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Animation film "Hanuman Returns" hits theatres
29 Dec, 2007
New Delhi/Mumbai, Dec 28 (ANI): Animation film "Hanuman Returns", a sequel to the movie "Hanuman," based on mythical Hindu God Hanuman, was released in theatres across the country on Friday.
"Hanuman Returns" is primarily a 2D animated film with a lot of special effects.
The film shows return of Hanuman in the current age to save the planet Earth from destruction.
Bollywood film director Nagesh Kukunoor was highly impressed with the film.
He said: "One of the coolest things that I have found about Hinduism is that the gods would always be contemporary and I find it really nice. As much as we worship them the concept of being amongst them has always been there."
The film is written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. The pre-production work was done at Percept Picture Company.
The film will be made in other languages, including English, Bhojpuri, Tamil and Telugu, besides Hindi.
On his choice of subject for the animation movie, Kashyap, said: "I have read Ramayana and Mahabharat, and I know the relevant details. My biggest challenge was to take things from mythology and adapt them to the contemporary scenario."
There was a mixed reaction to the movie from a cross-section of people.
"It was brilliant that they tried to lend a message to the kids about protecting the nature. The kids really enjoyed it," said Kanika, a movie buff.
On the other hand, some moviegoers felt that the film was confusing.
"Honestly, I did not understand some parts of this movie," said Sargam, a child.
Technically, the animation quality of the movie is okay, but falls short of those made abroad. (ANI)
- AY Labels: News
Celebrity endorsements might not ensure higher sale: Shahrukh Khan
24 Dec, 2007
Mumbai, Dec 24 (ANI): Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan went on record to say that celebrity endorsement might not ensure an increase in the sale of a product.
Khan, who has been roped in as the brand ambassador of Nokia, a mobile phone manufacturer, maintained at the sets of the shooting of the advertisement that the presence of big names does not mean big sales.
"It is a matter of pride also when international companies use Indians from among us as brand (ambassadors). But to be honest, I can say that celebrities cannot ensure a rise in the sales figures," said Khan.
Off late, both national and international firms have been taking Bollywood actors, cricket stars and other known faces to promote their brands.
Shahrukh Khan was recently involved in a cricket controversy over his presence during the cricket matches and the alleged accusation that he used the cricket field to promote his movies by way of cheering players with playing popular Hindi movie songs of his forthcoming movies.
Khan vehemently denies the accusation.
"I went to meet the Indian cricket team. Now, they have a problem with me being there on the cricket ground. I meet them personally. There was a function for them in Lucknow, so I took my son with me. It was his birthday. Myself, Kareena, Keona and Diya performed," said Khan.
The advertisement which will go on air soon was shot by Pradeep Sarkar, who has earlier directed films such as 'Parineeta' and 'Laaga Chunari Me Daag'.
Shahrukh Khan is the biggest ever celebrity endorsing Nokia mobiles. The company plans to launch the television commercial first which would be followed by the print advertisements. (ANI)
- AY Labels: Sha-Rukh-Khan
Aishwarya Rai basks in marital bliss
22 Dec, 2007
Chennai, Dec 21 (ANI): Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is basking in marital bliss as she termed the whole experience incredible.
Speaking at a jewellery launch function here, Rai said that being married was an incredible phase in her life.
"For now, the turn in my life is that I have got married which is an incredible world, an incredible life and that's what I am embracing wholeheartedly. That's what is happening currently in my life. I am sure you all haven't missed that point," she said.
On being asked whether she would done the role of a politician in future, like her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan, Rai said that she would take life as it comes and had no immediate plans to get into politics.
"One day at a time. That's the way I have lived it up until now. That's the way it shall continue," she said.
Rai would soon be seen in an epic romance 'Jodha Akbar,' directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
Speaking about the film, Rai said that it was a special project, which was close to the hearts of the entire team.
