Experts say that beneath their glamorous veneer, such unsupervised videos can trigger off several physical ailments
Cindy Crawford did it, and so did the sensual Carmen Electra. And how could Bollywood be far behind? Following in the footsteps of scores of actresses and supermodels around the world, Shilpa Shetty too has a fitness video to her credit.
But Daily Mail, UK, reported last week that almost 14,000 exercisers are treated at hospitals each year due to injuries arising out of working out at home.
Health and exercise experts believe that celebrities become catalysts in driving women into becoming obsessed with exercising and overlook personalised needs to suit respective fitness levels.
Celebrity fitness expert, Leena Mogra says, “Women are psychologically tuned to copying sexy bodies, and naturally inclined towards following in the footsteps of popular actresses. These are generic exercises that definitely do not meet personal requirements.”
Prameet Kotak, certified body guru who trains actors like Kunal Kapoor and Purab Kohli, says that though it is important for them to promote fitness, actors often “lie” on their exercise videos. He explains, “Unsolicited advice from actors must stop. There are Bollywood actors who say they swear by power yoga to maintain their size zero frame. They are lying outright.” Is Kareena listening?
Sophie Choudry says it is better to hire a personal trainer than buying a celebrity workout DVD. “A trainer makes sure that your personal needs are met. Celebrity workout videos are generic and can backfire on your health.”
Kotak explains, “People are desperate to look good. But they do not realise that the actresses who are promoting their yoga videos have had cosmetic surgery to get into the body shape they are endorsing.”
Actor Shruti Seth, an avid yoga follower, says that yoga may not be the best exercise to be performed on tape. “If done incorrectly it can trigger negative effects.”
Fitness experts warn that viewers risked injury including pulling muscles, dizzy spells. Kotak says, “Blindly copying workout videos can take a toll on your shoulder joints; lead to spondilytis and imbalance of core muscles.”
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Matthew Williamson designs for H&M
Matthew Williamson is set to design a capsule collection for high-street store H&M.
Following on from the hugely successful collaboration with Comme des Garcons, H&M are clearly hoping Williamson will bring similar success to the high-street favourite.
“It is an incredible opportunity to be working with H&M, creating a ‘Matthew Williamson for H&M’ capsule collection. I love the fact that H&M have created a new phenomenon in fashion through the pioneering concept of collaborating with high-end designers to create one-off limited edition capsule collections.
"I am thrilled that my creations for H&M will be accessible to and hopefully enjoyed by so many people around the world.” commented Williamson.
H&M’s creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch, explains, “Matthew has such a good eye and a way for working with prints that he mixes up in a new way. When he combines these things, you get a very contemporary London look. He is fantastic with piling on colour. It’s a very stylish collaboration for H&M and very much in line with the way we’re thinking about fashion for spring/summer.”
The collection is set to hit selected stores from April 23, and this will not be the only high-street store to house Williamson’s designs next year. Debenhams will collaborate with the designer and showcase some of his new creations after a two year absence from the store.
Following on from the hugely successful collaboration with Comme des Garcons, H&M are clearly hoping Williamson will bring similar success to the high-street favourite.
“It is an incredible opportunity to be working with H&M, creating a ‘Matthew Williamson for H&M’ capsule collection. I love the fact that H&M have created a new phenomenon in fashion through the pioneering concept of collaborating with high-end designers to create one-off limited edition capsule collections.
"I am thrilled that my creations for H&M will be accessible to and hopefully enjoyed by so many people around the world.” commented Williamson.
H&M’s creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch, explains, “Matthew has such a good eye and a way for working with prints that he mixes up in a new way. When he combines these things, you get a very contemporary London look. He is fantastic with piling on colour. It’s a very stylish collaboration for H&M and very much in line with the way we’re thinking about fashion for spring/summer.”
The collection is set to hit selected stores from April 23, and this will not be the only high-street store to house Williamson’s designs next year. Debenhams will collaborate with the designer and showcase some of his new creations after a two year absence from the store.
Peaches Geldof launches PPQ Collection
Multitalented Peaches Geldof has designed a range for top fashion label PPQ. She has created a 10-piece capsule collection that is thought to be heavily influenced by this season’s gothic trend.
Peaches is already known as an ‘it’ girl about town, as the 19-year-old has a magazine column, a TV show for MTV and DJ’s in her spare time.
Oh and she’s also married too. However, her foray into fashion is a first, despite modelling for PPQ in the past. It’s thought her collection features plenty of lace, chiffon and rich velvet tones; perfect for the oncoming winter chill.
She said, “I’ve always been interested in fashion ever since I was a little girl playing dress-up. The whole collection has a vintage feel to it, as I’m a big vintage buyer.” Peaches has also hinted that she expects the project to span for a few seasons to come, and her spring line is thought to already be in production.
Peaches is already known as an ‘it’ girl about town, as the 19-year-old has a magazine column, a TV show for MTV and DJ’s in her spare time.
Oh and she’s also married too. However, her foray into fashion is a first, despite modelling for PPQ in the past. It’s thought her collection features plenty of lace, chiffon and rich velvet tones; perfect for the oncoming winter chill.
She said, “I’ve always been interested in fashion ever since I was a little girl playing dress-up. The whole collection has a vintage feel to it, as I’m a big vintage buyer.” Peaches has also hinted that she expects the project to span for a few seasons to come, and her spring line is thought to already be in production.
Katie Holmes: The face of Miu Miu?
Rumour has it that Katie Holmes will replace Vanessa Paradis as the new face of Miu Miu.
Gossip mongers are saying that the actress has already shot the spring/summer 09 campaign for the label from the Prada house.
Insiders say that Katie stars alongside a host of glamorous models who act as accessories to the star in the images which should appear in magazines in January.
While there has been no official word from Katie or Miu Miu if it is true she will be in good company, with Kirsten Dunst, Kim Basinger and Lindsay Lohan have all fronting Miu Miu campaigns in the past.
French singer and Johnny Depp’s other half Vanessa replaced Kirsten as the face of the brand earlier this year.
Gossip mongers are saying that the actress has already shot the spring/summer 09 campaign for the label from the Prada house.
Insiders say that Katie stars alongside a host of glamorous models who act as accessories to the star in the images which should appear in magazines in January.
While there has been no official word from Katie or Miu Miu if it is true she will be in good company, with Kirsten Dunst, Kim Basinger and Lindsay Lohan have all fronting Miu Miu campaigns in the past.
French singer and Johnny Depp’s other half Vanessa replaced Kirsten as the face of the brand earlier this year.
'Healthy meals can reinvent your life'
For Deanne Pandey, food must be a melange of the right nutrients and stylish presentation
She’s a svelte socialite, fitness instructor and health freak, and Deanne Pandey, wife of actor Chunky Pandey’s brother Chikki (Alok), tells you of the three she’d rather be health conscious than anything else.
“The other aspects of life fall into place after that,” she explains. A mother of two, Deanne opines that looking one’s best is not that hard a task. “Well, I’m lucky to be married into a family of health-conscious people with my mother-in-law being a nutritionist and my father-in-law, a heart surgeon,” she explains.
Fascinated by their way of living, Deanne also decided to pursue an education in fitness and training. “During my first pregnancy I remember I put on about nine kilos. I used to start my day with a cup of milk with haldi and honey as well as almonds.”
That practice has continued with her having included whole wheat toast and a ‘one teaspoon oil cooking’ regime into her day.
Her food philosophy has spilled over into her lifestyle too. That would explain why Deanne insisted that her recently renovated Bandra home had a kitchen the way she liked it. “You won’t find any rich stuff here,” she smiles.
“There’s always wholewheat bread and my cook makes amazing rotis - with a mix of nachni, ragi, wheat and bajra, but no chocolates or aerated drinks. “My kids,” she says, referring to daughter Alannah (13 ½) and son Ahaan (10), “are used to snacking on prunes, nuts and fresh juice.”
With the discipline having come from Deanne’s own exercise regime, she finds the task of eating healthy that much easier she says. “But I have to say it was hard to get Chikki to change his rich butter chicken and biryani diet. Finally when he did, he worked hard enough to lose 28 kilos in nine months, so I can’t say anything more to him,” she laughs.
The other times Deanne turns a blind eye is when they entertain guests at their home and Chikki takes up the ladles. “He’s a really good cook and makes great kheema curry with aloo,” she reveals.
“I guess eating heavy food once in a while is alright, especially when it’s made as well he makes it.” She also swears by two of her signature drinks that she says can keep you well-hydrated. “It’s a cold tobasco tomato juice with a pinch of salt and fresh pudina leaves. I’m a nimbu-paani fan too,” she smiles.
She’s a svelte socialite, fitness instructor and health freak, and Deanne Pandey, wife of actor Chunky Pandey’s brother Chikki (Alok), tells you of the three she’d rather be health conscious than anything else.
“The other aspects of life fall into place after that,” she explains. A mother of two, Deanne opines that looking one’s best is not that hard a task. “Well, I’m lucky to be married into a family of health-conscious people with my mother-in-law being a nutritionist and my father-in-law, a heart surgeon,” she explains.
Fascinated by their way of living, Deanne also decided to pursue an education in fitness and training. “During my first pregnancy I remember I put on about nine kilos. I used to start my day with a cup of milk with haldi and honey as well as almonds.”
That practice has continued with her having included whole wheat toast and a ‘one teaspoon oil cooking’ regime into her day.
Her food philosophy has spilled over into her lifestyle too. That would explain why Deanne insisted that her recently renovated Bandra home had a kitchen the way she liked it. “You won’t find any rich stuff here,” she smiles.
“There’s always wholewheat bread and my cook makes amazing rotis - with a mix of nachni, ragi, wheat and bajra, but no chocolates or aerated drinks. “My kids,” she says, referring to daughter Alannah (13 ½) and son Ahaan (10), “are used to snacking on prunes, nuts and fresh juice.”
With the discipline having come from Deanne’s own exercise regime, she finds the task of eating healthy that much easier she says. “But I have to say it was hard to get Chikki to change his rich butter chicken and biryani diet. Finally when he did, he worked hard enough to lose 28 kilos in nine months, so I can’t say anything more to him,” she laughs.
The other times Deanne turns a blind eye is when they entertain guests at their home and Chikki takes up the ladles. “He’s a really good cook and makes great kheema curry with aloo,” she reveals.
“I guess eating heavy food once in a while is alright, especially when it’s made as well he makes it.” She also swears by two of her signature drinks that she says can keep you well-hydrated. “It’s a cold tobasco tomato juice with a pinch of salt and fresh pudina leaves. I’m a nimbu-paani fan too,” she smiles.
Jade Goody's treat for her boys
The mum of two, Jade Goody, who started having chemotherapy for her cervical cancer early last month, looked happy as she took Bobby Jack, five, and Freddie, four, out for some winter wonder in London.
The 27-year-old Jade covered up her newly shorn hair in a fashionable beret and held out the two sweet treats to her sons at the Hyde Park attraction, keeping one back for herself to enjoy.
Jade's new tattoo, which is on her wrist and says Jack - the name of her jailed lover Jack Tweed, was covered up by the Big Brother star's thick coat sleeves.
The 27-year-old Jade covered up her newly shorn hair in a fashionable beret and held out the two sweet treats to her sons at the Hyde Park attraction, keeping one back for herself to enjoy.
Jade's new tattoo, which is on her wrist and says Jack - the name of her jailed lover Jack Tweed, was covered up by the Big Brother star's thick coat sleeves.
Vivek Oberoi’s finally got a girl
Tara Sharma will be playing Vivek Oberoi’s love interest after most leading heroines declined to star opposite himVivek Oberoi has finally found somebody to star opposite him in the Karan Johar film to be directed by Renzil D’Silva. Tara Sharma plays his love interest in the film. Vivek must be breathing a sigh of relief specially after so many press reports claimed that not many Bollywood ladies are game to work with him.
Vivek’s last three releases Mission Istanbul, Fool N Final and Shootout at Lokhandwala saw him without a heroine. The other film that he is currently associated with has two newcomers paired opposite him. Apparently Bipasha Basu was approached for this film but she declined to be cast alongside Vivek. With Salman Khan in no mood to reconcile with him, Katrina Kaif (Sallu’s girlfriend) too can’t work with him. The other leading stars are also not too enamoured by Vivek, who at one point of time was the next big thing in the industry. Karan’s film will see Kareena Kapoor pair up with Saif Ali Khan as the lead and Vivek, though he plays a pivotal character, has to be content with the second fiddle. Many thought that he would be teaming up with Kareena but that’s not the case certainly.
“I have been paired with Vivek for Karan Johar’s film. Though I don’t have a very big role but still it’s a very nice character that I’m playing. I play a journalist in the film and Vivek is my boyfriend. He has a very strong role in the movie,” Tara says.
Vivek’s last three releases Mission Istanbul, Fool N Final and Shootout at Lokhandwala saw him without a heroine. The other film that he is currently associated with has two newcomers paired opposite him. Apparently Bipasha Basu was approached for this film but she declined to be cast alongside Vivek. With Salman Khan in no mood to reconcile with him, Katrina Kaif (Sallu’s girlfriend) too can’t work with him. The other leading stars are also not too enamoured by Vivek, who at one point of time was the next big thing in the industry. Karan’s film will see Kareena Kapoor pair up with Saif Ali Khan as the lead and Vivek, though he plays a pivotal character, has to be content with the second fiddle. Many thought that he would be teaming up with Kareena but that’s not the case certainly.
“I have been paired with Vivek for Karan Johar’s film. Though I don’t have a very big role but still it’s a very nice character that I’m playing. I play a journalist in the film and Vivek is my boyfriend. He has a very strong role in the movie,” Tara says.
David Beckhams & Tom Cruises bond
The Cruises were among the first to welcome the Beckham clan to America, but for more than five months the two families have not been photographed together.
But any rift between Hollywood’s biggest celebrity families appears to be healed as the couples celebrated Thanksgiving eve.
David and Victoria Beckham and their three sons were pictured with Tom Cruise and his older children Connor and Isabella.
Tom’s wife Katie Holmes and their two-year-old daughter Suri were absent from the gathering. But after meeting Tom in downtown New York, the Beckhams left their sons with a babysitter while they went to watch Katie in her hit Broadway play All My Sons.
Along the way David gallantly stepped in to help up a female photographer who had fallen over while walking backwards to take the couple’s photo. Victoria, stylishly dressed in a close-fitting pencil-skirted dress, waited patiently as her husband assisted the woman.
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the American calendar, traditionally marked by a family celebration, so to be spending it together perhaps marks a resurgence of the close friendship the Beckhams once enjoyed with the Cruises.
After initially being pictured constantly together – be it shopping, eating out or publicly supporting each other’s work - the relationship between the two families apparently soured.
This was rumoured to be because the Beckhams had refused to consider joining the Scientology religion – a subject close to Tom’s heart. There were also reports Katie and Victoria were caught up in a feud over a Vogue front cover. The fashionable friends apparently fell out after the former Dawson’s Creek actress became jealous after Posh was asked to appear on the front cover of the top magazine.
But any rift between Hollywood’s biggest celebrity families appears to be healed as the couples celebrated Thanksgiving eve.
David and Victoria Beckham and their three sons were pictured with Tom Cruise and his older children Connor and Isabella.
Tom’s wife Katie Holmes and their two-year-old daughter Suri were absent from the gathering. But after meeting Tom in downtown New York, the Beckhams left their sons with a babysitter while they went to watch Katie in her hit Broadway play All My Sons.
Along the way David gallantly stepped in to help up a female photographer who had fallen over while walking backwards to take the couple’s photo. Victoria, stylishly dressed in a close-fitting pencil-skirted dress, waited patiently as her husband assisted the woman.
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the American calendar, traditionally marked by a family celebration, so to be spending it together perhaps marks a resurgence of the close friendship the Beckhams once enjoyed with the Cruises.
After initially being pictured constantly together – be it shopping, eating out or publicly supporting each other’s work - the relationship between the two families apparently soured.
This was rumoured to be because the Beckhams had refused to consider joining the Scientology religion – a subject close to Tom’s heart. There were also reports Katie and Victoria were caught up in a feud over a Vogue front cover. The fashionable friends apparently fell out after the former Dawson’s Creek actress became jealous after Posh was asked to appear on the front cover of the top magazine.
‘I make it a point to reorganise my wardrobe’
I suffer from an acute obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Of late late I come back home and I make it a point to reorganise my wardrobe which has separate sections for my casuals, formals, shoes and bags. Eye catching: Last month I picked up this tanned leather bag by Trendy from London. I completely adore it. Passed over: These gold bangles which actually belong to my grandmother and were gifted to me are extremely special to me. They hold a special place in my wardrobe and I could never give them away. Taking Stock: I am a proud connoisseur of bags and shoes from acclaimed brands as Trendy, Etro, Minovo and of course, Louis Vuitton. Season’s must-haves: Given the high temperatures in the city, I think that shirt-dresses are the perfect choice especially when paired with comfortable slip-ons. As they say—the lighter, the better. Definitely passable: I just dumped a few pairs of low waist jeans; they are so passe! Please get rid of them while clearing your wardrobe. Patronising: For casuals, I totally rely on Mango and Guess whereas for my party wear, I often turn to designer wear by Nikhil & Shantanu and Rocky S as well as they are known for their contemporary outlook. Quirky: I have this self-designed animal print sari created by Rupa Sharma; wearing it is the closest I have come to being quirky. Stealworthy: I think that my entire bag collection is stealworthy; I love each and every bag I have!
Theatres badly hit by terror attacks
The terror strikes have not just left scores of innocent Mumbaiites and tourists bleeding, but it has also hit the film-makers of the movies that released on Friday. Sorry Bhai, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and Max Payne are staring at huge losses if the city’s cine-goers don’t shed their fear and flock to the theatres.
