New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) There are many filmmakers who are keen to sign Amitabh Bachchan for their projects, but the megastar is impressed with none other than Vishal Bhardwaj and says they may work together in future.

"What a range of subjects he (Vishal) puts forth with innocent ease of reference. His exuberance for 'Paa' and the desire on both our parts to work together in the not too distant future, vibes well," Big B wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

Bhardwaj has made films like "Makadee", "Maqbool", "The Blue Umbrella", "Omkara" and "Kaminey".

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says that the Indian hockey team has urged him to "spearhead" its fundraiser concert in Chandigarh.

"The Hockey National Team is on its way back from training camp at Pune, and has a desire to meet me... The team has been struggling with their association and handlers for their pay to be settled," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday.

The concert is being organised by Pakistani singer Salma Agha. Rumours are rife that superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan also may join the event.

"They say I spearhead a concert to be held in Chandigarh to collect funds for them and their welfare. I have asked for details and shall see what can be done for a cause as noble as this," said Bachchan.

The Indian hockey team members went on strike in Pune early this month, protesting non-payment of sponsorship money and match fees.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he has chosen to remain tight-lipped over Indian Premier League (IPL) issue because he fears his statement could be misinterpreted.

"They (the media) ask all the same questions on the film ('Rann') and the media and the angst among them. And then the real reason they are their - 'What sir are your takes on this IPL and Pakistan and Balasaheb and Shah Rukh events?'," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday from his Pratkeesha residence in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena activists demonstrated in front of superstar Shah Rukh's house in Bandra here Sunday to protest his comments favouring inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They dubbed him a traitor and have demanded that he apologise.

"These are sensitive issues and I must remain out of it. Who and which channel shall distort, amend, cut paste, slow motion, back ground music my comment, one does not know. And also one does not know what stance the channel shall take on it. So, it is best to not comment at all," he added.

Shah Rukh is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Abhishek Bachchan was left in awe of his father, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's performance as a media baron in Ram Gopal Varma's "Rann", so much so that he says India doesn't deserve a talent like him.

"We don't deserve a talent like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. Don't think we can make movies to fit his talent," Abhishek posted on his Twitter page.

Abhishek, who was in the capital Thursday for the premiere of "Rann", is also all praise for his friend Ritieish Deshmukh's performance in "Rann".

"Well done Riteish. His finest performance till date. Proved his versatility beautifully. Recognise people! Stop slotting him," he added.

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan released the new version of the patriotic song "Mile sur mera tumhara" here on the eve of Republic Day. It is now titled "Phir Mile Sur" and Bollywood megastar was excited about the fact that he is the only one who has been repeated in it.

"People from film industry along with so many other individuals have given their voices to make this wonderful song of India. I am the only person in the song who has a repeat value," Bachchan told reporters at the Hotel Taj Lands End.

"I am very, very thankful that they have considered me to have the opportunity to stand along with my son and daughter-in-law to make it a very historic piece of music," he added.

"Mile sur mera tumhara" was conceptualized and conceived by late Suresh Mallick and it was first aired on Doordarshan on Aug 15, 1988, and after 22 years Arti and Kailash Surendranath have recreated and presented it as "Phir mile sur".

From vocalists Bhimsen Joshi and Balamurali Krishna to sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, tabla maestros Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain to sportsmen Narendra Hirwani and Prakash Padukone featured in the original. Well-known film personalities like Amitabh, Lata Mangeshkar, Mithun Chakraborty, Jeetendra, Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Kamal Haasan, Sharmila Tagore, Tanuja and Waheeda Rehman too appeared in the national integration song.

"I have always felt that Indian cinema has bonded people irrespective of cast, creed or religion. When we buy a ticket in cinema hall we never see whether the person sitting beside me is a Hindu or a Muslim or a Sikh. We all enjoy the same film. We all laugh at the same jokes, we sing the same song, we cry at same emotion," he added.

More than 60 known personalities, including actors Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Juhi Chawla along with other prominent personalities feature in the new version of the song.

It features 22 superstars, 18 musicians, 13 artistes and singers and 15 other known personalities.

"Phir mile sur" will be initially aired on Zoom Tuesday.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a media mogul in his forthcoming film "Rann", says he is well-versed with the business as he was among the pioneers of satellite television in the West, "many, many years" before it came to India.

"I was one of the pioneers of satellite television in the United Kingdom and New York. We ran Asian television there. We were actually the first ones who did that many, many, many years ago before satellite television came here. So, yes, I know how it works and how it functions," Bachchan told IANS in an interview here.

"But now, of course, it has become a huge industry. It's a very intricate process, a very difficult task and extremely competitive. I have been to some of the (news) studios and I have seen how they function - (it's) a massive task," he added.

Bachchan had endorsed one of the first satellite Asian TV channels in Britain in the early 1990s - TV Asia before it was taken over by ZEE Network.

The megastar clarifies that "Rann", which releases Jan 29, is pro-media and not at all about media bashing as has been reported.

"It's a little premature for the media to think like this, but you know 'Rann' is a very pro-media film. In the film what I do as part of the media (industry) is nothing dishonourable. I (have been) put across as a very honourable person and whatever I do is very pro-media."

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, "Rann" is about business and consciousness in electronic media and the moot point of the film is what edges the other.

"Whether business wins over consciousness or otherwise, that would always depend upon the owner of the channel and that's the crux of the story. It's a battle between business and consciousness.

"Does Mr.Vijay Harshvardhan Malik (played by Amitabh in the film), who is a symbol of purity and integrity, succumb to things like 'I don't care about business, I want to keep my consciousness' or 'to hell with conscience, I will have to save my business'; that's what the story will be," said Amitabh.

The actor also said that he didn't borrow any mannerisms from media personalities like Prannoy Roy or Rajdeep Sardesai.

"I don't try imitating any particular action of anybody. I try to be myself," said Amitabh, but added Ram Gopal Varma might have taken inspiration from the two while creating a character.

"These are elements which we see every day. Yes, when we are making a film on electronic media, it is very difficult to ignore them (Prannoy or Rajdeep) or not be inspired by them."

While Amitabh appreciates the positive impact of the media, he maintains that it is not flawless.

"Media is a very powerful medium. It's the voice of the nation. It informs and also forms opinion. It has the power to be able to influence you in forming a decision. It has a power to change governments... Now, when one entity has so many powers, are there any drawbacks? Are there any loopholes there? Do people use them or misuse them? These are some of the issues that the film deals with," he said.

The actor, who recently criticised the paid news syndrome in an interview, said the media is not solely responsible for such practice where the source of information is kept under wraps.

"Somebody has to bring the concept. You are the medium and they have to publish it or broadcast it. It is your decision whether you want to do it or not. One doesn't mind provided there is a disclosure. Disclose what you are doing, then it is fine. If it is made transparent, I don't see any harm. Let everybody have some kind of transparency."

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a media baron in forthcoming film "Rann", says he was among the pioneers of satellite television in the West long before it came to India and has a fair idea how a channel runs.

"I was one of the pioneers of satellite television in the United Kingdom and New York. We ran Asian television there. We were actually the first ones who did that many, many, many years ago before satellite television came here. So, yes, I know how it works and how it functions," Bachchan told IANS in an interview here.

"But now, of course, it has become a huge industry. It's a very intricate process, a very difficult task and extremely competitive. I have been to some of the (news) studios and I have seen how they function - (it's) a massive task," he added.

Bachchan had endorsed one of the first satellite Asian TV channels in Britain in the early 1990s - TV Asia before it was taken over by ZEE Network.

The megastar clarifies that "Rann", which releases Jan 29, is pro-media and not at all about media bashing as has been reported.

"It's a little premature for the media to think like this, but you know 'Rann' is a very pro-media film. In the film what I do as part of the media (industry) is nothing dishonourable. I (have been) put across as a very honourable person and whatever I do is very pro-media."

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, "Rann" is about business and consciousness in electronic media and the moot point of the film is what edges the other.

"Whether business wins over consciousness or otherwise, that would always depend upon the owner of the channel and that's the crux of the story. It's a battle between business and consciousness.

"Does Mr.Vijay Harshvardhan Malik (played by Amitabh in the film), who is a symbol of purity and integrity, succumb to things like 'I don't care about business, I want to keep my consciousness' or 'to hell with conscience, I will have to save my business'; that's what the story will be," said Amitabh.

The actor also said that he didn't borrow any mannerisms from media personalities like Prannoy Roy or Rajdeep Sardesai.

"I don't try imitating any particular action of anybody. I try to be myself," said Amitabh, but added Ram Gopal Varma might have taken inspiration from the two while creating a character.

"These are elements which we see every day. Yes, when we are making a film on electronic media, it is very difficult to ignore them (Prannoy or Rajdeep) or not be inspired by them."

While Amitabh appreciates the positive impact of the media, he maintains that it is not flawless.

"Media is a very powerful medium. It's the voice of the nation. It informs and also forms opinion. It has the power to be able to influence you in forming a decision. It has a power to change governments... Now, when one entity has so many powers, are there any drawbacks? Are there any loopholes there? Do people use them or misuse them? These are some of the issues that the film deals with," he said.

The actor, who recently criticised the paid news syndrome in an interview, said the media is not solely responsible for such practice where the source of information is kept under wraps.

