FILMY FRIDAY (18), May 4 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary
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FILMY FRIDAY (17), April 27 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary FILMY FRIDAY (16), April 20 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary FILMY FRIDAY (15), April 13 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary FILMY FRIDAY (14), April 6 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary
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FILMY FRIDAY (13), March 30 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (12), March 23 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (11), March 16 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (10), March 9 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (9), March 2 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary
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FILMY FRIDAY (8), February 24 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (7), February 17 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (6), February 10 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (5), February 3 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary
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INDIA 59th NATIONAL FILM AWARDS Winners' List (Announced March 7 2012; To Be Awarded May 3)
1. FEATURE FILMS: (Rohini Hattangadi)
Swarna Kamal
Best Feature Film: Deool (Marathi, P: Abhijeet Gholap, D: Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni);
Byari (Beary, P: TH Althaf Hussain, D: Suveeran)
Indira Gandhi Award For Best Debut Film Of A Director: Aaranya Kaandam (Tamil; P: SP Charan, D: Kumararaja Thiagarajan)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai (Tamil; P: P Madan, D: Suseentharan)
Best Direction: Gurvinder Singh, Anhe Ghore Da Daan (Punjabi)
Best Children’s Film: Chillar Party (Hindi; P: UTV, D: V Bahl, N Tiwari)
Rajat Kamal Award:
Nargis Dutt Award For Best Feature Film On National Integration: Insha Allah & Mindscape (Hindi)
Best Actor: Girish Kulkarni, Deool (Marathi)
Best Actress: Vidya Balan, The Dirty Picture (Hindi)
Best Supporting Actor: Appukutty, Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai (Tamil)
Best Supporting Actress: Leishangthem Tonthoingambi Devi, Phijigee Mani (Manipuri)
Best Child Artist: Partho Gupte, Stanley Ka Dabba (Hindi); Chillar Party Group, Chillar Party (Hindi)
Best Male Playback Singer: Anand Bhate, Balgandharva (Marathi)
Best Female Playback Singer: Rupa Ganguly, Abosheshey (Bengali)
Best Cinematography: Satya Rai Nagpaul, Anhe Ghore Da Daan (Punjabi)
Best Screenplay Original: Nitish Tiwary, Vikas Behl, Chillar Party (Hindi)
Adapted: Avinash Deshpande Nigdi, Shala (Marathi)
Dialogues: Girish Kulkarni, Deool (Marathi)
Best Audiography: Location Sound Recordist: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Hindi, Baylon Fonseca);
Sound Designer: Game (Hindi, Baylon Fonseca);
Re-recordist Of Final Mixed Track: Game (Hindi, Hitendra Ghosh)
Best Editing: Praveen KL, Aaranya Kaandam (Tamil)
Best Production Design: Naukadubi (Bengali, Indraneel Ghosh)
Best Costume Design: Neharika Khan, The Dirty Picture (Hindi);
Neeta Lulla, Balgandharva (Marathi)
Best Make-up Artist: Vikram Gaikwad, The Dirty Picture (Hindi) & Balgandharva (Marathi)
Best Music Direction: Songs: Neel Dutt, Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona (Bengali);
Background Score: Mayook Bhaumik, Laptop (Bengali)
Best Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya, I Am-Agar Zindagi (Hindi)
Special Jury Award: Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona (Bengali) Director : Anjan Dutta
Best Special Effects: Harry Hingorani & Keitan Yadav, Ra.One (Hindi)
Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Hindi)
Best Feature Film in Each of the Language Specified In the Schedule VIII of the Constitution
Bengali: Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona (P: Rana Sarkar, D: Anjan Dutta)
Hindi: I Am (P/D: Onir, Sanjay Suri)
Kannada: Koormavatara (P: Basant Kumar Patil, D: Girish Kasaravalli)
Malayalam: Indian Rupee (P: August Cinema, D: Ranjith Balakrishnan)
Manipuri: Phijigee Mani (P: Takhelchangbam Ongbi, Medha Sharmi, D: Oinam Gautam Singh)
Marathi: Shala (P: Vivek D Wagh, Nilesh Navalkha, D: Sujay Sunil Dahake)
Punjabi: Anhe Ghore Da Daan (P: NFDC, D: Gurvinder Singh)
Tamil: Vaagai Sooda Vaa (P: S Muruganandham, N Puranna; D: A Sarkunam)
Special Mention: Byari (Byari, D: Mallika), Adimadhyantham (Malayalam, D: Sherry)
Best Feature Film in Each of the Language Other Than Those Specified In the Schedule VIII of the Constitution
Dogri: Dille Ch Vasya Koi (P/D: Sanjeev Rattan)
2. NON-FEATURE FILMS: (Ramesh Sharma)
Swarna Kamal Award:
Best Non-Feature Film: And We Play On (Hindi, English; P/D: Pramod PuRs.wane)
Best Direction: There Is Something In The Air (Hindi, Urdu, English; Iram Ghufran)
Rajat Kamal Award:
Best Debut Film Of A Director: The Silent Poet (Manipuri; P/D: Borun Thokchom)
Best Anthropological/Ethnographic Film: Bom (Hindi, English; P: Anirban Dutta, D: Amlan Dutta)
Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction Film: Vishnupant Damle: Bolpatancha Mook Nayak (Marathi; P: Anil Anant Damle, D: Virendra Valsangkar)
Best Arts/Culture Films: Fried Fish Chicken Soup And A Premiere Show (Manipuri, English; P: Madhushree Dutta, D: Mamta Murthy)
& Lasya Kavvya-The World Of Alarmel Valli (English, P/D: Sankalp Meshram)
Best Science & Technology Film: -- (--)
Best Promotional Film: The Dream Fulfilled-Memories Of The Engineering Challenges (English; P: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, D: Satish Pande)
Best Environment Film Including Agriculture: Tiger Dynasty (English; P/D: S Nallamuthu)
Best Film On Social Issues: Mindscapes…Of Love And Longing (Hindi, English; P: PSBT, D: Arun Chadha) & Inshallah, Football (Kashmiri, Urdu, English; P/D: Ashvin Kumar)
Best Educational/Motivational /Instructional Film: A Drop Of Sunshine (English; P: PSBT, D: Aparna Sanyal)
Best Exploration/Adventure Film (to include sports): The Finish Line (English; P: Syed Sultan Ahmed, Tabassum Modi, D: Akshay Roy)
Best Investigative Film: Cotton For My Shroud (English; P: Kavita Bahl, D: Nandan Saxena)
Best Short Fiction Film: Panchakki (Hindi; P/D: Sanjeev Rattan)
Best Film On Family Welfare: Red Building Where The Sun Sets (English; P: Syed Sultan Ahmed, Tabassum Modi, D: Revathy)
Best Cinematography: Tiger Dynasty (English; S Nallamuthu)
Best Audiography: 1, 2 (Hindi; Gautam Nair)
Best Editing: There Is Something In The Air (Hindi, Urdu, English; Iram Ghufran)
Best Narration/Voice Over: Just That Sort Of A Day (English; Ann Abraham)
Special Mention: You Don’t Belong (Bengali, English; D: Spandan Banerjee)
& Airawat (Marathi, Hindi; D: Renu Savant)
Special Jury Award: Jai Bhim Comrade (Marathi; Anand Patwardhan)
Best Music Direction: Panchakki (Hindi; Dhruba Jyoti Phukan)
3. BEST WRITING ON CINEMA: Juries-
Swarna Kamal Award:
Best Book On Cinema: RD Burman The Man The Music – Anirudha Bhattacharjee, Balaji Vittal (English, Harper Collins India)
Best Film Critic: Manoj Barpujari (Assamese, English)
Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award: --, -- (2011)
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FILMY FRIDAY (4), January 27 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (3), January 20 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary  FILMY FRIDAY (2), January 13 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
FILMY FRIDAY (1), January 6 2012, Weekly Magazine, Calgary 
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Well, well. January 2012 releases this far have been anything but spectacular, barring Chaalis Chaurasi. And this week was supposed to draw a blank with no new releases. And then a friend called from India suggesting I (re)view an Indie flick. She had seen it in 2010 at a film festival. A movie reviewer is often tempted with free advanced viewing with other perks to tantalise and write excellent reviews to promote and publicise films (more so a small-budget movie). Not that it’d’ve mattered. I was willing to be my sceptical best given the mediocre fare being churned out regularly. Two critics traded sides – one became a debutant actor, the other second time director. One made me laugh with his act, while the other has fecund imagination and creativity but miles to go to hone his skills. I had read neither of their reviews and that was good. I liked what I saw in the new light. More than the storyline, it was the actors, who infused life in an otherwise insipid fare. My hand invariably reached for ‘friend request’ on my FB page. I enjoyed this Indie new age masalain English. I knew not these actors but after viewing the movie, I wanted to get to know them better. LIGHTS! CAMERA!! WATCH!!! (sorry, LISTEN). The action takes place over the course of a night (remember, Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin 1996). Turiya (Manu Narayan) along with his friends Hussain (Vasant Santosham), JC (Raja Sen) and Abhishek D Shah come to a New York hotel to celebrate New Year. They meet Moira (Seema Rahmani), who shows the least interest in them. On their way back to Philadelphia (in a car), Turiya calls Moira (strange names for East Indians) on the hotel line and engages in a conversation, where barriers are broken and new understanding takes place. It goes to the credit of the friends that they can bear with this one-sided conversation for about six hours. And what better way to do it than humor. The morning arrives and Moira has to take a flight to Mumbai. So what happens in the end? Does the twain meet? Frankly, I didn’t care. The journey was so interesting that destination didn’t matter. The movie is made in black/white interspersed with colored dream sequences. And the entire action is over the cell phone with split screen showing the other side’s telephone. I did wonder about Turiya’s cell phone bill (something to munch over). While the four friends’ home is the car, Moira’s home is represented by the hotel room. This is neither Hollywoodian nor Bollywoodian fare. This is not even Naseeruddin Shah’s parallel cinema. This is truly new age flick where we can relate to the characters. And while on characters, I’d like to give the devils, their due. Manu Narayan has already done films and this role must’ve been cake-walk for him. But to sound subtle and carry on a monotonous role requires shades. Manu displays a whole range of colours that totally immerses a viewer. He goes from being a regular guy discussing day-today affairs to someone, who wants to take the relationship to its right end. What a polished actor! This movie’ll definitely open newer/wider acting doors for him. Seema Rahmani comes like a whiff of fresh air. She is natural and makes an instant contact with the viewer. Her canvas is limited to the hotel room but she makes it seem like a world stage. That is the power of a versatile actor, who comes sans limitations. I went gaga over her spoof on the now-classic SRK-Kajol scene from KKHH. Truly Bollywoodian stuff but what a dynamic take especially when it goes in reverse order. That slap on Manu’s face is actually on Bollywood’s tepid fare. Seema is here to stay for a very very long time. For she knows the pulse of the viewers. Raja Sen: Had I read his reviews, may be his debutant role wouldn’t’ve made an impact. Could anyone be so endearing in their debuting comic act. I let my hair down. I didn’t laugh politely. I actually LAUGHED. I remembered Cyrus Broacha. Move over Bro, Raja is here. If ever Raja needs an alternative career, he knows where to head. I may not read his reviews, but I definitely look forward to his next movie. Vasant Santosham makes for a fine actor. No pretensions, no high-brow stuff. He flows with the situation. He is definitely endearing and affable. So what’s next Vaz! Well, critic/director Sudhish Kamath’s work was half done with this set of talented actors. The other half of technical side left one wanting…for more. Why do East Indians look towards Hollywood (read white actors) for inspiration when everything is available at home. This is the centenary year of Hindi Cinema. The first B/W silent Indian film Raja Harishchandra was released on May 3 1913. And it becomes significant that I watch another B/W GNGM albeit in its foreignic avatar. Radio announcer Ameen Sayani’d’ve made a better alternative to Billy Wilder. And the setting should’ve been in any village in India, where the masses reside. GNGM in its B/W avatar with a split screen and a cell phone invited a song a la Gope- Nigar Sultana’s Mere Pia Gaye Rangoon (Patanaga 1949) or Jalte Hain Jiske Liye (Sujata 1959). A cell phone song is what the doctor ordered. And when you go retro, silences convey a lot more than talk. Kamalhasan had done it in his masterpiece/classic Pushpak (1987). Indian cinema made for either masses (Rajnikant/Salman Khan) or classes (Naseeruddin Shah/Aamir Khan) have entered desis territory (NRIs- SRK fare). Its reach is vast but lack of promotion and publicity relegates many to the festival fare. We are left unaware of great stuff and are left to view and review crass fare. I Am Kalam made me aware of the festival fare. I am sure, a new age cinema is on the verge to be explored. It’ll be an entity on its own and won’t compete with Hollywood and Bollywood. It’ll find its own financiers, who’ll invest in it on merit. And there is a ready-made viewership for it waiting for an alternative to Hollywood/Bollywood. PVR release is fine but only the paying classy public’ll view the movie. What about the masses and the word of mouth? To reach out to the masses, make use of the Internet and release it on YouTube just like FALTU (paid, 2011) and Project 11 (free, 2011, budget Rs 9 lakh). Single screen release’d only better commercial prospects. But first GNGM needs to create awareness. Any new venture needs capital. Lack of it doesn’t mean you whine. Look out for alternatives and find your way. A big newspaper name is backing enough to circulate in film festivals, be considered for multiplex release and garner rave reviews. Many talented Indians don’t’ve any backing and even die unsung. And viewer remains ignorant of the undiscovered masterpieces. Satish displays initiative and acts on it. The movie’d’ve been crisp in an hour-long duration instead of little less than 90 minutes. The ending leaves a lot to be desired. Suffice it to say, it may lead Satish to make bigger better new age movies. Everything is available in India. It is a director’s experimental initiative but it is actors’ special. GNGM reaffirms my faith that small-budget movies are here to stay (remember Phas Gaye Re Obama, Tere Bin Laden, A Wednesday, Allah Ke Bandey, The Dirty Picture, Chaalis Chaurasi…). And Hollywood’ll be LORDed over by South Asians especially East ‘brown’ Indians. Republic Day too is nearing. I dedicate this review to my friend, who suggested me to (re)view GNGM. This is my heartfelt New Year gift to her. I’m reaching out for my Blackberry. It has its own uses-phoning, internet, texting…my other friends to view GNGM. From one word of mouth to another. From one eyeball to another. Good Night. Good Morning. Good Try. A New Year. A Newbie.
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If Balraj Sahni’s Kabuliwala (1961) was a precursor of things to come, foreign invasion by Pathans took over Bollywood followed by Pakistani-origin Kapoors. Afghanis and Punjabis rule the roost in Bollywood. Their ancestors were all from Afghanistan and they migrated to different states of India but strangely or by quirk of fate, they all finally landed in Mumbai. Somehow, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indian Kashmir joins them. MEHBOOB KHAN (producer-director; born 1907): He was born Mehboob Khan Ramzan Khan in Bilimora, Gujarat in Gandevi Taluka of Navsari District, Gujarat. YUSUF KHAN (DILIP KUMAR, 88) – He was born in Mohallah Khudadad, Peshawar British India (now Pakistan). His ancestors were from Afghanistan. MADHUBALA (MUMTAZ JAHAN BEGUM DEHLAVI, 78) - Madhubala was born in New Delhi, India on 14 February 1933. She was the fifth child among eleven children of a conservative Muslim couple. Her family was a Nawabi family from Kabul, Afghanistan, and a branch of the royal dynasty of Mohammadzai (also called Barakzay). Her grandparents were exiled by Afghanistan's army to India. After Madhubala's father, Ataullah Khan, lost his job at the Imperial Tobacco Company in Peshawar, he relocated his family to Mumbai. Young Mumtaz entered the movie industry at the age of nine. KADAR KHAN (75) - He was born in Pishin, Balochistan British India now Pakistan and was raised in Bombay. His ancestors were from Afghanistan. FEROZ KHAN (72)/SANJAY KHAN (70) – Their father was Sadiq Ali Khan Tanoli, an Afghan hailing from the Ghazni province of Afghanistan, and their mother was of Persian ancestry. They settled in Bangalore, where the Khan brothers were born. AMJAD KHAN (71) – Born in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, his parents were from Ghazni, Afghanistan. Amjad’s father actor Jayant was born in Peshawar, Northwest Frontier Province (present-day Pakistan). He was originally an Afghan. They later migrated to Mumbai. MAK PATAUDI (70) – In early 16th century, an Afghan mercenary came to Delhi to offer his services to the Lodhis. In December 2002, the most famous descendant of that warrior Pataudi said, "We are basically Afghans with a bit of Turkish blood who came down a few hundred years ago as glorified mercenaries, rushed around on our horses and made space for ourselves. Over the years, we have become a little more sophisticated." His ancestors were from Afghanistan who settled in Bhopal and later in Pataudi. Saif Ali Khan's great-uncle was Pakistani general Nawabzada Sher Ali Khan Pataudi, also related to great Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib as well as later day Pakistan PM Liaqat Ali Khan. Both Shehryar and Pataudi belong to ruling house of Bhopal. MUMTAZ MADHVANI (64) – Mumtaz was born to Abdul Saleem Askari and Shadi Habib Agha in Bombay on 31 July 1947. She started acting from the age of twelve. She is of Afghan descent. IRFAN KHAN (48) - Khan was born in Jaipur Rajasthan to a Muslim Pathan Nawab family. His mother, Sayeeda Begum, was from the Tonk Hakim family, and his father, the late Jagirdar, was from the Khajuriya village near the Tonk district, and ran a tyre business. His ancestors too were from Afghanistan. AAMIR KHAN (46) – His family hails from Heart, Afghanistan and settled in Mumbai. Aamir is related to Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan (Badshah Khan/Bacha Khan). He is also related to Ali Zafar (Pakistani singer-actor). SHAHRUKH KHAN (46) – His paternal grandfather was from Afghanistan and settled in Delhi. SALMAN KHAN (46) – His granddad (Salim Khan’s father) came from Afghanistan and settled in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Later they migrated to Mumbai. SAHIL KHAN (35) – He was born in Kolkata and was brought up in Delhi. He moved up to Mumbai to act in movies. His wife Negar Khan is a Norwegian-Iranian Bollywood-actress. ZARINE KHAN (23) - She was born to a Pashtun family in Mumbai on 14 May 1988. FARAH KHAN (46) – Her father Kamran was of Afghani origin and a successful stunt film-maker. Her mother Menaka is of Zoroastrian origin and is the sister of screenwriter Honey Irani and former child actor Daisy Irani. Farah's brother is comedian, actor and film director Sajid Khan. When their parents' marriage broke up, Farah and Sajid were shuttled between different homes. Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar (Javed Akhtar’s children) are her cousins. SHABINA KHAN (45, Dress Designer) - is a fashion designer, mainly working for Bollywood. She has designed costumes for over thirty films and has been working since 1988. KABIR KHAN (Director, 40) – He is of Pathan ethnicity. He made Kabul Express (2006) based on his experiences. EIJAZ KHAN (TV Actor, 36) – He was born in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. He lost his mother early, now living in Mumbai with his father and a younger brother Imran and a sister who lives in Hyderabad. Before acting, he used to handle the family business which deals with shock absorbers. Now his father and brother handle the business. MOHAMMED IQBAL KHAN (TV Actor, 31) – He was born in Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir. HASHMAT RAHIMI KHAN (45): He was born in Afghanistan and moved with his family to Mumbai. He acted in Pahuchey Hue Log (1986), Sach (1989), Bandh Darwaza (1990) and Krishan Avatar (1993). He has directed Spring Of Hope (2004). BOBBY KHAN (31) – He is a choreographer earlier married to singer Sunidhi Chauhan. RAJU KHAN (30) – Choreographer. Movies Shot In Afghanistan:
1975 Dharmatma
1992 Khuda Gawah
2003 Janasheen
2003 Escape From Taliban
2004 Spring Of Hope
2005 Dus
2006 Kabul Express
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Buddha Hoga Tera Baap or Qabar Mein Hoga Tera Dada A near-to-grave shooter (Amitabh Bachchan) returns from Paris to finish one last job. He takes offence to O(ld) word. He can sing, dance, mouth dialogs like an old man (that he is) but is craving to be a hero (that he was). He acts as a central character but is a character artist. And that is where he tumbles. And takes the movie along with him. Hema Malini (his on-screen wife) cannot even begin to act as budhi as it only a one-buddha show. And what a waste of a young pair of Sonu Sood (Buddha’s on-screen son) and Sonal Chauhan. This sums up the movie. Is Amitabh setting a crude example for old men (read lechers) to degenerate even further or is he thinking young women of today will fall for a Buddah. He definitely has grand ideas. It is a marvel he could make this movie. Sporting a wig that looks like his head has been fixed into it (and not the other way round) and hiding sagging cheekbones and jaw under a grey French beard is a marvel. It seems as if his mouth has been fixed in the French beard. And those green glares on his sunken eyes makes one wonder if an eighth wonder is hiding behind them. And those loud shirts – the less said, the better. And Harley Davidson must be cringing carrying an oldie. With the amount of work done on his face, he is definitely a medical marvel. Are the teeth his. He should have promoted the movie with Sonu Sood and Sonal Chauhan young pair. May be it would have fetched better box office opening. He is no Kamal Hassan (Indian) or Rajnikant, who has a dedicated fan following that will lap up any offering with or without wig. Rajni is the true hero, an evergreen superstar. Amitabh needs a wig to act. At 68 that is to be expected. Film press is sold out cronies. Excellent press reviews for everything the grand old man does but alas the cinema halls are empty. An excellent publicity creator and promotional baba, his rhetoric lasts till press conferences and social networking sites. But the battlefield of cinema halls wears a deserted look even before the screening can begin. An artist should accept both positive and negative (constructive) criticism but Amitabh can take only “positive’ one. Rest all comments are blocked. His laurels rest in company of young heroes where he mouths grand dialogues. On his own, he cannot guarantee a solo hit. Neither can his son or even daughter-in-law. An ageing man with an ageing family cannot come to grip with his reality. If his colleagues are polite enough to praise his idiotic act too, he shouldn’t expect paying public to be so gracious. Cinema is a visual medium. Age has nothing to do with acting or talent but a fan craves for a hero he can emulate and look like. Why will anyone go to watch a near-grave personality acting as if he is about to be born. Dileep Kumar (88) retired gracefully. Dev Anand (87) makes his own movies once in a while and that too is tolerable. Dharmendra is a pleasure occasionally with his zany act at 75. They also have their own lives apart from cinema. But it is only this Buddha, who is promoting every hour a reality that can never materialise. His is a case of desperation. Classic example is BHTB, which he has made for himself. When he has loads of money he can do that but he should set aside some time to teach his son how to act. Or a new generation will come and he will go on shaking. BHTB is old wine in new bottle. Amitabh is an antique piece fit for a fossil museum. Old glory cannot return and he is not doing anything new except following what cannot return. He should graciously accept he is an old man fit for dada /nana roles. Considering Amitabh is becoming senile, the box office result is there for all to see. He should mentally mature and become an adult instead of doing Nishabd, Cheeni Kum and now this with a young mother (raveena, younger than aishwarya) shown having hots for him all in the name of art. For God's sake, what does he offer next - Aishwarya's to-be-born child romancing Amitabh from the womb! Now, that'd be news. There is a shelf life for everyone. There once was a fine actor Amitabh Bachpan. There is now a caricature/cartoon called Amitabh Bachkana. An advice to Amitabh and family is: make movies for personal viewing. Don’t release them in theatres lest the tickets are free (along with to/fro ride and snacks. Afterall viewers will be investing their precious time in faltu stuff). A second vocation for Amitabh would be: opening a WIG shop. He will never lack clientele. He himself can get good wigs. He will never lack company as Dev Anand, Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Ranjeet, Govinda, Akshay Khanna et al will always seek his expert advice. He should now prepare for a real life role – of being a dada to a plastic gudiya or cardboard gudda. Hope the newcomer will make him realise his real age. As we left the theatre, one could clearly hear a viewer saying, “Title galat hai. It should be Qabar Mein Hoga Tera Dada ya Pardada”. Let’s say amen to that.
