My-India.net Bollywood Movie Portal : My-India Movies: November 2007

New Delhi/Mumbai, Nov 29 (ANI): Yesteryear's heartthrob Madhuri Dixit is finally returning back to silver screen with 'Aaja Nachle', and has donned the grease paint once again for a role of a theatre actress.

The queen of Indian marquee, Madhuri Dixit has already generated enough buzz for the movie, which will be released this Friday.

The movie has been produced by Yash Raj Films and marks the debut of Anil Mehta as director. For cinematographer-turned-director Anil Mehta, importance lies in how audience would react to it.

"I do not have the forecasting skills in me as to how the film will perform. But I'm eagerly waiting on how the audiences will react to the film and what will be their reaction to this film," Mehta said.

Noted film critics Komal Nahata believes that Mehta must have been able to do justice to the file.

"I have absolutely no doubts that Anil Mehta would have done fullest justice to his job as a director, more because he has given command of cinematography to another cinematographer; And if Aditya Chopra has signed him he must have been convinced that he is a good director; but it is all about whether the story appeals to the public or not," Nahata.

In this film Madhuri plays the role of theatre actress Dia, whose ten-year sojourn into the world of theatre has been portrayed.

The film is made against the backdrop of the theatre world and promises to be a gripping foray with plenty of room for exploration, as very few films have actually dealt with this subject.

The rest of the cast includes the Imran played by the impressive Kunal Kapoor, local tomboy Anokhi (Konkona Sen), local ex-MLA Chaudhary Om Singh (Akhilendra Mishra), tea stall owner Mohan Sharma (Ranvir Shorey), government official Mr. Chojar (Vinay Pathak), struggling insurance agent Sanjeev Mehta portrayed by Jugal Hansraj, the town vagabond Dhankuber (Nowaz) and a host of others.

Publicists of the film are very cautiously promoting the film as Madhuri's come back movie. The film's promos are on every channel and major newspapers are carrying advertisements of the film's release.

Film critics are, however, not very upbeat about the film release while at the same time do not rule out Madhuri's comeback.

"I would like to say that if the film is good, the film would pick up. Yash Raj film, Chak De India (Come on India) did not have that good an opening, but because the film had merits the film went on to become the biggest hit of 2007 so far. So you can't rule out if the film is good she will be able to stage a come back because there is a craze and curiosity to see her. This film per say has not been able to generate the kind of lead that one would have wanted it too," said Nahata.

The audience's opinion is more or less unanimous with cine buffs wanting to watch her comeback movie.

The fans are euphoric over the new release and one such fan is Pappu Sardar of Jharkhand.

"Madhuri Dixit's film Aaja Nachle is being released; therefore we have come to Jharkhand to make the people dance here. The movie will be screened at Highlight theatre (in Jharkhand) and on every ticket one will get a key ring and an ice cream," said Pappu Sardar. (ANI)
--MP

Munnabhai thanks family, fans for support

Mumbai, Nov.29 (ANI): Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt today thanked his family and fans for supporting him in his troubled times.

In his first comments after reaching his Bandra Hills residence from Pune's Yerawada Jail, where he was lodged after his conviction, the actor said he had "full faith in the judiciary of the country".

"I just want to thank my people of my country, the love of my fans, I want to thank the media for being so supportive to me...I want to thank my family, I love them," Dutt told reporters in a voice choked with emotion.

He also thanked noted jurists Fali S Nariman and family friend V R Maohar for their support.

"They all have done a great job and I really appreciate that," Dutt added.

The actor, sentenced to six years' RI under the Arms Act in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, had spent 37 days behind bars in his second stint this year, from where he had been released earlier on an interim bail by the apex court and re-lodged on October 22. (ANI)
--MP

Reunion of Shailendra Sigh and Mithun Chakraborty
28 Nov, 2007

Shailendra Singh, who is known for his voice with difference recorded
a Bhojpuri song in Sativika Studio in Mumbai which will be picturised
on Mithun Chakraborty in Bhojpuri Film "Bhole Shankar". Commenting on
this casting coup Mithun said, "It is indeed a pleasure to have a
singer like Shailendra Singh in our team. When director Pankaj Shukla
narrated the song situation to me, the very first name that came into
my mind was Shailendra Singh. And, I was so happy to learn that even
Pankaj has thought to get this song sung by Shailendra."

Present at the time of recording of the song was hero of the film and
Super star of Bhojpuri Cinema, Manoj Tiwari 'Mridul'. Manoj welcomed
Mr. Shailendra Singh to Bhojpuri Cinema and said, "Bhojpuri Cinema has
finally arrived in big way and after likes of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan,
Hema Malini and Ajay Devgan supporting the revival of Bhojpuri Cinema,
more and more Stars of Hindi Cinema are open to it. Mr. Shailendra
Singh has been the idol of many singers and he has a huge fan
following around the world. To have Shailendra Singh in the team of
"Bhole Shankar" is nothing less than an honor."

Director Pankaj Shukla is making casting coups for Bhojpuri Cinema
again and again. Last one heard about his debut film as director was
for the news that he has managed to rope in two times National Award
Winner for Best Actor and a cult star of Hindi Cinema, Mithun
Chakraborty in his film "Bhole Shankar". Then he roped in Sa Re Ga Ma
Pa Finalists Raja Hasan and Mauli to sing for this film. Raja Hasan
lapped the song which was originally composed keeping Rahet Fateh Ali
Khan in mind whereas Mauli sings a peppy solo number in the film.

Produced by Gulshan Bhatia, "Bhole Shankar" boasts of a huge cast and
is seen as the biggest Bhojpuri film till date. Mithun Chakraborty
plays a very special role in the film while Manoj Tiwari Mridul plays
the main male lead. The film has three heroines cast opposite Manoj,
namely Mona Lisa, Lovy Rohatgi and Niraali, while likes of Rajesh
Vivek, Gopal Singh and Shabnam Kapoor are doing the character roles.
Crime Reporter fame Raghvendra Mudgal makes debut on big screen with
this film. "Bhole Shankar" has lyrics by Bipin Bahar and Music by
Dhananjay Mishra. Reunion of Shailendra Sigh and Mithun Chakraborty

Indian theatre artistes stage play on Bhagat Singh in Pakistan
27 Nov, 2007

Lahore, Nov 27 (ANI): Commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, Indian theatre group Punarjyot staged a play on his life at Camp 4 in Pakistan on Monday.

