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Rahman on bowling over the Hollywood Bowl
By IANS
Aug 21, 2006, 09:08

Mumbai, Aug 20 (IANS) A.R. Rahman's historic concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles last month has changed the equation between Bollywood and Hollywood.

Recalling the exhilarating experience, Rahman says: 'They had been trying to contact us for the past year. Finally I let them on to my events manager.

'When I was earlier honoured at the Hollywood Bowl in 2000, they told me it was going to be a non-Indian audience. But a lot of Asians came, which was fantastic. But that process of reaching out to a global audience happened this time at the Hollywood Bowl.'

The concert held on July 16 was attended by 18,000 people. Says Rahman, 'Eighty percent of the audience was non-Indian. More than an endorsement of my music it was an acknowledgement of our entire film industry. I hate to call Hindi cinema 'Bollywood'. But that's what we represented at the Hollywood Bowl.

'The doubts that I had about our music being appealing to the West were finally cleared. Our sincerity was quite clear to them. It took me years to get unapologetic about our music in front of a western audience. I now realise that the gift god has given me is the gift that I need to use to the fullest in front of audiences in any part of the world.

'That's exactly what I did at the Hollywood Bowl that evening. My musicians and I for the first time felt such pride in doing our own thing. I started the evening with 'Bombay Dreams' which the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performed, followed by 'Dil Se', 'Rang De Basanti' etc. Then we did choral arrangements of my songs from Mani Ratnam's films with a group called Global Rhythms.

'They're students from Miami University. These kids had been following my music for years. They all flew into Los Angeles at their own expense because they wanted to play with me.'

Says Rahman: 'I wasn't thinking of the fact that the Beatles or Pink Floyd performed at the Hollywood Bowl. I was just thinking of what I was supposed to do. I got great support from my musicians like Hariharan, Sukhwinder, Madhushree and Sadhana Sargam. Two local dance groups from Los Angeles danced to 'Rang de Basanti' and 'Sona sona' ('Bombay Dreams').'

Rahman is again prompted to look seriously westwards.

'I'm confident about hitting other cities in Europe, Russia, China, Japan with similar concerts. If it worked in America, especially Los Angeles where the cream of the crowd lives, it can work anywhere. And I feel it's not just me moving forward. It's the entire Indian music industry.

'I made a big sacrifice when I did the musical play 'Bombay Dreams' some years ago in England, leaving behind several lucrative offers in Mumbai and Chennai in the process. I think the gambit has finally paid off.'

This time Rahman isn't keen on letting his movie assignments suffer. 'More international concerts are going to happen now. But not too frequently. I had an international concert tour in September which I've postponed because of my movie assignments in Hindi.'

Tribute to Ustad Bismillah Khan
By MIO Team
Aug 22, 2006, 07:30

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan pays tribute to the late Ustad Bismillah Khan, who passed away early Monday morning saying, "The death of Ustad Bismillah Khan is a personal loss to me as our families have had a long association. He used to refer to my father Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb as uncle and had great regard for him. It was a pleasure and unique honour to play duets with Khan saheb whenever I got an opportunity to. Last year, I played along with him in Delhi and Kolkata. As soon as the Ustad began to play, he became one with the shehnai. It was because of him that the shehnai was heard at concerts, both in India and internationally. The Ustad played the shehnai, not in keeping with the grammar of music, but with its poetry. His concept of music was very beautiful and his vision, superb. What is remarkable is that he kept performing, until the very end. May his soul rest in peace. I sincerely hope that someone from his family comes forward to carry on the good work done by him."

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia pays tribute to Ustad Bismillah Khan saying, "He was a very tender and simple person. There are very few saint-like people that you get to meet in today's time. But I had the good fortune of meeting such saints—Ustad Allauddin Khan and Bismillah Khan. There was a lot to learn from Ustad Bismillah Khan, besides music that is. His simplicity at more occasions than one humbled you. His guidance was not only restricted to music but it also extended to how one should behave with people from various walks of life. He was a very private person, who believed that musicians are supposed to be heard and not seen. It was never about exhibitionism; instead all he wanted to do was share his musical ideas with people. And he had this mesmeric power to win people over with his music. His life revolved around music, he was completely dedicated to it, there was never business or politics involved, just pure music. Music was his prayer. For him, sur and namaz were one and the same. Even as a devout Muslim, he was also a staunch devotee of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of music. It was under his direction that the shehnai got a respected status in the concert arena. Previously, it was just a ceremonial instrument, used for weddings and other auspicious events, Ustadji made a tremendous classical impact with his instrument. In spite of the fame and laurels he got, there was never a grain of egoism. He was a Bharat Ratna, but I firmly believe he deserved the 'Bharat Navratna'. People say he is dead, but for me, he will never be dead. He continues to live through his music, his recordings and the research he has done."

