In his interview with BollySpice, star of KHJJS Abhishek Bachchan told us that once seen in the context of the film, the music really moves you, "It captures the passion of the characters and their entire attitude towards their country very well."
Director Asutosh Gowariker explained, "Now to reflect that, I thought it was very important to have songs in the film which will reflect the time and various dramatic moments of patriotism, friendship, camaraderie. You know two girls who are very good friends and are on the verge of finishing studies and getting married and settled and all of that and both of them sacrifice their respective lives and give their lives for the revolution... there needed to be a song that reflects that." That song is 'Naiyn Tere'...Check it out!
Friday, December 3, 2010
RISHI KAPOOR'S BULLYING CONTINUES
It's now common knowledge that Ranbir Kapoor's parents have come out in the forefront and are raring to take on anyone who wishes to contribute to the bad image their son is efficiently attaining thanks to the recently aired Koffee With Karan episodes.
The proud parents were absolutely disgusted at what went on in the Sonam and Deepika episode of the show and now have shifted their target to Karan Johar himself. More importantly, onto Dharma Productions.
While Dharma Production is the production house that gave Ranbir his first out-in-out hit and also critical acclaim in the form of Wake Up Sid, the parents feel this is no reason for mastermind of the production house to allow such insulting statement towards Ranbir on his show. Rishi Kapoor in particular has reportedly taken to blackmailing in some shape and form.
It seems that the veteran actor has told Ayan Mukherjee (director of Wake Up Sid) that if he is to cast Ranbir Kapoor in his next venture then he must leave the Dharma Production banner and hunt down another production house that will finance his film because association with Dharma Production is something the Kapoors no long aspire for! So essentially Ayan is to choose between Ranbir and Karan.
Ayan is said to be quite good friends with Ranbir and Karan Johar is said to be quite the mediator when it comes to wars of words in the industry. Will these two factors change the situation and calm down the Kapoors? Only time will tell!
The proud parents were absolutely disgusted at what went on in the Sonam and Deepika episode of the show and now have shifted their target to Karan Johar himself. More importantly, onto Dharma Productions.
While Dharma Production is the production house that gave Ranbir his first out-in-out hit and also critical acclaim in the form of Wake Up Sid, the parents feel this is no reason for mastermind of the production house to allow such insulting statement towards Ranbir on his show. Rishi Kapoor in particular has reportedly taken to blackmailing in some shape and form.
It seems that the veteran actor has told Ayan Mukherjee (director of Wake Up Sid) that if he is to cast Ranbir Kapoor in his next venture then he must leave the Dharma Production banner and hunt down another production house that will finance his film because association with Dharma Production is something the Kapoors no long aspire for! So essentially Ayan is to choose between Ranbir and Karan.
Ayan is said to be quite good friends with Ranbir and Karan Johar is said to be quite the mediator when it comes to wars of words in the industry. Will these two factors change the situation and calm down the Kapoors? Only time will tell!
DHAK DHAK QUEEN BOWLED BY DUGGU
t was only days ago that we at Bollyspice reported the Dhak Dhak Queen, Madhuri Dixit , was back in town and making her debut into small screen as the judge for Jhalak Dikhla Ja and while all are still reeling from the news of her return, this dancing diva is all praises for Man of the moment, Hrithik Roshan.
It's been a week since Madhuri landed in Mumbai town and the first film the beautiful actress set her eyes on was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish. So moved by Hrithik's role as Ethan Mascaranes, the Aaja Nachle actress promptly called the actor and heaped laurels on him for his acting. "I told him that he was unbelievably good and he said he could now retire! Even Aishwarya and all the actors have done a good job. Sanjay has made a beautiful film," the actress admitted to Mid Day. Madhuri also went on to recall her first encounter with Hrithik amazing talent, during the time she was working with his father Rakesh Roshan. "I remember when I was shooting for his dad's film Kishan Kanhaiya I heard Hrithik (who was assisting Rakesh Roshan) saying Anil's dialogues loudly in front of the mirror. I felt he had lot of potential and told him so. Of course he was embarrassed. I had discovered the germ of Hrithik's talent and sincerity even then. He is still the same as hard-working as ever!"
In turn Duggu, who has high regard for the diva, was equally more than thrilled to the point of floored by the amazing actress's kind words as the two chatted away for more than 20 minutes.
