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Interview : Amitabh Bachchan like never before

You've seen and admired Amitabh Bachchan as an angry young man, as a romanticist, as a don, as a father, brother… but in 'Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna' he gets as colorful as he can. Amitabh says that it is the most memorable role of his career as he had a blast during the shooting of the film with the cast and crew. He appears in the role like never before, doing something that is the first time for his career. As the film gears for release this Friday, we bring you an exclusive interview with Big B.

Excerpts from the Interview:

It is being said that you're doing something different in this film. Tell us about your role?

I play a fun loving character, happy-go-lucky kind who is broadminded and honest about the things he does. I'm a skirt chaser, flamboyant and have frivolous nature. But I'm also softhearted. I'm the senior-most character in the film and guide the young people who tend to go wrong at times. Owing to my age I've judgmental capacity and so I advise during the extreme points in their life. The message of the film is that its no use bonded to a marriage if your heart lies somewhere else. One shouldn't bear pain and incompatibility only for the sake of society and tradition.

Is the role different from the ones you've done previously?

Yes it is quite novel and new for me. You can say I play a colourful old man. But there are black and white portions in my life as well. Jaya was a bit apprehensive about my role and was not sure if I would do it.

Karan wanted Jaya in the film, but eventually couldn't find a role for her.

That's true. He very much wanted her to be a part of the film but couldn't work it out. There was nothing for her to do here and I don't think she would have agreed to be a part of it. But unlike to her nature she was along with us on the location and also visited the sets here. She treats the Johars like her own family.

You have worked with Karan Johar in K3G. Did you find any difference in his filmmaking here?

There is no difference in his approach from his other films of the past. His process of making a film is well planned, his concepts are always clear, he is sure about what he wants. Only a striking suggestion on your part can make him change his view on a particular scene.

How did you feel shooting for the film?

We all shared a very good company of each other. I really had so much fun and the sets were like picnic. With Shah Rukh, Rani, Preity and the rest of the crew it was an amazing experience. We were a happy, naughty, mad and hideously misbehaved group of wannabes on the set. But before the camera we were back to serious. There was never a stressful moment during the making of KANK. Karan's generous spending spoilt us totally.

How did you feel working with Abhishek again?

He plays my son in the film after Sarkar. This is a cheerful and friendly film unlike Sarkar, which was intense. We are father and son who share same interests and a great rapport. We both are frivolous in nature but the affection and love are constant.

Interview : Minissha has her hands full

Minissha Lamba debuted with 'Yahaan' and with her pristine look and soft appeal got instantly noticed. Though she didn't do much film in between, she landed herself in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Corporate' in a special appearance. Following that is Raj Kaushal's 'Anthony Kaun Hai' that released recently. Her other films in the kitty are 'Rocky' and 'Honeymoon Travels' waiting for release this year. Here's a small chat with her on her recently released film.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Tell us about your role in Anthony Kaun Hai?

I play a girl called Priya in the film who has been born and bred in Bangkok. She had a traumatic childhood and is hopeful that things will change in her life someday. But things remain as it is. But still this doesn't make her bitter or angry. She becomes fair through the testing times. At this helpless stage of her life she comes across Arshad Warsi who is a con artist. He needs her help and she readily agrees to it.

What made you sign the film?

It was the role that came to me as director Raj Kaushal insisted that I do the film. He wanted to make a film in which the people get their value for money. He narrated me the script and it was half way when I decided that I would be doing the film. The film was completed in a schedule of 40 days.

You are paired opposite Arshad Warsi in the film. How was it working with him?

I really had such a good time working with him. He is the funniest person I've ever met. Also he is so easy going and it makes you feel at ease. So far I've worked with many co-stars. But the rapport that I shared with him was incredible. Since the very first day of the shoot he was like a buddy to me. He used to leave me in splits cracking jokes. He is devoid of any ego and treats newcomers in the same manner as he does an established actor.

Any incident you recall during shooting the film?

