Interviews of the stars and some more...

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Posted: 19 years ago

Gossips and News and of course some more more movie and music reviews!!!!😛

Interview : Audiences want to see me in energetic roles: Bobby Deol

With 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom', 'Jhoom Baraabar' and 'Apne', Bobby Deol, one of Bollywood's most self-effacing stars, is finally coming into his own.

Bobby's career is working out in more ways than one.

'I have been working out religiously lately. You know that one push that you need to do the right thing? I knew I was neglecting myself. But I needed to get into shape for my boxer's role in Anil Sharma's 'Apne'. That was reason enough to start working out. And now I feel more happy and comfortable than ever before,' Bobby, for long the star in exile, told us.

There is plenty of reason to feel pleased. Bobby has just completed a very unusual film called 'Nanhe Jaisalmer' directed by Samir Karnik who made 'Kyun... Ho Gaya Na' with Aishwarya Rai and Viveik Oberoi.

'It took me to a totally new territory. It is unlike anything I have done so far. I play Bobby Deol in the film. And the most surprising part of shooting in Jaisalmer was there were sandstorm and rains together.'

Years ago, dad Dharmendra had played himself in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Guddi'. Now it's Bobby's turn.

And if that honour hasn't turned Bobby's head, try this. A confectioner in Mumbai named Milinda has named a yummy multi-layered cake after Bobby.

'When I heard about the cake I was flattered, honoured and very, very moved. You know we are a large family and we have birthdays all the time. This lady makes all our cakes.

'I know she is fond of me. But I never imagined she'd actually make a cake from all those ingredients that I love. I have a major weakness for sweets. And to me this is a truly emotional homage to my sweet tooth. I don't know if anyone else has a cake named after him.'

Bobby's cup of 'wow' runs over. After a lull of nearly three months when he has been working out and spending time with his two sons, Bobby is now into two major films.

'This month it's Suneel Darshan's film 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom'. Suneel has now moved to a different level. He is moving away from the family-oriented drama. He realises that today's films have to be targeted at the youth.

'Even I'm asked all the time why I don't do more films like 'Soldier' and 'Gupt'. I guess audiences do want to see me in young energetic films and roles. Suneel's new film will be a complete departure. Again, I play a role different from anything I have done so far. I must admit it has shades of grey in it.

'I think our cinema is shedding its skin. Just as people apply facial creams and get facelifts to look younger, our films too are undergoing a change. I am definitely going to be part of that change.'

And if you think the excitement ends for this year with Darshan's unorthodox drama, here's more. Bobby teams up with Abhishek Bachchan in Shaad Ali's 'Jhoom Baraabar'.

'I have never worked with Abhishek before, though I know him very well. Abhishek is great fun. He makes you laugh all the time. We came close to working together in Abbas-Mustan's 'Humraaz'. I think he was terrific in 'Yuva'. I am looking forward to 'Jhoom Baraabar'.'

Some eyebrows have been raised about Bobby doing a film for Yash Chopra whose banner Sunny had fallen out with after 'Darr'. Bobby laughs away the old cold war.

'People have to say something. Why do they need to dig into an old book of feuds for masala? I know my brother had a problem with the banner. But that is long forgotten. We have all moved on. Why hold on to the past specially when it is unpleasant?'

Bobby talks with characteristic fondness about his family: 'We all live together. Now that I have stopped being the baby of the family, I feel responsible towards the family. I think I have become more mature in the last few years.'

He says he has learned from his past mistakes and is now picking roles carefully.

'I admit I chose roles unwisely. But I don't regret doing any of them. One learns from one's mistakes. Today I am choosing very cautiously. I was very happy being at home for nearly three months. I needed to connect with my sons at this time when they are growing up.

'I remember how Sunny bhaiya and I missed dad during our growing years because he was busy working for his family. I can afford to take it easy. But now it is time to get back to work. I am looking forward to working with Suneel again and with Shaad Ali for the first time.'

