RE: December 2007 - News - 5

Nights at the circus
Nagraj Gollapudi, December 17, 2007

Auszug:

...
The ICL, backed by Chandra's clout in Bollywood, brought the cast of the forthcoming Sunday - Ajay Devgan, Irrfan Khan, and Ayesha Takia - in for the final. Those three together may not have been able to match the star value of Khan, the reigning emperor of the Hindi movie industry, but Chandra understood that something was better than nothing.
...

Quelle: http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/icl/cont...ory/326124.html

HALLA BOL takes to streets
December 17, 2007 5:58:39 PM IST
Bollywood Trade News Network

Presented and distributed globally by Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd., film HALLA BOL has used a unique and interactive marketing opportunity. Since the film is vocal about man's inner conscious, HALLA BOL is reaching the common man through street plays. Comments spokesperson from Pyramid Saimira, "Regular modes of marketing have been used over and again. Reaching the real viewer through street theatre will be direct interactive marketing. We are taking the local issues and awakening the people about them. We are taking these plays to eight cities and in each city one artiste will accompany the theatre group." One of the artistes from Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan or Pankaj Kapur will be representing the film during the street play in each city.

The street plays are organized and conducted by senior theatre personality Om Katare and his artistes. Theme of all the plays will gel with the core story line of the film. "Basically we are taking issues of common man like the local Municipal Corporation, illegal constructions, hospitals & health, and sexual harassment. These are the most written about but least tackled issues because there is no unity amongst the citizens. I as 'sutradhaar', will tell them to use their voice together in unison, to go ahead and HALLA BOL against injustice. Be together in problems because what is one man's agony will become the second persons issue tomorrow. Do not keep quite," explains Om Katare about their script and plans. Says the producer Abdol Samee Siddiqui, "Our street theatre will take the reel to the level of real. We have gone with Om due to his experience and exposure to street plays."

These plays will be taken to the cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahemdabad, Kolkotta and will culminate in Mumbai. Entire schedule will be held from 1st January to 10th January since HALLA BOL is releasing on January 11th 2008.

HALLA BOL is produced by Abdol Samee Siddiqui and India News under the banner of Sunrise Pictures Pvt Ltd. and directed / scripted by Raj Kumar Santoshi.

HALLA BOL is presented and distributed globally by Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd. The star cast includes Ajay Devgan, Vidya Balan, Pankaj Kapur and Darshan Zariwala.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...vgan-120713.asp

Tusshar ‘stone’d too
Author: Tushar Joshi, Date: 17 Dec 2007

B-Town stars turn to gem therapy to cure them of their ailments

Shah Rukh is wearing it, so are Ajay Devgan, Kajol and Tanishaa. Of late, Tusshar Kapoor, was spotted with one as well. We are talking about the gem amulet that actors have been wearing as an essential accessory.

Tusshar was seen wearing it in Goa during the shoot of Golmaal Returns. He says, “Since the time I’ve been wearing the amulet I have got rid of my sleeping problem. I also had sporadic outbursts of pimples which has been cured now.”

The actor adds that his mom (Shobha) and dad (Jeetendra) have made use of the gem treatment. “My dad had a knee problem which got cured.”

The man responsible for this gem related therapy is Dr Dilip Kumar. He says, “It’s an ancient science that’s been around for ages. There is no particular name that can describe the therapy. I have devised it on my own and it basically involves a combination of different gems.”

Keep guessing

Dilip prefers not to name his clients but says that Ajay and Kajol were the first ones to start wearing them. “I can say that almost every second person from Bollywood comes to me for gem treatment. Not just actors but also producers and directors. They basically come for their back problem, cosmetic modifications and other health-related problems.”

As each person has a different history, “the duration and combination of gems differs from person to person. It’s a device that I have designed after research and lot of hard work.”

Stating that his method does not follow astrology, Dilip says, “It’s purely scientific. I am glad that I’ve been able to alter people’s life in a positive way.”

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bol...XT_5_groupId=14

Why Rajkumar Santoshi followed Ajay Devgan?
Mumbai, December 17, 2007

Rajkumar Santoshi has always made Ajay Devgan do the unusual.