"We all were really happy to work on a film like this because, one, the pace of the movie, the kind of movie it is, the kind of commitment it required of all of us and that's what we all have been, - a team that has stuck together. We worked really hard. Hence it's a project and a movie that's very special to the entire team," she said.
'Jodha Akbar' is about the romance between Mughal emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife Jodha, in which Rai plays the role of Jodha along with Hrithik Roshan as Akbar.
It is slated to be released on January 25, 2008 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. (ANI)
- AY Labels: Aishwarya-Rai
Bollywood raises rare toast to childhood with 'Taare Zameen Par'
New Delhi/ Mumbai, Dec 21 (ANI): Focussing on children's dilemma and their unique world, Bollywood's latest offering 'Taare Zameen Par' delves into the world of a special child for whom the colours of flowers and kites hold more appeal than grades, but the child's talent is understood only by a sensitive teacher.
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan explores the children's world in "Taare Zameen Par" (TZP), which marks Khan's debut as director.
"I think my biggest challenge as a director was to translate honestly what was on paper on to the screen. I think that's what I tried to do," said Khan.
The film is about a boy aged around eight years with dyslexia, the learning disability, who retreats into a shell rather than face a world of stiff parental expectation and academic competition.
At a boarding school, where he is sent to be disciplined, he meets a teacher who doesn't expect him to score top grades and shares his world of colours, fish, dogs and kites.
"TZP is a film about children, not a children's film," writes Khan in his blog to promote the movie.
Khan, who is sometimes compared by critics to Hollywood's Tom Hanks, appears in the film as the sensitive teacher.
Khan is known as a perfectionist, who chooses his scripts with care.
Aamir felt pleased that his work had been appreciated, but he was cautious about high expectations that people have from his film.
"Well I know that high expectations bring a lot of responsibility and I'm aware of that. I'm also happy these expectations indicate to me that my previous work has been liked and appreciated a lot and that's good to know. I do the work which I enjoy doing," said Aamir.
There was a mixed reaction to the movie from a cross-section of people, but most seemed to be in its favour.
"The child acted very well. It is an emotional film. I will love having a teacher like Aamir," said Salil, a child.
Delhi-based fashion designer Gauri Karan was in favour of this movie and said, "This film is absolutely brilliant. I also want to add that it's a nice film."
The film had its share of problems when activists in Gujarat protested against the screening of 'Taare Zameen Par' over the alleged anti-Narmada dam remarks of Khan last year.
Khan's remarks against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as well as his opposition to the Narmada dam had evoked violent protests across the state last year. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Amir-Khan
"Jodha-Akbar", It is a director’s film all the way - Aishwarya
21 Dec, 2007
Talking about Jodha-Akbar, Aishwarya said, "It is a director's film all the way. Ashutosh Gowariker is a committed filmmaker and for me it was another project that I enjoyed. The choice was between two films and Ashutosh was undecided which one he would make first. Then he messaged me one day saying will you be my Jodha. I said why not?" "Ashutosh is not here to give a lesson in history. He just made a movie on the moving love story between Jalaluddin Akbar and Jodha Bai. It is an inspiring story. They were two people, who had an arranged inter-religion marriage despite the fact that they came from different backgrounds," the actress clarified. The only aspect of Jodha Bai the actress identifies with is her "silence". "She made her presence felt
through her silence and spoke only when she wanted to make herself heard," Aishwarya said.
-AA Labels: Aishwarya-Rai, Jodha-Akbar
Is Aishwarya Rai Pregnant?
Actress Aishwarya Rai is enjoying the speculation about her pregnancy in the media. Ash, Jodha Bai of the period epic Jodha-Akbar, refuses it. The beautiful former Miss World said, "If I walk too carefully or if I stand with dupatta draped on one side, the media will be rife with speculation the next day. So I am myself, going along with the flow." Ash was in New Delhi to inaugurate a new collection of Nakshatra diamond jewellery. "This new phase of my life, as Abhishek's (Bachchan) wife, has been special. I have another set of parents in Amit (Amitabh Bachchan) and Jayaji. The goodwill of the media and the people in general also has mattered," Mrs. Abhishek (Bachchan) said.