Bobby talks with some pleasure about 'Apne', which is touted as his family film.

'It is not exactly a family film. We Deols aren't producing it. For now we are happy just acting. When it comes to taking a financial risk in film production it's good to be a son-in-law instead of a father-in-law.

' 'Apne' is a family-friend Anil Sharma's film. It is an emotional family film. It is about a father's dreams for his sons. Our dad, Sunny and I are together for the first time. Let's hope the audience is as excited about it as we are. We are looking at a Diwali release.'

Any regrets about being so laidback about his career?

'None at all. Some people make plans for their life. I didn't. I am happy with what I have got. Yeah, I missed out on some good roles like Mani Ratnam's 'Yuva'. But that's okay. What isn't meant to be in life won't be. Thankfully, I am becoming more comfortable with people outside the familiar circle. I am ready to break free.'

Interview : Mumbai is genuinely growing a spine: Rahul Bose

Actor-social activist Rahul Bose condemns the July 11 blasts in Mumbai and says the impact is alarming because people have accepted it as a way of life.

'The attack this time is scary because people in Mumbai seem to have accepted terrorism as a way of life. This is an attack meant to spread terror, period. The whole notion of irrational terror has entered the Indian ethos recently. But it's here to stay. We have made space in our brains to adapt to it,' Rahul told us.

'I think Mumbai will live with terrorism. If you listen to Mumbaikars on television after the latest blasts, they seem to have come to terms with it. Communal violence is something that can be anticipated. But this kind of violence no one can see coming because it has no roots.

'Because it has no roots, the emotional residue of a communal riot or any pre-meditated attack of terrorism is missing, and it is therefore easy to move on the next morning.'

He feels that this attack was made solely to terrorise people and has no geo-political roots.

'I repeat, this attack is only meant to spread terror. Factional terrorism always takes place on the relevant land. This attack had no geopolitical roots. In the long run this is pretty ineffective muscle-flexing because the people who are the victim of random terrorism develop an immunity system against such attacks.

'This isn't to say that the tragedy of human loss will ever leave us. But it is far easier to deal with this attack than the calculated carnage in the Gujarat communal riots or the Mumbai bomb blasts of 1992.'

Rahul says the most incredible part of Mumbai is that the momentum of existence creates a larger entity than the 'grieving crushed victim of violence who gets ahead come what may'.

'It isn't apathy. It's just moving ahead of the last calamity. I am sure the same momentum exists in other big cities. But it'd be difficult to find another city like Mumbai, which accepts such acts and moves on.'

Rahul feels Mumbaikar's don't believe in obstructing the momentum of life.

'Why did people return to work the early morning the next day? They could have taken the next day off. But they haven't. They've been up helping victims all night and are back to their normal rhythm the next morning.

'The city is genuinely growing a spine. It isn't denial. It's a full-blown acceptance and the first stirrings of pride in our powers of resilience. I am not creating a cheesy feel-good scenario. The city is going through a trial by fire. In a strange way, it could come out far more sensitised.'

Interview : Naseerudin Shah steering on a different route

Naseerudin Shah has been a great actor with 120 movies to his credit during 30 years of his span. Now he is ready to begin his new journey as a director making his debut with the film 'Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota'. Having a penchant for good cinema and donning almost every kind of role in his career, he has come up with fitting everything possible in his film from romance, drama, thrill and comedy. There are four stories interrelated running parallely in the film. He has shot the film in US and the casting includes Ratna Pathak, Paresh Rawal, Konkan Sen Sharma, Irfaan Khan, Subhashini Mulay, Jimmy Shergill and Ayesha Takia. It is claimed that the film will appear no different from a Hollywood one. 'Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota' releases this Friday and it is not recommended that you miss the film.

Excerpts from the Interview:

How is the end product? How has your film shaped up?

Being my first film I feel that it is okay. Maybe I'll rate myself 5 out of 10. I can make out the strengths and the weaknesses. I've tried to keep individual touch to the stories and make them appear as diverse and different as possible, visually and thematically. There is a soap, a thriller, a teenage romance and a comedy.