"Somebody has to bring the concept. You are the medium and they have to publish it or broadcast it. It is your decision whether you want to do it or not. One doesn't mind provided there is a disclosure. Disclose what you are doing, then it is fine. If it is made transparent, I don't see any harm. Let everybody have some kind of transparency."

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Bangalore, Jan 23 (IANS) Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan Saturday said that he prefers to act in films that not only excite him but also suit him.

"Ram Gopal Varma (director of 'Rann') creates characters that excite me and 'Rann' is a film that I have really enjoyed working in," said Amitabh, while participating in a promotional press meet for his much-awaited film "Rann" at the Taj Residency Hotel here.

Seated along with Varma and Kannada film actor Sudeep, who plays his son in the movie, Amitabh said that he is happy that he is getting roles that suit him.

Complimenting Sudeep on his role, Amitabh said that the Kannada actor has done a very good job in the film.

"Sudeep is very talented and an intense actor. He has a bright future," he added.

Talking about his role in the film, Amitabh said that he plays a media baron, Vijay Harshavardhan, in the film.

"Rann is Varma's story idea. I am only an actor playing a character in the film. Vijay Harshavardhan is an honest person who is committed to certain values. His voice is truthful. I have tried to work in the confines of the script written by Varma,' he said.

"I think the media represents the conscience of the Nation. And Varma has a right to look and analyse the work of the media in his platform," Amitabh said in reply to a question.

"Media is doing its job as much as we are doing our job. We get married and media covers it," Amitabh said, adding that celebrities in the public domain should not feel unhappy because they are covered by the media.

Varma conceded that the film is closely inspired by the life of people working in media.

"I have not done a film focusing on any particular channel. I have made a film based on my own perception of the media. The characters may look realistic to some people, but some others may feel it to be a fantasy or fictional. I will leave it to the people to understand it the way they like it," he added.

Commenting on his role, Sudeep said: "I have played a character in the film which forms an important component of the story. I don't think I have played a negative role. It is a powerful character. I really loved the character."

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 23 (IANS) After watching the first episode of Colors' game show "National Bingo Night", one really wonders whether or not it was wise on Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan's part to invite his father, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, as the celebrity guest on the show.

The senior Bachchan, who proved himself as a superb host on game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" almost a decade ago, kept the audience engrossed with his famous dialogues from films like "Zanjeer", "Agneepath", "Deewaar" and "Amar Akbar Anthony" et al, as well as performing the Auro dance from "Paa", while son Abhishek stood in awe of him.

Just a few hours before the episode began Saturday at 9 p.m., Abhishek said that he was extremely nervous about his small screen debut, and he did look nervous on the show too.

"Want to run away and hide!!! Bingo in a few hours! Aaaarrrrrgggghhhh. This is worse than the release of a film. Anyway, let's see what destiny has in store today," the actor posted on his Twitter page.

Though Abhishek made a roaring start with a short performance on songs like "Right here right now" and "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", shook a leg with the studio audience, hugged an old man and danced with old ladies - he couldn't hold the attention for long enough.

"National Bingo Night" is a 13-episode show, to be aired every Saturday. It will have celebrities as well as common people playing two fast-paced rounds of the popular game Bingo. Celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi and Kirron Kher will be seen in the subsequent episodes of the show.

Given the cold feet that most actors develop while sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek's real test on the small screen will be when he plays the game with the common man.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who first used the onscreen name Vijay in 1973 film "Zanjeer", Tuesday said he wanted the lucky name in his forthcoming "Rann" as well. The actor added that the much-hyped movie was not aimed at media bashing.

"Ramu (Ram Gopal Varma) wanted my character to be called Harshvardhan Malik. But I told him 'naam se pehle Vijay laga do, shayad picture chal jaayegi (Prefix the name with Vijay, the movie might work)'," Amitabh told reporters at a press conference.

The actor was named Vijay in Zanjeer and then subsequently in many of his popular films like "Deewaar", "Agneepath", "Don", "Shahenshah" and "Shaan" among others. In fact, the product launched under Amitabh's tie-up with Max New York Life Insurance was also called Max Vijay.

Looking charming in a formal black suit, crisp white shirt and a fluorescent green tie, Amitabh was here to promote "Rann".

He said the media would be proud of the way his character has been etched out in the film, which is an attempt by Ram Gopal Varma to expose the electronic media.

"You (the media) would be proud of Vijay Harshvardhan Malik. He takes media's side. The nation listens to him. He is a man of integrity and respect.

"Personally, I really respect media. Being in the media means great responsibility, it is a very impressive job and needs tough work. I got a chance to visit TV channels and they are all like pythons - need to be fed 24 hours to be alive," he said.

The thespian clarified that "Rann" is not a media bashing film.

"The film shows that in the media there is often a conflict between business sensibilities and a person's conscience. Now does a person compromise on his conscience for the survival of his business or vice-versa is what has been highlighted in the movie," he said.

"Rann", which releases Jan 29, also features Riteish Deshmukh, Gul Panag and Paresh Rawal.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 18 (IANS) As Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan gets ready to make his TV debut with "Idea National Bingo Nights", he will be seen playing the game with his father Amitabh Bachchan in the inaugural episode of the show to be aired on Colors channel.

Dressed in a formal black suit, Abhishek was at his wittiest best at a press conference here Monday. With his one liners and spontaneous answers, the audience was in splits and enjoying every moment of the session.

Explaining why his father is featuring in the first episode, Abhishek said that he wants him to do some 'aaram' (rest) through the show.

"As a son, I want my father to relax a bit, slow down his work and take care of his health. But he hardly takes my advice. So I called him on this show to take some 'aaram'," Abhishek told reporters.

Being produced by Fox Television Studios India Pvt Ltd, the show will have two fast-paced rounds of the popular guessing game 'Bingo'.

Talking about this show, Abhishek said: "The sheer simplicity of the idea and the fact that this show is highly interactive is what attracted me to it. Winning here is easy, you need not answer any difficult questions or perform any strenuous physical tasks. The idea is simple - leave behind all your worries, relax and enjoy."

Apart from Big B, Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Deepika Padukone, Farhan Akhtar, Pravesh Rana, Vindu Dara Singh, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan, Sonali Bendre, and Kirron Kher will be seen in subsequent episodes.

The show will go on air from Jan 23 at 9.00 p.m.

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 18 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has bagged the Reader's Choice best actor award for the movie "Paa" while Kareena Kapoor was adjudged best actress for "Kurbaan" at the seventh Stardust Awards here.

Rajkumar Hirani's well-made "3 Idiots" got the Reader's Choice best film of the year award even as Imtiyaz Ali bagged the Reader's Choice best director award at the star-studded ceremony Sunday evening.

Rohit Shetty bagged the Stardust Editor's Choice award for best director for his movie "All The Best". The best actor and best actress awards in the same category were given to Shahid Kapoor for "Kaminey" and Kareena Kapoor for "Kurbaan", respectively.

While "Wanted" bagged the best film in action thriller category, "All The Best" was adjudged the best comedy film.

Another special award, Superstar of tomorrow (male), went to Ranbir Kapoor for "Wake Up Sid" and "Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani", while Superstar of tomorrow (female) was grabbed by Mugdha Godse for "Jail". The hottest new filmmaker award went to Ayan Mukherjee for "Wake up Sid".

The new musical sensational (female) award went to Kavitha Seth for "Iktara" from "Wake up Sid" and the award for new musical sensational (male) went to Suraj Jagan for "Give me some sunshine" ("3idiots").

Piyush Mishra won the Stardust performance by a music director award for "Gulaal", while Subrat Sinha won the Stardust performance by a lyricist for "Radio".

Rekha was honoured with Stardust Editor's Choice Icon of the Industry award at the ceremony.

Actors Katrina Kaif, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor sizzled on stage performing to some of their hit songs.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Kareena

Name of the film : Rann
Main cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Paresh Rawal, Riteish Deshmukh, Sudeep, Mohnish Bahl, Rajpal Yadav, Rajat Kapoor, Gul Panag, Neetu Chandra, Suchitra Krishna Moorthy & others
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Release: 29th January 2010

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Rann

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) He is one of India's best known actors. But a modest Amitabh Bachchan says he only knows how to "prepare, perform and push off" and is not capable of donning the director's hat!

"I am often asked when I would direct a film and my standard answer to that has always been that I can barely act, where am I going to get the acumen to direct," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

"To me it (direction) has been an enormous task that can only be fulfilled by those that have passion and desire to want to tell a story. I guess sometime or the other we have all wanted to do that - to narrate a credible story. But to convert it into film is indeed another matter," he added.

The 67-year-old says he is content with his acting career.

"I am most happy when I do not have to worry about the aspects of film making (other) than with those connected to a performance. Prepare, perform, and push off! It may sound too selfish a thought, but really what else could I ever contribute to it," he posted.

Amitabh feels that though it's a major task to direct a film, directors are not often given their due credit.

"Directing a film is an enormous task. Every aspect of it has to be understood and envisioned before any serious claim can be made on this. Which is why I think the respect and admiration and acclaim that should have rightfully been the director's is sometimes destroyed by a complete misunderstanding of what his or her contribution, in the field of direction is," he added.

The actor, who turned film producer in 1996, will be seen next in Ram Gopal Varma's "Rann" and in Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti".