The films saw a dismal opening (between 5-20 percent) in Mumbai city. Vishal Kapur, COO of Fun Cinemas says, “Friday’s collections were horrible. We had to cancel the morning shows. The afternoon shows of the films just saw around 15 people turning up.
Saturday’s collections have been marginally better, but today does not look very promising. There are hardly any advance bookings. This will be a disastrous weekend for all films. People are nervous and tense about what has happened in Mumbai and this is what is reflecting in our collections.”
Rakesh Sharma, operation head of Cinemax Sion adds, “Though people here need entertainment, they can do without it in such problematic circumstances.”
Cinemax Sion saw the films get an opening of around 20 percent with hardly any advance bookings for the weekend.
The films did not see a release at the Nariman Point INOX as it was shut on Friday due to the terrorist attack in that area.
Film-makers, however, are unperturbed by the figures. “The city is limping back to normalcy; I’m hopeful that these figures will improve,” says Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV, producers of Oye lucky Lucky Oye.
He adds, “ We are hoping that from Monday onwards people will go to the theatres in large numbers. We have a few days before Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (a film that stars Shah Rukh Khan and has been directed by Aditya Chopra) releases and we are sure to do good business.”
Meanwhile, Vikramjit Roy— head of promotions of Mumbai Mantra—a company associated with Sorry Bhai says: “People have told us that we are foolish to release the film during such circumstances, but for us releasing the movie was more than just a business decision. Terror strikes can’t slow us down.”
The films saw a dismal opening (between 5-20 percent) in Mumbai city. Vishal Kapur, COO of Fun Cinemas says, “Friday’s collections were horrible. We had to cancel the morning shows. The afternoon shows of the films just saw around 15 people turning up.
Saturday’s collections have been marginally better, but today does not look very promising. There are hardly any advance bookings. This will be a disastrous weekend for all films. People are nervous and tense about what has happened in Mumbai and this is what is reflecting in our collections.”
Rakesh Sharma, operation head of Cinemax Sion adds, “Though people here need entertainment, they can do without it in such problematic circumstances.”
Cinemax Sion saw the films get an opening of around 20 percent with hardly any advance bookings for the weekend.
The films did not see a release at the Nariman Point INOX as it was shut on Friday due to the terrorist attack in that area.
Film-makers, however, are unperturbed by the figures. “The city is limping back to normalcy; I’m hopeful that these figures will improve,” says Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV, producers of Oye lucky Lucky Oye.
He adds, “ We are hoping that from Monday onwards people will go to the theatres in large numbers. We have a few days before Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (a film that stars Shah Rukh Khan and has been directed by Aditya Chopra) releases and we are sure to do good business.”
Meanwhile, Vikramjit Roy— head of promotions of Mumbai Mantra—a company associated with Sorry Bhai says: “People have told us that we are foolish to release the film during such circumstances, but for us releasing the movie was more than just a business decision. Terror strikes can’t slow us down.”
Naomi Campbell to marry?
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has sent the rumour mill into overdrive by sparking rumours that she is engaged. The star flashed a huge sparker on her finger, as she stepped out with her Russian billionaire boyfriend. Property tycoon Vladimir Doronin has, according to a newspaper, given the supermodel an emerald and diamond ring, although it is unclear as to whether it’s an engagement ring or not. Last week, the pair were attending a lavish magazine party in Moscow, when the ring was first spotted on her finger. Naomi met Doronin in May of this year, and has reportedly already been shopping for wedding dresses. However, Campbell’s lawyers have allegedly denied the pair are to settle down and start a family any time soon.
Tana Ramsay axes Gordon's Christmas holiday
Gordon Ramsay’s wife Tana has pulled the plug on a 50,000-pound Christmas family holiday at the last minute in the wake of claims he had an affair.
The TV chef had booked the lavish break at Le Touessrok resort in Mauritius - a favourite haunt of celebrities and the mega-rich.
But just days after it was reported dad-of-four Ramsay, 42, had been having a fling with Sarah Symonds, Tana cancelled the trip.
An insider said last night: “Gordon had his heart set on taking Tana and the children away for Christmas to help get over the hurt the claims have caused.
“But Tana had a sudden change of heart and cancelled it as she’s concerned there would be too much fuss.
“It’s a shame as they’ve been through so much in the past week but the whole circus around them has been very intense.
The TV chef had booked the lavish break at Le Touessrok resort in Mauritius - a favourite haunt of celebrities and the mega-rich.
But just days after it was reported dad-of-four Ramsay, 42, had been having a fling with Sarah Symonds, Tana cancelled the trip.
An insider said last night: “Gordon had his heart set on taking Tana and the children away for Christmas to help get over the hurt the claims have caused.
“But Tana had a sudden change of heart and cancelled it as she’s concerned there would be too much fuss.
“It’s a shame as they’ve been through so much in the past week but the whole circus around them has been very intense.
Cry, it's okay!
A yoga guru, an art of living expert and other mental health therapists tell you how to cope with the fear psychosis created by the terror attacks on our city.
Apart from the recent terror attacks on the city robbing it of its robust pace of life and the sheen that is so charmingly ‘Bambaiya’, it has also placed upon its citizens the necessity to be prepared in such times. For most people, there was no knowing what to do as they found their way out of the terror situations painstakingly.
Actor Arjun Rampal, who was bringing in his birthday at the Four Seasons Hotel with wife Mehr and friends, says he heard the explosions clearly. The actor weighed the situation and took the decision to spend the night at the hotel. “I’d advise people not to get too emotional at such times as you can hurt someone unknowingly in the bargain. We can’t react the way terrorists want us to,” he adds.
Psychologist Varkha Chulani seconds the thought. “Falling prey to fears can result in psychosomatic disorders, which can trigger high blood-pressure, strokes and even heart attacks.” Even if one is caught in a tense situation, the solution, she says, is to think of a pleasing picture. “Imagine yourself on a beach or with a loved one or even playing with a baby, it helps. It’s also healthy to cry and let yourself be human.”
For Life Coach Chhaya Momaya, the urgency of the situation demands that people bond with each other more than ever before. “Have dinners at each other’s homes,” she says, “Whether it is a small tea meeting or a potluck dinner. The idea is to meet and hear each other out. Remember that hearing and listening plays an important role in healing as it lifts a lot of negativity off one’s chest.”
She also advises people to do small things for themselves like getting a head massage, to relax the person. “Even checking into a day spa is a good idea,’ she adds.
Art of Living instructor, Rhea Pillai has her take on how the situation can be dealt with. She says, “When the pain is so extreme, there are times when acceptance of knowledge becomes difficult. I find then that deep breathing has the power to take you from one step to another, from one day to the next, till the system readies itself to re-adjust, re-learn and recover.”
Yoga, probably one of the most powerful modes of mind and body healing, can play a crucial role to bring about normalcy in an individual’s life. “The very crux of yoga is to look outward and open up to accept the world around him or her better,” states yoga and fitness expert Shraddha Setalvad. “So many asanas — like the Suryanamaskar (salutation to the sun), which helps you draw energy from the light and heat and the Adha Mukha Swan (dog pose), that roots you to the ground — can bring one out of the mood of feeling low and depressed.”
One also finds it tough to explain the terrible attacks to children. Psychotherapist Seema Hingorrany has a word of advice on that. “Children are smart and inquisitive, so the situation needs to be explained to them in a child-like manner. One should control their television viewing too as the acts of violence they see might make them develop different kinds of phobias.”
Apart from the recent terror attacks on the city robbing it of its robust pace of life and the sheen that is so charmingly ‘Bambaiya’, it has also placed upon its citizens the necessity to be prepared in such times. For most people, there was no knowing what to do as they found their way out of the terror situations painstakingly.
Actor Arjun Rampal, who was bringing in his birthday at the Four Seasons Hotel with wife Mehr and friends, says he heard the explosions clearly. The actor weighed the situation and took the decision to spend the night at the hotel. “I’d advise people not to get too emotional at such times as you can hurt someone unknowingly in the bargain. We can’t react the way terrorists want us to,” he adds.
Psychologist Varkha Chulani seconds the thought. “Falling prey to fears can result in psychosomatic disorders, which can trigger high blood-pressure, strokes and even heart attacks.” Even if one is caught in a tense situation, the solution, she says, is to think of a pleasing picture. “Imagine yourself on a beach or with a loved one or even playing with a baby, it helps. It’s also healthy to cry and let yourself be human.”
For Life Coach Chhaya Momaya, the urgency of the situation demands that people bond with each other more than ever before. “Have dinners at each other’s homes,” she says, “Whether it is a small tea meeting or a potluck dinner. The idea is to meet and hear each other out. Remember that hearing and listening plays an important role in healing as it lifts a lot of negativity off one’s chest.”
She also advises people to do small things for themselves like getting a head massage, to relax the person. “Even checking into a day spa is a good idea,’ she adds.
Art of Living instructor, Rhea Pillai has her take on how the situation can be dealt with. She says, “When the pain is so extreme, there are times when acceptance of knowledge becomes difficult. I find then that deep breathing has the power to take you from one step to another, from one day to the next, till the system readies itself to re-adjust, re-learn and recover.”
Yoga, probably one of the most powerful modes of mind and body healing, can play a crucial role to bring about normalcy in an individual’s life. “The very crux of yoga is to look outward and open up to accept the world around him or her better,” states yoga and fitness expert Shraddha Setalvad. “So many asanas — like the Suryanamaskar (salutation to the sun), which helps you draw energy from the light and heat and the Adha Mukha Swan (dog pose), that roots you to the ground — can bring one out of the mood of feeling low and depressed.”
One also finds it tough to explain the terrible attacks to children. Psychotherapist Seema Hingorrany has a word of advice on that. “Children are smart and inquisitive, so the situation needs to be explained to them in a child-like manner. One should control their television viewing too as the acts of violence they see might make them develop different kinds of phobias.”
Celina shares friend Ashish Chowdhary's grief
Celina Jaitley is a good friend of actor Ashish Chowdhary, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the Mumbai terror attacks and she now asks a question that is in the minds of many Indians - "Where will all this end?"
"I didn't know Ashish's sister that well. But I know that they all doted on her and her husband. What a terrible tragedy. Where will all this end?" Celina said.
Ashish's sister Monica Chhabaria and her husband, who had gone to the Oberoi Trident Hotel Wednesday for dinner, were killed in the terrorist attack. The couple had gone to the Tiffin restaurant of the hotel, which was among the 10 places the terrorists attacked on Wednesday night.
Ashish, recently seen in the film "EMI", was waiting since Wednesday night for a word on the wellbeing of his sister and her husband, but he broke down when he came to know that they were brought out of the hotel by security forces on Friday.
Celina said that Ashish went through several ups and downs in the period of uncertainty before the tragic news of Monica's death reached him. He and his family had remained hopeful that they would somehow survive the ordeal.
"One girl from his sister's dinner group had run out and somehow fled from the attack out of the hotel. However, she was heavily sedated and Ashish couldn't get any information from her and kept hoping against hope," Celina said.
Apparently on Thursday Ashish ended up getting wrong information from helpline services. He was told that his sister was in hospital.
"Poor Ashish. He rushed to the hospital, only to see it wasn't his sister. His hopes were dashed as hours turned into days."
According to the security forces, all the diners who were at Tiffin that night were killed in terrorist firing.
"I didn't know Ashish's sister that well. But I know that they all doted on her and her husband. What a terrible tragedy. Where will all this end?" Celina said.
Ashish's sister Monica Chhabaria and her husband, who had gone to the Oberoi Trident Hotel Wednesday for dinner, were killed in the terrorist attack. The couple had gone to the Tiffin restaurant of the hotel, which was among the 10 places the terrorists attacked on Wednesday night.
Ashish, recently seen in the film "EMI", was waiting since Wednesday night for a word on the wellbeing of his sister and her husband, but he broke down when he came to know that they were brought out of the hotel by security forces on Friday.
Celina said that Ashish went through several ups and downs in the period of uncertainty before the tragic news of Monica's death reached him. He and his family had remained hopeful that they would somehow survive the ordeal.
"One girl from his sister's dinner group had run out and somehow fled from the attack out of the hotel. However, she was heavily sedated and Ashish couldn't get any information from her and kept hoping against hope," Celina said.
Apparently on Thursday Ashish ended up getting wrong information from helpline services. He was told that his sister was in hospital.
"Poor Ashish. He rushed to the hospital, only to see it wasn't his sister. His hopes were dashed as hours turned into days."
According to the security forces, all the diners who were at Tiffin that night were killed in terrorist firing.
'My men dying was heart-breaking'
For chef Hemant Oberoi of the Taj destruction of the hotel spells immeasurable sadness
“I have lost six of my trusted staff,” is all chef Hemant Oberoi of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower manages to say, trying to control the surmounting grief in his voice.
The aftermath of the terror attack that started on Wednesday night has seen over a 100 people killed in a bloodbath at the landmark heritage hotel.
The kitchen, reportedly one of the most destroyed areas, is telling on how the other parts of the hotel are. More than half of the city’s celebs have wined and dined there, but is that destined to remain a part of one’s memory now?
“I can’t say anything as I am yet to go into the kitchen again,” says chef Oberoi. He was in the kitchen on that night as the ugly incident unfurled itself. “The terrorists just rushed in,” he recalls.
“I heard the fire and managed to duck. It was horrible. My team got hurt and six of my chefs have died. I couldn’t think and was stunned,” he says, adding, “My mind is a blank since then and I can’t recall what happened after that.” Among those victims was chef Vijay Banja.
Socialite couple Jamal and Pravina Mecklai say the hotel and its restaurants are an integral part of their lives.
“The chefs were so efficient; we loved all the food they made—whether it was at the Golden Dragon or at the Souk. I have enjoyed a meal at every window seat there as a teenager, when I got proposed to. The older, elegant gents in the staff are so wonderful,” says Pravina.
She is hoping the place bounces back soon. “Then, you can be sure I’ll be among the first to go there and cheer them on,” she smiles.
“I have lost six of my trusted staff,” is all chef Hemant Oberoi of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower manages to say, trying to control the surmounting grief in his voice.
The aftermath of the terror attack that started on Wednesday night has seen over a 100 people killed in a bloodbath at the landmark heritage hotel.
The kitchen, reportedly one of the most destroyed areas, is telling on how the other parts of the hotel are. More than half of the city’s celebs have wined and dined there, but is that destined to remain a part of one’s memory now?
“I can’t say anything as I am yet to go into the kitchen again,” says chef Oberoi. He was in the kitchen on that night as the ugly incident unfurled itself. “The terrorists just rushed in,” he recalls.
“I heard the fire and managed to duck. It was horrible. My team got hurt and six of my chefs have died. I couldn’t think and was stunned,” he says, adding, “My mind is a blank since then and I can’t recall what happened after that.” Among those victims was chef Vijay Banja.
Socialite couple Jamal and Pravina Mecklai say the hotel and its restaurants are an integral part of their lives.
“The chefs were so efficient; we loved all the food they made—whether it was at the Golden Dragon or at the Souk. I have enjoyed a meal at every window seat there as a teenager, when I got proposed to. The older, elegant gents in the staff are so wonderful,” says Pravina.
She is hoping the place bounces back soon. “Then, you can be sure I’ll be among the first to go there and cheer them on,” she smiles.
Kate's punch-up lands one in the eye for the season of goodwill
can reveal the real reason for Kate Moss's scratched cheek and her boyfriend Jamie Hince's black eye, which they bizarrely claimed resulted from an accident involving Christmas decorations.
Guests at Stella McCartney's festive party at her store in Mayfair overheard the supermodel and the guitarist confess all to comedian Peter Kay, who had asked about Jamie's face.
'We had a fight yesterday about what to do for Christmas,' Kate revealed. 'We had a bit of a scuffle and I was wearing a chunky ring, which caught him right in the eye. It's all OK now, though.
'We fight and we have our ups and downs - like anyone, really.'
Adds my source: 'It's odd because they were arm in arm while they discussed having a fistfight just 24 hours previously.'
And Kate, 34, risked getting a black eye of her own from the hostess.
'Kate was the only one puffing away inside Stella's shop,' says my eyewitness. 'She tapped her ash on the floor and Stella shot her some fierce glances.'
Guests at Stella McCartney's festive party at her store in Mayfair overheard the supermodel and the guitarist confess all to comedian Peter Kay, who had asked about Jamie's face.
'We had a fight yesterday about what to do for Christmas,' Kate revealed. 'We had a bit of a scuffle and I was wearing a chunky ring, which caught him right in the eye. It's all OK now, though.
'We fight and we have our ups and downs - like anyone, really.'
Adds my source: 'It's odd because they were arm in arm while they discussed having a fistfight just 24 hours previously.'
And Kate, 34, risked getting a black eye of her own from the hostess.
'Kate was the only one puffing away inside Stella's shop,' says my eyewitness. 'She tapped her ash on the floor and Stella shot her some fierce glances.'
Beyonce in rehab - but only to research her latest film role
She is as renowned for her wholesome image as for the chart-topping hits that have made her one of the highest-paid pop artists in the world.
But Beyonce has revealed that she prepared for her latest movie role by spending hours in rehab with recovering heroin addicts.
In Cadillac Records, which has its New York premiere tomorrow, the 27-year-old superstar plays troubled soul diva Etta James.
Etta was hooked on heroin by the age of 21, posing a problem for Beyonce, who has never experimented with drugs.
The singer asked a New York substance abuse charity to help and it arranged for her to meet six African-American women whose lives had been wrecked by heroin.
They taught her everything from the secrets of ‘the junkie stagger’ to their ‘addled rage’.
Beyonce, who married her rapper boyfriend Jay-Z in April, explained: ‘I said, “I have to do this movie’’ – but I was terrified.
