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BOLLYWOOD | Guftugu | DECEMBER 2010

Bigg Boss in Global Media Glare with Pamela Anderson
Peepli Live Screened at Indian Film Fest
Kajol to Share Screen with Tanuja after 18 Years
AISHWARYA RAI: Holy Smoke!
VIVEK OBEROI: Gets Mobbed
BIPASHA BASU: Flags Off Marathon
Deepika Best
LARA DUTTA: Thrilled with Role
ILA ARUN: Plays Pak Woman
HRITHIK ROSHAN: Skeptical
SUNNY DEOL: Comedy with Dad

Bigg Boss’ in Global Media Glare with Pamela Anderson


Pamela Anderson dressed in a saree for “Bigg Boss.”

Hollywood model Pamela Anderson danced to the tune of “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” in a miniscule sarong on the reality TV show Bigg Boss catapulting the show into international notoriety. The Indian government’s order to push the show's timings beyond prime time after charges of obscenity has only added to the media frenzy.

The entry of the Hollywood bombshell and the mob that welcomed her at Mumbai airport made news in international newspapers like the London Guardian and New York Post.

The Wall Street Journal is now debating whether the Baywatch babe is "too much for Indian prime time" given the government labeling the content of the show "objectionable" and giving it a virtual A certificate.

British tabloids like the Daily Mail and Sun are following the 43-year-old's antics in the house closely, from her entry into the house in a white saree to a sun bath taken with actor Ashmit Patel who is a self-confessed fan.

Anderson has been flown in to boost audiences for the fourth season of Bigg Boss hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, which has already caused scandals with onscreen relationships and verbal spats between participants.

The show reportedly got its highest viewership the day Anderson entered the house, beating the record set by the viewing figures of rival show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

The Playboy Playmate is reportedly getting a whopping Rs 25 million for her three-day stint in the house.

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'Peepli Live' Screened at Indian Film Fest


Omkar Das Manikpuri (l) and Raghubir Yadav in "Peepli Live."

India's official entry to the Oscars Peepli Live had a special screening at the upcoming International Film Festival of India in Panaji.

"A special screening of Peepli Live in the presence of important cast and crew members has been scheduled at the festival," an IFFI organizer had announced earlier.

Debutante director Anusha Rizvi's critically acclaimed movie is a comic satire that explores the topic of farmer suicides and the subsequent self-absorbed media and political hoopla surrounding it.

The Aamir Khan Productions movie has Naseeruddin Shah, Raghubir Yadav, Omkar Das Manikpuri, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa and Malaika Shenoy in major roles.

The film is India's official entry for the 83rd Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.

IFFI 2010 was held Nov. 22 – Dec. 2 in Panaji city of India's south western state of Goa. The organizers said this edition of the festival commemorate d the golden jubilee of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India.

"Five non-feature films curated by the institute will be screened," an IFFI spokesman said had said prior to the opening.

As part of the celebrations of the platinum jubilee of Oriya cinema, five Oriya films were screened during the 11- day extravaganza.

There was also screening of films associated with Dadasaheb Phalke awardees like V.K. Murti and D. Ramanaidu.

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Kajol to Share Screen with Tanuja after 18 Years


Kajol

The mother-daughter duo of veteran actress Tanuja and Kajol will be seen together on-screen in Toonpur Ka Superrhero after nearly two decades.

The film, produced by actor Ajay Devgn, will see him starring along with his wife, Kajol and animated characters.

Kajol and Tanuja are going to share screen space 18 years after her debut film Bekhudi in 1992.

Similar to Bekhudi, Tanuja will play Kajol's mom in Toonpur Ka Superrhero.

Though Tanuja is doing a cameo in the film, her role is a significant one. It is slated for a Christmas release next month.

Also, Ajay and Kajol will be back together in Toonpur Ka Superhero after You Me Aur Hum. Other movies where they paired up include Hulchul, Gundaraj, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Dil Kya Kare and Raju Chacha.