-Indo-Asian News Service

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) Amitabh Bachchan is proud to have worked with four newcomers in the new film "Teen Patti", saying even when he did not know his lines, they would be set and ready on the sets. And it was much the same with co-actor Ben Kingsley, whose preparedness left the Indian megastar a trifle embarrassed.

"I am proud to work with these young debutant actors. It's their first film and I am certain that when you will see the film you won't believe that it was their first film. I hope they will have a very bright future," Amitabh told reporters after the first look of "Teen Patti" at Cinemax Versova.

Amitabh worked with Siddharth Kher, Shraddha Kapoor, Vaibhav Talwar and Dhruv Ganesh in Leena Yadav's film. The movie also stars the legendary Kingsley.

"They were very enthusiastic and determined to do their work well at this age. They were doing very well in their very first film - the way they have prepared their roles, the rehearsals they did for months to get into the character."

"Many a time I would go on to the sets and not know what I was supposed to do or my lines were not ready with me, but they were all set and ready. That was the inspiration. So every night when I went back to the hotel or came back home, I made sure that I also prepared, so that I didn't look like a fool the next morning," the superstar added.

"Teen Patti" is an emotionally riveting and razor sharp thriller about greed, deception and giant feats of imagination.

"I play the role of mathematics professor who has cracked a theory of probability and my seniors in university are discarding my findings. One day while playing cards on the computer I realise that my theory is applicable to card games. I discuss my theory with my junior professor, played by Madhavan, and he gives me the idea of visiting a casino and trying my theory," Big B said.

"The theory is if I get to know any one person's cards, by theory of probability I would be able to guess the cards of other members playing the game. That way we win a huge amount of money which in return subjects us to some unprecedented circumstances," he said.

On working with Kingsley, Amitabh said: "He is a wonderful human being. I think that's what comes through before you actually encounter him as an actor. He readily agreed to a reading rehearsal, much before we went on the set and when we were working in England he came across to the hotel where I was and we sat in our room just like two ordinary people and to my surprise he knew every alphabet of his dialogues much, much before I had even decided to sort of look at it.

"That was very embarrassing for me because I was just reading my script and he was reciting all his lines. Very, very well prepared, very considerate actor, very considerate to all his colleagues. It was a wonderful experience," he added.

"Teen Patti" is slated for release Feb 26.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been roped in to endorse TV channel Colors in Britain and the US after a successful stint as the host of reality show "Bigg Boss 3" on the channel.

The sexagenarian says he is "honoured" by the association.

"My association with Colors began with 'Bigg Boss 3'. Now, by taking on the responsibility of being its brand ambassador, I feel extremely honoured in being able to partner a media channel that has been a conduit of social change while churning out excellent quality entertainment," Amitabh said in a press release Thursday.

"I am sure Colors, with its myriad hues of entertainment, will spread its magic in the US and UK as it did in India," he said.

With this launch, Colors, Viacom 18 network's flagship Hindi entertainment channel, aims to entertain the entire Hindi-speaking South Asian Diaspora, across all generations.

While the channel will be called Aapka Colors in the US, it will be known by its original name in Britain. The launch is expected to take place at the end of January.

According to Rajesh Kamat, chief executive officer, Colors, the channel will be able to scale new heights with Amitabh as its brand ambassador as he is a global icon.

Kamat said: "Mr. Bachchan is one of the biggest global icons from India. His effortless charm and ability to connect with a wide range of people across demographics as 'Pop Philosopher' in 'Bigg Boss' has been a testimony for all to witness."

"This rare coupling of charisma and inherent talent is what makes Mr. Bachchan the right choice for endorsing the channel. We are honoured to have him on board and are confident that, with his association, we will meet similar success outside India," he added.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has proven he is no less than his "Paa" character Auro in real life. The sexagenarian was at his impish best at a recent awards ceremony when he went and "stole" food from superstar Shah Rukh Khan's vanity van.

"I came in early and went straight to the back into the vanity van, to get ready and be made up for the presentation of the 'Teen Patti' promotion skit we were doing," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com Sunday night.

"Hunger pangs almost ripped my stomach apart and I stepped out and into Shah Rukh's vanity (van) opposite mine and stole some of his salad that he was gorging into - he having missed his lunch as well," added the 67-year-old.

Big B, as he is fondly called, bagged the best actor award for his performance in "Paa" at the 16th Annual STAR Screen Awards that was held Jan 9 in Mumbai.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Sha-Rukh-Khan

Mumbai, Jan 10 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek were honoured with the best jodi award for their chemistry in "Paa" at the STAR Screen Awards.

Amitabh played Abhishek's son who suffers from progeria, a disease that accelerates the ageing process. The father-son duo also entertained the audiences at the event Saturday by doing the Auro dance at the behest of their hosts Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor.

After Shah Rukh's repeated request, Big B and Abhishek danced on the "Paa" number and Shahid and Shah Rukh too tried to match steps with them.

In all, "Paa" won five awards including best actor award for Amitabh, best actor female for Vidya Balan, best child actor for Pratik and best supporting actor female for Arundhati.

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan has clarified that he is not playing the role of Gautam Buddha in Puri Jagannathan's film "Budda".

"Media is thinking that the next film of mine with Puri is on Gautam Buddha simply because the title approved for that film is �Budda', which means an old man and not Buddhist saint Gautam Buddha," Big B wrote on his blog bigb.biggadda.com.

"Either the electronic media misunderstood the title because of the spelling or they mixed the other news of Vivek Sharma, director of �Bhoothnath', wishing to make a film titled �Buddham Sharanam Gachchami' with me," Amitabh added.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) After playing Auro from "Paa" in a number of off-screen events, Amitabh Bachchan now assumes the role of media magnet Vijay Harshwardhan Mallik from his forthcoming movie "Rann" and will appear on a TV channel to do a year-end news round-up.

"And we aren't just talking about entertainment-related activities," said the film's co-producer Sheetal Talwar who was present when Big B donned the garb of a news anchor holding forth on events of the year from the world on the news channel Times Now.

"And it was events from the world of global politics. Mr. Bachchan just took over the television space as though he had done news analysis all his life. It was an amazing experience," Talwar told IANS.

On Wednesday night the megastar will reportedly be heard talking on roughly six global issues of 2009 - Indian national politics, terrorism, cricket, swine flu, recession and Obama on an hour-long segment.

This would be the first of several media-related activities that the Big B is scheduled to participate in before director Ram Gopal Varma's "Rann" hits the screens Jan 29.

Apparently he intends to assume whatever character he plays in his forthcoming films and promote the film as the character rather than 'Amitabh Bachchan'.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Dec 19 (IANS) The poignant story of 13-year-old Auro who suffers from progeria in "Paa" has touched many hearts and megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he never expected people to so "warmly embrace" his premature ageing character.

"No, I never ever imagined that Auro would be picked up, caressed and so warmly embraced. It is miraculous. A description of the reactions would be odious at this moment. I do have them all stored and shall be happy to share them with you at an opportune moment," Bachchan told IANS in an interview.

Made at a budget of about Rs.15 crore, the film by R.Balakrishnan not only got favourable reviews from critics but is also doing well at the box office. Amitabh, whose AB Corp Ltd produced the film, says the company has however no plans to make another film in the near future.

"At the moment we have not concretised any further project under our banner, but if we were to, we would keep you informed," he said.

The film stars Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan as Amitabh's parents.

Excerpts from the interview to IANS:

Q: Auro has become a bigger star than Amitabh Bachchan?

A: Ha ha. There is genuine love being expressed towards him and several have unabashedly desired to take him home.

Q: Did you expect Auro to have such a far-reaching impact on the nation's psyche? What are some of the most memorable reactions you've had to Auro's character?

A: No, I never ever imagined that Auro would be picked up, caressed and so warmly embraced. It is miraculous. A description of the reactions would be odious at this moment. I do have them all stored and shall be happy to share them with you at an opportune moment.

Q: There's a feeling of dismay when Auro dies at the end of "Paa" because people want more of this metaphor of the life-force. How do you plan to take Auro forward?

A: Yes, people want more of Auro, but I think Balki (Balakrishnan) felt his presence was sufficiently enough. How he goes forward is for Balki to decide.

Q: You abhor even a false beard. How did you bear with such elaborate prosthetics day after day?

A: I bore it with great resolve and fortitude.

Q: So complete is your self-effacement in Auro's make-up that some people felt that's not you, but another actor doing Auro. How do you react to that?

A: I take that as my greatest compliment and a triumph for the team that worked on my make-up. Without them and their contribution Auro would have remained on the drawing board.

Q: The surprises from your repertoire continue to spill out year after year. Auro, you'll agree, is a very hard act to follow. What will you do now to satiate your expectant fans?

A: I shall continue to work to my best. Satiation is most subjective. I do not work with the consideration of those elements in mind. My fans understand that better than anyone else. Even me.

Q: "Paa" marks the renewal of AB Corp Ltd's production output. What are the other films that ABCL plans to produce?

A: Please do not keep up this undesired exclamation of the 'renewal' of the company. We were always there and functioning. May be you did not follow its activities. Or perhaps there was not much desire in you to do so. At the moment we have not concretised any further project under our banner, but if we were to, we would keep you informed.

