His words on Bollywood are considered as the Gospel truth by film buffs. Cine-goers look forward to his movie reviews each Friday with bated breath. He has managed to get some of the hottest stars in the Hindi film industry on his Hot seat. He is none other than noted film critic and journalist Taran Adarsh.
For all those who missed the chat with this Bollywood 'gyaani' Bollywood Hungama now brings the excerpts of the Chat. So sit back and enjoy!!!
Dino: hey how are you?
Taran Adarsh: hi dino am fine, thnx
Sagar: hi, Taran great chatting with u.
Taran Adarsh: thnx sagar
Shantanu: Don't you feel that you should separate box office fate from a film's merit, when it comes to reviews?
Taran Adarsh: shantanu, everything is related to economics today, the stakes are so high, in fact, every time I watch a film, the first question that a producer asks me is, chalegi ki nahi?
| Shantanu: Don't you feel that you should separate box office fate from a film's merit, when it comes to reviews? Taran Adarsh: shantanu, everything is related to economics today, the stakes are so high, in fact, every time I watch a film, the first question that a producer asks me is, chalegi ki nahi? |
Taran Adarsh: dd, I thought it must've opened in San Jose... I have some great memories of San Jose, I love the place.
Mark: Hi Taran, Your website is very informative. I really enjoyed 'Sarkar' a couple of years ago, and wanted to know if you had any idea on the pre-release reports on the sequel.
Taran Adarsh: the sequel to Sarkar is expected in May, mark, as for the reports, every film is hot before its release, but, yes, I m expecting a lot from this film.
Sagar: is Madhuri having big banners film to sign?
Taran Adarsh: sagar, she hasn't said yes to any film, as per my knowledge.
Ramon: sir what's the update on Jodhaa Akbar has it finally released in all the multiplexes?
Taran Adarsh: yes Ramon, Jodhaa Akbar opened at all the multiplexes this morning – Saturday
Dino: how is Jodhaa Akbar ....pls give an honest answer....?
Taran Adarsh: dino, I loved the film; it's a masterpiece in my opinion.
Dino: do you have your own website also?
Taran Adarsh: no dino, I don't have a personal website, Bollywood Hungama (IndiaFM) is the only site I m associated with.
| Dino: do you have your own website also? Taran Adarsh: no dino, I don't have a personal website, Bollywood Hungama (IndiaFM) is the only site I m associated with. |
Taran Adarsh: Ramon, the occupancy of Jodhaa Akbar has increased today, multiplexes have just opened this morning, and I feel the film should go from strength to strength with each passing hour
Abhinavkr: sir, may I know about Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam ....starring Mallika Sherawat.. What kind of movie is it..??
Taran Adarsh: abhinavkr, Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam is a light entertainer, directed by Sanjay Chel, is expected to release this summer.
Wat: Is Ash pregnant?
Taran Adarsh: wat, that question should be posed to ash, not me...
| Wat: Is Ash pregnant? Taran Adarsh: wat, that question should be posed to ash, not me... |
Taran Adarsh: hey film buff, Rama Rama Kya hai Dramaaa wasn't bad, it was meant to be a loud film, Superstar got lost somewhere in between...
Ramon: sir the response at multiplexes is great but at single screens it was shocking can it improve by 20-30 %?
Taran Adarsh: Ramon, I hope the response improves at smaller centers for j-a.
Niki: Taranji, how does it feel to be the most popular film critic?
Taran Adarsh: niki, thnx, whatever I am is because of my parent's blessings and of course, your love
Mukhtiar Ahmed: sir! U still didn't answer the qtn....how u gave only 2 stars to a superlative movie like Chak De India?
Taran Adarsh: mukhtiar, to err is human, to forgive divine.
| Mukhtiar Ahmed: sir! U still didn't answer the qtn....how u gave only 2 stars to a superlative movie like Chak De India? Taran Adarsh: mukhtiar, to err is human, to forgive divine. |
Taran Adarsh: film buff, I look forward to every movie, I am a complete movie buff, I have to watch even the ad films that precede a movie and I like to sit thru the end credits as well, till THE END is flashed on screen.