It's been a week since Madhuri landed in Mumbai town and the first film the beautiful actress set her eyes on was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish. So moved by Hrithik's role as Ethan Mascaranes, the Aaja Nachle actress promptly called the actor and heaped laurels on him for his acting. "I told him that he was unbelievably good and he said he could now retire! Even Aishwarya and all the actors have done a good job. Sanjay has made a beautiful film," the actress admitted to Mid Day. Madhuri also went on to recall her first encounter with Hrithik amazing talent, during the time she was working with his father Rakesh Roshan. "I remember when I was shooting for his dad's film Kishan Kanhaiya I heard Hrithik (who was assisting Rakesh Roshan) saying Anil's dialogues loudly in front of the mirror. I felt he had lot of potential and told him so. Of course he was embarrassed. I had discovered the germ of Hrithik's talent and sincerity even then. He is still the same as hard-working as ever!"
In turn Duggu, who has high regard for the diva, was equally more than thrilled to the point of floored by the amazing actress's kind words as the two chatted away for more than 20 minutes.
FUNNY ANIL KAPOOR IN NO PROBLEM!
Anees Bazmee's No Problem is getting ready to make you LOL when it hits theaters on December 10th. The film has an all star cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty putting their funny men avatars on! One who shines in the zaniness of No Problem is Anil Kapoor.
His character Arjun Singh is a bungling ham-handed cop, married to Kajal (Sushmita Sen), the daughter of the commissioner of the police (Shakti Kapoor). Kajal has a split personality - one moment she's a loving wife and mother, who for 10 minutes everyday, transforms into a terrifying maniac intent on murdering her husband! Diamonds worth millions have been stolen from the International Diamond Centre. No witnesses have survived the shooting spree unleashed by the gang lead by Marcos (Suniel Shetty). Arjun is as determined to find these ruthless robbers, as Zandulal is to find the two crooks who robbed his bank.
His character Arjun Singh is a bungling ham-handed cop, married to Kajal (Sushmita Sen), the daughter of the commissioner of the police (Shakti Kapoor). Kajal has a split personality - one moment she's a loving wife and mother, who for 10 minutes everyday, transforms into a terrifying maniac intent on murdering her husband! Diamonds worth millions have been stolen from the International Diamond Centre. No witnesses have survived the shooting spree unleashed by the gang lead by Marcos (Suniel Shetty). Arjun is as determined to find these ruthless robbers, as Zandulal is to find the two crooks who robbed his bank.
KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY LIVE VIDEO CONFERENCE
, BollySpice attended the Cisco Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey live video conference with Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Ashutosh Gowariker. Over three continents and as many time zones, media invitees in New York (12:00pm EST) and London (17.00 GMT) interacted with the stars and the director of the film in Mumbai (22.30pm IST). With sky-high energy levels, Abhishek Bachchan lets us know that he is in the house, making a joke about the critics calling him a piece of furniture, when he enters to see his name on the back of a chair. Twenty-four hours of promotion, just getting off a plane and - Abhishek informs us -copious amounts of coffee on the flight - and the actor is in great spirits. Ashutosh Gowariker arrives, joined by the supporting actors of the period thriller resplendent in what looks like fab Indian kurtas. Deepika makes her entrance to Abhishek's quip: "Oh God, she's got make-up on at this time of night". The first thing the actress does is to remove the label from the water bottle positioned in front of her - there is going to be no free endorsement for a brand that she does not represent. Beautiful? Of Course. Talented. Just watch Om Shanti Om. Smart? As one label comes off we attach another. With the main players now in place, we are ready to begin.
Why did you feel it was important to portray this historical incidence?
Ashutosh: There is only a fleeting mention of the Chittagong Uprising, but there has been no mention of the details of who led it, how did it happen and what exactly the uprising was all about. When I discovered the book Do or Die, I was aghast because this was such a massive operation, and also about fifty five teenagers participated. The emotions that I felt from knowing about the revolution made me feel it was very important to bring it to screen.
What challenges did you face in playing this role Deepika, and can you relate to her?
Deepika: I think for me the biggest challenge was the responsibility of playing a real-life character, and secondly I think getting the look right. (Deepika asks the media who have seen a preview of the film "Did I look right?" A resounding "Yes" comes the response.) I believe that if the audience is not convinced that they are in the era of the 1930s then the purpose is defeated. Do I identify with her? I think yes. Kalpana Dutta, like women today, is very strong and ambitious, and got up and did something for her country and contributed to the revolution.
Abhishek, you are known for being a joker. How did you have fun on set with this being such a serious film?