-AA Labels: Aishwarya-Rai
Shilpa Shetty won't mind considering 'Strictly Come Dancing'
15 Dec, 2007
London, Dec 14 (ANI): Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has revealed that she would love to be a part of BBC's reality show Strictly Come Dancing.
The 32-year-old actress said that she was part of the Indian version of the British dancing show, so if an offer comes from the BBC'S reality show she would definitely like to consider it.
"I was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in India, so that's something I would consider," the Daily Express quoted her, as saying.
The actress was earlier a part of the reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother' in which she was caught in an international racism controversy, which involved her and fellow contestants Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd.
However, Shilpa was crowned the winner of the British show on 28 January 2007 with 63 percent of the final vote.
But now, she is adamant, that she would never do a Big Brother-type project again.
"I couldn't do with having cameras on me all the time again," she said.
Since 'Big Brother' the Indian beauty has launched her own perfume and landed the leading role in the musical Miss Bollywood, which closed in London last night. (ANI)
- AY Labels: Shilpa-Shetty
A Rising Talent Harsh Nagar is all set to make his entry in Bollywood
Master Harsh Nagar- a 16 year old our own Delhi guy is all set to make
his entry in Bollywood with his dedicated performances and fast
learning skills. After his stunning performance at Pragati Maidan,
Trade Fair he spotted in capital recently.Versatile gifted artist Harsh, who started performing at the tender
age of 5, since than he never looked back and participated in many
talent shows, stage performances. He says, "my dream is to become an
actor and I am going to New York to get training in acting. Apart from
being a good artist one has to be physically fit to become a good
actor". He is also started learning Taek-won-do a Korean Martial Art from the
age of 7; he did prove his skill and dedication in this filed also by
holding a Black Belt and becoming National Player. Last summer he
represented India in "Taekwondo British Open" a meet organized by UK
Sports Development Authority in Manchester, UK where he brought Silver
Medal. Right from his childhood he has strong desire and dream to be a star
and he got all inspiration and support from his father Shri B.S. Nagar
(Advocate of all time super star Amitabh Bachchan). Harsh has won the "Junior Mr. Noida Title" and later on performed in a
beauty contest in Radison, Noida where he has awarded with "Young
Achiever's Award" by Mrs. Nafisa Ali, Chairperson of Children's Film
Society of India. Harsh's Father B.S.Nagar said that he is all set to
extend entire support to full fill his son's desires. Mr. Ajaay K Gupta, director Marche' Global Solution introduced a
talent search activity in a move for search of talent hunt called
"Pratibha Ek Khoj" in 2005 jointly with Priyagold and India Trade
Promotion Organization, where highly talented participants from
various 24 institutions participated. After series of rounds, Harsh
was considered the Best Talent out of them and got the "Excellence
Awarded". Few days back a musical night was organized by "Marche"
Global Solution jointly with Indian Trade Promotion at Trade Fair;
Hansdhwani Open Theater. Harsh Nagar was on fire with his electrifying
performance to enthrall more than 7,000 audiences including known
personalities from Mumbai and Delhi. He says, Hrithik Roshan is his favorite as he has good height as
compared to other actors and he dance very well. His favorite actress
is Preeti Zinta. Labels: News
Lukewarm response for 'Strangers' that hit theatres on Friday
Mumbai, Dec 14 (ANI): After a not so encouraging performance by 'Dus Kahaniyan' and 'Aaja Nachle' at the box office, Bollywood's latest offering this Friday is a romantic thriller 'Strangers', but chances of it bringing the audience back to theatres seem bleak.
Experts opine that the lack of a big star cast in the film will pose a big hindrance in this film getting a good opening at the box office.