Niki: you have been around for long...could u tell us little about your background...how did u start...?
Taran Adarsh: niki, I took up journalism with my magazine when my father took Sanyas, I was just 15 then, from there onwards to today, I am 43, its been 28 yrs of hard work and more hard work, I am obsessed with movies, I cannot think of anything else.
| Niki: you have been around for long...could u tell us little about your background...how did u start...? Taran Adarsh: niki, I took up journalism with my magazine when my father took Sanyas, I was just 15 then, from there onwards to today, I am 43, its been 28 yrs of hard work and more hard work, I am obsessed with movies, I cannot think of anything else. |
Taran Adarsh: jack, its not difficult to be honest, it's a must. in my case, I don't socialize with anyone, I have never been to a producer's office or any movie actor's home, its imp to maintain a distance
The MAFIA: hey Taran, do you watch Hollywood movies and World movies?
Taran Adarsh: mafia, I love to watch movies, my favorite is the sound of music, but my Job is so hectic, I get no time to watch world cinema.
Dino: Taran what's the news about Katrina Kaif and Salman khan break up....is it true...?
Taran Adarsh: no dino, salman and Katrina haven't broken off.
| Dino: Taran what's the news about Katrina Kaif and Salman khan break up...is it true...? Taran Adarsh: no Dino, Salman and Katrina haven't broken off. |
Taran Adarsh: filmstar, Drona looks exciting.
Perm: Taran how is the advance booking at multiplexes for Jodhaa Akbar and what are the chances of it being a blockbuster?
Taran Adarsh: prem, I wont blame Hrithik for it, but yes, I strongly feel that the promos could've been better
Remz: Do u think Sarkar Raj of Abhishek Bachchan would be hit?
Taran Adarsh: Sarkar Raj seems interesting, should open big.
Niki: all critics of repute have given Jodhaa Akbar 4 stars you were the first that was gr8 confidence...you set the trend.
Taran Adarsh: niki, yes, I am told that all reputed critics gave Jodhaa Akbar 4 stars, I don't know if I started a trend or whatever, all I know is that I enjoyed the film and that for me is very important.
Shantanu: Do you visit the IMDB.com Indian Cinema board often?
Taran Adarsh: shantanu, I do visit IMDB sometimes, but to be honest, the best data is on Bollywood Hungama (IndiaFM). there's no website like Bollywood Hungama in the world, its the best, most accurate and most professional set up I have ever seen and the ppl here rock, right from Mr. Neeraj Roy, Mr. Salim Mobhani, Mr. Suleman, Mr. Assad... everyone
| Shantanu: Do you visit the IMDB.com Indian Cinema board often? Taran Adarsh: shantanu, I do visit IMDB sometimes, but to be honest, the best data is on Bollywood Hungama (IndiaFM). there's no website like Bollywood Hungama in the world, its the best, most accurate and most professional set up I have ever seen and the ppl here rock, right from Mr. Neeraj Roy, Mr. Salim Mobhani, Mr. Suleman, Mr. Assad... everyone |
Taran Adarsh: abhinav, yes, Singh is Kinng looks very exciting.
Mbmaheshwari: when and where are the film fare awards being held?
Taran Adarsh: I don't really believe in awards, I think a majority of awards love to please the actors, somewhere I don't connect with them
priyanka : hey how do you rate another popular critic Rajeev Masand... pls be honest...
Taran Adarsh: priyanka, Rajeev is a good critic... and a dear friend
| priyanka : hey how do you rate another popular critic Rajeev Masand... pls be honest... Taran Adarsh: priyanka, Rajeev is a good critic... and a dear friend |
Taran Adarsh: prem, in India and over seas, its SRK, then Akshay and then Aamir and Hrithik and Salman.
Raj Dubai: Hi Taran, your reviews are good, I first check your reviews and then only decide whether to go movie or not. You are not a partial reviewer like other site reviewers.
Taran Adarsh: Raj dubai thnx, that's kind of u
India: sir, is Hrithik's performance in Jodhaa Akbar Award winning?
Taran Adarsh: yes India, Hrithik is magnificent in Jodhaa Akbar.