'I never tried drugs in my life so I didn’t know about it all.
'It was hard to go to the rehab. I learned a lot about life and myself.’
The star broke down in tears several times.
Howard Meitiner, the charity’s chief executive who arranged for Beyonce to meet the six women at Phoenix House rehab centre, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It was very intense. Everyone was crying.
'These were women who have lost everything because of drugs – their homes, their families, their jobs.’
Beyonce portrays Etta James in a scene from 'Cadillac Records'
She is as renowned for her wholesome image as for the chart-topping hits that have made her one of the highest-paid pop artists in the world.
But Beyonce has revealed that she prepared for her latest movie role by spending hours in rehab with recovering heroin addicts.
In Cadillac Records, which has its New York premiere tomorrow, the 27-year-old superstar plays troubled soul diva Etta James.
Etta was hooked on heroin by the age of 21, posing a problem for Beyonce, who has never experimented with drugs.
The singer asked a New York substance abuse charity to help and it arranged for her to meet six African-American women whose lives had been wrecked by heroin.
They taught her everything from the secrets of ‘the junkie stagger’ to their ‘addled rage’.
Beyonce, who married her rapper boyfriend Jay-Z in April, explained: ‘I said, “I have to do this movie’’ – but I was terrified.
'I never tried drugs in my life so I didn’t know about it all.
'It was hard to go to the rehab. I learned a lot about life and myself.’
Beyonce stars in the tale of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in Chicago of the 1950s and 60s
The star broke down in tears several times.
Howard Meitiner, the charity’s chief executive who arranged for Beyonce to meet the six women at Phoenix House rehab centre, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It was very intense. Everyone was crying.
'These were women who have lost everything because of drugs – their homes, their families, their jobs.’
Etta James and Beyonce Knowles at the premier of 'Cadillac Records' in Los Angeles last week
Beyonce as troubled soul star Etta James in her new flick
Beyonce also met Etta James. Now 70 and reformed, the soul legend’s life was out of control by the Seventies.
The movie will be released in the UK next spring.
But Beyonce has revealed that she prepared for her latest movie role by spending hours in rehab with recovering heroin addicts.
In Cadillac Records, which has its New York premiere tomorrow, the 27-year-old superstar plays troubled soul diva Etta James.
Etta was hooked on heroin by the age of 21, posing a problem for Beyonce, who has never experimented with drugs.
The singer asked a New York substance abuse charity to help and it arranged for her to meet six African-American women whose lives had been wrecked by heroin.
They taught her everything from the secrets of ‘the junkie stagger’ to their ‘addled rage’.
Beyonce, who married her rapper boyfriend Jay-Z in April, explained: ‘I said, “I have to do this movie’’ – but I was terrified.
'I never tried drugs in my life so I didn’t know about it all.
'It was hard to go to the rehab. I learned a lot about life and myself.’
The star broke down in tears several times.
Howard Meitiner, the charity’s chief executive who arranged for Beyonce to meet the six women at Phoenix House rehab centre, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It was very intense. Everyone was crying.
'These were women who have lost everything because of drugs – their homes, their families, their jobs.’
Beyonce portrays Etta James in a scene from 'Cadillac Records'
She is as renowned for her wholesome image as for the chart-topping hits that have made her one of the highest-paid pop artists in the world.
But Beyonce has revealed that she prepared for her latest movie role by spending hours in rehab with recovering heroin addicts.
In Cadillac Records, which has its New York premiere tomorrow, the 27-year-old superstar plays troubled soul diva Etta James.
Etta was hooked on heroin by the age of 21, posing a problem for Beyonce, who has never experimented with drugs.
The singer asked a New York substance abuse charity to help and it arranged for her to meet six African-American women whose lives had been wrecked by heroin.
They taught her everything from the secrets of ‘the junkie stagger’ to their ‘addled rage’.
Beyonce, who married her rapper boyfriend Jay-Z in April, explained: ‘I said, “I have to do this movie’’ – but I was terrified.
'I never tried drugs in my life so I didn’t know about it all.
'It was hard to go to the rehab. I learned a lot about life and myself.’
Beyonce stars in the tale of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in Chicago of the 1950s and 60s
The star broke down in tears several times.
Howard Meitiner, the charity’s chief executive who arranged for Beyonce to meet the six women at Phoenix House rehab centre, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It was very intense. Everyone was crying.
'These were women who have lost everything because of drugs – their homes, their families, their jobs.’
Etta James and Beyonce Knowles at the premier of 'Cadillac Records' in Los Angeles last week
Beyonce as troubled soul star Etta James in her new flick
Beyonce also met Etta James. Now 70 and reformed, the soul legend’s life was out of control by the Seventies.
The movie will be released in the UK next spring.
Britney Spears storms the X Factor... but was she miming?
After four years absence from British television screens Britney Spears made a storming comeback on the X factor last night.
But those fans able to look past the skimpy PVC hotpants and fishnet stockings were left wondering whether the long-awaited performance was all that it seemed.
Indeed some fans were quickly debating on internet forums whether Britney had been miming the words to her new single Womanizer. The pop princess' energetic dance routine did not seem to interrupt her vocals - which seemed near perfect.
This was despite apparent problems with her microphone, which she touched several times during the three-minute performance.
A spokeswoman for the X Factor production company insisted Britney had been singing, telling MailOnline: 'There were some live vocals, but that's a question for the record company.
But for those who have watched Britney go through a much-publicised breakdown, then make an astonishing return to form, perhaps it didn't matter.
Louis Walsh certainly wasn't worrying about Britney's vocals.
He was wide eyed as the 27-year-old bounded across the stage to a position next to the judge's table.
As she bounced up and down Louis broke into a large smile, perhaps appreciating the novelty of his front-row view of Britney's scantily clad derrieré.
After her performance a grinning Britney told presenter Dermot that appearing on the X Factor was 'awesome' and 'amazing'.
'I love being here in London,' she gushed.
Unlike guest stars Take That and Mariah Carey, Britney did not mentor the contestants ahead of last night's show.
And when pushed as to whether she had any advice for them she told Dermot: 'Good luck and just keep doing it!'
But those fans able to look past the skimpy PVC hotpants and fishnet stockings were left wondering whether the long-awaited performance was all that it seemed.
Indeed some fans were quickly debating on internet forums whether Britney had been miming the words to her new single Womanizer. The pop princess' energetic dance routine did not seem to interrupt her vocals - which seemed near perfect.
This was despite apparent problems with her microphone, which she touched several times during the three-minute performance.
A spokeswoman for the X Factor production company insisted Britney had been singing, telling MailOnline: 'There were some live vocals, but that's a question for the record company.
But for those who have watched Britney go through a much-publicised breakdown, then make an astonishing return to form, perhaps it didn't matter.
Louis Walsh certainly wasn't worrying about Britney's vocals.
He was wide eyed as the 27-year-old bounded across the stage to a position next to the judge's table.
As she bounced up and down Louis broke into a large smile, perhaps appreciating the novelty of his front-row view of Britney's scantily clad derrieré.
After her performance a grinning Britney told presenter Dermot that appearing on the X Factor was 'awesome' and 'amazing'.
'I love being here in London,' she gushed.
Unlike guest stars Take That and Mariah Carey, Britney did not mentor the contestants ahead of last night's show.
And when pushed as to whether she had any advice for them she told Dermot: 'Good luck and just keep doing it!'
TV Casting May Feel an Obama Effect
It may say something about the state of American television that there is one more black president-elect of the United States than there are black actors with individual lead roles in a network television drama.
But after years of ensemble dramas sprinkled with nonwhite supporting actors, the excitement surrounding the election of Barack Obama could help to open doors for more minorities in leading dramatic roles, executives from television production studios said.
Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment who oversees the network’s television studio, said that he and the head of the diversity initiative for NBC Universal, Paula Madison, have been pushing for projects starring minorities.
Mr. Silverman said, “We were going after this regardless, but I don’t think you can deny the power that Barack Obama brings in magnifying this direction in our world.” He added, “We’ve all been colorblind for years, but the results don’t necessarily match up to our intentions.”
Ms. Madison said that NBC’s approach was at least as much about business as about social responsibility. “People are not living in single-race silos anymore,” she said. “We said, ‘Let’s try to develop a world that looks like the world we’re living in.’ ”
The evidence seems to indicate that race neutrality has not produced a surge of black lead performers, at least in network dramas. While comedies with black characters have been something of a network staple — from the much vilified “Amos ’n Andy” in the early days of television, through shows like “Sanford and Son” with Redd Foxx, “The Jeffersons,” and Martin Lawrence’s sitcom “Martin” — historically, blacks in lead television drama roles have been rare.
Bill Cosby, whose 1980s hit sitcom revitalized that genre after a period of decline, famously broke through in drama as the co-star of “I Spy” in 1965. He won three Emmy awards in the role of Alexander Scott, an espionage agent. Exactly two black actors (and no actresses) have won Emmy awards for drama series since: James Earl Jones, who played the title role in the short-lived “Gabriel’s Fire” in 1991, and Andre Braugher, who was part of the ensemble in “Homicide” in 1998.
Dennis Haysbert, who played President David Palmer on the Fox series “24,” is featured in the CBS ensemble drama “The Unit” (produced by Mr. Newman’s Fox studio). Also this season, the venerable NBC drama “ER” added Angela Bassett; executives at its studio, Warner Brothers, now identify her as the lead in that show.
But both “ER” and “The Unit” are ensemble shows, a genre that has for decades — going back to performers like Michael Warren in “Hill Street Blues” and Denzel Washington in “St. Elsewhere” — been the route for black drama actors to break through.
“ER” has featured black actors (including Eriq La Salle) since its inception in 1994. ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” whose creator and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, is black, has similarly offered a notably diverse cast.
But there is no dramatic series spotlighting a single star — like “House” on Fox, “Chuck” on NBC, “Eli Stone” on ABC or “The Mentalist” on CBS — now led by a black actor. Hispanic actors have fared somewhat better. Jimmy Smits has starred in several series, and America Ferrera is now the star of “Ugly Betty.”
Cable’s recent list of single-star dramas is also notable for its roster of white stars, including shows like “The Shield,” “The Closer,” “Saving Grace,” “Dexter,” “Monk,” “Burn Notice,” “Breaking Bad” and “Damages.”
Tim Reid, who was the star and an executive producer of the Emmy-winning comedy series “Frank’s Place” for CBS in the 1987-88 season — and who recently wrote, with the white comic Tom Dreesen, “Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White” about their days as a stand-up team — has been outspoken about the continued limited opportunities for minorities in television.
“If the president-elect should have any positive influence over the so-called liberal base of Hollywood, it will be by focusing their attention on the reality of the kind of multicultural world we actually live in,” Mr. Reid said in an e-mail message. “This doesn’t just mean putting another person of color in front of the camera, but giving them an equal opportunity in having a say-so in what is created for the camera.”
“In my opinion,” he continued, “we’re far more likely to have a black president in my lifetime ... oh, yeah ... I can stop saying that now.”
The most significant hiring of a black actor for a television series has been long in the works: next month the film star Laurence Fishburne will assume the lead in CBS’s biggest hit show, “CSI.” That move was not connected to the ascendance of Mr. Obama, though CBS and studio executives expressed hope that the timing would help in the transition from William Petersen, the current “CSI” lead, to Mr. Fishburne.
David Stapf, president of the CBS Paramount Network Television studio, which produces “CSI,” said of Mr. Fishburne’s selection: “If you have a chance to get an actor like that, you go for him. It wouldn’t matter what ethnicity he is.”
Paramount also has a deal in place to find a project for the rap star L L Cool J.
NBC Universal said it has a number of projects in the works tailored for blacks, including development deals with the director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) and the actor and writer Ice Cube.
Among shows already in production, Mr. Silverman cited the buddy comedy “Off Duty,” with Bradley Whitford, who is white, and Romany Malco, who is black. The network also has a thriller script from Frank Spotnitz, the “X Files” writer and producer, with Gabrielle Union, a black actress, signed to star.
And NBC Universal announced with some fanfare “Making Friends With Black People,” a sitcom that is to star the author of the book of the same title, the comedian Nick Adams.
If these projects are only tangentially tied to the arrival of a black star in the leading political role in America, Gary Newman, co-chairman of the Twentieth Century Fox television studio, suggested another potential influence stemming from the election of Mr. Obama.
“We may see more chances taken on comedies that feel more hopeful rather than the sarcastic, cynical style we’ve seen a lot of recently,” Mr. Newman said. “The Obama success seems to have put people more in touch with their more hopeful side.”
But after years of ensemble dramas sprinkled with nonwhite supporting actors, the excitement surrounding the election of Barack Obama could help to open doors for more minorities in leading dramatic roles, executives from television production studios said.
Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment who oversees the network’s television studio, said that he and the head of the diversity initiative for NBC Universal, Paula Madison, have been pushing for projects starring minorities.
Mr. Silverman said, “We were going after this regardless, but I don’t think you can deny the power that Barack Obama brings in magnifying this direction in our world.” He added, “We’ve all been colorblind for years, but the results don’t necessarily match up to our intentions.”
Ms. Madison said that NBC’s approach was at least as much about business as about social responsibility. “People are not living in single-race silos anymore,” she said. “We said, ‘Let’s try to develop a world that looks like the world we’re living in.’ ”
The evidence seems to indicate that race neutrality has not produced a surge of black lead performers, at least in network dramas. While comedies with black characters have been something of a network staple — from the much vilified “Amos ’n Andy” in the early days of television, through shows like “Sanford and Son” with Redd Foxx, “The Jeffersons,” and Martin Lawrence’s sitcom “Martin” — historically, blacks in lead television drama roles have been rare.
Bill Cosby, whose 1980s hit sitcom revitalized that genre after a period of decline, famously broke through in drama as the co-star of “I Spy” in 1965. He won three Emmy awards in the role of Alexander Scott, an espionage agent. Exactly two black actors (and no actresses) have won Emmy awards for drama series since: James Earl Jones, who played the title role in the short-lived “Gabriel’s Fire” in 1991, and Andre Braugher, who was part of the ensemble in “Homicide” in 1998.
Dennis Haysbert, who played President David Palmer on the Fox series “24,” is featured in the CBS ensemble drama “The Unit” (produced by Mr. Newman’s Fox studio). Also this season, the venerable NBC drama “ER” added Angela Bassett; executives at its studio, Warner Brothers, now identify her as the lead in that show.
But both “ER” and “The Unit” are ensemble shows, a genre that has for decades — going back to performers like Michael Warren in “Hill Street Blues” and Denzel Washington in “St. Elsewhere” — been the route for black drama actors to break through.
“ER” has featured black actors (including Eriq La Salle) since its inception in 1994. ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” whose creator and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, is black, has similarly offered a notably diverse cast.
But there is no dramatic series spotlighting a single star — like “House” on Fox, “Chuck” on NBC, “Eli Stone” on ABC or “The Mentalist” on CBS — now led by a black actor. Hispanic actors have fared somewhat better. Jimmy Smits has starred in several series, and America Ferrera is now the star of “Ugly Betty.”
Cable’s recent list of single-star dramas is also notable for its roster of white stars, including shows like “The Shield,” “The Closer,” “Saving Grace,” “Dexter,” “Monk,” “Burn Notice,” “Breaking Bad” and “Damages.”
Tim Reid, who was the star and an executive producer of the Emmy-winning comedy series “Frank’s Place” for CBS in the 1987-88 season — and who recently wrote, with the white comic Tom Dreesen, “Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White” about their days as a stand-up team — has been outspoken about the continued limited opportunities for minorities in television.
“If the president-elect should have any positive influence over the so-called liberal base of Hollywood, it will be by focusing their attention on the reality of the kind of multicultural world we actually live in,” Mr. Reid said in an e-mail message. “This doesn’t just mean putting another person of color in front of the camera, but giving them an equal opportunity in having a say-so in what is created for the camera.”
“In my opinion,” he continued, “we’re far more likely to have a black president in my lifetime ... oh, yeah ... I can stop saying that now.”
The most significant hiring of a black actor for a television series has been long in the works: next month the film star Laurence Fishburne will assume the lead in CBS’s biggest hit show, “CSI.” That move was not connected to the ascendance of Mr. Obama, though CBS and studio executives expressed hope that the timing would help in the transition from William Petersen, the current “CSI” lead, to Mr. Fishburne.
David Stapf, president of the CBS Paramount Network Television studio, which produces “CSI,” said of Mr. Fishburne’s selection: “If you have a chance to get an actor like that, you go for him. It wouldn’t matter what ethnicity he is.”
Paramount also has a deal in place to find a project for the rap star L L Cool J.
NBC Universal said it has a number of projects in the works tailored for blacks, including development deals with the director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) and the actor and writer Ice Cube.
Among shows already in production, Mr. Silverman cited the buddy comedy “Off Duty,” with Bradley Whitford, who is white, and Romany Malco, who is black. The network also has a thriller script from Frank Spotnitz, the “X Files” writer and producer, with Gabrielle Union, a black actress, signed to star.
And NBC Universal announced with some fanfare “Making Friends With Black People,” a sitcom that is to star the author of the book of the same title, the comedian Nick Adams.
If these projects are only tangentially tied to the arrival of a black star in the leading political role in America, Gary Newman, co-chairman of the Twentieth Century Fox television studio, suggested another potential influence stemming from the election of Mr. Obama.
“We may see more chances taken on comedies that feel more hopeful rather than the sarcastic, cynical style we’ve seen a lot of recently,” Mr. Newman said. “The Obama success seems to have put people more in touch with their more hopeful side.”
Winona Ryder investigated by police as she 'loses' borrowed £80,000 diamond bracelet
Winona Ryder has been accused of losing £81,000 of diamonds loaned to her for a fashion awards ceremony.