The star cast of the film includes actors like Kay Kay Menon, Jimmy Shergill, Nandana Sen and Sonali Kulkarni.
'Strangers', which is directed by debutante Aanand L Rai, narrates the tale of two unknown persons who in a chance meeting in a business class compartment in England discuss their private lives, failed marriages and the everlasting effect it has had on them.
The producers of the movie are Uday Tiwari and Raj Kundra.
The leading lady of the film Nandana Sen was very excited about her role in the forthcoming release.
"What's really interesting about the movie 'Strangers' is that it's extra ordinary in a lot of ways. It's unusual and is a strangely beautiful film. It's very unique and combination of different genre, it's a thriller but it is also a love story," said Nandana.
The first time music director Vinay Tiwari has composed music for the film, while veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has penned down the lyrics.
"In this film I've done two songs. TIPS (company that has the audio rights of the movie) took two songs from us gave it to the film. They liked the songs and they are in the film," said Vinay.
The film has evoked a mixed response from the movie aficionados with some saying that it's a one-time treat.
"Movie was fantastic. You have to watch it once at least. Jimmy Shergill's acting was good," said Radha.
While, there were others like Harsh who didn't feel that strongly about the film.
"Movie is just okay there is nothing great about the film. It's a story about two strangers played by K.K. Menon and Jimmy Shergill who meet in the train and discuss about their lives," said Harsh. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Reviews
Uphaar tragedy: High Court issues notice to CBI
11 Dec, 2007
New Delhi, Dec 11 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the 1997 Uphaar Cinema hall fire tragedy.
The court has also issued notice to the Association of Victims of the Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) on a petition challenging the trial court's verdict in the Uphaar fire case.
Justice S N Dhingra sought response from the CBI and the AVUT on a petition filed by Sushil Ansal, one of 12 convicts in the case.
The court has posted the matter for next hearing on January 2.
The court expressed its inability to give early hearing of the case as requested by the CBI.
A Delhi Sessions Court on November 23 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. They both were held guilty of criminal negligence in the case.
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.
Ten other accused in the case 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 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)
- AY Labels: News
Miss India 2004 Sayali Bhagat about her film 'Good Luck'
10 Dec, 2007
"I am playing Public Relation Officer's role in this film"- Sayali Bhagat.
Former Miss India Sayali Bhagat is in buzz these days not only because of her soon to be released film 'Good Luck' but, also because of her affaire with her co-star Areyman Ramsay. Her previous movie 'The Train' has came and also went like a train without doing much at Box Office. Film Good Luck is all set to be in theaters to entertain which has ingredients like Ranvir Shorey, Lucky Ali, Archana Puran Singh, Sharat Saxena and Mustaq Khan in it, to make a perfect comic recipe. Film Good Luck will decide Sayali's future in Bollywood, produced by Jagdish Sharma and directed by ' Aashiq Banaya Aapne' and 'Dil Diya Hai' fame Aaditya Datt. Kesu Ramsay's son Areyman Ramsay is opposite to Sayali in this film, here is a synopsis of her conversation with us during her visit to capital…………..
Tell us some thing about your film 'Good Luck?
As the title 'Good Luck' suggests, this entire movie revolves around luck and a situational romantic comedy; hence every character of this movie creates a situation which creates rib-tickling comedy. This movie has a magical touch and every character run after that.
What is your role in this film?
Well, I am in the lead role of this film as a Public Relation Officer (PRO), who is short tempered, later she becomes very simple after facing certain situations and due to some twists in the film.
How was your on location experience especially working with Director Aaditya Datt?
Aaditya has made his own identity in Film Industry with films like 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' and 'Dil Diya Hai'. He is young and he knows what kind of movie audience will like and it was nice working with him. All to gather it was a great experience to work with artists like Lucky Ali, Ranvir Shorey, Archana Puran Singh (Playing Tarot Card Reader in this film).