Niki: Taranji its strongly rumored that you will direct your first film under Shahrukh's company bcoz you very close to him.
Taran Adarsh: niki, I don't have the patience, knowledge or inclination to direct a film, I m very very happy being a journalist.
Filmstar: hi Taran, but if you were on the jury who would you give Film fare Best Actor award...SRK or Darsheel or Abhishek?
Taran Adarsh: filmstar, I'd give the award to Darsheel Safary, what a performance, everything else pales...
| Filmstar: hi Taran, but if you were on the jury who would you give Film fare Best Actor award...SRK or Darsheel or Abhishek? Taran Adarsh: filmstar, I'd give the award to Darsheel Safary, what a performance, everything else pales... |
Taran Adarsh: raj dubai, U Me Aur Hum should be a sweet love story.
Yousufnaqvi: taran, have you watched Khuda Ke Liye , IF yes what do you say about it?
Taran Adarsh: yousufnaqvi, I am very keen to watch Khuda Ke Liye, I 'm told its a brilliant film, its releasing in India soon.
Mbmaheshwari: do you get influenced by last names? Khans, Chopras etc while writing reviews.
Taran Adarsh: mbmaheshwari, I never get swayed or impressed by last names, I don't care if I don't meet them for the rest of my life, I believe in myself, my strength is God's blessings and my parents' blessings
| Mbmaheshwari: do you get influenced by last names? Khans, Chopras etc while writing reviews. Taran Adarsh: mbmaheshwari, I never get swayed or impressed by last names, I don't care if I don't meet them for the rest of my life, I believe in myself, my strength is God's blessings and my parents' blessings |
Taran Adarsh: ozair, I think SRK and Salman may work, but its premature.
Roshan Ali: which film did u find really boring...pls be frank?
Taran Adarsh: roshan ali, boring film no. 1 is No Smoking..., hey I just broke into a yawn thinking of this film
Baselinetmg: hello I agree with u Darsheel should get the Best Actor award....but do u think India mein aisa hoga.
Taran Adarsh: baselinetmg, I do hope Darsheel gets it, usne sabhi ki band bajadi.
| Baselinetmg: hello I agree with u Darsheel should get the Best Actor award....but do u think India mein aisa hoga. Taran Adarsh: baselinetmg, I do hope Darsheel gets it, usne sabhi ki band bajadi. |
Taran Adarsh: while writing reviews, I just keep one thing in mind, does it keep my attention arrested for the next 2 hours?
Yousufnaqvi: Taran, be honest and tell who is your favorite actor and actress in Bollywood?
Taran Adarsh: yousufnaqvi, my fav actor is Amitabh Bachchan and Darsheel Safary now, my fav actress is Julia Roberts.
Wat: sir its a great way to interact with people of your caliber. its a great thing to be done by Bollywood Hungama! 2 thumbs up
Taran Adarsh: wat, thnx, Bollywood Hungama is a pioneer, they always hit upon the right things.
| Wat: sir its a great way to interact with people of your caliber. its a great thing to be done by IndiaFM! 2 thumbs up Taran Adarsh: wat, thnx, Bollywood Hungama is a pioneer, they always hit upon the right things. |
Taran Adarsh: baselinetmg, what's wrong with being inspired by American movies? Every director has his way of interpreting a story
Roshan ali : how do u watch all films either good or bad? u never feel "sar mein dard"
Taran Adarsh: roshan ali, why should anyone be derogatory? The job of a reviewer is to highlight the plusses and minuses in a film. Unfortunately, in Mumbai, most film reviewers don't know what makes a film, they don't know what editing or background score is, but write about them
timor2007: Hello sir.i am from Afghanistan I didn't miss any of your news you r a great person.
Taran Adarsh: timor2007, thnx
SALEEM: How did Sunday fare at the Box-Office?
Taran Adarsh: saleem, Sunday was average in Mumbaii, Delhi... average to flop
zemar Dubai : what's the latest on Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi....when is it starting...is it a quickie start to finish film...will it release this year?
Taran Adarsh: zemar dubai, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starts shooting from may 15.
