RE: January 2008 - News - 3

Smiles to go - Inteview mit Vidya Balan
Mumbai, January 04, 2008

Auszug:

...
I believe Sanjay Dutt was very keen to cast you in his home production Bihaad. What's happening on that front?
I have no clue. It's an interesting story. I'd want it to be made. Nana Patekar has been saying that he wants to cast you in the film he's planning to direct.
...
What prompted you to accept a film like Halla Bol which even its director Rajkumar Santoshi admits revolves around Ajay Devgan?
Yes, Halla Bol is Ajay's film, most definitely. My role may be relatively small but it required conviction and a ‘real' performance. Rajji pushes you to think and feel.. that made the performance.
...
Weren't you initially hesitant to accept a role which required you to play mother to an eight-year-old child?
Being a mother is only one aspect of the role, it's not the defining aspect.. I start out as Ajay's love interest. We get married and have a child. It's a natural prog ression of events.
...
With Heyy Babyy you tried to go glam. But for Halla Bol you've gone back to being boringly desi.
My character in the film is a small town girl who marries a struggling actor. Ashfaque goes on to become a superstar but Sneha retains her simplicity. Rajji was very clear about the look he wanted. Plain. A-line cotton kurtas.. nothing fitted or flashy.
I've always dressed up or dressed down depending on the character I'm playing. Parineeta was very Indian but glamorous while Lage Raho Munnabhai was casual, western chic. In Salaam-e-Ishq I was expected to look washed-out and traumatised after an accident.

Quelle: Hindustantimes

Lead India: Facing Mission Impossible?
5 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Achievers are supposed to get difficult tasks done easily. The impossible, though, takes a little time. A maximum of 10 hours, if you’re a Lead India finalist. That was the time limit given to the contestants to fulfil the difficult tasks assigned to them. The idea being to test their skills at executing demanding projects.

Effective execution is certainly one skill that Indians would love to see in their political leaders, given its distressing absence in virtually every aspect of life. Delayed infrastructure projects, crucial legislative Bills that keep pending session after session, procrastination when it comes to tackling key problems... we’ve suffered the consequences of all these, and more. Clearly, India needs leaders who can walk the talk, not just issue vague promises.

And so, all the finalists will be put on a 'Mission 10 hours'. Each finalist will be given a task to complete within 10 hours in their home city. To add some competitive bite, each task will be assigned to two finalists, so that the judges and viewers will be able to compare performances. For example, Devang Nanavati and Sanjiv Kaura will be assigned the same task, but in Ahmedabad and Delhi, respectively. Similarly, R K Misra and Ranjit Gadgil will have to fulfil the same mission within 10 hours in Bangalore and Pune. Viewers can then make up their minds who fared better and vote accordingly.

The tasks will force the finalists out of their comfort zones and require them to interact with police, government authorities, slum-dwellers, villagers, sex workers and many other disparate sections of society. As they go about their work, TV cameras will capture all the action live. They will also have to operate within certain rules. For example, each task has to be personally undertaken by the finalist; s/he cannot delegate it. After the mission is fulfilled, a psychiatrist will provide insights into their management styles. It will then be up to the jury to vote on specific parameters like organisational skills, strategy, execution and resourcefulness.

Once again, apart from the permanent jury, there will be two special judges. The first is one of India's rare 'can-do' politicians, the man who’s largely responsible for the revolution in India’s skies, civil aviation minister Praful Patel. Industrialist, social worker, sports enthusiast, Patel has played many roles. But what has remained constant is his dynamism and determination to forge ahead – qualities that have stood him in good stead as he has skillfully guided much-needed reforms in civil aviation through intense political opposition.

Patel brings the same enthusiasm to his role as Lead India judge. “These are all men and women who are already leaders in their fields. But it will be interesting to see what kind of innovativeness they can display when confronted with challenges that are outside their usual experience,” he says.

The other celebrity judge is a man who is no stranger to politics - having essayed the role of an idealist out to change the world in The Legend of Bhagat Singh , Yuva and now Halla Bol . Bollywood’s Mr Intense, Ajay Devgan, will be making his first-ever appearance on a reality TV show. He agreed because Lead India is the only program he watches on TV, apart from the news. Why? "The show awakens people to their rights and responsibilities, while giving them an opportunity to choose a true leader." What's his definition of a true leader?

