Fashion - Movie Preview

Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) A small town girl whose strength, determination, and feisty spirit causes her to journey far from home. Meghna Mathur is an elusive combination of beauty and intelligence. She aspires to be a part of the fashion world. She knows that she has what it takes to become a supermodel and will pursue it to the ends of the earth. She also has the added advantage of in-built self esteem and a sense of morality and will not compromise on her dignity. But how can that attitude balance with her driving ambition to get to the top? Meghna will fall prey to the trappings of fame. Will she rise from the fall? Shonali (Kangana Ranaut) Shonali Gujral is the reigning model on the runway and an icon for Meghna to aspire to. However, Shonali is also a victim of the choices she has made. She bears the consequences of a steep rise to fame and fortune without a resolute backbone when the weight got unbearable. Shonali is the poster child for glamour and for self-destruction. Famous, envied, lost and confused she is a prisoner in a world, which will be her ultimate downfall. Janet (Mugdha Godse) Janet is the tough talking girl with a heart of gold, who becomes Meghna's best friend. A model who may not have reached the heights of Shonali and yet remains more carefree as she lives life by her own terms with no demons or regrets. Anything goes with Janet. She seems like she has made a deal with life - 'You keep me alive and I'll walk about with a smile on my face.' But Janet has something the others who survive like her don't: She has a heart. She values the importance of a family. And she knows that you can find love in the strangest places. Rahul Arora (Sameer Soni) Designer extraordinaire and a visionary talent amongst young Indian designers, Rahul makes no compromises with both his fashion designs and his lifestyle. He is the crowned king of the runway, the lead designer for the powerhouse brand Panache and his creations are adored by the glitterati. However, the approval he most seeks is that of his mother - who seems to ignore all his achievements for the wish that he would settle down into marriage and domesticity. As a leading light in the fashion fraternity - how will he balance family obligations with the demands of his profession and lifestyle? Abhijit Sarin (Arbaaz Khan) A powerful business tycoon who owns one half of the fashion industry and extends influence over the other half - Sarin is the perfect example of when creativity meets commerce. Known as the man with the midas touch, through his clothing and retail giant Panache - Sarin has nurtured many talented designers including Rahul Arora and has the ability to be an image-maker. A business magnate who is used to getting his own way - he meets his match in the young Meghna Mathur. Anisha Roy (Kitu Gidwani) A former beauty queen, Anisha Roy runs the most successful modeling agency in Mumbai - Profile - India's answer to Elite. She is a tough as nails business woman who has a keen eye for spotting talent and molding it into a success story. Among the important regular clients are Panache for whom she has discovered many talented models. She knows everyone in the business and everyone wants to know her as they know how far she can get them. Maanav (Arjan Bajwa) As one of the thousands of talented hopefuls that travel to Mumbai hoping to make it big as a model in the industry, Maanav is one such aspirant. He befriends Meghna during their early days as struggling models and proves to be a loyal supporter throughout as their friendship blossoms. Despite temptations, Maanav has a strong set of values that will not allow him to take the quick and easy route to the top through compromise, a trait that Meghna comes to value. Story The journey of the rise and fall and phoenix like re-birth of India's number one Supermodel. Set against the glittering backdrop of the glamorous but ruthless world of haute couture Fashion, tells the story of one small town girl with a dream and the determination to make it a reality. Meghna Mathur knew that she was meant to be famous. Ever ambitious and bright with stars in her eyes, even as a girl with a conservative background, she dared to dream of bright lights and the big city. The world of fashion - the clothes, the colors, the make-up, all of these form a part of the fascinating world that Meghna has longed to be a part of. She reaches the peak of her success and rises to walk the ramps for leading designers across India. The fashion world lies at her feet - the parties, the brand endorsements, the photographers, the models, the romance and of course - the shows, the shows, the shows! However, karma catches up with Meghna as she slowly starts to pay the price for her fame and her journey to the top. Her attempt at a comeback was going to be a near impossibility but she was never a woman to turn away from a challenge. "Fashion" explores the world of style through the emotional personal journey of the key people that make the industry, the dream-weavers of that elaborate world of glamour: the models, designers, photographers, businessmen, agencies etc. In the world of image - makers - is it possible to conquer it and remain true to yourself?

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Kangana shocks: I've no respect for masala films

