HUM SE HI UJALE HAIN SHOOTING REPORT-2

HUM SE HI UJALE HAIN SHOOTING REPORT-2

SHAHBAZ KHAN Aapki Aawaz Award 2009

Aap ki Awaz Press Media Awards 2009

Writer Director Reema Sengupta, Producer Surekha Sengupta

Raju Rahikwar(Jr. Shahrukh Khan), Rubi, Pooja Pradhan

Madhubhai Sanghvi, Vijayraj (Actor)

Ananya & Gananya

Alok Sinha & Rinku Ghosh

Model Kristna Saikia & Casting Director Alok Sinha

Casting Director Alok Sinha & Writer Director Reemasen Gupta

Arun Kumar Kamal (Chief Editor & Chairman INDIA BUREAU) & Model Kristna Saikia

Arun Kumar Kamal (Chief Editor & Chairman INDIA BUREAU)

Arun kamal & Anu Bathla

Anjan Goswami (Chief Editor Aap Ki Awaz) & Nagma

Anchor ashutosh Pandey, Actress Anu Bathla, Casting Director Alok Sinha

Anchor Ashutosh pandey madhubhai Sanghvi & Producer S.P. Chaudhary, Guest, Bharti Mer

Anchor Ashutosh pandey madhubhai Sanghvi & Producer S.P. Chaudhary, Bharti Mer

Anchor Ashutosh pandey madhubhai Sanghvi & Producer S.P. Chaudhary

Actress Jiya Chopra & Madhubhai Sanghvi

Actress Jiya Chopra

Actress Bhagyashri, Bappi Lahiri, Bappa Lahiri, Anjan Goswami

Actress Anu Bathla with mom dad

Actress Anu Bathla & Casting Director Alok Sinha

Actor Kamaal Khan & Anjan Goswami

Abhijeet Rane, Arun Baxi, Ali Khan, Afsar Khan

AAP KI AWAZ, WELL KNOWN NEWS PAPER
IS CELEBRATING FOR
THE 3RD TIME “PRESS MEDIA AWARD” ON 6TH JUNE

NEETU CHANDRA (BEST ACTRESS), ALOK SINHA (BEST CASTING DIRECTOR), ANU BATHLA (SUPPORTING ACTRESS), JIYA CHOPRA (OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE), S.P. CHAUDHARY (UPCOMING PRODUCER), ARUN KUMAR KAMAL (BEST WEB TV CHANNEL "INDIA BUREAU"), ARUN TULI (BEST SHORT FILM "OLD IS GOLD"), RAJU RAHIKWAR (DUPLICATE S R K) KRISTNA SAIKIA (PORTRAIT MODEL), POOJA PRADHAN (BEST FAISHION MODEL) ETC.

KUMAR SHANU & SADHU KAILASH 'MANAV'

RICH BOYZ

HUM SE HI UJALE HAIN (UTPAL CHAUDHARY)

Bipasha The Bengali connection

Sudipto Chattopadhyaya the director of Sanjay Gupta’s “Pankh” has really broken the shackles and gone ahead and made a bold movie. It’s a very emotional and touching movie; all the actors have put in lot of efforts for the movie.

Both Sudipto and Bipasha are Bengali’s and shared a great rapport on the sets. Both of them used to converse in Bengali on the sets leaving everyone confused about what they spoke. They shared a very good raport and friendship that Sudipto even bought Bangla food for Bipasha from home during the shoot. Both of them used to enjoy Bangla food and enjoyed conversing in Bengali.

Madhavan on a Roll

This year it seems like it’s the year of Maddy, 13B was a success and with a bagful of big projects and big directors you can easily say that this year it’s Madhavan’s year. Madhavan has around 4 -5 release this year. Madhavan is also on a high as he is working with his idol Amitabh Bachchan and his favourite star Aamir Khan.

“Three Idiots” and “Tenn Patti” would release by the end of the year, Apart from this Madhavan has signed up two more films with directors of Manorama Six Feet Under and Strangers. Sources say, “Madhavan is excited about both the projects as he feels that both are very good directors and have made very good films earlier. Anand Raj’s movie is interestingly titled Tanu Weds Manu, while the name is yet to be decided for the Navdeep Singh project which is produced by Mukesh Talreja and Nikhil Advani. Both are promising young directors and know exactly what the are making.

"I have just returned from the London schedule of the work. With legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley, it can't get bigger and better. I am so eagerly looking forward to the release of both Three Idiots and Teen Patti. Both Navdeep Singh’s and Aanand Raj’s movie should b getting on floors soon. 2009 and 2010 are certainly looking promising and we should be having some good quality movie outings ahead", signs off Madhavan.