There is a buzz doing rounds that you are having an affair with your co star of this film Areyman Ramsay, is that true?
Replied with a grin, See, I am working with Areyman and we need to talk while working together so we talk, need something to talk.
What type of roles and movies you are looking for?
I am a beginner, and I would love to do all sort of characters to prove my versatility in acting, an actor is all about that only, but at the same time they need to be appreciated by the audiences.
Don't you think it took long time to get offers after winning the Miss India-2004 contest?
Yes, it took time because I wanted to do good films though they are less in number. My first movie was 'The Train' and now I completed Good Luck.
Would you prefer to do Item Numbers?
Of course, why not, today item numbers turned a necessity of any film, there are times where, an item number gets popularity more than that of a movie, like ' Chamma Chamma', ' Kajrare Kajrare', 'Ishq Samandar', 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo' etc.
We have heard that you are very much inspired by Baba Amte?
Yes, Baba Amte is always been a source of inspiration for me. He is my role model and he fought for common man's right. What ever he does is really appreciable.
Who is your favorite heroine and with which hero you would like to work?
I like Jaya Bahaduri, Rekha and Wahida Rehman, in this era Kajol, Rani and Aishwarya. As far as actors are concerned I would like to work with King Khan Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan because they are my favorite.
-AA Labels: News
Aaja Nachle Priemeir
8 Dec, 2007
Madhuri Dixit in Aaja Nachle Priemeir Show.
-AALabels: Aaja-Nachle
Dus Kahanian - Starring Aftab Shivdasani, Dino Morea, Mandira Bedi, Nanapatekar, Neha Dhupia, Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Tanushree Dutta etc.
Mumbai, Dec 7 (ANI): 'Dus Kahaniyaan', which released today across the country has ten stories as the title of the film suggests, and takes forward the latest trend of multiple stories in a single film that was recently showcased in films like Salaam-e-Ishq, Darna Zaroori Hain and Darna Mana Hain.
'Dus Kahaniyaan' is a celluloid mosaic of 10 short films scripted by 12 writers and has an ensemble cast of 25 actors. The star cast of the film includes veterans like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah who will be seen together on the silver screen after two decades.
Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Nana Patekar, Dino Morea, Aftab Shivdasani, Neha Dhupia, Tanushree Dutta and Mandira Bedi are also in the film's different stories.
The directors' list for the film includes Sanjay Gupta along with others like Hansal Mehta, Meghna Gulzar, Apoorva Lakhia, and Jasmeet Dhodhi. Rohit Roy, an actor, makes his debut as a director in this film.
The film is a Sanjay Dutt presentation in association with Eros International and White Feather Films.
The producer and director Sanjay Gupta known for his earlier films like Kaanta, Zinda, Khauff and Musaffir to name a few is very upbeat about this film.
"What is different here is that none of the films are connected to each other, they are not of the same genre. They deal with different aspects of society and they are also set in different time frames. Each film has its own universe, has got its own space, look and style," said, Sanjay Gupta.
Telly actor Rohit Roy who besides acting in this movie has also directed one of the 10 short films says that this flick has put his creative abilities to test.
"As a filmmaker you have actually conceived the whole concept, you work on a script, get your actors together, finish the film, edit it and then you leave that process. For me working for ten days on the film 'Rice Plate' has been a much more satisfying experience than my ten years of acting," Rohit said.
Actress Minissha Lamba expressed her liking for the role she essays in this movie.
"Apart from my first, mostly I have portrayed urban characters. This is the first time I have played a traditional character. This is not today's story, it dates back by around 10-20 years and is set in a village near Chandigarh where they live," added Minisha.
On the whole, it is a cornucopia of ten stories with the interesting plots outnumbering the less interesting ones, which could well turn out to be the factor that will give it a good box office run. (ANI)
--MP
Labels: Aftab-Shivdasani, Dino-Morea, Mandira-Bedi, Nanapatekar, Neha-Dhupia, Reviews, Sanjay-Dutt, Sunil-Shetty, Tanushree-Dutta
Aishwarya Rai launches Longines' sports collection watches
Mumbai, Dec 7 (ANI): Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan launched an exciting new sports collection of watches here on Thursday.