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Category:
Photos
Calgary Ab Canada Mayor NAHEED K NENSHI with SOPHIA AJAZ Monday March 14 2011 morning 11 am. 
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Category:
politics
We talk about minorities in India but are strangely unaware of the existence of the same in neighbouring Pakistan. Even before Independence Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Jews and Christians existed in undivided India. There was large scale migration/exodus post partition (gadar) on either side. Despite being unofficially classified as ‘terror state’, where cricket with India is played on a war level and religious tensions abound (even among Muslims like Ahmediyas, Baha’i, Muhajirs and Shia-Sunni), there is a section among minorities that has carved out a niche for themselves and contributed to the making of Pakistani state and bringing it honours. The country too has honoured them. “Hindu” is derived from Sindhu (Indus river considered holy) in Pakistan. The land has played an important part in the origin of Hinduism. Hindus may be small numerically (once 20%, now they are mere 1.85%) but Pakistan has fifth largest population. Sindh played an important role in Mahabharata. Legend has it that Lahore city was founded by Luv and Kasur by Kush (both sons of Ram). Cities Peshawar and Multan have Sanskrit roots. Hindus’ contribution towards the making of Pakistan can never be negated. Bollywood actors like Prithviraj Kapoor (Samudri, Faislabad), Raj Kapoor (Peshawar), Dev Anand (Shakargarh, Gurdaspur, Punjab), Sunil Dutt (Khurd, Jhelum, Punjab), Raaj Kumar (Balochistan) were born in Pakistan. Indian politicians Manmohan Singh (Gah, Punjab), IK Gujral (Jhelum Punjab) and LK Advani (Karachi) too were born in Pakistan. Cricketer Lala Amarnath was raised in Lahore. Recently Kareena Kapoor (great grand daughter of Prithviraj Kapoor) set a new benchmark by being the modelling face of Pakistan. She charged a cool Rs 3 crore to Firdaus Cloth Mills to launch their lawn summer collection shot in Dubai. Money makes her face west to her ancestors’ birthplace. Even Bollywood movies have paid their own tribute to Pakistan apart from the war and sports sagas. Consider Lahore (1949, Nargis, Karan Dewan), Lahore (2010) and Shoot On Sight (2008, Om Puri). Pakistanis too made Khuda Ke Liye (2007, Naseeruddin Shah) and Ramchand Pakistani (2008, Nandita Das). The founding fathers of Pakistan had their ancestral roots in Hinduism, who were all converts from Hinduism. M A Jinnah (71, I Governor-General of Pakistan) was born to Mithibai and Jinnahbhai Poonja, who moved from Gujarat to Sindh. His grandfather was Poonja Gokuldas Meghji, a Hindu Bhatia Rajput from Paneli village, Gondal state, Kathiawar. Jinnah's ancestors were Hindu Rajput who converted to Islam. Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s (60, national poet of Pakistan and writer of Saare Jahan Se Achchha) father Shaikh Nur Muhammad was a prosperous tailor. His grand father Sahaj Ram Sapru moved to Sialkot after conversion to Islam. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (51, PPP founder, 4th President, 9th Prime Minister) was born to Khursheed Begum née Lakhi Bai and Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto. Sir Shah, the son of Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto, was born into a Rājpūt family that had accepted Islām. Minority Hindus have played a significant role in making a name for themselves and bringing laurels to the country historically, culturally and politically. Anop Ravi (cricketer), Bherulal Balani (politician), Rana Bhagwandas (former acting Chief Justice Of Supreme Court), Krishan Bheel (politician), Ashok Chandwani (India-born, Pakistan-bred, Canadian journalist), Anil Dalpat (first Hindu to play test cricket), Brojen Das (East Pakistan first Asian to swim across English Channel four times), Dhirendranath Datta (East Pakistan lawyer politician), Sobho Gianchandani (social scientist, writer), Khatumal Jeevan (politician), Jogendra Nath Mandal (first Minister of Law & Labour), Danish Kaneria (cricketer), Lal Kumar (cricketer), Amar Lal (Prime Minister’s advisor to minority affairs), Ramesh Lal (PPP politician), Deepak Perwani (fashion designer), Naveen Perwani (amateur snooker player), Rajesh Ramesh (cricketer), Haresh Sharma (playwright, born in Singapore to Pakistani parents), Rana Chandra Singh (politician), Rana Prasad (Soda Rajput ruler) and Surendar Valasai (first journalist in English). Harcharan Singh is the first Sikh officer to be recruited in the Pakistan Army on 27 October 2007. Raja Tridev Roy is a former raja of the Chakma tribes Chittagong in Bangladesh and a Pakistani writer, religious leader and politician. He is a federal minister for life and lives in Islamabad and leads the Pakistani Buddhist community. Prominent Parsis, who have contributed towards Pakistan are Byram Dinshawji Awari (businessman), Minocher Bhandara (businessman), Ardeshir Cowasjee (columnist), Aban Marker Kabraji (biologist, scientist), Jamsheed Marker (diplomat), Deena M Mistri (educationist), Dorab Patel (former Justice of Supreme Court), Bapsi Sidhwa (author) and Godrej Sidhwa (religious instructor). Pakistan's first Christian Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court was Justice A. R. Cornelius. Distinguished fighter pilot in the Pakistan Air Force is Peter O'Reilly. Cricketer Yousuf Youhana has recently converted to Islam and is called Mohammad Yousuf. In Britain, the Bishop emeritus of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali is a Pakistani Christian. Anthony Theodore Lobo (bishop), Joseph Coutts (bishop), Joshua Fazl ud Din (bishop), Jia Ali (model, actress), Martin Bashir (journalist), Cecil Chaudhry (fighter pilot), Michael Chowdry (businessman), Alvin Robert Cornelius (Chief Justice of Supreme Court), Antao D’Souza (cricketer), Gulshan Esther (author), Rachel Gill (model, actress, TV host), Mekaal Hasan (musician, record producer), Irene Perveen (singer), Esther John (nurse), Suneeta Marshall (model), Michael Masih (footballer), Wallis Mathias (cricketer), Mervyn L Middlecoat (fighter pilot), Indu Mitha (Bharatnatyam exponent), A Nayyar (singer), Julius Salik (activist) and Duncan Sharpe (cricketer) are other prominent Pakistani Christians. Karachi synagogue’ leader Abraham Reuben became a councilor on the city corporation in 1936. Did it ever strike us that both countries could unite and be one just like before Partition. (Just a humble thought away from war and towards peace.) Remember, Germany was once divided but finally unified. Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai. Hindu Muslim Bhai Bhai. Hai Naa.
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They make a name for themselves on TV serials. We all remember the characters they play. Their faces register but not their names. The next step for them is to transform into Bolly actors. They do get movies too but in inconsequential roles. And finally they realise Bollywood is not their cup of tea. Most return to the small screen.
Why do these TV actors not able to carve out a niche for themselves barring Shahrukh Khan. He is the only true King of Bollywood and TV. He performs and is liked on whatever platform he is on. He is truly universal.What does the new breed of telly actors lack or need? When they have all the glamour and acting skills, why does Bollywood reject them?
When Bollywood accepts regional cinema stars (Sridevi, Jayaprada) or NRIs (Katrina Kaif) on even international stars like Kylie Minogue and Sylvester Stallone, a model like John Abraham can become a top star, why the step motherly treatment to these talented stars from TV? Is the reason that TV stars get a set image and the viewers cannot accept them on silver screen? Does their image is their killer?
It is a fact one role gets them typecast and even if the same actor appears on TV in another role, viewer still calls them by their popular role name. Money is good on TV and even popularity is gained but Bollywood remains elusive. So, TV becomes the deathbed of these talented dynamos.
While newer TV actors find an identity for themselves with the serials, they get trapped in that identity and it is difficult to come out of it. They come from ad world or from theatre or from modelling or are just raw. There are so many new faces that many hardly register or make connection with the viewers. Some are mere beef hunks and glamour dolls.
From successful TV actors, expectations run high. They themselves start seeing dreams of repeating the success on silver screen. One or two flops later they realise their folly and land on terra firma. They either continue doing character actor roles/second lead heroines or are back to square one – TV.
Whereas the other way round (from Bollywood to TV) it is all rosy. Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan. Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan have all lent glamour and TRPs to their TV shows. Their enigma and fan following grows with each episode of their shows.
 1. Shahrukh Khan (44) – Dil Dariya (1988); Fauji (1988), Circus (1989); Deewana (1992); My Name Is Khan (2010)
 2. Ram Kapoor (36) – Ghar Ek Mandir (2000); Karthik Calling Karthik (2010); Swayamvar 2 Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega (2010)
 3. Eijaz Khan (34 – Kusum (2001); Meerabai Not Out (2008); Bhaskar Bharti (2009)
 4. Rajeev Khandelwal (34) – Kya Hadsa Kya Haquiqat (2002); Aamir (2008); Sach Ka Saamna (2009)
 5. Amar Upadhdhay (33) – Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (1999); Dahshat (2000); Dhund The Fog (2003); LOC Kargil (2003); Bidaai (2009)
 6. Ayaz Khan (31) – Dil Mil Gaye (2005); Hide & Seek (2010)
 7. Ali Asgar – Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki (2000); Joru Ka Ghulam (2000); Bingo Game Show (2010)
 8. Bakhtiyar Irani (29) – Bigg Boss 3 (2009); Love Ka Tadka (2009)
 9. Bobby Darling – Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin (2003); Apna Sapna Money Money (2006)
 10. Karan Singh Grover – Dil Mil Gaye (2007); Bhram (2008); Jhalak Dikhla Ja (2009)
 1. Saakshi Tanwar (37) – Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki (2000); Coffee House (2009)
 2.Sandhya Mridul (34) – Swabhimaan (1995); Saathiya (2002); Ustadon Ke Ustad (2008)
 3. Smriti Zubin Irani (33) – Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (1999); politics and back
 4. Ketki Dave - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (1999); Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa (2001); Nach Baliye Season 2 (2005)
 5. Gracy Singh (29) – Amanat (1997); Lagaan (2001); Munnabhai MBBS (2003)
 6. Anita Hasanandini (Natasha, 28) – Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli (2002); KrishnaCottage (2004); Dancing Queen (2008)
 7. Nausheen Sardar Ali – Kkusum (2001); Three: Love, Lies, Betrayal (2009)
 8. Prachi Desai (21) – Kasamh Se (2006); Rock On (2008); Life Partner (2009)
 9. Hansika Motwani (18) – Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand (1999); Aap Ka Suroor (2007)
 10. Avika Gor (12) – Balika Vadhu (2009); Morning Walk (2010)
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The most awaited movie after Avatar (2009) opened to a tremendous response. Director Tim Burton has made an extension to Lewis Carroll’s (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) novels Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland (1865) and Through The Looking-Glass (1871). It combines live action with animation and was released in 3D, IMAX 3D and regular theatres. Most of you have read the novels so the story is already familiar to you except Burton has taken literary liberty that lends the movie a charm of its own. It presents the 21st Century Alice. Alice Kingsley (19, Mia Wasikowska) attends a Victorian party after her father Charles’s (Marton Csokas) death. Alice’s mother is Helen (Lindsay Duncan), Imogene (Frances de la Tour) is her delusional aunt and Margaret (Jemma Powell) her sister. Twins Faith and Fiona (Eleanor Gecks and Eleanor Tomlinson) reveal to Alice that Hamish will propose to her. It turns out to be her engagement party to wed her into (Hamish) Ascot family, who now own her father’s business. She flees and follows White Rabbit, Nivens McTwisp (Michael Sheen). Falling into a rabbit hole she reaches the Underworld. Iracebeth of Crims, the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) has captured Underworld from her sister Mirana of Marmoreal, the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). It is Alice’s job to kill Red Queen’s guardian Jabberwocky (Christopher Lee) the dragon. But Alice is portrayed in wrong light by Absolem the caterpillar’s (Alan Rickman) words. Red Queen’s army captures McTwisp, Uilleam the dodo (Michael Gough), and Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Matt Lucas) but Alice escapes. The Knave of Hearts, Ilosovic Stayne (Crispin Glover) informs Red Queen about it and she wants Alice captured. Chessur, the Cheshire cat (Stephen Fry) finds Alice and takes her to The Mad Hatter Tarrant Hightopp (Johnny Depp), Thackery Earwicket the march hare (Paul Whitehouse) and Mallymkun the dormouse (Barbara Windsor). Stayne captures Hatter, who is taking a shrunken Alice to the White Queen. His hat and Alice are left behind. Bayard Hamar the bloodhound (Timothy Spall) helps Alice get into the Red Queen’s palace to rescue the Hatter. McTwisp offers her food that makes Alice large sized. She introduces herself as Um from Umbridge to the Red Queen. Hatter has now become the queen’s hat maker. There is also Tall Flowers (Imelda Staunton). Alice learns the Vorpal sword to kill the dragon is hidden in Bandersnatch’s den. Mallymkun has already removed his eye but Alice restores it so he favors her. He flees with her and Bayard. Chessur saves Mallymkun and Tarrant from execution and they too flee. Alice hands over the sword to the White Queen and regains her normal size. Absolem reminds Alice of her earlier Underworld visit and encourages her to fight the dragon. On Frabjous Day, armies of White Queen and Red Queen face each other. Alice fights the dragon and kills him. The While Queen defeats Red Queen and regains her crown and banishes Red Queen and Ilosovic to the outlands. Alice returns home after drinking the dragon’s blood. She refuses Hamish’s (Leo Bill) proposal and gains employment with his father Lord Ascot (Tim Pigott-Smith). His wife is Lady Ascot (Geraldine James). Alice then sails away on a ship with a fluttering Absolem (now a butterfly) over her shoulder. Mia as Alice will scale new heights in Hollywood. She has arrived. Johnny Depp never fails to surprise us in new get ups. He lights up the screen as Mad Hatter. Red Queen and White Queen are charming in their roles. Avril Lavigne has sung the lead single “Alice”. The soundtrack album has 24 tracks. You will end up humming the lead. It is sheer magic to watch this fairytale in 3D. It has been critically appreciated and is minting mega bucks the world over. It has broken the records of Spider-Man (2002) and Avatar (2009). Disney has also released a video game based on the movie for Wii, Nintendo DS and Windows PC. This summer is not hot considering the hot AIW is melting us like ice. It may be an adventure in wonderland but what it does to our imagination leaves us stunned. Words fail me to describe the awesome scenery. It is a combination of technology and creativity. If you can’t go to the theatre, no worries. 3D TVs will soon flood the markets (except watch out for your inflated electricity bill). You don’t want to miss out on the fun? Right! So head where the action is. Enjoy!