The artistes tried to convey the message thorough this play that despite being from different religions, the freedom fighters of India worked together for freedom against the British rule.

Bikram Jeet Ranjha from Amritsar played Bhagat Singh in the play, which was directed by Kewal Singh, the Daily Times reported, adding that the audience appreciated and enjoyed songs such as Rang de Basanti Chola among others.

As a child, Bhagat Singh was deeply affected by the 1919 Jalianwala Bagh Massacre, in which British forces mercilessly killed hundreds of men, women and children on orders of General Dyer on April 13, 1919.

Born on September 28, 1907, Bhagat Singh is considered to be one of the most famous revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He is also known as Shaheed Bhagat Singh

He was born to a family that had earlier been involved in revolutionary activities against the British Raj.

At the age of 13, Bhagat Singh actively participated in the Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

He was one of the leaders and founders of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

Bhagat Singh was hanged at the age of 24 years on March 23, 1931 for shooting a British police officer in response to the killing of veteran social activist Lala Lajpat Rai. (ANI)
--MP

Supreme Court grants bail to Sanjay Dutt in 1993 Mumbai blasts case

New Delhi, Nov 27 (ANI): The Supreme Court today granted bail to Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who has been sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by a TADA Court under the Arms Act.

While granting bail to Dutt, the apex court said Dutt will have to furnish a bond subject to satisfaction of the TADA judge and his passport will remain deposited.

The apex court will now hold hearing in the case next after six months, implying Dutt's relief will be of at least that period.

Dutt is presently lodged in Pune's Yerawada jail since October 22.

Dutt had approached the apex court following his conviction for illegally keeping arms - an AK 56 rifle and a pistol, relating to the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Dutt's lawyer argued that the apex court should grant him bail on the ground of his conduct, and that he has never broken the law in the past one decade since he was first granted bail in connection with the case.

Two months earlier, Dutt had received an interim bail from the apex court as he had not received a copy of his judgement.

Dutt, surrendered before the TADA court last week after he received a copy of the special court's judgement

He had spent 22 days at the same jail in August, before he received the interim bail by the Supreme Court on August 20.

Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)
- AY

Karnataka kudis rule Bollywood
26 Nov, 2007

New Delhi, Nov.26 (ANI): Once can be termed a fluke. The second makes a point and the third time its validation. Aishwarya Rai, then Shilpa Shetty and now Deepika Padukone, the three damsels from Karnataka have captured the imagination of the Bombay film industry.

Their dancing skills, chiseled bodies, large limpid eyes, perfect diction and dialogue delivery, dignified demeanour has the industry and viewers accepting the fact that Kannadigas have more to offer than Deve Gowda and rava dosai.

And yet another K factor. If you combine a KK (Karnataka Kudi) with another K (khan) well you get sparkles. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam had the KK plus K combine of Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan and that raked in huge moolah and Om Shanti Om has the KK plus K of Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan, and what a blockbuster that one is.

That brings us to the other Karnataka Kudi, Shilpa Shetty. She has managed to melt the icy Brit hearts. So far, the Brits thought that only Udupi cuisine is what came out of Mangalore, that coastal city (mind it, its not a town) in Karnataka. Not so. This hot Kannadiga lady has shown that Mangalore has ice (Aishwarya) and fire (Shilpa). Now beat that.

But why call them 'kudis' which is the Punjabi word for 'lass' you might ask...because they can do the Punjabi thumak better than the Punjabi leading ladies of today. Watch Shilpa Shetty gyrating in OSO and see the Punjabi kudi Karishma Kapoor shaking her head and bobbing her knee....what was Farah Khan thinking? See Aishawarya doing the gidda in Bride and Prejudice and look at the dancing of Priyanka Chopra or Lara Datta. There is grace and vigour in Aishwarya, but in Priyanka and Lara's style its in your face heaving and jumping and lip biting.

And what about the new K entrant. Deepika Padukone is disarmingly charming as 'dreamy girl'. Her poise and innocent looks are signs that she is "lambi race ka ghoda (ghodi?). So, whereas there will always be room for Kareenas and Poojas of the film industry, the reigning queen will always be from the Deccan, whether it is Vijayanti Mala Bali, Hema Malini, Rekha or Vidya Balan.

Maybe, it can be loaned for a while to bong bombshells like Rakhee, Sharmila Tagore, Kajol or Rani. But for today, it's with the K brigade, thank you. (ANI)
- AY

No takers for Pakistani agenda to mislead Punjabi youth

Chandigarh, Nov 25 (ANI): Pakistan Radio's repetitive attempts to mislead the youth living in Punjab, especially those who are living along the Indo-Pak border of the state, has evoked unhappiness among them.

The credentials of Pakistan Radio are now being questioned as it persistently tries to spread strident anti-India disinformmation through its "punjabi Durbar" programme.

The Punjabi Darbar bulletin has once again alleged that New Delhi is responsible for a decade of terrorism in Punjab.

Rejecting this notion, people of the state instead blame Pakistan for spreading terror in India and giving safe sanctuary to those who have left no stone unturned to terrorise Indian society.

"Pakistan has created terror in India. And now they are trapped in their own net.   It is Pakistan that pushed terror here," Gurmit Singh Bablu, the Chairman, Shahi-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Youth Front, said.

He also feels that Pakistan always tries to infuse communal strife in Punjab to derail the state from the path of development and prosperity.

"It is the people of Punjab who have foiled their (Pakistani) plan of ruining the cordial atmosphere here. The Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and people from every other religion are having good relations," Bablu said.

Leaders of ruling Akali Dal in Punjab are of the opinion that the terror that the state witnessed a few decades ago was Pakistan's sponsored.

Mandeep Singh Manna, an Akali Dal youth leader, says: "It is an open fact that terror in Punjab was the brainchild of Pakistan. In actual, Pakistan is the father of terrorism and the world knows this."

The broadcasts aired from Lahore are directed at Sikhs living in the border areas.

It would be pertinent to mention here that the Punjab Government, be it the Akali Dal or the Congress Governments, has time and again launched various schemes, programmes to generate employment, spread awareness, and make its youth self dependent.

Not only government instrumentalities, but also several non-governmental organisations have always been active in these programmes.

On November 24, the students of Government College, Karmsar, Rara Sahib, were educated about various career guidance schemes, vocational training programmes, self-help and placement services by 'Sukrit', an organisation which focuses on youth activities.