Kangna Ranaut is in an explosive mood. May be it has something to do with the 'explosive' cinema that she has been a part of ever since she made her debut with Gangster. From playing a gangster's love interest (which was straight out of headlines) in Gangster to re-enacting the trauma of Parveen Babi in Woh Lamhe and most recently expressing the dilemma of Senior Executive at a Call Center in Life In A Metro, Kangna has been busy making her own space outside a world which goes by the name of Bollywood. While working in aforementioned films, didn't she feel like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film to at least stay in the reckoning during her relatively leaner period? "Everybody asks me this. But I never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because I have no respect for such cinema", Kangna makes a shocking confession. She continues, "It is like an immortal work of art. For me my movies are my heart-beat. I cannot do a stupid film in which people laugh while they are watching it. So I have to be very careful". Seems like she detests such cinema? "Yes, because it hurts me emotionally and mentally when people make fun about the characters in the film. I don't like people making fun of movies and characters. You should be given respect in society and for the work you do." In that case, is Fashion the kind of film which should get the actors in it the kind of respect she aims for? "I really hope so. Fashion will change the thinking of the society and what they think about the fashion world. I don't have a crystal ball to see what the future holds, but yes I do know that the film will do very well", says Kangna in a positive tone. There has been long gap between her last film Life In A Metro and Fashion. Was a break like this planned? Replies Kangna, "It was not planned. Some times it just takes too long for a project to complete. Even Fashion for that matter took about 6- 7 months to complete. In fact I did a film in the middle called Roshan but it didn't come. It will now come out after Fashion".

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The gay angle in Fashion is very evident: Madhur Bhandarkar

First things first! Will Fashion be your fourth National Award winning film? What a way to start this interview (laughs). I am really keeping my fingers crossed because some of the people who've seen the movie have told me that Fashion is my best work till now. I believe in making the film and leaving it to the audiences and the critics to decide whether it'll work or not. I have done a good job and am waiting for 29th October, the Diwali day which is an auspicious day to release any film. Hope it works. Mr. Ram Gopal Varma said that the only film he is looking forward to after string of flops is Fashion. He also went on to say that the content of Fashion will be pretty interesting. Any comments? It's really great, in fact, I just spoke to him this afternoon and he was really looking forward to Fashion. He can't wait to see the film. He sent me an sms saying that the promos are also looking stunning. For me personally, it's really nice because I've worked with Mr Varma for couple of years and I've learnt a lot from him as far as filmmaking is concerned. He has this gut feeling about movies and when he says that the film will work, it does work. Did you meet any of the Fashion worlds top models and designers for their advice? Absolutely yes. I've interacted with almost everybody from the Fashion world. From the top of the designers to the top super models, the sponsors, the choreographers, etc. It was six to seven months of research which took me to make such kind of a movie and a lot of people from the Fashion industry are connected to the film also. Like there are real models and designers you'll see in Fashion. There are other Fashion icons like Aishwarya Rai, Dia Mirza, Sushmita Sen, etc. What made you cast Priyanka Chopra? Priyanka Chopra and I always wanted to work together. I remember that she was a great fan of my movies and once we met at one of the film festivals. At that time she had loved my film Corporate. That's when she was really interested in working with me. So I told her that if something comes along, I'll definitely let her know. Once I told her that I'm making this film on the Fashion world, she said to come and narrate the film to her. She liked the narration and the character of Meghna Mathur who comes from Chandigarh to Mumbai to make it as a super model. And why Mugdha Godse? That's interesting too. When I was researching for Fashion and went to the Delhi Fashion Week, where I saw this girl walking on the ramp. I was introduced to her previously by a friend of mine. When I saw the confidence in her walk and her eyes, I knew she was my Janet of Fashion. I met her and straight away told her if she was interested to do a movie with me. The rest is history now. In fact, she has surprised everybody by her performance in Fashion. From Priyanka to Kangana, everybody appreciated her work. People say that models can't act. I can say that Mugdha, the newest model turned actress will prove them wrong. Konkana Sen Sharma and Atul Kulkarni, your two lucky mascots. You can't leave them behind can you? (laughs) Yes, I can't. They are the best I've worked with. I did approach Atul Kulkarni to play a cameo in Fashion but he couldn't make it for some reason. The good thing is that Konkana is there. She plays herself, Konkana Sen Sharma - the actress. Her boyfriend Ranvir Shorey is also there and both of them play a couple in the film. This is your first film which will appeal to the overseas audiences as well, seeing the subject you've approached this time - Fashion. Any comments? You're right. For me it's a big leap in terms of the film, the concept and the budget because I've never made a movie of 18 to 20 crores. I've always made it between 3 to 4 crores. I always say that I am an experimental filmmaker but my films do get a commercial acceptance. So for me, I'm excited by the kind of feedback, messages and calls I'm getting from the U.K and the U.S. I hope that it gets appreciated there. What about the homosexuality element in the Fashion world which prevails? Have you shown that aspect too? Definitely yes. The gay angle in Fashion is very evident. Is it wise to go on a Fashion show to promote your film rather than go to any reality shows? Reality show or Fashion week or any kind of publicity for any film is a must. If we have to do both, we have to do it. There is no way out and there is nothing wrong in it. I think every filmmaker and the films cast want their film to reach the widest of its audiences. Even the kind of investment put into promotion now-a-days is huge. So it definitely is a platform to promote your film. Have you met any model who has given up more than just their morals in the Fashion world? (laughs) I know what your question is targeting to. Fashion is much beyond the casting couch story. There are many things that a model has to sacrifice or eradicate like his or hers position, principals, ethics, etc. to reach the top. This film is exactly that. And yes, I have met models who've given up many things than just their morals to reach the standing in their career where they are right now. You love women, don't you? All your films are more or less having a female protagonist. Yes, I love my women. Except Traffic Signal, all my films have showcased women as the main lead. You see, even in Traffic Signal, Neetu Chandra and Konkana Sen Sharma's characters were very strong. I really feel that there are certain issues in certain films where the female protagonist can say the narration in a much better way than the male hero. I've been lucky in that way and my women too who've seen their film worked wonders for them. It's a proud moment. Another feather in the cap for you Madhur. You and Aamir Khan are being felicitated at the 7th Third Eye Asian Film Festival. I wish I had a collection of such caps too. (laughs) It's a great feeling for me and when I got the news a few weeks ago, I was over the moon. I know Aamir Khan, and we do interact with each other, not too frequently though. But socially whenever we meet, we talk. I loved his film Taare Zameen Par. It's an unbelievable film and I am also proud of the fact that it's the official entry at the Oscars from India. When do we then see a Madhur Bhandarkar film going to the Oscars? I just keep making movies. But fingers crossed, hopefully very soon. I've already got my three Oscars from India which are the National Awards.