The actress, who was convicted of shoplifting in 2001, was given a diamond encrusted bracelet and ring to wear to a Marie Claire magazine party.
Miss Ryder reported the items missing after she allegedly handed them to staff at her Madrid hotel for safekeeping.
The actress, who was convicted of shoplifting in 2001, was given a diamond encrusted bracelet and ring to wear to a Marie Claire magazine party.
Miss Ryder reported the items missing after she allegedly handed them to staff at her Madrid hotel for safekeeping.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bollywood bravehearts refuse to bow down to terrorism, resume shooting
While the Mumbai terror attacks left the entire Bollywood in shock and sent the biggies into a hiding of sorts, braveheart Akshay Kumar refused to let the ordeal take over and resumed shooting for Priyadarshan’s ‘De Dana Dan’ at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.
It was Khiladi Kumar who motivated rest of the crew (comprising of 250 people) to be present for the shoot as the terror strike had already caused a lot of financial losses to the producer of the flick in question. The actor led the unit to complete a song shoot with a heavy heart. Akki, who is known to be a highly sensitive human being, shot for the sequence with great poignancy. According to reports, the entire crew observed a one minute silence for all those who died in this futile war of terror as well as for the heroes who lost their valuable lives serving the country. Other actors who took the initiative of attending the shoot instead of sitting at home besides Akshay included Katrina Kaif, Sunil Shetty and Sameera Reddy. While Sunil Shetty drove from Malabar Hills area (which coincidently was in close proximity to the epicentre of the attacks), Sameera Reddy drove from the suburb of Andheri and Katrina made way from Bandra. In an interview given to a news daily actor Suniel Shetty exclaimed, “Mumbai’s spirit has come through in spite of all the terror attacks. We refuse to be scared and that’s why it was important fro me to go about my daily work.”
It was Khiladi Kumar who motivated rest of the crew (comprising of 250 people) to be present for the shoot as the terror strike had already caused a lot of financial losses to the producer of the flick in question. The actor led the unit to complete a song shoot with a heavy heart. Akki, who is known to be a highly sensitive human being, shot for the sequence with great poignancy. According to reports, the entire crew observed a one minute silence for all those who died in this futile war of terror as well as for the heroes who lost their valuable lives serving the country. Other actors who took the initiative of attending the shoot instead of sitting at home besides Akshay included Katrina Kaif, Sunil Shetty and Sameera Reddy. While Sunil Shetty drove from Malabar Hills area (which coincidently was in close proximity to the epicentre of the attacks), Sameera Reddy drove from the suburb of Andheri and Katrina made way from Bandra. In an interview given to a news daily actor Suniel Shetty exclaimed, “Mumbai’s spirit has come through in spite of all the terror attacks. We refuse to be scared and that’s why it was important fro me to go about my daily work.”
26/11 Spl: 20 cr at stake for Bollywood
The 26/11 terror attacks have taken its toll on the already troubled Bollywood. Following the government's directive, cinema halls were ordered to shut down on Thursday and most of them have remained closed today on Friday as well.
New films scheduled for a release today have had to either change their release date or face empty screens.
Three films were slated for a release today – UTV-produced and Dibakar Bannerji-directed Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Onir's Sorry Bhai and Kunal Roy Kapoor's The President Is Coming.
While The President is Coming has been indefinitely postponed, UTV has decided to push ahead the release of Oye Lucky to Saturday in Mumbai. It has released all over India today though. Sorry Bhai too has opened, though in only a few theatres and to a very poor response at that
Oye Lucky was reportedly made on a budget of about Rs 7 crore and Sorry Bhai's budget was learnt to be around the same. The President Is Coming, produced by Rohan Sippy too is a small budget affair made well under Rs 3 crore. With additional costs incurred on print and publicity for them, in total around Rs 20 crore has been at stake for Bollywood this weekend.
While its new release date hasn't been announced for The President… it supposed to come to the theatre only on December 19. A trade source reveals, "Six Bollywood films are scheduled for a release next Friday – Dil Kabaddi, Khall Balli, Oh My God, Maharathi, Meerabai Not Out and Kaash…Mere Hote. The following Friday (December 12) will see Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hitting the big screens leaving practically no space The President is Coming."
New films scheduled for a release today have had to either change their release date or face empty screens.
Three films were slated for a release today – UTV-produced and Dibakar Bannerji-directed Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Onir's Sorry Bhai and Kunal Roy Kapoor's The President Is Coming.
While The President is Coming has been indefinitely postponed, UTV has decided to push ahead the release of Oye Lucky to Saturday in Mumbai. It has released all over India today though. Sorry Bhai too has opened, though in only a few theatres and to a very poor response at that
Oye Lucky was reportedly made on a budget of about Rs 7 crore and Sorry Bhai's budget was learnt to be around the same. The President Is Coming, produced by Rohan Sippy too is a small budget affair made well under Rs 3 crore. With additional costs incurred on print and publicity for them, in total around Rs 20 crore has been at stake for Bollywood this weekend.
While its new release date hasn't been announced for The President… it supposed to come to the theatre only on December 19. A trade source reveals, "Six Bollywood films are scheduled for a release next Friday – Dil Kabaddi, Khall Balli, Oh My God, Maharathi, Meerabai Not Out and Kaash…Mere Hote. The following Friday (December 12) will see Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hitting the big screens leaving practically no space The President is Coming."
2008: Super grossers from South!
The Kamal Haasan-starrer was the biggest hit of South Indian Celluloid, this year. Armed with 10 'Kamals' and released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, 'Dasavatharam' broke B.O. records, and registered a record gross collection of Rs.21 crore for Week 1. It was placed seventh on the overseas box-office chart for the week ending June 13-15, becoming the first Tamil film to be on the International Top 10 List.
2008: Top 10 actors of South India
1. Kamal Haasan: 10 Ka Dum!!
The 'Ulaga Nayagan' did it again. Prosthetic excess or not, 'Dasavatharam' had a mighty outing at the B.O. Kamal Hassan played 10 characters, ranging from a persecuted Vaishnavite of the 13th century to the (ex) US president, George Bush. Some of the roles were poorly etched. The director of the film, KS Ravi Kumar, admitted later that it was the "10-role idea" that came first! We anoint Kamal Haasan South Cinema's Hero No.1 for 2008, for making an impossible movie mint money at the B.O!
The 'Ulaga Nayagan' did it again. Prosthetic excess or not, 'Dasavatharam' had a mighty outing at the B.O. Kamal Hassan played 10 characters, ranging from a persecuted Vaishnavite of the 13th century to the (ex) US president, George Bush. Some of the roles were poorly etched. The director of the film, KS Ravi Kumar, admitted later that it was the "10-role idea" that came first! We anoint Kamal Haasan South Cinema's Hero No.1 for 2008, for making an impossible movie mint money at the B.O!
2008: The super-couples of Bollywood
What is Bollywood without its duets? How glossy would be Bolly premieres without hand-in-hand entries?
Bombay has always celebrated its couples, from Himanshu Rai-Devika Rani to Saifareena. It has been an Eden for lovers, both on and off the screen. The Bolly buff, on his part, has made these romances a part of Indian mythology.
Here is a list of Bollywood's super hit couples of 2008. Watch out! There is a sursprise in store!
Bombay has always celebrated its couples, from Himanshu Rai-Devika Rani to Saifareena. It has been an Eden for lovers, both on and off the screen. The Bolly buff, on his part, has made these romances a part of Indian mythology.
Here is a list of Bollywood's super hit couples of 2008. Watch out! There is a sursprise in store!
Check out what Ram Gopal varma’s Agyaat is all about
Ram Gopal Varma was all set to begin his ambitious venture Rann starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Gul Panag and Manisha Koirala in early January 2009 but it seems he has decided to put aside this film which was meant to be his take on the Indian media and now concentrate on making a thriller! Titled, Agyaat, Ramu intends to start the film in December and finish the principal photography by January 1st week. There are going to be a lot of Special EFX work after that which will take as long as is required to get the intended effect. The movie will be ready for release in May/June 2009.
The plot of Agyaat according to Ramu, -
A film unit on a shoot in a far away land and in a certain situation gets trapped deep in a forest and one by one the members start getting killed. They all are terrified not knowing whether it is a man or an animal or a creature or what?
Why I selected a film unit to be the protagonists for this story is because a film unit is literally like a walking office in terms of its various hierarchical elements.
A star who is obsessed with himself, a leading lady who bears with him because of his stardom, a director who thinks he will be the next Steven Spielberg, a producer who thinks that the director is screwing up his film, an assistant director who has a crush on the heroine, a script girl who has quite a few things for the assistant director, a frustrated action director who has a hidden maniacal streak in him, a highly subservient spot boy with a very perverted agenda, are just a few of the assorted characters in this story.
Whatever the entity is as it hunts them down, their suppressed passions come forth and they realize that it is not only their lives they are fighting for but it is also for their loves. As they are killed one after the other the remaining desperate characters struggle to survive the entity which is not visible to them, faster than them, smarter than them and hell bent on destroying them.
The film will be very near to a reality show in a certain sense as in putting a set of people in a certain situation and to see what happens to them.
It will have a cast of unknown or little known actors based on the complete suitability of the way the characters are written in the script.
The entity in the film is really a premise and what really is exciting for me in the story is the human drama of how in a given situation the whole film unit’s hierarchical differences get erased and all of them become as human as anybody else when faced with death.
To capture how their attitudes, personalities and inter-relationships change rapidly in the face of the impending danger is what for me is the most exciting and challenging part.
The plot of Agyaat according to Ramu, -
A film unit on a shoot in a far away land and in a certain situation gets trapped deep in a forest and one by one the members start getting killed. They all are terrified not knowing whether it is a man or an animal or a creature or what?
Why I selected a film unit to be the protagonists for this story is because a film unit is literally like a walking office in terms of its various hierarchical elements.
A star who is obsessed with himself, a leading lady who bears with him because of his stardom, a director who thinks he will be the next Steven Spielberg, a producer who thinks that the director is screwing up his film, an assistant director who has a crush on the heroine, a script girl who has quite a few things for the assistant director, a frustrated action director who has a hidden maniacal streak in him, a highly subservient spot boy with a very perverted agenda, are just a few of the assorted characters in this story.
Whatever the entity is as it hunts them down, their suppressed passions come forth and they realize that it is not only their lives they are fighting for but it is also for their loves. As they are killed one after the other the remaining desperate characters struggle to survive the entity which is not visible to them, faster than them, smarter than them and hell bent on destroying them.
The film will be very near to a reality show in a certain sense as in putting a set of people in a certain situation and to see what happens to them.
It will have a cast of unknown or little known actors based on the complete suitability of the way the characters are written in the script.
The entity in the film is really a premise and what really is exciting for me in the story is the human drama of how in a given situation the whole film unit’s hierarchical differences get erased and all of them become as human as anybody else when faced with death.
To capture how their attitudes, personalities and inter-relationships change rapidly in the face of the impending danger is what for me is the most exciting and challenging part.
Some firangi inspiration for Aamir
In the much awaited film of the year, ‘Ghajini’, Aamir’s look has been a much discussed one.
Now it’s well known that the South Indian hit ‘Ghajini’ of which Aamir’s film is a remake was based on ‘Memento’ a Hollywood film with Guy Pearce and Carrie-Ann Moss in lead roles.
Guy Pearce appeared as Leonard Shelby, a former insurance fraud investigator searching for the man he believes raped and killed his wife during a burglary. Leonard suffers from anterograde amnesia, which he contracted from severe head trauma during the attack on his wife. This renders his brain unable to store new memories. To cope with his condition, he maintains a system of notes, photographs, and tattoos to record information about himself and others, including his wife’s killer.
Interestingly the film’s events unfold in two separate, alternating narratives—one in color, and the other in black and white.
The black and white sections are told in chronological order. Leonard’s investigation is depicted in five-minute color sequences that are in reverse chronological order.
So though the story is not directly lifted, it’s been Indianized to make ‘Ghajini’. According to Aamir the Southern version and his ‘Ghajini’ are better than ‘Memento’!
In the promos of the film, loads of tattoos are seen on Aamir’s body.
The actor’s body and eight packs seems to be more inspired by Hollywood actor Jason Statham than Guy Pearce.
Aamir look is very similar to Jason Statham, his eight packs and crew haircut. The reports are that the resemblance between the two actors’ muscular bodies and look is too uncanny!
Sources close to Aamir however reveal, "According to Aamir, ‘Ghajini’ is not a remake of Memento and as far as his newly found muscular body is concerned, he has put in a lot of effort. He is a perfectionist and he might have been inspired by Statham as he likes to watch these Hollywood films and attain their kind of perfection. But only he will be able to clarify if Statham is his inspiration."
Well, we think we can get clear about this ‘who inspired whom’ status only after the film releases!
Now it’s well known that the South Indian hit ‘Ghajini’ of which Aamir’s film is a remake was based on ‘Memento’ a Hollywood film with Guy Pearce and Carrie-Ann Moss in lead roles.
Guy Pearce appeared as Leonard Shelby, a former insurance fraud investigator searching for the man he believes raped and killed his wife during a burglary. Leonard suffers from anterograde amnesia, which he contracted from severe head trauma during the attack on his wife. This renders his brain unable to store new memories. To cope with his condition, he maintains a system of notes, photographs, and tattoos to record information about himself and others, including his wife’s killer.
Interestingly the film’s events unfold in two separate, alternating narratives—one in color, and the other in black and white.
The black and white sections are told in chronological order. Leonard’s investigation is depicted in five-minute color sequences that are in reverse chronological order.
So though the story is not directly lifted, it’s been Indianized to make ‘Ghajini’. According to Aamir the Southern version and his ‘Ghajini’ are better than ‘Memento’!
In the promos of the film, loads of tattoos are seen on Aamir’s body.
The actor’s body and eight packs seems to be more inspired by Hollywood actor Jason Statham than Guy Pearce.
Aamir look is very similar to Jason Statham, his eight packs and crew haircut. The reports are that the resemblance between the two actors’ muscular bodies and look is too uncanny!
Sources close to Aamir however reveal, "According to Aamir, ‘Ghajini’ is not a remake of Memento and as far as his newly found muscular body is concerned, he has put in a lot of effort. He is a perfectionist and he might have been inspired by Statham as he likes to watch these Hollywood films and attain their kind of perfection. But only he will be able to clarify if Statham is his inspiration."
Well, we think we can get clear about this ‘who inspired whom’ status only after the film releases!
Naseeruddin Shah plays Mumbai blast mastermind in new movie
Subhash K. Jha: Guess who is playing the mastermind of the terror bombings that rocked Mumbai’s suburban trains on July 11, 2006, in director Neeraj Pandey’s take on the incident? The hugely talented Naseeruddin Shah.
Pandey, a newcomer to the industry, has almost completed his film titled “Wednesday”.
The movie features Anupam Kher as a policeman investigating the bombings.
The makers of “Wednesday” plan to release the movie on Independence Day, Aug 15.
For Naseeruddin, the character is a challenge. It is not something he has done before. “I took on this role because I’ve never played anything like this before,” says Naseer, who will soon fly to London to shoot for Jagmohan Mundhra’s “Shoot On Sight”.
In “Shoot On Sight”, Naseeruddin plays a Muslim policeman, whose 30 years of loyal service to the British police force is questioned after the July 7, 2005, suicide bombings in London’s underground railway.
The two back-to-back reality movies give the actor a chance to explore terrorism from both ends. And it also proves the industry’s growing interest in exploring the anatomy of global terror.
Earlier, Anurag Kashyap set his movie “Black Friday” on the 1992 Mumbai serial blasts.
Pandey, a newcomer to the industry, has almost completed his film titled “Wednesday”.
The movie features Anupam Kher as a policeman investigating the bombings.
The makers of “Wednesday” plan to release the movie on Independence Day, Aug 15.
For Naseeruddin, the character is a challenge. It is not something he has done before. “I took on this role because I’ve never played anything like this before,” says Naseer, who will soon fly to London to shoot for Jagmohan Mundhra’s “Shoot On Sight”.
In “Shoot On Sight”, Naseeruddin plays a Muslim policeman, whose 30 years of loyal service to the British police force is questioned after the July 7, 2005, suicide bombings in London’s underground railway.
The two back-to-back reality movies give the actor a chance to explore terrorism from both ends. And it also proves the industry’s growing interest in exploring the anatomy of global terror.
Earlier, Anurag Kashyap set his movie “Black Friday” on the 1992 Mumbai serial blasts.
Bipasha Basu had panic attack, fled filming of “Omkara”
Bollywood actor symbol Bipasha Basu says she doesn”t get rattled easily. But a bunch of unkempt, lewd men did the trick when shooting dance sequences for the recently released movie “Omkara.”” The Bollywood beauty told the Mumbai Mirror newspaper in an interview published on Monday that she ran away from the stage and only returned when she was told the men were actors who had dressed down for a role in the audience. Bombay, the hub of India’s entertainment world, is also called Mumbai. “I saw the crowd and I had a panic attack and ran away. I had never seen so many unshaven, unkempt, unbathed and lecherous men in a crowded sweaty place,”” Basu was quoted as saying. “I got really scared. And for the record, I”m not easy to scare.”” Basu plays a dancer and featured in two raunchy songs in the movie based on Shakespeare’s “Othello.”” The film opened last week. The movie also stars well-known Bollywood actors Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. Basu has starred in more than 22 movies since she entered the movie industry five years ago. Her recent hit films include “Corporate,”” “No Entry”” and “Phir Hera Pheri,”” or “Some More Hustling.””
Aamir Khan is shocked, heartbroken, helpless and angry!
Aamir Khan has been watching television since the terror attacked unfolded on Mumbai since 26th November late evening. Aamir, giving his reactions in his blog, states that seeing various locations in Mumbai turning into a war zone was shocking and heart breaking for him.