But then there are things that go wrong without your will. Like there are some shortcomings in the script.

I'm not a very efficient scriptwriter. I just hope I've turned out to be proper storyteller. After noticing the fault I tried to rewrite one of the stories but the end result wasn't what I wanted. Also there are scenes where I feel I ought to have made the actor react differently. Also with the only dance sequence in the film I'm not happy. Farah Khan helped me with it but very unwillingly and it hasn't shaped up well. For the next time I need to be more proficient.

Why did it take you so long to turn to direction?

I waited for the right story before making my debut as a director. I feel the storyline of this film is very challenging as all the stories run parallel to each other only to meet at the end. Ever since I joined the film industry I knew that I wanted to direct a script on the way I saw life. I find the idea of short stories woven is a film interesting and so have tried to explore it. I wanted my stories to be convincing on screen.

There were many friends and actors who helped you with the film.

That's true. I didn't hire extras in so many places as my friends wanted to be a part of it. You can spot Makrand Deshpande and Utkarsh Mazumdar somewhere in the background.

You've also made Paresh Rawal sing?

He sings very well. But he is a lazy geek with no intention to sharpen his talent.

People are saying that they couldn't make out the film from the promos. Comments.

Well I don't think that you should make out the film from the promos. Promos are something that should scheme and arouse their curiosity about the film. They shouldn't figure the film from it.

Did you ever felt frustrated and wanted to give up the film?

No that never happened, as I felt stimulated all the while. I'm sold on direction. As a director I had my privileges that I'm not allowed as an actor. I've made an effort to be good to people and my new role of director has helped me achieve it.

How are you feeling now that your film is on the verge of releasing?

I'm worrying. I want the producer to get their money back and not lose faith in offbeat projects. Here if this film fails my producer will surely go back to commercial film and I don't want that to happen. Also I'm feeling a bit tired now. Filmmaking is tough, you've to soothe many egos, solve the problems, face the challenges. So far the adrenalin had kept me going, now I want to rest.

Are you planning your next film?

I don't think it's time yet. I need to hone my filmmaking skeptics before I jump into my next. I've to master the craft. I think I can come up with a really good movie. I'm being optimistic about it.

Interview : I want to do sensible cinema: Kareena

Kareena Kapoor is truly evolving – both as an actress and as a human being. Her maturity gets a glimpse through the films she is doing and the rapport she is establishing with the people in the industry. Though she isn't doing too many films at this hour, she is going a bit choosy to pick only meaty roles. Here's a candid chat with her on her works and life.

Excerpts from the Interview:

You deglamorize yourself for Omkara. Don't you feel that glamour is an important aspect of yours?

Today for me my image no longer counts. Films for me isn't narrowed done to commercial or offbeat spectrum only. My look out is to work in good film with a good script in a pivotal role. I want to do sensible cinema something like 'Omkara'. I've a strong female character in the film and I'm privileged to render it.

Weren't you hesitant before signing Omkara?

There were never any doubts in my mind about the film. The very moment I heard the script I knew I had to do it. The commercial fate of the film doesn't worry me and I'm looking forward to it more as an important step in my career. There's a huge expectation from the film, which is scaring. All at this hour want to see the film. I never thought the film would go so far.

What led you to sign this offbeat film?

Other than 'Omkara', I have no films in hand right now. I've been listening to four scripts a day but none of them has interested me so far. There are no good offers and I don't want to sign those films where I have nothing to do. I'm ready to wait for 2-3 years but I'm no more going to do run-of-the-mill films. I'm doing Zoya's film with Hrithik and the shooting will begin next year. I have a very small part in Don but the song 'Yeh mera dil' will surely rock.

Were you well versed with Othello before working on the film?

I've gone through Othello in school. I feel Vishal's version is better than the original. The film is moving and it will surely make people cry.

What is your character in the film?