Longines chose the exciting sporting atmosphere of the exclusive Royal Western Turf Club of India to launch its new sport collection watches, targeting the young audience.
In a venue that epitomized the occasion, Longines International also decided to make a generous donation towards certain foundations taking care of the HIV affected people in India.
Appreciating this generous gesture, the brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said, "They'll be donating the funds to these foundations. It is an incredible donation from Longines and as their ambassador it thrills me to share this information with you."
Speaking to the media about the new launch, Charles Villoz, President of Longines International said, "This collection is much younger. It is targeted for the younger audience. That is what is new about it."
The new collection is available at the company's selective official outlets in India and abroad.
Exciting sporting performance was seen on the racecourse of the Royal Western India Turf Club during the launch.
The winners were charmed with Longines watches presented by the former Miss World.
One of the seven races of the day at the Royal Western India Turf Club was entitled as the "Longines Classic Race" for the occasion. The winner of this race was awarded with the first watch along with a splendid trophy. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Aishwarya-Rai
'Khoya khoya chand' relives 50s' screen romance
Mumbai, Dec 7 (ANI): 'Khoya Khoya Chand', a tumultuous love story of an actress Nikhat being played by Soha Ali Khan and a writer director Zafar being enacted by Shiney Ahuja, released across the country today.
The star cast of the film also includes Rajat Kapoor, Soniya Jehan, Vinay Pathak and Saurabh Shukla.
Producer Prakash Jha, best know for his film Gangaajal for which he won a national award, appeared very confident about the leading star cast of the movie.
"I think people will rediscover Soha in this film. The way she has worked in the film appears that she has got under the skin of the character. Shiney is a very dependable actor and he has worked with the film's director Sudhir before and I can say that the leading pair has done well in the movie," said Jha.
Sudhir Mishra, director par excellence has directed this film. He has won accolades for his direction.
"I have worked very hard on the storyline of this movie for two years. We have worked on the intricate details while writing the script. Everyone has worked very hard. Now let's see what the result is and how the public receives it. But I'm sure of one thing that you won't be disappointed after watching this film. Its' wonderfully vibrant, the music is also great," said Sudhir.
Soha said, "I'm playing an actress in the film, a junior artist. The film traces the rise of this girl to super stardom and the personal crisis going on in her life both professionally and personally."
The story of the film is set against the backdrop of the Hindi film industry of the 1950s.The film begins in 1954 and ends in 1965 and delineates the romance between two highly creative people.
The main protagonist Zafar liberates an actress Nikhat from the stranglehold of a powerful actor (Rajat Kapoor), and then begins to use her for himself.
In the end, he realises his folly and atones for it.
The music of the film is by Shantanu Moitra and the lyrics are by Swanand Kirkire. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Reviews
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recommends everyone to get married
6 Dec, 2007
New Delhi, Dec 5 (ANI): Seven months into wedlock, a joyous Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, who married Abhishek Bachchan, recommended everyone to enter matrimony.
"It's very difficult to articulate, put it down in just a few sentences because it's obviously a very, very wonderful and joyous phase and I strongly recommend it," she said when asked about her feelings of being a married woman.
"Well, it's a beautiful chapter in my life and it's a fantastic part of the journey. I'd recommend (it) to every one of you out here and I am blissfully happy. What more can one say," she added.
Aishwarya and Abhishek tied the knot in April, and industry analysts say their marriage created Bollywood's ultimate power couple with public interest in the couple being likened to Hollywood duo of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Earlier in the day, the former Miss World dazzled audiences as she took the ramp wearing a blue sequenced ensemble at the launch of the Bridal collection of Swiss watch company Longines of whom she is a brand ambassador. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Aishwarya-Rai
Films can promote peace between India and Pakistan
5 Dec, 2007
Lahore, Dec 4 (ANI): Films can play a pivotal role in promoting peace between India and Pakistan, Bollywood film producer Anwar Jamal has said.