Q: As an actor you seem to have reached an unprecedented zenith of self-expression. What is that one role you would still like to play?

A: I have no idea what it would be...all I know is that were someone to come up with a thought, I would most certainly want to give it a try. I do hope that there are directors there who will dream up exciting work for me. If they do I shall be more than willing to work along with them.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Paa

Mumbai, Dec 9 (IANS) Superstar Amitabh Bachchan's workaholism is well known. Little wonder that he dozed off at a felicitation ceremony in Chennai.

Amitabh was at Satyam cinema where he was honoured by the film federations of Chennai. Extreme exhaustion caught up with the 67-year-old veteran when he fell asleep before the ceremony Saturday and woke up thoroughly disoriented, not knowing where he was.

Director Balki who was with the Big B, says: "He was fine. He finally had some sleep. You've to understand that this is no ordinary human being. Amitji is a miracle. He can continue working non-stop without sleep."

At the end of the evening, the Big B had 24 shawls to bring back - though he had gone with only a day's baggage. When asked what he would do with the massive haul of 24 shawls, the Big B replied: "I'll give them away to the needy."

But the shawls were the least of his burdens in Chennai.

Says Balki: "Last week, he was running around getting the ('Paa') premiere in place. Then on Friday morning, he left to shoot for 'Bigg Boss' without any sleep after the premiere. After shooting the entire day in Lonavala, he attended the Bombay Times party and then on Saturday early morning he left for Chennai. At an age when a lot of us will be in a rocking chair he is still rocking."

But those close to Amitabh feel he is again overdoing his work schedule and needs to slow down.

Says a person close to him: "Even after two major health scares recently, Amitji has refused to slacken his pace. Except for the break he took to be with Amar Singh in Singapore earlier this year, he has been working round the clock."

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan never ceases to surprise. The 67-year-old does it again by playing a 13-year-old in R. Balakrishnan's "Paa", which releases Friday.

Produced by AB Corp and distributed by Big Pictures, the movie is tagged as "a very rare father-son son-father story", where Amitabh plays Auro, a 13-year-old suffering from progeria, a rare condition that causes premature ageing among children.

While his real life actor son Abhishek plays his father in the film, Vidya Balan essays the role of his mother in the emotional drama.

"A lot of my interpretation (for the role) has been picked up from what I remember of Abhishek when he was of that age and from my grandchildren now as I see them grow," Amitabh had told IANS.

To look like a progeria-affected child, the veteran actor had to wear over eight pieces of specially crafted clay on his face, designed by international make-up artist Stephan Dupuis, but says he was pampered during the entire process.

"I was quite pampered on the sets. Actually they (unit members) were more worried about the make-up as it was very tedious. I used to have a lot of problem in breathing, eating and used to feel itchy - but everyone was extremely courteous," the Big B said.

"I couldn't eat properly, couldn't speak and liquid supplies were given to me using straws. Everyone was quite nice to me and pampered me," he added.

The film shows Auro as a normal kid mentally, but physically he looks five times older. Despite his condition, he is a very happy boy. He lives with his parents - Vidya, who is a gynaecologist, and Amol Arte (Abhishek), a young, progressive and idealistic politician. Paresh Rawal plays his grandfather in the movie.

"It was a humbling experience to work with Bachchan-ji. This is a very special movie for me...After this role, I can proudly tell my children and grandchildren that Big B was my first child. Not even in my wildest dreams had I thought of playing mother to the living legend of the industry," Vidya had said.

"Paa" also marks Abhishek's debut as a producer for which he has won brownie points from his dad.

"I think he (Abhishek) has done a remarkable job. I give huge credit to him for making the film without compromising on the quality or the shooting locations...Abhishek has managed all the production hassles and I am glad he has done it with a high level of maturity," said Amitabh.

"We had set out to make the film within an estimated budget of Rs.15 crore and Abhishek managed it in Rs.14.75 crore. This, in times when movie budgets are soaring to Rs.50 crore," he added.

Amitabh is being lauded by film critics and industry members for his portrayal of Auro. Many have called it "awesome", "amazing" and his "best performance till date". But the actor is waiting for the reaction of audiences.

"I'd rather wait for public opinion," he said humbly.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Paa

Mumbai, Nov 29 (IANS) When megastar Amitabh Bachchan and other members of his family took to the podium to recite from Harivansh Rai Bachchan's 'Madhushala - The House of Wine', commemorating his 102nd birth anniversary, nostalgia was in the air as the book was launched in a new avatar.

First published in 1933-34, the book is now designed in a format that contains original poems along with their English translation, interspersed with illustrations of paintings done by Namrita Bachchan, daughter of Amitabh's brother Ajitabh.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan said at the launch of the book Saturday that the book was not a revised version of the original, but a translation.

"It's wonderful that my cousin Namrita has illustrated the 'Madhushala' and it's wonderful to get the third generation of Bachchans to contribute," Abhishek said.

Amitabh revealed that this book was his wife Jaya Bachchan's idea.

"It was Jaya's idea that if the book is compiled in a way where one page has the original poems and in the corresponding page the translation of the same, then this generation would love to read it," Amitabh said.

Speaking to reporters, Jaya said: "This is the reproduction of the book 'The House of Wine', which was formerly written by Marjourie Bolton on the works of Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchhan."

Some translations have also been done by Ram Swaroop Vyas.

Almost every member of the Bachchan family recited Harivansh Rai Bachchan's select poems on the occasion.

Actors Om Puri, Rahul Bose and Ashutosh Rana and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi were among others present at the function.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has big plans for the 101st birth anniversary of his father, well-known poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, on Jan 18 next year. Among other things he plans to re-release his father's acclaimed book "Madhushala" and hold a dance recital.

"There are discussions on now on how to celebrate 101 years of my father's birth anniversary. 'Madhushala' in its modern format shall be released, a journey of my father's creative works shall be conducted through the recitation of his various works, a dance recital on one of his works," Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

Big B says that he will also release of some of his father's most important works as a collection put together by Pushpa Bharati, wife of late writer Dharam Vir Bharati.

The 67-year-old has been planning the event for a long time and has been especially devoting time to writing the foreword for the new avatar of "Madhushala", which was first published in 1935 and considered Harivansh Rai's greatest work.

The new edition of the book will be a large coffee table sized version - it will have the original verses of the late poet accompanied with English translations by Marjorie Boulton of Oxford University. The book will also have paintings by Amitab's niece Namrata Bachchan.

"The proof is looking very good. The paintings are unique and hopefully with the written foreword should form a fitting tribute to my father's 101st anniversary," Amitabh wrote in a previous blog entry.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Lucknow, Nov 1 (IANS) The controversy over Amitabh Bachchan buying agricultural land in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh ended when the Bollywood star 'gifted' the land to Daulatpur village council for building a girls college named after his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

Raj Kumari Singh Oct 27 complained to the district magistrate that though Bachchan in his 2007 letter to the Barabanki magistrate expressed his wish to gift the land to the village council, he had three years ago made the gift to an NGO to run the college. 

Singh said Bachchan changed his mind and instead of the village council decided to gift the land to Nishtha Foundation headed by film actress-turned-Samajwadi Party MP Jayaprada. The foundation had taken the responsibility to build the girls' college, and the construction has been pending for more than three years.

As the district magistrate set up an inquiry into Raj Kumari Singh's complaint, Bachchan promptly revoked his earlier 'gift' to Nishtha Foundation and decided to keep his earlier word of giving the land to the village council.

Bachchan's land purchase has been dogged in controversy since he bought it. He was accused of using illegal means to acquire the land. 

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) She celebrates her third birthday after marriage to actor Abhishek Bachchan and her megastar father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan has wished Aishwarya Rai a "long prosperous life" on her 36th birthday Sunday.

"We have... just brought in Aishwarya's birthday and wished her love and happiness and a long prosperous life. It was just the family," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com early Sunday morning.

The former Miss World, whose future projects include "Raavan", "Action Replay" and "Guzaarish", has also been named the first goodwill ambassador for Smile Train Sunday for the charity that works worldwide for children born with a cleft lip. 

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has received threat through a text message on his mobile phone for having visited both a temple and a dargah.

The sexagenarian, who often mentions his routines on his blog, mentioned his visit to Haji Ali Dargah and the nearby Siddhivinayak temple here Thursday.

"That I visit a Muslim dargah and a Hindu temple has been viciously criticised by an unknown element on my mobile. He says it is incorrect of me to do so and that I should never do it again," Amitabh wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com

However, the actor is unperturbed.

"We live in a secular society where we learn to respect all religions. My belief is of my own making. If the temple or the mosque or a dargah has no objection to my visits, if my constitution gives me that freedom then who is this man to stop me or correct me?

"I am going to do it again and shall continue to do it. And I want to see how you are going to stop me. If you have the courage and guts come and get me," said the actor.

In the message, the man also mentioned that Amitabh's recently released film "Aladin" will not be successful because of this act of the star.

"If the film has merit, no force on earth will be able to stop its worth. If the film is weak and does not have merit, no force on earth shall be able to make it a success. At the cost of every film of mine failing, I am not going to change my routine," Amitabh said.

Further criticising the message, he said it was an "obscene mobile sermon".

