New Vande Mataram to mark 63rd Republic Day 9
27 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Melody created by the finest artists of India
As many as 21 top-notch music artists, including singers Sonu Niigaam, Shankar Mahadevan and Sunidhi Chauhan and musicians like Amaan Ali and Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, have lent their voice and hand for a new rendition of India’s national song Vande mataram .
The contemporary version of Vande Mataram, released by Veecon Music and Entertainment, is composed by renowned percussionist Bickram Ghosh.
“My version of Vande Mataram is introspective and philosophical. It is the national song woven into a new melody 64 years after independence. It is not a song of uprising as was the mainstay of the original song. I’ve created a melody straight from my heart and the finest of India’s artists have executed it,” Ghosh said in a statement.
Apart from Niigaam, Mahadevan and Chauhan, the new rendition has singers Shaan, Shubha Mudgal, Roop Kumar Rathod, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Ustad Rashid Khan, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, Kaushiki Desikan, Manoj Tiwari, Palash Sen, and popular band Indian Ocean.
Musicians who have played instruments for it include Kamal Sabri (sarangi), Niladri Kumar (sitar), Ganesh and Kumaresh (violins), Pandit Ronu Majumdar (flute), Rajhesh Vaidhya (veena), besides of course Khan (sarod), Bhatt (mohanveena) and Ghosh (tabla, kanjeera, percussions).
Ghosh says the experience has been enriching, and hopes it infuses a sense of patriotism in the citizens.
“I hope people find this Vande Mataram inspiring and feel proud to be Indian. This song is an ode to our India, the India of the times we live in. The India of today is strong, serene and beautiful. I hope the song makes you feel that,” said Ghosh, a day ahead of the Republic Day.
A video for the song has been shot for the song as well, says J.K. Srivastava. “It fills my heart with joy and pride to present to you the finest album based on India’s national song as our tribute to our motherland,” said Srivastava.
“Besides bringing together a diverse ensemble of India’s leading music icons, we have shot the video using as many as 24 different grand sets spread all over India, making it very vibrant and colourful. By bringing together the genius of artists from across the country, our edition of Vande Mataram truly reflects India’s unity in diversity,” he added.
Will Hrithik as Vijay do better than Amitabh Bachchan’s character Vijay Dinanath Chauhan?
27 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Silence does the talking
In 1990, it was Amitabh Bachchan with his cocky swagger, bloodshot and kohl-rimmed eyes making his foray onto the big screen. Big B’s larger than life persona, his angry young man image struck a cord with the masses and despite his film Agneepath’s commercial failure, the character played by him- Vijay Dinanath Chauhan- was immortalised.
Twenty-two years on, Vijay is back. Not as the angry young man with his swagger, but as the silent young man letting his silence do all the talking. Talking about his character as Vijay in the remake of Agneepath, lead actor Hrithik Roshan says: “He is very simple, he is without a style. There is no attitude or need to impress.”
Mukul Anand’s Vijay was suave, stylish and larger than life. There was a certain “I own the world” swagger to him. In word and action he took over screen space and rightly so he was a don. In stark contrast, Karan Malhotra’s revenge drama depicts Vijay in a more rooted, ordinary way. His look is strikingly plain and earthy, the jaw is set and the aura is one of anger.
“I am not playing Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. I am playing Vijay. I am playing Vijay who is just on a mission,” explains Hrithik. Back in the 1990s, amidst a flurry of Jais, Anthonys and Amits, the name that stood out was Vijay. Cut to 2012 and the brand new Vijay on the block is addressed as Vijay Chavan, simple, crisp and with the ring but after all that is what the film maker wants from the name Vijay.
As the majestically volatile Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, Big B donned the spotless white suit. But Vijay Chavan of 2012 is simply dressed, many a time down to his red vest, the only accessory being the black thread he wears around his neck.
If Amitabh’s depiction of Vijay was about trendy suits, Hrithik’s Vijay is all about raw masculinity. If Amitabh’s Vijay was about designer glares, Hrithik’s rendition of Vijay is about his chiselled looks.
The crew however feels that the film is a tribute to the acting prowess of the original Vijay. Filmmaker Karan Johar says: “This film is a tribute to Amitabh Bachchan.”