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From My Name Is Lakhan (Ram Lakhan, 1989) to My Name Is Khan (MNIK, 2010) is a moving story of changing times. It reminds you of the famous line “Name is Bond. James Bond.” But there the similarity ends. If a major event happens in a first world country, it can create havoc in a common man’s life and shatter many lives. And when a 9/11 terrorist attack happens in America, its aftermath left many innocent brutally killed and ensnared in religious controversies that still persist. Can such happenings leave us unaffected? NO! So, how can they leave the movie makers, who are troubled incessantly to find answers? And here is just the beginning. MNIK now in its fifth week of running has had a glorious run with none of the later releases giving it any competition. It has set many records in the US, UK and the Gulf countries. It makes people think. If someone causes harm, why should innocent be answerable for them? But them one rotten apple spoils the basket. 3 Idiots (2009) and Veer (2010) not withstanding, MNIK is carving a niche of its own and how? It is the moving story of Rizwan Khan (Tanay Chheda, Shahrukh Khan), who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome that makes it difficult for him to socially interact. But in many other fields he is extra gifted. He lives in Borivali, Mumbai along with his mother (Zarina Wahab) and brother Zakir (Jimmy Shergill). Zakir resents mother’s showering extra love on Rizwan. The mother always reminds Rizwan that there are only two type of people – good and bad. Zakir later migrates to San Francisco. When the mother dies, he sponsors Rizwan to the US. And here the movie progresses. Zakir’s wife Haseena (Sonya Jehan, grand daughter of singer Noor Jehan) takes care of Rizwan and recognises his disability. Rizwan becomes a herbal salesman and in the course of promoting them, meets Mandira (Kajol) at her beauty parlour. Mandira is a divorcee with a young son Sameer/Sam (Yuvaan Makaar). She has faced many challenges in life but has made a good life for herself. Rizwan falls in love and proposes to her. She accepts and they get married. She takes his surname and becomes Mandira Khan. Life is good till the news of 9/11 breaks and Muslims in general are branded terrorists. Ill feelings develop and tensions run strong. People, who were friends once, suddenly find themselves sitting across a border. And this border cannot be crossed except causing more bloodshed. Mandira’s friendship with the Garrick family is put to test. While Mark (Dominic renda) is a journalist, Sarah (Katie A Keane) is friends with Mandira and their sons Reese (Kenton Duty and Michael Arnold) are friends with Sam. Mark goes to cover war and is killed. Hatred runs high and friendship between Reese and Sam turns to racial hatred. It leads to Sam being beaten to death. Mandira blames Rizwan for Sam’s death saying, “he died only because his last name was Khan.” She refuses to stay with him. He cannot bear it and asks what he should do to rectify the matters. And she suggests, “Tell the people of the United States, and the President that your name is Khan and that you are not a terrorist.” This becomes the mission of Rizwan’s life. He travels across USA to meet the President. He is detained at the airport, comes across religious fundamentalism in the form of Faisal Rahman (Arif Zaakria) and performs selfless human deeds that cut across petty religious lines. He is suspected and is arrested. In the jail, psychiatrist Radha (Sheetal Menon) believes in his innocence. A sustained campaign by Indian reporters Raj (Arjun Mathur) and Komal (Sugandha Garg) and Bobby Ahuja (Parvin Dabas) get him released. Rizwan goes ahead to help hurricane hit people in Georgia especially Mama Jenny (Jennifer Echols). Reese informs Mandira about the boys, who led to Sam’s death. She informs Detective Garcia (Benny Nieves) and justice is done. She realizes she had been unfair to Rizwan and joins him in Georgia. She saves his life. Rizwan’s dream is realized when he meets President-elect Barack Obama (Christopher B Duncan), who assures him that he is what he proclaims. There is Vinay Pathak as Jitesh and Kavin Dave as a hacker. The movie works on a humanitarian level. No religion preaches violence but that is what is happening today. Do we interact with others as human beings or on account of his religion? If we can truly answer this, the world would be a better place to live in. Shahrukh has moved several notches up as a gifted special child. If normal human beings spread hatred, one would wish there were more of such special people around. His chemistry with Kajol is intact. They sure light up the screen. Child actors are apt for their roles. Songs especially Sajda is soulful. Notwithstanding the political controversy and security checks at airports, the movie stood its ground. It made a simple statement “the world is made by the people and not just by their faith.” Hope everyone believes in it. A new world order has taken place. Let’s be proud of our names and identities away from the faith they denote. Doesn’t matter whether My Name Is Khan or Kevin or Karamjeet or Kunal. Am I a human being? And there rests the matter.
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Category:
TV
       
Thank God! It’s over. It’s finally over. Before most Indians burst (at the seams), the drama ended. Rahul Mahajan finally garlanded Dimpy Ganguly (21) and soon thereafter married her. (Thank God for small mercies. Remember Rakhi Sawant broke up even before marrying Elesh Parujanwala.) The other two finalists – Harpreet Chabra (20) and Nikunj Malik (25) were left high and dry (nothing to do with alcohol, sillies!) They should thank their lucky starts that they escaped easily. The SHOW is over. The reality is past and the unreality of the real life begins in right earnest. And our ‘imagination’ takes a beat that raises many pertinent questions. There were a host of invitees along with groom’s mother Rekha. Sister Poonam was conspicuous by her absence. (Wonder what’s the catch here?). Dad Pramod was giving his blessings from the photo placed there. So the divorcee got remarried at a five-star hotel and plans to register his marriage in Bandra on Tuesday March 9. And then wishes to fly off for their honeymoon in Maldives and Ireland. For that he has applied to the Court to release his passport (remember there is a drug case pending against him.) But there is a slight hitch. To match his court case, the bride Dimpy was issued a show cause notice from Gladrags agency of Maureen Wadia. It appears Dimpy was on 2-year contract for not appearing on any other show. (This is truly show biz like nothing before.) And if Rahul had Payal Rohatgi and Monica Bedi, Dimpy too had Neel (Neil) Shah. So, hisaab barabar. And the interviews have begun in right earnest. Dimpy wants her husband to pursue politics a la his father Pramod. (!!!) To this Rahul replies, “I’ll first manage my home and once that is settled, I’ll manage the country.” (Grand plans indeed.) "It’s a great feeling. I am both excited and nervous. I really believe marriages are made in heaven and this time I'll give whatever I have to make my wife happy. It is going to be happily ever after". Dimpy claims she knows to handle media better. I suppose, she can use them when later she gets battered. (No pun intended). Rahul has future plans too, “Politics is in my blood but entertainment is my livelihood. You don't get paid that much as an MP. Showbiz is a huge business and I am looking forward to exploring it. Be it TV or films. Moreover it has a mass appeal and gives me an opportunity to get connected with people." (This is the way the cookie crumbles! God save India and Indians!) To take the matters further, what would the couple discuss on their honeymoon? Something like, “Let’s have a joint (not the hip joint, sillies!) together. Let’s drink away to glory (!!!). Smoke and be marry (sorry merry). Let’s flirt – you with him, I with her or you with her and I with him or…never mind. I am confused” And soon he will have drug withdrawal symptoms and Dimpy will rightly turn into a nurse (or psycho). Till now she has been dancing. Then she will run from pillar to post. Verbal and physical abuse will soon follow (It will seem like old times for Rahul.) Finally when better sense will prevail over her, she will follow Shweta Singh (Rahul’s first wife). But that’s for later. Reminds me, it seems Rahul invited Shweta on the show as he wanted to remarry her. (!!!) She politely refused. I suggest he could have married all the three girls (a la male Draupadi). Two is company but three is awesome (and not crowd, sillies!). The Krishna with his gopis. All in the family, I suppose. And if there are kids on the way, their role model father will advice them, “God made pot. Man made beer. Who do you trust?” or “Cocaine is God's way of saying you're making too much money.” or “I've never had a problem with drugs. I've had problems with the police.” or “Drugs have taught an entire generation of Indian junkies the metric system.” or “Don't do drugs because if you do drugs you'll go to prison, and drugs are really expensive in prison.” or “I don't do drugs. I am drugs.” or “Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but my scripture says love your enemy.” or “I kissed my first girl and smoked my first cigarette on the same day. I haven't had time for tobacco since.” or “It’s not my fault that I fell for you, you tripped me!” Well, that is all for saner times. This brings us to the heart of the matter. If today a junkie is being promoted as if he is the role model for the country, then tomorrow we will have a Veerappan (bandit) or a Chhota Rajan (gangster) or Dawood (smuggler) or Charles Sobhraj (killer) or Ajmal Kasab (terrorist) or Chandramukhi (sex worker) or Adnan Khasshogi (arms dealer) using media to promote themselves and their trades claiming amnesia from their ill-deeds. And when the channel claims high TRPs for this program, let me make something clear. Most of us watched in horror. Pre-teens, teenagers and twenty/thirty something find it a way to showdom. Their thinking is shaped by what they see on the Idiot Box. And if this is the way marriages are, they would want a similar thing tomorrow. (Remember marriages in mid-air, ship, train, etc). Forty/fifty+ watched it with apprehension, sixty/seventy+ with unease and ninety+ with complete horror. (As far as 100+ goes, they are turning over in their graves, as far as I know.) My mom said, “If he is the groom, I will want my daughter to remain unmarried.” Unfortunately Dimpy’s father was absolutely thrilled by the match. (May his thrill remain intact. He wouldn’t have found such a rich match with all the popularity. Never mind if tainted groom.) Isn’t it the responsibility of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry to do a reality check on such shows and put a stop to them? What is the credibility of Rahul Mahajan? What has he one for the country or its citizens? (For that matter, what has his father done? May his soul rest in peace as his 2000 crore is being put to good use by salvaging Rahul’s image.) By any remote chance too, we don’t wish Rahul to be in politics. The waters there are already murkier. His entry will totally pollute the scenario. An entire army of junkies will follow suit. The nation will have a junky party (Not a bad idea. That is the state of matters to come.) And we the gullible fools will be gaping with mouth wide open. Tomorrow on TV channels for discussions, instead of luminaries like Manmohan Singh or Amitabh Bachchan or Sunil Gavaskar, we will have Rahul Mahajan, Shiney Ahuja or Ben Johnson. Is broadcast/electronic media to be abused both by its owners and such disgraced characters just for TRPs, popularity and money? Where are the ethics, social and moral values? No doubt we are living in modern times. But does that make us animals and non-thinking zombies? Don’t we eat what we like, don’t we wear what we like, and don’t we do whatever we like. Then why do we watch what some debased channel is popularising as modern culture and negatively influencing impressionable minds, whose dreams will crash when the show is over. Why should we tolerate such channels and shows when we pay for quality stuff? Isn’t it time to think and raise our voice? One rotten apple spoils an entire basket. So before that can happen, let’s stop this menace in its budding stage. Let’s say NO to Rahul Mahajan type of non-entities (just like drugs). This is just too much to tolerate. My head is spinning (and so is an entire nation’s). We have to draw a line somewhere. The I&B Ministry, the TV channels and the other media promoting the show have all made their money. The viewer has been taken for a ride. Can all viewers afford such crass swayamvars or even dream of it? And there lies our answer. A junkie will proceed on his honeymoon leaving many thinking if he can do it why can’t I? But then he is Rahul Mahajan which you and I are not. He lives in his dream world, we on real ground. The show is over. The reality is before our eyes. After a month the 3 idiots will show their true colours. The proof of the pudding lies in its eating. The love birds will either coo or boo. Let’s watch and wait. Let’s wish them all the best. (They sure do need the entire world’s good wishes.) After all, it will be too much to bear each other when the cameras are off, the viewers disappear and the smiles slip. Nice show, eh! This is the coming of age of Indian idiot box. Let’s say cheers to the Big, Fat, Indian Wedding. (Eeeks!)
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Category:
TV
There is Rahul Gandhi (39), a politician; Rahul Dravid (37), a cricketer; Rahul Bose (42), actor; Rahul Vaidya (22), singer; Rahul Bhatt (20), fitness trainer/aspiring actor; Rahul Khanna (37), actor; Rahul Roy (42), actor but none to beat Rahul Mahajan (35), a who-body.
Jab miya biwi raazi toh kya karega kaazi
(When husband wife agree, what can anyone do?)
Alas! That is the irony of Rahul Mahajan’s life. He is ready but the girls, who responded so eagerly, are getting cold feet. Even before there could be a possible marriage with the bride-to/may-be, the divorce has already taken place. Now you would call this the eighth wonder of the world. I won’t, considering the groom, who needs (social) grooming.
Toh Baat Pakki! Nahin. Kachchi. The joker (no pun intended) in this entire farce is Rahul Mahajan himself.
The three finalists: Nikunj Malik (25), Dimpy Ganguly (21) and Harpreet Chabra (20) are coming to their senses and are realising what they are getting into. Till the time it was all fun and jokes with no commitments, it was alright. It seemed a show (there was no talent to showcase!) to launch themselves before the viewers and garner publicity. That done, they stepped into the finals to be one among the three to garland Rahul.
And the Shakespearean tragedy began to unveil. The girls used to cavorting to Bollywood song and dance and getting used to limelight are getting cold feet. Nikunj Malik in an interview to national English daily has said, “He’s put me off. I am not keen to marry him anymore.” Here the drama begins and spice gets spicier.
Malik, graduate of NIFT, Delhi and a fashion designer, is on record saying Mahajan must quit smoking and flirting with other women! (Holy cow!) Malik is not on the show out of her own free will but because of her mother’s insistence. But she nails the issue saying even after marriage she will not stop working and will maintain her independence. She is planning to launch her fashion label soon, with or without Rahul.
Wow! That’s a brave woman, who has spoken her mind. But (obviously) without consulting Rahul. Shaadi se pehle hi talaaq ho gaya! Or so it would seem.
Imagine what will happen on March 6, when the D-Day arrives and the finalist is chosen to marry? Will it be shaadi ke mandap se dulhan bhaag gayi? Poor Rahul will be left twiddling his thumbs (down).
This is not to say he does not have noble ideas (except there is nothing noble behind them). On February 28 2010, he claimed he wanted to be like Gandhi. (And Malik accuses him of openly flirting with other women and smoking!) God forbid! Our father of the nation wasn’t anything like this and would squirm if he comes to know of this highly inequitable comparison. (May his soul rest in peace.)
Another noble idea was to buy a heart-shape (oui!) solitaire ring for his may-be bride on February 25, 2010. Nothing bad about that except the bride(s) are getting cold feet. It won’t be difficult to imagine that in just three days all three finalists would disappear like the proverbial horns from a cow’s head (not highly improbable.) On February 7 2010 he claimed, “I am getting MARRIED!” Noblest idea indeed! And he wants ‘non-itchy wear for his swayamvar’. (Couldn’t have asked for better.)
The worst part is ‘moonh dikhayi’ of the girls. When they are already visible to the entire world on this reality show, what is this farce all about?
What’s so great about a divorcee shouting from TV channels about a (future uncertain) second marriage? Wonder why the girls are in their twenties and not in their teens or better still in cradle? Imagine then they can call Rahul (by mistake, of course) pitaji or chachaji or mamaji instead of patiji! Had he been married at the right age, he would be a father of a 10-year old. Think about it (but don’t waste your brains on it.)
And the (un)noblest episode was a complaint filed with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for the immodest portrayal of women on this show. Nothing could be further from truth. Marriage is a holy process. No one should be allowed to make a mockery of it.
And a slight impediment to the farce of the century: Pravin Mahajan (uncle, who killed Rahul’s father Pramod) expired on March 3 2010. Will this stop Rahul from tying the knot as the family would be in mourning? Doesn’t seem so.
I remember a saying: doli na kahaar, banno baithi taiyaar (There is no horse or its puller but the groom is ready). Poor Rahul! Being on a show enjoying the fun is easy. In real life, it won’t be all song and dance. The question is will he get married and how long will the marriage last?
As mentioned, Nikunj Malik is an aspiring fashion designer planning a professional life. Will she be able to devote time to a married life with an equally demanding husband, whom she has already accused?
Dimpy Ganguly has as yet not spoken her mind. She is getting along famously with the groom. And why not considering she is a model and an aspiring actor. What do they say about birds of a feather, flock together.
Harpreet Chabra, (model, anchor) from Delhi is on record saying, “Rahul can marry Dimpy. My life won’t stop.” (This is highly uncharitable considering Rahul may select her. Hmm). This is the state of matters just three days away from marriage.
Rahul’s future shaadi strongly dangles between abadi and barbaadi. He needs to decide what direction it should take after the nautanki is over.
The luckiest of girls got eliminated. You would ask – why lucky? That’s a very bold question after reading the entire story. You won’t need a psychiatrist (forget astrologer) to predict the future of this marriage. The answer lies in your heart. As for Rahul, I wish him all the best with a rider: jiska kaam usi ko saajhe, aur kare to danda baaje.
This is instalment 2 of swayamvar 2. Please wait for instalment 3 when matters will be settled for good. So stay tuned till March 6.