MOHANDAS Releasing on 11th July 2009

Official Selection at 18th International Film Festival of Innsbruck Austria 2009
Official Selection at 52nd San Francisco International Film Festival of San Francisco, USA 2009
Official Selection at 23rd Fribourg International Film Festival of Fribourg, Switzerland 2009
Official Selection at 14th Kolkata Film Festival International Forum of New Cinemas kolkatta, India 2008
Official Selection South Asian International Film Festival New York, US 2008
Official Selection at Osian’s Cinefan Festival of Asian & Arab Cinema New Delhi India 2008

Vertika Films Pvt. Ltd Presentation
Produced by: Abha Sonakia
Directed by: Mazhar Kamran

Synopsis
Meghna Sengupta , a correspondent working at a news channel in New Delhi, one day receives a videotape from a remote place in Madhya Pradesh, Anuppur. On the tape, a battered young man claims to be the real Mohandas and alleges that someone else has stolen his identity. Someone else is living as 'Mohandas'.

Intrigued by what looks like an unusual small-town scam, Meghna makes a trip to Anuppur. There, she unearths a more harrowing and surreal story. Mohandas is a topper in studies from the poor community of basket-weavers and is overjoyed at long last when he is selected for a good white-collar post in Oriental Coal Mines. But he is kept waiting and waiting to actually get the job. Long afterwards, when he has given up and reconciled to it, he learns that someone else has assumed his name and has already taken his job! When he rushes to protest, he is beaten up and thrown out.

Meghna places this story in the media. Harshvardhan, a lawyer from the district, takes this case of stolen identity to court with the intention of hauling up the usurper. With more bizarre results.

Irony and satire run as undercurrents as the film plumbs the absurd levels to which democratic institutions can be manipulated today. It is also an allegory of how a fake identity displaces the real one in contemporary times.

Star Cast:
Sonali Kulkarni
Sharbani Mukherji
Nakul Vaid
Sushant Singh
Aditya Srivastava
Akhilendra Mishra
Uttam Haldar
Govind Namdeo

Punjabi Bhangda and folk Music

Ladaiyan Album is Mix of Punjabi Bhangda and Folk Music.

Its debut album of Singer Raj Balraj. This Album has 7 duet songs and one solo song. Miss Pooja has given her voice in 4 songs with Raj Balraj.

Miss Pooja is known as Duet Queen of Punjabi. This album kick starts with Much Da Sawal which has foot-taping music by D. Arrey (UK) and lyrics by Omkar Bal.

Album Consist of 8 Songs. S.K. Sodhi, Omkar Bal & Niku Kutba has Given Soulful lyrics to this album. Music Director of Ladaiyan Album is D. Arrey (UK).

We are "PARTY GIRLS"

PARTY GIRLS ARE GOING TO SWING THE PARTY

The concept of Item Girls is not new in India. And after IPL T20, Cheer Girls have grown popularity amongst the people. Now, LEO One Music has come up with entirely innovative concept of Party Girls in India and Mr.Sandeep Shukla the owner of Leo One Music thinks it would be well- accepted by the party lovers. This concept has up-rooted prevalence in Western countries. Party Girls concept comprise of four girls who are professional and will perform in parties and prove to be delight for party-lovers.

LEO One Music will also launch the music album of Party Girls with the voice of melodious Richa Sharma. Richa Sharma has several hit numbers under her belt. Taal, Zubedaa, Sathiya, Kal ho na ho, Gangajal, Omkara are few of the blockbusters which has been voiced by her. And now she is whole and soul part of Party Girls album. The husky and intense voice of Richa is well-suited to this album.

If Richa Sharma is the soul then these four stunning girls are body of this concept. They are going display their moves on songs sung by Richa Sharma. Tanya, Seema, Mollira and Kelly are gorgeous girls hailing from Delhi, Allahabad, Assam and Goa respectively. According to them this innovative idea will be well-appreciated by people in India because occasions and celebrations are integral part of our society. The Lyrics is given by Saajan Agarwal, who is also the director of the Video and this Video has been choreographed by the famous Bollywood choreographer Jojo Khan

LEO One Music up-coming project includes Hindi feature film starring Anupam Kher, Rushad Rana, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raj, Krishna Bhatt, Shehal Dhami and Rituparna Sengupta and Marathi film.
Undoubtedly, this album and their live performances will ensure absolute entertainment for party-animals.
-H.S.Communication

Oscar winner Resul Pookutty and Mahesh Bhatt with homeless Children

Oscar winner Resul Pookutty and Mahesh Bhatt to highlight the plight of homeless children in Delhi

Recently, Slumdog Millionaire Oscar winner Resul Pookutty and Mahesh Bhatt was in the town for their continued commitment to keep the focus on the plight of homeless children in the country. Along with children, Resul Pookutty is associated with a NGO, Butterflies India, at Store 99, located in Pacific Mall, in Vashali in Ghaziabad.

Talking about his Delhi visit, Pookutty says “Much more than anything else, it’s the theme of Slumdog Millionaire, particularly its focus on the plight of children that touched everyone, and this is what keeps him committed to do everything that he can do to improve their situation”.