Khushi: Why is it that your film reviews are biased. I have always observed that you never give bad reviews for movies of Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, just to name a few big celebrities. Are you a film critic or a business critic?
Taran Adarsh: khushi, are my reviews biased? Well, that's your opinion and u are entitled to it, but today, seriously, everyone has an opinion, don't you think so?
Sameer Kumar: your top 3 fav directors in Bollywood as of now?
Taran Adarsh: sameer, my fav 3 directors Are Mani Ratnam, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Raju Hirani and Rakesh Omprakash Mehra,
| Sameer Kumar: your top 3 fav directors in Bollywood as of now? Taran Adarsh: sameer, my fav 3 directors Are Mani Ratnam, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Raju Hirani and Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, |
Taran Adarsh: Kaante 2 - no news yet
niki: Mr. Adarsh how do you manage to view movies before all other journo y r u so special?
Taran Adarsh: niki, how do I get to see all movies before all critics and journalists? for that u will have to ask the producers abt it, as to y they call me first.
Yousufnaqvi: Taran what do you do in your free time??? When you are not involved in reviewing movies?
Taran Adarsh: yousuf, I seriously don't get time to relax, I wish I could, I have more on my plate than before, I have Bollywood Hungama, trade guide and my daily show on TV.
Nash: sir was movies your obsession right from your childhood... What were the other things which interested u?
Taran Adarsh: Nash, yes, I was obsessed abt movies since childhood, nothing else interests me.
faisal : hello if you have to choose one for the best film of 2007 which would it be....Chak De , TZP , OSO, Guru or Jab We Met?
Taran Adarsh: Taare Zameen Par is the best of 2007, wow, what a film
| faisal : hello if you have to choose one for the best film of 2007 which would it be....Chak De , TZP , OSO, Guru or Jab We me? Taran Adarsh: Taare Zameen Par is the best of 2007, wow, what a film |
Taran Adarsh: sahil, Subhashji is a great director, hits n flops are a part of the game.
Hesh: hey are you born and brought up in Mumbai only
Taran Adarsh: yes hesh, I was born in Mumbai, raised in Shimla, London, back to Mumbai and now Mumbai and only Mumbai.
Hpotter: not sure if my question got through, but wanted to check if Aamir can be put in the same league as SRK and Akshay in terms of star status at the box office, consideringhis films usually do not look promising from a box office perspective before release?
Taran Adarsh: hi potter, yes, Aamir is in the same league as SRK and Akshay
Niki: will u always be associated with Bollywood Hungama or you might take up some other site in the future
Taran Adarsh: niki, I will always be associated with Bollywood Hungama its my baby, there are lots of emotions attached to it. Never de-attach from it , not even in my dreams.
Tirthadeep: how cool is it that Hindi movies are finally releasing in Pakistan.
Taran Adarsh: tirthadeep, I m glad that Hindi movies are releasing in Pakistan, I was telling Pakistani actor/film-maker jawed sheikh just yesterday that its the best thing to have happened.
Sonia: it is believed that casting couch exists.....what do u say?
Taran Adarsh: Sonia, casting couch exists in every field, y target movie industry only?
| Sonia: it is believed that casting couch exists.....what do u say? Taran Adarsh: Sonia, casting couch exists in every field, y target movie industry only? |
Taran Adarsh: roshan ali, I think all are such terrific actors.
Aishwarya: Can you update us on the Aditya Chopra movie, 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.' Are they already on the lookout for a new girl? Has the talent hunt started?
Taran Adarsh: aishwarya , its gonna be a new face opp SRK, all I got to know last nite was they begin filming on may 15
Skn: yours views on Buddha Mar Gaya was wrong......it was a cheap and vulgar movie?
Taran Adarsh: yes skn, Buddha Mar Gaya tried to be funny, but the jokes fell flat.
timor2007 : hello sir. Can you tell me about Mr. Fraud and Mehbooba why they are not releasing?