On the same day, Punjab Technical Education and Social Security Minister Chaudhary Swarna Ram announced that two driving training centres-one each in Bathinda and Jalandhar districts-will be opened to train nearly 50,000 youth in driving skills to enable them secure good jobs in foreign countries.

The Minister further said that in order to promote vocational education in the state, five more centres with an intake capacity of 600 students, would be opened shortly.

Apart from this a polytechnic college between Rahon and Nawanshahr will be opened to provide engineering diploma courses to nearly 1200 youth.

In addition to all schemes and programmes, the Punjab Government's Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) trains unemployed youth to help them in their absorption in Army, Para Military Forces, Semi-Government and Industrial houses besides imbibing amongst them self-discipline, spirit of national integration and dignity of labour.

It also provide them coaching for joining technical training in various ITI's of the State thus providing them the where-withal for taking up self employment ventures

The Scheme has achieved commendable results in channelising their energies and thinking towards creative work apart from involving them in skill creation, discipline, and creation of work culture and dignity of labour among the youth thus bringing them in the national mainstream.

Till March 31, 2006, 1,05,582 youth have undergone training in various camps out of which 65946 youth have been provided with wage employment

It seems that despite of these conspicuous facts, Pakistan keeps on propagating such malicious facts just to hide the turmoil in its own country.

This is not the first time that this programme has received such a harsh response from the Punjabi youth and society. In the past too it had tried to infuse some sort of separatist ideas, but received hard-hitting replies.

Punjab has earned the epithet "Granary India" for its enterprising spirit, and the untiring toil of its people and has, now, become a land of boundless opportunities, offering distinct advantages for investment and industry, and it seems that Pakistan cannot digest this fact and cannot see a prosperous and developed Punjab.

People of Punjab, who are dynamic, have worked hard to enrich the soil, develop the water resources, and adapt agricultural technology to usher the "Green Revolution" in the country.

It is hard to believe Pakistan Radio when it says that the youth in India, and especially in Punjab, is faced with a grim future. (ANI)

Desh Drohi - Bollywood Movie Gallery
25 Nov, 2007

Konkona Sen Sharma Gallery

Film Bazaar to open at IFFI today
24 Nov, 2007

Panaji, Nov 24 (ANI): The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)'s Film Bazaar 2007 will open at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today.

The three-day Film Bazaar is aimed at providing an interactive platform between prospective buyers and sellers of film rights from India and abroad.

The international participants are Global Film Initiative, Back Up Films, Onoma International, Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, Shanghai Film Group, China Film Co-production, Arclight Films Malaysian Broadcasting Corporation, Astra and Miriam Arab of Cannes Market.

Sales agents and financiers including Fortissimo Films and Paris based Memento Films, and Germany's Pandora.

As part of the Film Bazaar, 15 pre-selected projects drawn from all over India will be presented to the participants. These projects are at different stages of development.

The NFDC is also organising a script development workshop, screenwriters' bloc, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday as a run up to the IFFI.

The workshop pairs six mentors with the writers of eight pre-selected screenplays. Danis Tanovic, Bernd Lichtenberg and Olivia Hetreed are among the high-profile writers who will mentor eight students.

Tanovic wrote as well as directed 'No Man's Land', while Lichtenberg's credits as writer include 'Goodbye Lenin!' and Hetreed scripted 'Girl With A Pearl Earring'.

The three European writers will join India's Shaji Karun (Nishad), Anjum Rajabali (Legend of Bhagat Singh) and Ashwini Malik (Clever And Lonely) as mentors at the six-day workshop.

In addition, writer-director Mani Ratnam (Guru) will participate as a guest mentor and hold a master class.

Participating projects include English-language scripts such as Pubali Chaudhuri's Happy Ever After, along with scripts in Hindi and other Indian languages. (ANI)
- AY

38th International Film Festival to begin in Goa today

Panaji, Nov 23 (ANI): The 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will start in Goa from today.

Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the festival.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, P R Dasmunsi and Goa Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat besides several important film personalities will attend the inaugural ceremony.

The inaugural lamp will be lit with the assistance of Priyamani, the rising star of southern cinema.

The Palme D' OR winner of Cannes 2007- titled '4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days' (Romania) will be the opening film at the festival. The director of the film, Cristian Mungiun and the main actress, Anamaria Marinca will also be present.

Besides, there will be other foreign delegates representing various international film festivals from Netherlands, China, Poland and Mexico. A major delegation from Poland and China will also be present.

Portugal-Spain film 'Fados' directed by Carlos Saura will be the closing film for the festival.

The Cinema of the World Section will feature a choice of year's best international cinema. This section will have 76 films from 42 countries.

A specialized competition for feature films by Asian, African and Latin American directors will also be organised. Under this section, fourteen films from 13 countries have been selected for the competition.

Competition jury is headed by the eminent award winning film maker from Hungary Marta Mazaros, who has directed more than 60 films and has won awards in Cannes, Berlin, Venice and San Sebastian International Film Festivals.

Other members of the jury are Meltem Cumbul, a young leading actress from Turkey; Shaji N Karun, cinematographer, film director and script writer from Kerala; a noted Argentinean film director Pablo Cesar, who has won awards in the Montreal International Film Festival and National awards in Argentina and Robert Sarkies, a young film maker from New Zealand.

Hungary will be in focus under the section 'Country Focus'. Seven films 'Black Brush' (director Roland Vranik), 'Dealer' (director Benedek Fliegauf), 'Eastern Sugar' (director Ferenc Torok), 'Hukkle' (director Gyorgy Palfi), 'Temptations' (director Zoltan Kamondi), 'The Porcelain Doll' (director Peter Gardos) and 'Vagabond' (director Gyorgy Szomjas).

In 'Film India Worldwide' category, three films 'AIDS Jaago' (Mira Nair), 'Amal' (Richie Mehta) and 'The Pool' (Chris Smith). Retrospective of Ingmar Bergman will feature seven of his highly acclaimed films - 'Autumn Sonata', 'Fanny and Alexander', 'The Seventh Seal', 'The Virgin Spring', 'Through a Glass Darkly', 'Shame', and 'Wild Strawberries'.

Indian Panorama at IFFI - 2007 will present a bouquet of 36 films, 21 features and 15 non-feature films. The package is a mixed bag with stalwarts like Budhadeb Dasgupta and Adoor Gopalakrishnan presenting two films each.