Considered as one of the best sound designers in the Indian film Industry, Pookutty has some outstanding films to his credit, which include Black, Musafir, Zinda, Traffic Signal, Gandhi, My Father, Saawariya, and Dus Kahaniyaan. However, the last one year has been one of remarkable successes for Pookutty – first he designed sound for the 2008 blockbuster Ghajini, starring Aamir Khan, which was followed by even bigger success when his first major international project Slumdog Millionaire won him an Academy award. He was absolutely ecstatic when he received the award and charmed one and all when he delivered his famous speech saying, “This is not just a sound award, this is history being handed over to me”.

While Mahesh Bhatt enjoyed the company of kids, laughed and chatted with them. He said, “The innocence of these kids makes you fall in for them.”

Also Javed Mohammad and Ajay Chanchan were to be seen there supporting the NGO and interacting with the kids.

Delhi-based NGO Butterflies has earned a worldwide recognition for its innovative, realistic and relevant programmes for street and working children and has been working to improve their situation since 1989. Its core belief is that every child has a right to have a full-fledged childhood, and rights of street and working children are no exception.

Store 99, one of the fastest growing retail chains in Delhi and NCR, has been constantly involved in charity works to help street children so that they can have a better tomorrow. The Group was one of the founding equity members of the INDIA EXPOMART, pioneered in extensive network of retail stores, under the brand ‘Home Store’ and Sabka-Bazar for many years. Terming Pookutty’s visit as a manifestation of their corporate social responsibility, Mr Javed Mohammad, CEO, Store 99, said “I am absolutely humbled by his gesture and his continued desire to work for improving the situation of children living in extremely difficult situation, which is our mission as well”.

Aarohi Team on Cloud 9

Ecstatic, after a successful innings at the Aarohi Film Festival 2009 which was recently held at Fun Cinemas, team Aarohi seems to be riding high on cloud 9. What was termed as an ‘overwhelming audience response’ has not just remained confined to the audience seats. We hear that they are being flooded with calls from various film industry sources including the south for recruitment of talent!! Wow, now that’s what we call incredible opportunities for our aspiring Indian film makers! What’s more? After Aarohi 2007 winners Vicky Khandpur got to work with Danny Boyle in Slumdog Millionaire and Ram Naresh got to work on Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na who do we think will get lucky with Bollywood this year? Insia Dariwala who bagged 'Aarohi - Best Director' Award for Candyman or Nagraj Manjule who bagged 'Aarohi - Best Film' for Pistulya. Any Guesses?

Arshad Warsi loves Goa

Arshad Warsi loves Goa. A friend of the actor said, "When it comes to relaxing, it is Goa for Arshad Warsi. He loves the slow lethargic pace of the city. Arshad relishes sea food too. He is crazy about Goan food. The actor feels that no other dishes in the world can beat the tingling taste of the typical goan menu." Arshad is a frequent traveller to Goa.

"The moment he comes to know that he can take a break from work he packs to Goa along with Maria and the kids," said the friend.

Bhojpuri Film BHOOMI PUTRA Premier

A GRAND GALA BASH ON To Celebrate Three Occasions

To Celebrate Three Occasions

i) GAURAV PARIKH’S BIRTHDAY
ii) RAMJI GULATI'S VIDEOS FIRST LOOK - Hasenna Jena Shikki Shing
iii) 3rd ANNIVERSARY Party

Richboyz Entertainment - a title that invests them with to having special talent.
A team of 6 best of friends ... Gauarav Parikh ,Ramji Gulati ,Anuj Chugh,Vicky Chugh,Ketul Parikh and Kapil badsiwal.

Boyz Rich indeed in entertaining was the whisper doing rounds midst the guests

The evening was a very well attended affair ,the spirits were flowing in galore The evening started with Guests Pouring in with arm candies and it was apparent they all were looking forward for the evening

... Gauarav Parikh was the blue eyed boy of the evening who was inundated with birthday wishes and congratulations he also made it a point to look after the guests at the same time ,Ramji Gulati’s Video “Hasenna jena shikki shing “was the song of the evening as the videos first look was revealad which was chic and offcially releasing on 11th June.
Anuj Chugh,Vicky Chugh,Ketul Parikh and Kapil badsiwal lended full support to each other to make the evening a rocking affair.It was a party worth remembering
The cast of film “Runway “was called on the stage, Amarjeet and Tulip Joshi who unveiled There Goa villa “Ricboyz villa “

and the video of Ramjee Gulati’sSayali Bhagat as special guest was called on stage for cake cutting which was followed by vote of Thanks by Gaurav Parikh and Ramji Gulati.

And the performance of Toshi and sharib sabri took the evening to a different level

Rich boyz enetertainment ensured they lived up to there Entertanment

And enthralled the guests

The party went rocking till wee hours of the Morning where Amarjeet Ramji Gulati and gaurav Parikh took the DJ console

GUEST IN ATTENDANCE WERE : TULIP JOSHI,VIVEK SHARMA ,SAYALI BHAGAT ,BHAVANA PANI, , AMARJEET,ZULFI ,BUNTY GAREWAL, RAJEEV , ALEX-SHWETA, , DABOO MALIK ,ARMAAN MALIK,AMAL MALIK, MISHTI,SARU MAINI ,KAPIL KHADIWALA, ABHIJEET SAWANT,MINK,PUNNU,SONU SOOD ,SUDHANSHU PANDEY ,SHILPA RAO ,DJ SHEIZWOOD,

About Rich Boyz entertainment - Richboyz Entertainment - a title that invests them with to having special talent.