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS) Director Sujoy Ghosh, whose "Aladin" has been slammed by critics, got the surprise of his life when Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the genie in it, offered him much-needed tonic.

On seeing how nervous and depressed Ghosh was, Big B impulsively told him: "Okay, go ahead announce your next film with me."

Since then, the director is on cloud nine.

"I can't get over the moment. When the world was slamming my film, he stood up for me and supported me. Some critics have slammed the film as though it's the worst film in the universe. That's four years of my life," Ghosh told IANS.

"Aladin" is a contemporary take on the classic fairy tale and Riteish Deshmukh plays the title role.

"Please remember, it's supposed to be a kids' film," said Ghosh.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Film: "Aladin"; Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandes, Saahil Khan, Ratna Pathak; Director: Sujoy Ghosh; Rating: ***1/2

"I am still a teenager", says Amitabh Bachchan right at the beginning of "Aladin", setting the mood for the film to follow. Young at heart and fresh in treatment, "Aladin" wouldn't have been possible without him.

Playing Genius - The Genie could have gone either way since he is expected to be whacky, quirky, a little eccentric, a bit mad and hugely lovable.

The narrative is clearly divided into two sections. If the first half is more children friendly, the second half has a lot going for teenagers and above.

There is some fun in store for children with a donkey's head replacing Riteish's, his guitar turning into a frog and him being thrown in the air after being turned into a balloon. The funny antics that follow may not have grown ups rolling with laughter, but should surely keep the smiles on.

Amitabh's 'Yo dude' act keeps the fun going. He adopts a completely different body language as the flamboyant genie, who is happy moving on with the times, and could give the younger generation a run for its money.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Dutt's Ringmaster character makes on and off appearances, though one would have expected to see more of him.

The entire past about Aladin and the Genius gets a little confusing.

The real fun begins in the second half with the battle between good versus evil. Sanjay becomes more prominent on screen, the past is unearthed, action and thrills take centrestage and the best of VFX is unveiled.

The visuals belong to the never-seen-before variety, especially the ones where Big B is shown repenting about his misdeeds. The flashback sequence is extremely well done too.

Sujoy Ghosh does well in conjuring the imaginary world of 'Khwaish' that gives the film a visual appeal. This is further enhanced by the presence of newcomer Jacqueline Fernandes. Riteish is likeable as the young man who gets superpowers towards the film's end, hence keeping an option for a sequel.

Sanjay is good but how one wishes that he had at least a couple of dramatic scenes with Amitabh.

However, the film completely belongs to Amitabh who totally steals the show. Watch him in "Genie Rap" and you'll know why.

The story of "Aladin" is legendary and Genie and Jasmine are known worldwide. This is why it requires courage for a filmmaker to set the film in contemporary times and come up with his own take on a well loved tale.

Ghosh does exactly that as he lets his imagination go wild and spins a tale that ends up relating the past, present and future of these characters. This VFX filled entertainer is just the right recipe if one is looking for a family entertainer.

Labels: Aladin, Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently busy promoting his film "Aladin", says that movie promotion is not only an art but also a test of one's patience.

"Promotions of films has now become an art, an exercise in management, a test of patience and an ability to be able to answer the same questions in and out with the same intensity and conviction that you may have expressed in the previous interview," Amitabh posted on his blog.

Amitabh also said that he admires journalists relentless pursuit for exclusives.

"They are all around you waiting in anticipation for their turn to arrive, to be able to turn on their microphones and cameras, to put on that TV anchor demeanour and strike out. I have admired their relentless pursuit for that exclusive, their determined effort to get something out of their subjects which has not been covered by the other rivals, present merely inches away," he wrote.

Further praising journalists, he wrote: "The speed with which they (journalists) all operate is incredible. How they devise the look of the interview, what would need to be shown as a clip to enhance the program, the reference material of the past, the music and the editing of the material they have, the headlines that need to be created and then finally the presentation on the broadcast.

"...But there is never ever a complaint, an objection to a delayed request and neither is there need to bring out competition at the street level. There is a deep understanding and respect for each other. A desire to share information and to see that it is disseminated in a manner that would be the requirement of their seniors."

Releasing Friday, "Aladin" is the modern version of the fantasy story and also stars Riteish Deshmukh and Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandes.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Lucknow, Oct 23 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan seems headed for fresh trouble over a controversial plot of farmland in Daulatpur village of Barabanki district that he purchased last year.

The 1.383 hectare plot in Daulatpur, about 40 km from here, has been gifted to a proposed college named after his actress daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

Amitabh had last year gifted two parts of the land to the local 'gram sabha' or village council after he found himself in the thick of a major controversy and court battles on account of ownership of the land.

However, it was reported Friday that Amitabh had "gifted" the entire piece of land to the college.

A local village head, Raj Kumari Singh, has decided to challenge Amitabh's giving away the land to the college.

She said: "A land once gifted to a gram sabha cannot be gifted to anybody else."

Singh termed the latest land gift, executed through the superstar's local power of attorney in Barabanki Friday, as "illegal". She said, "I will file a formal objection against the move, which is violative of Uttar Pradesh land laws."

The Bachchan family laid the foundation stone of the college on Jan 27, 2008, at a high-profile bash in the village where they also flew in prominent politicians like Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, his Man Friday Amar Singh, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and former Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) He sleeps for "four to five hours" a day, burns the midnight oil to blog and has a packed shooting schedule. But 67-year-old megastar Amitabh Bachchan insists he is neither the busiest person in the Hindi film industry nor an important part of any of his projects.

"I don't think that is entirely correct. I just do whatever is offered to me. I do films, I am now doing television ('Big Boss 3')," said Amitabh shrugging off the busy bee title.

"If you plan your day and time, you can find time to do all these things. If the body responds, it's fine. But sooner or later it's going to pack up, so might as well work while it's working," said Amitabh who squeezed in enough time to reply to 1207 SMSes that he received on his birthday last week.

Over four decades of excellent cinematic presence has made him a brand. Doesn't that overshadow others in a film?

"I don't think that is entirely correct. May be in the early years, they (audiences) came to watch my films because I was in it. But now I am just one of the credit titles. I am not that important," Bachchan told IANS in an interview.

"I am a part of the crew and the cast. Even in my early years, I used to think that. I think the product itself is more important. It's the film that is going to make you or your name or give you visibility. If that goes wrong then everything goes wrong. So one must work as a team so that the product works," he explained.

The actor stays awake till the wee hours to write his blog.

"That is like a compulsion. I feel very vacant and I feel as though I haven't done justice to my day if I don't write the blog because there are now a few hundred people who are regular. They wait to know about me and they want to talk to me," Amitabh said.

"I feel somewhat guilty if I don't write the blog every day. So even if I am late, I make sure that I put something down," he added.

Doesn't his family object to his blogging addiction? "They are always saying, 'Please don't write your blog. Get off your blog'," he said.

"You have all kinds of funny things happening to your neck and shoulder because you're all the time bending down on your laptop. But that's okay," added the Big B, as he is fondly called.

Strenuous working hours and regular blogging hardly leaves any time to catch up on sleep but the actor is content with what he gets.

"I get about four to five hours' sleep and that's okay," said the veteran, who was seen this year only in a cameo in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Delhi-6".

Amitabh was here to promote his upcoming film "Aladin". Releasing Oct 30, it is a contemporary take on the classic fairy tale and he stars in it as the Genie.

Produced by Sunil Lulla and Sujoy Ghosh, the film has been directed by Ghosh. It also stars Riteish Deshmukh in the lead opposite debutante Jacqueline Fernandez. Sanjay Dutt appears in a negative role in the film.

Apart from casting magic in the film as the Genie, the sexagenarian has also performed action sequences in "Aladin". He says the only way to attempt stunts at his age is by keeping "fit".

"You have to keep fit. Some of the action scenes are really tough and they are physically very draining. But now they have wonderful gadgetry which can make you jump sky high and do all kinds of things. We use that, but even doing that is strenuous. If you are not prepared to do all that, then it doesn't work," he said.

Despite wife Jaya, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya all being actors, the Hindi film industry still has not seen the entire family together in a film.

When asked about it, he said: "I don't know. Somebody will have to design a project like that. If they do, we'll be very happy to do it."

Apart from "Aladin", Amitabh's other projects include "Paa", "Teen Patti", "Rann" and "Johnny Mastana".

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Oct 17 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a 12-year-old progeric in "Paa", says he has taken cues from his grandchildren to adapt a child's mannerisms for the role.

"A lot of prosthetics went into making me look like a 12-year-old in 'Paa'. I did try to watch kids and took a little bit of hints from my own kids' childhood, but I took most from my grandchildren. They were quite an inspiration for me for 'Paa'," said Amitabh.
The actor, who turned 67 recently, has essayed the role of a child suffering from progeria, a rare disease which causes premature ageing among children.

Directed by R. Balakrishnan, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, who plays Amitabh's father in the film.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Labels: Aladin, Amitab-Bachchan, Sanjay-Dutt

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

No doubt that Bachchan senior is still the  most wanted celebrity in Bollywood. The number says it all with the series of films queued up for him in the near future.

Amitabh has been lately shooting for Leena Yadav's Teen Patti, Johnny Mastana, Aladin. And the list do not end there with as many as a dozen films geared up to feature the star.