The couple was recently blessed with a baby boy whom they have named Yug. Their elder daughter Nysa is seven years old.

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AISHWARYA RAI: Holy Smoke!


Aishwarya Rai

Demanding immediate removal of all posters showing Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai smoking a cigarette in her latest film Guzaarish, resident doctors working in public hospitals wore black bands as mark of protest.

The young doctors also demanded that the smoking scene in the film that was released Friday be removed immediately.

"We are in the process of writing letters to the Information and Broadcasting and Health Ministry to the effect," Dr Pankaj Nalavade, secretary, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors-KEM Hospital, told reporters.

"Knowing fully well the ill-effects of smoking, how could Aishwarya allow herself to act in the film Guzaarish smoking away a cigarette and also allowed that particular scene to be used by advertisers through big hoardings all over the city giving wrong signals to young minds," a representative of the resident doctors said.

"We are against the act of Aishwarya in the film. The person bestowed with Padmashree and once crowned as Miss World should be a role model for youngsters. She was the one who inspired people through an eye donation campaign but with this advertisement for smoking, she will be only promoting ideas for ill-health," the doctors’ representative said.

They have also written a letter to Aishwarya asking her whether the producer and the PR agency had taken her consent for use of the particular picture for the advertisement.

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VIVEK OBEROI: Gets Mobbed


Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji in “Saathiya.”

He came to flag off a house-building charity in New Delhi but actor Vivek Oberoi landed up locked in a room for hours as a sea of crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the star.

The Saathiya actor was in Bawana village on the outskirts of Delhi to promote a CSR initiative by Cathay Pacific and Habitat for Humanity, when hundreds of villagers, mostly young boys and girls, thronged the tiny community centre to see him.

The 34-year-old actor was supposed to lay bricks for the foundation of three houses, but the curious mob made it impossible for the event to go on outdoors and Vivek was quickly whisked inside a room before his fans got anywhere close to him.

"I was outside interacting, when the mob increased in number and I was dragged in. I am holed up in here, don't know when I'll be able to get out. My car is just fifty feet away but the way towards it is packed with people," Vivek told PTI.

There were people everywhere, blocking the gates, on the boundary walls and roof-tops. Little kids were hanging from the windows of the room where Vivek was seated.

"You have to constantly tell yourself that it is all because they love you. I enjoy the attention but sometimes the situation gets a little out of hand," he added.

The situation got so out of hand here that organizers had to call the police to clear the mob and let the actor out.

"We anticipated some crowds, but had not expected such a large turnout. We've had other house-building events before, but this is the first time we have encountered such a thing," said Ashish Kapur from Cathay Pacific.

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BIPASHA BASU: Flags Off Marathon


Bipasha Basu

Bollywood beauty Bipasha Basu paid an early morning visit to New Delhi, flagging off the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

The actress is the brand ambassador of the marathon which espouses the cause of education for the girl child. Despite being down with a bout of fever and cold, Bipasha made time to interact with a group of young fans at the event and answered their questions.

"Firstly it is very important to study and be confident. Acting is a creative medium, it not only requires skill but also luck and love and support of people," she advised the youngsters.

The Bengali beauty, who had earlier participated in the Mumbai Marathon, hoped that Delhi too runs with all its spirit.

"I hope that Delhi has the same spirit or even better than Mumbai. I'm extremely excited and proud, being the face of a gold label marathon and it is amazing watching people celebrating their city together," said the actress.

The “Beedi Jalaile” beauty is a self-confessed fitness fanatic and says that fit people are an inspiration to her.

"People who are fit are my icons. Every time I hit the gym, I see 50- 60 year old aunties working out regularly which is a brilliant sight," she said.

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Deepika Best


Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone in “Break Ke Baad.”

Budding Bollywood star Imran Khan says his Break Ke Baad co-star Deepika Padukone is his best till date.