It was during the shooting of the song 'Tune Mera Chain Wain'. It was quite a testing time for both of us while shooting for it. For the song we had to stand on the sandbank surrounded by water. And the wait continued to 4 hours as we were left stranded waiting for the water level to rise and for the sunlight to be adequate for the shot to be taken. We were not allowed to sit, as our costumes would get wet as they were supposed to shoot in on a boat.

What are the other films that you're doing now?

My next release will be 'Rocky' with co-stars Zayed Khan and Isha Sharvani. I play a modern London-based girl but who is still Indian at heart. Then there is Honeymoon Travels Private Ltd coming up next where I play one of the couples on honeymoon.

Other than doing films you're also endorsing some brands.

Yes I've been chosen as the face of Provogue. Also I have signed by skin care brand Nutritina. Recently I also shot for an advertisement for D'damas.

Sonu Nigam's special for the Independence Day
By MIO Team
Aug 07, 2006, 08:41

With his symphonious voice Sonu Nigam has carved a niche for himself in the industry and a place in the heart of millions of music buffs. He has a successful singing career with innumerable hit songs under his belt in playbacking and Indi pop music. He has always stretched himself for the cause of humanity. This time he pays his tribute to Mother India on the Independence Day that falls on 15th August with his new song 'Yeh Rashtra Prem Ki Bhavna'.

The song has been dedicated to the Mumbai blast victims and as well holds the appeal to stir your heart with the rendition. Says Sonu, "I was working on this song much before the unfortunate 7/11 incident happened. This is a patriotic song aimed at connecting to the masses especially the youth today. The song is very different in the sense it's not an album; it's a 'single' only on the Internet without any company involvement. You can have it as a ring tone or a caller tune. It is composed by Deepak Pandit and we mainly want to connect to people through the mobile. It's just like the assemblies or 'prathanas' we used to have in our school days. Also it's very apt for the Independence Day. It's a patriotic song mainly targeted to youngsters today who are a lot more cool, open and a chilled out. It's got to do with generating awareness about our country. Patriotism is not about 'right' or 'wrong'. It's about our efforts in making our country the best. We want to propagate humanity and freedom through this song."

MTV, Channel V, Radio city and Zee have come forward to promote the song understanding its significance. Radio Mirchi and Times group have given Sonu a standing ovation for it. It's truly a great work, but the great singer Sonu Nigam!

Reshammiya's 'Dil Diya Hai' worth a miss
By IANS
Aug 07, 2006, 08:51

It seems Himesh Reshammiya (give us a break) has run out of tricks. Another film score and the same mundane effort. Though he tries his best to be different - at times even trying to sound like a Sufi singer - he fails miserably.

One fails to understand why he refuses to change his style - he has been sounding the same in almost all his recent songs.

'Dil diya' by Reshammiya and Himani is the opening track of the album. Reshammiya is in his usual self - changing pitches all of a sudden while maintaining his nasal tone. Even Himani's husky voice fails to do any good to this number.

'Mile ho tum to' is another forgettable duet sung by Reshammiya and Tulsi Kumar. Though the lyrics are of a happy number, it turns out to be one of agony and depression.

Reshammiya then croons a solo 'Yaadan teriyan', fusing keyboards with tabla but the result is the same.

The non-Reshammiya numbers - 'Chalo dildar chalo' by Hemchandra, Vinit and Himani, and 'Jabse aankh ladi' by Alisha Chinai and Jayesh - fails to break the monotony.

There is another Reshammiya-Tulsi number 'Afsana banake bhool na jaana' but nothing worthy can be said of this number either.

All the six songs have been remixed by DJ Akbar Sami.

The film, directed by Aaditya Datt, stars Emraan Hashmi (give us a break, you too), Ashmit Patel, Mithun Chakravorty and newcomer Geeta Basra.

Reshammiya seemed to be pretty okay in his compositions for 'Tere Naam', 'Jodi No. 1' or 'Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye'.