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 Fatima Begum (1892-1991) – Bulbul-e-Paristan (1926)  Jaddanbai (1892/1908-1949) – Madame Fashion (1936), Hriday Manthan (1936), Moti Ka Haar (1937), Jeevan Swapna (1937)  TP Rajlakshmi (1911-64) – Miss Kamala (1936), Madurai Veeran (1938)  Shobana Samarth (1915-2000) – Hamari Beti (1950), Chhabili (1960)  Vijaya Mehta (76) – Rao Saheb (1986), Pestonjee (1988)  Sai Paranjpe (71) – Sparsh (1979), Chashme Baddoor (1981), Katha (1983), Disha (1990), Saaz (1997), Bhago Bhoot (2000), Chaka Chak (2005)  Prema Karanth (1936-2007) – Phaniyamma (1982)  Sadhna Nayyar (68) – Geeta Mera Naam (1974)  Tabassum Govil (66) – Tum Par Hum Qurban (1985)  Aruna Raje (64) – Shaque (1976), Gehrayee (1980), Sitam (1982), Rihaee (1988), Patit Pavan (1992), Bhairavi (1996), Tum (2004)  Aparna Sen (64) – 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Paroma (1984), Sati (1989), Yugant (1995), Paromitar Ek Din (2000), Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2001), 15 Park Avenue (2005), The Japanese Wife (2010), Iti Mrinalini (2010)  Hema Malini (61) – Dil Aashna Hai (1992)  Vijaya Nirmala (60) – Puttinti Gowravam (1996), Yes Nenante Nene (1994), Collector Vijaya (1987), Sankharavam (1987), Surya Chandra (1985), Amayakudu Kadhu Asadhyudu (1983), Bezwada Bebbuli (1983), Lanke Bindelu (1983), Antham Kadidi Aarambam (1981), Bhogimanthulu (1981), Chattambi Krishnan (1981), Hema Hemeelu (1980), Ram Robert Rahim (1980), Sangham Chekkina Silpalu (1979), Devude Gelichadu (1976), Devadasu (1974), Kavitha (1973), Meena (1973) total 42 films directed  Deepa Mehta (60) – Sam and Me (1991), Camilla (1994), Fire (1996), Earth (1998), Bollywood/Hollywood (2002), The Republic of Love (2003), Water (2005), Heaven on Earth (2008), Cooking with Stella (2008, co-director), Midnight's Children (TBA), Komagata Maru (2010)  Kalpana Lajmi (56) – Ek Pal (1986), Rudaali (1992), Darmiyan (1997), Daman (2001), Kyon (2003), Chingaari (2006)  Pratibha Parmar (55) – Nina’s Heavenly Delights (2006)  Sooni Taraporewala (53) - Little Zizou (2009)  Mira Nair (52) – Salaam Bombay (1988), Missisippi Masala (1991), Kamasutra: A Tale Of Love (1997), Monsoon Wedding (2001), Vanity Fair (2004), The Namesake (2006), Amelia (2009)  Gurinder Chaddha (50) – Bhaji On The Beach (1993), Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Bride And Prejudice (2004), Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging (2008), It’s A Wonderful Afterlife (2010)  Neelima Azeem (49) – Nawab Nautanki (2010)  Suhasini Mani Ratnam (48) – Indira (1996)  Soni Razdan (47) – Nazar (2005)  Farah Khan (45) – Main Hoon Na (2004), Om Shanti Om (2007), Tees Maar Khan (2010)  Tanuja Chandra (45) – Dushman (1998), Sangharsh (1999), Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar (2001), Film Star (2005), Hope And A Little Sugar (2006), Zindaggi Rocks (2006)  Revathy (43) – Mitr My Friend (2000), Phir Milenge (2004), Kerala Café Makal (2009)  Dhvani Desai (41) – Manpasand The Perfect Match (2006, animation)  Nandita Das (40) – Firaaq (2009)  Leena Bajaj-Yadav (39) – Shabd (2005), Teen Patti (2010)  Pooja Bhatt (38) – Paap (2003), Holiday (2006), Dhokha (2007), Kajraare (2009)  Zoya Akhtar (35) – Luck By Chance (2009), Running With The Bulls (2010)  Nisha Ganatra (35) – Junky Punky Girlz (1996), Drown Soda (1997), Chutney Popcorn (1999), Cosmopolitan (2003), Fast Food High (2003), Cake (2005)  Shona Urvashi (33) – Chupke Se (2003), Saas Bahu Aur Sensex (2008)  Meghna Gulzar – Filhaal (2002), Just Married (2007), Dus Kahaaniyan (2007)  Avantika Hari (30) - Land Gold Women (2009)  Soundarya Rajinikanth (26) – Sultan The Warrior (2010)  Nandini Sikand – The Bhangra Wrap (1995), Don’t Fence Me In (1998), Amazonia (2001), In Whose Name? (2004)  Reema Rakeshnath – Mohabbat (1997)  Shashwati Talukdar – Snake-Byte (1997), Tahini and Tears (2003/2004), Mahasweta Devi (2003), Acting Like A Thief (2006)  Suma Josson – Janmadinam (1998), Saree (1999)  Parvati Balagopalan – Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula (2003), Straight (2009)  V Priya – Kanda Naal Mudhal (2005), Kannamoochi Yenada (2007), Herova? Zerova? (2008), Cheri (2010)  Eisha Marjara – The Tourist(2006), Lolita Diaries (2008)  Rajashree – The Rebel (2006), The Connection (2007)  Bhavna Talwar – Dharm (2007)  Reema Kagti – Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007)  Sonali Gulati – 24 Frames Per Day (2007)  Madhumitha – Vallamiai Tharayo (2008), Kola Kolaya Mundhirika (2010)  Loveleen Tandan (co-director) – Slumdog Millionaire (2009)  Madhureeta Anand – Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye (2009)
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Category:
TV
     Can’t ‘imagine’ a RDLJ taking over DDLJ. Can’t imagine a Rahul taking over SRK! This Rahul is not the heartthrob of DDLJ but a druggy, a wife beater and a divorcee. With a laughter that would scare the wolves away (forget attracting ‘brides-to-be’) Rahul Mahajan is neither a (role) model nor a star actor. An over-aged ubla hua aaloo (boiled potato) is out to make a mess of a sanctimonious process. After all, the crores made by his father can be used to refurbish his druggy image. Claiming to be an aspiring politician and entertainer, he is out to find a bride for himself in a traditional manner. NDTV channel Imagine has come up with Swayamvar Season 2 with the infamous (but popular!) Rahul Mahajan. The channel appears desperate to garner TRPs what with the earlier Swayamvar of Rakhi Sawant. Sawant selected Elesh Parujanwala to be her ‘husband’. Sadly, the news is she has broken up with him. (So what was the farce all about!) Then came Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka, where secrets of past life were revealed. It was a fight between superstition and science. It was soon off the sir. And now another farce – RDLJ. Rahul Mahajan, 35, is all out to get married. You would say, he is a little overage to get married and that too on a TV channel in a swayamvar. His dad Pramod Mahajan had allegedly fathered the murdered journalist Shivani Bhatnagar’s child and was accused of having a hand in her murder too. From being a poor school teacher to a tech savvy crorepati politician, Pramod raised many a eyebrow. He owned the debacle of 2004 elections. And then on May 3 2006 he met with a bullet-riddled end. Rahul was supposed to take over his father’s political career (a la Rahul Gandhi). And then came the shocker. Exactly a month after his father's death on June 3, 2006, Mahajan was hospitalized after an alleged cocaine overdose mixed with drinks (partying in a government bungalow with close friend). He was arrested by the Delhi Police on charges of drug possession and consumption. Political hand saved him. In July 2006, he got engaged to Shweta Singh someone he had known for 13 years. The wedding took place on August 29. There were serious allegations of wife beating/verbal abuse. The marriage lasted for two months. Shweta filed for a divorce on 13 December 2007. On 1 August 2008 they were divorced by mutual consent. From then on Rahul has been on an over-drive on image building. He appeared on Bigg Boss 2 where he was openly pawing and kissing Payal Rohatgi, who ignored him. He did the same with Monica Bedi and was meted the same treatment. It was like langoor ke moonh mein angoor. He had not faced life in entertainment media and couldn’t handle it. Everything happened a little too soon for him – father’s death, drug case, engagement/marriage/divorce. Then tryst with media. And now a swayamvar. It is all a little too mush for (poor) us to handle. Now coming to the show proper. It is compered by Ram Kapoor, who compered the Rakhi Sawant swayamvar too. Enough brauhaha is made to make Rahul appear the most eligible bachelor (!!!) The initial response came from nine jail inmates, who showed keen interest to be his bride but were rejected. It is a puzzle that there are no divorcees as contestants or that would be an interesting point. Out of the 15 brides-to-be, Swati Augustin, Priyadarshani Singh, Sonia Kour, Rupa Khurana, Rashmi Ravani, Twinkle Mukherjee, Charmy Chauhan, Mrinal, Rajshree Mishra, Tanu Bhatia, Mani Thakur, Devinder Sidhu, Shanti have already been eliminated. Mrinmai Kolwalkar, Harpreet Chhabra, Nikunj Malik, Dimpy Ganguly remain. Dimpy’s ‘chances’ are bright. There were reports that he has already been engaged to her. The show is nothing short of village nautanki with the girls dancing, singing, and displaying their histrionics. The worst is one can see him openly pawing, flirting and kissing the girls. If (as he claims) is a traditionalist, then none of his family members especially his mother is there. He is having a gala time like a spoilt prince. Seems like the effects of drugs have not left him. As each contestant is eliminated, she ends up criticizing and cribbing about the remaining contestants. The bitching goes on. With so much negativity, it doesn’t reflect well on them too. The girls’ makeup and dresses are another eye sore. They look more like publicity-starved village belles. The set itself is garish reflecting old palaces of bygone era of maharajas. An average Indian is still old school. No matter how advanced the world becomes or how many live-in relationships increase, one still goes for mother’s approval and girl next door. A total family picture with an ideal son and an ideal bahu. Sadly none of these standard.Indian features are in this show. As for Rahul Mahajan, he needs a nurse instead of a bride. Instead of living in fantasies, he should come out of drug-induced hallucinations and face the real world. He should register with a drug-rehab and cure himself of the after-effects. He should also see a psychiatrist to let go of past ghosts. He is no role model for anyone. If he can be on TV seeking bride, tomorrow a smuggler/terrorist/murderer too would take recourse to build up their image. Considering how a whole lot of young impressionable minds get affected by these easy escapist solutions to the biggest decision of life, the TV channel should go easy. Can a reality show be an answer to real life relationship? I guess not. It is OK to watch it as a TV fictional show. That is what it ends up as. Will you want a husband like Rahul Mahajan for yourself or your sister or daughter? That should answer that. The rules for courtship haven’t changed. We still want someone to share our entire life with love. Period. It will be interesting to know how this show ends. Will Rahul ever be blissfully married for good? Will the bride face a future unlike Shweta after the initial euphoria dies? Will it be happily married after? Very good questions indeed! Watch and wait. The result is not very far. Aa ha!
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Category:
TV
    
National Bingo Night is the new hourly TV show being hosted on Colors channel from January 16 2010 at 9 pm and produced by Fox TV Studio and Idea. The show is based on an international format of similar name Bingo. As show is already popular overseas, the same has been repeated since its launch in India. To gain more popularity, its format is simple. The contestant, the audience and even viewers at home can participate simultaneously. Bingo (lotto or keno) actually is a game of chance played with cards. But for the TV show, bingo has been formatted slightly differently. The contestant has to guess a number (higher or lower) and if that is so, he wins a score. He can win as high as Rs 25 lakhs. Everyone loves money and we Indians even more. So if moolah is there to be made easily (with no strings attached) then people will rush towards it in large numbers. And that is what the reality shows of today boils down to. Indian TV shows are vying for viewers’ eyeballs and new concepts that immediately click is actively pursued. The added bonus is roping in of the Bollywood stars. And viola! A pot purée is ready. Who will not wish to make money along with being entertained? I for sure wouldn’t even care for a star host if I could make lakhs in less than an hour. No job can assure that but if a TV show can so why won’t viewers rush to it? Money hai to honey hai bhai. So this has nothing to do with the host (even the host is there merely to make money and gain popularity. After all he too has to survive, hai na). This show actually doesn’t need a host. Well, I didn’t view the first episode as neither I am interested in gambling nor in family shows (read Bachchan family saga.) I gave it a pass. But to my surprise (as to countless others), the media reported that Abhishek Bachchan debuted show got the highest TV ratings of 5.1 (!!!) Consider this: Abhishek has been “credited” with having piped past Shahrukh Khan (4.6, Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain, 2008), Amitabh Bachchan (4.6, Bigg Boss 3, 2009), Akshay Kumar (4.4, Khatron Ke Khiladi 2, 2009), Rakhi Sawant (4.1, Rakhi Ka Swayamvar, 2009), Shilpa Shetty (2.5, Bigg Boss 2, 2008) and Salman Khan (2.2, Dus Ka Dum, 2009). While Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan are audience based actors (earlier in his hay days Amitabh Bachchan was), Abhishek, Amitabh, Shilpa Shetty and Rakhi Sawant are money and media made stars. They are projected by the media for which the media is paid well. But their movies die a natural death in the movie halls as they are a no show. They perform well at press conferences but unfortunately do not connect with viewers. Coming back to the show: The tallest wooden plank (Abhishek Bachchan) debuted on TV with Bingo. The strategy to gain popularity is simple. Choose a foreign show that is already popular (remember Amitabh hosted Bigg Boss 3). Make it family business (all Bachchans appear together and promote it). Get the advertisers (Idea already uses Abhishek) and promote it aggressively (that was done in Bigg Boss 3 and Abhishek Aaram Classes) and bingo! the halwa (read a new show) is ready. Minus his famous surname, Abhishek will be a mere WHO? Till date he doesn’t know to act (for sure), can’t dance (two left feet) and has the most wooded expressions (beats Kishan Kumar of T Series non-fame hands down). He joins the ranks of Puru Raj Kumar or Mimoh Chakraborty minus his father’s push and money. When industry outsiders like Jackie Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Shahrukh Khan, John Abraham or Kunal Khemu made a name for themselves (even Amitabh Bachchan was an outsider), why does Amitabh need to make his son appear as an actor when he is far from it. Even insiders like Sunny Deol, Sunjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan have proceeded beyond the initial push and carved a niche for themselves. In Abhishek’s case, he needs a push each time. His presence requires a media circus without which he will not survive. If Amitabh had spent his crores on his company ABCL and promoting other promising actors (Arshad Warsi) probably his monetary gains would be greater. The episode I watched was one of Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan. The participants made the show interesting. There was Ali Asghar, the jester bafoon (poor man’s Rishi Kapoor), who provided with some laughs and took attention away from a looking for a way out Abhishek. There was Rashmi, who told about the numbers. And the viewers had the eyes fixed on the lolly. (That is why they were there.) Abhishek had all the C grade actors’ expressions (if you care to watch Bhojpuri movies or earlier DD serials). His attempts at raising laughter fizzled out. His dialogue delivery was not cohesive. His act could well compete with a tantrum throwing child. How long will he survive (it is a daily show) and the show maintains its ratings remains to be seen. This is not a criticism of Abhishek. He is beyond it (!!!) Will any company sponsor a show of Abhishek minus his famour surname? And there rests the whole story. Only time will tell where this show leads? On his own, what are Abhishek’s achievements minus his father’s push? He has manhandled two journos. The case was settled out of court courtesy Amar Singh. He got highest UP award for arts courtesy Mulayam Singh. That raised a controversy. He married Aishwarya Rai after being rejected by Karisma Kapoor and Jaya rejecting Rani Mukerji. Does he hold any degree or work experience? Can he claim anything to be truly his own except his father’s name? Money can surely make a pole look attractive. It can make wood “act” (I never doubted it). Has anyone seen him bare chest as other heroes. How will he flaunt his body when he has nothing to show (I am being mean for the reason of being mean). Is he gay as there were rumors of his grandpa being one? Why don’t he and his wife have children even three years after marriage? His dad has earned enough for him to do aaraam for life? He doesn’t need to make a fool of himself before an entire nation. He looks more like a goon from UP (polished of course!). Naach na jaane, aangan teda. Langoor ke moonh mein angoor. Khuda meherbaan to gadha pehelwan. Gadhe ki peeth par kitabein rakh do to woh ghoda nahi ban jaata. Should we tolerate fools just because they have loads of cash to buy media and make a show for (read fools of) us? The Bachchans can only show how to use media effectively to promote themselves and remain in the limelight. They have set a precedent in how to abuse/misuse media for personal gains. National Bingo Night is an extension of it. Welcome to another episode of Bachchan media circus. (EEEKS!) And certainly this is not the last episode. (afsos)
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Neither it is Lagaan (2001) nor is it Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005). Neither is it an Asoka (2001) nor a Jodhaa Akbar (2008). It is Veer, a movie totally belonging to Salman Khan. There is no history or geography here. There is only Salman Khan, who with his biceps and triceps (and multiceps) is out to conquer the world (read British) a la Sunny Deol in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001). Here we don’t need to talk about facts (real) as it is purely fiction (reel). This is not for history lovers as history is being created with this movie (!). The real Indian Pindaris of yore may die (again) of shock if they watch how their reality has been tampered with. Pindaris were the companions of Maratha chiefs in the 18th century India. They were a mixed clan of many races. They looted and plundered until the British countered them. But definitely they were brave. Veer has nothing of the real Pindaris but definitely it is about bravery. What else would you expect from Salman Khan except brute force countering brutes? And he does justice to it in no uncertain measure. And to hell with history or even chemistry. Salman was definitely inspired from 1962 movie Taras Bulba (1909, 1935, 1936, 1962, 2009) that was based on Nikolai Gogol’s historical romantic novel of same name (1835). A father (Taras Bulba) and his two sons (after studying abroad) set out for Ukraine, where they meet Cossacks and go on war against Poland. We saw Dharam Veer (1977), Veer-Zaara (2004) and we know about Veerappan. Now it is time to know about Veer. It is a tailor-made role for Salman Khan (where he doesn’t need any clothes forget even a shirt). So we find ridiculous costumes but our hero shines even in them. Please don’t even compare it with Gladiator (2000) or Troy (2004) or this or that. That will be like showing light to sun. But Veer is a different movie. As different as chalk and cheese. For many times while viewing the movie you will end up with “say cheese” (internationally or otherwise). It is Wanted Part 2 (2009) for the dynamic action and superb fight scenes. Let’s go to the story. British had enslaved an entire nation called India. Everyone caved in but not the brave Pindaris. Pindari leader Mithun Chakraborty has two sons – Veer (Salman Khan) and Sohail Khan, whom he send to England for further studies to counter British with their own ways (lohe ko loha kaat ta hai!) Veer meets Princess Yashodhara (Zarine Khan) there and both fall in love. But she is the daughter of evil king of Madhavgarh Jackie Shroff, a sworn enemy of Mithun. It gets increasingly difficult for Veer to choose between love and duty. But duty reigns supreme and love follows. Veer returns to India and has to fight against both enemies (British and Jackie). He teaches them superb lessons. Snarling rage and heaving chest become second skin to him. Swords clash but none to match Veer’s. He kills with a finesse that will put butchers to shame. He knows the weight of the flesh (ouch!) that he tears with his bare hands. To go with the Republic Day spirit (January 26) he delivers perfect freedom speeches too that will definitely inspire today’s generation of Sallu’s fans (not for patriotism but for frantic Sallu entertainment). The dhuandhaar dialogues are a new beginning (from where Wanted ended.) He can dance on one foot and put Michael Jackson to shame. (India mein bada talent hai, bhai.) He can sing love ditties (Surili akhiyon wali) repeatedly till love blossoms (not on trees but in the bosom of Yashodhara.) He rides a horse like a pro (after all he is a cloth horse!). He puts other princes to shame (so what if he is a commoner). He can do what no one else does (that is our hindi fillum hero, bhai!) He conquers over the enemy by brute killing. He is Veer. He is Salman Khan. And there ends the story. For Veer is for the die-hard fans of Salman Bhai. It is a one-man show and it rides over his strong shoulders. Don’t ask for anything more (for there is nothing else in it.) Salman does what he is best at – action. You can’t fault with him on any score. Mithun is definitely another highlight of the movie. Jaggu Dada (Jackie Shroff) sleep walks through the movie. (Probably he is not sleeping enough during the night!) Zarine is cute in her own way. Don’t compare her with Katrina Kaif. Who knows in future references may be other way around? Nina Gupta is strictly OK as Mithun’s wife. Sohail can apply for the title of Bolly joker (ha! haa!! haaa!!!) The less said about Puru Raj Kumar and Aryan Vaid, the better. The others are merely fillers. The songs are melodious. Cinematography is breathtaking. The fight scenes are stunning and engaging. Characterisation is appropriate. The drawback of this movie is its length (over two and half hours) that becomes boring and a drag. Costumes are atrocious and playing with historical facts doesn’t go down well the viewers’ throats (but then it is for Sallu’s hardcore fans, bhai/behen!) Veer is definitely worth watching once (it is paisa vasool). Whether it gains teevragati (high speed) or veergati (flops) at the box office, only time and his fans can tell. Had there been bravehearts like Salman Khan during the British period toh angrezon ki jaldi chhutti ho jaati. Alas, Salman only role plays now. (What a pity!) The critics have called it a miserable flop (who cares!) But going by the single screens, it stands second only to 3 Idiots in terms of first day collections. Even at plexes it holds its own. Don’t expect too much from the movie. Leave your brains at home and head for the theatre only for entertainment Sallu ishtyle. You won’t be disappointed. Sardi mein thodi garmi to chahiye, bhai!
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             The movie couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The world is changing at a faster pace and is becoming a global village. The differences between the Whites as a race and the Natives are diminishing fast. So much so that it results in a great movie Avatar. It is a slap in the face of materialism and bonding with the nature. No matter how much the humans advance in technology and become addicted to materialism, their final return is to the nature. The movie ends on that note. It is a victory of the Natives, who have been oppressed in their own land and have led a strangers’ lives as their land traditionally is captured by the Whites. Take the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand for example. Cinematic justice is done. The Natives have won. Who knows it will result in actual victory for them in their own lands, where they are till today fighting for their rights against the occupier Whites. James Cameron’s Avatar, a science fiction epic holds significance for the Indians too. It is a Hindu word meaning another form or descent. Also there is Dileep Rao, an American Indian actor, who acts as Dr. Max Patel, a scientist who works in the Avatar Program. The movie is also dear to us if we keep in mind British occupation of India. No one likes an oppressor. The movie is set in 2154 in Pandora, a distant fictional planet. Humans (Whites) arrive there for mining precious mineral. Blue-skinned Na’vi (Natives) race of indigenous humanoids resist their colonisation. The colonists threaten the very existence of the Na’vi and their ecosystem. It is the clash of materialists with the nature worshippers. The movie’s title actually refers to the genetically engineered body (Avatar) that looks/functions like A Na’vi body but has human (White) mind. The Whites thus use Avatars to interact and control the Na’vi (Natives). Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi) begins mining operations and employs former marines as security. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) joins in as scientist trained to be an avatar operator. In an operation to interact with the Na’vi, Jake is separated with his folks. Lost in Pandora jungles he is rescued by Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). She brings him to her clan Omaticaya. Her mother Mo’at (CCH Pounder) gets interested in Jake’s avatar form. Jcek’s stay with the Natives brings him on close touch with Neytiri and a deep bond of love develops. He now prefers Natives over the Whites. He makes home with the clan. Faced with his abandonment, the Whites have only one option – to destroy the Native land Hometree and the clan Omaticaya. Jake reveals his true identity to Neytiri. The Whites imprison Jake and destroy Hometree. Neytiri’s father Eytucan (Wes Studi) too is killed. Jake escapes from his imprisonment and wins over Na’vis and regains their trust. Jake then assembles an army of Na’vi. They fight the Whites and are faced with defeat. In the nick of time, the animals attack the Whites before they can destroy their religious base. Jake is released from his avatar and his human form is exposed to Pandora’s atmosphere. Neytiri and Jake finally meet and become one. The humans (Whites) are expelled from Pandora. Jake becomes one with the Omaticaya clan. This is truly the return of the Native. Peace prevails finally. The day of the underdog had arrived grandly. The story is simple and may have been read and heard many a times. But the presentation is simply superb with newer technology (2D, 3D, IMAX 3D) taking it to explore newer heights. With the movie already crossing $ 1 billion mark and still raking in, it is the acceptance of win over the oppressors. The world likes a fighter and justice done. The movie adheres to it. Avatar stands third to Titanic and The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King in terms of highest grossing movies. The music and soundtrack especially the theme song “I See You” has been very well received. With a grand success comes all the paraphernalia like books, video games and action figures. Avatar is seeing it all. The movie’s marketing has been top notch. There has been positive critical acclaim. The viewers have embraced it like second skin. Money is the buzzword for this movie and awards are soon to follow. Reminds me of our own 3 Idiots. If Avatar is the fight for the rights of the Natives, Aamir too fights a decayed value system that has to be given up and a new world order to take its place. Are we ready for it? Are we ready to do an Avatar and an Aamirian Idiot to restore our value culture against materialism, corruption, et al? Are we? Happy viewing friends. Blue is in.