"I love Deepika and she is my best co star till date," he said, rating her over all his previous co-stars including Sonam Kapoor with whom his last movie I Hate Luv Storys did well at the box office.

Imran plays Abhay Gulati while Deepika essays the character of Aaliya Khan in Break Ke Baad which releases Nov. 26.

"Both Abhay and Aaliya have known each other since they were four-years-old. Their friendship turned into love at the tender age of 15, when Abhay realizes Aaliya is the girl for him," says Imran about his character.

However, Aaliya's life is defined by her burning desire to become an actress and she is unmindful of what or who comes in her way. Abhay, who is still unsure about what he wants to do, finds himself competing with Aaliya's incessant plans and projects to fulfill her dreams.

While their relationship blooms because of their personality differences, the baggage because of these differences also grows silently, he said.

According to Imran, Break Ke Baad is not just a coming of age film, but a film about couples growing up - together.

In a fickle world where relationships break up on the smallest of differences, Abhay and Aaliya manage to save theirs.

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LARA DUTTA: Thrilled with Role


Lara Dutta

Bollywood actress Lara Dutta is excited about playing an ultra sophisticated "mystery miss" in Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2.

"I have come back from the shooting for Don 2 in Berlin and it has been fantastic so far. My role is super sophisticated and glamorous," Lara told PTI, without divulging further details about her character.

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Don 2 - The Chase Continues, an action thriller, is the sequel to the 2006 hit Don - The Chase Begins Again, which itself was a remake of the 1978 film Don.

"Farhan is a young and talented director. I always look forward to working with Shah Rukh," Lara said.

The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Om Puri and Kunal Kapoor. Hrithik Roshan will be seen doing a cameo appearance in the film.

The film will hit cinema houses Dec. 23 next year.

The former Miss Universe, who turns producer with Chalo Dilli, a comic satire, is thrilled about the new development.

"I move onto my first home production Chalo Dilli, which is a light-hearted satire with Vinay Pathak in Jaipur under my production house called Bheegi Basanti. This is really exciting time for me and I would ensure I do not get stressed during my first film," Lara said.

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ILA ARUN: Plays Pak Woman


Ila Arun (r) at the “West is West” after party during the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.

Singer-actress Ila Arun who plays Om Puri's wife in West is West, said that Pakistani women will appreciate her in the movie as she is representing them.

The film is the sequel to the 1999 East is East and stars Arun as Om Puri's wife back in Pakistan.

"Pakistani women will love me because I am representing them in the film," Arun told PTI here at the sidelines of International Film Festival of India 2010.

The crossover film, starring Aqib Khan, Linda Bassett, Jimi Mistry besides Arun and Om Puri, picks up where East is East ends.

The 1999 film, directed by Damien O'Donnell, had vividly charted the conflicts of a mixed-race Pakistani-English family and won a BAFTA for Outstanding British film.

West is West has already been screened at Toronto, Abu Dhabi and London film festivals.

"The film has been shown in three festivals. People have said that it is better than the prequel," said Arun.

Arun said that working in the sequel of a film which is already a success was a great platform.

Arun also insisted that the sequel is not just a comedy.

"When you make a sequel, there is a fear as to how people will take the film. The previous one was just a comedy but this time it has many other aspects too," she said.

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HRITHIK ROSHAN: Skeptical


Hrithik Roshan in “Guzaarish.”

Guzaarish is the first time Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has teamed up with acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the actor says he was initially skeptical about taking up the film.

"I was skeptical about the role because I was evolved enough as an actor and was apprehensive whether I'd be able to translate his creative genius onscreen. But when Mr Bhansali narrated the script, he had me crying and laughing at the same time and I couldn't wait to start working," said Hrithik.

The 36-year-old actor plays a magician who turns into a paraplegic bound to a wheelchair after a magic trick goes wrong. The actor says that though the movie is intense and tragic, it also makes people smile.

"The film is dark, intense with a tragic story but it is magical as it makes people smile. Ethan is the happiest character I have ever played and he puts a smile on everyone's face," said Hrithik, who was in New Delhi.