"A person who is strong from within and honest. He should believe in himself and be very convincing," says Devgan. We know what qualities he’ll be looking for tomorrow. But what will you be seeking in the person you choose to Lead India?

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lead_...how/2675896.cms

Bips gets steamy with Saif
Joginder Tuteja, Thursday, January 03, 2008 23:59 IST

Auszug:

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Meanwhile Bipasha is also doing Abbas-Mustan’s ‘Mr Fraud’, a comic caper. Though 70 per cent of the shooting of the film has been completed, it had come to a temporary halt due to Sanjay Dutt’s incarceration. Also starring Ajay Devgan and Tanushree Datta, the film’s shooting is expected to resume soon.

Quelle: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1143015

No Aamir-Narmada angle in HALLA BOL
January 5, 2008 1:58:57 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

We had told you last year itself that Rajkumar Santoshi's Ajay Devgan-Vidya Balan starrer, HALLA BOL, was based on the life of 'nukkad natak' pioneer, the late Safdar Hashmi. Later on we also disclosed that model Jessica Lal's murder angle was also a part of the movie.

However, a recent story doing the rounds is that Aamir Khan's Narmada controversy (around the release of FANAA) was also a part of the proceedings. But that is not the case at all. The producer of HALLA BOL, Abdol Samee Siddiqui, has categorically denied the existence of Aamir's Gujarat controversy track in the movie. He further added that the script of HALLA BOL, by Rajkumar Santoshi, was totally original and there were no inspirations from Aamir's life.

Maybe this canard surfaced because Ajay Devgan plays the role of a righteous kind of superstar, who fights against the system.

Quelle: http://glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/jan...anaa-015035.asp

It is holiday time for Bollywood stars
05th Jan 2008 22.00 IST, By Aparajita Ghosh

Auszug:

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And then there are those for whom work comes before anything. Ajay Devgan is busy nowadays doing the post-production work – editing – of his first film as a director, U Me Aur Hum . Priyanka Chopra , too, is said to be in Bangkok to shoot a commercial for a beauty soap.

Quelle: http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080105-3.html

Vidya Balan on Halla Bol
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com, 5 Jan 2008

Halla Bol starring Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapur and Vidya Balan is finally set to make its appearance at theaters on January 11th. Vidya, who plays Ajay’s wife in the film, recently talked about her experiences working with director Raj Kumar Santoshi, her co-star Ajay Devgan, and other filmi things.

Vidya explained that to her the title means, “Halla Bol means a call for war. It's an awakening after a long slumber, in order to bring a change in the society.”

About her role in the film she said, “I play a very small yet substantial role of Ajay's wife in the film. A simple and a courageous woman who has certain set of beliefs. She is someone who stands by her husband in his thick and thin. Halla Bol talks about the journey of a man from reel to real life hero. Ajay plays the role of a struggling actor who achieves a lot of stardom in life. And the beauty of my character lies in the fact that being a wife of such a big star, still, she retains her simplicity.”

She is working with Ajay for the first time and even though she fell victim to one of his pranks on set said, “He is always in high spirits. And acting is something which comes naturally to him. He has so much of spontaneity in him that I remember him smoking at one moment and next moment you see him give his best shot. And as far as Ajay as a person is concerned, he is a gem in himself. He is someone who is full of life and who is always up to something.”

This role for Vidya was a bit of a challenge for her and she says, “Well, honestly, the credit goes to Rajkumar Santoshi ji for he showed a great deal of conviction in me. I feel a director like him pushes you towards your goal and thus your task becomes much easier henceforth.”

Adding as a director, “Raj ji is full of life. He is a well learned man who has immense knowledge of history, current affairs etc… He leaves no stone unturned to attain perfection in whatever he does. He is a director with a clear vision and thus makes it crystal clear to the actor as to what exactly he/she is supposed to do.”

On to other things and the supposed hook-ups with her co-stars, “Trust me, earlier whenever I would get upset on hearing such rumours, my Dad would always make me understand this is just a part and parcel of the profession you have chosen. Now, I welcome such rumours because they make me feel good about myself.”