The section will have Ami Iyasin Aar Amaar Madhubala (The Voueurs- Feature) and Naushad Ali- the Melody continues (Non Feature) by Budhadeb Dasgupta and Naalu Penunungal (Four Women- Feature) and The Dance of the Enchantress (Non Feature) by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

The debut directors like Sameer Hanchante, Samir Chanda, and Bhavna Talwar will present their films Gafla (Scam), Ek Nadir Galpo (Tale of a river), and Dharm respectively.

A special section celebrating 60 years of India's independence, India @ 60, will showcase seven patriotic films including three feature and four documentaries.

IFFI will also feature a Film Bazaar for films from India as well as large number of foreign countries, seminars, discussions and press conferences, IFFI Goa film treasures (a section dedicated to international film heritage) and special festival publications on the films being screened.

Theatre facilities for IFFI - 2007 have been significantly upgraded. Nine theatres with a total seating capacity of 3,026 will be part of the festival complex as compared to five theatres with a total seating capacity of 2,200 last year.

The theatres are, Inox Multiplex (4 screens), Kala Academy (2 screens), Ashok & Samrat (2 screens). Two new screens have been added in Maquinez Palace, which have the capacity to be looped.

Over 3500 delegates have registered. Around 350 media persons have registered of which 80 are from Goa. (ANI)
- AY

SRK inaugurates 38th International Film Festival in Goa

Panaji, Nov 23 (ANI): Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan on Friday inaugurated 38th International Film Festival here.

Recognizing the contribution of the ordinary man in raising the popularity of cinema, Khan said, "Cinema provides people independence from loneliness and a perceived bond with the celluloid characters. This enlivens the dreams and a course to look up to."

Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, P R Dasmunsi was also present on the occasion.

Dasmunsi said that in the present era of technological innovations, a new vision is needed to ensure its fruition for the benefit of commoners.

He announced the Government's decision to confer lifetime achievement award to Dilip Kumar, and melody queen Lata Mangeshkar.

The Palme D' OR winner of Cannes 2007- titled '4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days' (Romania) is the opening film at the festival. The director of the film, Cristian Mungiun and the main actress, Anamaria Marinca were also present there.

Portugal-Spain film 'Fados' directed by Carlos Saura will be the closing film for the festival.

The Cinema of the World Section will feature a choice of year's best international cinema. This section will have 76 films from 42 countries.

A specialized competition for feature films by Asian, African and Latin American directors will also be organised. Under this section, fourteen films from 13 countries have been selected for the competition.

Competition jury is headed by the eminent award winning film maker from Hungary Marta Mazaros, who has directed more than 60 films and has won awards in Cannes, Berlin, Venice and San Sebastian International Film Festivals.

Other members of the jury are Meltem Cumbul, a young leading actress from Turkey; Shaji N Karun, cinematographer, film director and script writer from Kerala; a noted Argentinean film director Pablo Cesar, who has won awards in the Montreal International Film Festival and National awards in Argentina and Robert Sarkies, a young film maker from New Zealand.

Hungary will be in focus under the section 'Country Focus'. Seven films 'Black Brush' (director Roland Vranik), 'Dealer' (director Benedek Fliegauf), 'Eastern Sugar' (director Ferenc Torok), 'Hukkle' (director Gyorgy Palfi), 'Temptations' (director Zoltan Kamondi), 'The Porcelain Doll' (director Peter Gardos) and 'Vagabond' (director Gyorgy Szomjas).

In 'Film India Worldwide' category, three films 'AIDS Jaago' (Mira Nair), 'Amal' (Richie Mehta) and 'The Pool' (Chris Smith). Retrospective of Ingmar Bergman will feature seven of his highly acclaimed films - 'Autumn Sonata', 'Fanny and Alexander', 'The Seventh Seal', 'The Virgin Spring', 'Through a Glass Darkly', 'Shame', and 'Wild Strawberries'.

Indian Panorama at IFFI - 2007 will present a bouquet of 36 films, 21 features and 15 non-feature films. The package is a mixed bag with stalwarts like Budhadeb Dasgupta and Adoor Gopalakrishnan presenting two films each.

The section will have Ami Iyasin Aar Amaar Madhubala (The Voueurs- Feature) and Naushad Ali- the Melody continues (Non Feature) by Budhadeb Dasgupta and Naalu Penunungal (Four Women- Feature) and The Dance of the Enchantress (Non Feature) by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

The debut directors like Sameer Hanchante, Samir Chanda, and Bhavna Talwar will present their films Gafla (Scam), Ek Nadir Galpo (Tale of a river), and Dharm respectively.

A special section celebrating 60 years of India's independence, India @ 60, will showcase seven patriotic films including three feature and four documentaries.

IFFI will also feature a Film Bazaar for films from India as well as large number of foreign countries, seminars, discussions and press conferences, IFFI Goa film treasures (a section dedicated to international film heritage) and special festival publications on the films being screened.

Theatre facilities for IFFI - 2007 have been significantly upgraded. Nine theatres with a total seating capacity of 3,026 will be part of the festival complex as compared to five theatres with a total seating capacity of 2,200 last year.

The theatres are, Inox Multiplex (4 screens), Kala Academy (2 screens), Ashok & Samrat (2 screens). Two new screens have been added in Maquinez Palace, which have the capacity to be looped.

Over 3500 delegates have registered. Around 350 media persons have registered of which 80 are from Goa. (ANI)
--MP

Bollywood scores with sport caper 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal'
23 Nov, 2007

New Delhi/Mumbai, Nov 23 (ANI): After flooring audiences in Dubai at a glitzy premiere, Bollywood's sports caper 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal' released to a terrific response across the country today.

The film is about a rag-tag team of South Asians, who win an English soccer tournament, the latest in a string of sports-themed movies, has left the audiences spellbound.

"Movie is good. John's has essayed his role competently. His chemistry with Bipasha is good. The film is about team work based on soccer and how the entire team puts in efforts to win," said Shantanu, a viewer.

"The movie is very good. It's fantastic. John's acting is superb in the movie," said another viewer.

Starring some Bollywood biggies like John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani, 'Goal' focuses on an amateur footballer who hopes to play in the English Premier League but chooses to get there by first resurrecting his local club.

"This is not just a film on football. It's a family film, which will definitely appeal to the youth. We have simplified the game in the film. I think it's the feeling of victory which you get at the end of the film, the in-stadium experience," said actor John Abraham.

Bipasha who plays the role of a physiotherapist and John's love interest, said " The story is about an underdog team that finally wins. I have a very sweet character that fits in really well with that of the boys."

'Goal' is shot at real football stadia in London, including the Manchester stadium, which is considered the Mecca of football.