Expressing his feelings Aamir says, “My heartfelt condolences to the families of persons killed and taken hostage. I was feeling sick in the stomach when the fire broke out at the Taj. What would the people caught inside be going through. The fire fighters were doing their best but my imagination was running wild and I was feeling helpless watching other people trapped in the rooms adjoining the fire.”
Aamir has also opened a direct attack at the political parties who had till recent times condemning the ATS that was investigating the Malegaon bomb blasts. Aamir says, “My heartfelt condolences to the family of the brave officers of the Mumbai Police who lost their lives leading from the front to take on these terrorists. Especially Hemant Karkare of the ATS who in the recent past was being targeted by various political parties for the work that he was doing. When will these politicians realize and admit that terrorists HAVE NO RELIGION. Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or God. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner. Hemant Karkare is an example of a brave officer who gave his life in the line of duty.”
Aamir further adds, “At this moment I pray that the brave officers of the Mumbai Police, the Indian Army, Navy, the NSG and the various other security forces dealing with the situation are able to end this crisis as soon as possible. If it had just been a matter of simply fighting the terrorists the security forces would have dealt with it sooner, but here of course the situation is extremely complicated with many innocent lives at stake. The fact that the locations are huge hotels with multiple floors, hundreds of rooms, many corridors, staff quarters, work spaces, entries, exits etc, and have innocent guests still in there, have made the task very difficult and delicate.”
“I dread to think of how various political parties are now going to try and use this tragedy to further their political careers.” fears Aamir.
“At least now they should learn to not divide people and instead become responsible leaders. An incident such as this really exposes how ill-equipped we are as a society as far as proper leaders go. We desperately need young, dynamic, honest, intelligent and upright leaders, who actually care for the country.” cautions the talented actor-director.
Expressing his feelings Aamir says, “My heartfelt condolences to the families of persons killed and taken hostage. I was feeling sick in the stomach when the fire broke out at the Taj. What would the people caught inside be going through. The fire fighters were doing their best but my imagination was running wild and I was feeling helpless watching other people trapped in the rooms adjoining the fire.”
Aamir has also opened a direct attack at the political parties who had till recent times condemning the ATS that was investigating the Malegaon bomb blasts. Aamir says, “My heartfelt condolences to the family of the brave officers of the Mumbai Police who lost their lives leading from the front to take on these terrorists. Especially Hemant Karkare of the ATS who in the recent past was being targeted by various political parties for the work that he was doing. When will these politicians realize and admit that terrorists HAVE NO RELIGION. Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or God. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner. Hemant Karkare is an example of a brave officer who gave his life in the line of duty.”
Aamir further adds, “At this moment I pray that the brave officers of the Mumbai Police, the Indian Army, Navy, the NSG and the various other security forces dealing with the situation are able to end this crisis as soon as possible. If it had just been a matter of simply fighting the terrorists the security forces would have dealt with it sooner, but here of course the situation is extremely complicated with many innocent lives at stake. The fact that the locations are huge hotels with multiple floors, hundreds of rooms, many corridors, staff quarters, work spaces, entries, exits etc, and have innocent guests still in there, have made the task very difficult and delicate.”
“I dread to think of how various political parties are now going to try and use this tragedy to further their political careers.” fears Aamir.
“At least now they should learn to not divide people and instead become responsible leaders. An incident such as this really exposes how ill-equipped we are as a society as far as proper leaders go. We desperately need young, dynamic, honest, intelligent and upright leaders, who actually care for the country.” cautions the talented actor-director.
Terror strike forces Goa to cancel all activites related to IFFI
The Goa government today decided to cancel all peripheral activities related to the ongoing International Film Festival of India in wake of the terror attacks in Mumbai. "All the peripheral activities are cancelled as there has been a terror attack in Mumbai and also due to security reasons," Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said at IFFI venue. The state government’s, Entertainment Society of Goa, co-organisers of the event, had made arrangements for various cultural programmes at eleven venues across the state.
Kamat presided over the governing body meeting of the ESG and reviewed the entire situation, which was attended by top level state police officials. Bollywood performers Meghna Naidu, Avjit Roy and Saveri were supposed to perform as a part of the programme.
The peripheral programme organised by ESG also had the performances of Sonu Nigam and Kavita Krishnamurthy lined up at different venues. The activities are not part of the IFFI programmes and were open for the general public.
Kamat presided over the governing body meeting of the ESG and reviewed the entire situation, which was attended by top level state police officials. Bollywood performers Meghna Naidu, Avjit Roy and Saveri were supposed to perform as a part of the programme.
The peripheral programme organised by ESG also had the performances of Sonu Nigam and Kavita Krishnamurthy lined up at different venues. The activities are not part of the IFFI programmes and were open for the general public.
Rohan Sippy postpones release of ‘The President Is Coming’
While the aftermath of Mumbai terror attack is yet to be ascertained, Bollywood has seen it’s first casualty in the form of ‘The President Is Coming’. A Rohan Sippy production which has been directed by first timer Kunaal Roy Kapur and stars Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead, this English language comedy was supposed to be released on 28th November but in the wake of the terror attack, it’s arrival at theaters has been postponed.
At the time of this report being filed, there wasn’t clarity around the arrival of ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’ and ‘Sorry Bhai’, the two films which were also confirmed for this Friday’s release, but ‘The President Is Coming’ delay has been confirmed by it’s producer.
“In light of the horrific tragedy in Mumbai, we have decided to postpone our film’s release all over India. At this point, all we are concerned with is acknowledging the great loss that has been suffered by so many. Also, we are hoping for the well being of others who have been at risk”, states Rohan Sippy who is also bringing his ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ on 16th January 2009.
While Rohan Sippy has gone ahead and taken a stance, it is still unclear if ‘Sorry Bhai’ and ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’ would stick on to their release plan. In a way, it would be impractical to actually go ahead with the release and reasons are manifold. a) Theaters were in any case closed on Thursday and it is highly unlikely that they would be opened on Friday again, b) Public sentiments make it highly improbable for the film to perform well over the opening weekend at least, especially in Mumbai which has been shook up by the incident and c) Print dispatch to various parts of the country may be hampered too due to the disturbance in the country.
While an official word is still awaited on the release of the two aforementioned films, it may be worth a wait to bring them on a week later. Of course, it would mean a clash with 6 other films (Dil Kabaddi, Khallballi - Fun Unlimited, Maharathi, Meerabai Not Out, Oh, My God, Wafaa)which are all set to arrive on 5th December but that’s a situation which would have to be dealt by the producers, exhibitors and distributors of the respective films. In the time of such grim situation, it would be worth an idea for all film makers to unite and aim at coming up with a win-win solution
At the time of this report being filed, there wasn’t clarity around the arrival of ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’ and ‘Sorry Bhai’, the two films which were also confirmed for this Friday’s release, but ‘The President Is Coming’ delay has been confirmed by it’s producer.
“In light of the horrific tragedy in Mumbai, we have decided to postpone our film’s release all over India. At this point, all we are concerned with is acknowledging the great loss that has been suffered by so many. Also, we are hoping for the well being of others who have been at risk”, states Rohan Sippy who is also bringing his ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ on 16th January 2009.
While Rohan Sippy has gone ahead and taken a stance, it is still unclear if ‘Sorry Bhai’ and ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’ would stick on to their release plan. In a way, it would be impractical to actually go ahead with the release and reasons are manifold. a) Theaters were in any case closed on Thursday and it is highly unlikely that they would be opened on Friday again, b) Public sentiments make it highly improbable for the film to perform well over the opening weekend at least, especially in Mumbai which has been shook up by the incident and c) Print dispatch to various parts of the country may be hampered too due to the disturbance in the country.
While an official word is still awaited on the release of the two aforementioned films, it may be worth a wait to bring them on a week later. Of course, it would mean a clash with 6 other films (Dil Kabaddi, Khallballi - Fun Unlimited, Maharathi, Meerabai Not Out, Oh, My God, Wafaa)which are all set to arrive on 5th December but that’s a situation which would have to be dealt by the producers, exhibitors and distributors of the respective films. In the time of such grim situation, it would be worth an idea for all film makers to unite and aim at coming up with a win-win solution
Bollywood reactions on Mumbai terror attack
The Mumbai terror attacks has left Bollywood angry, shocked and in despair. There few industry men who were busy attending the IFFI (International Film Festival) in Goa there were others who are saddened by the sudden attacks. Here are a few reactions to the nightmare Mumbai experienced two nights in a row.
Dibakar Bannerjee whose Oye Lucky Lucky Oye released this Friday was in Goa when it all happened. He said, "It is so depressing and ghastly. My heartfelt condolences will not reach them but I am going to pray for all of them. We just hope the hostages are release. It is more serious than it looks so. We should as people of Mumbai stand up and fight for our freedom now. I think the politicians should attend to such matter rather than think of elections. I salute the police officers who lost their lives fighting for us at the same time I sympathise with their families. I am sure they must have hidden those bombs earlier inside. They also had such sophisticated guns and yet our officers were fighting them. One of my friend from Jaipur who works for Taj escaped but his wife and daughter were inside. I have not yet heard from them."
Anees Bazmee (No Entry, Welcome) - It’s shocking! It’s really terrible that innocent people have been killed. I was in the process of writing, but since last night I have not been in writing mood. I have been glued to my television. It’s really shocking to know that the perpetrators have been planning this for the past two months and even intelligence did not know who is behind this. Bollywood has always gone out of its way to help and everyone will definitely help. It’s so strange because I went to the Oberoi Hotel for coffee just two days ago.
Filmmaker, Anil sharma - I have not yet started shooting for my film. But it is a very shocking incident. Wish people could think more rationally than taking up arms and fighting like this. They are not going to achieve anything out of this. Why kill innocent people to achieve your means. It is unfortunate that so many able officers have also been killed in the attack. We all stand up to condemn this attack.
Actor Sonu Sood - It’s horrible. I could not get a wink of sleep last nite. What is the world coming to? What a cowardly act it is. Killing the innocent will get them nowhere. It has been shocking. Last nite I was attending an event at the Marriot when I heard the news. We left early. It’s a shame that a few of them are killing people randomly for their own needs. What will they achieve by doing all this? I pray for all the people who have been held hostages. I hope they will be out soon.
Farhan Akhtar sounded very disturbed and condemning the attacks stated - I am in total disbelief and shock! It is high time the govt stops appealling to us to remain calm after such things happen. It is no point remaining calm. It is now time to react! I have been glued my television set all night watching it all unfold. I think it is a failure of our Intelligence department."
Prachi Desai - It’s been a terrible night. I have not slept the whole night. One of my good friends was stuck in Oberoi when it all began. She gave me a call at 2 am and sounded very scared. But luckily she managed to escape out after that. With all this things happening around at regular intervals, the world no longer seems a safe place. This disaster has literally brought our Mumbai to a grinding halt"
Director Apoorva Lakhia of Shootout at Lokhandwala: Film shoots have been cancelled today and that is all I know. It’s too early to say anything about the firing and hostage situation because it’s still going on. I am at home watching television. It’s too early to come to a conclusion.
Dibakar Bannerjee whose Oye Lucky Lucky Oye released this Friday was in Goa when it all happened. He said, "It is so depressing and ghastly. My heartfelt condolences will not reach them but I am going to pray for all of them. We just hope the hostages are release. It is more serious than it looks so. We should as people of Mumbai stand up and fight for our freedom now. I think the politicians should attend to such matter rather than think of elections. I salute the police officers who lost their lives fighting for us at the same time I sympathise with their families. I am sure they must have hidden those bombs earlier inside. They also had such sophisticated guns and yet our officers were fighting them. One of my friend from Jaipur who works for Taj escaped but his wife and daughter were inside. I have not yet heard from them."
Anees Bazmee (No Entry, Welcome) - It’s shocking! It’s really terrible that innocent people have been killed. I was in the process of writing, but since last night I have not been in writing mood. I have been glued to my television. It’s really shocking to know that the perpetrators have been planning this for the past two months and even intelligence did not know who is behind this. Bollywood has always gone out of its way to help and everyone will definitely help. It’s so strange because I went to the Oberoi Hotel for coffee just two days ago.
Filmmaker, Anil sharma - I have not yet started shooting for my film. But it is a very shocking incident. Wish people could think more rationally than taking up arms and fighting like this. They are not going to achieve anything out of this. Why kill innocent people to achieve your means. It is unfortunate that so many able officers have also been killed in the attack. We all stand up to condemn this attack.
Actor Sonu Sood - It’s horrible. I could not get a wink of sleep last nite. What is the world coming to? What a cowardly act it is. Killing the innocent will get them nowhere. It has been shocking. Last nite I was attending an event at the Marriot when I heard the news. We left early. It’s a shame that a few of them are killing people randomly for their own needs. What will they achieve by doing all this? I pray for all the people who have been held hostages. I hope they will be out soon.
Farhan Akhtar sounded very disturbed and condemning the attacks stated - I am in total disbelief and shock! It is high time the govt stops appealling to us to remain calm after such things happen. It is no point remaining calm. It is now time to react! I have been glued my television set all night watching it all unfold. I think it is a failure of our Intelligence department."
Prachi Desai - It’s been a terrible night. I have not slept the whole night. One of my good friends was stuck in Oberoi when it all began. She gave me a call at 2 am and sounded very scared. But luckily she managed to escape out after that. With all this things happening around at regular intervals, the world no longer seems a safe place. This disaster has literally brought our Mumbai to a grinding halt"
Director Apoorva Lakhia of Shootout at Lokhandwala: Film shoots have been cancelled today and that is all I know. It’s too early to say anything about the firing and hostage situation because it’s still going on. I am at home watching television. It’s too early to come to a conclusion.
Bollywood actor's kin killed in Mumbai terror siege
The sister and brother-in-law of Bollywood actor Ashish Choudhary are among the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai.Mumbai’s 59-hour terror siege ended on Saturday morning, leaving behind a death toll of close to 150 people. Among the dead are several innocent people that were held hostage by terrorists at the city’s two major hotels.Ashish’s sister Monica and brother-in-law had gone to The Oberoi Trident on Wednesday night for a dinner at Tiffin with some friends. Ever since the news of the terror attacks came, Ashish, along with his friends and family, had been keeping vigil outside the hotel, hoping for his sister and her husband to walk out alive.
“My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls,” Ashish had told a news channel on Thursday.On Friday, when the NSG neutralized the terrorists at the hotel, dead bodies of several people were found. Among them were Ashish’s sister and her husband.According to reports, they were first shot in the leg and then in the head.Aashish broke down after getting the news of their death. The hospital will hand over the dead bodies to the family on Saturday.
“My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls,” Ashish had told a news channel on Thursday.On Friday, when the NSG neutralized the terrorists at the hotel, dead bodies of several people were found. Among them were Ashish’s sister and her husband.According to reports, they were first shot in the leg and then in the head.Aashish broke down after getting the news of their death. The hospital will hand over the dead bodies to the family on Saturday.
Bollywood pays homage to national heroes
Bollywood joins the nation in paying homage to all the security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty as well as the hostages and the innocent citizens who fell victim to terrorists' strike.
Finally the commando operations in Mumbai were over after 62 hours seige. Security personnel laid down their lives to to bring back normalcy to the city. A grateful country is paying homage to these slain and and surviving heroes. Bollywood stars too joined in to pay their last respects to the slain heroes.
"I have had the greatest pride in those from the forces that have and continue to fight for our freedom. Brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute them and respect their sincerity in the call of duty," wrote Amitabh Bachchan on his blog.
Aamir Khan also chose to express his feelings through his blog, "My heartfelt condolences to the family of the brave officers of the Mumbai Police who lost their lives leading from the front to take on these terrorists. Especially Hemant Karkare of the ATS who in the recent past was being targeted by various political parties for the work that he was doing."
The tinsel town has been expressing extreme anger over the incident through their blogs, radio and TV channels and newspapers.
Finally the commando operations in Mumbai were over after 62 hours seige. Security personnel laid down their lives to to bring back normalcy to the city. A grateful country is paying homage to these slain and and surviving heroes. Bollywood stars too joined in to pay their last respects to the slain heroes.
"I have had the greatest pride in those from the forces that have and continue to fight for our freedom. Brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute them and respect their sincerity in the call of duty," wrote Amitabh Bachchan on his blog.
Aamir Khan also chose to express his feelings through his blog, "My heartfelt condolences to the family of the brave officers of the Mumbai Police who lost their lives leading from the front to take on these terrorists. Especially Hemant Karkare of the ATS who in the recent past was being targeted by various political parties for the work that he was doing."
The tinsel town has been expressing extreme anger over the incident through their blogs, radio and TV channels and newspapers.
Theatres shut, film shootings cancelled
Due to the ongoing terror attacks in Mumbai since Wednesday night, the state government ordered all cinema houses in the city to shut down for a day, on Thursday.
Bhumika Tewari, AVP Programming, Fun Cinemas confirming the news said: “The decision was left to us. For precautionary sake, we decided to call it off for a day.”
Tewari said, there won’t be any morning shows on Friday. For the noon and evening shows, a decision will be taken later. “We’ve got orders from the state government for Thursday but so far we haven’t been informed what to do on Friday,” Desai said.
Two Hindi films — Sorry Bhai! and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, which were scheduled to release on Friday — have been pushed to Saturday.
According to Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir and Bandra’s G-7 complex, till Thursday evening these two new films weren’t supposed to release on Friday but after a meeting post-evening, there’s a possibility they might.
Actor Sanjay Suri, co-producer of Sorry Bhai! said, Movie Mantra, the company releasing the film, would take the final call in the night.
But Ram Mirchandani, senior VP-Creative and Projects, UTV who is producing Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! said, the movie would be released on Friday as scheduled.