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Well, well. 3 Idiots could well be labelled “3 Intelligent Monkeys” (don’t hear bad, see bad, speak bad). Will that matter or make any difference. NO! The movie is way past all the inanities in just 10 days of its release. Raj Kumar Hirani has continued the saga of Munna Bhai if not in a medical college then in an engineering institution. The fun express speeds away and takes shape of a tornado that has shaken the Indian box office and overseas ones too setting new records. It has clean bowled every release worth its salt barring Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. (see figures below) The story is one of 3 musketeers (yup!), who are armed with situational funny muskets that charge at anyone and in any situation. Farhan Qureshi (R Madhavan) and Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi) are in the august company of Ranchhoddas Shayamaldas Chanchad “Rancho” (Aamir Khan) who thinks out of the box. Their engineering college ICE is thus literally set on fire with the mediocre vs the intelligent (idiot!) students. If Rancho is considered an idiot by all Professors including Viru Sahastrabuddhe “ViruS” (Boman Irani), his opposite bookworms like Chatur Ramalingam “Silencer” (Omi Vaidya) is lapped up and lavished with praise. It turns out to be a race between the rabbit and the turtle. Here the rabbit is the bookworm and the turtle witty. The result is known from the word go. Watch Chatur’s vulgar speech written by Rancho scene. It set us all on fire in ICE. Aamir sparkles with his witty replies that drain the professors. ViruS with his Vajpayee style of lisping and bird-braininess is the but(t) of arrows (literally) with maximum bull’s eye hits. (He could do with few more for sure). In walks ViruS’s daughter Pia (Kareena Kapoor), a medical student. Rancho and Pia fall in love. It turns out to be campus love. Something you, me and our parents (even grandparents et all) have seen and indulged in. What happens in our day today campus life is presented ditto on silver screen. One can identify with it. One is ommersed in one’s own real life love story. It is the story of you and me unfolding on the bigger canvas. So how can we be not involved and have fun. We have fun and the things we cannot do (out of fear of discipline and politeness in college) we appreciate in Rancho, who goes about fearlessly exploring the limits of disciplined set-up around. Wish we all had broken those rules and let our hair down. It is this “brave” unconventional spirit of Rancho that we pay tribute to. When we watch the movie, we secretly desire why we couldn’t do what he does so effortlessly. But then most of us are bookworms or pass by copying. Rancho is a soul apart. He is setting a trail worth following and that is what is flocking people of all ages across the world to the cinema halls. Rancho then disappears with the promise of meeting after five years. The D-day arrives but there is no sign of him. Chatur is now rich and sets in search of Rancho with Raju and Farhan. Pia too joins in. Will they find their lovable idiot? Foremost why should they find him when he has broken his promise of meeting them? There lies the tale of friendship, frolic and fun the memories of which can never fade away. They lie deep in the heart from where no one can erase or snatch them. They evoke in us similar emotions. It makes us look for our long lost friends on social networking sites. Suddenly newspaper columns like “Lost And Found” have come alive. Emails and SMSs are occupying our major time. We want to keep in touch with out school or college friends. The bonds long loosened have come alive with the tale of Farhan, Raju and Rancho. There is a Farhan, Raju and Rancho within us. They have made us realise and rediscover our friends. This movie is a celebration of friendship. With the festivities of New Year, it has rekindled all our bonds. There is nothing precious than bonds of love. So, three cheers to that feeling. Three cheers to the movie. And of course, three cheers to Farhan, Raju and Rancho. The story is told in flashback just like our own memory does a flashback to the golden years of carefreeness. It makes us forget the mindless controversies created to seek attention. After all, the movie is the biggest hit in the cinematic history of India. It shows ragging but does not encourage it. It silences pseudo writers like Chetan Bhagat out to derive mileage out of it but end up with muck on his face. The movie is a self-discovery. It is an exploratory journey where you want to do what you wish and not what the world dictates. You have always wanted to do it. So you do it in the dark of the cinema halls with the characters (you are still not ready to face the real harsh world.) Never mind. Your visits to the cinema have sealed the deal. This is what you want. This is what sets the cash registers ringing. The movie does not belong to Aamir alone. It belongs to all of us. Rest nothing matters. Songs (they are topping the hit list), cinematography, et al. They come with the territory. They enhance the product (here emotions). The deal has already been sealed. Aal Izz Well. We want more such idiots. Lage Raho Idiot Bhais. This New Year has that special zing. You can whiff it in the air. 2009 3 3 Idiots Rs. 80.00 crore 12 Love Aaj Kal Rs. 66.35 14 Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani Rs. 63.18 18 Wanted Rs. 60.54 30 De Dana Dan Rs. 47.98 2008 1 Ghajini Rs. 114.80 2 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Rs. 86.78 10 Singh Is Kinng Rs. 68.48 16 Race Rs. 61.68 19 Jodhaa Akbar Rs. 59.03 21 Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na Rs. 56.41 23 Golmaal Returns Rs. 51.69 2007 4 Om Shanti Om Rs. 79.42 8 Welcome Rs. 70.75 11 Chak De! India Rs. 67.69 15 Taare Zameen Par Rs. 62.48 17 Partner Rs. 61.19 28 Bhool Bhulaiyaa Rs. 49.74 2006 5 Dhoom 2 Rs. 78.86 6 Krrish Rs. 73.47 7 Lage Raho Munna Bhai Rs. 72.21 22 Fanaa Rs. 54.79 24 Don - The Chase Begins Again Rs. 51.43 25 Rang De Basanti Rs. 51.15 2001 9 Gadar: Ek Prem Katha Rs. 70.00 29 Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Rs. 49.00 1998 27 Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Rs. 50.00 1996 26 Raja Hindustani Rs. 50.00 1995 20 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Rs. 58.00 1994 13 Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...! Rs. 65.00
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One-Day Maatam Saare Jan Gaana Jai Ho! East Indians world over Be it INDIA, Bharat or Hindustan Might as soon as we can We will milk you dry man Sorry, err…mother or woman Andhra, Arunachal, Assam, Bihar We, the “able” sons do make or mar Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana Corruption is like heavenly manna Himachal, Jammu Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka Money and sex sells like chaukka chhakka Kerala, Madhya, Maharashtra, Manipur Pollution, global warming makes our core Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa Scams and betting are like Idli, Dosa Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamilnadu Over population is everywhere to view Tripura, Uttar, Uttarakhand, West Bengal Not democracy but dictatorship suits us all Andaman Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Thieves, cheaters, liars abound and are eager Daman Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puduchery Everything is for sale, do you have money? We like how ever bad we are We won’t change even if we can We want computer and car All are welcome, there is no ban
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Better than universe is our INDIA Better than this world is our India Best among countries is our India Father and mother is our India Andhra, Arunachal, Assam, Bihar Good day. Hello. How you are? Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana All salute you from Ghana to Montana Himachal, Jammu Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka Your glory spreads from Osaka to Nebraska Kerala, Madhya, Maharashtra, Manipur You are the essence, you are the core Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa Cute Mala, Mubina, Manpreet, Melissa Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamilnadu Hindu, Muslims, Sikh, Christians so true Tripura, Uttar, Uttarakhand, West Bengal Diwali, Eid, Guruparb, Christmas et al Andaman Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, English sweet as sugar Daman Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puduchery Seasons - autumn, winter, spring, summer, rainy We are united in our diversity We are known for our humility Indians have reached infinity A nation known for its purity
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Category:
Music
2009:  MARIAH CAREY – Standing O (Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel) 2009: 2NE1 – In The Club (2NE1) 2009:  2NE1 – I Don’t Care (2NE1) 2009: Lionel Ritchie – Just Go 2009:  THE KILLERS – This Is Your Life 2008: THE MATCHES – Wake Up Sun (A Band In Hope) 2009:  KELLY POON (Singaporean) IRODA DILROZ (Uzbek) LA CAUTION (French) CIARA (American) LOWENHERZ (German) All above sample A R RAHMAN composed music 2009:  COLDPLAY – Strawberry Swing 2008: ANDY J GALLAGHER – Something Else 2008:  COLDPLAY – Viva La Vida 2004: JOE SATRIANI – If I could Fly (Is There Love In Space) 1973: YUSUF ISLAM – Foreigner Suite (Foreigner) 2007:  TIMBALAND – Do It (Nelly Furtado) TEMPEST – Acid Jazzed Evening 2006:  RHCP – Dani California (Stadium Arcadium) 1993: Tom Petty & Heartbreakers – Mary Jane’s Last Dance (Greatest Hits) 2006:  FERGIE – Big Girls Don’t Cry (The Dutchess) 1989: MADONNA – Like A Prayer (Like A Prayer) 2005:  COLDPLAY – Talk (X&Y) 1981: KRAFTWERK – Computer Love RADIOHEAD U2 2005:  BLACK EYED PEAS – Don’t Phunk With My Heart (Monkey Business) 1978: DON – Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana – Kalyanji Anandji 1972: APRADH – Aye Naujawan Hai Sab - Kalyanji Anandji 2004:  GREEN DAY – Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (American Idiot) 1997: OASIS (NOEL GALLAGHER) - D’You Know What I Mean (Be Here Now) 1995: OASIS (NOEL GALLAGHER) –Wonderwall (What’s The Story Morning Glory?) 1984: BRYAN ADAMS – Bridge Summer Of 69 (Reckless) 2003:  BLACK EYED PEAS – Elephunk Theme (Elephunk) 1985: SRI RAGHAVENDRA - Unakkum Ennakum - Ilayaraja 2002:  TRUTH HURTS – Addictive – DJ Quik & Dr Dre’s Aftermath label 1981 – JYOTI – Thoda Resham Lagta Hai – 2000:  PAPA ROACH – Last Resort (Infest) 1981: IRON MAIDEN – Genghis Khan (Killers) 1999:  RHCP – Around The World (Californication) 1973: BUDGIE – Breadfan (Never Turn Your Back On A Friend) 1997:  BLUR – M.O.R. (Blur) 1979: DAVID BOWIE – Boys Keep Swinging (Lodger) 1994:  NEIL YOUNG – Sleep With Angels – Train Of Love & Western Hero 1993/2004:  MANIC STREET PREACHERS – Later With Jools Holland 1983: HEAVEN 17 – Temptation (The Luxury Lap) 1992:  NIRVANA – Come As You Are (Nevermind) 1984: KILLING JOKE – Eighties (Night Time) 1991:  NIRVANA - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nevermind) 1976: BOSTON - More Than A Feeling, 1954: Godzilla 1988:  TRACY CHAPMAN – Fast Cars (Tracy Chapman) 1982: JOHN MELLENCAMP – Jack & Diane (American Fool) 1978:  T REX – Bang A Gong Get It On (20 th Century Boy: The Ultimate Collection) 1973: BLUE OYSTER CULT – OD’d On Life Itself (Tyranny and Mutation) 1972: THE HOLLIES – Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) 1994: OASIS – Cigarettes And Alcohol (Definitely Maybe) 1977:  BILLY JOEL – She’s Just A Woman (The Stranger) 1966: BEATLES – Eleanor Rigby (Revolver) 1970:  LED ZEPPELIN – Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin II) (Robert Plant) 1966: SMALL FACES – You Need Loving (Decca LP) (Steve Marriott – RIP) 1962: MUDDY WATERS – You Need Love (Willie Dixon) 1970:  GEORGE HARRISON – My Sweet Lord (All Things Must Pass) 1962: THE CHIFFONS – He’s So Fine
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2009: NEW YORK - Hai Junoon - Pritam Chakraborty  Naluri Lelaki (The Samsons) 2009: DHOONDTE REH JAAOGE - Na Tum Bolo - Jatin-Lalit  A Whole New World (Aladdin) 2005: KHULLAM KHULLA PYAAR KAREN - Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen - Anand-Milind  Bailamos (Enrique Iglesias) 2005: JURM - Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye - Rajesh Roshan Five Hundred Miles (Peter, Paul, & Mary) 2002: AAKHEN - Kuch Kasmein - Jatin-Lalit Nights In White Satin (Moody Blues) 2001: YEH TERA GHAR YEH MERA GHAR - Jeena Pyaar Se Jeena - Anand-Milind Nina Pretty Ballerina (ABBA) 2001: PYAAR TUNE KYA KIYA - Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya - Sandeep Chowta  Exorcist II: The Heretic (Theme) 2001: PYAAR TUNE KYA KIYA - Roundhe Hai - W. Killar & Sandeep Chowta Vampire Hunters (Bram Stoker's Dracula) 2001: PYAAR TUNE KYA KIYA - Kambakth Ishq - Sandeep Chowta Eireann (Afro Celt Sound System) 2001: MOKSHA - Humko Pyaar Hai - Rajesh Roshan Messages (Vangelis) 2001: ITTEFAQ - Dil Dil Dil - Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen  La Copa De La Vida (Ricky Martin) 2001: INDIAN - Yeh Pyaar Hai - Anand Raaj Anand  Ojos Asi (Shakira) 2001: AASHIQ - Tum Kya Jaano - Sanjeev-Darshan  Theme from The Godfather 2000: RAJU CHACHA - Yeh Vaada Hai - Jatin-Lalit Day By Day (Godspell) 2000: KYA KEHNA - Kya Kehna - Rajesh Roshan Oh Carol (Paul Anka) 2000: KAHO NA PYAAR HAI - Chaand Sitaare- Rajesh Roshan Voices (Vangelis) 2000: KAHIN PYAAR NA HO JAYE - O Priya O Priya - Himesh Reshammiya  Maria (Santana) 1999: SILSILA HAI PYAR KA - Ae Mama Haan Bhaanje - Jatin-Lalit Dr. Jones (Aqua) 1999: MANN - Tinak Tin Taana - Sanjeev-Darshan Yang Sedang-Sedang Saja (Iwan - Malaysian) 1999: LAAWARIS - Tumne Jo Kaha - Rajesh Roshan Barbie Girl (Aqua) 1999: JAANAM SAMJHA KARO - Love Hua - Anu Malik  Angelo (Brotherhood Of Man) 1999: JAANAM SAMJHA KARO - I Was Made For Loving You - Anu Malik I Was Made For Loving You (Kiss) 1999: HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM - Chand Chhupa - Ismail Darbar  Francis Lai's theme (Love Story) 1999: DULHAN BANOO MAIN TERI - Oh Jaanam - Raam Laxman Frozen (Madonna) 1999: DILLAGI - Koi Nahin Aisa - Jatin-Lalit Mony Mony (Tommy James and The Shondells) 1999: DILLAGI - Haan Haan Yeh Pyaar Hai - Jatin-Lalit Copied From: Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You (Frankie Valli) 1999: DAAG THE FIRE - Chehra Tera Chehra - Rajesh Roshan Theme from Titanic 1998: MAJOR SAAB - Himmat Kabhi Na Todenge - Anand Raaj Anand Copied From: U.S. Army marching song 1998: KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI - Koi Mil Gaya - Jatin-Lalit Take That Look Off Your Face (Song And Dance) 1998: KEEMAT - Koi Nahin Tere Jaisa - Rajesh Roshan Cotton Eye Joe (Rednex) 1998: KAREEB - Tera Gussa - Anu Malik The Happy Birthday Song 1998: JAANE JIGAR - Laaoon Kahan Se - Rajesh Roshan Hotel California (Eagles) 1998: DUPLICATE - Ladna Jhagadna- Anu Malik A-Tisket A-Tasket (Children's song) 1998: DUPLICATE - Ek Sharaarat Hone Ko Hai - Anu Malik Slip And Slide (Laura Allen) 1997: TARAZU - Haseena Gori Gori - Rajesh Roshan In The Summertime (Shaggy) 1997: KOYLA - Badan Judaa Hote - Rajesh Roshan Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis) 1997: ISHQ - Neend Churaayi Meri - Anu Malik Sending All My Love (Tolga) 1997: INSAAF - Baraana De - Anand-Milind Paranue (Serapis Bey) 1997: HAMESHAA - Neela Dupatta Peela Suit - Anu Malik All I Wanna Say (Michael Jackson) 1997: HAMESHAA - Aisa Milan - Anu Malik The Phantom Of The Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber) 1997: GUPT THE HIDDEN TRUTH - Gupt Gupt - Viju Shah Deep Forest (Deep Forest) 1997: GHOONGHAT - Chim Chimni - Anand Raaj Anand Chim Chimney (Mary Poppins) 1997: BADA DIN - Suno Zara - Jatin-Lalit You Needed Me (Anne Murray) 1997: AFLATOON - We Love Rocky - Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen We Will Rock You (Queen) 1997: DHAAL - Dil Maka Dina - Anu Malik 1997: AUZAAR - Dil Le Le Lena - Anu Malik Macarena (Los Del Rio) 1996: KHILADIYON KA KHILADI - Tu Waaqif Nahin - Anu Malik Fernando (ABBA) 1996: KHAMOSHI – Jana Suno Hum - Jatin-Lalit Bring The Wine (Paul Anka) 1996: DASTAK - Tumhe Kaise Main Bataaoon - Rajesh Roshan The Windmills Of Your Mind (The Thomas Crown Affair) 1996: BEQAABU - Tu Woh Tu Hai - Anu Malik Theme from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 1995: MUTHU (Tamil) - Thillana Thillana - A R Rahman  Night Bird (Deep Forest) 1995: KARAN ARJUN - Jai Kaali - Rajesh Roshan It's All Right (East 17) 1995: CRIMINAL - Kimti Kimti Hai Zindagi - M.M. Kreem  Lonely Lonely Monday Morning (Snow) 1995: BAAZI - Jaane Mujhe Kya Hua - Anu