. What you see on-screen is the way it was off- screen too,” he says.

Incidentally, for Raj, the action scenes were the toughest. “Nothing was easy, but I guess my toughest scene was one atop a 40-feet rock by the sea in Vasai. I had to deliver a lengthy dialogue, which was shot over four-five days amid constant gusts of wind,” he says.

Did he get any tips from the original Jai? “Not at all. He would occasionally tell me how to hold a gun or look at the camera but he gave no advice on how to interpret Jai. So in a way you could blame Mr Bachchan if I do badly,” jokes Raj. “Amitji is an actor who wouldn’t interfere in the director’s job.”

Raj, who saw Sholay in its entirety only after signing the film, says, “Comparison is inevitable. But it’s a very fast and modern film. At no point is Ramu trying to ape Sholay. Our film does have a similar sequence of events but the plot is very different. If people watch it in isolation, they will actually enjoy it as much as the original.”

How have his equations been with Ramu, who is known for his fallouts with his protégés, most recently with Mohit Ahlawat, who was originally tipped to play Jai? “I share a very healthy relationship with him at the moment and don’t want to bother about tomorrow. He’s a fantastic mentor. I guess there won’t be any ups and downs between us as I am not bound by any contract. I have already completed my second film, which is not a Factory production.”

Raj’s next film is titled Toss. “It’s a family drama set in Goa with elements of a thriller thrown in. It stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Ashmit Patel, Aarti Chhabria and Rajpal Yadav and there are a few more films in the pipeline too.” More, we are sure, will come post-Aag… So is it time for Bollywood to welcome another angry young man?

Quelle: http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=16930

Big B wore eye lenses to play Babban Singh - August 30, 2007

Both Ram Gopal Varma and Amitabh Bachchan wanted to give a menacing look to Big B’s character Babban Singh in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag .

Ramu’s own interpretation of the cult classic Sholay has a bigger role for Babban Singh than the 1975 movie had of Gabbar Singh. Apart from the length of the role, Ramu and Big B worked together on the look of the character.

The finalized look required Babban Singh to have a scar on his nose and two different coloured lenses in his eyes.

While the scar was easily managed, Big B had to rope in his family eye surgeon Dr Himanshu Mehta to get high quality soft lenses of blue and brown shades.

The blue lens was used in the right eye and the brown lens in the left.

Since Big B is not comfortable with lenses, he had to go to Dr. Mehta for putting on the lenses every time before the shoot. Later, when the lenses were removed, Big B complained of itchiness and rashness in his eyes and used to wear goggles throughout the day.

‘Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag’ releases on August 31.

Quelle: http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20070830-5.html

Anubhav Sinha strikes back

So you thought the tame response to his ‘spin till you win dizzy dizzy drop drop’ actioner Cash has daunted Anubhav Sinha. Not so yet! Anubhav has cut to the 'Chase'.

The man with the golden grin has quietly taken off for Italy to finalize the production nitty-gritty for his next action flick, Chase. This one will be shot entirely in Italy and will feature three Bollywood debutants who have been under-going rigorous training under Sinha's hawk eyes. The female lead in this, no full stop action flick will be played by Caterina Munro.

Anubhav is collaborating with a Spanish screenwriter Enrico Vechi for the script. All the action scenes will be handled by a German team, which is expected to arrive in Italy on Thursday.

"Right now I wouldn’t like to say much. After all people have to forget Cash before they move on to my next" Anubhav says from Italy.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/08/30/10029/index.html