"Cinema can play an important role in condemning violence. It can be a new beginning for both countries," the Daily Times quoted Jamal, as saying.
"We should understand that India and Pakistan are fundamentally different because they have different religions and ideologies. It is only art that can bring them closer," he added.
On both sides, people want to meet their loved ones, said Jamal, adding, "Some of my close relatives lived in Karachi before the Partition. I want to meet them, but do not know if they are still alive."
"Hope is the only way to success and creativity. Our cinema should give hope to the people," he said
Jamal, who attended the World Performing Arts Festival held here from November 22 to December 2, said Pakistan had produced wonderful writers like Intezar Hussain, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and singers like Tina Sani, Abida Parveen and Iqbal Bano, but something important needs to take place in filmmaking.
"Pakistanis are inspired by Bollywood cinema, but they don't try to improve their own cinema," Jamal said.
Several people, including producer Govind Nihalani, had talked about co-production, he said.
"Co-production does not mean only financing and technology; it includes actors, musicians, poets, script writers," Jamal added. (ANI)
--MP Labels: News
Actor-director Mangal Dhillon wants to promote Punjab's culture in his movies
3 Dec, 2007
Ludhiana, Dec 2 (ANI): Bollywood actor-director Mangal Dhillon
cherishes a dream of working for the history and culture of Punjab. "The world's most effective medium is film. By utilising that medium,
we want to spread a message and make the masses aware (of Punjab's
culture) so the future goes well," said Dhillon. Dhillon is presently making a film, 'Saka Sirhand', to commemorate the
martyrdom of Sahibzadas, the four sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru
Gobind Singh, who sacrificed their lives for Sikhism against the
tyranny of the Moghul rule. He also wishes to highlight the farmers' problems, issues of migrant
labourers in Punjab and the evil of female foeticide through his
films. Another Dhillon's film, 'A Foreign Tribute to Sikhi', is based on
foreigners converting to Sikhism. Dhillon now wants to be baptized a Sikh. "The films that I will produce will have me in the lead role of a
Sikh. For that I will keep a beard and wear a turban. I will visit
Akal Takth Sahib in Amritsar to switch over to a baptized Sikh," said
Dhillon. Owning a versatile personality, Dhillon was born in a village in
Punjab's Faridkot District. After beginning his acting career in theatre and television serials,
Dhillon is today an actor, a writer, a producer, a director and a
poet. He has acted in about 30 Bollywood films. Although, at the start of his career he believed in one's personal
qualities, Dhillon today feels that destiny has a big role to play in
one's life. "When I reached Mumbai after completing my training in acting and
theatre, I thought all that one requires to be successful in Bollywood
is talent backed by personality, confidence, sensitivity, and stage
and screen presence. But after a few years I realise that its destiny
which makes one successful. If destiny and time are with you then your
minus points turn into plus points," said Dhillon. (ANI)
--MP Labels: News
English version of 'O Jerusalem' screened in Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 2 (ANI): The English version of 'O Jerusalem', a film
based on the novel written by noted authors Dominique Lapierre and
Larry Collins set in the backdrop of the conflict between Arabs and
Jews, was screened in the Capital. The Elie Chouraqui-directed movie was screened on the occasion of the
launch of the revised and enlarged Indian edition of 'O Jerusalem'
with photo layout and in-depth preface by Lapierre on Saturday. While the cinematic adaptation in French was released in 2006, the
English adaptation was released in the US in October 2007. "We are very proud tonight, first time in India to show our friends,
journalist friends of Delhi. This movie has been adapted from my book
'O Jerusalem'. We think it's very objective film and it gives very
good visuals in portion of what problems are still there in Israel and
Palestine," said Lapierre. The author added that it took them good 26 years to capture the
historic struggle on celluloid, which started during the Israeli-Arab
conflict in 1948. The movie is an epic drama, re-creating the historic struggle