I play a girl from Meerut. She is literate and thankfully I don't have to speak the UP dialect here. She falls in love with this don. She is desperately in love with Ajay Devgan so much so that she follows whatever he tells her to do. She leaves her family and quits college. She plays a devoted lover to him.

How did the world tour go? There are too many controversies surrounding it now.

All that is being said is bogus. I really had a great time and enjoyed the tour thoroughly. Everyone got along well. Take your money, do the shows, shop and have fun - that's my motto. I don't bother with others. I don't know from where the rumours about the controversies popped out.

Also much has been said about Time Machine. What's the truth?

First thing is that I never signed the film. RGV approached me and I was interested to do the film but I never signed it. No question of being upset with Ramu arises. I couldn't do Harry Baweja's film and I'm happy that it is taking off at last.

Kareena is changed today. You've settled the misunderstandings with Karan Johar.

Our relation is more than just being a director and an actress. He is like a family and I treat him as my brother. There's no selfish motive that I want him to cast me in all his films. He is part of my life and I love him. Doing or not doing a film with him hardly matters. The misunderstandings happened because of my stupidity and it's great that we've resolved it. Again you only fight with people you love. I'll do whatever he wants me to do and so I've signed Karan's next film to be directed by Soham.

So you've mellowed from being arrogant?

Well people don't know me much. There is change in me today as I'm more positive person, strong and happy now. I don't sulk about what I have and what I want. May be time has changed my outlook towards personal and professional life. I'm enjoying my new self. Shahid is also very strong but he is hyper, eager and anxious about his career. But we both are happy and are sharing some chilling time together.

There is news that Karisma will make a comeback?

She is open to hearing scripts and will do a film if something interests her. People want her to comeback, as she was a brilliant actress. I too believe that she should start working. But I can't say that we'll work together soon as no script till now has come our way.

IRFAAN NERVOUS ON SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE

By Kaydee - Eye TV India Bureau

Tete-a-Tete

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Irfaan Khan is proud and excited as two of his movies, 'The Killer' and 'Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota' have released today, Friday, July 21st. He is a little nervous too as both the directors of today's releases are new in this field. Besides, Irfaan has just completed working in Plus International's 'Dateline 24 Ghante' which is also ready for release. This movie has a star cast of equally talented artists like Konkana Sen Sharma, Rajat Kapoor and child artist Princy, besides others. We met with Irfaan and asked him about his latest movie, and his releases.

Excerpts of his chat:

How are you feeling today?

I am a little nervous because of my two simultaneous releases being presented by new directors.

How did you like working with Nasseruddin Shah?

He is a passionate director besides being a talented actor. He has made a unique film. I enjoyed every moment of working with him.

Do you have play any special role in Nasser's movie?

I play a stock broker. However, he loves two things in life; the woman he loves and the coke. He is afraid of her ladylove who is elder than he is.

Who plays your love interest in 'YHTKH'?

Suhasini Mulay is the woman I love. She has played Aamir's mother in 'Lagaan'. Besides, she has acted in 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Page 3'.

What had you been doing since 'YHTKH'?

I was busy in the shooting of 'Dateline 24 Ghante'.

What's 'Dateline 24 Ghante' all about?

This is the story about a child kidnapper. I play the kidnapper's role. I cannot divulge more about the movie's story as it will then lose its thrill.

Any special features of your character in this movie?

Since this is a hardcore thriller and not an art thriller like some movies, I have a very special role of my life in it. I have had several experiments as my character has several shades in it. To be specific, there are three parallel tracks of my three shades of character. The three shades strike with each other. This is very interesting indeed!

What prompted you to accept this movie?

I have never performed such roles. The kidnapping techniques used in this movie are unique. I liked the story and accepted the offer.

Are you as serious in real life as in movies?

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I am not that tense in the real life. I take life easy as I devote 80 per cent of my time to work. I don't want to be tagged as a serious person. I want to make experiments with everything. I don't want to be called an artist.