Bollywood has of late successfully experimented with sports themes, and the year's biggest hit is about the field hockey. (ANI)

Uphaar fire tragedy: 2 years imprisonment for Ansal brothers

New Delhi, Nov 23 (ANI): A Delhi Sessions Court today awarded the owners of Uphaar Cinema hall, Gopal and Sushil Ansal, with two years of imprisonment in connection with the 1997 cinema hall fire tragedy that left 59 people dead and over hundred people injured.

Each of the convicted brothers were fined rupees 5,000 and given bail on an additional rupees 25,000 bond.

Seven other convicts in the case have been given seven years of imprisonment, and remaining three of the twelve convicts have been given two years of imprisonment.

The Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) counsel Y K Saxena and the counsel arguing on behalf of the victims' families, Vikas Pahwa, had sought maximum punishment for all the 12 accused in the case.

The Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) has also filed a written submission on point of sentencing seeking maximum punishment for the guilty.

The court on Monday declared Ansal brothers guilty of criminal negligence in the case. Both have been convicted under Section 304A of Indian Penal Code for causing death of a person/persons by rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.

However, the defence sought for mercy and probation. Gopal Ansal's counsel sought leniency for his client, saying his client had no direct role in the incident.

The CBI, on the other hand had alleged that the accused were directly and criminally negligent in the management of the theatre.

Senior advocate Harish Salve had contended that owners of the cinema hall were liable for penal action.

The court also convicted 10 other accused in the case. They are R. K. Sharma, Ajit Chaudhary, N. S. Chopra, Manmohan Uniyal, Shyam Sunder Sharma, N. D. Tiwari, Hanswaroop Panwar, B. M. Satija, A. K. Gera and Beer Singh.

Shyam Sunder and Tiwari (both Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials), and Delhi Fire Service officer Panwar can face a punishment of a maximum of two years.

Four accused - - R. M. Puri, K. L. Malhotra (both senior employees of hall), S. N. Dandona (Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department) and Delhi Fire Services officer Surender Dutt - - have died during the trial.

The CBI had filed a chargesheet on November 15, 1997, and the court admitted it on January 19, 1998.

During the 10-year-old trial, the CBI had examined 115 witnesses. Among them, eight witnesses, termed as relatives of Ansals, have already turned hostile.

The tragedy took place on June 13, 1997 during the screening of the Hindi film, "Border."

The theatre was engulfed when an overheated generator burst in the basement of the building. Men, women and children all scampered to rush out of the four cinema hall exits. (ANI)
--MP

Bollywood singer Hema Sardesai's musical opposition to SEZs in Goa

Panaji, Nov 23 (ANI): Bollywood singer Hema Sardesai is the latest to join the bandwagon protesting against the government's land acquisition projects, as she sat on a day's hunger strike on Friday to oppose 18 Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to be created in Goa.

The Bollywood singer in her melodious voice sang songs, assailing the government's SEZ projects.

She enumerated the ills of SEZ and demanded that they should be immediately scrapped all over the state.

"I am with this movement of SEZ, to oppose SEZ in Goa. There is no barren land and no infrastructure in Goa. There is shortage of water and electricity supply in Goa. All the building and the development that is going to happen, will bring in more people, which SEZ will be requiring more employment of people from
outside. What about the Goan people then," said Hema.

The movement spearheaded under the banner 'Goa Movement Against SEZ's', saw members from political fraternity, NGO's and the church joining in to lend a common voice against SEZ projects.

The aim of the protest with hunger strike is to draw the attention of the media, government and common masses to the ill effects of SEZ and complete revocation of the all the proposed 18 SEZ projects in the state.

The Congress-led coalition had embarked on an ambitious plan to revitalize industry through setting up of SEZ projects in its quest for ten per cent annual economic growth.

The country's SEZ policies have come under fire of late, with regular protests this year across the country over acquisition of farmland for industry.

The protesters insist that the policy would not create the number of jobs its supporters envisage. (ANI)
--MP

Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal - Dubai Premiere

Tabu Actress Gallery

Film London and Bollywood sign agreement to promote ties
22 Nov, 2007

Mumbai, Nov 22 (ANI): The Film and Television Producers Guild of India (FTPGI) and Film London signed an agreement to promote film ties.

The agreement was signed by Sandy Lieberson chairman of Film London and Ronnie Screwvala FTPGI president here on Wednesday.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and London's mayor Ken Livingstone also attended the function organised on the occasion.

Bachchan said the agreement would make the shooting of the Indian films in London easier.

"For London to extend this facility to us via this signing is a great beginning for greater cooperation between the two nations. We do hold very good relationship with Great Britain but I think in particular when this is focused towards film and the kind of help and cooperation that we expect from London, it is wonderfully well. We want locations, we want permissions. We want facilities immediately available we don't want bureaucratic hold ups," said Bachchan.

Meanwhile, London's mayor Ken Livingstone appreciated Bollywood by saying that films like Moulin Rouge had origins in Bollywood ideas.

"Moulin Rouge is one of the most successful films made in London we saw in the recent times. That could have been made in Bollywood and it stole all the best Bollywood ideas and that is the clearest form of plagiarism," said Livingstone.

As per the agreement London Film and FTPGI agreed to work together to share ideas and best practices on domestic and international film production and promotion.

According to film London over forty Bollywood film have been shot in London in the year 2006.

Success of "Namaste London" one of the recent hit shows that Hindi films generate around 5 million pounds in London annually. (ANI)
--MP

Delhi court to pronounce quantum of sentence in Uphaar case

New Delhi, Nov 22 (ANI): A Delhi Sessions Court will today pronounce the quantum of sentence to 12 persons, who were convicted in connection with the 1997 Uphaar Cinema Hall blaze case.

The court on Wednesday deferred the sentencing in the case till today as the arguments remained inconclusive.

Additional Sessions Judge Mamta Sehgal had said that she will pronounce the quantum of sentence against all the 12 convicts, after hearing the remaining arguments of the defence and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The court on Monday declared Gopal and Sushil Ansal, the owners of the cinema hall, guilty of criminal negligence in the case. Both have been convicted under Section 304A of Indian Penal Code for causing death of a person/persons by rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.

They both can be sentenced to a maximum imprisonment of two years along with a fine.

The verdict came 10 years after the tragedy in which 59 people lost their lives during the screening of the Hindi film, "Border".