Jagjit Singh shares his passions
By MIO Team
Aug 22, 2006, 07:30

We all know that ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh is passionate about music. Every time this ace singer sings he weaves magic with his mesmerizing voice. But many don't know that he is equally passionate about horse racing. He is currently in Pune where the racing season is on as he is ardent about racing. And he makes sure that he is there every year. "I have four horses and they participate in the races. I love races. But I don't come only for races. Music is also a cause. My horses are very special to me but unfortunately I can't give too much time to them," he says. Also he likes being to Pune as people there have a taste for classical music.

Deterring the trend of mechanical music, which is in vogue he says, "A lot of garbage is being played. A number of DJs and RJs who have no knowledge of music are mixing songs. But I am sure enough that this trend will go away. Classical music will make a comeback," he quotes. He has been in the music scene for 30 years now and his principle of life still continues to be hard work. "You should never think that you know too much. Hard work and quest for knowledge are two most important things in life," he wraps up saying.

Preparations underway for 7th Bollywood Music Awards
By IANS
Aug 23, 2006, 08:44

Preparations have begun for the 7th Bollywood Music Awards where topmost Indian composers and singers will be honoured for their work in 2005.

Sophie Choudhury, popular MTV VJ and remix queen, will host the show and singers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Carribean are expected to perform at the event to be held Nov 4 at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The most extensive and elaborate preparations are underway to make it a spectacular and dazzling event. American musicians have also been roped in to entertain the audience, stated a press release.

The Indian performers include Sukhwinder Singh, who will belt out hit numbers like "Chaiyya Chaiyya", "Rang de basanti" and "Omkara", and Kailash Kher, who will croon "Mangal mangal" from "Mangal Pandey - The Rising" and "O Sikander" from "Corporate".

Kumar Sanu will enthral audiences with his old hits "Ek ladki ko dekha" from "1942 - A Love Story", "Tujhe dekha" from "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge" and "Ladki badi anjani hai" from "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai".

Apart from them, Pakistani singer Shafqat Ali will sing his popular number "Mitwa" from Karan Johar's latest release "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna".

Another Pakistani singer Shahida Mini will also perform at the event and Tanvir Shaheen, popular Bangladesh's singer, is also gearing up to woo music lovers at the event.

I'm enjoying myself: Sunidhi
By MIO Team
Aug 23, 2006, 08:44

The girl with the golden voice Sunidhi Chauhan is having a rocking time, singing some of the amazing songs of the recent time. She is one of the forefront female singers of the Hindi music industry today who has delivered many hits and is looking forward for a wonderful time with lots of good songs coming her way. She has in her kitty some of the most awaited films big films like 'Zindagi Rocks', 'Dhoom 2', 'Don' and 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd.' What has Sunidhi to say about her career at this moment? "I'm enjoying myself with the work I'm getting, specially the soft romantic numbers. And, of course, the item numbers that I've sung have all been enjoyable. They've all been good and given me a lot of satisfaction." From her long repertoire of songs her personal favourite are 'Bhaage re mann' and 'Aa bhi jaa'. Along side play backing Sunidhi also feels contented doing live shows. "The way the audience reacts to your music is just amazing."

Sapna Mukherjee is back
By MIO Team
Aug 23, 2006, 08:44

Sapna Mukherjee with the song 'Oye Oye' (Tridev) scaled to new heights in her musical career. From then onwards in the 80s and 90s she was offered only item number or peppy tracks and got tagged with the image. But at that time item songs didn't do booming business like they do today. And though Sapna was at the front she received no accolades for her talent and singing prowess. She returns back again to restore her name in the music industry with her album titled 'Mere Piya'. As the title of the album suggests there are mainly love songs. Sahara Parivar presents the album. The title song of the album is a duet with Sonu Nigam.