In Halla Bol, releasing in January, the actor plays a film star and to give a dose of reality to the character, the director had cameraman Nataraj Subramaniam trail Ajay at movie sets and functions.

Santoshi told IANS: "The idea is very simple. We needed to capture Ajay's personality as a film star in all its facets. And to do so we needed to see him relaxed and unconscious of the camera.

"The best way to get my character's public personality was to follow Ajay into his daily activities. We caught him on the set of Omkara with Kareena Kapoor. We'll be using that footage to show our hero's professional side."

This is a unique experiment merging fact with fiction. The other instance where a filmmaker tried to fuse real footage from Bollywood into his film was Manmohan Desai.

In Naseeb, he captured all the big stars from Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman to Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore at the jubilee celebration of Desai's Dharam Veer as Amitabh Bachchan dressed as a waiter mingled with the guests singing John jani janardhan.

So far, films about Bollywood have mostly looked at showbiz with tinted glasses. The exceptions being Guru Dutt's Kaagaz Ke Phool and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Guddi and now Santoshi's film takes a candid look at Bollywood.

"It's like a docu-fiction, very unlike other films on showbiz. We want to show the real deglamourised side of Bollywood."

Quelle: Why Rajkumar Santoshi followed Ajay Devgan?

Kajol on the two loves of her life

The mother in her takes over all the other facets of her personality. So as one sits to talk to Kajol, it’s best to start with daughter Nysa.
Ask her how is Nysa doing and she quickly looks for wood, touches it and says “Oh great!”

Kajol has always maintained that four-year-old Nysa is her first priority.

“The umbilical chord is still attached,” she says.

From mother, we switch to her real life role of a wife.

While the couple seems to be poles apart in nature.. they’re actually quite similar.

Says Kajol, “That’s how we are.” They have a passion for fitness. Hubby Ajay Devgan follows a daily morning routine and Kajol also swears by that. “Yes, I am very particular about the fitness regime. I am a very active person, that helps me keep fit.”

Kajol is getting more active on the workfront. She will be seen in a Devgan home production and Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ramayana. While she refused to “divulge” anything about the home production, talking about Ramayana she says, “Frankly, I don’t look anything like Sita. I actually told Raj Kumar Santoshi. But he was so convincing in his arguments that I agreed.”

Ask her if she thinks going back to an era would be challenging? “Every character is challenging in a way. Once, I have agreed to do it, I will give it my best shot.”

Write decision
She is an avid reader and devours books on almost every subject.
Her favourite reading is Mills and Boon. She is known to have the biggest collection of the romance series in the city.
She once interviewed Phoolan Devi for a popular film magazine.
Ask her if she ever fancies writing a book and she replies, “I attempted that but soon realise it is too much of hardwork. So I am happy reading.”
She chose the name Nysa for her daughter, after the Greek goddess of Purity.

Quelle: Kajol on the two loves of her life

SUNDAY team heats up ICL's Sunday final!
December 18, 2007 3:23:34 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

As is known to all cricket enthusiasts, last Sunday (December 16), saw the thrilling final of the inaugural Indian Cricket League, in Chandigarh. While the crowds applauded the Chennai Superstars to victory, they had another special reason to cheer and celebrate. In fact, they had to really exert their vocal chords, as much to their pleasant surprise; they found the team of Rohit Shetty's upcoming slick flick, SUNDAY, amidst them.

As per eyewitness accounts, the crowd went berserk at the sight of top Bollywood stars, Ajay Devgan, Ayesha Takia, Irrfan Khan and the SALAAM-E-ISHQ hottie, Anjana Sukhani. They were accompanied by the talented director and producer of SUNDAY, Rohit Shetty and Kumar Mangat.

According to sources, apparel giants Provogue had specially chartered a to-and-fro flight for the SUNDAY team from Mumbai to Chandigarh. And after giving the local crowd more than their money's worth, and cheering the Chennai team to victory, the stars returned back to Bombay, the same night.

Well, we have to admit that if the enthusiasm of the Chandigarh crowd (that went 'balle-balle' at the sight of the SUNDAY team!), is any indication, SUNDAY appears to be a winner all the way.