A team of 6 best of friends ... Gauarav Parikh ,Ramji Gulati ,Anuj Chugh,Vicky Chugh,Ketul Parikh and Kapil badsiwal.

Richboyz has an exceptional skill and accomplishment in a events, They all are outstandingly gifted. And define themselves as having “expertise with a touch of magic”.
Richboyz is todays leading name in brand activation and entertainment management . Richboyz is todays leading name in brand activation and entertainment management . The name sprang from an amalgamation of what the progenitors envisioned; what they wanted the company to stand for. Richboyz entertainment is known as a pioneers of event management as they fascinated the world of entertainment to its finest note.Evolved from the heart of Mumbai Richboyz entertainment are known for their excellent credentials for managing night clubs in Mumbai with credentials like (Red light,squeeze,rock bottom,poison,enigma,hard rock,pollyester etc..) currently they are managing a club known for the cream of the crowd ”Poison”. Moving from the field of clubs Ricboyz entertainment has captivated an idea of building it self as a brand by associating with sponsors like Foster’s, Redbull, Toss & Cizzel, Airtel , Bright. They have also spread their wings in planning events & concerts in various cities like (Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai & pune).

The company has taken a sprint in the field in managing artist, album launches as they have tie ups with known music labels like Times, Tips, Universal & Sony BMG.

Following are the artists & Bands managed by Richboyz entertainment:

JALTHE BAND,INFECTED MUSHROOMS,RAGHAV,AGNEE THE BAND
YAHEEL,ISHQ BECTOR,HARD KAUR. Richboyz Entertainment has build a platform that have gradually carved a niche for themselves in the field of hospitality by managing a lavish restaurant in juhu “HUNGAMMA” .Richboyz Entertainment owns Mumbai’s best fine dine Family restaurant in daishar called 'SPICE GARDEN'.
There up coming project:-"Richboyz villa"(joi domar) in prime location of goa near calanguat beach).Which has 50 studio apartments and 12 suite rooms with facilities nothing less than 5 star.

Put together the word is a creative redefinition of that certain magic that turns effective communication into inspiring communication. The rich boys are a symbol of leaving a memorable trail behind, after each event which is skillfully wielded. a title that invests them with to having special tale

ZOR LAGAA KE HAIYA... Music release

Music release of Gemini Motion Pictures present ZOR LAGAA KE HAIYA! ... a mission, the world was waiting for... The event was attended by actor Mithun Chakraborty and his son Mimoh, music director Bapi & Tutul, producer Basant Talreja & Kartikeya Talreja, apart from young kid artistes from the movie.

Hindi feature film SORRY MADAM MAF KARNA

Pukarta chala hu main.... famous yesteryear actor/filmstar BISWAJEET of Bees Saal Baad, Kohra & Mere Sanam fame introduced his daughter SAMBHAVI BISWAJEET in a Hindi feature film SORRY MADAM MAF KARNA.

Touchy-feely shoot lands Neetu Chandra in MNS trouble

Actress Neetu Chandra with model Krishikha Gupta

Actress Neetu Chandra with model Krishikha Gupta during the male fantasy photo shoot

Actress Neetu Chandra with model Krishikha Gupta
during the male fantasy photo shoot for ‘The Man’ magazine.
(Image Courtesy – Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

Recently, when actress Neetu Chandra (of Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! fame) agreed to do a bold photo shoot for a men’s magazine, she hardly realised it would spark controversy and outrage from political affiliates.

Neetu, who had agreed to do hot and sexy cover for ‘The Man’ magazine, was shooting along with model Krishikha Gupta outside the lobby of a 3-star hotel, when a group of the hotel’s regular male customers watching it by the pool, suddenly started raising strong objections, by indiscriminately shouting at her and the magazine crew. But only when things spiralled into an ugly argument and the group started screaming “Jai Maharashtra” at the top of their lungs, did the magazine’s team and Neetu realise that things were out of their control.

Alleging that the shoot was promoting lesbianism, the group began getting aggressive and tried to physically harm the shooting crew. They claimed to have connections with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and threatened an agitation. They even tried to confiscate the camera, resulting in the shoot having to be abruptly called off.

“Though the concept about two girls getting very intimate was a bit outrageous, we were doing it very aesthetically. But these men were a frustrated lot and couldn’t take the heat. They only saw nudity in our concept,” fires Neetu Chandra.

The actress explains, “First they tried to seek my attention with smiles and stares, so I acknowledged them. But as I went on with my work, the whole group of men suddenly started feeling ignored and began creating a scene. They did manage to scare me when they started to politicise the issue and scream communal slogans. That was when we had to stop the shoot.”