Malik Fur Elise (Beethoven) 1995: RAJA - Nazrein Mili - Nadeem-Shravan  1995: BAAZI - Dole Dole Dil - Anu Malik Come September (Theme) 1995: AKELE HUM AKELE TUM - Dil Mera Churaaya Kyoon - Anu Malik Last Christmas (Wham) 1995: AKELE HUM AKELE TUM - Aisa Zakhm Diya - Anu Malik Sweet Child In Time (Deep Purple) 1993: SIR - Sun Sun Sun Barsaat Ki Dhun - Anu Malik Listen To The Sound Of The Rain (Jose Feliciano) 1993: HUM HAIN RAHI PYAR KE - Yunhi Kat Jaayega - Nadeem-Shravan Lovely Lady Of Arcadia (Demis Roussos) 1992: JAANAM - Teri Chaahat Ke Siva - Anu Malik El Condor Pasa (Simon & Garfunkel) 1992: JAANAM - Paagalpan Chha Gaya - Anu Malik And I Love Her (Beatles) 1992: JAANAM - Maari Gayi Pyaar Mein - Anu Malik I Am Sixteen and My Favorite Things (The Sound Of Music); You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling (The Righteous Brothers) 1991: SAAJAN - Pehli Baar Mile Hain - Nadeem-Shravan Solitude Standing (Suzanne Vega) 1991: LEKIN - Yara Sili Sili - Hridaynath Mangeshkar  Chori Chori (Reshma) 1991: DIL HAI KI MANTA NAHIN - O Mere Sapnon Ka - Nadeem-Shravan Bachelor Boy (Cliff Richard) 1991: AFSANA PYAR KA - Aashiq Deewana Hoon - Bappi Lahiri La Bamba (Ritchie Valens) 1990: JURM - Marne Ke Darr Se - Rajesh Roshan La Isla Bonita (Madonna) 1990: DIL - Mujhe Neend Na Aaye- Anand-Milind Chunni Ud Ud Jaaye (Alaap - UK band) 1989: TRIDEV - Tirchi Topiwaale - Viju Shah  The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You (Miami Sound Machine) 1989: PARINDA - Tumse Milke - R.D. Burman When I Need You (Leo Sayer) 1989: MAINE PYAAR KIYA - Mere Rang Mein - Raam Laxman The Final Countdown (Europe) 1989: MAINE PYAAR KIYA - Aate Jaate - Raam Laxman  I Just Called To Say I Love You (Stevie Wonder) 1988: KHOON BHARI MAANG - Main Teri Hoon Jaanam - Rajesh Roshan Theme from Chariots of Fire 1982: DISCO DANCER - Koi Yahan Naache Naache - Bappi Lahiri Video Killed The Radio Star (The Buggles) 1981: LOVE STORY - Kaisa Tera Pyaar - R.D. Burman I Have A Dream (ABBA) 1980: PYAARA DUSHMAN - Hari Om Hari - Bappi Lahiri  One Way Ticket (Eruption) 1979: BAATON BAATON MEIN - Na Bole Tum Na Maine - Rajesh Roshan When Johnny Comes Marching Home (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore) 1977: HUM KISISE KUM NAHIN - Mil Gaya- R.D. Burman Mama Mia (ABBA) 1975: SHOLAY - Mehbooba Mehbooba - R.D. Burman Say You Love Me (Demis Roussos) 1974: KHOTE SIKKAY - Jhilmil Sitaaron Ne Kaha - Rajesh Roshan  Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) 1973: YAADON KI BARAAT - Chura Liya Hai Tumne - R.D. Burman If It's Tuesday This Must Be Belgium (Walter Scharf) 1973: AA GALE LAG JA - Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle- R.D. Burman  The Yellow Rose Of Texas (Elvis Presley) 1972: BEES SAAL PEHLE - Jab Tak Yeh Raat Hai Baaki - Hemant Kumar  Yellow River (Christie) 1964: RAJKUMAR - Paayal Meri Jaadu - Laxmikant-Pyarelal  Faith (George Michael) 1963: YEH RAASTE HAIN PYAAR KE - Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke - Ravishankar Sharma  The Breeze And I (Al Stillman and Ernesto Lecuona) 1962: CHHAYA - Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyar Badha - Salil Chowdhury  Symphony No. 40 (Mozart) 1961: JHUMROO - Thandi Hawa Yeh Chandni Suhani - Kishore Kumar  Domani (Julius La Rosa's 1955 classic) 1960: JIS DESH MEIN GANGA BEHTI HAI - Aa Ab Laut Chalen - Shankar Jaikishan  Ciao Ciao Bambina (Domenico Modugno) 1956: CID - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - O.P. Nayyar Oh My Darling Clementine (Unknown source) 1955: MUNIMJI - Jeevan Ke Safar Mein - S.D. Burman  The Mexican Hat Dance 1954: AAR PAAR - Babuji Dheere Chalna – O.P. Nayyar  Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps(Doris Day)
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Category:
TV
You will say, Big Boss has come a long way from Season 1 (Arshad Warsi, 2006-07), Season 2 (Shilpa Shetty, 2008) and now to Season 3 (Amitabh Bachchan, 2009). Currently being telecast on a TV channel, the show began on Oct 4 2009. Shilpa had hosted the show very well. So there was a curiosity factor of what it offered now. Suffice it to say, it is a big let down. The contestants themselves are the show’s biggest minuses. The crass contestants with cheap language have left a bad taste in mouth. It makes one wonder why such a show is being aired and what exactly is its purpose? The greed probably for Rs 1 crore amount and phookat ka publicity for out of work actors. Empty idle vessels are making much noise. It is there to see. Baba Ramdev was wise to reject the proposal of appearing on this dumbest show. Only a week old but the stench emanating from the show is so strong that it can make anyone vomit. Others will be left with a strong headache. Hour long each day is a torture not everyone can bear.  Aditi Govtrikar (33): (Physician) Dr. Sarah Muffazal Lakdawala (Aditi’s married name) is probably the sensible of the lot. She presents a stable and smiling picture. She left us wondering why she was on the show. She too looks tired and is content being in her corner. Then why be on the show. Aren’t her patients waiting? Hmm. BORE!  Bakhtiyar M Irani (35): (TV Serial Actor) This is sure to be his road to fame. He may not get a hero’s role but who know Bollywood will become aware of his presence on Planet Earth. Otherwise as of now he’s who-who (not Who’s Who). SCHOOLISH  Claudia Ciesla (22): (German Model) Her association with Salman Khan gave her instant recognition. She is trying to establish herself in Bollywood. In a strange land, she makes us proud speaking in Hindi (We Indians should learn from her). She makes no bones about the show bringing her exposure. She is frank and forthright. She refused to say the three words to cheapster Kamal Khan as it would be a lie. She has won many hearts with her smile and easy going nature. CLASS WINNER!  Ismail Darbar (50): (Bollywood Musician) He began well with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2002). He has composed music for a total of nine movies, the last being in 2008. His descent has been sure and steady. Now he is left with gracing dance and music shows on TV. Was there anything great about him? Not really. Never. If his current appearance is anything to go by. Passing cheap remarks and guffawing (that irks viewers), he should gracefully voluntarily withdraw from the show. YUCK!  Jaya Sawant (50): (Rakhee’s mom) She has been evicted. Never mind. What mattered was the ghati came across as selfless and truthful when others were all pretence and floss. Wish she remained on the show. She did provide a reason for the show to be interesting- the others continually bitched (about her). She is better off the show. Neither the show nor its contestants are worth her. KUDOS!  Kamal Rashid Khan (34): (Bhojpuri Actor) The cheapster of the lot, his intro came with his first release Desh Drohi (2008). The film received the “ Lajja Award for Worst Treatment of a Serious Issue Award” at the Golden Kela Awards. If that was not enough, he is on the show wanting Claudia Ciesla to say “I Love You” to him. And then he went on a bhook hartaal until she utters the golden words. Guess what! In the dead of the night, he eats chori chori chupke chupke when everyone is asleep. The sooner he is out of the show, the better. DHONGI NO 1.  Poonam Dhillon (46): (Yesteryear Bollywood Actress) Currently a businesswoman, it is surprising she could find time for the show. More surprisingly what made her decide on this crass show? Probably she was reminiscing the past glory. Wish it brings something positive to her. Couldn’t find any impact she leaves on the viewers looking tired and plump. YAWN!  Raju Shrivastav (45): (Comedian) The baudiest of the lost, he sings all vulgar songs with double meaning entendres. His acting and comedy leaves a lot to be desired for. CRASS!  Rohit Verma (40): (Fashion Designer) Wish he remained in the fashion field only. Is he a gay or…or… What is he? Rather why is he (there)? Wish he could vanish in thin air. (But not all wishes come true.) Could someone nominate him soon? Please. EEKS!  Shamita Shetty (29): (Bolly Actress) Better known as Shilpa’s sister, she is the fakest of the lot. Although being from South India, she claims to never eaten rice! And poor her! She has to make do with lot less on the show when she is used to better things in life. Could she tell us, then why is she on the show. Bitching is her main job. With no movies on hand ( a la Shilpa) isn’t it good to get free publicity and a chance to win too? FAKE!  Sherlyn Chopra (25): (Bollywood actress) (!?!) known for her hot and nearly nude scenes is strangely fully covered. Appearing in B-grade movies, she strangely looked married (with sindoor) and expecting (a baby) too. She must work on public relations and networking. Keeping secluded hardly helps on a reality show. SHIT!  Tannaz B Irani (37): We all were shocked when she along with her husband Bakhtiyar handed over their baby to the host to be on the show. That shocked the living daylights out of each one of us. No show on earth is worth missing out on one’s helpless care-needing baby. She comes across as an indifferent mother. Both can apply for Worst Parents’ Award (if there is one). Disappear disappear. SHOCKER!  Vindu Dara Singh (50): (TV/Bolly Actor). He is better known as Dara Singh’s son and earlier as Farah Naz’s husband. Age-wise he is Jaya Sawant’s equal (and Rakhee’s dad, ha ha!). Wearing a wig doesn’t hide the reality. And his buck teeth make him (Tinnu Anand’s brother and) a specimen worth preserving a museum. Fighting and using foul language comes natural to him on the show. He probably was hallucinating he was in his home and was a Big Star (my foot!). He should be kicked out soon to come back to his senses thereby landing firmly on earth. FOUL!  Amitabh Bachchan (67): (Host/Actor) He turned 67 yesterday and wishes to continue acting till 80 (!) Did he think the viewers wish to learn chaste Hindi from the show? Couldn’t understand the garble he went on with. His contribution to the show – his name. Anyone can host this show better instead of the boring way he is holding it. He should do it for his personal benefit and not on the reality show. Not when he is being paid Rs 125 crore for hosting it. GAWD!  BIG BOSS (SEASON 3): Summing Up: My take would be: 13. Claudia Ciesla 12. Vindu Dara Singh 11. Poonam Dhillon 10. Bakhtiyar M Irani 9. Aditi Govitrikar 8. Raju Shrivastav 7. Shamita Shetty 6. Rohit Verma 5. Tannaz B Irani 4. Ismail Darbar 3. Sherlyn Chopra 2. Kamal Rashid Khan 1. Jaya Sawant View it for all the out-of-work extras. They should have been trained in language and mannerisms (not to say in social etiquettes) before appearing on the show. The animals in this zoo are all wild and whacky. Bahut baas maarta hai. Do you have the time? Better still, do you have something better to do? GOOD!
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Older Women + Younger Men = Happy Lasting Marriages This is a fact that has been time and again proven be it in Bollywood, Hollywood or cricket. Age has not been a factor for real men and women. Wake Up Sid (inspired from Eddelu Manjunatha, 2009, Kannada) released yesterday. It is a story of a boy growing up. It is also the story of older woman and younger man pairing successfully. While Ranbir Kapoor is 27, Konkana Sen Sharma is 29. And they are a complete foil to each other albeit in reel life. What makes such relationships last? What is so unique about them? I would say nothing. They are more human than us humans. They care for each other than bother about age. For age is just a number. They care for the relationship and they enjoy each other’s company. And the world can go to hell. They live for and are devoted to each other. They are tuned up mentally. These women are mentally more mature and understanding. Older women are referred to as “puma/cougar” and younger men as “boy toys/cubs” in Western culture. In Asian culture earlier an older woman could only have motherly or sexual feelings for younger men. Now that is changing big time. Love is being detected and discovered in such relationships. There is no stigma attached in a woman being older courting a younger beau and later getting married to him. They are true soul mates. They are in our physical world but live in their own world. What matters is they know each other and are happy in each other’s company. In real life it is selfless love that makes this relationship work. But in reel life the older heroine is established and powerful. The younger hero is new, out to establish himself and happy to get a movie to act in. Acting opposite a well known name is an added bonus. Here too age doesn’t matter. The truth is older women, younger men pairing hardly makes news except in the prejudiced minds. When men act opposite women young enough to be their grand daughters and still be taken as a norm then why will it be an aberration for older women? While “Manther”, cradle snatchers and Lolita complex men still prevail, they are now complimented by puma/cougar women. Be it courtship/breakups or wedding/divorce, they have lived life to the fullest. This is so true on the reel life and also in real life in Bollywood, Hollywood and in cricket world. Let’s explore it. CRICKET: Jayanti (1960) - Venkatesh Prasad (1969) Sangeeta Bijlani (1960) – Mohammad Azharuddin (1963)
Dr Anjali Mehta (1967) - Sachin Tendulkar (1973) Rhea Pillai (1965) - Leander Paes (1973) BOLLYWOOD: Real Life: Nargis (1929) - Sunil Dutt (1930)
Jennifer Kendel (1933) - Shashi Kapoor (1938) Zarina Wahab (1950) – Aditya Panscholi (1965) Zeenat Aman (1951) - Mazhar Khan (1953) Vani Ganapathy (1953) - Kamal Haasan (1954) Tina Munim (1957) - Sanjay Dutt (1959) Tina Munim (1957) - Anil Ambani (1959) Amrita Singh (1958) – Saif Ali Khan (1970) Sangeeta Bijlani, (1960) – Salman Khan (1965) Archana Puran Singh (1962) – Parmeet Sethi (1963) Farah Khan (1965) - Shirish Kunder (1973) Audhuna Bhabani (1970) - Farhan Akhtar (1974) Khushboo Sundar (1970) - Sundar C (1973) Namrata Shirodkar (1972) - Mahesh Babu (1974)
Aishwarya Rai (1973) – Abhishek Bachchan (1975)
Shilpa Shetty (1975) - Raj Kundra (1979) Kareena Kapoor (1980) – Shahid Kapur (1981) Kangna Ranaut (1987) – Adhyayan Suman (1988) Shraddha Nigam (1979) - Karan Singh Grover (1982) Reel Life: 1936 - Jeevan Naiya - Devika Rani (1908), Ashok Kumar (1911) 1957 - Mother India - Nargis (1929) - Sunil Dutt (1930)
1966 - Phool Aur Patthar - Meena Kumari (1932), Dharmendra (1935)
1970 – Mera Naam Joker - Simi Garewal (1947), Rishi Kapoor (1952) 1980 – Karz - Simi Garewal (1947), Raj Kiran (1955),Rishi Kapoor (1952) 1971 - Sanjog - Mala Sinha (1936), Amitabh Bachchan (1942) 1973 - Saudagar – Nutan Behl (1936), Amitabh Bachchan (1942) 1976 – Kabhi Kabhie – Waheeda Rehman (1936), Amitabh Bachchan (1942) 1977 – Doosara Aadmi – Raakhee Gulzar (1947), Rishi Kapoor (1952) 1978 – Junoon - Jennifer Kendel (1933) - Shashi Kapoor (1938) 1981 – Rocky – Tina Munim (1957), Sanjay Dutt (1959) 1984 - Ek Nai Paheli – Hema Malini (1948), Kamal Haasan (1954) 1985 – Saaheb - Amrita Singh (1958), Anil Kapoor (1959) 1986 – Naam - Amrita Singh (1958), Sanjay Dutt (1959) 1992 – Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman - Amrita Singh (1958), Shahrukh Khan (1965) 1992 - Suryavanshi - Amrita Singh (1958), Salman Khan (1965) 1992 - Maya Memsaab – Deepa Sahi (1964), Shahrukh Khan (1965)
1996 - Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi – Rekha (1954), Akshay Kumar (1967)
1997 - Saaz – Shabana Azmi (1950), Zakir Hussain (1951) 1998 - Bada Din – Shabana Azmi (1950), Marc Robinson (1968) 1993 - Chandramukhi – Sridevi Kapoor (1963), Salman Khan (1965)
1996 - Army - Sridevi Kapoor (1963), Shahrukh Khan (1965) 2004 – Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin - Sridevi Kapoor (1963), Akshay Kumar (1967) 1994 - Hum Aapke Hain Kaun - Madhuri Dixit (15.5.1965), Salman Khan (27.12.1965)
1997 – Mrityudand - Madhuri Dixit (1965), Ayub Khan (1970)
1997 - Mohabbat - Madhuri Dixit (1965), Akshay Khanna (1975)