Abhishek: Do I look like a joker to you? (Laughter from all). A film is a film is a film and a character is a character is a character. What you do on camera doesn't necessarily have to be done off camera. I've always said I am a very inhibited actor, it takes a lot for me to do what I do, so I need a very relaxed atmosphere wherever I am working. Hence, I try to create that. It is a very selfish thing to do to get my performance out. So I don't really joke around. I just like to keep it light, and even with a serious, intense film when the camera is not rolling, we don't have to be sulking. If we were all really serious on the set Ashutosh would recast us in a day.
Was it challenging to work with a large cast of teenagers?
Ashutosh: It was quite challenging. I had some experience as an actor, and I had the opportunity to work with teenagers as co-stars. Somehow I knew how the mind of a teenager works when it comes to acting. I did an orientation with the teenagers before the shoot began, and they got used to each other, felt comfortable with the stars of the film, and got over the initial awe which they had for Abhishek and Deepika, which I felt was very important.
When the UK critics saw the film yesterday, when the final credits rolled, there was absolute silence in the room. Was the film meant to have that kind of effect of leaving you with goosebumps?
Ashutosh: You have really hit it on the head, because when I read the book and got to the end, I wept uncontrollably. I thought that it was very important to capture the spirit, the drama and the emotional aspect of the revolution. You guys are the first ones to have seen the film and I am really overwhelmed with what you have just said, and glad you felt that way, because even after eighty years it is never too late to salute the heroes.
How challenging is it to do a period film?
Abhishek: It depends who your director is, and that is the same with any film you are going to do, be it a period film, or a contemporary, or a futuristic film. By the grace of God, we had Ashutosh Gowariker behind the camera, and very honestly, all that you have seen last night is completely due to him. He comes so prepared, he brings his A game with him whenever he comes. Even if a light man has a suggestion he will consider it and he will listen to it. But when you have a real-life character half of your work is done for you. It increases the responsibility and you have to do justice to that character and churn out responsible performances. We wanted to pay homage to them, and wanted people to view them the same as we do today, having lived this film for a year.
Who in Bollywood would you like to work with next Deepika?
Deepika: (Filmi shriek) Nahin! (Pause) Well, who I haven't worked with, but who I would love to work with: Aamir, Salman and Hrithik.
Ashutosh, when reading the book and writing the script, which character did you identify with?
Ashutosh: The main part, the protagonist is the one I identify the most, as they are the ones who drive the story. Be it Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, Swades or this film, the driving force for me is the protagonist.
What advice would you give young people who want to enter the film industry?
Abhishek: (Indicating Deepika) If you don't look like this, forget about it.
Deepika: I think every second person today wants to enter the film industry, but it is not as glamorous as it looks. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. It's not as easy as it looks, and I think that is the main preparation one would have to do apart from being decently good looking and talented.
Why did you feel it was important to portray this historical incidence?
Ashutosh: There is only a fleeting mention of the Chittagong Uprising, but there has been no mention of the details of who led it, how did it happen and what exactly the uprising was all about. When I discovered the book Do or Die, I was aghast because this was such a massive operation, and also about fifty five teenagers participated. The emotions that I felt from knowing about the revolution made me feel it was very important to bring it to screen.
What challenges did you face in playing this role Deepika, and can you relate to her?
Deepika: I think for me the biggest challenge was the responsibility of playing a real-life character, and secondly I think getting the look right. (Deepika asks the media who have seen a preview of the film "Did I look right?" A resounding "Yes" comes the response.) I believe that if the audience is not convinced that they are in the era of the 1930s then the purpose is defeated. Do I identify with her? I think yes. Kalpana Dutta, like women today, is very strong and ambitious, and got up and did something for her country and contributed to the revolution.
Abhishek, you are known for being a joker. How did you have fun on set with this being such a serious film?
Abhishek: Do I look like a joker to you? (Laughter from all). A film is a film is a film and a character is a character is a character. What you do on camera doesn't necessarily have to be done off camera. I've always said I am a very inhibited actor, it takes a lot for me to do what I do, so I need a very relaxed atmosphere wherever I am working. Hence, I try to create that. It is a very selfish thing to do to get my performance out. So I don't really joke around. I just like to keep it light, and even with a serious, intense film when the camera is not rolling, we don't have to be sulking. If we were all really serious on the set Ashutosh would recast us in a day.
Was it challenging to work with a large cast of teenagers?
Ashutosh: It was quite challenging. I had some experience as an actor, and I had the opportunity to work with teenagers as co-stars. Somehow I knew how the mind of a teenager works when it comes to acting. I did an orientation with the teenagers before the shoot began, and they got used to each other, felt comfortable with the stars of the film, and got over the initial awe which they had for Abhishek and Deepika, which I felt was very important.
