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Rekha croons a classic!
By MIO Team
Jul 22, 2006, 08:35

Bollywood diva and veteran actress Rekha has made a place in her with her acting skills. But not many of us know about her acting side. She has wielded the mike for in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Khubsoorat' in 1980 for the track 'Kayda Tod Ke Socho Ek Din', a kiddie's song. Now she returns back behind the microphone once again revisiting and redoing the yesteryear classic 'Din Dhal Jaye Hai, Raat Na Aaye' for her new film 'Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana'. Mohammed Rafi sang the original song.

Director of the film Amar Butala confirming the reports says, "I can't tell you how excited I am to have her sing for my film. The song has a very sensuous lilt and it has terrific acoustics too. So now it sounds like a new song altogether." 'Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana' is a story of four women living in metro who share good friendship and discuss everything from their sex lives to their innermost fears. "It does have shades of Sex And The City," says Butala. Playing Rekha's friends in the film are Mahima Chaudhary, Kim Sharma and Vasundhara Das. But Rekha's character stands out among all, as she is shown as a four-times married woman. The film has music by debutant Iqbal Darbar, brother of Ismail Darbar.

Rekha wasn't available for comment.

It's raining Reshammiya this August!
By MIO Team
Jul 25, 2006, 13:27

Himesh Reshammiya is once again doing something record breaking! In this month of August itself he is gearing for five releases in a row. Can you imagine that? After rendering one hit after another album every now and then, he is all set to own the month of August to his name. But critics feel that it's time that Himesh takes it slow. He has been working round the clock completing the ventures one after another and the tiredness is getting reflected through his work. That's the reason his work is having lesser impact than it had 2-3 months back.

Coming back to the releases, on August 4 'Anthony Kaun Hai?' will be arriving. After that he is taking a break as the whole industry is gearing for a break for the mammoth sized KANK arriving on August 11. But not making the break any longer he returns back on August 18 with two films 'Ahista Ahista' and 'Rocky - The Rebel' hitting the marquee. August 25th awaits two more films 'Aap Ki Khatir' and 'Dil Diya Hai'!

Himesh cannot feel better!

Bappi Lahiri composes for the blast victims
By MIO Team
Jul 26, 2006, 05:10

July 11 Mumbai bomb blasts have left a deep mark in the hearts of people all over. Paying a tribute to victims of the blasts for the first time ever, the singers of the music industry have come together with the song 'Hum Sab Ek Hain' especially for the blast victims. Through the song they intend to provide consolation to the families of those who've died and suffered. It's a song of hope and courage for the people of Mumbai and the world as a whole, to stand up and fight against terrorism. Bappi Lahiri has specially composed the song and the music and lyrics are by him. Musical talents show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs will pay the tribute during the show on July 27 on Zee TV. Shaan, Alka Yagnik and Abhijeet have sung the song with the ten finalists of L'il Champs.

Sonu Nigam's generous spirit!
By MIO Team
Jul 25, 2006, 13:27

'It is more blessed to give then to receive.' May be singer Sonu Nigam goes by the adage. He with his little act of kindness brought happiness to the life of a cab driver. When Sonu Nigam was in Australia for the Commonwealth Games he came across a cab driver Ben who used to ferry him around the place. Sonu took a liking for the guy and was immensely pleased by his competence. They got along well and as a general practice used to chat a lot while touring the place. During one conversation Ben said Sonu that he was saving up to go to Germany in order to watch the World Cup. While Sonu was returning back, he paid the cab-fare and also gave Ben a tip. That tip was enough for Ben to buy his ticket to Germany. Later joyfully Ben called him to say that he was having the best time of his life in Germany. Sonu was delighted beyond measure.

'I am basically a composer and singer'
By MIO Team
Jul 24, 2006, 08:47

Ghazal and playback singer Roop Kumar Rathod who turned composer, is paying for his versatility. He is facing one of a kind dilemma after he turned a composer. Music composers of Bollywood have stopped approaching him to sing. "I am basically a composer and singer. In today's competitive times, other music director feel insecure and has stopped approaching me. For me, be it playback or ghazals or fusion, it's all about creating good music," he says. Rathod is fluent with wide repertoire of music like folk, playback, ghazal, fusion and classical music.