Taran Adarsh: Mr. Fraud shooting is pending, Mehbooba releasing on June 6.
| timor2007 : hello sir. Can you tell me about Mr. Fraud and Mehbooba why they are not releasing? Taran Adarsh: Mr. Fraud shooting is pending, Mehbooba releasing on June 6. |
Taran Adarsh: bollywooddiva, I didn't like Saawariya, its was Bhansali's weakest film.
Nash: do u think sir that Golmaal Returns will also be a hit?
Taran Adarsh: Nash, I m looking forward to Golmaal Returns, I have immense faith in dir Rohit Shetty's abilities?
| Nash: do u think sir that Golmaal Returns will also be a hit? Taran Adarsh: Nash, I m looking forward to Golmaal Returns, I have immense faith in dir Rohit Shetty's abilities? |
Taran Adarsh: dino, Katrina will be seen in Race and then Singh is Kinng
Niki: think you have been with Bollywood Hungama for at least 7 years now
Taran Adarsh: niki, yes, I think its 8 years now.
Dino: As of now which of SRK's films will release in 2008?
Taran Adarsh: dino, Srk's two sp. app will releaser this year - Bhootnath and Vivek Vaswani's film, plu Aditya Chopra's film.
Kohoyo: is it confirmed that Aamir will be shaving off his head for Ghajini Remake
Taran Adarsh: kohoyo, Aamir hasn't shaved off his head yet.
| Kohoyo: is it confirmed that Aamir will be shaving off his head for Ghajini Remake Taran Adarsh: kohoyo, Aamir hasn't shaved off his head yet. |
Taran Adarsh: karan, they haven't found a title for the remake of Ghajini remake yet
niki: the new look of Bollywood Hungama is awesome have you designed it?
Taran Adarsh: no niki, I haven't designed the new look of Bollywood Hungama, its by the competent ppl in the designing dept who deserve the kudos.
Tisha: I have a feeling you dislike Rani you always put her down?
Taran Adarsh: tisha, I like Rani very much, she and I get along v well when we meet
sahil_delhi : sir, I'm very much interested in film reviewing... and review a movie every week , whether a new one or an old one, for my school weekly.... how can I increase my audience.... as in where can I move forward from writing for the school to writing in some newspaper or website?
Taran Adarsh: sahi delhi, for that u need to write for a publication/website.
Smear Dubai: I think Abhishek deserves the best actor for Guru do u agree with me
Taran Adarsh: zemar, I think Abhishek was terrific in Guru, his best work so far, but I think Darsheel deserves the best actor trophy this year.
BollywoodDiva: Ajay and Kajol are normally media-shy but now they are all over the place for their movie....is it a very vested interest
Taran Adarsh: Bollywood diva, what's wrong with promoting your film? I myself told Ajay that he should be talking to the media, what's the harm in doing so?
Skn: don't u thk Om Shanti Om was a hyped film and only good thing in the film was Deepika?
Taran Adarsh: skn, OSO was not over hyped.
Zemar Dubai: according to you which will be the biggest hit of 2008?
Taran Adarsh: Zemar Dubai, its too early to say which will be the biggest hit of 2008.
ozair : will Jodhaa Akbar be showcased in Pakistan?
Taran Adarsh: ozair, I don't no if Jodhaa Akbar will be released in Pakistan, I wish it does.
Tisha: Do you think Rani will continue to rule or is she popularity slowly sliding down?
Taran Adarsh: tisha, Rani is amongst the top actresses today.
Moi: do you think Hrithik should work with Kareena?
Taran Adarsh: moi, why not? Both Hrithik n Kareena are thorough professionals?
Dill: well said sir. its amazing that people in media. Especially in your case remember "god" n parents".
Taran Adarsh: dil, thnx, but I am what I am becoz my God's blessings and my parents blessings.
Kunal: which film should India have sent to the Oscar nomination?
Taran Adarsh: kunal, I think Dharm , Guru were great choices for Oscar nominations.
| Kunal: which film should India have sent to the Oscar nomination? Taran Adarsh: kunal, I think Dharm , Guru were great choices for Oscar nominations. |
Taran Adarsh: yousufnaqvi, Darsheel's father was 1 dimensional, not the mother.
Taran Adarsh: ok everybody, its great chatting with u, see you some other time
1