But post 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' (he won the Filmfare and IIFA awards for best playback singer), his compositions have almost become unbearable. Also he began to sing regularly.

'Dil Diya Hai' is really a poor effort by Reshammiya. He can only but pray that at least the remix versions get some listening space in party circuits. Though essentially not dance numbers, party animals, who love to gyrate to anything on offer, may provide him some solace.

Or else, he can look up to passionate-kisser Hashmi to spring some magic on screen.

For listeners, 'Dil Diya Hai' is really worth giving a miss, except for those who have vouched to be loyal to Reshammiya, come whatever may.

Interview : No more routine roles even in big projects: Kareena Kapoor

Post-"Omkara", Kareena Kapoor is planning new career moves and says she won't take up any more frivolous films.

"I've decided to take on only roles that challenge me. No more routine roles even in big projects. After 'Omkara', I feel I've reached a stage where I need to build on my reputation as an actress.

"I'm changing my priorities with the audience. I've done enough run-of-the-mill movies. Until I get something as challenging as 'Omkara' I'd rather stay at home and play with my niece Samaira," Kareena told us.

Kareena, who is now looking for meatier roles, turned down "Page 3" but has no regrets.

"Good Konkona (SenSharma) did it. I couldn't have done it as well as her. I think I'm more prepared for it now. I regret turning down Shyam Benegal's film."

Excerpts from the Interview:

Were you nervous about "Omkara"?

Anxious. I just want to know how the audience would react to the new Kareena Kapoor. Vishal Bharadwaj has made me over completely. I feel I've been re-born in "Omkara". Vishal's emotions are very real. I did another realistic film, Govind Nihalani's "Dev". But I didn't have much to do there.

But you got tremendous accolades for "Dev".

I know. But I wish more people had seen it. Things have changed a lot since then. Today audiences are far more open to new cinematic experiences. Whether it's an out and out entertainer like "Don" or an intense gripping drama like "Omkara", the audience is ready for any kind of new experience.

What preparations did you make for "Omkara"?

I was definitely anxious during the first few days. But Vishal made it easier for me. You know I don't believe in preparation. But I did one thing for "Omkara" that I had never done before. I gave all my attention to it. This is the first time I've done only one film at a time. I had all the time to focus on my character, make it more real than anything I've done.

You worked with new co-stars.

Yes, Saif and I have only a couple of scenes together. We had worked together in "LOC". My co-star in "Omkara" Ajay Devgan is a fabulous person. I know him from my childhood when he was my sister's co-star. Ajay was involved in the film's production in every way possible. I had most of my scenes with him. Ajay made everything so much easier for me.

Did the challenge of doing something so different scare you?

No. In fact, I've decided to take on only roles that challenge me. No more routine roles even in big projects. I don't mind saying no to anybody. After "Omkara", I feel I've reached a stage where I need to build on my reputation as an actress. It needn't be offbeat or realistic. But I'm all for a film that goes into unknown territory.

I think audiences are tired of watching boy meets girl. They want to know what happens after that. If you look at recent hits like "Rang De Basanti" and "Fanaa", they've all gone beyond expectations.

I'm changing my priorities with the audience. I've done enough run-of-the-mill movies. Until I get something as challenging as "Omkara", I'd rather stay at home and play with my niece Samaira.

So you're starting afresh?

Absolutely. I want to do only the roles that challenge me as an actress. It doesn't have to be something that centres on me. But I must have something interesting to do. Even if I've to wait for a year I'm willing to do so. If I had the guts to start my career with "Refugee", I can very well do something unexpected at this stage of my career.

But you had gone from natural to glam-doll in your second film.

That's because "Mujhe Kuchh Kehna Hai" happened to me after "Refugee". I needed to be completely glamorous. Today cinema has changed. So have I.

You've become mellower now?

It's life, my dear. It's taught me to look at the brighter side. Today I'm happy being an actress. It doesn't matter whether I'm in "36 China Town", "Chup Chup Ke" and then in "Omkara", all in one row.