Adding her favorites among these co-stars are, “Well, I love working with Akshay Kumar and share a very good equation with Shahid Kapur. Sanju is a gem of a person and I think the kind of support he has got for during his testing times says it all.”

About her success in Bollywood Vidya says she feels blessed and, “Honestly speaking, earlier it were my instincts that helped me in choosing the right kind of films. Today, I have become more responsible as an actor, keeping in mind all the parameters as far as signing any film is concerned. The industry has accepted me whole-heartedly. So, overall it has been an overwhelming experience for me.”

Finally, back to Halla Bol, “All that I can say to my audience is that come and feel the honesty and passion, with which this film has been made. Halla Bol is an eye-opener for the people living in the contemporary society.”

We are looking forward to seeing Ajay and Vidya together in this exciting film. Be sure to check out Halla Bol when it hits theaters next Friday!

Quelle: http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/855-v...-halla-bol.html

Lead India: Soumya dutifully bows out
6 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Auszug:

...
It was time for the first celebrity judge to make his entry. Actor Ajay Devgan did so, and immediately made an impact. Another Lead India finalist was supposed to be eliminated, but Devgan - making his debut on a reality show - requested Kher to let the viewers see whatever had been done by all the finalists, since there is a difference between " kathni and karni (talk and action)". When Kher posed the query to the permanent jury, Javed Akhtar said that they had earlier conferred amongst themselves and come to the same conclusion.

And, so, it was time for action - with the contestants being judged on projects that they had to fulfil on their own, within a timeframe of 10 hours. It was a test of how effective they could be at execution - a key attribute of any leader, as Devgan pointed out. His views were endorsed by the other celebrity judge, Union minister for civil aviation Praful Patel. Introduced by Kher as a 'neta seen more often with abhinetas ', the dapper industrialist-turned-politician replied with a smile, that one should make a difference in whatever role one plays. " Issimein desh ki bhalayi hai (This is what will benefit the nation)," he quipped.
...

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lead_...how/2677848.cms

Please don’t be silent
Author: Upala KBR, Date: 05 Jan 2008

Ajay Devgan requests the molestation victims of January 1 to file a police complaint against the hooligans

The Ajay Devgan starrer Halla Bol which releases on January 11, carries the message of raising your voice against the wrongs in society. In the recent molestation case at Juhu, the girls did not file a police complaint against the hooligans who molested them. In an open letter, Ajay asks people to stand up for right and fight for justice.

Dear citizens of India,

I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the happenings on January 1 when hooligans in Juhu traumatised two US-based couples. I read about the incident in the papers. Though I know it’s disturbing for them to relive the incident, I would like to request the ladies to file a police complaint because that is the only way we can bring the perpetrators to justice.

It’s a shame that such people exist within the fabric of our society. If we as people don’t take a stand, then what will stop these offenders from repeating such acts? Tomorrow, this ugly episode can also happen to your sister, wife or daughter. Why wait till that happens? If not for anyone else, raise your voice and protest for the coming generation. Because if you don’t, things will get worse. I urge please not to keep silent till justice is done!

I have always taken a stand for what I believe in. I will continue to fight against whatever I feel is wrong. It was while working on my film Halla Bol that I realised how much keeping silent has seeped into our characters. We are constantly stifling our voices and conscience. People ask me what Halla Bol means it means to raise your voices, not physically but against something the ills in society. It was also a war cry in the olden days.

The incident that happened in Juhu is somewhat similar to a scene in Halla Bol, where I witnessed a similar molestation on two women —of course, reel life is more dramatic — and the women in Hala Bol are murdered. Why do we stand for such things happenings in our society?

I am sure there were many people in the mob attack who simply stood and watched. Why didn’t they step forward to help these women? If we don’t help, hooliganism will keep increasing.

It’s unfair to blame the police for everything they are doing their job to the best of their ability. We need to act too. People have to understand the collective might of the public and media. If we raise our voices together, we can change anything including the system. We have to raise our voice and say Halla Bol against anything what is wrong. It’s pointless to complain against the government when we don’t want to do anything to change the system and remain mute spectators to every violent or wrong incident that happens.