The court also convicted 10 other accused in the case. They are R. K. Sharma, Ajit Chaudhary, N. S. Chopra, Manmohan Uniyal, Shyam Sunder Sharma, N. D. Tiwari, Hanswaroop Panwar, B. M. Satija, A. K. Gera and Beer Singh.

Four accused - - R. M. Puri, K. L. Malhotra (both senior employees of hall), S. N. Dandona (Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department) and Delhi Fire Services officer Surender Dutt - - have died during the trial.

The CBI had filed a chargesheet on November 15, 1997, and the court admitted it on January 19, 1998.

The Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) had lodged an FIR alleging death due to negligence against Gopal and Sushil Ansal.

The CBI had alleged that the accused were directly and criminally negligent in the management of the theatre.

Senior advocate Harish Salve had contended that owners of the cinema hall were liable for penal action.

During the 10-year-old trial, the CBI had examined 115 witnesses. Among them, eight witnesses, termed as relatives of Ansals, have already turned hostile.

Fifty-nine people were choked to death, while 109 survived with injuries after the Uphaar Cinema caught fire leading to a stampede on June 13, 1997.

The theatre was engulfed when an overheated generator burst in the basement of the building. Men, women and children all scampered to rush out of the four cinema hall exits. (ANI)
- AY

BCCI plays down controversy over Shahrukh's presence at Jaipur ODI

Rajkot/Mumbai, Nov 21 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday tried to put to rest rumours about actor Shahrukh Khan attending cricket matches to garner publicity for his movies.

A day after Khan said that he was disappointed over a statement by a board official that he was using cricket matches as a platform to promote his movies, the board today looked in a damage control mode by saying that there was no fault of the actor.

"Rameez Raza (Pakistani cricketer turned commentator) asked him something (about his movies) and he just respond to it. There is no fault of his. It's not a misunderstanding, but just a controversy blew up by someone. We do not know who is behind it. He was welcomed and will be welcomed in all the BCCI matches," said Lalit Modi, BCCI Vice President.

Expressing his displeasure over the issue, Khan said that he attends matches because his son loves watching them, adding that he doesn't need another platform other than cinema to promote his movies.

"I go to watch matches as my son loves them. Its quite natural that people will ask a film star about his film only. So do you expect that if someone asks me about my movie I will say shh... talk only cricket.

I am a bit disappointed with this controversy... To be really honest I don't think I need promotion from any other platform other than the platform offered to cinema. I am a little disappointed and sad, maybe next time I will not go for a match," Khan told reporters on the sidelines of a book release function in Mumbai last night.

He came to watch the India-Pakistan ODI match in Jaipur along with Deepika Padukone, his co-star in the recently released movie 'Om Shanti Om'. He spoke about his movie to Rameez Raja in the commentary box during a short interview. (ANI)
--MP

SRK to inaugurate 38th international film festival in Goa on Friday

Panaji, Nov 21 (ANI): Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan will inaugurate the 38th International Film Festival of India to be held here from November 23 to December 3.

Preparations are in full swing for the annual event, as Goa gears up to celebrate movies in the true spirit of world-class entertainment.

Speaking about the preparations for the event, Nandini Palival, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa, said: "We are just fine-tuning all the systems and are trying to double check on everything. One day before the film festival we will try to do the mock drill for the opening ceremony so we are very comfortably placed."

Unlike previous year, cine aficionados are likely to have a smooth entry to the venues this time, as the committee has made all arrangements for issuing tickets.

"Last year, there was such a mad rush for the tickets that there were some who were really frustrated and the movie buffs never got a chance to see the good movies, they were not issued the tickets," said Carol, IFFI delegate for second year.

Ujwal Mishra, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Goa, said that this year they have paid attention to providing security during the entire festival.

"We don't envisage much of a security problem because most of it is being done indoors; the only outdoor functions are where singers who are going to sing in various places in Madgaon etc and other places we will provide total security," said Mishra, adding that the Central Reserve Battalion would be there to give back up to the state police.

"Unlike last year, there is no specific threat perception this year; further IFFI is not being conducted on that grand scale," Mishra added.

There will be no entertainment programs in the 38th edition of the film festival, which will be a closed-door affair, restricting it to the registered 5000 delegates and the media. (ANI)
--MP

Court to pronounce quantum of sentence in 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire case
21 Nov, 2007

New Delhi, Nov 21 (ANI): A Delhi Sessions Court will today pronounce the quantum of sentence to 12 persons, who were convicted in connection with the 1997 Uphaar Cinema Hall blaze case.

The court on Monday declared Gopal and Sushil Ansal, the owners of the cinema hall, guilty of criminal negligence in the case.

The verdict came 10 years after the tragedy in which 59 people lost their lives during the screening of the Hindi film, "Border".

Both have been convicted under Section 304A of Indian Penal Code for causing death of a person/persons by rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.

The court also convicted 10 other accused in the case. They are R. K. Sharma, Ajit Chaudhary, N. S. Chopra, Manmohan Uniyal, Shyam Sunder Sharma, N. D. Tiwari, Hanswaroop Panwar, B. M. Satija, A. K. Gera and Beer Singh.

Four accused - - R. M. Puri, K. L. Malhotra (both senior employees of hall), S. N. Dandona (Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department) and Delhi Fire Services officer Surender Dutt - - have died during the trial.

The CBI had filed a chargesheet on November 15, 1997, and the court admitted it on January 19, 1998.

The Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) had lodged an FIR alleging death due to negligence against Gopal and Sushil Ansal.

The CBI had alleged that the accused were directly and criminally negligent in the management of the theatre.

Senior advocate Harish Salve had contended that owners of the cinema hall were liable for penal action.

During the 10-year-old trial, the CBI had examined 115 witnesses. Among them, eight witnesses, termed as relatives of Ansals, have already turned hostile.

Fifty-nine people were choked to death, while 109 survived with injuries after the Uphaar Cinema caught fire leading to a stampede on June 13, 1997.

The theatre was engulfed when an overheated generator burst in the basement of the building. Men, women and children all scampered to rush out of the four cinema hall exits. (ANI)

- AY

Ansals, 10 others found guilty in 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire case

New Delhi, Nov 20 (ANI): A Delhi Sessions Court today declared
Gopal and Sushil Ansal guilty of criminal negligence in
connection with the 1997 Uphaar Cinema Hall blaze case.

The verdict came 10 years after the tragedy in which 59 people
lost their lives during the screening of the Hindi film,
"Border".

Both have been convicted under Section 304A of Indian Penal Code
for causing death of a person/persons by rash or negligent act
not amounting to culpable homicide.

