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.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

Preity Zinta tells why she doesn't like Shiney

Shiney Ahuja can't get along with his female co-stars. Well it seems just so! First Kangana Ranaut made it clear that she and Shiney aren't exactly on good terms. Then during the making of 'Metro', there was news about Shiney throwing tantrums and exhibiting childish behaviour when Shilpa Shetty happened to praise her other co –star Kay Kay Menon more than him! Later Shiney dismissed it as a wrong piece of news but we aren't sure if we want to believe him. Especially now since the well behaved and straightforward dame of B-Town Preity Zinta too has to say a few negative things about him! They sure are not warm words and it seems things weren't exactly warm between the two actors on the sets of 'Har Pall'. Preity has reportedly said, "Shiney and I aren't the best of friends! He's not exactly a Shah Rukh, Salman, Hrithik or Abhishek for me. I've worked in so many films with these guys, and we share such camaraderie that it's not unusual that I drop into their homes, chat up with their wives... Well, I don't share that relationship with Shiney. That's all there is to it, really! He certainly won't be seen at a party thrown by me!" Well there were talks about a spat between the two but after this seems like a surety! The vibes between the two have been ice cold. Now Shiney boy is a plastic actor and hasn't really shone really bright in any flick or delivered a massive hit. So on what on earth makes him so arrogant and tactless ? Having sour relations with people who matter will certainly not make things easy for him!

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

Enough of Boy Toys for Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan might look really odd with young heroes like Shahid Kapur but she continues to bag biggie films with a period feel or where the heroine is supposed to look Indian. And yeah, what she's best suited to – matured heroes! She's starring with Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan in Raj Kumar Santoshi's 'Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya Woh Jamiya Nahin.' Thankfully she'll be playing Sanjay Dutt's wife in the film and isn't the romantic interest of youngster Neil Nitin Mukesh who's the third lead! The movie will be shot in India because according to director Santoshi shooting in Lahore is impractical as the crew mightn't get the architecture of the partition times any more. So art designer, Nitish Roy is building Lahore in Hyderabad now. Every lane, by-line, the transportation; the electric wires will be recreated. Extensive research on Lahore during the Partition era is done so that every detail is replicated. Santoshi calls it a challenge as it is his second pre-Independence film after 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh where he'll combine drama and fiction into history. With films like this one and 'Chenab Gandhi', Vidya's days in Bollywood are still not numbered!

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

Maria is upset but we're not splitting up: Arshad

Arshad Warsi has slowly and steadily craved a niche for himself as a strong supporting actor. Things have been good for him and he has turned producer too. However recently came the news that his happy home is breaking down. There were talks about him and his wife of many years Maria Gorreti splitting up! But now Arshad is strongly denying the same. He admits that Maria is upset and has every right to be. Maria was apparently unhappy because Arshad wasn't giving the family enough time. Quite understandable since Arshad is always busy shooting and currently with his home production 'Kaun Bola' formerly titled 'I Believe In Angels'! He's reportedly said, "She's right. But sometimes an actor's life is like that. I'm shooting for films; we're busy with our home production. But again that's no excuse. Maria has been an integral part of our first production venture, and has been the pillar of the family. I'd be stupid to lose her." He's added, "Maria is my 'complete woman'. Her values, ethics, principles remain unmatched. Fights happen, every couple fights, but I'm waiting to get home and make things right. In 'Golmaal Returns', I have Saif's name tattooed on my chest, but if I were to get a real tattoo done, it would read Zeke and Zene (his children)!" Arshad hopes to be a changed man now and also says that there isn't enough time for a private guy like him to nurture bonds and friendships on sets. Simply because actors like him find it difficult to do justice to their already existing family and friends that making new ones becomes a problem. It seems this guy is pretty serious about the patch up idea! This could very well do the trick for him!