What do you like most?

I enjoy the company of a happy -go-lucky man, who keep himself happy and makes others happy too.

BHATT CAMP'S TRAIL OF SUCCESS SLOWS DOWN

By Pankaj Shukla - Eye TV India Bureau

Critic's I-view

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After hitting a hat trick in 'Zeher', 'Kalyug' and 'Gangster', the Bhatt camp returns with a film that is a clever lift from Hollywood 'Collateral'. The originality that was seen in 'Kalyug' and 'Gangster' lacks in the plot this time. Moreover, the film also lacks hit music that has always been a high point for Bhatt camp movies. The Bhatt camp has roped in Sajid-Wajid for 'The Killer' but the music duo fails to live up to expectations.

What goes in favor of 'The Killer' is the fact that with this returns the trend of duos acting together or playing the cat and mouse game in Hindi cinema. The film also refreshes memories of many films of Amitabh Bachchan -Vinod Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan-Shashi Kapoor and later Jackie Shroff-Anil Kapoor. Two actors confronting and playing games with each other and doing everything possible for an upmanship have been a hit plot for many flicks. And if this works in favor of 'The Killer' too, the trend soon may see a revival in Bollywood.

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'The Killer' also succeeds in breaking a trend for smooching boy Emraan Hashmi who probably for the first time has got a well-authored role to play and in the company of a versatile actor like Irrfan, he does excel in this film. The surprising fact associated with 'The Killer' is the presence of Nisha Kothari in the film, She has been a protg of Ram Gopal Varma from the day she entered the scene and her inclusion in the film looks like a new association between the banners that are left on the other side of line by grouping for banners like Yashraj Films and Dharma Production.

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'The Killer' revolves around a man who has come to Dubai for a particular task. The man in question is Vikram (Irrfan Khan) who is out to kill five witnesses of a crime. He bangs in a cabbie driver Nikhil (Emraan Hashmi) and hires him for a night. Nikhil is a happy man but has a big dream to make his life more luxurious. His appetite for more lands him in being hired by Vikram and he does not know what the life has for him in next few hours. He thinks of Vikram as just any other passenger but soon discovers the other side of this man.

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And once the secret is out, Nikhil tries his best to escape from the clutches of the killer but to his dismay Vikram is cleverer. Vikram won't let him go without fulfilling his task and this ignites a fresh row of clashes between the two. Vikram kills people and Nikhil is now a witness to all this. But all the paths to run away from the mayhem have been closed. And moving in between is a love story between Nikhil and Rhea (Nisha Kothari). Rhea is a bar dancer and in Nikhil she finds a perfect friend. But little did Nikhil know that even Rhea is in Vikram's hit list as she too has been a witness of the crime.

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To promote new talent in the industry, the Bhatt camp has introduced in 'The Killer' two newcomers -- Raksha, an erstwhile assistant to director Rakesh Roshan and Hasnain Hyderabadwala, a Bhatt camp protg in 'The Killer'. The duo has formed a team like Abbas-Mastan to direct this film and their joint efforts do get above average marks in the debut film. To judge 'The Killer' is a tough task.

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While one has to give weightage to the new directors as thier debut film, one has to take into consideration the fact that this film comes after a series of hat trick from Bhatt brothers. In terms of content, 'The Killer' may not pass the litmus test. However, when it comes to making, it does get a positive nod from the audience. Apart from some very well executed scenes, especially the climax, 'The Killer' also scores in technical departments, especially in photography.

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Many scenes shot in Dubai must have required steady cam and in this respect the work is superb. Editing needed to be a bit crispier and the music part too does not support the film well because of its bad promotion. The song Abhi To Main Jawan Hoon could have been a major hit like Kajrare Kajrare if the people associated with the film could have come out with a novel idea to promote it.