If we as a nation decide to keep quiet and stifle our conscience, eventually we will all suffer. Within the law, I would like the offenders to be dealt with as harshly as possible and made such an example of, so that they never repeat such an act again. We have to make an example of them so that it sends out a message to anyone who thinks he can commit a crime and get away with it.

Ajay Devgan

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

Rajkumar Santoshi: The director with social conscience - January 5
Enkayaar, Bollywood Trade News Network

If there is one director who has consciously and regularly through his films tried to raise issues against the system and posed quite uncomfortable questions about the way it functions Raj Kumar Santoshi's name would be among the frontrunners. His latest offering HALLA BOL follows in the same illustrious category as it has tried to raise the issue of the inefficiency of the system to resolve the issues of public interest, which forces the common man to rise in revolt. The difference in HALLA BOL lies in the fact that here the choice of the medium to vent out the anger is the youth of the country. For Ajay Devgan, it seems that he has just taken-off from were he had left the issue in YUVA.

Right from the beginning of his career, starting with GHAYAL, followed by DAMINI, GHATAK, KHAKEE, etc., Raj Kumar Santoshi has every time picked up a contextual issue and has left such a forceful impact that his films are considered a milestone in the history of Indian cinema. The films are contextual, and they have evolved over a course of time from being melodramatic in the initial stages to make the impact to underplaying the melodrama. The phenomenally successful career that Sunny Deol made for himself and the role of the saviour of the last resort that he has come to be identified owes much to the films of Raj Kumar Santoshi.

The associations that Raj Kumar Santoshi had with Sunny Deol and the association that he had with Ajay Devgan are a study in contrast. In the case of Sunny Deol, the impact had a huge element of melodrama while with Ajay Devgan it was the restrained approach to the subject. Association of Ajay Devgan with Raj Kumar Santoshi brought into the public realm the fact that Ajay Devgan is one of the finest actors who excels in delivering a negative role with a rare sense of panache.

It would also be after a long time that Pankaj Kapoor would be seen in a mainstream commercial cinema in a powerful role. In fact last time Pankaj Kapoor was seen in such a powerful appearance was in DUS. For this Raj Kumar Santoshi has to be thanked as he has this knack of picking up an actor who is out of horizon and catapulting him on to the centre stage. It had happened with Amrish Puri in GHAYAL, with Kulbhushan Kharbanda in DAMINI as also with Danny in GHATAK.

2008 has begun on a nice note with HALLA BOL as it did with GURU in 2007, and it would be interesting to watch more films of these kinds as the year unfolds.

Quelle: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/features/...-puri040035.asp

Scoreboard 2007 - United Kingdom - Opening Weekend Collections
By Taran Adarsh, January 5, 2008 - 09:13 IST

Cash und AAG sehen gar nicht so übel aus, da es eine Tabelle ist kann ich sie schlecht posten.

siehe August: http://www.indiafm.com/features/2008/01/05/3438/index.html

Scoreboard 2007 - 1st Week Screen Averages - All India Performance
By Taran Adarsh, January 5, 2008 - 09:11 IST

siehe August: http://www.indiafm.com/features/2008/01/05/3437/index.html

2007: 30+ Screens in U.K.
By Taran Adarsh, January 5, 2008 - 09:00 IST

http://www.indiafm.com/features/2008/01/05/3433/index.html

10 - Day Total of Biggies in 2007
By Taran Adarsh, January 5, 2008 - 08:56 IST

http://www.indiafm.com/features/2008/01/05/3432/index.html

Vidya Balan wants to act in theatre
06th Jan 2008 22.00 IST, By Agencies

Auszug:

...
But, when it comes to performance, she likes to be a versatile thespian -- and probably that's the reason why this South Indian girl has a desire to act in theatre and street plays.

"I always wanted to act in street plays and theatres. I think it's a very potent media though I didn't get a chance yet," said Vidya who was in New Delhi to promote her movie Halla Bol , which will be released soon.

Vidya shared her wish with the reporters while appearing at the end of a street play being presented as prologue to Rajkumar Santoshi 's movie ‘Halla Bol’, in which she is paired with Ajay Devgan .

The play directed by a noted theatre artist Om Katare will be staged in eight cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, before the release of the film on January 11.

"'Halla Bol' is made with complete honesty and hard work. I hope people would enjoy it," Vidya said.