Don music launch in fanfare!
By MIO Team
Aug 24, 2006, 09:12

Farhan Akhtar's 'Don' is looking very promising with the promotional measures that have been opted for the film. Though 'Don' is expected to hit the theatres during the Diwali/Eid festive season, the music launch will be held on Saturday, 26th August amidst much fanfare in Mumbai's Inorbit Mall. It promises to be one extravaganza where 30,000 people are expected to be present. Music directors Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will be performing at the event. Following that during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, free cassettes will be distributed in the pandals as an unusual promotional measure for the music of the film.

Farhan has a quick say on the music. "As far as the music of the film goes, we have retained two original superhit numbers, 'Khaike Paan' and 'Main Hoon Don' but the rest of the music is by Shankar Ehsan Loy and they have done a very good job."

Melodic blend of East, West in debut music album
By UNI
Aug 24, 2006, 09:12

New Delhi, Aug. 24 (UNI): Pop music albums rooted in classical Indian melody seems to be the order of the day.

In vogue in musical circles is a "new sound" of music incorporating the best features of classical music of the East and the pop varieties of the West.

The latest in the line of such albums is ?Ziver? (The precious one), a new album by sitarist Hidayat Khan - son of music maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan- which is a 'melodic' blend of traditional Indian music with various musical influences of the West.

An interesting blend of Hidayat's voice and sitar has lent a 'melodic' appeal to the album which incorporated varied styles like techno, hip-hop, electronica, Latin and Spanish.

Being presented by Music today and HBC in association with the with Radisson Hotel, 'Ziver' was launched at a function in the capital during the weekend.

Marking the launch was a concert by Hidayat Khan of the various tracks in the album which left the huge audience gathered here thoroughly mesmerised by the melodic interplay of the singer's voice and sitar.

Speaking on the occasion, Hidayat Khan said this debut solo fusion album had been his goal ever since the "fusion" genre of music came into the music world.

Hidayat's 'taleem' (musical training) and 'riyaaz' (practice) have helped him to accomplish this goal.

Hidayat began his formal training of Indian classical vocal music from his legendary father Ustad Vilayat Khan at the age of 4 and continued it till he was 14. From Khan Sahib, he learned to sing khayal and a variety of other forms of Indian classical music.

During this time he performed at various concerts including performances at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center in New York. Hidayat has performed all over the world. This includes major performances in Europe, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, Singapore and India.

In a way, ?Ziver? is a reflection of Hidayat?s past, his present, and where he intends to go in his future.

Speaking on the occasion, Gurmeet Singh, Business Director, Music Today said,"Ziver is a pathbreaking effort in sound presenting Indian music in a brand new avtar. The album brings together the sitar and vocals beautifully in a popular and youthful style with contemporary appeal."

"The launch of Ziver, where various musical influences have come together with Indian music to create a 'new sound', was yet another attempt by Music Today to bring new music to music lovers. It is yet another presentation in keeping with Music Today?s brilliant thematic concepts presented through music,"he said.

"Through such musical evenings Music Today aims at promoting the finest of Indian Music,"he said.

Some of the earlier albums by Music Today such as 'Soundscapes and Elements' have been known for introducing trend-setting concepts and path-breaking innovations in sound of music.

These albums have penetrated the international market and the technological movement across the world and currently feature on the World music charts of iTunes.

As part of its endeavour to propogate the 'new sound' of music, Music today had earlier this year come out with India's first ambient music label, 'Dada Music'.

The tracks in ?Ziver? incorporate a large variety of different styles of music; while there is a strong Latin influence in the ttile song ?Ziver?, there is a rhythmic and groove style hip hop influence in the track ?Jiya Lage Na?, ?Mari Dhimi Payal? incorporates a mand from Rajasthan,; and ?Chhaap Tilak? is a Qawwali classic.

The album has an incredibly astounding music video of the popular track ?Chhaap Tilak?, featuring Hidayat Khan in his element doing wonders with the sitar and his voice!

"Listeners of this album, regardless of their musical background and tastes, should find something that they can relate to and enjoy because of the various influences,"Gurmeet Singh said.

Has Aanuu Mallik lost his essence?
By MIO Team
Aug 25, 2006, 07:54

Sometime back we had reported that music composer Anu Malik has changed his name to Aanuu Mallik based on numerology by Niraj Mancchanda and it is supposed to bring him lots of luck. Surely luck is what he needs at this point of his career and to survive his drowning image!