But now ‘The Man’ has decided to go ahead with the images they managed before the ruckus at the hotel began, raising speculation whether these sensational images will cause further problems when the magazine’s next issue hits the stands in a couple of days.

Resul Pookutty honoured by his peers in Mumbai

Mumbai, May 6: After string of felicitations across the globe after winning Oscar for sounding recording in Slumdog Millionaire, Resul Pookutty was felicitated by his own colleagues in the film industry on Tuesday night.

The Western India Motion Pictures & TV Sound Engineer’s Association honoured Resul Pookutty for creating history at the Academy Awards this year. At a glittering function held at the Country Club at Andheri, Resul was honoured by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. Lauding his hard work and dedication towards his work for years, Bachchan recalled, “Resul created magic for his film Black. He had so much patience and the results showed it. Everyone in the industry knows how disciplined he is when it comes to work.”

An emotional Resul told the gathering, “I am very touched and honoured by this gesture. I have dedicated my Oscar to India and my city Mumbai because of its undying spirit. Mumbai is my karmabhoomi and it feels really special to be honoured in this city.”

Though hailing from Kerala, Resul has always been a true Mumbaikar. He studied from the Film Institute in Pune and never had to look back since. “Mumbai has given me so much. It’s truly a city of dreams.” Resul’s two kids are also born and brought up in the city and his family have made Mumbai their first home.

Apart from Bachchan, the function was well attended by other Bollywood and TV celebrities like singer Udit Narayan, actors Ronit Roy, Gul Panag and Dheeraj Kumar to name a few and the evening was hosted by the veteran actor Raza Murad.

Kareena Kapoor to launch her own web site.

Kareena Kapoor turns net savvy. Bollywood's number one actress is all set to launch her very own website that promises to give even the most frequently visited celebrity website a run for their money."Kareena's official website is going to be more fashion oriented.

The site will have updates not only of Kareena's fashion trends but also the other trends that take place all over the globe," revealed a source close to the actress. The source adds, "Her website is going to be absolutely tech savvy the Kind. It's going to be on the lines of Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez's sites and fashion pages.

Completely international befitting a celebrity of her stature."Stylew icon Kareena has always had a passion for fashion. "There have been a number of occasssions where Kareena has actively participated in designing her costumes for films. Kareena always wanted to launch her own brand clothes. The website is her first step towards it. The actress has always kept herself updated about the latest trends

whether it be Paris or Tokyo. She has sound knowledge about the fashion industry and website gives her chance to share her fashion knowledge with her fans. And Kareena has always been a trendsetter and wants to continue to do so for her fans," said the source.

You will see my glamour in my coming films, says Prity Bhutani

Some are born with acting skill others get it by their struggle. But, in both cases only those people succeed who work hard. Prity Bhutani is an actress who has made her mark through the road of struggle. Starting with Jani Dushman and Ladies Tailor she is now part of bigger films. Her upcoming films are Khalbali Hai Khalbali, Vikalp, and Ajay Devgan starter ‘Golmal hai -2’ and Ek Power of Money, Presented here are excerpts from her interview:

None of your family member in in films, then how come you choose this career?
You can never imagine joining films even in dreams in my family as it is a conservative Sardar family. I belong to Faridabad and got my education at Delhi. Father is in airforce, while mother is a teacher. Naturally no one discusses going into films. Even I did not think of joining films. I choose Commerce as my stream of education keeping in view of joining some good job. But fate had some other plans and I did turn up in films without any grooming or formal training in film acting. However, I did participate in college dramas and did many dramas with my group even after college days. Then I started getting modelling offers. This paved my journey to a full time career in films and came to Mumbai.My family too supported me as they saw my commitment and works.

How did you struggle in Mumbai?
I got two short films with Tanuja Chandra and working with him was no less then getting trained in some academy. I learned many things with him.Then I did some adfilms. I also learned Kathak dancing from Jayanti Mala, daughter of Sitara Devi.But I get the ral start when I was cast oppositeSharad Kapoor in Jani Dushman. People identified me from this film due to my enchanting ways and glamorous looks.

How was the journey later on?
I started getting film offers and concentrated on films. Then I got a chance to appear with Rajpal Yadav in Ladies Tailor. Cineviewers appreciated my role as Flora in the film for her innocence. Though the film did not succeed on box office I got a foothold in Bollywood. Since then I have never looked back. Then I did get many offers from South also. Two of my Tamil films,Idu Kadal Varun Paruvam directed by Kastoori Raja, and Mard Valav with Super Star Arjun, have been released. I also acted in two Kannad films also.

Then why were you ignored in Bollywood?
No, this is not a fact. Getting more films from South did not mean that I got away from Hindi Films. Recently I have worked in a children film, King No.One. I am also working in Hindi film Ek.. The Power of One produced by K.Sera and Sangeet Shravan. Ajay Devgan is in the lead role in this film. I am opposite Zakir in Ajay Chandok directed Khalbali Hai Khalbali. I am also doing an Item dance number in Vikalp. All these three films will be released this year and then everyone will see my glamour and acting skills.