The stage is set for the clash of the old and the new. Will Hrirthik’s Vijay score over Big B’s Vijay Dinanath Chauhan? Will Vijay’s brooding silence overpower Big B’s husky baritone in the original? Is it time that the angry young man of Bollywood gave way to the simple silent man full of rage?
Historical Highs: ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ To Be Converted Into TV Soap?
26 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Enjoy 'Jodhaa Akbar' on TV
For all those fans of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who missed watching their regal act in Jodhaa Akbar on the big screen, here is finally some good news. Sources claim that Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus Jodhaa Akbar, which traced the love story between Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa, might soon be available to watch on the small screen in the form of a daily soap!
Reportedly, a television channel has given a production house the responsibility to turn the popular film into a TV show, which could either be run as a weekend capsule or as a daily. It is also said that two production houses were vying to get the opportunity to work on the project-Nitin Chandrakant Desai’s company, which has built the sets for the film and Sagar Arts.
We cant help but wonder if Balaji Queen Bee Ekta Kapoor is chewing her fingernails nervously at the thought of the hit movie taking away public attention from her daily soaps now…
Courtesy: http://in.movies.yahoo.com
Dharmendra, Shabana, Mira Nair to get Padma Bhushan
26 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Dharmendra honoured rightly
Veteran actors Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi and filmmaker of international repute Mira Nair were named for the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest civilian honour on the eve of Republic Day.
The three have been chosen in the art-cinema category.
After making his debut in 1960, Dharmendra, also known as Bollywood’s original He Man, went on to do a variety of work. From the lyrical Bandini and the serious Satyakam to comic classics like Chupke Chupke and, of course, the cult entertainer Sholay, he did it all- and continues to entertain the audience with his charm. Among his last releases were Yamla Pagla Deewana and Tell Me O Kkhuda, in both of which he shared the frame with his children.
As one of the few actresses who have successfully featured in experimental and mainstream cinema, Shabana, who received the Padma Shri in 1988, will now be honoured with the Padma Bhushan. A five-time National Award winner, she has proved her mettle in films like Ankur, Nishant, Arth, Masoom, Godmother and Fire as well as in movies like Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, Sorry Bhai! and It’s A Wonderful Afterlife. She has also dabbled in international films, and done her bit for social work as well.
US-based Mira has found international recognition with films like Salaam Bombay, Monsoon Wedding, Vanity Fair, The Namesake and Amelia. The National award-winning filmmaker is currently busy with The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which is based on a book of the same name.
Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalistalso features Shabana in a pivotal role.
Steven Spielberg and Anil Ambani strike gold
26 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Reliance tie-up pays at Oscars
Reliance Entertainment’s tie-up with Steven Spielberg has paid off big time at Oscars 2012.
The list of nominations for the 84th Academy Awards announced on Tuesday revealed that 11 contenders vying across various categories this year are from Anil Ambani and Spielberg’s joint venture Reliance Dream-Works.
Spielberg’s latest directorial venture, War Horse, leads the pack with nominations in six categories. The period drama is in the race for Best Film, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Original Score, Art Direction and Cinematography.
Another film which rode on Reliance moolah to make it to the Best Film shortlist is Tate Taylor’s The Help. The film also won a nomination for Viola Davis in the Best Actress category, while Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer have each earned a shot at the Best Supporting Actress trophy.
The sci-fi action thriller Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman, is in the running for Best Achievement in Visual Effects.
“These are the initial years of the Reliance-DreamWorks partnership and it’s thrilling for us because never before has there been such a huge Indian participation at the Oscars,” Amit Khanna, chairman, Reliance Entertainment said. He added that the good show by the Reliance-DreamWorks team at the Oscars this year proved the tie-up was moving in the right direction.
“We were partnering with the greatest filmmaker in the world and we always knew it was never solely about money for us. The relationship is deeply embedded and this signals a great start,” Khanna said.
The Ambani-Spielberg deal was first mooted in 2008, when Reliance Big Entertainment entered into a $ 1.5 billion partnership with Dream-Works to set up a film production studio in Hollywood.
A year later, plans began taking shape for Ambani to make an initial funding of $ 825 million for filmmakers Spielberg and Stacey Snider to launch new productions.
The Oscars are scheduled to be held on February 26. While the Reliance-DreamWorks tie-up has ensured Indian presence at the annual cinematic gala, no Indian film or film personality has made it to the shortlist in any of the categories.