1997 – Dil To Paagal Hai - Madhuri Dixit (1965), Akshay Kumar (1967) 1999 - Aarzoo - Madhuri Dixit (1965), Saif Ali Khan (1970) 2001 – Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke - Madhuri Dixit (1965), Ajay Devgan (1969) 2007 – Aaja Nachle - Madhuri Dixit (1965), Kunal Kapoor (1975) 2001 - Dil Chahta Hai- Dimple Kapadia (1957), Akshaye Khanna (1975) 2002 - Leela – Dimple Kapadia (1957), Amol Mhatre (1973) 2005 - Being Cyrus - Dimple Kapadia (1957), Saif Ali Khan (1970) 2002 - Ek Chhotisi Love Story - Manisha Koirala (1970); Ranvir Shorey (1972); Aditya Seal (1993) 2002 – Bollywood Hollywood – Lisa Ray (4.4.1972), Rahul Khanna (20.6.1972) 2003 - Freaky Chakra – Deepti Naval (1957), Ranvir Shorey (1972) 2003 - Oops! – Meeta Vashisht (1967), Kiran M Janjani (1978) 2004 - Meenaxi: Tale Of 3 Cities – Tabu (1970), Kunal Kapoor (1975) 1999 – Aa Ab Laut Chalein - Aishwarya Rai (1973), Akshaye Khanna (1975) 2000 – Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke - Aishwarya Rai (1973), Abhishek Bachchan (1975) 2004 – Kyun...! Ho Gaya Na - Aishwarya Rai (1973), Vivek Oberoi (1976) 2004 – Bride And Prejudice - Aishwarya Rai (1973), Martin Henderson (1974) 2006 – Dhoom:2 - Aishwarya Rai (1973), Hrithik Roshan (1974) 1999 – Mast - Urmila Matondkar (1974), Aftab Shivdasani (1978) 2002 – Deewangee - Urmila Matondkar (1974), Akshay Khanna (1975) 2002- Om Jai Jagadish - Urmila Matondkar (4.2.1974), Fardeen Khan (8.3.1974) 2006 – Banaras – Urmila Matondkar (1974), Ashmit Patel (1978) 2009 - Karma, Confessions And Holi – Sushmita Sen (1975), Randeep Hooda (1976) 2003 – Koi… Mil Gaya – Preity Zinta (1975), Hrithik Roshan (1974) 2007 – Heaven On Earth - Preity Zinta (1975), Vansh Bhardwaj (1982) 2004 – Murder – Mallika Sherawat (1976), Ashmit Patel (1978), Emraan Hashmi (1979)
2005 - Vaada – Ameesha Patel (1976), Zayed Khan (1980)
2008 - Kismat Konnection - Vidya Balan (1978), Shahid Kapur (1981)
2009 - Dil Bole Hadippa – Rani Mukherjee (1978), Shahid Kapur (1981)
2008 - Bachna Ae Haseeno – Bipasha Basu (1979), Ranbir Kapoor (1982)
2009 - Aa Dekhen Zara - Bipasha Basu (1979), Neil Nitin Mukesh (1982) 2009 – Pankh - Bipasha Basu (1979), Maradona Rebello (1986), Amit Purohit (1983) 2009 - Wake Up Sid – Konkana Sen Sharma (1979), Ranbir Kapoor (1982)
2007 – Jab We Met - Kareena Kapoor (1980), Shahid Kapur (1981)
2009 – Raaz - The Mystery Continues - Kangna Ranaut (1987), Adhyayan Suman (1988)
2009 - Slumdog Millionaire - Freida Pinto (1984), Dev Patel (1990)
HOLLYWOOD: Couples with comparable age gaps: Real Life: Francesca Annis (1945) - Ralph Fiennes (1962) Susan Sarandon (1946) - Tim Robbins (1958) Barbara Hershey (1948) - Naveen Andrews (1969) Geena Davis (1956) - Reza Jarrahy (1971) Madonna (1958) - Guy Ritchie (1968); Jesus Luz (1987) Julianne Moore (1960) - Bart Freundlich (1970) Sheryl Crow (1962) - Lance Armstrong (1971) Demi Moore (1962) - Ashton Kutcher (1978) Courteney Cox (1964) - David Arquette (1971) Liz Hurley (1965) – Arun Nayar (1964) Halle Berry (1966) - Gabriel Aubry ( 1976) Carrie Ann Inaba (1968) - Artem Chigvintsev (1983) Naomi Watts (1968) - Heath Ledger (1979) Rachel Hunter (1969) - Jarret Stoll (1982) Mariah Carey (1970) – Nick Cannon (1980)
Cameron Diaz (1972) - Justin Timberlake (1981) Eva Longoria (1975) – Tony Parker (1982) Age Difference: Older Woman - Younger Man
1 Year Jane Fonda (1937) - Ted Turner (1938) Camilla Parker Bowles (1947) - Prince Charles (1948) Cassandra Harris (1948) - Pierce Brosnan (1953)
Angela Bassett (1958) - Courtney B. Vance (1960) Tracy Pollan (1960) - Michael J. Fox (1961) Sharon Lawrence (1961) - Tom Apostle (1964) Helen Hunt (1963) - Hank Azaria (1964) Nicole Kidman (20.6.1967) - Keith Urban (26.10.1967) Julia Roberts (1967) - Danny Moder (1969) Afton Smith (1967) - Brendon Fraser (1968) Uma Thurman (29.4.1970) - Ethan Hawke (6.11.1970) Kelly Ripa (1970) - Mark Consuelos (1971) Rebecca Romijn (1972) - Jerry O'Connell (1974)
Victoria Adams/"Posh" Spice (1974) - David Beckham (1975)
Brandy (1979) - Robert Smith (1980)
2 Years
Lillian Marie Bounds (1899) - Walt Disney (1901) Coretta Scott (1927) - Martin Luther King Jr. (1929) Madonna (1958) - Sean Penn (1960)
Meg Ryan (1961) - Craig Bierko (1964)
Traci Bingham (1968) - Robb Vallier (1970)
3 Years
June Carter (1929) - Johnny Cash (1932) Bette Midler (1945) - Martin von Haselberg (1949) Melanie Griffith (1957) - Antonio Banderes (1960) Josefa Salinas (1960) - Coolio (1963) Heather Locklear (1961) - David Spade (1964)
Paula Abdul (1962) - Brad Beckerman (1965)
Anne Prince (1969) - Wil Wheaton (1972)
Jennifer Lopez (1969) - Ben Affleck (1972)
Alanis Morissette (1974) - Ryan Reynolds (1976)
4 Years
Kim Basinger (1953) - Alec Baldwin (1958) Rene Russo (1954) - Dan Gilroy (1959)
Bo Derek (1956) - John Corbett (1961) Catherine Keener (1959) - Dermot Mulroney (1963)
Jill Goodacre (1965) - Harry Connick Jr. (1967) Pamela Anderson (1967) - Kid Rock (1971)
Angela Zachary (1968) - Marlon Wayans (1972)
Anne Heche (1969) - Coley Lafoon (1973)
5 Years Goldie Hawn (1945) - Kurt Russell (1951)
Vivica A. Fox (1964) - Christopher Harvest (1969) Brooke Shields (1965) - Andre Agassi (1970) J.K. Rowling (1965) - Neil Michael Murray (1971)
Eve Mavrakis (1966) - Ewan McGregor (1971) Ashley Judd (1968) - Dario Franchitti (1973)
Gwyneth Paltrow (1972) - Chris Martin (1977)
6 Years
Lucille Ball (1911) - Desi Arnez (1917) Katey Sagal (1954) - Kurt Sutter (1960) Lisa Hartman (1956) - Clint Black (1962) Vanessa L. Williams (1963) - Rick Fox (1969) Chelsea Noble (1964) - Kirk Cameron (1970)
Drew Barrymore (1975) - Fabrizio Moretti (1980)
Jamie Gandy (1979) - Frankie Muniz (1985)
7 Years
Audrey Hepburn (1929) - Robert Wolders (1936)
Sigourney Weaver (1949) - Jim Simpson (1956)
Sadie Frost (1965) - Jude Law (1972) Kylie Minogue (1968) - James Gooding (1975)
8 Years
Anne Hathaway (1556) - William Shakespeare (1564)
Joanna Lumley (1946) - Stephen Barlow (1954) Courteney Cox (1964) - David Arquette (1971)
9 Years Jaclyn Smith (1947) - Bradley Allen (1956) Julianne Moore (1960) - Bart Freundlich (1970) Sheryl Crow (1962) - Lance Armstrong (1971)
Halle Berry (1966) - Gabriel Aubry (1976)
10 Years Katherine Helmond (1928) - David Christian (1938)
Priscilla Presley (1945) - Marco Garibaldi (1956) Liza Minnelli (1946) - David Allen Gest (1953)
Madonna (1958) - Guy Ritchie (1968) Candace Bushnell (1958) - Charles Askegard (1969)
Lorrie Morgan (1959) - Jon Randall (1969)
11 Years
Greer Garson (1904) -. Richard Ney (1915)
12 Years Dorothy Squires (1918) - Roger Moore (1927) Susan Sarandon (1946) - Tim Robbins (1958) Daryl Hannah (1960) - David Blaine (1973)
Mariah Carey (1970) - Nick Cannon (1980)
13 Years
Lucille Ball (1911) - Gary Morton (1924)
Pam Grier (1949) - Kevin Evans (1965)
Kathy Najimy (1957) - Dan Finnerty (1970) 14 14 Years Raquel Welch (1940) - Richard Palmer (1954) Bernadette Peters (1948) - Michael Wittenberg (1962) Chrissie Hynde (1951) - Lucho Brieva (1965)
Roseanne Barr (1952) - Ben Thomas (1966)
Mira Sorvino (1967) - Chris Backus (1981)
15 Years
Demi Moore (1962) - Ashton Kutcher (1978)
Brigitte Nielsen (1963) - Mattia Dessi (1978)
16 Years Tina Turner (1939) - Erwin Bach (1955)
Fran Drescher (1957) - John (boyfriend) (1973) Heidi Van Pelt (1968) - Taran Noah Smith (1984)
Ruth Gordon (1896) - Garson Kanin (1912)
17 Years Isadora Duncan (1877) - Sergei Yesenin (1895)
Katie Couric (1957) - Brooks Perlin (1974)
Vanna White (1957) - Colby Donaldson (1974)
18 Years
Mary Tylor Moore (1936) - S. Robert Levine (1954)
Juliet Mills (1941) - Maxwell Caulfield (1959)
Francesca Annis (1945) - Ralph Fiennes (1962)
19 Years
Janice Dickinson (1955) - Tommy Fry (1974)
20 Years
Helena Rubenstein (1870) - Prince Artchil Gourielli-Tchkonia (1895) Norma Shearer (1902) - Martin Arrounge (1922) Edith Piaf (1915) - Theo Sarapo (1936) Dinah Shore (1916) - Burt Reynolds (1936)
Elizabeth Taylor (1932) - Larry Fortensky (1952)
Lorraine Bracco (1954) - Jason Cipolla (1972)
21 Years Lillian Vernon (1927) - Paolo Martino (1948)
Barbara Hershey (1948) - Naveen Andrews (1969)
23 Years
Carol Burnett (1933) - Brian Miller (1956) Ivana Trump (1949) - Rossano Rubicond (1972)
Terry McMillan (1951) - Jonathon Plummer (1974)
25 Years
Merle Oberon (1911) - Robert Wolders (1936) Joan Collins (1933) – Robin Hurlstone (1958)
32 Years Martha Raye (1916) - Mark Harris (1949)
Joan Collins (1933) - Percy Gibson (1965)
Norma Ferreira (1941) - Chris Harvey (1991) (British couple - 50:18 when met.)
34 Years Gina Lollobrigida (1927) - Javier Rigau y Rafols (1961)
39 Years
Edna Townsend (1935) - Simon Martin (1974) (British couple in 2005 - 70:31.)
71 Years
Wook Kunder (1895) - Muhamad Noor Che Musa (1976) (Malaysian couple in 2006; 104:33) Reel Life: 1950 - Sunset Boulevard – Gloria Swanson (1899), William Holden (1918)
1967 - The Graduate – Anne Bancroft (1931, Mrs. Robinson), Dustin Hoffman (1937) 1971 - Harold And Maude – Ruth Gordon (1896), Bud Cort (1948) 1983 - Class – Jacqueline Bisset (1944), Andrew McCarthy (1962) 1988 - Dangerous Liaisons – Michelle Pfeiffer (1958), Keanu Reeves (1962) 1998 - How Stella Got Her Groove Back – Angela Bassett (1958), Taye Diggs (1971) 1998 - Rushmore – Olivia Williams (1968), Jason Schwartzman (1980) 1999 - American Pie - Alyson Lee Hannigan (1974), Jason Biggs (1978) 2001 - Gosford Park – Kristin Scott Thomas (1960), Trent Ford (1979) 2001 - Y Tu Mama Tambien (And Your Mother, Too; Spanish Mexico) - Maribel Verdu (1970), Diego Luna (1979), Gael Garcia Bernal (1978) 2002 - Food Of Love – Paul Rhys (1963), Kevin Bishop (1980) – GAY movie 2002 – Tadpole – Sigourney Weaver (1949), Bebe Neuwirth (1958), Aaron Stanford (1976) 2002 - The Good Girl – Jennifer Aniston (1969), Jake Gyllenhaal (1980) 2003 - Something's Gotta Give - Diane Keaton (1946), Keanu Reeves (1964) 2004 - Alfie – Marisa Tomei (1964), Nia Long (1970), Jude Law (1972) 2005 - Prime — Uma Thurman (1970); Bryan Greenberg (1978)
2005 - Proof — Gwyneth Paltrow (1972), Jake Gyllenhaal (1980) 2006 - Notes On A Scandal – Cate Blanchett (1969), Andrew Simpson (1989) 2008 - The Reader – Kate Winslet (1975), David Kross (1990) 1998 - Sex and the City - Kim Cattrall (1956), much younger man till show ends. 2004 - Desperate Housewives - Eva Longoria (1975), Jesse Metcalfe (1978) ????- Ashton Kutcher's sitcom, if it happens, would be another addition to the genre.
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Finally, they are back. Back to the pavilion, I mean. Now they can sit relaxed as the audience and watch the remaining matches of the Champions Trophy. They must have heaved a sigh of relief that they are out of competition. After all, endorsements, partying, late nights with GFs, can slacken anyone. So much so, India's cricketers at the Champions Trophy in South Africa were being encouraged by their coach to have sex to boost their on-field performance (as if they need any encouragement for bedroom performance, forget on field). And the poor Indian cricketers fail to perform when required yet again. They wake up when it is too late. They no longer bring name or fame to the game. Their association is a shame. They are all hype and no substance. All big bhashans in equally big press conferences and the end result is tai tai phish. They are called Men in Blue. Be it blue or black, what about their performance? More importantly, what about their fitness – both body and mental? Saturday: The most coveted match against Pakistan was lost. It was like they gifted Pakistan with the match. They didn’t need the win. For Indians will never criticize them even if they lose. The young Turks from Pakistan played like it was do or die. They were rewarded with a win. Dhoni ended up blaming Tendulkar for less runs. What about his own run rate? Tendulkar was out to set records. Poor him. Dhoni wailed for non-availability of Sahwag and Yuvraj. (What about the ones, who were available like Dravid?) Monday: Then against Australia they were satisfied with a point each. After all, beggars can’t be choosers. The Indians thanked their good luck that a tornado hit the filed and they didn’t need to play. They were happy with a point. Free ke point ki value hi kuchh aur hai. Wednesday: Indian cricketers WON against West Indies. Wow. But it was of no use. It was TOO late. Pakistan lost to Australia and poor Indians were out of the game. Too bad, you would say. Not really. Thursday: Indian cricket lovers are stumped (as usual). Why should these stuppids depend on Pakistan winning against Australia to enter semi-finals? On their own can’t they win matches? Aren’t they capable of that much? Isn’t that for they went to play in the first place? Should they do things by proxy? Shame upon them. Why are these cricketers so much hyped when they don’t perform? Their larger than life image is their undoing. They cannot match up with it. Before becoming cricketers and playing for India nationally or internationally, what are their credentials. What is their family background? The game that give them so much glory, name, fame and most importantly MONEY, what do these pathetic players do for it? Even more important, what do they do for the trust of countless Indians, who pray for them and their win? These unknown names suddenly find lot of attention and cannot handle it. Things go awry as is happening now or countless times earlier. Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh and many others have anger management problem. Their misbehaviour in hotels and on field is seen to be believed. Having fun nights with girl friends in hotels is the done thing. Once they win a match, they become demi gods. The public goes crazy. Endorsements pour in. The ones, who were clerks in banks earlier and were earning in thousands, suddenly find their bank accounts loaded with crores. For these cricketers, cricket has become a step towards riches rather than a game to play and win laurels. Match fixing abound. But no one is punished. Everything is hushed up. What merry-go-round goes on can be seen in Indian cricket alone. There is no pride in winning the game but personal glories and records are craved for. The worst is there is no team spirit. It is so dispirited team. If they make runs, it is for them. If they claim wickets, it is their personal victory. So where comes India, Indians and cricket. Why do we need these cricketers? A life of ease and lavishness is what they have got used to. It is time they came down to earth. Let a new team of youngsters be constituted and these non-performers be shown the door. They should pay or perish. Why do we need to glorify the name and not the game? It is about time to do the rethinking. Indian cricket lovers have been taken for a ride time and again. When they win, they make crores, get high, have peccadilloes with Bolly actresses and misbehave. Now that they have ingloriously lost, what should the public do? Clap or slap? All cricketers take pride in their country and strive to bring victory. Apparently Indian cricketers don’t believe in it except lip service. If they can’t bring laurels to the game, why should we have them? If a student fails in a class, he has to repeat the year. What should these cricketers do? Is there a demotion? If they can’t remain active cricketers, they can become commentators. Wow. They will never be out of circulation. Now that they are returning home, let’s welcome them to the reality. They are out of Champion’s Trophy. Let’s ask them are they ashamed? Period.
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1917: Anna Salunke (189? - ?) - Lanka Dahan - both Sita & Ram
1923:
Patience Cooper (1905 - 83; 78) - Patni Pratap - twin sisters 1925: Patience Cooper - Kashmiri Sundari -(mother & daughter
1932: Shahu Modak (1918 – 1993) - Awara Shahzada -
1951: Ashok Kumar (1911 -2001, 90) - Afsana - Ratan Kumar / Diwan Chaman Kumar Bhagwan Abhaji Palav (1913 - 2002, 89) - Albela -(Pyarelal/Happy-Go-Lucky 1952: Nargis (1929 - 81; 52) - Anhonee - Roop/Mohini 1953: Raj Kapoor (1924-88; 64) - Papi - Raju Badmash/Swami Satyanand Nargis - Aah - Neelu/Chandra/Reshma Rai 1955: Dilip Kumar - Azaad - Khan Sahib & Dacoit 1957: Apradhi Kaun? - Gajanan Jagirdar (Shree Nath / Dina Nath (as Jagirdar)) (02.04.1907 - 13.08.1988; 81) 1958: Krishnakant (1922 - ?) - Detective - Sukhdev/Lal Dilip Kumar - Anand/Deven; Vyjayantimala - Madhumati / Madhavi / Radha – Madhumati Bharat Bhushan – Reincarnation; Madhubala - Triple Role/Reincarnation - Phagun 1959: Madhubala - Kal Hamara Hai - Madhu/Bela 1960: Ashok Kumar - Kanoon - Judge Badri Prasad 1961: Dev Anand - Hum Dono - Capt. Anand / Major. Manohar Lal Verma Mehmood - Main Aur Mera Bhai - 1962: Shammi Kapoor - China Town - Mike/Shekhar 1963: Rajendra Kumar - Akeli Mat Jaiyo - Prince Amardeep 1964: Vijayshanti - Shabnam - Sadhana - Woh Kaun Thi - Sandhya/Seema 1965: Feroze Khan - Ek Sapera Ek Lootera - Mohan / Vijay Pratap Singh 1966: Dil Diya Dard Liya - Tun Tun (Mrs Murlidhar/) Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya - Nutan Mamta - Suchitra Sen (Devyani - Pannabai / Suparna) Mera Saaya - Sadhana (Geeta / Nisha (Raina)) 1967: An Evening In Paris - Sharmila Tagore (Deepa Malik / Roopa Malik (Suzy)) Milan (Sunil Dutt - Reincarnation) (Nutan - Reincarnation) Raaz Rajesh Khanna (Kumar / Sunil) Ram Aur Shyam (Dilip Kumar) 1968: Baharoon Ki Manzil - Meena Kumari (Nanda S. Roy / Radha Shukla) Do Dooni Char (Asit Sen, Kishore Kumar) Do Kaliyan - Neetu Singh (Ganga / Jamuna (as Baby Sonia)) Haseena Maan Jayegi - Shashi Kapoor (Kamal / Rakesh) Humsaya - Joy Mukerjee (Shyam/Lin) Izzat - Dharmendra (Shekhar / Dilip P. Singh) Jhuk Gaya Aasman - Rajendra Kumar (Sanjay / Tarun Kumar 'Battu' 'Pappu' Saxena) Raja Aur Runk - Master Mahesh Kothare (Yuvraaj Narendradev / Raja) 1969: Aradhana - Rajesh Khanna (Arun / Suraj Prasad Saxena) Talash - Sharmila Tagore (Madhu / Gauri) Tumse Achha Kaun Hai - Lalita Pawar (Sarojini Devi / ) Yakeen - Dharmendra (Rajesh Sharma/ Jackoss) 1970: Aansoo Aur Muskan - Hema Malini (Radha / Girja Laxmi) Humjoli Mehmood - Triple Role (Shivram) Johny Mera Naam - I. S. Johar (Pehle Ram (Palmist) / Dooja Ram / Teeja Ram) Sawan Bhadon - Navin Nishchol (Vikram) Sachaa Jhutha - Rajesh Khanna (Bhola / Ranjit Kumar); Mumtaz (Leena / Rita) 1971: Lal Pathar - Raaj Kumar (Raja Kumar Bahadur alias Gyan Shankar Rai) Man Mandir - Waheeda Rehman (Krishna / Radha) Maryada - Mala Sinha (Laxmi / Lalita); Rajesh Khanna (Raja Babu / Rajan Ram Bahadur) Sharmilee - Rakhee (Kanchan / Kamini) 1972: Dastaan - Dilip Kumar (Diwan Anil Kumar / Judge Vishnu Sahay), Sachin (Young Anil/Young Sunil)