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

Hot Celina becomes Bond's girl

Former Miss India and Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley couldn't have asked for more. First she landed a role in Hollywood film "Quest of Sheherzade" and now she will team up with Oscar winner Sean Connery in the international project based on "Arabian Nights". "Quest of Sheherzade" is scheduled to go on floors in January and also stars Orlando Bloom of "Pirates Of The Caribbean" fame. It will be directed by Ken Khan, the technical director of fantasy adventure film "Lord of the Rings". "Sean Connery is there in the film and recently Orlando Bloom was also signed. I am playing an important character of an Iranian princess, " Celina told. "The story is based on Arabian Nights and they are planning to start the shooting from January next year. I am in a contract and can't talk much about the movie, " she said. "Quest of Sheherzade" is not her first international project. Celina plays the lead in New Zealand-Australian venture "Love Has No Language" by the same director. In "Love Has No Language", the former Miss India is cast as an Indian girl born and brought up in New Zealand. She is cast opposite Australian actor Ben Mitchell. "It was very difficult to speak in Kiwi English as they speak in a completely difficult and weird accent. Neither do they speak like Australians nor like the British, " Celina said. "It took me 10 days to sit constantly with my trainer to learn the correct accent. She sat with me day and night and spoke to me in her accent which made it possible for me to get it right, " Celina added. Celina said though she is working in Hollywood films, her first love will always be the Hindi film industry. "For me Bollywood is my priority. This is where I was born and I want to die. It gives me maximum pleasure dancing and singing. In fact, I was missing song sequences when I was shooting for 'Love has..', " said the actress, who debuted with "Janasheen" in 2003. The film bombed at the box office but she kept getting offers and featured in films like "No Entry", "Zinda", "Tom, Dick and Harry" and "Apna Sapna Money Money". She feels her performance in Vikram Bhatt's "Red" helped her bag the international projects as the makers of the movies signed her after seeing the film that also starred Aftab Shivdasani. "I was very hurt when 'Red' did not work. I took it personally and thought I wasn't ready for serious films, " said Celina, who will also be seen in Rohit Shetty's comedy "Golmaal Returns". Celina thinks comedy is her forte and does not want to experiment much with other genres. "I am good at comedy and people have also liked me in comedy films. So why should I experiment with other things? I am satisfied and happy doing comedies; so are my fans. " 'No Entry', 'Apna Sapna Money Money', 'Golmaal Returns' are my best films till date. In these three films, I loved my character. I feel the same for 'Golmaal Returns' too." In "Golmaal Returns", Celina plays a de-glamourised South Indian girl, who is in love with a Marathi guy, played by Shreyas Talpade. "I think people will definitely like and enjoy our love track as it is really funny, " she said. The other projects Celina has signed on include Mukta Arts' "Paying Guest" and "Hello Darling", Aditya Datt's "Chaai Garam", Tigmanshu Dhulia's "Showman" and Ashtavinayak's "Run Bhola Run".

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

London holds reception to celebrate Farah Khan's career

Farah Khan's body of work continues to find global followers. Come 22nd October and The Mayfair Media Club, London, would be hosting a reception to celebrate her award winning career as a Film Director and Choreographer. The event would be held at The May Fair Hotel, London.

Confirms Farah Khan who is getting ready for travel, "They are holding a reception for me and I would also be interviewed on my life and work. They wish to speak to me about my love for Hindi cinema and also about my inspirations, role modes, favorite actors and directors I have worked with."

As per insiders, the event would also feature a wide variety of footage from the films that Farah has been involved in and would showcase her work as a choreographer on some of the most memorable Bollywood films and international productions including Vanity Fair, Monsoon Wedding, Bombay Dreams and Shakira music video.

This won't be all as the exclusive event would also hold a Farah Khan Masterclass on 'A Unique & Detailed Insider's Perspective on Bollywood' on 24th October.

"Here, I am required to present an in-depth Masterclass on working within the Indian film industry. From script development, producing and directing through to distribution, casting and choreography, this is required to be a thorough, comprehensive insight into the specific dynamics of Bollywood", adds Farah Khan.

This Masterclass, which promises to be a mix of presentations, screenings, discussions and an interactive Q&A session, would see Farah sharing tips on 'Bollywood and the Wider Indian Film Industry: Structures and Hierarchy', 'Breaking into & Surviving in Bollywood', 'Raising Finance & Producing', 'Casting & Directing', 'Choreography: The relationship between Lyrics and Image', 'Female Directors in India & beyond' and 'The future of Indian Cinema' amongst other topics.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

The New Director of Bollywood

Rani Mukerji is currently working on a Yash Raj film with first-time director Anurag Singh. The yet untitled film is based around a cricket match and stars Shahid Kapoor. Recently, the cast and crew had a schedule in Amritsar where they shot major portions of the film.

Sources reveal that Rani is quite unhappy with the way the film is shaping. It is learnt that she's taken to directing major sequences herself. A source adds, "Anurag has been an assistant to Rakesh Roshan in the past on Koyla, Karan Arjun and other films. This is his first time directing big stars like Rani and Shahid."

Apparently, Rani isn't too happy with the way Anurag lights up the scenes and with his style of working.

Onlookers from the sets reveal she often walks to the monitor checking her scenes. If she isn't satisfied, then she directs the scene herself. "There have been a couple of instances when Anurag has okayed the take, but Rani has incorporated changes on her own. However, whenever she's happy with Anurag's takes, she goes and congratulates him."

It is clear that Rani doesn't want to take a risk with a newcomer and wants to make sure the project is a success for her.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...

'Ash is just a pretty face'

Ash just has a pretty face… but can she act too?

These comments on Aishwarya Rai have reportedly come from Russel Peters, a leading Canada-born stand-up comedian of Indian origin.

Peters says he dislikes everything about Bollywood and will not watch a Hindi film ever. He feels there is nothing except singing and dancing in these movies. Story is absolutely missing.

Speaking on Aishwarya Rai he says she is the best example of bad acting. In fact, she is one person who has proved that bad acting can do wonders and she has become a big name in the industry just by having a pretty face, Russel has said.

Russel Peters will be in India shortly and is scheduled to perform in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi in the last week of October.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

read more...