You are a Punjabi kudi, so you must also have done some Punjabi films?
Unfortunately I have not got a chance to act in Punjabi films till now. I have not given a thought to it also. I have to work in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malyalam, and Kannad films and reach the peak of acting success.

People do like fatty girls in South,but you are slim. Did it affect your career?
South is getting a change in its tastes otherwise Aishwarya Rai would not have got entry in south. People appreciate glamour everywhere and I am at ease in this.
What is your opinion about exploitation in film industry?
It all depends on you. We do get all kinds of people in this field and there are lots of gossips going on. One has to tread cautiously in this mine field.

Benarasi babu moshai Priyanshu!

Priyanshu Chatterjee had one wish that he always wanted fulfilled -- to shoot a film in Benaras, the birthplace of his father. And his joy knew no bounds when he heard that Rituparno Ghosh's Nauka Dubi where he is the leading man will not just mark his entry into Bengali cienma getting him closer to audiences back home, but will be shot in Benaras as well. The actor called his father immediately on hearing the news and informed him. Only to find his joyous parents pay him a surprise visit to share his moment of happiness in person.

Priyanshu is now happily eating mouth-watering fare dished out by his loving mother at home. After there is nothing like maa ke haath ka khana!

Scrabble Entertainment to change the face of Cinema Exhibition in India... A Digital Revolution

The arrival of digital cinema offers a paradigm shift for cinema theatre owners worldwide. It also has the potential to revolutionize the exhibition and distribution businesses more than any innovation in years.

As a digital cinema services company, Scrabble will work with content owners including major studios, independent distributors and the exhibitor. Under a Virtual Print Fee (VPF) business model, Scrabble will finance the exhibitors’ transition to digital by collecting a negotiated “virtual print fee” from movie distributors.

On the exhibition front, Scrabble has already contracted with PVR, Fun Cinemas, Inox & Fame Cinemas to install this digital system in their cinemas. On the other hand it has VPF Contracts signed with all the major Producers / Distributors like UTV, Shree Ashtavinayak, Studio 18, Balaji Telefilms etc……..The VPF deals with the Hollywood Studios are currently under advanced negotiation and they are likely to be signed any time now.

On Tuesday, 2nd of September 2008, a panel discussion was held in Mumbai, panelists present at this press conference were, Mr. Ranjit Thakur, CEO, Scrabble entertainment Pvt Ltd, Mr. Amitabh Vardhan, CEO, PVR Cinemas, Mr. Kanwal Preet Singh Brar, Sales Manager, India – Christie Digital Systems and Mr. Vishal Kapur, CEO, Fun cinemas.

Ranjit Thakur, CEO, Scrabble Entertainment, said “Our 2 K Digital Platform will change the way movies are shown in India. This unique business model is a win – win for the entire industry. The exhibitors will have increased revenue and lower operational costs while the content providers will have a substantial savings on print cost and eventually benefit in a big way as piracy will be curtailed with our mass deployment. ”

“ Hollywood Studios will be also be largely benefited as this will enable them to have Day and Date Releases in India at a much lower cost and Digital will help them show case 3 D content as well. ”

“You will get a glimpse and recognize the potential of 3 D when Journey to the Center of the Earth is released digitally in 3D by E-City Ventures”
Exhibitors for some of the movies are already using the technology. For instance, PVR Cinemas - Juhu, Inox - Nariman Point have tested this technology to showcase all the films released recently and got a tremendous response.

Mr. Amitabh Vardhan , CEO , PVR Cinemas, said “ We will now be able to maximize our advertisement revenue, get better show placements & also be able to show case alternate content. Also PVR’s revenue from Hollywood Content is the highest in the industry and the fact that we will be getting more day and date releases from the

Hollywood studios & with the opportunity to play 3 D Movies, it will definitely add to our bottom line. PVR sees this as the future of exhibition & will completely support Scrabble in their effort to digitize India”

PVR today has 19 screens running on 2 K Digital with no analog back up. It plans to install atleast 30 to 40 Digital Screens every year.

Mr. Alok Tandon, COO, Inox Leisure said, “Inox is delighted to be a part of this digital revolution which will counter piracy, promote day and date releases with an enhanced cinema going experience. This technology shift is a positive change that will enable every cinema to get content in a easier and more secured way.”

Mr. Ramesh Sippy – CEO , Balaji Telefilms said “ Scrabble, by its entry into the Digital Projection of Feature films in regular cinema houses is expected to revolutionize the larger reach of Cinema to a larger section of the country's population very soon.

It is something the Media & Entertainment needed since quite some time and this will also set higher standards for those who those in the industry who claim to have never seen before.”

