Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Music Review

Director: Aditya Chopra
Music: Salim Merchant and Sulaiman Merchant
Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Vinay Pathak.

The scion of the Yashraj Films empire, the selective maverick director Aditya Chopra, teaming up once again with superstar Shah Rukh Khan and that after the trendsetting DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE (still running in Bombay!) and the iconic MOHABBATEIN. Can the stage get any bigger? The obvious answer to that question will be given on December 12, for that is the date when the latest Aditya-SRK project, RAB NE BANA DI JODI will hit the screens, globally. For now, its time to check out the audio album, which this time around has Salim-Sulaiman and Jaideep Sahni, unlike Jatin Lalit and Sameer on the two previous historic times. So let’s press the 'play' button on the remote. And what do we have?

Lovely soothing 'santoor' sounds along with table play and 'payal' or bead sounds commence the most awaited romantic number of the year 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' and it has been rendered by Roop Kumar Rathod. A surprising choice indeed but it has been done purposely because Rathod has a mature yet sensitive voice which suits the character of the simpleton, Surinder Sawhney, played by Shah Rukh Khan. And one must add here that Roop Kumar Rathod is brilliant as his effortless, flawless rendition (ah, his perfect diction is a delight) is highlighted due to some highly emotive singing. The superb love ballad has a nice, simple tune which is very hummable and borders mostly on its smooth flowing melody. It will definitely be loved by patrons of soft romantic songs. The highlights of the track are its beautiful lyrics by master craftsman Jaideep Sahni which take the song to a totally new level. Absolutely brilliant! Some might call the lyrics filmy, 'Tujh mein rab dikhta hai, Yaara main kya karoon, Sajde sar jhukta hai, Yaara main kya karoon', but its the ultimate form of expression for the beloved depicting the profound feeling of pure , unselfish love . And the song is capable of moving the listener as it grows with repeated hearing. It will certainly feature as a Valentine gift for all 'in love' couple, such is the overall effect of the number!

The slower version of 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' is sung by the upcoming nightingale of Hindi cinema, Shreya Ghoshal and needless to add that she is simply magnificent here. What must be kept in mind that the slower version has limited props like background music and beats (they have been kept to the minimal), only Shreya's syrupy sweet (deliberately) quivering vocals stand out, loud and clear, and it is a delight to the ears. The song will most probably be used as a background number in a situational mode (when Anushka realizes her true love for Shah Rukh?).

From one beautiful romantic escapade lets move on to another beautifully haunting love ballad 'Haule Haule'. This is one number that we promise, even Shah Rukh Khan's adversaries will fall in love with. The simple melody is absolutely bewitching and the song takes the listeners in its grips, 'haule haule' (slowly, slowly). Yes, that's the beauty of the composition. Initially, it does strike as another sweet, simple to hum love song but slowly and surely it has the power to capture the heart. Its magic lies is in its simplicity, there is no massive orchestration to support it's cause, nor are there any flamboyant musical arrangements. The composers rely mostly on the simple melody with harmonium (may be even bandonion) and sitar playing a large part in its arrangements. Sukhwinder and SRK have always created magic (from 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' to 'Dard-e-Disco') and this time its no different. Sukhi is just marvelous and intelligently keeps his earthy, highly energetic vocals low key. The reason being that this time he gets to sing an all out romantic number and he proves his versatility by coming up with a perfect ace down the middle! Just like the previous number, the lyricist Jaideep Sahni once again deserves all the accolades (may be even more) for some lovely, effective lyrics. The similes that he uses are simply fantastic and the prose superb. 'Haule haule se hawa chalti hai, haule haule se dawa lagti hai, Haule haule se dua lagti hai na, Haule haule chanda badhta hai, Haule haule ghoonghat udhta hai, Haule haule se nasha chadhta hai na.' The moment the promos of the same were unleashed across major satellite channels on King Khan's birthday, the infectious number captivated the hearts of all die hard romantics and music lovers. Needless to add that the song has chartbuster written all over it what with SRK doing his cute little steps that have become a rage (so early on!) even amongst school going children.

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Preity Zinta modelled her character in Heroes on her mother

Even as Preity Zinta's character in Samir Karnik's Heroes garners rave reviews it comes as a surprise to know that the role of the brave and dignified war widow is modelled on Preity's mother, Neelu Zinta.

Not only that, once Preity signed on, she worked for days on her character, language and body language with her director Karnik.

Says Preity, "The minute I read the script I knew I wanted to do it. You've no idea how many people discouraged me from doing Heroes. 'Arrey why do you want to play the mother of a growing child?; Tujhko log buddhi kahenge''. But I was adamant. I fell in love with my character. She reminded me of my mother. So many people have told me I look like her, especially in my shaadi ka joda.''

In Heroes, Preity plays a rustic Punjabi woman thrown into a crisis. ''It was easy for me to identify with the Punjabi woman in Heroes whose husband has died in the war. I come from an army background and I know what it is like to lose someone at the battlefront."

