'Rangeeli' Urmila: From riches to rags!

Let's not jump to erroneous conclusions by concluding the obvious from our headlines. Its not that MASOOM childstar turned oomph gal, the 'rangeeli', Urmila Matondkar has not gone broke due to the global financial crunch! It's simply two very different, infact, poles apart characters that Urmila is essaying in two of her films.

After playing a super–rich and mean calculating 'Kamini' in Himesh Reshammiya's KARZZZZ, Urmila dons a completely contrasting character in Sunil Shetty's Saurabh Kadra directed, EMI. She essays the role of 'Prerna', a very simple and poor girl. 'Prerna' is a very average middle class girl who belongs to the financially weak section of the society and has no one to depend on. So she is compelled to take a loan in order to meet her financial needs. This in turn leads her to meet Sanjay Dutt who plays a loan recovery (EMI) agent!

Urmila is very happy to share screen space with Sanjay Dutt after a gap of almost nine years. Their last film together was Sanjay Chhel's KHOOBSURAT. When asked about the changes in Sanju Baba since she last acted with him, Urmila says that he has not changed at all, and has just mellowed down a bit and is more quiet and at peace with himself.
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Roadside Romeo - Movie Review

Rating: ** The premier production house (Yash Raj Films) teams up with one of the biggest studios of West (Walt Disney Pictures) for an animation film. You expect this collaboration to yield incredible results. Animation movies like THE LION KING and SHREK have appealed to every strata of movie-going audience the world over. Although 'Made in India' animation films are making their way into our plexes, the results, most of the times, are amateurish. But Roadside Romeo pulls it off. In terms of animation (Tata Elxsi/VCL), it's a step forward as compared to the other animation films. But there's a hitch: Hackneyed script (penned by debutante director Jugal Hansraj). Films like LION KING or SHREK, even FINDING NEMO, worked because they were innovative concepts. They had interesting stories to tell. Plus, most importantly, they were rich in emotions. You'd laugh when they laughed, you'd cry when they cried, the writing was so effectual. Roadside Romeo borrows from the masala films of 1980s. There's a hero, a heroine, the mandatory villain, plus love, problems, misunderstandings and conflict, but all's well that ends well. The story is predictable and worse, you don't feel for any of those characters you watch on screen. Another factor that goes against the film is the fact that it lacks good music. Though the title track and also 'Chule Na' have been publicized, the impact is missing. Ideally, the makers should've gone ahead and incorporated the evergreen songs from their rich repertoire in this animation film. The kids would've loved it! There's one more hiccup. Assuming that Roadside Romeo is mainly targeted at the kids, the dialogues by Charlie Anna, the villain who speaks in a South Indian accent, are difficult to decipher and comprehend (at times) even for adults. Imagine, how difficult it would be for the kids to grasp those lines. Yet, despite the shortcomings, Roadside Romeo works because the second hour keeps you fairly engrossed. A few portions like the cat pretending to be the pretty Laila on a date with Charlie Anna is amazing. Also, the culmination, a straight lift from the by-now-famous train ending from D.D.L.J., is equally enjoyable. The voice-overs are perfect. Saif (Romeo) and Kareena (Laila) were the right choices for the lead players. Tanaaz Currim (cat) and Sanjay Mishra (the villain's sidekick) stand out as well. On the whole, it's thumbs up for animation, but thumbs down for scripting in Roadside Romeo. It might glimmer during the festive week, but this Romeo is unlikely to rule the hearts of kids or kids at heart.

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I'm very comfortable with homosexuality: Samir Soni

Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das kissed under the mosquito net in Deepa Mehta's Fire. No one from mainstream cinema dared before or after to bring homosexual love openly out of the closet onto the screen. In fact Rekha who was the first choice for Fire said to me, "I'd happily kiss Nandita Das a dozen times. But not THAT way." And when Tom Hanks "dared" to play a gay HIV-positive in Philadelphia he refused to kiss his screen-lover Antonio Banderas. Samir Soni(Raj Kumar Santoshi's discovery best- remembered as Madhuri Dixit's caddish lover in Lajja and as Amitabh Bachchan's ungrateful son in Baghban) is the first Indian actor to have played a gay character in a mainstream Hindi film. And that isn't all. Samir Soni in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion has actually done a passionate kissing scene with his screen lover played by a young theatre artiste named Anil Kumar. Madhur spotted Anil in a posh party-scene for Fashion and immediately offered him the role of Samir Soni's lover. Anil accepted without hesitation and had no problems with the intimate scenes. Earlier in Page 3 Madhur had shot a love-making scene between Jai Kalra and Rehaan Engineer. But there was no kissing. In fact gay kissing is almost non-existent in our cinema. Laugh Samir. "Is it? Anil was more nervous than I could ever be. I wasn't nervous or anxious at all," says Samir with a laugh. "Why should I be? I think too much hoo-ha is made in our country about sexual orientation. Isn't there enough violence and unrest being created against minority groups on the basis of religion? Do we need to get all het up about what tow grown-up up men do in privacy?" The gay kiss in Fashion happens in the car when the dress designer Rahul Arora (Samir Soni) says bye to his lover. "It's a very natural moment between two people in love. And I didn't have a moment's hesitation in doing it.Why should I? I don't have a girlfriend to be answerable to. I did think, 'Oh my God, what will my parents say?' But it's not me, it's my character kissing the person he loves. More than me it was my screen-lover Ashish (that's what his name in the film is, and that's what I call him though his real name is Anil) who was trembling in fear. I told him to chill, I was like his elder brother. I knew with Madhur at the helm it would be aesthetic. Did I feel repelled? No I was okay." Tell him lots of Indian actors have a prpblem playing gay and Samir shrugs, "See, I feel those who are homophobic would recoil from doing a gay role. But I'm extremely confident of my sexuality and had no qualms about playing gay. From my modeling days I've had gay friends who would discuss their boyfriends with me. So I'm very comfortable with homosexuality. I think we need to get over our prudery about these things. And archaic laws are only making things worse for gay people. They're either hiding or defiantly flaunting their homosexuality in their clothes and body language." The revolutionary scene was dropped from the film before it went to the censors. But now Madhur Bhandarkar is having second thoughts. Says Madhur, "What a beautifully-shot scene of intimacy it is between Samir and Anil. You forget their gender. They're just two people in love expressing their feelings. I took it out before taking it to the censor board. I thought portraying a homosexual couple was bold enough. The kiss would have been too much. But now I'm planning to restore it in the DVD." "Scrap Outdated Laws On Homosexuality": Says Samir. "I am not very qualified to speak on the current controversy over the constutitional rights of homosexuals. But I do know every individual has the right to choose whom he or she wants to be with. I'm heterosexual. But I respect my gay friends and their right to live life the way they want. Playing a homosexual in Fashion I realized love has no gender."

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To look sexy, I don't need to become nude: Poonam Jhawar

Poonam Jhawar is a Hindi Film actress, model, singer and film-maker. Here's what Poonam Jhawar has to say about herself... How did Bollywood happen? After an initial stint as a model with Advertising commercials, the producers of Hindi flick MOHRA saw me in one of the ad commercials. I got a call from the producers and was screen tested for a major part in the film and selected. That's how my journey into Bollywood began. What kind of music do you prefer? Depending where I am and what is the mood… from Ghazals to Pop, everything interests me. Infact I have a huge collection in all the genres… basically in Hindi & English. What's sexy to you? Me and myself… Lol…. jokes apart anything which catches my interest and kick starts my imagination… its all in mind. I know the way I can carry myself, it makes me look hot. To look sexy, I don't need to become nude. I can do it in my very own style. Your sex appeal lies in? Obviously I can't brag about myself… Isn't it? If you are reading this you should answer this… I will love to hear from you rather. What (How) do you do to keep in shape? Eat healthy, yoga, gymming and…… well rest is a secret. (not to be revealed)… What's your ideal guy like? Tall, Handsome and of course RICH… filthy rich with a heart of Gold. Hahaha…. I am serious about it. What's the dumbest thing a guy's ever done to get your attention? During a music video shoot, a guy requesting me to autograph on his forehead. What should a guy do to win your heart? Buy me a island…. Island of kindness, honesty and purity of heart. Have any females made passes at you? How have you handled those? Happens almost every day…. I smile and move on. If given a chance, who would you like to audition on your casting couch as a Bollywood Producer ? The one and only... Salman Khan...Sallu my dear! Your favourite Bollywood Heroines ? In the current generation, I love Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai and Kareena Kapoor. From the past, I like Hema Malini, Rekha, Shri Devi and Madhuri Dixit. Which is the sexiest place on the planet for you, that just thinking about it turns you on? Answer is reserved for the person who wins my heart. You feel you look the hottest in? Everything. If your man's playing hard to get, what would be your strategy to get him back? I am not experienced in this... till now no one has done this to me. What should a guy do to ensure a second date with you after the first one? Win my heart in the first one to get a second date. What are your future plans? Work hard towards my goal and keep searching for my dream man. What comes to your mind first when you hear these words - Food - Health Sex – Divine Happiness Music – Relaxation and Fun Films – Me and My dream Star – I want to shine like the STARs Journey – Beautiful and Relaxing holiday Friend - Trust Wild - Disco Wet – Dance in the Rains Happiness – Togetherness with my Family and Friends.