Aanuu Mallik has been lying low in his career for sometime now. His only music launch in long time is 'Zindagi Rocks'. Aanuu Mallik is a talented music director who has delivered many big hits to Bollywood but has been relegated to unpopularity ever since Himesh Reshammiya has taken over him. Also Pritam, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Shantanu Moitra are finding more preference in the industry then him. Mahesh Bhatt who had been loyal to Aanuu Mallik's style of music has changed tracks to Pritam. Their last work together was 'Murder'. Though he was the composer of 'Munnabhai MBBS', Shantanu Moitra has replaced him in the sequel 'Lage Raho Munnabhai'. Also Farah Khan isn't considering him for her next 'Om Shanti Om' although he has given the hit music of 'Main Hoon Na'. Has Aanuu Mallik lost his essence?

Zindaggi Rocks' music launched in grandeur
By MIO Team
Aug 25, 2006, 07:54

At a glittering and star studded event yesterday at the Taj Lands End the music of B.A.G Films 'Zindaggi Rocks' was launched amidst the cast and crew of the film. Producer Anuradha Prasad launched the music album. The film has music by Anu Malik and lyrics are by Mudassar Aziz and Syeed Quadri. Sunidhi Chauhan, Zubeen Garg, Tulsi Kumar, Javed Ali and Anushka Manchanda have crooned the songs. The highlight of the launch was the stunning performance by leading actress of the film Sushmita Sen, with the song 'Humko Choone Paas Aayiye' with a guitar in hand and Shiney Ahuja by her side. She looked gorgeous and Shiney stunning and the audience wanted more of them. Three sensational song and dance performances were done by singers Zubeen Garg, Tulsi Kumar, Anushka Manchanda and Javed Ali.

Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, Sachin Tedulkar with wife Anjali, Karisma Kapoor, Yukta Mukhi, Chief Minister Shri Vilashrao Deshmukh, Shri Uddhav Thakrey, Shri Kripa Shankar, Shri Mukesh Ambani with wife Neeta Ambani, Police Commissioner Mr. A N Roy, Director Madhur Bhandarkar, Sudhir Mishra, Satish Kaushik, Anupam Kher, Producer Manish Goswami, Juhi Parmar, Kulraj Randhava, Hussain, Samir Nair, Shailaja Kejriwal, Maya Alagh and Sunil Alagh, Mukesh Bhatt graced the event.

Lata Mangeshkar releases Sapna's Mere Piya
By UNI
Aug 26, 2006, 05:55

Mumbai, Aug. 26 (UNI): Nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar has released Sapna Mukherji's album "Mere Piya" here. The album has been produced by Sahara India Parivaar and marketed by T-Series. Music for the album has been composed by Raju Singh and Pandit Satyanarayan Mishra. It consists of seven love songs sung by Sapna. There is also a duet by Sapna with Sonu Nigam.

Releasing the album last evening, Lata said she likes Sapna who is like a younger sister. In a time where songs have no head nor tail Sapna's album has 'sur' (tune). That is why she was releasing her album. Talking to media persons, Lata said she used to consider late playback singers Mukesh and Mohammed Rafi as her brothers and she misses them.

When asked by reporters about the upcoming Ganesh festival, Lataji said: "We bring the Lord Ganesha to our house for ten days and we enjoy a lot."

Speaking on the occasion, Sapna said, "This album is extremely special for me since it is being launched by my idol Lata didi. God has indeed been very kind and generous to me. Also, I am extremely thankful to Sahara India Parivaar and T-Series for their support in this entire endeavour."

Sapna was discovered by Feroz Khan and had sung for his film 'Jaanbaaz', starring himself, Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, which was released in 1986. Since then, she has sung more than 100 songs for numerous films. She has also won a Filmfare award for the chartbuster song 'Oye Oye' from the hit film 'Tridev'.

Last year, she has been recipient of the 'India Sangeet Award' and 'Critics Award' for the Best Female Playback Singer for the film 'Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose', in which she had sung for A R Rehman.

Has Himesh lost his Midas touch?
By MIO Team
Aug 26, 2006, 05:55

Himesh Reshammiya is on his shows abroad and rocking the venues out there. But back home the situation is very different. His career looks very grim at the moment. He had been raging the nation with innumerable hits for quite sometime and it seemed that Himesh had some Midas touch as everything he touched turned to gold. The producers were happy as they made money out of the hit soundtrack and he turned to be the safest bet for them. But seems the phase is over now and his popularity has hit all-time low. Himesh who has been synonymous with hit for the last few months, failed miserably to create any impact with his last few releases – 'Rocky', 'Ahista Ahista' and the latest 'Aap Ki Khatir'. They turned to be forgettable tunes and we hope Himesh doesn't turn forgettable soon!