Advantages of this Deployment:

1. Complete elimination of Piracy, Safe & secure medium of content transfer
2. Simultaneous release of film on all India basis
3. Maximizing advertisement revenue
4. Opens doors for displaying alternate content
5. Global standards of ‘Projection’ quality
6. The content is protected with multiple levels of encryption, and each projector has its own encryption key. On a technical level, the quality of the film going experience is as good as 35mm today.
7. The movies look and sound better. Digital cinema also reduces the cost of distribution, eliminating the need for making costly prints and the need to rent, deliver, collect and store prints.
8. It is also much easier to assign extra screenings to a hit and drop screenings of a flop. All interested parties seem to agree that digital projection results not only in higher-quality images and sound but will also save on cost since studios could distribute films via satellite.

Rituparna Sangupta - A well known name in the Bengali film industry

An interview with Rituparna Sengupta
Rituparna is a well-known name in the Bengali film industry but she has been fighting for long to make her presence felt in the Bollywood. Launched in Bollywood with an emotional comedy, Main Meri Patni Aur Woh, Rituparna is now waiting for her forthcoming features. She shares few of her valuable moment with Rajnee Gupta telling how she is expectant with each of her upcoming projects.

* Do you still take yourself as an intruder in this industry?
-. No. It’s how I used to feel previously but now the time is quite changed and I am also quite easy with the industry. Previously I had problems understanding the differences between Kolkata and Mumbai industries. Now I know that if I wish to be a part of any film in this industry then I would have to understand the industry first. So, I have set my mind in that way only. But don’t take it otherwise. I have not forgotten my Kolkata which is still my home. I am a brand name over there and I want the same status here also.

* That means you want to be a brand name in Mumbai, too.
- Absolutely. People in Kolkata know me well for both commercial and arty films. I want to attain the same status here also. I think I can get it by a combination of my approach towards both commercial films as well as art films. I am trying my best.

* You did your first film in Hindi Main Meri Patni Aur Woh almost four years back and still you are struggling for your recognition. What do you think is the reason?
- I have chosen the right film. But it’s not my fault that it didn’t work at the box office. Take for example, Gauri The Unborn which is based on the contemporary topic of abortion. It’s by R Mohan who made a hit like Chandni Bar. But Gauri didn’t appeal the audience. Besides a good production value the film had a star like Atul Kulkarni but it failed miserably. You can also remember Sirf which is a multistarrer with names like Manisha Koirala, Kay Kay Menon, Nauhid Cyrusi, Ranvir Shorey, Sonali Kulkarni and Parvin Dabas. Again I think that I chose a right film but it didn’t work. I think I have to be doubly cautious in choosing films.

* Don’t you ever think that despite being a National Award winner, you are wasting your energy in striving for a good role in Bollywood?
- No. I don’t think that I am wasting my energy but I surely feel bad about that. Again, such thoughts stay for very short span of time. I must be happy that despite belonging to some other place, I am offered with so many films in this industry. I understand that success is the aftermath of struggle and it becomes ephemeral for people who get it easily.

* Most of your films show the problems with women. Is it merely a co-incident?
- Even I don’t know it. Maybe my directors feel that I can portray such characters better. And not even in Mumbai, the Bengali movie, Trishna that I am doing now in Kolkata, is also showing me portraying several shades. It’s a bit like the John-Bipasha starrer Jism. My character in this film is named as Piyasha. Director thinks that only I can play that character.

* How did you react on getting the film Trishna?
- I have already worked with this director but that character was not such a bold one. My character in this film demands both skin-show and acting ability. I am actually little grey shaded in this film.

* Item songs are quite an easy way to get a place in Bollywood. Why didn’t you try for any such number yet?
- Because no one has yet offered me with it. If offered, I’ll definitely do item songs. I don’t
think there is anything wrong in doing item songs.

* Have you marked any limit beyond which you won’t go for any character?
- Yeah. I have drawn my own lines. I accept only those characters that appeal me the most and can satisfy the actor in me. I am not like other heroines who create tantrums with things like on screen kissing or appearing in bikinis. I think of honor in association with glamour. Dimple Kapadia has gone through most skin-showy characters but people still honor her.

* It’s very natural phenomena that audiences take actresses like goddesses. Don’t you think that showing skin can hurt their feelings?
- I don’t think so. But I am open to any kind of criticism if they feel like. I think criticism is good because it helps finding the faults in me.

* Which will be the recent release among your films?
- It’s Warner Brothers’ SRK which is directed by Ajay Verma. It’s an emotional comedy. I am playing my best ever character in this film. My character in this film is named as Vidya who has to face few incidents for which she has never been prepared. The film starts with comedy and after a phase it turns into a serious film and again it touches the comic mode. I am working with Vinay Pathak in this film. Illaya Raja has given the music for this film while Gulzar has written the songs.

* What’s the expansion of SRK?
- That is a secret. I cannot tell you about that. Only the film will reveal the secret.