Even shootings were cancelled on Thursday. Ajay Devgan decided take a day’s break from the shoot for his home-production Toonpoor Ka Superhero to be held at Chembur.
Leena Yadav, too decided to call it off for a day for her film Teen Patti. The shooting was supposed to be held in Centaur, Juhu.
Bhumika Tewari, AVP Programming, Fun Cinemas confirming the news said: “The decision was left to us. For precautionary sake, we decided to call it off for a day.”
Tewari said, there won’t be any morning shows on Friday. For the noon and evening shows, a decision will be taken later. “We’ve got orders from the state government for Thursday but so far we haven’t been informed what to do on Friday,” Desai said.
Two Hindi films — Sorry Bhai! and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, which were scheduled to release on Friday — have been pushed to Saturday.
According to Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir and Bandra’s G-7 complex, till Thursday evening these two new films weren’t supposed to release on Friday but after a meeting post-evening, there’s a possibility they might.
Actor Sanjay Suri, co-producer of Sorry Bhai! said, Movie Mantra, the company releasing the film, would take the final call in the night.
But Ram Mirchandani, senior VP-Creative and Projects, UTV who is producing Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! said, the movie would be released on Friday as scheduled.
Even shootings were cancelled on Thursday. Ajay Devgan decided take a day’s break from the shoot for his home-production Toonpoor Ka Superhero to be held at Chembur.
Leena Yadav, too decided to call it off for a day for her film Teen Patti. The shooting was supposed to be held in Centaur, Juhu.
A politician's journey to Bollywood
Had it been some two decades back, she could have been in the lead role of a Bollywood film, acting as a heroine. Yet it is not too late for the effervescent and irrepressible former Forest Minister of Rajasthan, Bina Kak, to be in the tinsel world for presently she is mothering none other than Salman Khan, one of the mighty Khans, in an under production film in the R.K.Studios.
What if her critics back in her former Assembly constituency Sumerper in Pali district term it as an "escape'' after her defeat in the 2003 elections or her colleagues' smirk that she always had an element of "drama'' in her, Bina is enjoying her fling. "I was not scared to go in front of the camera for the first time as, in politics, I have always faced the public,'' Ms. Kak told this Correspondent, speaking on phone from Mumbai.
Ms.Kak, younger sister of known social activist, Kamala Bhasin, has completed 75 per cent of her role as mother of Salman in the yet to be titled David Dhawan film, scheduled for release sometime in March-April. The project is a home production of the Khans, with Sohail Khan, as the producer. The cast includes Sushmita Sen, Katherina Kaif, Arshad Varshi, Rajpal Yadav besides Sohail Khan himself.
"The film is a love triangle involving Salman Khan who is a doctor. I am enjoying the role of a mother. It is a challenging role and fairly long too,'' Ms.Kak, who has a background of theatre, said. It was Salman who had asked her to do the role. "Of late after losing the election I was not doing much. Then I thought why not take up this assignment,'' she informed.
"They have shown tremendous confidence in me. I have known Salman's father Salim Saheb and mother Salma for long. I love Salman as a human being. That boy is gem of a man,'' Ms.Kak added talking from "Galaxy'', the residence of the Khans in Bandra, Mumbai. "It is like a big party here every day. Of course, with lot of work.'' Ms.Kak is enjoying it all.
For Ms.Kak, the Salman connection had brought some criticism during her tenure as the Tourism Minister and later as the Forest Minister in Rajasthan. Eyebrows were raised when she, then holding the portfolio of Forests, hosted a dinner in Jaipur to Salman as the actor was facing trial in the infamous poaching case in which he was allegedly caught hunting Indian gazelle in one of the Vishnoi villages near Jodhpur.
"The poaching episode dates back to the period when the previous BJP Government was in power in the State. It was already sub judice when I was a Minister. I could not have influenced the outcome in any way. These things should not be clubbed,'' she noted with a tinge of exasperation in her voice.
Has her current liaison with the celluloid world the sanction of the Congress leadership and does her foray into the films is saying goodbye to politics ? "The politics remains. I will be back in my constituency soon. I belong there. Films are also a medium to reach out to the people''. As for letting know the party about her stint in Bollywood, Ms.Kak said she had conveyed it to the party president, Sonia Gandhi, through someone in her office.
What if her critics back in her former Assembly constituency Sumerper in Pali district term it as an "escape'' after her defeat in the 2003 elections or her colleagues' smirk that she always had an element of "drama'' in her, Bina is enjoying her fling. "I was not scared to go in front of the camera for the first time as, in politics, I have always faced the public,'' Ms. Kak told this Correspondent, speaking on phone from Mumbai.
Ms.Kak, younger sister of known social activist, Kamala Bhasin, has completed 75 per cent of her role as mother of Salman in the yet to be titled David Dhawan film, scheduled for release sometime in March-April. The project is a home production of the Khans, with Sohail Khan, as the producer. The cast includes Sushmita Sen, Katherina Kaif, Arshad Varshi, Rajpal Yadav besides Sohail Khan himself.
"The film is a love triangle involving Salman Khan who is a doctor. I am enjoying the role of a mother. It is a challenging role and fairly long too,'' Ms.Kak, who has a background of theatre, said. It was Salman who had asked her to do the role. "Of late after losing the election I was not doing much. Then I thought why not take up this assignment,'' she informed.
"They have shown tremendous confidence in me. I have known Salman's father Salim Saheb and mother Salma for long. I love Salman as a human being. That boy is gem of a man,'' Ms.Kak added talking from "Galaxy'', the residence of the Khans in Bandra, Mumbai. "It is like a big party here every day. Of course, with lot of work.'' Ms.Kak is enjoying it all.
For Ms.Kak, the Salman connection had brought some criticism during her tenure as the Tourism Minister and later as the Forest Minister in Rajasthan. Eyebrows were raised when she, then holding the portfolio of Forests, hosted a dinner in Jaipur to Salman as the actor was facing trial in the infamous poaching case in which he was allegedly caught hunting Indian gazelle in one of the Vishnoi villages near Jodhpur.
"The poaching episode dates back to the period when the previous BJP Government was in power in the State. It was already sub judice when I was a Minister. I could not have influenced the outcome in any way. These things should not be clubbed,'' she noted with a tinge of exasperation in her voice.
Has her current liaison with the celluloid world the sanction of the Congress leadership and does her foray into the films is saying goodbye to politics ? "The politics remains. I will be back in my constituency soon. I belong there. Films are also a medium to reach out to the people''. As for letting know the party about her stint in Bollywood, Ms.Kak said she had conveyed it to the party president, Sonia Gandhi, through someone in her office.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bollywood "shocked" and "scared" over terror strike
The Indian film industry Thursday expressed a deep shock over the nightmare that unfolded on Wednesday night as terrorists targeted various importantlocations in the Bollywood capital of Mumbai.
The industry people also appealed for sanity and called for unity after one of the biggest terrorist strikes rattled the country's financial and dream city.
"Terrible! terrible situation!," a shaken Amitabh Bachchan wrote in his blog. "Mumbai under terrorist attack!! Several locations bombed and terrorist firing all over the city. Major hotels under siege. Taj hotel battle going on inside the hotel," says Bachachan, whose post reads like a doomsday account.
"I am scared! shocked! I don't have words to describe my feelings. It seems unreal to me almost like a film. I don't know who are they and why they have resorted to suchruthlessness," film director Anurag Kashyap, who is in Goa said.
"They just enter the city like that and hold it hostage. It is unbelievable. Obviously Mumbai will bounce back but it has been hurt badly and it will take time to heal,"says Kashyap, who has directed films like 'Black Friday' based on the 1993 terror strike and the ensuing riots.
Lyricist Javed Akhtar appealed for unity,"I am completely shocked and surprised. It is an unprecedented attack that the country has ever witnessed. It has turned out to be one of the most horrific attacks. "...but there is no time to blame any system or anyorganisation. It is time to stand unitedly behind our security forces and flush out these culprits," Akhtar added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by national award winning director Rahul Dholakia, "It is insane! We need to sit down as a society and understand how to prevent this."
The director of 'Parzania' also appealed for everyone to stick together in time of such crisis.
"Politicians should put aside their differences and agendas and think about India for a change. It is the time to show our grit and character ...to stand together and be one,"Dholakia added.
"I have no words. How do you describe something like that. India is such a huge country, obviously some people like to shift the blame to the security but so many of them have already been killed.
"There is no end to such things unless we find the root cause of the problem," said actor Irrfan Khan of 'Mumbai Meri Jaan', a film based on the blasts in Mumbai local trains.
The shooting of various films and serials have been cancelled as life stood still in the city. Ajay Devgan and wife Kajol were to shoot for their animation film 'Toonpur Ka Superhero' in suburban Chembur today but the programme has been called off, Devgan's spokesman said.
Shooting of several television serials have also been put on hold in view of the grim situation prevailing in the megapolis in view of the attacks that have left at least 100dead till now, industry sources said.
With a holiday declared in Mumbai Thursday, heads of television channels have asked employees to stay indoors.
"Television shootings are going slow. Many of them are not happening today," they added.
The industry people also appealed for sanity and called for unity after one of the biggest terrorist strikes rattled the country's financial and dream city.
"Terrible! terrible situation!," a shaken Amitabh Bachchan wrote in his blog. "Mumbai under terrorist attack!! Several locations bombed and terrorist firing all over the city. Major hotels under siege. Taj hotel battle going on inside the hotel," says Bachachan, whose post reads like a doomsday account.
"I am scared! shocked! I don't have words to describe my feelings. It seems unreal to me almost like a film. I don't know who are they and why they have resorted to suchruthlessness," film director Anurag Kashyap, who is in Goa said.
"They just enter the city like that and hold it hostage. It is unbelievable. Obviously Mumbai will bounce back but it has been hurt badly and it will take time to heal,"says Kashyap, who has directed films like 'Black Friday' based on the 1993 terror strike and the ensuing riots.
Lyricist Javed Akhtar appealed for unity,"I am completely shocked and surprised. It is an unprecedented attack that the country has ever witnessed. It has turned out to be one of the most horrific attacks. "...but there is no time to blame any system or anyorganisation. It is time to stand unitedly behind our security forces and flush out these culprits," Akhtar added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by national award winning director Rahul Dholakia, "It is insane! We need to sit down as a society and understand how to prevent this."
The director of 'Parzania' also appealed for everyone to stick together in time of such crisis.
"Politicians should put aside their differences and agendas and think about India for a change. It is the time to show our grit and character ...to stand together and be one,"Dholakia added.
"I have no words. How do you describe something like that. India is such a huge country, obviously some people like to shift the blame to the security but so many of them have already been killed.
"There is no end to such things unless we find the root cause of the problem," said actor Irrfan Khan of 'Mumbai Meri Jaan', a film based on the blasts in Mumbai local trains.
The shooting of various films and serials have been cancelled as life stood still in the city. Ajay Devgan and wife Kajol were to shoot for their animation film 'Toonpur Ka Superhero' in suburban Chembur today but the programme has been called off, Devgan's spokesman said.
Shooting of several television serials have also been put on hold in view of the grim situation prevailing in the megapolis in view of the attacks that have left at least 100dead till now, industry sources said.
With a holiday declared in Mumbai Thursday, heads of television channels have asked employees to stay indoors.
"Television shootings are going slow. Many of them are not happening today," they added.
Jeff Smith reveals his ‘dark’ side
When he started creating the comic series Bone, people ridiculed him saying it would be a big flop. But today his work is regarded nothing less interesting than the legendary Lord of the Rings. American comic book artist Jeff Smith says, “I love books which start off as a simple kid’s story and becomes darker as it goes on.”
Jeff created the comic characters of Bone at a very young age. He started a daily four-panel black and white strip for a student newspaper while studying in Ohio State University. The strip was then known by the name of Thorn. It became Bone only when he started self-publishing it as a comic series from his garage in early 90’s. Expressing his obsession with long stories Jeff feels that Ramayana and Mahabharata have huge potential to become into a great comic series. “Ramayana and Mahabharata have so many interesting characters that just the description of each character will become a series in itself. But you have to find somebody crazy enough to create detailed comics out of these great epics,” he says.
Incidentally Bone has a lot of Indian flavour in it. Jeff says, “I am married to an Indian woman and that did influence my creation of Bone. For example it has bullock carts, crowded, bustling and narrow streets like any of the Indian bazaars."
Jeff has been in talks with the Warner Brothers to create a motion picture out of his creation Bone. He has agreed to do so because he thinks they understood his creation.
He says, “I have seen so many film-makers who want to do something very cheap and clichéd just to sell something easily. But I am glad the way Warner Bros is treating my creation.”
Jeff created the comic characters of Bone at a very young age. He started a daily four-panel black and white strip for a student newspaper while studying in Ohio State University. The strip was then known by the name of Thorn. It became Bone only when he started self-publishing it as a comic series from his garage in early 90’s. Expressing his obsession with long stories Jeff feels that Ramayana and Mahabharata have huge potential to become into a great comic series. “Ramayana and Mahabharata have so many interesting characters that just the description of each character will become a series in itself. But you have to find somebody crazy enough to create detailed comics out of these great epics,” he says.
Incidentally Bone has a lot of Indian flavour in it. Jeff says, “I am married to an Indian woman and that did influence my creation of Bone. For example it has bullock carts, crowded, bustling and narrow streets like any of the Indian bazaars."
Jeff has been in talks with the Warner Brothers to create a motion picture out of his creation Bone. He has agreed to do so because he thinks they understood his creation.
He says, “I have seen so many film-makers who want to do something very cheap and clichéd just to sell something easily. But I am glad the way Warner Bros is treating my creation.”
Jolie 'three months pregnant', claims magazine
A US magazine has claimed that superstar Angelina Jolie is three months pregnant with her fourth biological child, a claim denied by the spokesman of Jolie and Pitt.
The weekly magazine 'In Touch', which had previously broken the news of Jolie's second pregnancy with twins, said the actress is expecting her seventh child in the new year. The magazine will hit stands on Thursday.
In its 'exclusive' report the magazine says, "An excited Angie can't stop talking about the new baby. So why doesn't Brad seem thrilled?"
But after the denial from spokesman of Jolie and Pitt, other US outlets have rubbished the claims, the Daily Mail reported.
The weekly magazine, however, has consistently repeated the reports in recent weeks.
Jolie and Pitt already have three adopted children and three biological children, with twins Vivienne and Knox just four months old.
The actress had expressed a desire to expand their family in recent interviews while promoting her films, 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'The Changeling'.
At the launch of the DVD for 'Kung Fu Panda' last week, Jolie had told reporters, "Anything could happen. We're open to anything, we love kids and we're having a great time. It's chaos in our house, but it's so much fun. We'll definitely have more."
The actress had said that she couldn't be happier with partner Pitt.
"He's the best daddy and we have fun, so whenever it gets hard we can just look at each other and find a way to laugh about and just appreciate that they're only little once, and we should enjoy every minute," Jolie had said.
The weekly magazine 'In Touch', which had previously broken the news of Jolie's second pregnancy with twins, said the actress is expecting her seventh child in the new year. The magazine will hit stands on Thursday.
In its 'exclusive' report the magazine says, "An excited Angie can't stop talking about the new baby. So why doesn't Brad seem thrilled?"
But after the denial from spokesman of Jolie and Pitt, other US outlets have rubbished the claims, the Daily Mail reported.
The weekly magazine, however, has consistently repeated the reports in recent weeks.
Jolie and Pitt already have three adopted children and three biological children, with twins Vivienne and Knox just four months old.
The actress had expressed a desire to expand their family in recent interviews while promoting her films, 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'The Changeling'.
At the launch of the DVD for 'Kung Fu Panda' last week, Jolie had told reporters, "Anything could happen. We're open to anything, we love kids and we're having a great time. It's chaos in our house, but it's so much fun. We'll definitely have more."
The actress had said that she couldn't be happier with partner Pitt.
"He's the best daddy and we have fun, so whenever it gets hard we can just look at each other and find a way to laugh about and just appreciate that they're only little once, and we should enjoy every minute," Jolie had said.
Terrorists have no religion: Aamir Khan
Bollywood star Aamir Khan Friday wrote on his blog that politicians may try to use the Mumbai terror attack to their own advantage and stressed that terrorists have no religion.
“I dread to think of how various political parties are now going to try and use this tragedy to further their political careers. At least now they should learn to not divide people and instead become responsible leaders,” wrote Aamir on his blog.
“When will these politicians realise and admit that terrorists have no religion. Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or god. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner,” he added.
Aamir went on to write about how the tragedy that struck the financial capital Wednesday night and spilled over into Friday has exposed how “ill-equipped we are as a society as far as proper leaders go”.
“We desperately need young, dynamic, honest, intelligent and upright leaders, who actually care for the country,” he opined.
Militants struck in at least 10 places in Mumbai, killing at least 155 people and injuring 327 people besides holding scores of people hostage inside two luxury hotels since Wednesday night.
The actor has been actively keeping a tab on the proceedings of the rescue operations in the city through television. He shared that it was shocking and heart breaking for him to see various locations there turned into a war zone.
“At this moment I pray that the brave officers of the Mumbai Police, the Indian Army, Navy, the NSG and the various other security forces dealing with the situation are able to end this crisis as soon as possible,” Aamir wrote.
Aamir extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and of those who had been held hostage since Wednesday night.
He made a special mention of the “brave officers of the Mumbai Police” who lost their lives leading from the front to take on the terrorists. He also wrote about Anti Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, who was one among the three top officials who laid down their lives while fighting terror.
The actor-turned-filmmaker has urged countrymen to have faith and signed off with “Jai Hind”.