Preity unabashedly modelled the war widow's role in Heroes on her own mother. ''I always thought I looked like my father. But as I grow older, I think I've begun to resemble my mom. The other Punjabi woman I play in Heaven On Earth was much harder to play. I had no reference points except my director who held my hand as I suffered with my character for all the physical abuse she has to face."

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Mujhse Shaadi karogi, Bips

That's what a cop from Srinagar asked Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu is in Kashmir shooting for Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa but huge crowds and marriage proposals are getting in the way of her work.

A unit member from Lamhaa says, "Bipasha is one of the biggest crowd pullers we've ever seen. She's been shooting in strife-torn Srinagar for the last two weeks and wherever she goes sex appeal draws huge crowds."

Local cops and BASF personnel are providing security for the shoot, and accompany the actress and the crew everywhere. On one such occasion, one of the cops covering the shoot got so smitten by Bip's persona that he walked up to her and proposed in front of the cast and crew!"

The source adds that Bipasha was stunned. "Initially, she was flustered. Though Bipasha is used to men getting over-enthusiastic around her; normally, boyfriend John Abraham is around to handle awkward situations. This time, Bipasha had to deal with it herself. After her initial hesitation, she turned to him and politely but very firmly turned down his proposal. She told the guy that John was in her life and they both loved each other very much." The guy stood there bemused till the unit's security staff took him away.

Bipasha, who is still shooting in Srinagar, says, "The proposal is something silly. I don't really want to talk about it. I am here to work and not to get marriage proposals from cops. I wish they understood that."

Bipasha, who plays a Kashmiri girl in Lamhaa, adds, "Things are still not normal here. The Kash-miris are very sensitive and simple people and I think, because of the state of affairs for years, they take time to trust people. So we have a few problems when we go to shoot but hopefully after Wednesday's press conference, we will get their support and help during the shoot. The film is very real and my director is passionate."

Bipasha had last visited Kashmir when she was six years old but she's enjoying herself all over again. "I'm happy to be here even though it's a very sensitive area because it's such a beautiful place. But you see cops everywhere. Being an actor, it's not easy for me to go anywhere without security but that happens in all cities and Srinagar is not any different. I would like to feel it's normal."

Bipasha has a wish for the people of Kashmir. She says, "I wish them peace and prosperity that they deserve. I hope we can film here peacefully."

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Shilpa injured, but not out of action

Shilpa Shetty’s got a wrist in plaster. She was rendered hors de combat while practising cartwheels for the new action film she is planning to produce that has been written by Mushtaq Sheikh.

“Either that, or I’ve torn a ligament because of the wear and tear of weight training,” rued the actress with the hour-glass figure. She’s been told to take it easy at least for three months. “So I can’t shoot for the film,” added Shilpa, regretting that her ambitious multi-starrer has to be on hold. But, undaunted, Shilpa has picked up all the scripts at hand and is reading them so that she can start working.

“It will have to be a script which is not complicated, less painful and not a multi-starrer,” admitted the actress.

As a first time producer, she realises a multi-starrer might not be the best way to go. “I wouldn’t get dates from the actors. It’s quite a difficult task. I kept other projects on hold because of my film. I realised that I had turned more of a producer and less of an actress. So now I’m going to turn that around and complete the films I’ve signed,” said Shilpa.

Looking at the bright side, she agreed that it was good thing that her mega budget film was hold during this period of recession. “Due to the global meltdown, the financiers want to cut down on costs which is not possible,” said the actress.

So, what does Shilpa Shetty intend to do now? “I’ll wear a long-sleeved dress to camouflage the plaster on my wrist while doing Big Boss for Colours. And a fat kada when shooting for Sunny Deol’s The Man,” said the actress, making light of her problems.For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

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Sorry Bhai - Movie Preview

Siddharth Mathur, a shy young scientist, travels to Mauritius for his elder brother Harsh's wedding. Accompanying him is his Ma, a reluctant traveller since she is angry at Harsh for deciding to get married without consulting them. Also travelling is Siddharth's cheery father, whose sole entertainment is pulling Ma's leg. Harsh, pre-occupied with work, can spend little time with his family and it is left to his fiancée Aaliyah to show them around Mauritius before the wedding. However, Ma's anger at Harsh ensures that she takes an instant dislike for Aaliyah, and it is Aaliyah and Siddharth who end up spending loads of time together. This, added to the fact that Aaliyah feels neglected by the career-obsessed Harsh, leads to them being irresistibly drawn to each other. A horrified Siddharth battles this attraction desperately, but Aaliyah has fallen madly in love and pursues him with single-minded determination. When Siddharth’s defences start crumbling and Ma starts getting suspicious, all hell breaks loose in the Mathur family…The movie is a fun romantic comedy with lots of moments that will make you cry and smile at the same time.