Despite everything he has recently recorded an album based on the works of Sahir Ludhianvi. The music for the album is composed by Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and is produced by Yash Chopra. On his experience with working with Pandit Sharma he says, "It is a learning experience to be working with maestros. Their approach to music is broad-based, and they are very receptive to new ideas and sounds. As for Pandit Sharma, I have always been a big fan of his music. The work he has done on this album is very different."

Rathod is a trained classical singer under the tutelage of his father, late Pandit Chaturbhuj Rathod. He learnt tabla and played with Pankaj Udhas and Anup Jalota. His elder brother Shravan (of the Nadeem-Shravan duo) took up music composing and younger brother Vinod took to playback singing. He was passionate towards tabla, but in 1984 he turned towards signing and initiated with ghazals. He didn't get much recognition in Bollywood, until 'Sandese Ate Hain' from 'Border' happened to him. After gaining foothold in the industry he turned to a composer himself.

He is working with is wife Sunali on three albums currently. "The first involves using bandish with an international feel to it, which we are releasing under world music. The other has geet and ghazal and in the third we have used Sufi poetry with lounge music."

'Omkara' is ready to strike
By IANS
Jul 26, 2006, 05:10

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) After the critically acclaimed "Maqbool" based on "Macbeth", Vishal Bharadwaj once again delves into the Shakespearean world of obsession, jealousy and intense love in "Omkara", an adaptation of "Othello", this Friday.

Bharadwaj has given issues like sex, love, hate, jealously, pride and trickery a rustic Indian touch to suit the desi temperament.

Set against the political hub of Uttar Pradesh, the film shows how one man's obsession for a woman transforms into sexual jealousy and leads to his destruction.

Omkara or Omi (Ajay Devgan) is a chieftain who heads a gang of outlaws, including the devious Langda Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) and dynamic Kesu (Viveik Oberoi).

The harmony in the gang goes for a toss when Omi appoints Kesu and not Langda as his chief lieutenant.

The evil and manipulative Langda, who was eyeing the post, is enraged and decides to take revenge. He hatches a plot to falsely implicate Omi's beautiful lover Dolly (Kareena Kapoor) in an affair with Kesu.

He uses small lies to convince Omi that Dolly has been unfaithful to him and to substantiate the fraud takes the help of his wife Indu (Konkona SenSharma).

Omi, who suffers from an inferiority complex due to Dolly's beauty, loses his fair sense of judgment and rips apart his own world by killing the love of his life. By the time he realises his mistake it is too late.

Before Bharadwaj, Hollywood filmmakers Oliver Parker, Stuart Burge, David MacKane, Ted Lange, Liz White and Russian director Sergei Yutkevich had brought the tale of jealousy and rage on screen.

However, Bharadwaj is the first Indian director to present the Hindi version of "Othello" on the big screen.

The film is engrossing, engaging and intense and stars Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Konkona SenSharma and Viveik Oberoi.

Bharadwaj picked all the actors with great care and those who've had a sneak peek say that Ajay has outdone himself as Omkara and Saif is going to surprise all with his performance.

The film has great music and Bharadwaj, who earned kudos for "Makadee" and "Maqbool", is hoping to strike gold at the box office with "Omkara".

'Kabhi Alvida...' selected for Toronto Film Festival
By IANS
Jul 26, 2006, 05:10

Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) The decision to screen "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (KANK) in the Gala Section of Toronto Film Festival didn't exactly come as a surprise to Karan Johar.

"I had met the head of the Toronto Film Festival, Cameron Bailey, at the Cannes Film Festival in May. He had shown interest in KANK. This is the benefit of attending intentional cinema events. It is not just your vision as a cinema person that broadens. Prospects of Indian cinema also get bettered," Johar told us.

"I'm especially glad about KANK being selected for Toronto because it might open up a new market for our cinema in North America. I don't think any mainstream Hindi film before has been selected for Gala Presentation at Toronto."

The festival, being held Sep 7-16, generally selects unreleased films. But with KANK, which will hit the Indian screens Aug 11, they have made an exception.

"Though my film is releasing in India in August they are nonetheless taking the film for their festival. A part of the credit must go to Times of India's Meenakshi Shedde. She really pushed for the film.

"The Toronto Festival directorate invited the film for a trial screening. Apparently all 14 members of the jury loved my KANK. They immediately selected the film."

The Gala Presentation section of the festival is reserved for big spectacular films. Johar plans to take his entire cast-Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta-to Toronto.

"Our film will be screened there on Sep 10. And I hope to be there with the entire cast. It is very gratifying to know that it is already being given such an honour abroad when, in fact, the film hasn't been seen by anyone in India yet."