“I dread to think of how various political parties are now going to try and use this tragedy to further their political careers. At least now they should learn to not divide people and instead become responsible leaders,” wrote Aamir on his blog.
“When will these politicians realise and admit that terrorists have no religion. Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or god. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner,” he added.
Aamir went on to write about how the tragedy that struck the financial capital Wednesday night and spilled over into Friday has exposed how “ill-equipped we are as a society as far as proper leaders go”.
“We desperately need young, dynamic, honest, intelligent and upright leaders, who actually care for the country,” he opined.
Militants struck in at least 10 places in Mumbai, killing at least 155 people and injuring 327 people besides holding scores of people hostage inside two luxury hotels since Wednesday night.
The actor has been actively keeping a tab on the proceedings of the rescue operations in the city through television. He shared that it was shocking and heart breaking for him to see various locations there turned into a war zone.
“At this moment I pray that the brave officers of the Mumbai Police, the Indian Army, Navy, the NSG and the various other security forces dealing with the situation are able to end this crisis as soon as possible,” Aamir wrote.
Aamir extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and of those who had been held hostage since Wednesday night.
He made a special mention of the “brave officers of the Mumbai Police” who lost their lives leading from the front to take on the terrorists. He also wrote about Anti Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, who was one among the three top officials who laid down their lives while fighting terror.
The actor-turned-filmmaker has urged countrymen to have faith and signed off with “Jai Hind”.
Jada fine with Will's women fans
Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith is fine with the fact that other women lust after husband actor Will Smith.
Thesun.co.uk reports that she has been married to Smith for 11 years now and has never been jealous of his female fans.
She says: "I wouldn't want him if they didn't! "That's the whole point - to be married to one of the most wanted men in the world. Absolutely!"
Pinkett-Smith more recently has played a hippo in an animated film and also the lesbian author Alex Fisher in "The Women".
She loves the controversy and also wishes her love scenes were more explicit.
She added: "That shows range - from Hippo to lesbian! Controversy is always a beautiful thing. I love controversy and I try to fan it as much as I can without having my husband's head pop off! I enjoyed playing a lesbian and I wish I could have been more of a lesbian in the movie, but I wasn't allowed to do that."
Thesun.co.uk reports that she has been married to Smith for 11 years now and has never been jealous of his female fans.
She says: "I wouldn't want him if they didn't! "That's the whole point - to be married to one of the most wanted men in the world. Absolutely!"
Pinkett-Smith more recently has played a hippo in an animated film and also the lesbian author Alex Fisher in "The Women".
She loves the controversy and also wishes her love scenes were more explicit.
She added: "That shows range - from Hippo to lesbian! Controversy is always a beautiful thing. I love controversy and I try to fan it as much as I can without having my husband's head pop off! I enjoyed playing a lesbian and I wish I could have been more of a lesbian in the movie, but I wasn't allowed to do that."
Oscar tribute for Ledger: James Franco
In a tribute to late Australian star Heath Ledger, actor James Franco said Ledger should get Oscar for his realistic performance as 'The Joker' in 'The Dark Knight'.
'The Spiderman' actor said Ledger's character in the film had real emotional depth. He has expressed his views in Variety's 'Contenders' issue, in which actors single out their fellow professionals for praise ahead of Oscar awards season, the Contactmusicreported.
Unusual for a blockbuster film, 'The Dark Knight' second in all-time box office takings, has been widely tipped for Oscar recognition in 2009.
Having starred in a comic book film himself, as Harry Osborn in the 'Spider-Man' films, Franco admitted that Ledger's work in 'The Dark Knight' was "great".
"With any superhero movie villain, everybody is still contending with the huge shadow that Jack Nicholson cast with the first Batman," Franco said.
"His was such an indelible performance. Heath had to be very conscious of it when he and Christopher Nolan went into their movie.
"And they did such an incredible job of getting away from the Nicholson character while being faithful to the idea of the Joker," he added.
Ledger was found dead in his New York City apartment in January, having suffered an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
"Heath wasn't the funniest of Jokers, but certainly the more grounded of villains.
"At least on an emotional level, you could follow why he was doing this stuff; there was real emotional depth," he added.
'The Spiderman' actor said Ledger's character in the film had real emotional depth. He has expressed his views in Variety's 'Contenders' issue, in which actors single out their fellow professionals for praise ahead of Oscar awards season, the Contactmusicreported.
Unusual for a blockbuster film, 'The Dark Knight' second in all-time box office takings, has been widely tipped for Oscar recognition in 2009.
Having starred in a comic book film himself, as Harry Osborn in the 'Spider-Man' films, Franco admitted that Ledger's work in 'The Dark Knight' was "great".
"With any superhero movie villain, everybody is still contending with the huge shadow that Jack Nicholson cast with the first Batman," Franco said.
"His was such an indelible performance. Heath had to be very conscious of it when he and Christopher Nolan went into their movie.
"And they did such an incredible job of getting away from the Nicholson character while being faithful to the idea of the Joker," he added.
Ledger was found dead in his New York City apartment in January, having suffered an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
"Heath wasn't the funniest of Jokers, but certainly the more grounded of villains.
"At least on an emotional level, you could follow why he was doing this stuff; there was real emotional depth," he added.
Is Madonna Becoming Sticky and Sour?
Poor Madonna. The mistress of spin who has so carefully controlled her image ever since she worked every DJ in New York City in the 1980s when she first burst on the scene, no longer appears to be calling all the shots at age 50.
The pop diva had reportedly planned on announcing that her marriage to director Guy Ritchie was over after her Sticky and Sweet tour wrapped. Instead, the announcement came in the middle, and the tour is growing more sour than sweet as it rolls on.
A few hours after the breakup was made public, Madonna opened her show in Boston with the track "I'm Not Sorry," telling the crowd, "That's right, I'm not sorry."
Later she performed "Miles Away," a song she once said was inspired by her often long-distance relationship with Ritchie.
Introducing it, she told the audience, "This song is for the emotionally retarded. Maybe you know some people who fall into that category. I know I do."
Perhaps Madonna's bitterness stems from losing her grip on all things in her world. At a concert in New York earlier this month, she made the following cryptic announcement to the audience: "In exactly 29 moves, the Queen will dump the King."
At the time, she had 29 dates left on her U.S. tour.
Whether it was Ritchie or Madonna who jumped the gun, it's now clear the couple is headed for what could be a bitter divorce and custody battle over their son, Rocco, 8, and adopted son, David Banda, 3.
Even David's father, Yohane Banda, weighed in on the divorce from his home in Malawi. According to British newspaper The Sun, he wondered if David would be better off back home with him. "I am still a poor farmer with nothing to offer, but maybe he would be better off back with us," he said.
Ritchie's father, John, also jumped into the fray. After hearing about Madonna's "emotionally retarded" comments, he lashed out at the Material Girl in the British press. "She is being beastly," he said. "She is saying, 'Did you ever love me?' It goes back to a time when she fell off her horse and she's blaming him for that. She's calling him an emotional retard. When he's being bashed by her it's horrid."
Source : http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=6079787&page=1
The pop diva had reportedly planned on announcing that her marriage to director Guy Ritchie was over after her Sticky and Sweet tour wrapped. Instead, the announcement came in the middle, and the tour is growing more sour than sweet as it rolls on.
A few hours after the breakup was made public, Madonna opened her show in Boston with the track "I'm Not Sorry," telling the crowd, "That's right, I'm not sorry."
Later she performed "Miles Away," a song she once said was inspired by her often long-distance relationship with Ritchie.
Introducing it, she told the audience, "This song is for the emotionally retarded. Maybe you know some people who fall into that category. I know I do."
Perhaps Madonna's bitterness stems from losing her grip on all things in her world. At a concert in New York earlier this month, she made the following cryptic announcement to the audience: "In exactly 29 moves, the Queen will dump the King."
At the time, she had 29 dates left on her U.S. tour.
Whether it was Ritchie or Madonna who jumped the gun, it's now clear the couple is headed for what could be a bitter divorce and custody battle over their son, Rocco, 8, and adopted son, David Banda, 3.
Even David's father, Yohane Banda, weighed in on the divorce from his home in Malawi. According to British newspaper The Sun, he wondered if David would be better off back home with him. "I am still a poor farmer with nothing to offer, but maybe he would be better off back with us," he said.
Ritchie's father, John, also jumped into the fray. After hearing about Madonna's "emotionally retarded" comments, he lashed out at the Material Girl in the British press. "She is being beastly," he said. "She is saying, 'Did you ever love me?' It goes back to a time when she fell off her horse and she's blaming him for that. She's calling him an emotional retard. When he's being bashed by her it's horrid."
Source : http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=6079787&page=1
Rocker Kid Rock opens up about divorce
Rocker Kid Rock opened up about his high profile divorce from former "Baywatch" actress Pamela Anderson.
According to mirror.co.uk, he said: "My divorce made me look at my life and think of what I cared about. Well, I love music and rather than go off the deep end with girls and drugs, I locked myself in the studio and made the best record I could. Success is the best revenge."
He is also very proud of raising his 15-year-old son as a single parent. Rock explained what he tells his son about drugs adding: "My proudest achievement is raising my 15-year-old son, Bobby, as a single parent."
So what does he tell Bobby about drugs? "I tell him that, sure, I've used drugs and that if he scores any good stuff don't do it - give it to me," he laughs.
Rock is also enjoying being single. He continued: "I'm not monogamous. Why would I be? I'm in a successful rock band and have some money put away. Why would I screw it up by getting married? I did that already. It was like kicking myself in the teeth."
According to mirror.co.uk, he said: "My divorce made me look at my life and think of what I cared about. Well, I love music and rather than go off the deep end with girls and drugs, I locked myself in the studio and made the best record I could. Success is the best revenge."
He is also very proud of raising his 15-year-old son as a single parent. Rock explained what he tells his son about drugs adding: "My proudest achievement is raising my 15-year-old son, Bobby, as a single parent."
So what does he tell Bobby about drugs? "I tell him that, sure, I've used drugs and that if he scores any good stuff don't do it - give it to me," he laughs.
Rock is also enjoying being single. He continued: "I'm not monogamous. Why would I be? I'm in a successful rock band and have some money put away. Why would I screw it up by getting married? I did that already. It was like kicking myself in the teeth."
Madonna fuels new relationship rumours
Pop queen Madonna has further fuelled her relationship rumours with baseball star Alex Rodriguez after he was spotted at one of her performances forher ongoing 'Sticky and Sweet' tour.
Rodriguez has been linked to Madonna after his ex-wife Cynthia alleged him of having an "affair of the heart" with the singer.
He was also considered a prime factor in Madonna's recent divorce with movie director husband Guy Ritchie after a 7-year-long marriage.
The star has reportedly introduced Rodriguez to close friends including Gwyneth Paltrow, the Contactmusic reported.
Rodriguez was spotted at her Miami concert where Madonna is said to have sang 'You Must Love Me' to the athlete, who was seen sitting in prime position at the gig.
She also accepted a bottle of water offered to her by the star, who was seated next to her manager Guy Oseary and singer Rod Stewart.
"It was easy for him to hand it off because he was sitting in the front row. He was all excited watching her perform," a concertgoer later told 'E! News'.
Rodriguez has been linked to Madonna after his ex-wife Cynthia alleged him of having an "affair of the heart" with the singer.
He was also considered a prime factor in Madonna's recent divorce with movie director husband Guy Ritchie after a 7-year-long marriage.
The star has reportedly introduced Rodriguez to close friends including Gwyneth Paltrow, the Contactmusic reported.
Rodriguez was spotted at her Miami concert where Madonna is said to have sang 'You Must Love Me' to the athlete, who was seen sitting in prime position at the gig.
She also accepted a bottle of water offered to her by the star, who was seated next to her manager Guy Oseary and singer Rod Stewart.
"It was easy for him to hand it off because he was sitting in the front row. He was all excited watching her perform," a concertgoer later told 'E! News'.
Michael Jackson ignored giraffes: PETA
Pop singer Michael Jackson has supposedly ignored his giraffes as claimed by the animal rights group PETA.
According to tmz.com, Jackson's ranch was dismantled a year ago and his giraffes were sold to a US couple who planned to start an animal sanctuary. But PETA claims that the animals are being kept in cages that are too small. They have written to Jackson asking him to pressure the owners to do something more humane.
The couple that owns the animals say they have moved them into bigger cages. There is even a bigger space being prepared for the animals in the form of a 185 acre sanctuary.
According to tmz.com, Jackson's ranch was dismantled a year ago and his giraffes were sold to a US couple who planned to start an animal sanctuary. But PETA claims that the animals are being kept in cages that are too small. They have written to Jackson asking him to pressure the owners to do something more humane.
The couple that owns the animals say they have moved them into bigger cages. There is even a bigger space being prepared for the animals in the form of a 185 acre sanctuary.
Amitabh Bachchan sleeps with gun after attacks
He may have acted as an outlaw several times on the screen but the terror attacks in Mumbai were enough to shake Amitabh Bachchan up who kept his revolverunder his pillow while sleeping.
"Last night, as the events of the terror attack unfolded in front of me I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow. For a very disturbed sleep," the megastar wrote on his blog.
Bachchan was glued to TV screen as security personnel battled the militants Thursday, also the birth anniversary of his father. Bachchan, known for his on-screen 'Angry Young Man' image depicting the rebellious youth, fumed with anger at the "ineptitude of the authorities" who were supposed to take care of the country.
"My pain has been the sight and plight of my innocent and vulnerable and completely insecure countrymen, facing the wrath of this terror attack. And my anger has been at the ineptitude of the authorities that have been ordained to look after us," Big B expressed in his blog.
Lauding the efforts of troops in tackling the terror situation, he wrote "brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute themand respect their sincerity in the call of duty."
Bachchan was disgruntled over the cliche "spirit of Mumbai" which he said people were using to cover the traumatic experiences that every merry city underwent in recent years.
"Yes Mumbai is strong and resilient and shall not be cowed down by any such occurrence. But let us not conveniently use it as our cover sheet, pull it over our heads and go off to sleep," he said.
Despite repeated requests by electronic channels to issue a statement on the tragedy, Bachchan refused to do so.
An irked Bachchan wrote in bold, "Tell me and order me instead that we require every Indian to get up and walk into the facilities where the action is on and I will be the firstto walk.
"But, please do not ask me to come and make sloppy statements that will do nothing more than create viewer interest."
"Last night, as the events of the terror attack unfolded in front of me I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow. For a very disturbed sleep," the megastar wrote on his blog.
Bachchan was glued to TV screen as security personnel battled the militants Thursday, also the birth anniversary of his father. Bachchan, known for his on-screen 'Angry Young Man' image depicting the rebellious youth, fumed with anger at the "ineptitude of the authorities" who were supposed to take care of the country.
"My pain has been the sight and plight of my innocent and vulnerable and completely insecure countrymen, facing the wrath of this terror attack. And my anger has been at the ineptitude of the authorities that have been ordained to look after us," Big B expressed in his blog.
Lauding the efforts of troops in tackling the terror situation, he wrote "brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute themand respect their sincerity in the call of duty."
Bachchan was disgruntled over the cliche "spirit of Mumbai" which he said people were using to cover the traumatic experiences that every merry city underwent in recent years.
"Yes Mumbai is strong and resilient and shall not be cowed down by any such occurrence. But let us not conveniently use it as our cover sheet, pull it over our heads and go off to sleep," he said.
Despite repeated requests by electronic channels to issue a statement on the tragedy, Bachchan refused to do so.
An irked Bachchan wrote in bold, "Tell me and order me instead that we require every Indian to get up and walk into the facilities where the action is on and I will be the firstto walk.
"But, please do not ask me to come and make sloppy statements that will do nothing more than create viewer interest."
Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008)
Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008)Ranbeer Talwar (Saif Ali Khan), one of the country's top industrialists, is a loner, not out of his free will but just because he lost everyone, he ever loved. Life turns around 360 degrees when he faces the most uncomfortable situation of his life. In a very unusual court verdict, he is to look after four orphan children.Unfortunately, the orphans hate him and want revenge from him for some reason and Ranbeer cannot meet their eye for certain reasons. The children do not want to live with a man they hate and they go ahead to make it quite evident. Their life together is very unhappy, one day they pray to God for help, and he does help them. He sends his most mischievous, childlike, lovable angle to the rescue, with a mission to bring Ranbeer and the kids together.Geeta (Rani Mukherjee) comes cycling down a rainbow... and bursts into Ranbeer's house as the self-proclaimed new nanny. And then starts the roller coaster ride of fun, emotions, magic and love.An angel who doesn't know what love is, A man who always lost love, 4 orphans who need love all come together to bring you a film with fun, excitement, masti, tears, magic and love truly......Thoda Pyar, Thoda Magic!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
I'll continue making films I believe in: Apoorva Lakhia
Denying rumours that Balaji Telefilms dumped him after the box office debacle of his thriller on terrorism "Mission Istaanbul", director Apoorva Lakhia says he has been given a fat signing amount by the production house.
"I heard that the film industry was in a total mess and not much happening. So I was chilling in the US. Now I'm back in Mumbai. As for my friends dumping me, Balaji Telefilms has given me a nice fat signing amount. But if they don't want to work with me, then no problem," Lakhia said.
In fact, Lakhia is also to start a film to be co-produced by HMV-Sa Re Ga Ma and Sohail Makhlai.
"It's a suspense thriller that I start in March 2009. I'm working on the script right now. People may love me or hate me, I'll continue to make the films I believe in, no matter what. And for those who are wishing me to go away, let me inform them I'm not going anywhere in a hurry. I've to go home every year since New York is where I live."
Lakhia, who is back in India after his brother's wedding in the US, needs to spend a part of each year in New York for visa purposes.
"But I'm back," he said.