This includes Muzzafar Ali's Adrenalin, Hollywood filmmaker Rob Cohen's project Jewel Of India, Ravi Chopras' Pocketmaar, bhansali's Chenab Gandhi, Diamond Bob under PVR banner and films by Samar Khan, Prakash Jha.
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

 In the wake of the growing anger over the recent racial attacks on Indian students in Australia, Bollywood superstar denied to accept the doctorate honor offered to him by the Brisbane University in Australia.

Australia's Queensland University of Technology has chosen Amitabh Bachchan to be conferred the honorary degree in July, recognising his immense contributions to the entertainment industry.

Although Amitabh has accepted this earlier, he pointed out that his decision to reject the offer was an aftermath of the recent violence against the Indian studentsin Australia.
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

‘Aladin’ arrives in Tinseltown…

“Two people sat in the coffee shop of Marriott and believed that they will make a film which has never been seen before on the Indian screen…”

This one line by Sujoy Ghosh on his blog is enough to arouse the curiosity of get cinema lovers.

The talented film-maker, whose debut film ‘Jhankaar Beats’ became a landmark film is now on his way to creating another benchmark in Bollywood. And the film in question is none other than ‘Aladin’ (adventure, visual dslight)

And as a first-of-its kind initiative, Sujoy has created a special blog to give movie enthusiasts an insight into the magnanimous task of making an epic film like ‘Aladin’.

The visionary Director has initiated a blog where he plans to share every moment of making the film. He will tell readers about how ‘Aladin’ came into being, how he managed to put together such an extraordinary star cast and what’s more in the anvil. The blog will also contain some exclusive pictures taken on the sets of ‘Aladin’, which will further give an insight into the entire experience of making a colossal film!

Over time, the cast & crew and friends will step in and blog, pitch, joke, bitch, rant, rave on the blog. Sabu Cyril, art director extraordinaire, will take us through the stunning sets he created and the thought processes behind each. And there’ll be bits and bytes from the various crew members who braved the elements and temperaments to make ‘Aladin’.

‘Aladin’ is produced by Eros International / Boundscript and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh.

‘Aladin’ is slated to release in July this year.

Director Sujoy promises the film to be a visual treat. “It will be like eating ice-cream with your eyes” he quips!

To be a part of the magical journey, visit http://aladinblogs.erosentertainment.com/

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Riteish-Deshmukh, Sanjay-Dutt

Bollywood's superstar Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan are coming together again for a film ' Pa' which is directed by R Balakrishnan who made the film, Cheeni Kum.

Interestingly the film will have the Bachchans sharing screen space as father and son, but with a twist.

The duo will be seen in a reversed role with Abhishek Bachchan enacting the role of the father while Amitabh will play his son.

That certainly poses a lot of challenge too. And the director has even approached international make up artist to help with the drastic makeover which Bachchan Sr has to undergo. Vidya Balan is the leading lady in the film who will be paired opposite Abhishek.
--MP

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Amitab-Bachchan

Bollywood's biggest icon Amitabh Bachchan's biography 'Bachchanalia' was launched on Saturday.

The book written by popular film journalist Bhawana Somaya was lanuched by none other than the Bollywood's popular superstar Aamir Khan who was the guest of honor at the function.

"Bachchanalia is very pictorial and boasts of vintage priceless poster designs. It's very interestingly done with snippets of my films, and interesting trivia." says Big B.
--MP

Labels: Amir-Khan, Amitab-Bachchan

Name of the movie: Aladin And The Mystery Of The Lamp
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Producer: Sujoy Ghosh
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Juhi Chawla, Sameera Reddy
Music: Vishal-Shekhar
Genre: Fantasy Film
Expected Release: November 2008
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Riteish-Deshmukh, Sanjay-Dutt

Finally Sanjay Leela Bhansali is doing a film with Amitabh Bachchan. But this time Bhansali will be the producer and the director will be Vibhu Puri who assisted him in Saawariya.

Chenab Gandhi will be produced by Bhansali but directed by his assistant Vibhu Puri.

The film is based on the life of India's freedom fighter, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. It is known that apart from Bachchan, Harman Baweja and Vidya Balan are there in the lead cast.
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Harman-Baweja, Vidya-Balan

Cast: Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Manisha Koirala, Priyanka Chopra and Anupam Kher.

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Anupam-Kher, Eros, Manisha-Koirala, Priyanka-Chopra, Salman-Khan

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Aishwarya-Rai, Amitab-Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp and Anil Ambani's Reliance Big Entertainment (RBE) has joined hands to invest for film making in Bollywood.

"We have entered into a deal in which we will be producing films with RBE. Four directors have been finalised to start our projects." informed AB Corp's Chief, P Ramesh.

The 4 directors on the list are Rohan Sippy, Sujoy Ghosh, Chandraprakash Dwivedi and R.Balakrishna. Abhishek will be cast in Sippy's film, while Amitabh will feature in Ghosh and Dwivedi's films. Its said that R.Balakrishnan's film would feature both the Bachchans.
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Bollywood's mega star Amitabh Bachchan has been voted Asia's sexiest vegetarian male.

According to a survey conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Big B won the maximum votes winning the poll on Wednesday. Among females, Hong Kong's singer-actress Faye Wong won the vote for the sexiest vegetarian female.

"Going vegetarian is the best thing one can do for animals, the earth as well as one's health. Moreover there's no easier way to stay slim and sexy and Amitabh Bachchan and Faye are the living proof", remarks PETA Asia Pacific director.
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Friday, June 06, 2008 -- (Business Wire India) -- Transcript of the Amitabh Bachchan interview:

Arnab: It's wonderful to have you and each time when we meet ,we talk about the last time. the last few months before that and this year has also been . if you look back at the last six months to eight months, it's been a very eventful period in your life . highs and lows.

Amitabh: Well this is a question I am often asked as the starting point of an interview.and I have always responded by saying that something or the other keeps happening in my life . so to look at it as being eventful or uneventful is really now a clichéd statement. But. I would love to know what you think is eventful and what is not, so that I can respond to that.

Arnab: I will.Let's look forward. Let's talk about Sarkar Raj. the big upcoming movie, the three of you together. Again I must say it's a very predictable start to a question

Amitabh: Yeah

Arnab: How was it Mr. Bachchan?

Amitabh: Umm.. Well the fact that there are three members of the family working together. It is always a joy. being with Abhishek and Aishwarya in the same frame and being with. who we are all very comfortable with. For Aishwarya it was the first time working with Ram Gopal varma but Abhishek and I have worked in many of his projects and I find RGV to be a very intelligent maker. somebody that has always been able to provoke an artiste through his technology to the subjects and the scenes that he writes and the way he shoots them into giving some of their best performances. By best performance I don't mean that I would like to rate A against B, C or D. But I think he can make or provide you with an environment just by his technology, or by the moment he is going to create in that film for you to be excited enough to do something different or to look at it in a different manner and that I think is challenging for everyone of us. And particularly so for me and Abhishek because we have worked together in two of his projects. But each time he has something new and something fresh for us. So as an actor.yes I enjoy being with him. I enjoy being on his sets. I love the way he structures his story and how he wants to project it across in the final moments.

Arnab: I think in the past. this is a sequel of the last movie.And the last movie had this strong and brooding intensity, which I am sure comes naturally to you.

Amitabh: No, not necessarily. I am not a brooder by habit. But the character demanded that and the situations demanded that. And in many respects this is not a sequel to Sarkar. It is the same story of the same family and some of the circumstances that happened in this family . (but) It is just another day so to say or several days. But it's not like this is where it ended and this is now where it's going to start. No. It's a reconstruction of some more events that happened in this very powerful family.

Arnab: And there is a very strong comparison that has been drawn to the Thackerays.

Amitabh: Yes, yes.

Arnab: Would you ever deny it?

Amitabh: It's not got anything to do with Balasaheb Thackeray or his family at all.

Arnab: But there is an obvious comparison, Sir, that is being drawn.

Amitabh: Yeah, but then there can be obvious comparisons to so many characters that we make in our films but .it is obvious that these comparisons will be made because it is Maharashtra and it is a Maharashtrian family. It is a powerful political or a semi-political family and these obvious comparisons come up. But there is no deliberate or no intent of making any comparisons with Balasaheb or his family.

Arnab: One of the most intense scenes in the movie. in my judgment . and I may be wrong as I am reacting only as a viewer . was the dinner table sequence in the past

Amitabh: Yeah , Yeah

Arnab: That's where all the tension and the interplay was playing out. I think there was the resistance, there was the father and there was the tension .

Amitabh: well I think . I really would like to go back to why you find that and how we actually thought about that. Many many years ago, when I was talking to RGV and we were considering an idea of how we should work and what we should do together. and Sarkar was the first film that I ever did with him. I was always very excited and interested in the concept of power politics, palace politics and personal life, In every powerful family, in every powerful political family, in every powerful industrial family, there is always this business of palace politics where if there are more than one in the family that are either involved in the industry or politics or in a movie industry . there is this central fulcrum which is the dominant personality. He is the one that created the business, created the politics, that created the industry or created the brand and because of him there is an entire world, there is an entire industry functioning and that is surviving of him, his beliefs or his thoughts or his dictate. And there are many followers. But what happens when this powerful fulcrum operates within his own house? Does he carry with him the burden or the advantage of his power and how does he execute personal relationships amongst his near and dear ones. So if he were to step outside his house and find millions of people screaming and shouting and waving to him, does he. when he comes home expect a similar kind of treatment? Would he also when he raised his hand, expect his father or his mother, his son, his daughter to give him that same amount of adoration? And I thought that that was a very interesting aspect for a story and I believe that this does happen in most houses

Arnab: What do you think Mr. Bachchan. Do you think that the same is expected?