Before we leave, some information regarding the latest venture from the successful Devgan-Shetty team that gave us the topical ZAMEEN (2003) and the laugh riot, GOLMAAL (2006). As per distribution inputs, EROS International will release the much anticipated SUNDAY, on the first day of February, 2008.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07...khan-120703.asp

Pixion hosts thanksgiving bash for clients
By Businessofcinema.com Team
17 December 2007, 05:27 PM

Mal ein Bericht zu den netten Bildern vor ein paar Tagen!

Pixion hosted a celebration on Friday night to commemorate the contribution of their clients, associates and employees towards the progress of Pixion as a company.

Celebrating along with employees and partners of Pixion were the who's who of Bollywood with noted directors, producers and actors gracing the magnificent occasion as well.

Present at the party were Manmohan Shetty, Ajay Devgan, Anurag Kashyap, Soha Ali Khan, Sudhir Mishra, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Prakash Jha, Imtiaz Ali, Jimmy Shergill, Anand Rai, Kisshen Kumar, Sunil Darshan, Aditi Govitrikar.

On the occasion, Pixion CEO, Naresh Malik said, "We would like to immensely thank our esteemed clients and our work force for giving us the opportunity to grow. In the last two years our business has grown six times. In the coming year we are expecting it to grow by three times."

Pixion is a 100 percent subsidiary of Century Communication Ltd. Since its inception in 2001, Pixion has been providing post-production services to feature films, advertising and TV production houses as well as broadcast channels.

Quelle: http://www.businessofcinema.com/boc/?file=story&id=6258

Sunday goes to Chandigarh
Author: A Hitlist Correspondent, Date: 18 Dec 2007

The stars of Kumar Mangat’s Sunday were in Chandigarh to attend the finals of ICL at Panchkula Stadium.

Ajay Devgan, Irrfan Khan, Ayesha Takia and Anjana Sukhani were present to boost the morale of both the Chennai Superstars and the Chandigarh Lions.

Tanushree Dutta performed on her famous tracks while models walked the ramp wearing Provogue’s latest collection.

While on Ajay Devgan, those looking for a peek into his life, check out his updated site http://ajaydevgan.net.

Apparently, Ajay darling will soon go the Aamir and Anurag way and put up blogs too. Is this a new promotion tactic that all stars will try now?

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bol...XT_5_groupId=14

It’s baby’s day out for Rohit Shetty
19 Dec 2007, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty who has directed comic capers like Golmaal is all set to release his next directorial venture Sunday.

However, when we caught up with him on the sets of Golmaal Returns — a film that boasts of an impressive star cast that includes Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi among others, the boy who stole the show was none other than Rohit Shetty’s son Eshaan.

Friendly and much at peace (read: non-bawling), little Shetty was one bundle of joy on the sets. Eshaan did play with any and everyone, especially the women folk. Seeing this Devgan said, “He seems to like girls. That’s good!”

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enter...how/2631307.cms

Actor se Director tak

Ajay Devgan

Devgan's currently helming his first film, U, Me Aur Hum -- with wife Kajol helpfully starring -- and setting it up for a 2008 release. There is positive buzz about the film as Devgan, like Aamir, enjoys the reputation of a no-nonsense perfectionist, and it is interesting to imagine him directing a romantic comedy.

Quelle: http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/19sld1.htm

I don’t dislike Shah Rukh: Ajay
20 Dec 2007, 0000 hrs IST,URVASHI ASHAR ,TNN

It’s siesta time in Goa. The land of sun, surf and mirage. Seated with his legs on a table, actor Ajay Devgan who is shooting for Golmaal Returns is tch-tch-ing as cricketer Gautam Gambhir is bowled out by Shoaib Akhtar.

I enter the room, and in gentlemanly style, the actor straightens up. Greets me with a handshake, offers me a seat, and also offers to switch off the TV. Known to be rather non-communicative with the media, the commentary in the background, I thought, would do well to fill-in-the-blanks of those much expected silent moments. I was in for a surprise.

Never mind that we are one wicket down, Ajay himself is a great ‘catch’ for some filmmakers who won’t make films without him — Rajkumar Santoshi, Rohit Shetty... “There’s a certain comfort zone,” agrees Devgan. “They’re all good directors, and if I suit a certain character, they approach me. It’s simple! It’s not campism; it’s work.”