With a brief introduction on the theme of the movie, the play which was presented by a Mumbai-based drama group highlighted people's inaction towards social injustice and corrupt bureaucracy.
...

Quelle: http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080106-3.html

"My character is different from Rishiji's" - Vidya
By IndiaFM News Bureau, January 5, 2008 - 12:35 IST

Simple yet sensuous, is what this actress with a cute smile, is all about. Vidya Balan made her presence felt as the most promising actress in her debut film Parineeta itself. After that, there was no looking back. Sharing screen space with renowned actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar and garnering equal praise from the classses and masses alike in films like Eklavya, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Heyy Babyy, says it all.

Vidya is now all geared up for her forthoming film Halla Bol, which is directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi and is ready for a Jan 11 release. It also stars Pankaj Kapur and Ajay Devgan. Vidya Balan in an interview with IndiaFM shared the experience of being a part of Halla Bol.

What's your character in the film?
I play a very small yet substantial role of Ajay's wife in the film. A simple and a courageous woman who has certain set of beliefs. She is someone who stands by her husband in his thick and thin. Halla Bol talks about the journey of a man from reel to real life hero. Ajay plays the role of a struggling actor who acheives a lot of stardom in life. And the beauty of my character lies in the fact that being a wife of such a big star, still, she retains her simplicity.

How was Rajkumar Santoshi as a director?
Oh! Raj ji is full of life. He is a well learned man who has immense knowledge of history, current affairs etc… He leaves no stone unturned to attain perfection in whatever he does. He is a director with a clear vision and thus makes it crystal clear to the actor as to what exactly he/she is supposed to do.

What according to you does the title mean?
Halla Bol means a call for war. It's an awakening after a long slumber, in order to bring a change in the society.

You are being paired with Ajay for the first time. Your comments on him as an actor/ as a person?
He is always in high spirits. And acting is something which comes naturally to him . He has so much of spontaneity in him that I remember him smoking at one moment and next moment you see him give his best shot. And as far as Ajay as a person is concerned, he is a gem in himself. He is someone who is full of life and who is always upto something.

In a short span of time, you have accomplished a lot. What do you have to say on that?
God has been very kind to me. Honestly speaking, earlier it were my instincts that helped me in choosing the right kind of films. Today, I have become more responsible as an actor, keeping in mind all the parameters as far as signing any film is concerned. The industry has accepted me whole-heartedly. So, overall it has been an overwhelming experience for me.

Which is your personal favourite scene in the film?
I can't think of any one scene in particular. Since, I have very few scenes with Pankaj ji, the very first shot having three of us (Panjkaj ji, Ajay and me) together was the most memorable moment of this film.

Pankaj Kapoor is among the veteran actors the industry has. Did he share any of his experience/s with you?
As far as the sharing of the experiences are concerned, as I told you, I had very few scenes with him. So, I could not avail the opportunity at its best! Nevertheless, it was a sheer delight working with an actor of such a caliber. Pankaj ji is one of the most looked upon actors today and it has become a matter of honour for me to have shared the screen space together.

Do you still get perturbed by the rumours of your link-ups with your co-stars?
(Laughs) Trust me, earlier whenever I would get upset on hearing such rumours, my Dad would always make me understand this is just a part and parcel of the profession you have chosen. Now, I welcome such rumours because they make me feel good about myself.

Well, who is your favourite among them?
(Laughs) Well, I love working with Akshay Kumar and share a very good equation with Shahid Kapur. Sanju is a gem of a person and I think the kind of support he has got for during his testing times says it all.

What do you feel about the music of the film? One song from Halla Bol that you often hum?
Well, the music of the film has a sufi influence in it. It is very soothing to the ears and goes very well with the flow of the film. But, I don't have any song in particular which could be labelled as my favourite song.

What do you think, is the USP of Halla Bol?
All that I can say to my audience is that come and feel the honesty and passion, with which this film has been made. Halla Bol is an eye-opener for the people living in the contemporory society.

What kind of preparations are you into as far as the promotions through street shows are concerned?
(Excitedly) I will definitely be the part of the street plays. As far as the preparations are concerned, nothing of that sort is happening as of now.