Amitabh: That is what I think the film should deal about.

Arnab: I think Mr. Bachchan that you have out it across brilliantly

Amitabh: . So if there is a political decision to be taken by this very powerful fulcrum and there is an altercation in the house, which is purely domestic in nature . it could be a disagreement on the dining table with the son or with a wife or the daughter . that puts this central fulcrum or figure in some kind of a mental state. it could perhaps be annoyance or antagonistic and therefore the next minute if her were to step out of the house into a public meeting and take a major decision which could affect the lives of millions of people in a nation, would that antagonism or the mental state that he is in reflect in the decision that he is about to take? And I feel that I must be an extremely difficult task for no matter who it is; to be able to go out without being affected by what has just happened within the premises of his internal family.

Arnab: Absolutely

Amitabh: So I used to give every weak examples to RGV. I used to say . I gave my own example. I am setting out to go to the shooting and I have a comedy sequence, I have a song and dance with laughter and gaiety and a lot of fun and I am supposed to have a smile on my face, I am supposed to be happy and gay... and then whilst I am driving, somebody comes and hits my car and it upsets me to see my car damaged. And whilst I am leaving my house, I am preparing myself mentally to go into this atmosphere of laughter and gaiety, I have suddenly got to contend with this damage to my car and it puts me in a bad mood. Now how do I switch from this bad mood to this happy moment?

Arnab: Would you be able to do that? Let me be more specific. I would just want to understand...

Amitabh: Yeah because I am an actor, I would be expected to do that. But I would like to say and that is what the query was to RGV. that how wonderful it would be, if we were to devise a story where there is this one powerful family and because of the internal palace politics that happened, does it reflect on some of the external decisions that he has to make.

Arnab: In fact I think it is difficult to make an absolute switch, but I find it very interesting of what you have said because it's quite strange isn't it Mr. Bachchan that in this country we have so many political dynasties and yet somehow film makers have desisted on making movies a) about our political dynasties b) about a subject then or alluding about it directly . may be they are scared or may be film makers don't want to cross the lines.

Amitabh: Right .

Arnab: Because if this had been .

Amitabh: .that's a very very interesting question that you have raised. I Have admired Oliver stone who made JFK because I believe that to be one of his most brilliant works, who actually went behind the assassination of JFK and put across a theory, which when I came out of the theatre I actually believed that it was true; though the formal version is totally opposite of that. But I think that's what freedom of expression and its interpretation truly is.
And I think that as a democratic nation, we need to exercise it more often.

Arnab: how do you think we would react..If there was a movie made about the assassination of a sitting PM and in your own view.

Amitabh: The decision makers would think it wouldn't go down too well. But I would never ever put the common or its intelligence below any kind of power because I find that they are most intelligent people in the country.

Arnab: At the end of the day, it's all about pushing the envelope and yes you are right. I think we are a bit too presumptuous about the way we think the common people would react and even that has got to do with politics. if you were to play a political figure, Indian or international, present or past Mr. Bachchan, who do you think you would identify most with or who do you think will present you with the biggest challenge?

Amitabh: I really don't know. I wish RGV could make it because I believe that he would absolutely have the right capacity and the temperament to do a film like this. I do not know who I would be able to play but I would be very open to accepting or entertaining any thought by any that would bring a project like this. I myself have toyed with the idea several times, talked to various producers on some of my thoughts on making a political subject but they have all sort of. you know... Drifted away from it saying it would be too sensitive or they are too wary about doing something like this which is a shame really. But I would not insist because I do realize that there are . there are pockets, areas, groups of people who may object to it or may not like it.

Arnab: And also Mr. Bachchan there is so much of a focus on you. in terms of where you stand politically. in terms of are you close to this political formation or that. that things can be read .

Amitabh: Yes the obvious inferences then get drawn which are totally unnecessary.

Arnab: Too much has been written about it in the past.

Amitabh: Yes

Arnab: And in recent times also. Never seems to leave you Mr. Bachchan..

Amitabh: Yeah I am unable

Arnab: . you being close to this political party and that or.

Amitabh: I really am to answer this question because I don't see why that should happen. I am as apolitical as anyone. I have not said anything political or been on any political platform since I stated that I would never enter politics again. I have friends who are affiliated and who are politicians and are close to people; my wife is a member of the Rajya Sabha but I have no such intentions and I have never ever indulged in any political activity. Yes, inferences get drawn and I have arguments to refute that. . it's for people to accept it or not.

Arnab: We can go around in circles on that I must say. Earlier you have been quite frank about that. So we'll move away from that. In this particular movie, Aishwarya is not a part of the family, she is a business woman and there are some competing interests ,she is an ambitious business woman. So what is the interplay with the family?

Amitabh: Well, she is heading a corporate body that is coming in from overseas with a power project and she wants that to be put up in the state of Maharashtra. She brings in the plans, the opportunities, the circumstances, the politics that happens, what the Nagre family has to say in this, what the son that has to say. all this and the complexities of that is what makes up Sarkar Raj.

Arnab: Was it a bigger challenge because you and Abhishek worked together in the last movies

Amitabh: Yeah. this is something you should ask Aishwarya really but I found her to very compatible to the role, very competent with her performance. She didn't take too much time in getting in to the role. We have seen Aishwarya as an extremely beautiful face doing some very intricate, beautiful moments in films other than what she is doing in Sarkar Raj. Here she is a very hard-nerved corporate body. Glamour is really far-removed from her continents. It was very surprising and interesting for me to see her like that because we have seen her either as a princess or a leading lady with glamour (being) the primary quotient in the character. But here she was very normal, very hard-nerved, very corporate body and business-like. And she fitted in beautifully,

Arnab: We had pictures of the 3 of you.. or was it the four of you walking down to Siddhi Vinayak.

Amitabh: (in sync with Arnab): yes. to Siddhi Vinayak.

Arnab: And you wrote about it in your blog and I had a chance to read that. you spoke about how it was.. the way when you went in and how you drove back.. tell me Mr. Bachchan how do you find people reacting to you when you walk down the streets there.

Amitabh: I...

Arnab: It's a regular feature before your big projects when you walk down the streets of Mumbai

Amitabh: Not necessarily .

Arnab: Can you block out the people there because you must be having your own thoughts. People would see you there, they would respond, they would want to feel you, touch you, talk to you. How does Amitabh Bachchan walk through the streets of Mumbai?

Amitabh: I think that somewhere you have to, you have to give in to some of the things that are going to be associated with you as a public figure. You have to accept that. Sometimes that's what you have been working for all your life. You want people to come and notice you, to see you, to wave to you, say nice things to you, when they shall when away as you age and your popularity gets defeated, you will miss it. It's prominently noticeable in my own career because I have had the good fortune to be there for 4 decades. And I can see the enthusiasm and the excitement among masses is not there. that was there in the 70's and in the 80's, 90's. But this is a very natural process.


Arnab: Mr. Bachchan , Pritish Nandy wrote a column in the Times of India responding to the comments of a young film maker who said that Bachchan is past and prime and he should stop making movies , he is experimenting too much. it's not working out. And the only word that I can use is . that it was a violent defense of Amitabh Bachchan. And he said that the things he does are between his movies and his experimentation is his strength. Now I find it interesting. Your movies vary from... there is. from one role to another. I want to talk about your role in Bhoothnath which .


Amitabh: At my age you know Arnab. it's actually quite helpful because you get an opportunity to play different kinds of roles. The onus and the responsibility of the success of the film which used to rest on my shoulders as leading man some years ago is not there any more. You know there is another leading man who is younger and whom people are fond of.

Arnab: Who is the leading man of Bhoothnath?

Amitabh: Well...

Arnab: It was you..

Amitabh: It could be the kid, it could be anybody. But on some films I maintain that central character not the typical leading man... I would say the central character was Bhoothnath himself. I am happy that this happening and I am happy that there are stories written with the central character in mid whether it is black or it' Bhoothnath or whether it is Nishabd. But by and large this doesn't happen every day. So when I get these opportunities, I also get these inputs on playing different roles and that's very helpful for me as an actor.

Arnab: In Bhoothnath.because many of our viewers tonight will remember . so many would have watched the movie, you fell like the critics say; the second part went over the top. The first part was lovable. They all said the sequence between you appearing first before the child was lovable, he was nice and warm. and the second part they say went way over the top

Amitabh: Right

Arnab:. with the shraad sequence. What do you think Mr. Bachchan?

Amitabh: Well I think that the 2nd part was the most important part. I think that film is actually made from there backwards. The reason for Bhoothnath to be the way he is, is the fact that his son has not done his shraad. And therefore his aatma. whenever there is a. . Whenever there is death or a demise in the family, when we all pay our respects and condolences. what do we say? Bhagwan unki aatma ko shati de or we say may his soul rest in peace. I mean this is a very oft repeated refrain why are we saying that and this is hat came up in our discussions when we were discussing the story. And so I said cannot that be the reason that this gentleman Kailash Nath is hovering in this house because nobody has performed his shraad and I thought that that was the most important part

Arnab: What if somebody says. that for kids today. . the second part of the movie is avoidable? What would you respond to that?