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Among actors, Irrfan Khan scores ten out of ten in the title role. His encounter with Emraan in the beginning and later when everything is open makes the crust of the film. If Irrfan has excelled in the role of a maniac, Emraan too chases him neck and neck in this act. Emraan after 'Kalyug' gives a performance that could change his image at box office and people could start taking him seriously. Nisha Kothari does not get much to do in the film, but her navel exhibition in Abhi To Main Jawan Hoon song titillates the frontbenchers and succeeds in getting them value for their money. Zakir Hussain as Don leaves an impression in the short role given to him; the supporting cast fills the bill well too. On the whole, 'The Killer' may not be a huge hit like the Bhatt camp's last three films. But despite bad promotion, it will not let a viewer down who comes to watch it.

BOLLYWOOD BANTER

By Naresh Kumar - Eye TV India Bureau

Salman in 'Meri Love Story'

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Salman Khan will soon be seen in director Sameer Karnik's forthcoming movie 'Meri Love Story' opposite her girlfriend Katrina Kaif. It is said that Sameer has scripted this movie on Salman's personal life. But, Karnik keps silent and does not reveal more about it. Neither has Salman nor Katrina commented on this aspect of the movie. According to industry sources, the movie will resume shooting early next year and a major part of it will be shot abroad.

Rakesh readying for 'Krrish -II'

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Actor-turned diretor / producer Rakesh Roshan is ready to make 'Krrish -II' following an extraordinary success of his recently released 'Krrish', the sequel of ' Koi Mil Gaya' inasmuch as the movie hit theaters with more than 1000 prints all over the world. Hence, his ' Krrish -II' will be a double sequel of 'Koi Mil Gaya'. In fact, Rakesh Roshan has given a green signal to his team to take 'Krrish' story further. The movie is likely to cost around Rs 1000 million. Industry pundits say that Rakesh had taken a huge risk by adopting modern techniques in 'Krrish' imparting it a superhero look. But, Rakesh wonders why the critics have not expressed as much satisfaction with the movie as the viewers have shown. Anyway, Rakesh Roshan is determined to bring his 'Krrish - II' closer to Hollywood's superman!

'Nanhe Jaisalmer' to release in Aug

Director Sameer Karnik has completed his next movie 'Nanhe Jaisalmer'. As the title says the movie is about a child living in desert of Jaisalmer. The movie stars Katrina Kaif and Bobby Deol in the lead besides a child artist. Sameer says that the movie will definitely release in August.

Salman - Shilpa coming soon

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Another Salman starrer opposite Shilpa Shetty titled 'Shadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' is ready for release in August this year. According to Bharat Shah, the movie has already been completed despite much delay in the past. However, Shah is confident that the audience will ignore er delay in its shooting and production.

NASEER DOES A BRILLIANT JOB

By Tarun Revoo - Eye TV India Bureau

Critic's I-view

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'Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota' is the directorial debut of actor Naseerudin Shah. Shah is a brilliant actor and this time he has proven beyond doubt from his directorial debut that he is a brilliant director too. As a debutant director he has indeed done a wonderful job! This film is also a launch pad of Naseerudin Shah's son, Immamuddin Shah. 'YHTKH' has been shot on a shoestring budget, and it's a no frills film.

Shot only in Mumbai and New York the film has a very urban feel to it. The film follows parallel narrative structure, which is not very common in Bollywood though. Naseerudin Shah has put in a lot of effort in the technical aspects of the film and also in clearly defining his characters.

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Every character in the film is moving along a clearly defined path. The only negative point of the film is that the director has tried to say a lot of things through his characters and the journey they have undertaken during the course of the film, but he has not been successful in getting the point across. At times we feel that the director is deviating from the basic theme.

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The film has four parallel stories that converse in the end. There is Tilottima Punj played by Konkona Sen Sharma, who marries her internet love Hemant played by Jimmy Shergill. After the wedding Hemant returns to his job in the US, while Tilottima is stuck in a dysfunctional family and is desperate to reach Hemant. Then there is Salim (Irffan Khan), who is a stock broker on the run.