Johar hopes to have the first full-length screening of the film for the cast and crew at the end of this month when Amitabh returns from London.

Dino's home damaged by deluge
By MIO Team
Jul 26, 2006, 05:10

Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) The incessant rains in Mumbai have claimed yet another celebrity casualty.

Dino Morea woke up Monday morning at his Carter Road residence in Bandra to the sound of a nerve-wracking crash outside his bedroom window.

"At first I thought it was an explosion. God forbid, that's the last thing we need. I quickly jumped out of the bed - I was alone for a change - and peeped out to see the huge tamarind tree in my compound had crashed down on my wall," Dino told us.

So was the damage sizeable?

"Yes, an entire wall and the fence have been completely broken. Fortunately, the tree missed the house by inches."

However, not so fortunately, Dino had to leave for Spain after a few hours to address a gathering of NRIs Wednesday.

"Naturally, I didn't leave in the best of moods. My brother Nicolo who stays with me (my other brother Santino is pursuing a career in showbiz in Los Angeles) will take care of the damage. But I don't like my home to get even a scratch, especially not when I am leaving the city, please!

"Some people are like that about their cars or girlfriends. I'm super-protective about my home. I built it brick by brick."

Dino's three-day stay in Spain has been dampened by the incident.

"I'm not going to miss out on the fun. If it rains dames in Spain I've got my umbrellas ready. But I'd have enjoyed myself far more if this didn't happen. It may or may not rain in Spain. But why does it have to rain so much in Mumbai? How much more pounding will our city have to take?"

Here comes Miss Perfect!
By MIO Team
Jul 26, 2006, 05:10

Deepika Padukone is donning the role of a actress, dancer, possess good looks and has professional etiquettes and as musical heartthrob Himesh Reshammiya puts in, 'She has everything that Bollywood asks of its leading ladies'. Deepika after having a superb innings with modeling is all set to try her hands in acting. She has just debuted with a music video of Himesh. People of all age groups have appreciated the Bangalore beauty. Though she had enjoyed working in the video, she won't be going into anymore now. The reason she cites is that she just wants to concentrate on her movie career right now. Deepika will be sharing the screen frame with none other than Shah Rukh Khan, making her Bollywood debut with 'Happy New Year'. At the same time she has also completed her debut Kannada movie 'Aishwarya' where she is playing an ad executive. Right now she is enjoying acting as much she did modeling. Without giving up on either career, she looks forward to balance both.

Dev Anand's untiring spirit at 83
By MIO Team
Jul 26, 2006, 05:10

At the age of 83, the spirit with which evergreen actor and director Dev Anand is moving is a rare sight to see. He has been penning his autobiography and making films without bothering about their fate at the box office. Surely he is one actor who is truly passionate about films. Though he didn't get acclamation with his last film, Dev Anand moves ahead to his next with a film in Craotia. His visit to Croatia instilled in him the feeling to make a film there and an idea started taking shape in his mind.

He had formerly worked on Hollywood films like the English version of 'Guide' and 'The Evil Within'. He again wants to go for another international venture. What it'll be? "A great musical inspired by the life of Ravi Shankar. I wrote to Ravi Shankar, telling him about my idea; he understood but I've heard that his daughters, Anoushka and Norah, have made some peculiar statements about it," he says. How has his autobiography shaped up? "Spanning 60 years of my life in Bollywood, it promises to be one helluva book. But, while I'll be frank and forthright, there'll not be controversy. I'll not hurt anybody, but people will be able to read between the lines," he says.

Celina's 'expression of love'!
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

So long Celina Jaitley has opted for all the fundas to success. She has openly agreed to skin show, have never refrained from kissing onscreen, danced in item songs and et al. Despite of all the trying, it's sad to see that she hasn't reached anywhere. Her acting antics more than her performance is her beach scene, dare and bare roles, bikini shots and more on similar lines. But Celina is optimistic that the sun will shine on her. "I am doing big banner films now, there's Apna Sapna Money Money and Shakalaka Boom Boom. So I will get there soon." This bold actress doesn't shrug from exposing and kissing on screen. "What's wrong in exposing if the script demands it? It's not like they ask us to kiss during a rape situation or a fight scene. We do it only during a romantic moment, so what's wrong in it? I think it's only in India that we make a big deal about kissing scenes. It takes two people to kiss and nobody's forcing you. And I really don't see what's wrong in smooching. Everybody's done it, including Aishwarya Rai." Now when Bollywood has woke up from slumber and actors like Emraan Hashmi, Neha Dhupia and Tanushree Dutta are avoiding on-screen kissing, Celina still feels that it is an 'expression of love'.