Amitabh: I can only narrate you. well there have been hundreds of well wishers on my blog and many journalists feel that these are just fans who will only deliberately say nice things to you .

Arnab: I don't agree with that

Amitabh:. and I respect that but I can only narrate you 2 incidents. On a blog I read a story which said, "I took my little son to the movies and through out the movie, he was very happy and enjoying himself. But when you left and disappeared because of the shraad, he started crying uncontrollably and I had to sober him down. And then when he came out and I explained to him the reason what had transpired in the movie . after a long silence as we were walking home, he stretched out his hand an held my fingers and said "Papa when I grow up, I am never going to leave you"

I thought that that was a very poignant moment and for the child to understand that. The other incident happened with Vishal and Shekhar, the music directors of the film. Shekhar's little daughter who is all of 3 years old went and saw the film and came home and saw a photograph of mine lying in Shekhar's room which I had actually presented him and she pulled it off the wall and took it by her bedside. And when Shekhar asked her why have you done this, she said . he is my angel; which is direct connect with what transpired in the film. So I fell that if 2 children in this entire world and this entire hemisphere were able to connect that well and so poignantly with the story and the film. I think it is enough of an achievement as far I as an actor is concerned or as far as our film makers are concerned.

Arnab: Last question do you write your own blogs Mr. Bachchan?

Amitabh: Yes I do.

Arnab: .because it's been suggested hat they are so elaborate, so detailed that Mr. Bachchan would not have the time. He is getting it written by somebody else out there.

Amitabh: Well... I can invite you to come and sit with me while I write them but that would be very uninspirational I am afraid (laughs) but I do write my own blogs yes..

Arnab: Why do you write them?

Amitabh: . I think it would be cheating in my part if I did not do that and I feel very strongly about that. I feel that it is a commitment that I have made to my fans somewhere inside of me. I may well not write it everyday but I feel that that there is a sense of commitment that I must do it everyday. And now I get responses when they don't find my blog when they open the net at the appointed hour. because sometimes I get delayed at work or I sit up late and write it or start writing it and finish it early morning. So that is very encouraging. I write it because I found a medium through which I could keep in touch with my fans on a one-to-one basis. I never had this medium before. The only other medium I had was the post or the odd meeting on the street or the odd photograph or the autograph I signed when I went in to the crowd. in the post, the letters and the responses are still somewhat impersonal. You read what somebody has written and then you respond and then you send it off. But this is immediate. I write something and I get responses within seconds. It's almost like you sitting here and me talking to you. It's not all praise and it's not all gentlemanly language. There is a lot of abuse.

Arnab: Do you respond to those?

Amitabh: Yes I do

Arnab: Even to those who abuse?

Amitabh: Absolutely. In fact there is..

Arnab: What is the worst thing that has been written about you?

Amitabh: There is a system in the medium which is called moderation.moderator which moderates. In fact the system... the server has the ability to moderate and if there is abuse in it, it can actually delete it and not allow it to come in front of my eyes but I have very strongly told that I do not want a moderator and let everything that is written come through to me and I will decide what I will accept and not accept. I have never not accepted anything. I have entertained the abuse and I have responded to them in my own gentlemanly.. Or whatever I deemed fit. I feel that abuse comes out of hatred. I feel that I have not done anything that could invite hatred. I believe that there are misconceptions in the minds of people who write abuse. I believe that there have been accusations which have been wrongly portrayed due to whatever reasons, their belief or whatever input they get from the media or from the outside world and they are absolutely justified in doing so. I think that I am justified too in giving them a response for clearing my name. I have given this example many times and I think I spoke to you about it also. But really the point that I am trying to make is .. I read a wonderful quote from a very senior, wise old man who is I think an American who said that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. it is the price of your freedom Arnab, as almost an invigilator that will invigilate on the current events, on the characters and personalities that you view and talk to and what you put out I the universe and it is my duty as an invigilator to see that what you say and what you put out does have the scrutiny of some kind of vigilance. I feel it is my right as a citizen to be able to question you just as you have right to question me. And if there is misinformation, If there is misguidance and if there is wrong accusation, I want to correct it. Because if feel that in my correcting, I am not going against you or trying to take revenge but I am merely exercising my right to make you perhaps a better invigilator. That's what I am doing and I get this opportunity to do so in the blog and it is very rewarding

Arnab: Ram Gopal varma is determined to make a sequel of Aag. Is that a good idea in your view? Do you regret having done the last movie and would you do the next one?

Amitabh: I don't regret anything that I do. I have my reservations and I expressed them to Ram Gopal Varma. But at the end of the day I will go with what his decision is. And I must say that I did enjoy playing the character that I did. I found myself working that extra bit to do something which perhaps had not been seen before. And I have liked that. But obviously the film was panned and I would not want to be associated if Ram Gopal Varma wants to make another version of it because I think once is enough and I have done it twice.

Arnab (laughs): We have seen the three of you together. We are going to see the three of you in Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj. When will we see the four of you together?

Amitabh: That would be very exciting. There is. there are many projects that people come and talk to us about where they want all the four of us. If there is something credible. because . it is easy to convince three members of the is family. It's very difficult to convince Jaya because she is extremely selective and very very cautious of what she does. If she is not convinced in her mind about something and if it doesn't come as strongly. it could be something very irrelevant even .. But if doesn't come across strongly in her mind. she would not associate with it. So that's the and the only hurdle. in this expedition.

Arnab: Well we hope it happens Mr. Bachchan. And thank you for taking time off and talking to me today. It's been wonderful talking to you

Amitabh: Thank you

Arnab: Thank you Sir.

Catch Amitabh Bachchan talk about his family,Sarkar Raj,his blog and other things close to his heart on the episode of Frankly Speaking with Arnab at 2:30 pm & 8:30 pm on 8th June only on TIMES NOW

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

The Bachchan family was at Delhi for the recent launch of Idea Sarkar Raj Yatra, a promotion event for the upcoming Bollywood film Sarkar Raj.

The film directed by Ram Gopal Verma film is the sequel to his earlier hit, Sarkar. The director also was present at the occasion, which is  basically a contest where participants at various cities across India will be asked questions on the film. The film Sarkar Raj casts all the three Bachchans Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya in pivotal roles.

The film is slated for release on June 6th , the same day when it will be priemiered at the IIFA Awards in Bangkok.
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

The much awaited Bollywood flick 'Sarkar Raj' starring the trio from the Bachchan family is all set for release in June. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma the film is the sequel to the earlier hit film Sarkar.

The film themed on politics and power will star Amitabh Bachchan as Sarkar along with Abhishek and Aishwarya in powerful roles.

Apart from the Bachchan's Tanisha Mukherjee plays a key role in the film who plays Abhishek's wife in the film. Others include Ravi Kale, Govind Namdeo, Victor Banerjee, Supriya Pathak, Sayaji Shinde.The film is expected to reach theaters on June 6th.
--MP

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Aishwarya-Rai, Amitab-Bachchan

Mumbai / London / New York, 5th May 2008: Eros International, the leading integrated company within the Indian media & entertainment sector announced today the expansion of its presence on popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Orkut and MySpace with the launch of Eros branded community sites for the upcoming release of ‘BHOOTHNATH’.

Eros has lined up an exciting array of contests for autographed CDs and posters as well as interactive activities such as polls, discussions and exclusive images and videos for the Bhootnath community sites on Orkut, Facebook and MySpace. Eros’ development of film-specific communities on social networking sites supports the company’s ongoing strategy to connect online with Bollywood fans around the world.

“Eros was the first Indian media and entertainment company to partner directly with YouTube as we recognized early the rapid growth in popularity of social networking platforms. Bhoothnath is the perfect film for us to expand our social marketing reach and support as it has such great appeal across all segments of the market with the presence of a leading icon like Amitabh Bachchan as well as being a children’s film”, said Kumar Ahuja, VP International Sales & New Media for Eros International.

http://bhoothnath.erosentertainment.com/

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Eros

Labels: Abhishek-Bachchan, Aishwarya-Rai, Amitab-Bachchan

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 27 (ANI): Concerned over a large number of children taking to smoking after seeing celebrities doing so on the big screen, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has appealed Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to avoid smoking in their films.

"The movies are most responsible (for encouraging smoking). When I said movies should not have smoking scenes we have statistics which show that 52 per cent of children have their first puff of a cigarette because of movie celebrities," Ramadoss said in an interview to a private news channel.

He said that he had already made appeals to Khan and would like to again appeal to him and Bachchan and all other personalities to avoid smoking scenes.

Ramadoss went on to say that Khan should not have smoked in the stands while watching a cricket match in Mumbai.

He also said that Bachchan and Khan could learn a thing or two from Tamil superstar Rajnikant regarding smoking onscreen.

According to Rajnikant, he had agreed not to smoke in his movies because Ramadoss has made a personal appeal to him. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Sha-Rukh-Khan

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan, Jodha-Akbar, John-Abraham, Sha-Rukh-Khan

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

Labels: Amitab-Bachchan