Interview : Dino turning a Casanova

Dino Morea is having an enjoyable time at his career front this year. 'Aksar' has emerged as a hit and 'Fight Club' has also garnered due attention. He is having the third release of the year with Dharmesh Darshan's 'Aap Ki Khatir'. He plays a Casanova character in this film and romances the ladies Amisha Patel and Priyanka Chopra. He is currently shooting for his latest film 'Bhram' with Milind Soman and Bipasha Basu. We catch up with Dino who's excited about his Friday release 'Aap Ki Khatir'.

Excerpts from the Interview:

What is Aap Ki Khatir like?

It is a family film with romance, emotions, weddings, relationships, make-ups and break-ups, happy as well as sad moments.

What made you sign the film?

Director Dharmesh Darshan approached me for my role in the film. He narrated me the script but I didn't like it very much. He approached me once again and this time I agreed to do it, as my role was much better and more refined now.

How was it playing the role of a Casanova in the film?

The best part of playing the role was that it was something different. I tried to relate to it and had a great time playing it. My character in the film is someone who doesn't believe in long-term relationships. He wants to enjoy himself with the short ones and have fun.

Was it great to romance the two beautiful ladies Priyanka Chopra and Amisha Patel in the film?

It sure was. I tried to romance with them one at a time. I dump one of them and go after another. Both of them are professional actresses and I had a good time working with them.

How was it shooting for the film?

I had a great time shooting for the film and it was an enjoyable experience. Akshaye, Suniel and myself got along with each other. We shot in England in a small village.

What about the problems with Dharmesh Darshan about you not being promoted properly?

It is just one of them rumours and so I've nothing to tell about it.

When are your other films Chaal, Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi and Gumnaam releasing?

The producers will be in a better position to answer that. We haven't yet started shooting for 'Chaal'. Both 'Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi' and 'Gumnaam' have been shelved. Another film is Mahesh Manjrekar's 'Deha'. The film is complete and waiting for release.

What is your forthcoming film?

I'm doing Dus Kahaniyaann and it tells 10 different stories. I'm in one of the stories called 'Sex on the Beach'. The story is about a guy who walks on the beach and about his experiences. It is a short film of about 15 minutes and very interesting. I've worked with Sanjay Gupta in Plan before. He is a great producer and Apoorva is very talented as well.

What is your other film 'Bhram' about?

The film is produced by Mr. Nari Hira and I hope it does well for him and me. 'Bhram' is a drama about a family relationship and a love relationship between a guy and a girl. But unfortunate things happen and my character tries to sort things out. It has an interesting story.

What about the fuss with co-star Milind Soman?

It's another rumor.

What are the other films that you've signed?

I'm doing a film with Vikram Bhatt, which is yet to be titled. There is Anant Mahadevan's 'Anamika 'happening in October and there is one more film with Deepak Tijori. I'm getting lots of offers coming my way but I'm not hurrying.

Interview : I don't aim to become a realistic actress, says Bipasha

Mumbai - From the chic urban queen in 'Corporate' to the wild untamed lioness in 'Omkara', Bipasha Basu reveals quite a range within a month. And very soon she will be seen in a new avatar in Yash Raj Films' 'Dhoom 2'.

So it's Bipasha and not Aishwarya who gets into a bikini in 'Dhoom 2'?

'Ha! I'm not going to tell you. I can't reveal anything yet. But yes, my character in 'Dhoom 2' is definitely nothing like Nishigandha in 'Corporate' or Billo in 'Omkara',' Bipasha told us.

'Billo is brief. But I don't think she can be ignored,' Bipasha asserted on her va-va-voom role in 'Omkara'.

But she admits it is 'Corporate' that has brought her immense critical acclaim.

'It's just too much. Till today I get appreciated by strangers. I know when the praise is genuine. 'Corporate' has got me genuine encouragement,' Bipasha said.

'At the first screening of 'Corporate' I had my family and friends watching it. When the film got nearly over, I walked out of the theatre because I'm a very shy person. When I came back my friends, family and boyfriend were all clapping.

'I burst into tears. I'm too emotional a person. I was like, 'Oh my God, what are they doing!' From then on the response has just grown. It's not like, 'Bipasha, good job,' Women and men have connected with the role. They pick out sequences and describe it in detail. I've never had this experience.