The court also convicted 10 other accused in the case. They are
R. K. Sharma, Ajit Chaudhary, N. S. Chopra, Manmohan Uniyal,
Shyam Sunder Sharma, N. D. Tiwari, Hanswaroop Panwar, B. M.
Satija, A. K. Gera and Beer Singh.

Sentencing for all accused, who have been held guilty for
flouting rules to maximize profits, will be pronounced tomorrow.

Four accused - - R. M. Puri, K. L. Malhotra (both senior
employees of hall), S. N. Dandona (Executive Engineer of the
Public Works Department) and Delhi Fire Services officer Surender
Dutt - - have died during the trial.

The CBI had filed a chargesheet on November 15, 1997, and the
court admitted it on January 19, 1998.

The Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) had
lodged an FIR alleging death due to negligence against Gopal and
Sushil Ansal.

The CBI had alleged that the accused were directly and criminally
negligent in the management of the theatre.

Senior advocate Harish Salve had contended that owners of the
cinema hall were liable for penal action.

During the 10-year-old trial, the CBI had examined 115 witnesses.
Among them, eight witnesses, termed as relatives of Ansals, have
already turned hostile.

Fifty-nine people were choked to death, while 109 survived with
injuries after the Uphaar Cinema caught fire leading to a
stampede on June 13, 1997.

The theatre was engulfed when an overheated generator burst in
the basement of the building. Men, women and children all
scampered to rush out of the four cinema hall exits. (ANI)
- AY

Uphaar Cinema case verdict today

New Delhi, Nov 20 (ANI): A Delhi court will today pronounce its
verdict in connection with the 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy
case, in which 59 people lost their lives during the screening of
the Hindi film, "Border".

Besides prime accused Gopal and Sushil Ansal, the owners of the
cinema hall, there are 12 others accused in the case.

Ansals, who were not allowed to file their written arguments
earlier in the case, had got a reprieve from Supreme Court which
recently directed the trial court to take their submissions on
record.

Four accused - - R. M. Puri, K. L. Malhotra (both senior
employees of hall), S. N. Dandona (Executive Engineer of the
Public Works Department) and Delhi Fire Services officer Surender
Dutt - - have died during the trial.

Among the other accused are R. K. Sharma, Ajit Chaudhary, N. S.
Chopra, Manmohan Uniyal, Shyam Sunder Sharma, N. D. Tiwari,
Hanswaroop Panwar, B. M. Satija, A. K. Gera and Beer Singh.

The court had rejected the plea of Gera and Satija, both former
Delhi Vidyut Board (DVB) employees, to file written arguments in
reply to the submissions brought on record by the Central Bureau
of Investigation (CBI).

All the accused have been charged under Section 14 of the
Cinematography Act.

The CBI had filed a chargesheet on November 15, 1997, and the
court admitted it on January 19, 1998.

The Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) had
lodged an FIR alleging death due to negligence against Gopal and
Sushil Ansal.

The CBI had alleged that the accused were directly and criminally
negligent in the management of the theatre.

Senior advocate Harish Salve had contended that owners of the
cinema hall were liable for penal action.

During the 10-year-old trial, the CBI had examined 115 witnesses.
Among them, eight witnesses, termed as relatives of Ansals, have
already turned hostile.

Fifty-nine people were choked to death, while 109 survived with
injuries after the Uphaar Cinema caught fire leading to a
stampede on June 13, 1997.

The theatre was engulfed when an overheated generator burst in
the basement of the building. Men, women and children all
scampered to rush out of the four cinema hall exits. (ANI)
- AY

Hollywood actors unanimously praise Bollywood
19 Nov, 2007

Las Vegas, Nov 19 (ANI): Indians are not the only people crazy about their glittery song and dance movies. Hollywood action heroes too are spellbound by the charm of Indian film industry.

While talking to ANI, Hollywood action icons such as Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Tom Arnold praised Bollywood on the sidelines of there launch of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, on Saturday.

Two-time Academy Award nominated actor Sylvester Stallone, who has rocked the screen with the films like Rocky, First Blood and Cop Land, said he is not talented enough to act in Bollywood films, which are full of singing and dancing.

"I admire the work. I admire the way it has supported the industry. It's incredible. I have never been in India. It would be a great adventure and I look forward to it," added Stallone.

Another Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, who has acted in the action packed Die Hard series, said Bollywood actors have much more hold on their fans in comparison to Hollywood actors.

" Bollywood is doing great. They call it Bollywood for a reason; it is a good luck charm," Willis added.

American actor Tom Arnold said, "They make movies more than us maybe. I love to work there. It's a beautiful country. I saw the Darjeeling Express and it's beautiful."

Other Hollywood actors like Pamela Anderson, who were present at the launch of the Planet Hollywood, also praised Bollywood.

Inspired by the world of Hollywood, the restaurant chain was founded by British entrepreneur Robert Earl and launched in New York City in October 1991 with financial backing from Hollywood actors Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Demi Moore.

The chain will soon be coming to India with plans of setting up five restaurants in the country.

Several Hollywood stars expressed their desire to join the opening of the Planet Hollywood in Mumbai. (ANI)
--MP

Hans Raj Hans popularising the soul of Sufism via music

Jalandhar, Nov.19 (ANI): Born in a Sikh family of farmers in Shafipur Village near Jalandhar, the popular singer Hans Raj Hans drew inspirations from street musicians and singers at holy shrines.

He learnt music under the stewardship of Ustad Puran Shah Koti who motivated him.

Today, Hans Raj Hans is known all over the country as a famous Sufi singer who has popularised Sufi and folk music, taking them to drawing rooms and parties in a distinguished fashion.

"Sufism is a religion which all religions greatly venerate. Sufism's advantage is that it is dear to all religions. It is possible my personal religion may or may not be liked by some people. But Sufism is liked and accepted by all religions because it is the path of love and music," said Hans Raj Hans.

"Be it by singing or dancing, spreading the message of peace and reunion of people of all faiths is Sufism," he added.

"I could not imagine that Punjabi music would grow to such a level. It's fortunate that it is popular around the world. Even if the Punjabi language is not spoken everywhere but the Punjabi music is listened all around," said the legendry Sufi musician.

Music influences our lives. Our life is reflected in our folk songs. Sometimes I get worried with the way life that is changing; our lifestyle is changing so as the songs. The hope is alive and we have to save our tradition, he says while adding Bollywood's Hindi films having influenced of Punjabi folk are popular.