Besides Santoshi’s Halla Bol , the man has been roped in to play the title role in Raj’s Ashok as well. A previous attempt on the subject wasn’t a very impressive fare at the box office. “We aren’t attempting to re-make what has already been made before. Our story is post the Kalinga war, and how the Emperor embraced Buddhism,” explains the actor. This makes me ask of Ajay’s religious sensibilities. “I’m religious. I believe in most religions and also appreciate and try to follow the good virtues each of them propagates.”

Usually treading the right path, Devgan hasn’t been a part of any controversy. Save one. His dislike for Shah Rukh Khan is much talked about. “I don’t dislike Shah Rukh. And if you are referring to my absence from Om Shanti Om, I was out of town during the time the film was being made. I assure you that if I was in the city I would’ve done what Farah approached me for,” he states, convincingly.

Talking about Shah Rukh, the topic of six-pack abs can’t be too far away. How much has the fitness conscious Devgan conquered? “I like to take care of myself. I eat and work out right. I won’t claim to have six-pack abs, but I do have a much toned stomach,” he confesses proudly.

A great body, intense eyes, much fame and success and yet no link-up stories... Proves his undying love for Kajol, eh? “I don’t know. I work, and once it’s pack up, I rush home to be with family. Socialising leads to rumours of link-ups. And I just can’t socialise. I don’t enjoy it, so I don’t do it,” he avers logically.

Never mind Ajay’s success stories, another high of his life is his first directorial venture, U, Me, Aur Hum which has been falsely hailed as a re-make of the Hollywood flick The Notebook . With Kajol and him returning together on the big screen, the film truly seems to be a ‘home production’. Will daughter Nysa make a special appearance in Daddy Devgan’s special venture? “No,” says Ajay. “We’re sticking to the script, and Nysa is not a part of it,” he laughs, “But she is the most beautiful part of my life story.”

So besides being a good actor, does Ajay make a good father? “That’s a question you’ll have to reserve for Nysa when she grows up. I’m trying to do my best, but I don’t know how well I’m doing or if I’m doing well at all,” he says. Ajay, the actor, director, producer, father, husband, son... He is quite the complete man.

“I’m not a complete man, but a happy man! Nobody is complete. I falter, too.” Saying this, the actor is informed that the shot is ready. The score is now 25/1, and as Dravid prepares himself for a delivery from Yasir Arafat, Ajay readies to deliver, too!

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India...how/2634223.cms

Metrosexual’s comedy show with Ajay - Arshad

Rohit Shetty’s next venture titled Right Ya Wrong will showcase the comic side of relatively intense - Irrfan Khan.

Says Irrfan, “Audiences have seen all my co-stars in Sunday—Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Ayesha Takia—do comedy. But not me.”

Irrfan had previously shown his funny side in Anurag Basu’s Life in a…Metro.

Quelle: http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archive...jay-arshad.html

Sanju says no
Author: A Hitlist Correspondent, Date: 19 Dec 2007

Apparently, Sanjay Dutt has refused to do Vishal Bhardwaj's next film starring Kareena Kapoor and Ajay Devgan.

Apparently, Sanjay Dutt has refused to do Vishal Bhardwaj’s next film starring Kareena Kapoor and Ajay Devgan. After dilly-dallying for some time, Dutt turned down the offer and now Vishal is upset.

Sanjay has claimed to not have combination dates with Ajay Devgan, as all his dates are tied up with Bunty Walia and Sunil Shetty’s productions.

A source close to Vishal says, “He is not a raw, inexperienced filmmaker who is out to prove a point. All his films are nominated for awards and go to international film festivals.”

The source adds, “Sanjay has dropped out because he didn’t like the script.” Uh-oh, sounds like trouble.

We won’t be surprised if Sanjay Gupta and Bhardwaj now become best friends.

PS: Incidentally, Sanjay Dutt walked the ramp last night for Ed Hardy. His ladylove Maanyata and his family cheered him on. There’s a buzz that Sanju will be the brand ambassador of the newly arrived clothing brand.

Quelle: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bol...XT_5_groupId=14