She feels after 'Corporate' people have started trusting her as an actress.

'They have realised I'm not just about looking good. That's why I thank Madhur Bhandarkar. I know what I want to and can do.'

Bipasha's new film 'Omkara' takes her away from the corporate kingdom in Mumbai to the heartless crime-infested hinterland in UP.

'Both are realistic films. But I'm not going into art cinema. My aim isn't to turn into only a realistic actress. I'm not scared of stereotypes. Right after these two films I've 'Dhoom 2', where I'm larger than life.

'I feel I can be versatile and the kind of body language I've been gifted with can be projected into any kind of character from a small-town girl in 'Omkara' to the urban entrepreneur in 'Corporate'.'

She admits looking the part is an essential part of acting.

'If you look the part your job becomes easier. Also, I've started to look after myself. It's nice to know people are interested in what I wear, my hair. Till today I don't have a PR person. Most of the actors have people to take care of their image. I manage on my own. And though I get dragged into being talked about all the wrong things, media has been largely responsible towards me.'

Bipasha is all praise for her co-star in 'Omkara'.

'Viveik Oberoi is very interested in what he is doing. He wants to rehearse. He gets into lots of discussions with his director. I'd rather work with an actor who's keen on his work than someone who just does his shots and leaves. I know of so many actors who are just facing the camera for the heck of it. They're more bothered with pack-up than packing in a performance.

'Viveik goes well with the deep-focused attitude I've cultivated towards my work.'

However, Bipasha doesn't believe in making her will prevail when the camera is on.

'Though I'm very interested in my work, I don't interfere with the director's decisions. I don't think I've reached that level of evolvement where I can question a director. I'm guided by the director completely. Yes, I make my suggestions. But I clam up if the director disagrees.'

She's all praise for Vishal Bharadwaj.

'He's lovely to work with. I've loved his earlier films. He's so clear in his head and so humble on the sets. He's always smiling. He has a sweet sense of humour. And he's got convictions. Though I hadn't attended his acting workshops Vishal knew I could pull them off. He gave me taped dialogues of how my characters should speak.

'I had Vishal's voice following me everywhere. And this was my first sync sound. My co-stars had done it before. I hadn't. I've to admit I like sync sound more than dubbing. Much as I enjoy dubbing the feeling that you get into your voice on location cannot be replicated in a dubbing studio.'

Ironically, Bipasha had her voice dubbed in her earlier release. She laughs.

'Yeah isn't that something? But my voice is my voice. You can't take it away from my personality.'

Interview : I've parted ways with Que Sera, but I'm not bankrupt: Varma

Rumours about his financial crunch shock veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who has recently ended his partnership with Que Sera Sera productions and is right now busy setting up his new office.

"Is that what they're saying that I had to move out of my office premises because I've gone bankrupt? Please gift me a begging bowl for my birthday," Varma said, dripping sarcasm.

Getting serious, he finally told us: "I did move out of my old office. It was a rented place. As I had parted ways with Que Sera Sera and needed a much larger office to plan and execute various films that I am planning with my new partners, I've bought a new office in Oshiwara.

"The interior designing will take at least three years. Till then, I'm operating from various rented offices. Earlier it was being manoeuvred from under one roof. For now, I've divided the various production works into four offices."

Varma says this isn't an inconvenient arrangement.

"Instead of all of us being under one roof, we are all functioning from various premises, that's all."

About rumours that he rented former protg E. Niwas' office, Varma said: "We had a production office right next to Niwas' office. So we all kept running into one another. It wasn't as if I've taken over his office. The new office for The Factory will be much larger."

Varma talked candidly about his office in town but was not ready to divulge details about his parting with Que Sera Sera.

"I'd rather not discuss it in public. But yes, our parting is final. I'm doing films in association with Adlabs now. My comfort level with Adlabs' Manmohan Shetty is right. We'll be collaborating over an illimitable number of films. I find Adlabs to be more professional than the people I was associated with earlier.

"I've come to a long-term arrangement with them. They'll be Ram Gopal Varma Productions' funding partners for all our films."

Varma denies being in any kind of financial trouble.

"Such things are being said about me for many years. As long as I continue to make my films within my budget, there's no question of monetary problems. People are constantly floating rumours about me. That's okay. I welcome controversies. Though I don't want to waste my time clearing the air. People can believe what they like."

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