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My husband is with me. What else I could have asked for: Aishwarya Rai

One of the world's most beautiful ladies has had all kinds of birthdays over the years. All good ones, some exceptionally memorable. But the one tomorrow as she brings in her birthday, takes the birthday cake. Aishwarya is lost somewhere in the thick jungles on the outskirts of Kochi shooting for Mani Ratnam's new film. So no parents and no adopted parents (the Bachchans) this birthday. But wait. She is with her husband Abhishek Bachchan. "And so here I am on my birthday with the love of her life, " Aishwarya laughed with girlish pleasure hours before her birthday. "In a way I couldn't have asked for more. It's a beautiful green paradise here. We started shooting just a day ago. And we already feel those vibes of an extraordinary happening. And my husband is with me. So is my most favourite who directed us in in one of our best films together (Guru) and who incidentally also happens to be my first director. And we're working on the most beautiful film that we could ever hope for. What better birthday could I as for?" Any regrets about not being with the family for her special day? "It was just not possible. Mani Sir has been absolutely patient, waiting for me and Abhishek while we attended to Pa (Amitabh Bachchan). We started shooting yesterday only. Any further delay would be totally unacceptable to both me and Abhishek. Both of us have been brought up to believe that work is worship….but when it comes to a family crisis, nothing else matters." Falling silent for a few seconds as Abhishek walks in toask his wife if she's doing an interview before moving out, the epitome of gentle grace, Aishwarya suddenly giggles pleasurably. "But you know what? I've heard some whispers around here that we're getting Sunday off…a day after my birthday. But not a problem. We'll all celebrate properly a day later. No issues." The past few months have been exctremely trying for Aishwarya. First her father's illness then her father-in-law's sudden hospitalization. But she continued to fulfil all her professional obligations. She sighs, "You know the best thing is, through all these trying times all my professional associates and colleagues have been a source of strength and courage. There was never this feeling of, 'You better do it'. It was always a sense of, 'Are you sure you can do it?'. I've derived great strength and sustenance from family friends and colleagues. And I want to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart. Their love and prayers have kept me going through the last few months" So what's the one gift that she wants this birthday? "Ha, " laughs lovely diva, "You know me. I don't ask for anything. I already have everything that I could possibly want without asking for. And like I said I'm with the love of my life in the wilderness. Sadly no one will be able to get through to me where I'm shooting. But all the sms, prayers and love will be with me when I return to civilization in the evening tomorrow. Yeah I miss my family on my birthday. But then I can't have it all, can I?"

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Golmaal Returns faces copyright violation charge

The comedy film "Golmaal Returns" is a copy of the 1973 production "Aaj Ki Taza Khabar", a complainant told a film producers' forum Tuesday. Shakuntala Bhatia lodged a complaint with the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) that "Golmaal Returns", which was released Oct 29, was a direct copy of her husband, producer Rajendra Bhatia's "Aaj Ki Taza Khabar", starring Kiran Kumar, Radha Saluja and Asrani. She said she came to know of the similarities of the stories between the two movies only after she read reviews of "Golmaal Returns" in a Bollywood trade magazine Monday. She substantiated her claim, saying the reviewers had also noted as much in their magazines. Bhatia claimed a compensation of Rs.50 million from "Golmaal Returns" producer Shree Asthavinayak Cine Vision as Kiron Production, headed by her, was in the process of re-making "Aaj Ki Taza Khabar". "Golmaal Returns", starring Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Tushar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi, Celina Jaitley and Amrita Arora and directed by Rohit Shetty, has already raked in Rs.450 million from domestic box-office with additional $10 million from the overseas market, according to Indian Films, which owns the movie's rights. The movie's story has been credited to Yunus Sajawal and it has been advertised as a sequel to Rohit Shetty's 2006 production, "Golmaal."

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I never questioned my absence from the poster

With the runaway success of Golmaal Returns the world over, several actors from the film have expressed their disappointment at being left out of the film's publicity or being shortchanged in terms of their role. We suppose everyone wants to be on the bandwagon of a super-hit film! When quizzed, Celina Jaitly (who is in Auckland for the premiere of her maiden English feature, Love Has No Language) remarked, "I never questioned the film's poster designs or why I was absent in some of them. It is the prerogative of the producer and distributor on how the film should be promoted. I demonstrated my support to the product by being there for all the interviews and appearances. In fact, Tusshar, Shreyas and I were like these three musketeers who went all around town selling the film, and happily so. I'm pleased with the results, and as an actor, I'm gratified that Rohit (Shetty) has done justice to my role and character." When asked about why some of the other actors were disappointed, she quipped, "The film has worked in a big way and has been drawing appreciation from all quarters. The director (Rohit Shetty), producer (Shree Ashta Vinayak Cinevision) and distributor (Indian Films - Studio 18) have obviously done their jobs right!"

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