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Kareena has the meatiest role in this new Golmaaal: Tusshar Kapoor

You've won an award for not delivering your dialogues in Golmaal. Will Golmaal Returns see the same results? I feel good only because I was very afraid of playing this character in Golmaal. I had just come out of Kya Kool Hain Hum and I had signed Golmaal. So to do a role with no dialogues was a huge risk. How will I be noticed was the first question in my mind. I just went with my gut feeling. It was my tutor Vikas Kadamb who told me that even the mute can make sounds to convey their message. My character is not deaf, he just can't speak. Golmaal Returns is going to be even more hilarious. So, I hope to win more trophies next year. Did you do your homework before preparing for your role in Golmaal Returns? I didn't have to go through as much training as I did during part one, because I had already done it. There was a bit of a brush up in the way I pitch up my sounds, etc. but the hard work was seen on the sets as the story is not the continuation from where the first part ends. In Golmaal, my sign and sound language was translated by my co-star in the film Sharan Joshi who played Laxman. This time around, there is no translator. The only person who can come to understand my sounds and signs is Kareena Kapoor who plays the role of my sister. Here the challenge was more than part one. What change did you see in your director Rohit Shetty from Golmaal to Golmaal Returns? I feel he has matured a lot. In part one, he was a little more controlled in not going over board with dialogues and scenes. He took calculative risks in Golmaal as it was his first comedy film. Now in Golmaal Returns, you will see him completely over the board with a lot of masala. Golmaal Returns is more commercial and funnier than part one. Rohit has put in so much more in Golmaal Returns. Earlier there was a fear factor like some scenes will or will not work. You've been paired opposite Anjana Sukhani who is still new to the industry. How was the new comer? She is a very natural actor who has a very small role and she is a surprise element in the film. Even though I was the only one who won Rimi Sen in part one, I still got to flirt with Anjana in part two. Of course, Kareena has the meatiest role of all the other actresses because the whole story begins with her suspicious mind. Amrita Arora is going to be a revelation in this film and so is Celina Jaitley. Everyone who has seen Golmaal simply adored your character. They are going to come again for you in Golmaal Returns. But tell us something about the new boy in the house. You mean Shreyas Talpade. Well, what can I say about this versatile actor! He has also done a lot of comic work till now. He has excelled in Apna Sapna Money Money and Dor where he did a bit of comedy. The audiences are looking forward to see Shreyas Talpade after the super success of Om Shanti Om in London. Maybe some of the audiences would want to see Sharman Joshi but they'll have to settle with Shreyas this time. When you go and see the film, you will forget Shreyas and remember only his character just like they did for me. People remember me as the 'goonga' guy and not Tusshar Kapoor of Golmaal. Your sister Ekta Kapoor is the serial queen of India. She has taken over the entire world from 7pm to 11pm. Was it your idea about Kareena playing the role of someone who loves to watch Ekta Kapoor serials in Golmaal Returns? It was Rohit Shetty's idea and it's not a personal attack in anyways on my sister Ekta Kapoor. Kareena Kapoor's character is a mad fan of the serials and she believes whatever is shown in these serials. It's like paying homage to these prime time serials. Ekta and Rohit are good friends and we are doing our next film together. He is going to direct the sequel to Kya Kool Hain Hum and it'll be a Balaji film. Do you think Ekta Kapoor should act in films? (laughs) What are you saying? She hates acting and is very camera conscious and shy. From childhood she was clear that she wanted to do something creative in the television front. She wasn't shy before but now giving an interview on the television is a tough job for her. Would you ever attempt to act in a remake of your father Jeetendra's earlier films? I've done a tribute to him four years ago at the Stardust Awards but that's it. I was dressed like him and did an act on stage too. I would love to act in a remake of the film Caravan and Farz. I did put across this idea to dad but to get the right director is a concern. So we are taking our own sweet time. It's strange but the truth is that Tusshar Kapoor likes to stay away from controversies. (laughs) Yes, you're right. I never fight with anybody, never come late on the sets, I promote my films, I don't trouble my directors with dates and I love my work. I'm just like my dad, very non-controversial figure in the Indian Film Industry. Only when my films are releasing, I don't mind landing up in any controversy that gives the film a little push (laughs). You seem to be very happy and content with the films you're doing. You don't seem to complaint like your other co-stars. I think you're merry in what you have. Yes. I am happy in what I am doing. I am sure everyone else thinks the same way but I'm not fussy. I am happy and satisfied with the roles I am doing. Sometimes I do feel that I should act in a solo hero film but I have gained so much from being a part of multi-starrers that today directors want me to be a part of their multi star cast film, especially when it comes to comedy now. I will only do a solo hero film if I find the right banner, the right director and the right producer. Everything has to be right and I will never experiment with it. My role should hit the bull's eye. I hope that day comes soon. Do you think the duration of Golmaal Returns will also decide its fate at the box office? Of course yes. The total duration of Golmaal Returns is two hours twenty minutes. A film can be an hour long but might feel long due to it's slow pace. Golmaal Returns is too quick. The energy and the screenplay of the film are very important. A lot of people like Jodhaa Akbar. The story ultimately takes over the proceedings. I bet people would love to watch Golmaal Returns for hours and hours. They're in for a big Diwali surprise this year.