Asked about how much comfortable he considered himself with his success as a famous Sufi singer, Hans Raj Hans said: "My achievement has been that I live with my own people in the city I belong to."

"I meet and play with my friends and relatives. I may have well-settled in Mumbai or any foreign country, but it's my achievement that I controlled these emotions and I live with my own people and on that land where I have earned everything," he added.   (ANI)
--MP

Priyanka Chopra at Lux Crystal Shine Launch
18 Nov, 2007

Aamir Khan at the launch of Ted Lapius Paris store in Mumbai

Mallaika Arora Khan
16 Nov, 2007

'Manorama Six Feet Under' has won the Best Film Award at MIAAC
14 Nov, 2007

The MIAAC Film Festival had six award categories for this year's
festival which included - Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best
Actress, Best Documentary and Best Short. The nominees for these
categories were selected by distinguished jurors.

The other nominees for the Best Film Category included Arindam Nandy's
'Via Darjeeling'; Pan Nalin's 'Valley of Flowers' and Shivajee
Chandrabhushan's 'Frozen'.

Navdeep Singh - director of Manorama Six Feet Under – shares his
thoughts, 'This award certainly means a lot and both Ketan and me feel
like on top of the world. There is a deep sense of satisfaction to
know that your piece of art is recognized by prestigious International
Festivals'. Adds Ketan Maru – Producer of Manorama Six Feet Under –
'Awards like these are definitely encouraging to directors and
production houses'.

The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) is a not-for-profit arts
organization dedicated to promoting, showcasing and building an
awareness of Indian artists in the performing, literary, visual, and
folk arts.

Its focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as
well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform and
produce their work here.

'Gandhi My Father' gets best screenplay award at inaugural APSA
13 Nov, 2007

Washington, November 13 (ANI): Indian scriptwriter Feroz Abbas Khan was honoured with the best screenplay award for the film Gandhi My Father during the inaugural Asia-Pacific Screen Awards ceremony in Australia's Gold Coast. The best movie award went to Secret Sunshine, a film directed by South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong. The film's star Jeon Do-yeon was named best actress. Iranian filmmakers Rakhshan Bani-Etemad and Mohsen Abdolvahab were also honoured for co-directing Mainline (khoonbazi).

The best actor award went to Turkish actor Erkan Can for his commendable performance in Takva: A Man's Fear of God.
Indian actress Shabana Azmi was among the jury that elected the contenders for the awards in various categories, Variety magazine reported. The event was backed by Queensland Events in collaboration with CNN International, UNESCO and International film producers' federation FIAPF. (ANI) -AJ

Shilpa Shetty's musical cancelled again

Washington, Nov 13 (ANI): Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's musical Miss Bollywood has been cancelled yet again, after being severely panned by critics.

However, the reason being given for the sudden termination is the actress' ill health.

The 32-year-old actress was forced to open her musical in Germany after she failed to receive any financial backing from London's West End.

Her musical suffered a series of obstacles since its premiere, including harsh critical reviews, costume malfunctions and poor ticket sales.

The Celebrity Big Brother winner was due to perform in Cardiff on Nov 9 but didn't turn up after succumbing to an unknown illness.

"Shilpa has been ill all week and it on a course of antibiotics. She needs to take a rest," Contactmusic quoted her tour organizer, Farhath Hussain, as saying. (ANI) --MP

Punjabi singer Charanjit Vicky adding a new name in music world
11 Nov, 2007

Ludhiana, Nov 11 (ANI): Though he is new for many music lovers in India, Punjabi folk singer Charanjit Vicky has arrived with a bang here in his native Punjab. Already a popular name in Canada's music circuit, the Punjabi youngster boasts of a huge fan-following in Canada where he arrived and settled just a few years ago. Charanjit is passionate about popularising the culture of Punjab and influencing all age groups with his Punjabi roots. He is excited about his latest music album `Akh Rakh Lai Tere Te' which is also his debut album in India.

Charanjit said that he was motivated by one of his friends for the music industry. "One of my village friends, who himself was a lyricist, encouraged me into song-writing and I started doing just that." It took a year's hard work to complete this album.Born and brought up in an ordinary family in village Malpur of Hoshiarpur district, Charanjit shifted to Canada about four years ago to make a career in singing. Like any newcomer dreaming to make a mark in life, Charanjit also had his struggling phase of life. He approached many accomplished individuals for a break only to get frustrating replies. But he refused to quit. And, the rest is history.

Charanjit says, "I met a few of singers to present my lyrics, but was ignored. Since then I have never gone to any artist. I continued writing and was determined to sing those lyrics myself. Hence, I turned to singing and started practicing." Having born and brought in Punjab, it helps Charanjit to script folk songs in Punjabi language. He says: "There is a tremendous competition in singing. But I am trying my best to work for the promotion of the Punjabi language to sing good songs and make good videos. My sincere efforts would be to sing pure Punjabi folk that a family can listen together."

Launched by the popular lyricist Shamsher Sandhu of Punjab, Charanjit with his recently released music video album is looking forward to a bright career in singing in India. Charanjit, as a smart youngster, is presently keeping an eye on the latest trends in the industry and the rhythm of the young-at-heart around the world. (ANI) -AJ

Hollywood eyeing Bollywood market big time
10 Nov, 2007

Washington, Nov 10 (ANI): The release of "Saawariya," the first Bollywood film to be produced by a major U.S studio, Sony, will mark a turning point in Hollywood's relationship with the Indian film industry.

The film's release will also mark the finale of a turbulent 18 months in which Hollywood's major producers have been battling to invest in Indian films subsequent to corporate investments in other parts of the entertainment industry.

Executives from Disney chairman Dick Cook to Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Michael Lynton have travelled to Mumbai in order to sign deals with the second-biggest movie industry in the world.

After months of talks, some of the projects are being fully financed by the Hollywood studios, while in other cases they are joint investments, with the studios frequently putting in 50 percent of the finance.

Warner Bros. have signed a deal to fund three f

Madhuri's comeback film generates enough buzz 30 Nov, 2007

Munnabhai thanks family, fans for support

Reunion of Shailendra Sigh and Mithun Chakraborty 28 Nov, 2007

Indian theatre artistes stage play on Bhagat Singh in Pakistan 27 Nov, 2007

Supreme Court grants bail to Sanjay Dutt in 1993 Mumbai blasts case

Karnataka kudis rule Bollywood 26 Nov, 2007