The much-feted Malayalam film, Adaminte Makan Abu, India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film, lost out in the nomination race. Asghar Farhadi’s Iranian film, A Separation, is being tipped as the favourite in the category, which draws a considerable interest across the globe every year.
Ajay Devgn gets 18 crore for next film
26 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Singham rewarded
Ajay Devgn is the most bankable star in Bollywood today and it seems he has realised his worth. Devgn has reportedly increased his signing fee.
Despite back-to-back hits, the actor never believed in hiking his signing amount till now. Devgn, who made his debut with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991, has been charging Rs.6-8 crore for his films. But, the news is that after the success of Singham, the actor has finally decided to hike his price.
For Vashu Bhagnani’s next project, the remake of 1983 superhit Himmatwala, Devgn has been paid Rs.18 crore.
This is far more than double his usual fee.
Twelve years on, ‘Agneepath’ returns in new avatar
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Hritic maintains his persona in the remake of the film
Vijay Dinanath Chauhan is back! The character, made popular by megastar Amitabh Bachchan in 1990 film “Agneepath”, is making a comeback on the big screen, albeit in a new avatar with Bollywood hearthrob Hrithik Roshan.
The 1990 film, directed by Mukul Anand, was produced by Karan Johar’s father Yash. Though the film didn’t work at the box-office, it won the best actor national award for Amitabh.
Twelve years later, Johar came up with the idea of remaking the film by setting it in the modern day scenario, with debutant Karan Malhotra taking the mammoth task of directing it.
Set in a small Indian village of Mandawa, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan (Hrithik) is taught by his principled father about the path of fire – Agneepath. However, Vijay is left completely broken after evil drug lord Kancha Cheena (Sanjay Dutt) hangs his father to death.
Following the death of his father, Vijay leaves for Mumbai with his pregnant mother, pledging to return to his native village later and bring his father’s glory back.
In Mumbai, city gang lord Rauf Lala (Rishi Kapoor), takes the 12-year-old Vijay under his wings. During his journey, Vijay makes and breaks many relationships.
Vijay only finds support is his best friend Kaali, (Priyanka Chopra), who stands by him through thick and thin. Fifteen years later, his hatred for Kancha takes him back to Mandawa where his life comes a full circle. Henceforth, begins Vijay’s quest to seek revenge from his father’s murderer.
The role of evil Kancha Cheena was originally played by Danny Denzongpa. But this time, Sanjay has been roped in to essay the villain’s part.
Karan admits remaking “Agneepath” was an emotional decision as he wanted it to be a commercial hit. The film also featurs veteran actors Zarina Wahab and Om Puri. The film is said to be releasing in over 2,000 screens and has already created a lot of buzz.
Sanjay’s wicked smile, puffed-up eyes and dreadful first look has attracted appreciation from all quarters for the actor. When Hrithik signed “Agneepath”, he was quite clear of not emulating Big B’s portrayal of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. He wanted to give the character his own twist.
Rishi Kapoor insisted on having a look test for his role as Rauf Lala. The 58-year-old is one of the villians in the remake of 1990′s “Agneepath” and wears kohl (kajal) in his eyes, a karakul cap and kurta-pyjama to fit into the Muslim character.
Rishi admits he insisted on a look test because he wanted see how he looks in a negative character.
Of her role, Priyanka says her character is the soul of the film. She brings happiness and naughtiness in the film.
Another highlight of “Agneepath” is the item song “Chikni chameli”, which features Katrina Kaif. The actress’ fast, Maharashtrian dance moves have impressed one and all.
According to composer Atul Gogavale, Katrina spent eight days in rehearsal before starting to shoot the song. It took nine days to finish the shoot, and her energy levels never saw a dip.
The special screening of the film has found appreciation from film celebrities, but whether “Agneepath” will be able to break box-office records, remains to be seen. The film will release Thursday.
Courtesy: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com
Falling asleep after sex reflects love for partner
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Total submission
Even as proving actual love for one’s life partner may remain an unending test for many people, a study has suggested that falling asleep straight after sex could be evidence of greater bonding.
According to a research by evolutionary psychologists at the University of Michigan and Albright College in Pennsylvania, the tendency to fall asleep after sex is associated with greater partner desire for bonding and affection, the Daily Mail reported.