"I heard that the film industry was in a total mess and not much happening. So I was chilling in the US. Now I'm back in Mumbai. As for my friends dumping me, Balaji Telefilms has given me a nice fat signing amount. But if they don't want to work with me, then no problem," Lakhia said.
In fact, Lakhia is also to start a film to be co-produced by HMV-Sa Re Ga Ma and Sohail Makhlai.
"It's a suspense thriller that I start in March 2009. I'm working on the script right now. People may love me or hate me, I'll continue to make the films I believe in, no matter what. And for those who are wishing me to go away, let me inform them I'm not going anywhere in a hurry. I've to go home every year since New York is where I live."
Lakhia, who is back in India after his brother's wedding in the US, needs to spend a part of each year in New York for visa purposes.
"But I'm back," he said.
Yuvvraaj is melodramatic and boring!
YuvvraajDirector: Subhash GhaiCast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan and Mithun Chakraborthy
Subhash Ghai has hardly had a dream run lately. After Taal did just about okay business in 1999, Ghai has delivered three flops in a row with Yaadein, Kisna and this year's Black And White.
Clearly, the going hasn't been good for close to a decade. Surprising then that every time the man has a film ready, expectations are high and curiosity levels are up.
Yuvvraaj is no different. The film may be of interest to a film buff for a number of reasons: AR Rahman's music has made quite an impact even before the release; the film looks more lavish than Ghai's earlier works, which is saying something; and lastly, Ghai has got an interesting bunch of actors together, including the mercurial Salman, who was involved in the infamous slapping incident with the filmmaker. Does Yuvvraaj meets up to these expectations then?
The story is interesting. Deven Yuvvraaj (Salman Khan) is a man with a troubled past. Struggling to make a career in music, Deven was thrown out by his billionaire father twelve years back for beating up his autistic older brother (Anil Kapoor). This has made Deven a bitter man and short-tempered (more like crazy; why would he beat up a retarded brother otherwise?!)
The only silver lining in Deven's plethora of worries is Anushka (Katrina Kaif), the lead cello player of the troupe Deven works as a chorus singer in. She is the only one who 'understands' Deven and is able and willing to deal with his temper and inner-demons. But Anushka's father (Boman Irani) is against the match as he's aware of Deven's erratic lifestyle and anger management problems.
When Deven learns of his father's demise, he decides to go back home to claim his part of the family property, so that he can ask for Anushka's hand in marriage. When he returns, Deven has to deal with distant relatives and two brothers (Kapoor and Zayed Khan) in order to get his share of the booty. Except that there's something coming in the way – Deven's father's will. And the executor is attorney Sikandar Mirza (Mithun Chakraborthy)
Meet Bollywood's latest blue eyed girl
Everybody knows how well Asin Thottumkal has been getting along with Salman Khan on and off the sets of London Dreams.
Reportedly, Sallu bhai has also been instrumental in getting a house for the South Indian actor in a posh Mumbai suburb.
But did you ever wonder why is suddenly Asin is the blue eyed girl of Salman Khan? Sources confirm that it is because of Aamir Khan.
Sources also say that Aamir Khan has been instrumental in changing her fortunes. Says the insider, “Aamir has loved her performance in Ghajini. In fact, he has been so impressed that he is promoting her big time to his friends in the industry. Aamir and Salman have been good friends for a long time now and both the actors respect each other’s views. Aamir had introduced Asin to Salman and had also put in a word of recommendation for her. This was when Aamir and Asin had initially started working for Ghajini.”
The source further reveals, “People inside and outside the industry know that Aamir is a perfectionist and so when he makes a suggestion, everyone takes his advice very seriously. So, when he recommended Asin to Salman, Salman took his advice seriously and look how well Asin is doing now.
She has not only been cast in the Salman starrer London Dreams but she has developed a great friendship with him too. In fact after seeing her perform so well in London Dreams, Salman has too become quite a fan of hers. He is also recommending her to his friends circle too. Asin has certainly cracked the jackpot.”
When contacted Aamir Khan says, “Asin’s a very good performer. I won’t be surprised if she quickly gets noticed by filmmakers.”
It has also been reported that Asin has been roped in for a Walt Disney production and this happened after Aamir recommended her.
Reportedly, Sallu bhai has also been instrumental in getting a house for the South Indian actor in a posh Mumbai suburb.
But did you ever wonder why is suddenly Asin is the blue eyed girl of Salman Khan? Sources confirm that it is because of Aamir Khan.
Sources also say that Aamir Khan has been instrumental in changing her fortunes. Says the insider, “Aamir has loved her performance in Ghajini. In fact, he has been so impressed that he is promoting her big time to his friends in the industry. Aamir and Salman have been good friends for a long time now and both the actors respect each other’s views. Aamir had introduced Asin to Salman and had also put in a word of recommendation for her. This was when Aamir and Asin had initially started working for Ghajini.”
The source further reveals, “People inside and outside the industry know that Aamir is a perfectionist and so when he makes a suggestion, everyone takes his advice very seriously. So, when he recommended Asin to Salman, Salman took his advice seriously and look how well Asin is doing now.
She has not only been cast in the Salman starrer London Dreams but she has developed a great friendship with him too. In fact after seeing her perform so well in London Dreams, Salman has too become quite a fan of hers. He is also recommending her to his friends circle too. Asin has certainly cracked the jackpot.”
When contacted Aamir Khan says, “Asin’s a very good performer. I won’t be surprised if she quickly gets noticed by filmmakers.”
It has also been reported that Asin has been roped in for a Walt Disney production and this happened after Aamir recommended her.
I'm getting good offers post 'Bigg Boss': Zulfi Syed
He might not have won season two of "Bigg Boss", but model-turned-actor Zulfi Syed says he has been noticed by filmmakers after the reality TV show and is now getting good offers.
"Post-'Bigg Boss' I have got some very good offers. I'm going through some good scripts. Though I cannot divulge any details as of now, I will soon make a decision," Zulfi said.
But he denies that he accepted the show to get publicity.
"I wanted to be a part of show not only for money and popularity but because I wanted to see whether I'll be able to live without any communication from the outside world for days together. I wanted to experience something like this," said Zulfi, who was the most shy among other housemates.
Zulfi started off as a model and did commercials for Raymond's, Warehouse and Levis among others. He also featured in various music videos and then made his Bollywood debut with "Pyaasa", which flopped. It was followed by forgettable films like "Taj Mahal", "Chupke Se", "Mr Hot and Mr Kool" and more recently "Deshdrohi".
"I do not regret doing the kind of films I have done. I'm not from a filmy background so I can't expect that I'll get a good film every day," Zulfi said.
Now the actor says he is looking forward to a better career in films.
Does he feel bad on not winning "Bigg Boss"?
"No, I'm not feeling bad at all on not being declared the winner because winning and losing is not the only thing. I came out with my dignity and that's more important to me.
"Post-'Bigg Boss' I have got some very good offers. I'm going through some good scripts. Though I cannot divulge any details as of now, I will soon make a decision," Zulfi said.
But he denies that he accepted the show to get publicity.
"I wanted to be a part of show not only for money and popularity but because I wanted to see whether I'll be able to live without any communication from the outside world for days together. I wanted to experience something like this," said Zulfi, who was the most shy among other housemates.
Zulfi started off as a model and did commercials for Raymond's, Warehouse and Levis among others. He also featured in various music videos and then made his Bollywood debut with "Pyaasa", which flopped. It was followed by forgettable films like "Taj Mahal", "Chupke Se", "Mr Hot and Mr Kool" and more recently "Deshdrohi".
"I do not regret doing the kind of films I have done. I'm not from a filmy background so I can't expect that I'll get a good film every day," Zulfi said.
Now the actor says he is looking forward to a better career in films.
Does he feel bad on not winning "Bigg Boss"?
"No, I'm not feeling bad at all on not being declared the winner because winning and losing is not the only thing. I came out with my dignity and that's more important to me.
Dostana
With the succes of Dostana, Abhishek Bacchan, John Abraham and Bobby Deol are basking in the sun.
Although it must be clarified, that at the point of basking, both Abhishek and Bobby were fully clothed. As far as John, well… he showed solidarity with world-wide recession. He seems to be given up upper body apparel and now as it appears — is wearing only a belt and slippers at all public functions. I’m also told on good authority, (mostly by John himself), that he’s seriously considering chucking the slippers too.
What very few people know is that Abhishek, John, Bobby and me have a lot in common. Take education as an example. We all studied at the prestigious Bhola Classes and noticed after a couple of turns that there was no sign of Bhola and we all gave up the class forever, after just three sessions.
Now here’s the issue. My wife wants me to re-enact some of the good scenes from Dostana. Initially, I thought that it meant leaving her for a male nurse. However, what she actually wanted was far more difficult and vulgar. The wife wanted me to recreate the scene where John comes out of the sea wearing only a wristband seductively woven around one butt cheek. I tried to use logic, however she refused to accept the fact that John’s wristband wouldn’t go over my wrist, forget the damn buttock.
After some subtle negotiations, I settled for a table-cloth and off we went to the beach. Finally, the wife, video camera in hand, signalled me to come out of the water. Enwrapped in the tablecloth, I did my best John Abraham meets Ursula Andress impersonation. As I reached the sand, I lifted my hands to press down my new hair like John. That’s when the tablecloth lost its balance and fell off. Nobody told me it was the mating season for the jellyfish. It’s sufficient to say, that if it is mating season for the jellyfish, the most stupid thing you could do, is to approach an amorous jellyfish in the raw. Jellyfish as lovers are extremely forward.
Thank you John, Abhi and Bobby. I hope the hospital TV doesn’t show ...err…Dostana.
Although it must be clarified, that at the point of basking, both Abhishek and Bobby were fully clothed. As far as John, well… he showed solidarity with world-wide recession. He seems to be given up upper body apparel and now as it appears — is wearing only a belt and slippers at all public functions. I’m also told on good authority, (mostly by John himself), that he’s seriously considering chucking the slippers too.
What very few people know is that Abhishek, John, Bobby and me have a lot in common. Take education as an example. We all studied at the prestigious Bhola Classes and noticed after a couple of turns that there was no sign of Bhola and we all gave up the class forever, after just three sessions.
Now here’s the issue. My wife wants me to re-enact some of the good scenes from Dostana. Initially, I thought that it meant leaving her for a male nurse. However, what she actually wanted was far more difficult and vulgar. The wife wanted me to recreate the scene where John comes out of the sea wearing only a wristband seductively woven around one butt cheek. I tried to use logic, however she refused to accept the fact that John’s wristband wouldn’t go over my wrist, forget the damn buttock.
After some subtle negotiations, I settled for a table-cloth and off we went to the beach. Finally, the wife, video camera in hand, signalled me to come out of the water. Enwrapped in the tablecloth, I did my best John Abraham meets Ursula Andress impersonation. As I reached the sand, I lifted my hands to press down my new hair like John. That’s when the tablecloth lost its balance and fell off. Nobody told me it was the mating season for the jellyfish. It’s sufficient to say, that if it is mating season for the jellyfish, the most stupid thing you could do, is to approach an amorous jellyfish in the raw. Jellyfish as lovers are extremely forward.
Thank you John, Abhi and Bobby. I hope the hospital TV doesn’t show ...err…Dostana.
Farhan Akhtar to dabble in tv production
Four years after being a judge on dance reality show "Nach Baliye", filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar is returning to TV as the host of "Oye! It's Friday!". And there are all chances of him turning producer for the small screen in the near future.
"Production for television is a strong possibility I have in mind for future. We have been thinking over it and I do have a team that has been brainstorming over the idea for some time now. But my hands are so full right now, it's tough to take a call on it," Farhan said.
"As of now, I am dedicating my time entirely to my films. Devoting time to decide the creative aspect of a show we want to produce is not something I feel is possible. But it will happen sometimes," he added.
Farhan is really excited about "Oye! It's Friday!", which will go on air Dec 12.
"'Oye! It's Friday!' seemed like just the concept I wanted to do. After I did 'Nach Baliye', I wasn't averse to the small screen, but everyone was offering me similar reality shows. But when I was approached for this show, I was quite excited.
"They are trying to do something different with TV content and the concept is something new for Indian production," he said.
The show is all about entertainment sans any specific format. It has humour, music, dance performances, and celebrity guests all rolled into a one-hour show.
Farhan will host the first few episodes of the weekly show and then another celebrity will take over the task from him.
"Production for television is a strong possibility I have in mind for future. We have been thinking over it and I do have a team that has been brainstorming over the idea for some time now. But my hands are so full right now, it's tough to take a call on it," Farhan said.
"As of now, I am dedicating my time entirely to my films. Devoting time to decide the creative aspect of a show we want to produce is not something I feel is possible. But it will happen sometimes," he added.
Farhan is really excited about "Oye! It's Friday!", which will go on air Dec 12.
"'Oye! It's Friday!' seemed like just the concept I wanted to do. After I did 'Nach Baliye', I wasn't averse to the small screen, but everyone was offering me similar reality shows. But when I was approached for this show, I was quite excited.
"They are trying to do something different with TV content and the concept is something new for Indian production," he said.
The show is all about entertainment sans any specific format. It has humour, music, dance performances, and celebrity guests all rolled into a one-hour show.
Farhan will host the first few episodes of the weekly show and then another celebrity will take over the task from him.
After intelligence officer, Sanjay Dutt plays ganglord
After playing a military intelligence officer in Rahul Dholakia's "Lamhaa", Sanjay Dutt is all set to play a ganglord again in "Gangs Of London".
Sanjay plays the leader of the Khalsa gang in a London neighbourhood that protects the Asian community from drug abuse and prostitution. And if Shabina Khan has styled Sanjay's salt-and-pepper beard look in "Lamhaa", it's Arjun Khanna providing him with an all-leather, chains-and-boots look for "Gangs Of London".
Apparently Sanjay, who is rapidly losing weight, is still to lose the paunch. But by the time "Gangs Of London" starts shooting in July next year, he is expected to get rid of all the flab.
"My brother Jassi, who studied filmmaking in New York, is directing 'Gangs Of London' now. Jassi has been researching the various ethnic gangs of London and their looks. And he has come up with this incredible look for Sanjay," producer Bunty Walia said.
Added Jassi: "The look we've designed for Sanju in 'Gangs Of London' has never been tried before."
There's just one problem with sporting a specific look for a film - Sanjay can't shoot for any other film. For instance, two songs of Ajay Chandok's movie "Chatur Singh Two Star" are pending until the actor finishes shooting "Lamhaa" with his film-specific new look.
And now it would be the Khalsa look that would keep Sanjay bound to one project.
"It's not so much a Catch 22 situation for Sanju as it is a Catch-Sanjay situation for me. By giving him a specific look, I'm making sure I can hold on to his attention and dates at one stretch with no distractions," said the director.
Originally, ad filmmaker Shamim Desai was to direct "Gangs of London", but he has been replaced by Jassi.
Bobby Deol is expected to play Sanjay's brother in the film. Also starring in the project are Suniel Shetty, Shaad Randhawa, Dino Morea and Tusshar Kapoor. All of them play members of Sanjay's gang.
Sanjay has earlier played a gangster in films like "Vaastav", "Khalnayak" and the "Munnabhai" series.
Sanjay plays the leader of the Khalsa gang in a London neighbourhood that protects the Asian community from drug abuse and prostitution. And if Shabina Khan has styled Sanjay's salt-and-pepper beard look in "Lamhaa", it's Arjun Khanna providing him with an all-leather, chains-and-boots look for "Gangs Of London".
Apparently Sanjay, who is rapidly losing weight, is still to lose the paunch. But by the time "Gangs Of London" starts shooting in July next year, he is expected to get rid of all the flab.
"My brother Jassi, who studied filmmaking in New York, is directing 'Gangs Of London' now. Jassi has been researching the various ethnic gangs of London and their looks. And he has come up with this incredible look for Sanjay," producer Bunty Walia said.
Added Jassi: "The look we've designed for Sanju in 'Gangs Of London' has never been tried before."
There's just one problem with sporting a specific look for a film - Sanjay can't shoot for any other film. For instance, two songs of Ajay Chandok's movie "Chatur Singh Two Star" are pending until the actor finishes shooting "Lamhaa" with his film-specific new look.
And now it would be the Khalsa look that would keep Sanjay bound to one project.
"It's not so much a Catch 22 situation for Sanju as it is a Catch-Sanjay situation for me. By giving him a specific look, I'm making sure I can hold on to his attention and dates at one stretch with no distractions," said the director.
Originally, ad filmmaker Shamim Desai was to direct "Gangs of London", but he has been replaced by Jassi.
Bobby Deol is expected to play Sanjay's brother in the film. Also starring in the project are Suniel Shetty, Shaad Randhawa, Dino Morea and Tusshar Kapoor. All of them play members of Sanjay's gang.
Sanjay has earlier played a gangster in films like "Vaastav", "Khalnayak" and the "Munnabhai" series.
Kelly Rowland inspired to say 'I do'
After attending former bandmate Beyonce Knowles wedding to Jay-Z, singer Kelly Rowland is inspired to get married.
Rowland has been postponing marriage, but now she wants to tie the knot.
Contactmusic.com reports her saying: "Seeing Beyonce get married to Jay-Z did make me want to tie the knot, but I'm not ready yet."
The 27-year-old Rowland is being kept very busy and she is finding it hard to have a love life.
She added: "I'm just working. I was dumped in my last relationship because I was working so much - another one bites the dust."
Rowland has been postponing marriage, but now she wants to tie the knot.
Contactmusic.com reports her saying: "Seeing Beyonce get married to Jay-Z did make me want to tie the knot, but I'm not ready yet."
The 27-year-old Rowland is being kept very busy and she is finding it hard to have a love life.
She added: "I'm just working. I was dumped in my last relationship because I was working so much - another one bites the dust."
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