It's heard that your character has been compared with that of Rishi Kapoor in Damini, which again, happens to be a Raj Kumar Santoshi's film. What do you have to say on that?
Oh wow! I feel so very complimented. However, Rishiji's character in the film was slightly different than mine, when it comes in supporting our respective better halves.

You have, for the first time, come out of the skin of a romantic character and have experimented with something new. How challenging did you find this character to portray?
Well, honestly, the credit goes to Rajkumar Santoshi ji for he showed a greal deal of conviction in me. I feel a director like him pushes you towards your goal and thus your task becomes much easier henceforth.

Have you ever experienced corruption personally? Details please...
Yes, when me and family were in the middle of buying a house for ourselves three years ago. I, through my naked eyes saw a separate counter for registration of papers where people were taking bribes.

Quelle: http://www.indiafm.com/features/2008/01/05/3445/

Tusshar Kapoor seems to be sporting a new look every time we see him - January 6

It’s his ever-changing hairstyles that make us sit back and take notice. Tusshar insists that it’s his role in Golmaal Returns that requires him to change his hair style every now and then. After all he plays a hair stylist in the film. "And that’s how hairstylists are, right?" he asks. Well, this time round Tusshar’s had streaks in his hair. Wonder what’s it going to be next.

Quelle: http://www.bollywoodpremiere.com/movies/...-we-see-him.php

What it takes to be a hero?: Nikhil
7 Jan 2008, 0000 hrs IST,AFSANA AHMED ,TNN

Auszug:

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“What’s the qualification for an actor? If just good looks are the benchmark, then every good-looking guy and model ought to be a superstar. When chocolate heroes were ruling, Amitabh Bachchan stood out. Likewise Mithun Chakravorty, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgan made their presence felt in Bollywood. They didn’t conform to any rules. But they dazzle on screen.” Then, with a confident smile, Nikhil adds quietly, “When I stand before the camera, I see a hero.”
...

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India...how/2678527.cms

Q&A: 'You need to raise your voice against injustice'
7 Jan 2008, 0029 hrs IST,Subhash K Jha

Rajkumar Santoshi, best known for films like Damini and Andaz Apna Apna, feels that artistes and professionals need to react to social atrocities. Santoshi's new film Halla Bol is about a film star's (Ajay Devgan) socio-political awakening. He talks to Subhash K Jha:

Q: Do you think the film industry needs to be more aware of social issues?
Why only the film industry? I feel people in every walk of life have stopped reacting to atrocities. We seem to forget if we don't stand up for others, no one will be there for us. When Gujarat and Bihar burn why are Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu silent spectators? All of India should stand up and protest in one voice against atrocities. I feel injustice doesn't stop and the status quo remains because of a lack of unity in our country.
Look at the solidarity shown by the Bengal film industry against Nandigram. That should be happening everywhere. This is the thought behind my film Halla Bol where I’ve traced the journey of a film hero from insulation to awareness. For dramatic intensity I’ve focused on an actor. My leading man could be a doctor or a lawyer.

Q: It's a strange title?
I've called the film Halla Bol because you need to raise your voice against injustice. If you don't you are as good as dead. The only difference between a human being and an inert object is the ability to react. Being non-committal makes you a part of injustice.

Q: Your cinema has always been socially relevant. Halla Bol is set in the film industry, is it therefore more relevant to you?
Nothing like that. I've used some real-life incidents and people from the industry. But my story is a work of fiction. It's just a coincidence that my film comes at a time when there have been other films like Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om and Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand set on the industry. My film is a purely contemporary film about happenings around us. Though it has a film star as a hero it's relevant to every strata of society.

Q: Your association with Ajay Devgan who stars in Halla Bol is now quite old.
That's because I consider him a fine and versatile actor who can play anything. In Halla Bol I wanted him to look like a common man who struggles and becomes a star. And he fits the bill because he looks like one of the masses. Now I’m making a film on the life of Emperor Ashoka with Ajay. Again his eyes and body language suggest he can comfortably get into a historical. That he happens to be a good friend, also helps. While we're shooting one film we're already discussing the next between shots. We've also finalised Bipasha Basu for the female lead in Ashoka.

Quelle: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/QA_Yo...how/2679259.cms