Why was there so little of you in "Chup Chup Ke"?

Ask Priyadarshan. Thank god, no dubbing (she played a mute character). But "Omkara" has me speaking in a different accent and dialect. But Ajay and Konkona have a much tougher dialect than Viveik Oberoi and me. The dialogues are so well written by Vishal.

Do you like being a role model for urban youngsters?

I think youngsters like me because I believe in myself. I try to achieve what I have to. Youngsters identify with that. I'm ambitious. I came in the industry to achieve something. And, sorry, I'm not going to leave until I achieve it even if I'm pushed out.

Whom did you bond the best with in "Omkara"?

Konkona is such a lovely girl. We're still in touch even after the film. She's so casual in spite of being such a good artist. She's effortlessly good in her scenes. I was supposed to do her role in "Page 3". Good she did it. I couldn't have done it as well as her.

Would you do "Page 3" today?

I think I'm more prepared for it now. I regret turning down Shyam Benegal's film too.

So no Kareena after "Omkara" for a long time?

I'm listening to scripts. And I have a cameo in Farhan Akhtar's "Don". I had a ball shooting for it. I loved dancing to Helen aunty's song. No one can match up to her.

You just went to Antwerp for a show. Do you think there's an audience for live concerts?

Of course, there is! They're crazy about us in the US, Canada and the UK. Our last concert Rock Stars didn't do that well but there were many reasons for that.

How's your sister Karisma doing?

She's doing well. She's in Mumbai with her baby. She's open to hearing scripts. She wants to play power-packed roles in slightly offbeat films. She's looking her best these days. Pencil-thin and ready to face the camera.

Interview : I won't endorse vulgarity: Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood glam-girl Shilpa Shetty, who describes herself as 'a law-abiding citizen', says she would never 'endorse vulgarity'.

Shilpa, against whom a Madurai-based lawyer filed an obscenity case over a still from Kannada film 'Auto Shankar', asserts, 'It (the photo) is not vulgar. I am an actor and an entertainer and I won't endorse vulgarity.

'I always do everything in a dignified manner. And tell me, have I done anything that other actresses have not done?'

'With god's grace, work is going fine. But this is definitely affecting our reputation. In my family, everybody has worked hard for small little success. We are law-abiding citizens. We won't do anything unlawful,' Shilpa told us.

The star of 'Baazigar', 'Dhadkan, 'Phir Milenge' and 'Dus' is not too happy with the media hype either.

'I don't like the way the media is focusing on such inane issues. They are making a mountain out of a molehill,' she says.

However, Shilpa says she has full confidence in the judicial system and even wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India Y.K. Sabharwal. The actress sought a guiding precedent in 'maligning cases' by lawyers against film artistes.

'Its not that the chief justice is going to write a reply to me. But I have full faith in the judiciary and I am sure something positive will come out. The case is in the court. Legal proceedings take time in our country,' she says.

Upbeat about her latest release 'Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar' with Salman Khan, the actress says: 'It's a nice commercial film and has got a great script. I think the audiences are going to like it.'

She also defends Salman, who was upset with the makers for delaying the film.

'In Salman's defence, I will say that he is one guy who has pushed this film till here. He put in lots of energy and effort into this project and he is the most affected due to the delay in release,' said Shilpa.

The svelte actress, known as much for her willowy frame as for her ability to shake a leg, says she does not worry about the future.

'It has been almost 13 years and I never needed to think about my future in advance. I never planned anything. I never thought I would last so long in the industry. The work kept coming my way. I have done a variety of roles - comedy, romance, thriller, offbeat, everything.

'In my forthcoming films, the audience will see me in a completely new role. I am doing 'Apne' and 'Metro'. Both are commercial films and I am playing different kinds of roles in them,' she says.

And are wedding bells in the offing?

'Of course. I plan to settle down. I am waiting for the right person. The day I find someone, I will make a formal announcement,' she says.