* Tell us about your forthcoming films.
- Karan Rajdan’s ‘Mittal Versus Mittal’, Anjan Dutta’s political thriller ‘BBD’, Shrinivas’ ‘Love Khichdi’, ‘Main Osama’, ‘Saab Chai Pani’, ‘Paroksh’ and ‘Dard-E-Disco’ are my forthcoming films. ‘Mittal Versus Mittal’ is based on marital rape. ‘Love Khichdi’ and ‘Dard-E-Dosco’ are out and out comedies. I am working as an airhostess in ‘Main Osama’ and in ‘Paroksh’ I am playing the character of an ambitious corporate woman. Divya Dutta is also working in ‘Paroksh’. Besides them I am also working in some Bengali films. Suman Mukherjee’s ‘Chaturango’ is one of them. It’s based on a novel by Rabindranath Tagore.

Model turns actress-Vishakha Singh

Rajput descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan
Coming summer vacations, the industry is abuzz with new film releases and also marks the debut of many a newcomers. However, Vishakha Singh's debut is different as she is the only newcomer who has to live up to the names of Meena Kumari and Hema Malini; her predecessors who have been the leading heroines in Kamal Amrohi Films. The banner that is relaunching itself with 'humsey hai jahaan' has earlier made epics like pakeezah and razia sultan.So, how does she react to these comparisons? " Frankly, its not fair.. I am just a newcomer doing the first film. However, the responsibilty of living upto the contributions that they have made to this banner and these films is a little daunting. Though i must say, I am quite enjoying the whole ride"

Making a debut with a first time actor/director mustn't have been a cake walk. "I wasnt worried about Mashhoor being first time director/actor; as long as my role is clear cut and well explained, i dont worry about other issues. i just focus on my job"

This focused girl is a blue blooded Rajput; descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan. Coming from a traditional family that has no connections to bollywood at all , was it difficult to convince parents? ' My parents were surprised with my decision simply because I am well educated, having done my post graduation in Advertising and Public Relations. But i was able to convince them somehow. Education never goes waste. It just made more sense to capitalise on the looks now and brains later" .

Vishakha has been a model..having modeled for big brands like sunsilk, Samsung, Medimix, Damas etc.

She was shortlisted for chak de and one of Shimit Amin's Assistants suggested her name to Mashhoor Amrohi for this role; She met the team and auditioned for the role and bagged it. so while she missed out on that role she got this one. "Everything works out for the best. In humsey hai jahaan, besides being the main lead I am also the only female character in d entire film. So the role is quite meaty"

I play a girl who is pampered n very protected. Very close to the way i have been brought up in real life. But in future i would love to do roles that are completely different from what i am in real life.

Vishakha already has two more movies' lined in her kitty even before the release of debut film. " I take pride i d fact that whatever movies i am doing have been purely on d basis of performance and auditions. No recommendations or god fathers. But yes, Humsey hai jahaan probably became my learning ground for honing my skills."

She is not a trained actor and most newcomers today usually are. " I think acting is inherent. An actor is always born. I do think that its great to be trained but i dont think its a pre-requisite. Yes, but certainly dancing is"' she jokes. " I love dancing and am currently training in jazz, hip hop and bollywood with Ashley Lobo. Infact i hate missing my dance classes because of all the interviews and pre release publicity work"

Vishakha's debut will also mark a dance number with Prem Chopra. 'Yes, we have danced together in a fantastic song called marhaba. I think he is simply superb in d song" and adds laughing," he probably will become the hot new item boy after this song..all of us new comers will have to pull our socks!"

I would love my career graph to follow Kajol, Rani Mukherjee's and Vidya balan's. Would especially love to work with Vishal Bharadwaj, Farhan Akhtar, AAmir Khan, and many many more . "I am a great student if i get a good teacher".that's the reason i am praying I get to work with my favorite directors.

I am not praying for instant stardom. I just want to be known as a professional and a good actor.

Rajat Kaanthi Dhar's hitech look of Shiva, ABN Style!

Art curator Ashish Balram Nagpal celebrated the new look of the Lord Shiva through the eyes of the artist Rajat Kaanthi Dharr at Tetsuma, Colaba on Sept 1.
Rajat had earlier depicted the teenage Krishna with a rustic look with dark skin, a muscular body and without jewellery. This time he depicted Shiva with modern gadgets and powers.
When asked about Rajat and his work Ashish Balram Nagpal says- "God dwells within me, like he dwells in all of us! This is how I see him. It is Rajat's interpretation that makes his works interesting."
Manoj Bajpayee who has followed Rajat's works of art keenly said "I like the artist's justifications of the theme."Besides Manoj Bajpayee, Kim Sharma, Aamir Ali, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Mohsin Akhtar, Deepak Sandhu that is Nakul of Mahabharat, Harshwardhan Rane of Left Right Left, model Karan Thakkar, director Saurabh Sengupta, Atul Kasbekar, painters Ganga Kadakia, Sanjeev Khandekar, Kadambari, Vipul and Savia, socialites Dolly Thakore, Meenakshi, Hriday Nagpal, Mukteshwari, Madhusudan, Niranjan, art collector Mittal, Razvin Namdarian of bCA gallery and a whole horde of art. Film and television fraternity shared Ashish Balram Nagpal's celebration at Tetsuma, Colaba on 01Sep 2008.