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Sonu-Eesha wait 12 years for their marriage

Rajshri's latest release Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi arrives with an interesting plot. The film features Sonu Sood and Eesha Koppikar as two lovers who are just about to get married. However, destiny has different plans for them as changed circumstances in their lives force them to wait for as many as 12 years before they can tie the knot. And all of this happens even as they stay in touch with each other! Confirms Sonu Sood who is mighty excited about the project which features him in a solo lead, "That's the reason why the film is titled Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi. The film shows how two individuals decide to make sacrifices in their life in order to be with each other, even if it requires them to wait for more than 12 years before they get married." "Frankly, if one looks at today's time, how many of us would be willing to wait for so long even though we may proclaim true love for someone? However, that's the beauty of Sooraj Barjatya's cinema. It teaches, challenges and inspires the youngsters of today that something like that is possible if one comes with a clean resolve. One of the partners may be going through a bad phase while another may achieve a lot. However, that doesn't mean that one distances apart", Sonu gets emotional here. Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi features both Sonu Sood and Eesha Koppikar as musicians. While Sonu Sood is fond of playing a guitar, Eesha's pet musical instrument is harmonium. Eesha Koppikhar adds, "In the film, the characters played by Sonu and me take this long journey together to achieve something in life. Yes, their dreams and commitments may have gone for a toss even as they move ahead in this journey but together, they are ready to wait. Time flies by and one of us grows up in the career while another is left behind. However, it is true love which is the eventual winner." Concludes Sonu Sood, "First time director Kaushik Ghatak has made such a sensitive film which is bound to make you emotional. Those who have seen the film have loved it. For them, it has been a pleasant surprise to see me in an altogether different mode. I am sure once the film releases this November, audience would have the same to say as well."

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Is Kangna Ranaut doing a Geetanjali Nagpal?

Madhur Bhandarkar is known for making realistic cinema and many of his characters seem to be inspired by real life characters. Even his latest film Fashion, which is all set to release next week, has Kangna Ranaut playing Shonali Gujral, a supermodel whose choices in life bring about her ultimate downfall. It may be recalled that ever since the film was launched, there have been stories about Kangna's character being inspired by Delhi based model Geetanjali Nagpal who also had a similar fate. Despite it being quite obvious that there are certain similarities between Kangna's character and Geetanjali Nagpal, director Madhur Bhandarkar keeps denying the same. However you can say that Madhur indeed seems to be inspired yet again by a real life character. What say?

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All Katrina and No Salman suprises everyone

In an industry where males rule the roost, one is surprised to spot a hoarding with a solo picture of an actress. She is none other than Katrina Kaif. The Yuvvraaj hoarding has only Katrina splashed over it, while the male leads Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Zayed Khan, for a change have taken a back seat. An industry source revealed, "Katrina is considered to be a lucky mascot for her directors. Subhash Ghai is confident that Katrina will bring in luck for him too." Subhash Ghai also feels that a solo hoarding of Katrina is his way of telling her that she has earned her rightful due in the film. "Katrina has done a fabulous job in Yuvvraaj. Ghai has witnessed the dedication with which Katrina has worked in the film. Hence the solo hoarding," said the source. Katrina is amongst the top actress today and Subhash Ghai feels that with Yuvvraaj Katrina will make history of Indian cinema.

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