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He is a stockbroker by profession but a poet at heart. He is in love with a lady much older his age. The third protagonist is Rajubhai (Paresh Rawal) who runs a racket of illegal immigrants. His old memories revive when his ladylove returns after a decade to convince Rajubhai to send her daughter to the US. The last story is about this boy Rahul Bhide played by Ankur Khanna who gets admission in a US university but cannot leave India because of his ailing father.

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There are several other characters who might not have a big role in the film but have given a brilliant performance. Bomin Irani is at his acting best but the biggest surprise is the performance of choreographer Saroj Khan. She has given a new dimension to her role as Irffan Khan's mother. Shah junior's performance is also worth noticing.

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He plays the role of Ankur's friend who is a medical student interested in music and a nationalist at heart. He has a very miniscule role in the film but his performance isn't miniscule. He has a long way to go before we can even start to think of comparing him to his father. The initial glimpses of Shah Jr are promising let's see if he can carry it forward.

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The music of the film is a drawback as there are not many songs in the film, and the album has other tracks including Tu (Mumbai Matinee). The background score is very apt and somehow adds to the narrative. The music is very situational and adds to the whole experience.

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Anyway, this is a good film to watch. Naseerudin Shah has proven himself not only to be an able actor but also an able and a sensitive director. There are power-packed performances by Konkona Sen Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Paresh Rawal. The film brings out a variety of human emotions. It is a good film to watch if you are tired of watching typical Bollywood song and dance movies.

SALLU ATTEMPTS AT SCRIPTWRITING

By Kaydee - Eye TV India Bureau

Tete-a-Tete

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Salman Khan who has already traveled a long way in Bollywood is one of the very few actors whose movies are sure hits at box office. He is one and perhaps the only one who gives a hit even during his worst days as he is often involved in controversies. However, his movies break records and prove hits because of his wide following among the movie watchers. This proves Sallu's acting talent. Had he not been involved in hit and run car case or that of alleged killing of protected wild animals, he would have certainly been on top of the industry.

Even his worst critics find him quite humane and supportive. Beginning from 'Maine Pyar Kiya' to 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar', Salman has indeed made a history of sort. He has now ventured into scriptwriting too. The actor had a recent chat with the media and spoke frankly about his forthcoming films, his attempt at scriptwriting and the present scenario in the industry.

Excerpts of his chat with the media:

Why isn't 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar' being released?

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'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar' was announced in 2001, but its shooting took place between 2004 and 2005. Hence the delay, but the reason is simple. Neither the producer had money at the time of launch nor later for its promotion. Besides, I was faced with problems. So, distributors were not ready to undertake the risk with their investments.

What's the status now?

Now, these distributors have seen the film, and are ready to buy and promote it. The movie will release soon.

Are you sure that the movie will stand its ground even after four years?

Yes, I am very confident about its prospects. Though the film has been delayed, the plot will never fail. I may add that Ekta Kapoor is going to make money with this movie.

What's 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaye Yaar' about?

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It is about cultural differences between a husband and wife. I am married to Shilpa who is a model and totally Western in her approach towards life. On the other hand, I am completely Indian. Shilpa is under the influence of her mother.

Would you elaborate the differences between you and Shilpa?

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The film is about human relationships. The boy is simple and doesn't like a few things. However, the girl is adamant. She wears skirts that are above her knees and also blouses that are revealing. So, they quarrel with each other, but finally the girl realizes her folly, and comes to sense.

Isn't it a comedy? Have you shifted to this genre of films?

'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' is not a comedy. But the situations in the movie are comic. You may recall that my films have emotion, action and comedy. So, they can be watched by all, irrespective of one's age. This is a family entertainer.

How come Indian movies are faring well in overseas markets?

Yes, the overseas market is doing very well for Bollywood movies now. Hence, the producers should avail this opportunity.

Are you serious about writing scripts?

Yes, I am attempting to write now, but that will take some time. I had written the story of 'Chandramukhi'. Well, I think 10 years ahead.