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Priyanka's love scene got us 'A' Certificate

Madhur Bhandarkar is plain amused that his Fashion has got an adults-only certificate. Especially so since the kind of scenes for, which he was challenged have been quite common in his earlier films. For the uninitiated, when Fashion was presented to Censors for a certificate, they objected to a few scenes revolving around Priyanka-Arjan lovemaking and drug intake by Priyanka and Kangana for general viewing. "They felt that these sequences should only be shown to the mature audience. This is why they gave Fashion an 'A' certificate. Their reasoning is that people below 18 years should not be exposed to scenes like these, especially the ones around drug intake, " informs Madhur Bhandarkar who just wants to move on with the promotion of the film while leaving this incident behind. "I don't have time to fight the case. In any case, it has been a day in and night out job to meet the October 29 deadline. The last thing I want now is to get into any further hassles", says Madhur in an exasperated tone, "I did try reasoning with them if they could at the least give the film a U/A certificate but they said that they had their own guidelines to adhere to." But lovemaking or drug intake is nothing new in Madhur Bhandarkar films! Corporate featured an intimate scene between Bipasha Basu and Kay Kay Menon; Page 3 had an extended rave party sequence while in Traffic Signal Ranvir Shorey played the role of a young unemployed man who died on the streets due to excessive use of drugs. "Search me, " Madhur can't hide his disappointment here, "I discussed the same logic with the Censors. My point was that where were these rules or guidelines when the aforementioned films were censored? They were not given an A certificate. Moreover, some of these films even went on to bag National Awards. Censor Board did say that there have been some changes in the years gone by but frankly, I am truly left clueless." Apparently, Censors were willing to give the film a U/A certificate provided he deleted the scenes from the film. Didn't he feel like accepting the offer so that he could cater to a larger segment of audience? "No, " says Madhur forthrightly, "The character graph would have gone for a complete toss had I knocked off these scenes. If I have to show someone going down the hill and loosing her way in her journey towards stardom, I have to showcase what went wrong. I have to show the fall of a protagonist through the bad habits that she has got into and for that, it is imperative that the scenes featuring drug usage, smoking etc. be retained. It is only after a fall like that the rise to glory would have made an impact." In fact, the Censor Board too suggested him to take the 'A' certificate while keeping the scenes intact. "True, they believe that the film has been well made and have appreciated it quite a lot. Even they felt that Fashion would lose its essence if the scenes are cut from the movie just in order to cater to a larger audience. Its ok, I love my film too much and the kind of conviction I have made it with, I won't want to touch any frame. For me, it is realism that matters most and by touching my scenes just for some added percentage of commercial gain, I would have only ended up defeating the entire purpose, " signs off Madhur.

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Fashion to premiere in New York

"Fashion", Madhur Bhandarkar's film set in the glamorous but ruthless world of haute couture, is slated for its world premiere on October 24 during the week-long 5th South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) in New York.

Nandita Das' "Firaaq", also from India, is the opening night feature of the festival and Das starrer "Ramchand Pakistani" directed by Mehreen Jabbar is the closing film. The festival runs from October 22-28.

SAIFF 2008 will present a select combination of full-length films, shorts and documentaries in a variety of genres. With several screening locations in Manhattan and high-profile sponsors like HBO, the New York Times and Time Warner Cable, the festival is dedicated to supporting established and emerging filmmakers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as the South Asian diaspora.

"Fashion", starring Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Raj Babbar explores the world of style through the emotional journeys of the key people that make up the industry -models, designers, photographers, agencies and businessmen.

"Firaaq", which premiered last month at the Toronto International Film Festival, takes place over a 24-hour period one month after the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat. It features a star studded ensemble portraying the emotional journeys of "ordinary people" - some victims, some perpetrators and some who watched silently.

"Ramchand Pakistani" is a true story from 2002 concerning the accidental crossing of the Pakistan-Indian border during a period of extreme, war-like tension between the two countries by two members of a Pakistani Hindu family belonging to the Dalit caste. Nandita Das is the only non-Pakistani in the film's cast.
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