Dino takes over Akshay & Bobby
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

Akshay Kumar was a favourite if Dharmesh Darshan for long and their association has given films like Dhadkan, Haan...Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya, Bewafaa and many such films. Next Bobby Deol became his favourite boy. Dino Morea now follows next to have impressed the director so much that he has cast him in 'Aap Ki Khatir' and has decided to make two more films with him. D for Dino and D for Dharmesh will truly make a good pair!

In Bollywood favoritism rules the roost. Though filmmakers don't agree to it, but they have a preferred set of actors they are inclined to work with. Chopras prefers working with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherji; Karan Johar with SRK, Bachchans, and Preity Zinta; Mahesh Bhatt with Emraan Hashmi and Ram Gopal Varma with Urmila Matondkar and Antara Mali.

You just can't miss Billo!
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

If you haven't yet got familiar to Billo, well it's the name of Bipasha Basu in her forthcoming film 'Omkara' all set to hit the theatres this Friday. Though it's a brief appearance in the film, Bipasha says that it is enough to leave its mark on the minds of people. From the land of 'Corporate' she heads straight to the crime infected land of UP in 'Omkara'. "Both are realistic films. But no, I'm not into art cinema. My aim isn't to turn into a 'realistic' film actress. I don't want to be stereotyped. Right after these two films I have Dhoom 2 where I'm larger than life! I feel I can be versatile and my personality can be projected into any kind of character from a small-town girl in Omkara to the urban entrepreneur in Corporate. Again my character in Dhoom 2 is definitely nothing like Nishigandha in Corporate or Billo on Omkara, "says Bipasha.

Ritesh doesn't get his share in KANK
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

Ritesh Deshmukh is going great guns with his comedy roles. For a change he turned serious and landed himself with a role in none other than Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'. Truly it was a dream come true for him until it came crashing down. His cameo in the film got cropped off on the editing table. Actors like Kajol, John Abraham, Arjun Rampal are also doing cameo in the film and while theirs have been retained, Ritesh turned to be the unlucky one. Karan did not want to remove the scene as Ritesh is a close friend, but he had no choice as to keep the length of the film under control he had to get the scissors.

Isha Sharvani gears up after long
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

Isha Sharvani made her debut with 'Kisna' two years back. After the sad fate that the film met, she was nowhere to be seen. She was completely out of the reach of the media for a long time. But this dancer and actress is looking forward to 2006 with two films in hand Chakravarthy's 'Darwaza Band Rakho' and Sachin Bajaj's 'Rocky'. So what took her so long? "After Kisna I started getting so much attention that I could not handle it. I wanted to make sure that I deserved it all. There was too much pressure from the media. I come from a different setup altogether. So, I came back home to Natyashram (her mother's dance school in Kerala) and continued my dance lessons. For me, Bollywood was a big shock. Moreover, I am a bit of a recluse I completed the shooting for Darwaza last July. But it took a year to complete the post-production, hence the delay." She is now looking forward to her two releases this year and we see Isha in a completely different avatar.

Abbas-Mustan's next titled 'Mr. Fraud'
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

Ashtavinayak's next directed by director duo Abbas-Mustan has been titled 'Mr. Fraud'. It's the same film that stars Sanjay Dutt-Ajay Devgan-Bipasha Basu and has been in news all this while. The film has got its title recently. Well it's interesting to note that the title of the film speaks everything about it. Abbas-Mustan has once again opted for an offbeat title for their film. The film is currently shooting in London and the release is planned at the initial of next year somewhere around January/February 2007.

Viveik Oberoi enjoying himself – Single!
By MIO Team
Jul 27, 2006, 08:17

After going through equal amount of ups and down is professional and personal front, Viveik Oberoi at last looks at peace with himself. The past few years had been pretty tormentous on this young man. Now with everything back on the track, we catch up with him in happy spirit. He is doing some good work and people are talking more about it than his personal life. As he searches for his true passion again he is cherishing this welcoming change. "I became a drifter and when you forget yourself, the world too forgets you. I was imbalanced and have only myself to blame. There are no complications today. The key to happiness is to stay single, as long as you can. Each of us goes through sad and happy experiences. But that doesn't change your core being. For me, it's going to take that 'magic' to fall in love. But the girl has to do most of what has to be done! It should be so strong that it should knock me off before I know it. I don't know how my girl's going to be. She can be from any religion," he adds with a laugh.