“The more one’s partner was likely to fall asleep after sex, the stronger the desire for bonding,” said Daniel Kruger, the study’s lead author and a research fellow at the University of Michigan. The study was published in the Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology.
The research team examined 456 participants who completed anonymous online surveys assessing experiences and desires with one’s partner after sex. Participants then indicated “who falls asleep after sex” and “who falls asleep first when going to bed not after sex”. The ones whose partners nodded off immediately after sex had stronger desires for post-coital cuddling and chatting.
“Falling asleep before one’s partner may be an unconscious way to foreclose on any commitment conversation after sex,” says co-author Susan Hughes, associate professor of psychology at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Love yourself for right body: Yana Gupta
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Can you love YOU
If you want to look right, you have to learn to love your body, says model-turned-Bollywood item girl Yana Gupta who is also a budding non-fiction writer.
“Love yourself unconditionally. If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, you don’t start it…It all starts with the love, energy and the relaxation that comes into your life with loving yourself,” Yana told IANS at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Glowing after her battle to get the right body and inner calm, she lent a touch of glamour to the literature gala where she dropped in to promote her book, How to Love Your Body and Have the Body You Love- a fitness guide book published by Penguin India.
The Mumbai-based Yana points to three simple ways to freedom from body blues.
“Eat small portions of healthy food and eat often, be comfortable with yourself and learn to love yourself. Clothes can be the creative expression of yourself… It can make you feel this is me and gives you room to be more creative,” the fitness diva said.
Her book is the story of her life – a recall of her victory over the demons in her head that got to her body. She tried every diet and fitness regime that could get her back to shape.
But the fear tore at her psyche till she found love within herself and balance. “I was human as anyone else and there was something about myself that was stopping me from being happy,” Yana said.
She writes of her experience with eating disorders to prescribe healthy eating habits, best nutrition and right workouts to young Indians on the move.
“I had a complicated relationship with food. I was trying to look the way they wanted me to. Lot of women in this country are under the same pressure to look a particular way,” she said.
The self-help tips in the media can force women to be harsh on their body… and they go on trying to get the right look.
Yana said she wanted to bust a few myths about the perfect body and fitness.
“I was supposed to have the perfect body… but I never really saw myself as perfect. It is not about kilos… healthy diets make you feel different,” she said.
Yana, of Czech origin, cooks her own meals. “I use the steaming method to cook and carry food with me all the time- even on flights. I recommend certain ways to cook in my book.”
Yana’s book explores alternatives too – like how to make the best out of dabba meals so common in cities like Mumbai.
“But there is so much freedom in how you are and accepting it. I feel this is an issue for women… they have to appreciate themselves for how they look like,” she said.
Yana is working on another book- “a non-fiction about relationships”.
DAM 999 India’s only hope at Oscars
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Story of disputed Dam
With the final Oscar nominations just a day away from being announced in Los Angeles, marine engineer-turned-filmmaker Sohan Roy, whose project “DAM 999″ stands a chance to feature in the list, has his fingers crossed Monday.
The filmmaker hopes for the best, and believes destiny depends on Karma.
“We have done our duties well to get it (the movie) qualified. I used to dream a lot about Oscar. Now it’s our dream… A dream of 1.2 billion (people)… Let’s all dream together. Hope the destiny will make that dream true,” Roy said.
The final nominations for the 84th Academy Awards will be announced at the Hollywood’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater Tuesday.
Roy’s “DAM 999″ is India’s only hope at the Oscars this year. The $10 million film tells the tale of a cracking dam built during colonial rule and revolves around nine characters and their emotions. The lives of all the nine characters revolve around the central edifice — the pressure-mounted dam.
The movie has made it to the Oscars not through the foreign movie category, but as a contender against international biggies like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2″, “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”, “Thor”, “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” to name a few among the other nominees for this year’s Best Picture Oscar run.
Three of its songs — “Dakkanaga Dugu Dugu”, “DAM999 Theme Song” and “Mujhe Chhod Ke” — were among the 39 shortlisted for nominations in the Original Song category, and the movie is also in the race for a nomination in the Original Score category.
The film was released in the last week of December 2011, across the country barring Tamil Nadu, which banned the film as the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala reached a crescendo over the Mullaperiyar Dam, which is 115 years old and has started to leak.
The final Oscar awards presentation ceremony will take place Feb 26 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.