surrounding the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. The film is
told from the alternating viewpoints of the Jews, Arabs and Brits, all
of who collide in their fight for the control of Jerusalem, while
bringing to the forefront themes of courage, terrorism, deprivation,
politics and a strong sense of morality. Their involvement takes them from the streets of New York to The Holy
Land, where they risk their lives making incredible sacrifices along
the way to fight for what they believe in, as the city of their dreams
teeters on the brink of destruction. "I think this film captures not only the pathos of the whole thing but
also demonstrates in a very, in a totally incredible passion how
religions ought to bring people together rather than separate them or
destroy millions in the process," said M. Vardarajan, former
secretary, culture department of the Government of India. "As they said one day Jerusalem will becomes a city of peace, I would
just like to add that not only Jerusalem but the world becomes a world
of peace," Vardarajan added. The book 'O Jerusalem' was first published in 1978 and now 2008
version brings to the limelight again the turmoil of May 1948, when
the British left Palestine, and blood and fire engulfed Jerusalem. The
book's newness lies in the intimate, heart-wrenching preface by
Dominique Lapierre. "I admire him greatly. He's a great talent. He's a great man. He's a
good man. And that's the main thing. If this movie could bring out
some peace, it will be wonderful. That's my hope for this," says
Petreshia Phantam, an American. The author is well acclaimed for his solo book 'City of Joy' that also
motivated him to start and fund City of Joy Aid, a rescue,
rehabilitation, and development action to improve the life of the
underprivileged of Kolkata and rural Bengal in India. The duo enjoys the worldwide fame as the authors of several
best-selling books on modern history, including 'Freedom at Midnight'
and 'Is Paris Burning'. (ANI)
--MP Labels: News
Punjab joins UP in banning screening of "Aaja Nachle"
2 Dec, 2007
Chandigarh, Dec 1 (ANI): The Punjab Government today its counterpart in Uttar Pradesh in banning Madhuri Dixit's come back film 'Aaja Nachle', alleging that the lyrics of a song in the movie were derogatory to Dalits.
Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal said, "The ban has been imposed in the wake of reports that a section of a society was feeling outraged over certain lines in a song".
The movie has been released at various places in the state, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar and Bathinda.
According to sources, district authorities have been directed to ensure that no show of the movie is screened at any theatre or multiplex in the state.
On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati had written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding that the film be banned all over the country. (ANI)
--MP Labels: Aaja-Nachle
Indian filmmakers have high hopes for the future of Pakistani films
1 Dec, 2007
Lahore, Nov 28 (ANI): Two acclaimed Indian filmmakers -- Govind Nihalani and Anwar Iqbal - have expressed high hopes for the future of the film industry in Pakistan.
Participating in a seminar on interactive film making during the World Performing Arts Film Festival, Nihalani believed that the younger generation of Pakistanis represented a dynamic force of transformation due to their thirst for international exposure, either through personal travel or the media.
The key, though, he said, was to ensure that filmmaking became more economical.
And, once potential filmmakers gained access to technical and financial resources, audiences would be exposed to a kaleidoscopic range of individual narratives, he added.
Nilhani also stressed the importance of scriptwriting as an integral part of the filmmaking process because it is impossible to make good films from bad scripts.
The festival, which began on November 22, ends on December 3, It includes performances in dance, theatre, puppetry, music and films, the Daily Times reported.
The festival includes five categories including music, theatre, puppetry, dance and film.
Audiences are reportedly looking forward to the music and dance performances. Dances will be conducted in classical and modern style, while music will include western, folk, rock, fusion, pop, mystic, ghazal and classical styles. (ANI)
- AY Labels: News
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