Hrithik has paired opposite Aishwarya Rai for the third time and the actor says that his equation with the former Miss World is "perfect."

"Ten years ago, we gave our first shot together for a cold drink commercial. Our equation has been perfect ever since. Our approach to work is similar. It’s great to work with a friend and there are no ego issues between us," said the actor.

Aishwarya, who has acted with Hrithik in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar, plays his nurse in Guzaarish. They share a special bond which eventually turns towards love.

"While watching the film, you suddenly realize that it is a love story and Guzaarish is one of the most beautiful love stories you will ever see," said Hrithik.

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SUNNY DEOL: Comedy with Dad


Sunny Deol with dad Dharmendra (c) and brother Bobby (r) in “Apne.”

Bollywood star Sunny Deol, who teams up with his brother and father once again for Yamla, Pagla, Deewana, says it was initially awkward to pull off fun dialogues in front of Dharmendra.

The three Deols -- Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby-- starred together in 2007 emotional drama Apne but their next outing is a fun-filled comedy. Dharmendra and Bobby Deol play conmen in the movie while Sunny is an upright NRI, who returns to India after two decades.

"I have seen my dad in so many films and in such great comedies but he was a surprise on the sets. Initially, it was a little odd interacting with him like that but we overcame it and went along with the flow of our characters and it was fun," Sunny told PTI.

The 54-year-old actor, best known for his action films like Ghayal, Damini, Ziddi, Border and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, is confident that Samir Karnik's film will show the fun side of Deols.

Karnik has not only brought the father and sons together, he also ensures that they make fun of themselves in the movie.

In one promo Sunny is seen taking a potshot at his father's famous scene from 1975 film Sholay, saying, "Those days are gone when you could get things done by climbing on a water tower" while Bobby is shown taking a snipe at his brother's famous hand pump wielding scene from Gadar.

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Click here to read the Current Issue in PDF Format

COVER STORY
Continuity, Not Change:
Obama in India

U.S. President Barack Obama’s trip to the U.S. is an indicator of India’s economic heft in global politics, writes Siddharth Srivastava.


SUBCONTINENT
Suicides in Andhra:
Microfinance Mess

The recent spate of suicides in Andhra Pradesh suggests something has gone horribly wrong with microfinance institutions, writes Philip Mader.


PHILANTHROPY
A Lot of Heart:
DIL Fundraiser

At DIL’s annual gala, over 300 people gathered to support basic education for underprivileged Pakistani kids, writes Ras H. Siddiqui.


OTHER STORIES
EDITORIAL: Obama in India
NEWS DIARY: November
POLITICS: Statehouse Wins
SUBCONTINENT: India’s Myanmar Ties
ETHNIC PRESS: Media Fusion
REAL ESTATE: Mortgage Woes & Holidays
ENVIRONMENT: Last Chance in Cancun?
TRAVEL: Melbourne, Australia
CELEBRATION: Sir Syed Day
OBITUARY: Siddhartha Shankar Ray
RECIPE: Gujarati Handvo
AUTO REVIEW: 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 Krom
BOLLYWOOD: Film Review: Golmaal 3
BOLLYWOOD: Guftugu
TAMIL FILM REVIEW: Kanimozhi
BUSINESS: News Briefs
COMMUNITY: News Briefs
INFOTECH INDIA: Tech Briefs
HOROSCOPE: December

ASK THE EXPERTS - Advertorials
New Health Care Law: What's in it for Small Business?
New Health Care Law: What's in it for Seniors?
New Health Care Law: How Does It Help People Without Insurance, Jobs, Papers?
New Health Care Law: How It Impacts Children

SPORTS
2010 Commonweatlth Games
New Delhi - Photos




ENTERTAINMENT
IIFA Awards 2010: SRI LANKA: JUNE 2010



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IIFA Awards 2008
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81st Annual Academy Awards
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