Not many know that Viveik is a shy romantic guy in heart and he also writes poetry and has so far completed about 1,000 poems on love, life, sentimental and romantic. He is just back from London and had the best phase of his life there in solitude, writing poetry.

Interview : A softer side of Salman

Salman Khan continues to make news whether he likes it or not. But why bother as long as he rocks and is one of the frontline Khan's of Bollywood. His films do well and also his run of the mill fetches good business to the producers. They keep repeating him time and again. His fans swear on him and their loyalty is astounding in the odd hours of his life. He is one of the hottest Bollywood hunks who don't have a competitor. Here's a freewheeling chat with Salman.

Excerpts from the Interview:

While your contemporaries have settled down tying the knot, when are wedding bells ringing for you?

I'm a novice regarding marriage. So at this moment I cannot say much about marriage. Many of my friends have got married and they say me that it is the best thing on earth. They just can't stay away from their wives. My father has married twice and he is also living happily with both his wives. I'm also optimistic.

What do you feel about the recent bomb blast in Mumbai?

Even after so many years of Independence it's sad to observe that people in India are suffering. We were then under British rule and even today we are under bondage. There are people who can be brainwashed and they do the crime. Religion never preaches violence, it's the mastermind of some evil human. Common man has to stand up for himself. I'm clueless about the terrorist acts that make people suffer. On my part I am collecting money for the victims that will go directly to the affected families.

Did you ever travel in a crowded bus or train in Mumbai?

I used to travel long back, before Maine Pyaar Kiya was released. During my college days I used to go to movies with my friends and local train was the easiest way to commute.

What is your next release?

My next release will be in August with 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar'. I guess it'll release next Friday. It is a story about a young man who falls in love with a model, but she is nowhere close to his idea of a perfect woman. It is a family film and an entertainer.

Interview : Ajay once again in versatile act

Ajay Devgan after his a powerhouse performance in 'Apaharan' last year came as a revelation with his comic side with 'Golmaal' recently. He goes back to don that somber and stern look once again for Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Omkara' releasing this Friday. The film is much awaited, and Ajay essaying the title role of 'Omkara' comes to the fore to prove his versatility once again.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Let's start with Omkara.

Omkara is the celluloid adaptation of Shakespear's Othello, which was a love story. Films based on the play has been made numerous times before but it is for the first time to appear in Indian screen. Love, emotions and jealousy are universal and the film is about that. It is a very different and classy film and I'm truly honored to be a part of it. I'm proud of the film and believe in it irrespective of anything.

Tell us something about your role.

I'm doing the role of Omkara. He is the leader of the gang of criminals in Uttar Pradesh. Saif Ali Khan and Vivek Oberoi are my accomplice. Saif is envious of my power and this leads to his jealousy and conflict with me. Saif who is playing Iago has lots of shades in his character and this is one of the roles that I really liked, even better than mine.

What are the things that you needed to do to prepare yourself for the role?

Vishal had organized a workshop for us to make us acquainted with the dialogues, as they are absolutely different. On my part I had to practice them a lot and get into a habit of speaking it. Other than the language there was nothing more that I needed to put strenuous effort to. Vishal had a clear mind about the film and that made the job easy for us. I'm satisfied the way the film has shaped up. As an actor there is always space that you can do better, the same applies for me here too. All of us have different look in the film. I had to grow a beard and moustache for the film. I try to be versatile in all the role I play and also put a lot of effort in the character.

How was it working with Vishal Bharadwaj?

Needless to add that he is among the best we have in our industry. To adapt a work of Shakespeare is no joke. He has proved his worthy with 'Maqbool' and has done an equally great job with Omkara. Though it's the adaptation of the play, his dark humour makes all the difference here. He was versed with what he wanted but he was also open to take suggestion.

How did the shooting of the film go?

The film has many brilliantly executed scenes. But a train sequence is my favourite. It was a nice shooting experience with the cast and crew. Shooting went at one stretch and that made our job easy. It helped me to play the character without break.

What are the films that you're doing now?

I'm doing Raj Kumar Santoshi's London Dreams, Mr. Fraud with Abbas-Mustan, Cash.

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