When the UK critics saw the film yesterday, when the final credits rolled, there was absolute silence in the room. Was the film meant to have that kind of effect of leaving you with goosebumps?
Ashutosh: You have really hit it on the head, because when I read the book and got to the end, I wept uncontrollably. I thought that it was very important to capture the spirit, the drama and the emotional aspect of the revolution. You guys are the first ones to have seen the film and I am really overwhelmed with what you have just said, and glad you felt that way, because even after eighty years it is never too late to salute the heroes.
How challenging is it to do a period film?
Abhishek: It depends who your director is, and that is the same with any film you are going to do, be it a period film, or a contemporary, or a futuristic film. By the grace of God, we had Ashutosh Gowariker behind the camera, and very honestly, all that you have seen last night is completely due to him. He comes so prepared, he brings his A game with him whenever he comes. Even if a light man has a suggestion he will consider it and he will listen to it. But when you have a real-life character half of your work is done for you. It increases the responsibility and you have to do justice to that character and churn out responsible performances. We wanted to pay homage to them, and wanted people to view them the same as we do today, having lived this film for a year.
Who in Bollywood would you like to work with next Deepika?
Deepika: (Filmi shriek) Nahin! (Pause) Well, who I haven't worked with, but who I would love to work with: Aamir, Salman and Hrithik.
Ashutosh, when reading the book and writing the script, which character did you identify with?
Ashutosh: The main part, the protagonist is the one I identify the most, as they are the ones who drive the story. Be it Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, Swades or this film, the driving force for me is the protagonist.
What advice would you give young people who want to enter the film industry?
Abhishek: (Indicating Deepika) If you don't look like this, forget about it.
Deepika: I think every second person today wants to enter the film industry, but it is not as glamorous as it looks. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. It's not as easy as it looks, and I think that is the main preparation one would have to do apart from being decently good looking and talented.
'LET'S GO TO TOONPUR' FROM TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO
Mumzy, Veronica, H'Dhani and Anu Malik come together to croon this fun-filled song featuring Ajay Devgn, Kajol and a number of animated toons. Toonpur Ka Superrhero is India's first live action animation feature film. The story revolves around Ajay Devgn, a reel life hero who accidentally lands in the world of cartoons and transforms into a real life hero.
BREAK KE BAAD RECOVERS COST AND MORE!
Break Ke Baad, a co-production between Reliance BIG Pictures and Kunal Kohli Productions, is a profitable venture for its makers largely due to its correct economics. The film opened to decent collections riding on its youth appeal. The production costs of the film, Rs 18 crores, has largely been recovered through the sale of satellite and music rights.
Given the genre of the film it has performed well in the urban centers. Break Ke Baad was a highly anticipated film and with a hyped marketing and publicity that was built around the film, it even translated into good business. The USA has responded well to the film, while the response in UK has been reasonable and Dubai too had received the film well.
Also Break Ke Baad has had some refreshing marketing tie ups with Kit Kat, Close Up, Zen Mobile, Venus soaps and Da Milano. These brands have spent close to the tune of Rs. 2 crores on prime TV slots resulting in a desirable and impactful campaign.
Says Priti Shahani, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Reliance Big Pictures, "It's true that Break Ke Baad has already recovered its production cost, including marketing costs. Being a hype project, the digital rights (satellite, music and video) were sold at a lucrative price. Marketing and promotions have been effective with brand synergy with Kit Kat, Close Up and other brands. Break Ke Baad has released across 750 screens in India."
BKB released in 38 countries across the world in over 250 overseas screens. Starring Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone the rom-com film is in theaters now!
Given the genre of the film it has performed well in the urban centers. Break Ke Baad was a highly anticipated film and with a hyped marketing and publicity that was built around the film, it even translated into good business. The USA has responded well to the film, while the response in UK has been reasonable and Dubai too had received the film well.
Also Break Ke Baad has had some refreshing marketing tie ups with Kit Kat, Close Up, Zen Mobile, Venus soaps and Da Milano. These brands have spent close to the tune of Rs. 2 crores on prime TV slots resulting in a desirable and impactful campaign.
Says Priti Shahani, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Reliance Big Pictures, "It's true that Break Ke Baad has already recovered its production cost, including marketing costs. Being a hype project, the digital rights (satellite, music and video) were sold at a lucrative price. Marketing and promotions have been effective with brand synergy with Kit Kat, Close Up and other brands. Break Ke Baad has released across 750 screens in India."
BKB released in 38 countries across the world in over 250 overseas screens. Starring Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone the rom-com film is in theaters now!
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