Gora Aur Kala - Rajendra Kumar (Karan Singh / Kali Singh (Kalua)); Jagdeep (Munna Singh / Chunni Singh) Jangal Mein Mangal - Pran (Retd. Col. M.K. Das / Raghu) Milap - Shatrughan Sinha (Ravi / Raju); Reena Roy (Rani 'Chalava' / Rukmani) Samadhi - Dharmendra (Lakhan Singh / Lakshman / Ajay / Jaswan) Seeta Aur Geeta - Hema Malini (Seeta, Geeta) 1973: Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar - Asrani (Champak Boomia / Amit Desai) Bandhe Haath - Amitabh Bachchan (Shyamu & Deepak), Ajit (Insp. Kumar / Pakkad Singh) Dharma - Rekha (Mrs. Asha Singh, Radha) Do Phool - Mehmood (Putan/Mani) Jaise Ko Taisa - Jeetendra (Vijay / Vinod Kumar) 1974: 5 Rifles - Ambika Johar (Rajkumari / Khatari) Bidaai - Asrani (Murli / Bhaskar) Chhote Sarkar - Shammi Kapoor (Lou Jacobi, ) Geeta Mera Naam - Sadhana (Kavita / Neeta / Geeta), Sunil Dutt (Suraj / Johnny) Humshakal - Rajesh Khanna (Ram / Laxman), Moushumi Chatterjee (Radha/Sita) Ishq Ishq Ishq - Zeenat Aman (Pooja Pahar) Naya Din Nayi Raat - Sanjeev Kumar (Anand / Swami Rahasyanand / Mr. Sarang / Seth Dhanraj/Sher Singh/Dr Kruparam/Pandit Gorakhnath/Dhanraj/) Pocket Maar - Mehmood (Sunder/) 1975: Mausam - Sharmila Tagore (Chanda Thapa / Kajli Thapa) Qaid - Leena Chandravarkar (Preet/) Sholay (Mushtaq Merchant - train driver & biker whose bike Jai Veeru steals in "Yeh Dosti" song) 1976: Adalat - Amitabh Bachchan (Thakur Dharam Chand 'Dharma' / Raju) Bairaag - Dilip Kumar (Kailash / Bholenath/) Do Ladkiyan - Mala Sinha () Kalicharan - Shatrughan Sinha (Prabhakar / Kalicharan) Maha Chor - Rajesh Khanna (Raju Khan / Rajeshwar A. Singh / Johnny Fernandes) Mehbooba - Hema Malini (Ratna / Jhumri), Rajesh Khanna (Prakash / Suraj) Santo Banto - Aruna Irani (Santo / Banto) 1977: Amar Akbar Anthony - Jeevan (Robert/) Gharonda - Zarina Wahab (Chhaya, Dr Lagoo's first wife) Vishwasghat - Sanjeev Kumar (Mahesh / King) 1978: Bhola Bhala - Rajesh Khanna (Ram Kumar Verma / Nathu 'Nathiya' Singh) Don - Amitabh Bachchan (Don/Vijay) Karamyogi - Rajkumar (Shanker / Mohan) Kasme Vaade - Amitabh Bachchan (Amit & Shankar) Tumhare Liye - Sanjeev Kumar (Prakash / Gangadhar Upadhyay), Ashok Kumar (Dr. Vachaspati / Vaidyaraj), Neelam Mehra (Renuka / Kalavati) 1979: Lahu Ke Do Rang - Vinod Khanna (Inspector Raj Singh / Gopi Lathuria), Ranjeet (Shankar Lathuria / Devi Dayal) The Great Gambler - Amitabh Bachchan (Jay & Insp. Vijay), Prem Chopra (Ramesh / Abbasi) 1980: Aap To Aise Naa The - Madan Puri (Khanna / Jagjit 'Jaggi' Singh), Om Shivpuri (Oberoi / Michael) Bandish - Hema Malini (Madhu / Chanchal) Guru - Sridevi (Tamil/Telugu) 1981: Biwi O Biwi - Sanjeev Kumar (Col. Mangal Singh / Shankar / Commdr Chatur Singh) Kudrat - Hema Malini (Chandramukhi / Paro), Rajesh Khanna (Mohan Kapoor / Madho) Ladies Tailor - Reena Roy (Niqat), Sanjeev Kumar (Mehboob) Meri Aawaz Suno - Jeetendra (S.I. Sushil Kumar / Kanwar Lal) 1982: Aamne Samne - Mithun Chakraborty (Gopi/Johny) Angoor - Deven Verma (Bahadur), Sanjeev Kumar (Ashok R Tilak) Badle Ki Aag - Kader Khan (Shambu/Rajaram), Arman Kohli () Desh Premee - Amitabh Bachchan (Master Dinanath / Raju) Dharam Kanta - Amjad Khan (Chandan Singh / Jwala Singh), Jeetendra (Laxman / Shiva), Rajesh Khanna (Ram / Shanker) Ghazab - Dharmendra (Ajay Singh/ 'Munna' Bhai) Satte Pe Satta - Amitabh Bachchan (Ravi Anand / Babu) 1983: Mahaan - Amitabh Bachchan (Amit / Rana Ranveer, Guru & Insp. Shankar) 1984: Aasmaan - Rajiv Kapoor (Kumar / Chandan Singh) Dharam Aur Kanoon - Rajesh Khanna (Justice Diwan / Rajan) Hanste Khelte - Vijayendra Ghatge () Jeene Nahin Doonga - Dharmendra (Roshan / Raka) Jhutha Sach - Dharmendra (Vijay, Tiger) John Jani Janardhan - Rajnikanth (Janardhan B. Gupta / Inspector John A. Mendez / Jani) Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki - Mithun Chakraborty (Satish Kumar / Avinash Kumar) Laila - Sunil Dutt (Dharamraj Singh / Thakur Prithviraj Singh) Rakta Bandhan - Mithun Chakraborty (Chandan / Trishul Singh) 1985: Hum Dono - Rajesh Khanna (Raja / Dr. Shekhar) Lover Boy - Rajiv Kapoor (Kishan / Kanhaiya) Rahi Badal Gaye - Rishi Kapoor (Amar Lal / Flight Lieutenant Pavan Kumar Saxena) Yudh - Anil Kapoor (Avinash/Junior), Tina Munim (Anita / Rita) Zabardast - Sanjeev Kumar (Ratan Kumar / Ramesh Kumar / Maharaja), Sunny Deol (Sunder Kumar / Shyam), Rajiv Kapoor (Ravi Kumar/Tony) 1986: Aakhree Raasta - Amitabh Bachchan (David D'Costa / Insp. Vijay Sandaliya) Allah Rakha - Jackie Shroff (Allah Rakha/ Don)) Ghar Sansar - Aruna Irani (Saudamain/), Kader Khan (Girdhari Lal / Bankelal) Khel Mohabbat Ka - Poonam Dhillon (Lily / Shyamoli) Sajna Saath Nibhana - Neelu (Neelu/Rana), Danish Khan (Dr Shekhar/) Singhasan - Jeetendra (Vikram Singh/) 1987: Insaaf - Dimple Kapadia (Sonia / Dr. Sarita) Param Dharam - Mithun Chakraborty (Vijay / Ravi) 1988: Bees Saal Baad - Dimple Kapadia (Nisha/reincarnation), Mithun Chakraborty (Suraj/reincarnation) Dariya Dil - Kader Khan (Dhaniram) Janam Janam - Rishi Kapoor (Architect Sunil / Ranger Officer Vinay), Vinita Goel (Chandramukhi/ 'Chanda' ) Jeete Hain Shaan Se - Mithun Chakraborty (Johny/) 1989: Aag Se Khlenge - Anil Kapoor (Inspector Ravi Saxena/Raja Saxena) Appu Raja - Kamal Hassan (Appu/Raja) Chaalbaaz - Sridevi (Anju Das / Manju Das) Gair Kaanoni - Rajnikanth (Ahmad Khan/Azam) Shehzaade - Dharmendra (Subedhar Zorawar Singh / Inspector Shankar Shrivastav) Toofan - Amitabh Bachchan (Toofan & Shyam) 1990: Ghar Ho To Aisa - Anil Kapoor () Hatim Tai - Sangeeta Bijlani () Kishen Kanhaiya - Anil Kapoor (Kishen/Kanhaiya) Teri Talaash Mein - Leena Nair () 1991: Akayla - Keith Stevenson (Anthony "Tony" Braganza / Jojo Braganza) Banjaran - Rishi Kapoor (Kumar Singh Sesodia / Suraj), Sridevi (Reshma / Devi) House No. 13 - Anil Dhawan (Sudhir / Thakur Pratap Singh) Jaan Ki Kasam - Raza Murad (Paras Seth/) Lamhe - Sridevi (Pallavi / Pooja Bhatnagar) Paap Ki Aandhi - Dharmendra (Dharma / Mangal) 1992: Anaam - Arman Kohli (Sikandar H. Ali / Jony K. D'Souza / Aakash / Rocky / Prince), Yunus Pervez (Liyaqat Ali Khan / Mohan Makhichand), Anant Mahadevan (Roopesh / Shobraj) Bol Radha Bol - Rishi Kapoor (Kishan Malhotra / Tony), Juhi Chawla (Radha / Rita), Shakti Kapoor (Gungu / Inspector Bhende) Dil Hi To Hai - Jackie Shroff (Govardhan / Harshvardhan) Jaan Se Pyaraa - Govinda (Inspector Jai / Sunder) Khuda Gawah - Sridevi (Benazir / Mehndi) Sangeet - Madhuri Dixit (Nirmala / Sangeetha) Suryavanshi - Salman Khan (Vicky / Suryavanshi Vikram Singh) Umar 55 Ki Dil Bachpan Ka - Kader Khan (Dhaniram/Maniram) 1993: Aankhen - Govinda (Bunnu / Gulshan / Gaurishankar), Chunkey Pandey (Munnu / Ranjeet), Raj Babbar (Chief Minister / Sarang), Kader Khan () Gurudev - Sridevi (Sunita / Priya) 1994: Amaanat - Kiran Kumar (Rajeshwar / Lankeshwar) Andaz Apna Apna - Paresh Rawal (Ram Gopal Bajaj / Shyam Gopal Bajaj aka Teja) Gopi Kishan - Sunil Shetty (Gopinath 'Gopi' / Kishan R. Choudhary) Hum Hain Bemisal - Jagdeep (Havaldar Khadak Singh/) Jai Kishan - Akshay Kumar (Jai Verma / Kishen) Main Khiladi Tu Anari - Kader Khan (DCP / Constable Ramlal ), Shilpa Shetty (Mona/) Pehla Pehla Pyar - Kader Khan (Dharam Pal / Streetside Vendor / Grocer / Nawab / Head Gypsy) 1995: Bewafa Sanam - Shilpa Shirodkar (Mamta Prasad Shukla/) Hathkadi - Govinda (ACP Suraj Chauhan / Rajnikant) Jallaad - Mithun Chakraborty (Amavas/Shakti) Karan Arjun - Salman Khan (Karan Singh/reincarnation), Shahrukh Khan (Arjun Singh/Reincarnation) Oh Darling Yeh Hai India - Anupam Kher (President of India / Nathuram) Prem - Sanjay Kapoor (Shantanu / Sanjay Verma), Tabu (Lachi / Sonia Jetley) The Don - Kader Khan (Chaprasi Rajaram / Principal Amarnath / Prof. Raghav) 1996: Bandish - Jackie Shroff (Ram Ghulam & Kishen) Chhote Sarkar - Govinda (Amar / Rohit) English Babu Desi Mem - Shahrukh Khan (Vikram / Hari / Gopal Mayur) Hum Hain Khalnayak - Shakti Kapoor (Tikka Singh / Shakti Singh) Indian - Kamal Hassan (Senapathy / Chandra Bose) Rangbaaz - Mithun Chakraborty () 1997: Aankhon Mein Tum Ho - Sharad Kapoor (Pratap Burman / Ranjeet) Aflatoon - Akshay Kumar (Rocky / Raja / Parimal Chaturvedi) Betaabi - Rakesh Bedi (Peon at Dayal College/) Hamesha - Kajol (Rani Sharma / Reshma), Saif Ali Khan (Raja / Raju) Jeeo Shaan Se - Dharmendra (Amit/Rana Ranveer, Guru & Insp. Shankar) Judge Mujrim - Johnny Lever (Havaldar Amar Lokhande), Sunil Shetty (Sunil / Dhaga) Judwaa - Salman Khan (Raja / Prem Malhotra) Vishwavidhaata - Sharad Kapoor (Jai Verma / Ajay Khanna) 1998: Aunty No. 1 - Raza Murad (Ram Nath / Sandhya's father) Achanak - Johny Lever (Joni / Moni / Toni ) Bade Miyan Chote Miyan - Amitabh Bachchan (Insp. Arjun Singh & Bade Miyan), Govinda (Pyare Mohan / Chotey Miyan), Kader Khan (Waiter / Kadar Bhai) Chachi 420 - Kamal Haasan (Jaiprakash Paswan & Laxmi Godbole) Duplicate - Shahrukh Khan (Bablu Chaudhary / Manu Dada) Dushmun - Kajol (Sonia / Naina Saigal) Jaane Jigar - Mamta Kulkarni (Meena/Minu)) Jeans - Prashanth (Vishvanath / Ram Mohan), Aishwarya Rai (Madhumitha / Vaishnavi), Nasser (Nachiappan Rajamani / Pachiappan Rajamani) Hatyara - Mithun Chakraborty (Advocate Mahendra / Surya) Kudrat - Akshay Khanna (Vijay Varma/father) Qila - Dilip Kumar (Jagannath Singh / Judge Amaranath Singh) Soldier - Johnny Lever (Mohan / Sohan), Bobby Deol (Vicky / Raju Malhotra) 1999: Anari No.1 - Govinda (Raja / Rahul Saxena) Double Gadbad - Baba Sehgal () Gair - Ajay Devgan (Vijay Kumar / Dev) Hindustan Ki Kasam - Ajay Devgan (Ajay / Tauheed) Lal Baadshah - Amitabh Bachchan (Lal 'Baadshah' Singh / Ranbhir Singh), Raghuvaran (Vikram Singh / Vicky Baadshah) Shera - Asrani () Suryavansham - Amitabh Bachchan (Thakur Bhanu Pratap Singh & Heera Singh) 2000: Bulandi - Anil Kapoor (Dharamraj "Dada" Thakur / Arjun Thakur) Deewane - Ajay Devgan (Vishal / Arun) Hadh Kar Di Aapne - Govinda (Raj Malhotra / Raj's Mother / Raj's Father / Raj's Sister / Raj's Grand Pa / Raj's Grand Ma), Johnny Lever (Father / Son lawyer team) Kaho Na Pyaar Hai - Hrithik Roshan (Rohit / Raj Chopra) Karobaar - Rishi Kapoor (Amar Saxena / Rohit Sinha) Khiladi 420 - Akshay Kumar (Dev Kumar Malhotra/Anand) 2001: Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi - Kajol (Tina / Sweety Khanna) 2002: Ab Ke Baras - Amrita Rao (Anjali Thapar / Nandini), Arya Babbar (Karan / Abhay) Akhiyon Se Goli Maare - Kader Khan (Akhendra "Topichand" Bhangare/Thakur Rana) Chor Machaye Shor - Bobby Deol (Shyam Singh / Inspector Ram Singh) Gangobai - Prithvi (Inspector Rajesh / Master Shankar), Shahzad Khan (Tagru / AK47's husband) Jaani Dushman Ek Anokhi Kahani - Manisha Koirala (Vasundhara / Divya) Kitne Door... Kitne Paas - Satish Shah (Veer Singh / Jeet Singh Rathod / Bhanwar Singh/-/-) Waah! Tera Kya Kehna - Govinda (Raj Oberoi / Banne Khan) 2003: Fun2shh...Dudes In The 10th Century – Farida Jalal (Mrs. DiSouza / Hiraka), Gulshan Grover (Chindi Chor / Babushah). Kader Khan (Bhaleram / Goatherd) 2004: Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo - Bobby Deol (Captain Kunaljit Singh / Lieutenant Commander Vikramjeet Singh) Mujhse Shaadi Karogi - Rajpal Yadav (Raj Purohit / Paul) 2005: Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen - Govinda (Raja / Vicky) Mumbai Express (Kamal Haasan - Avinash & Mumbai Express) 2006: Dhoom 2 - Bipasha Basu (A.C.P. Sonali Bose / Monali Bose) Don - Shahrukh Khan (Don/Vijay) Krrish - Hrithik Roshan (Krishna 'Krrish' R. Mehra /Rohit S Mehra) Sandwich - Govinda (Sher 'Sheru' Singh / Shekhar) Sitam - Tara Sharma () 2007: Om Shanti Om - Deepika Padukone (Shantipriya / Sandhya 'Sany'), Shahrukh Khan (Om Prakash Makhija / Om 'OK' R. Kapoor) 2008: Heroes - Salman Khan (Hav. Balkar Singh / Lt. Jassvinder Singh aka Jassi) Love Story 2050 - Priyanka Chopra (Sana / Zeisha) Mithya - Ranvir Shorey (VK / Raje) Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! - Paresh Rawal (Lucky's father / Gogi Bhai / Dr. Handa) Singh Is Kingg - Javed Jaffery (Mika / Puneet's father) Superstar - Kunal Khemu (Kunal P. Mehra / Karan M. Saxena) 2009: 8x10 Tasveer - Akshay Kumar (Jai Puri / Jeet Puri) Chandni Chowk To China - Deepika Padukone (Sakhi / Suzy 'Meow Meow' 'Miss TSM') Dashavatar - Asin (Brahmin lady from the 12th century Kothai/and also from the 21st Andaal) Dashavatar - Kamal Haasan (Rangaraja Nambi / Govind Ramasaamy / US President Bush / Avtar Singh / Christian Fletcher / Shinghen Narahasi / Krishnaveni / Vincent Poovaraagan / Kalifullah Khan / Balaram Naidu)
Love Aaj Kal - Saif Ali Khan (Jai Vardhan Singh /Veer Singh)
Kaminey - Shahid Kapur (Charlie / Guddu) What's Your Rashee - Priyanka Chopra (Anjali/Jhankana/Chandrika/Vishakha/Mallika/Hansa/Kajal/Pooja/Rajni/ Nandini/Bhavna/Sanjana) 2010: Be Positive No Entry 2 (Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan) List of Actors who have played Double/Multiple Roles at least Two times: Amitabh Bachchan (13): Bandhe Haath - 1973 Adalat - 1976 Don - 1978 Kasme Vaade - 1978 The Great Gambler - 1979 Desh Premee - 1982 Satte Pe Satta - 1982 Mahaan - 1983 [Triple role] Aakhree Raasta - 1986 Toofan - 1989 Bade Miyan Chote Miyan - 1998 Lal Baadshah - 1999 Suryavansham - 1999 Govinda (10): Jaan Se Pyaraa - 1992 Aankhen - 1993 Hathkadi - 1995 Chhote Sarkar - 1996 Bade Miyan Chote Miyan - 1998 Anari No.1 - 1999 Hadh Kar Di Aapne - 2000 [Six Roles] Waah! Tera Kya Kehna - 2002 Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen - 2005 Sandwich - 2006 Rajesh Khanna (10): Raaz - 1967 Aradhana - 1969 Sachaa Jhuta - 1970 Humshakal - 1974 Maha Chor - 1976 Mehbooba - 1976 {Reincarnation} Bhola Bhala - 1978 Kudrat - 1981 {Reincarnation} Dharam Aur Kanoon - 1984 Hum Dono- 1985 Dharmendra (9): Izzat - 1968 Yakeen - 1969 Samadhi - 1972 Gazab - 1982 Jeene Nahin Doonga - 1984 Jhutha Sach - 1984 Shehzaade - 1989 Paap Ki Aandhi - 1991 Jeeo Shaan Se - 1997 [Triple role] Kader Khan (9): Ghar Sansar - 1986 Dariya Dil - 1988 Umar 55 Ki Dil Bachpan Ka - 1992 Aankhen - 1993 Main Khiladi Tu Anari - 1994 Pehla Pehla Pyar - 1994 [Five roles] The Don - 1995 [Triple Role] Bade Miyan Chotey Miyan - 1998 Akhiyon Se Goli Maare - 2002 Mithun Chakraborty (8): Aamne Samne - 1982 Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki - 1984 Rakta Bandhan - 1984 Param Dharam - 1987 Bees Saal Baad - 1988 {Reincarnation} Jallaad - 1995 Rangbaaz - 1996 Hatyara - 1998 Dilip Kumar (6): Azaad - 1955 Madhumati - 1958 {Reincarnation} Ram Aur Shyam - 1967 Dastaan - 1972 Bairaag - 1976 [Triple role] Qila - 1998 Sanjeev Kumar (6): Naya Din Nayi Raat - 1974 [Nine Roles] Vishwasghat - 1977 Tumhare Liye - 1978 Biwi O Biwi - 1981 Ladies Tailor - 1981 Angoor - 1982 Sridevi (6): Chaalbaaz - 1989 Banjaran - 1991 {Reincarnation} Lamhe - 1991 Khuda Gawah - 1992 Gurudev - 1993 Guru - 1980 (Tamil/Telugu) Hema Malini (5): Aansoo Aur Muskan - 1970 Seeta Aur Geeta - 1972 Mehbooba - 1976 {Reincarnation} Bandish - 1980 Kudrat - 1981 {Reincarnation} Rishi Kapoor (5): Rahi Badal Gaye - 1985 Janam Janam - 1988 {Reincarnation} Banjaran - 1991 {Reincarnation} Bol Radha Bol - 1992 Karobaar - 2000 Shahrukh Khan (5): Karan Arjun - 1995 {Reincarnation} English Babu Desi Mem - 1996 [Triple role] Duplicate - 1998 Don - 2006 Om Shanti Om - 2008 {Reincarnation} Akshay Kumar (4): Jai Kishan - 1994 Aflatoon - 1997 Khiladi 420 - 2000 8x10 Tasveer - 2009 Anil Kapoor (4): Yudh - 1985 Ghar Ho To Aisa - 1990 Kishen Kanhaiya - 1990 Bulandi - 2000 Johnny Lever (4): Judge Mujrim - 1997 Achanak - 1998 [Triple Role] Soldier - 1998 Hadh Kar Di Aapne - 2000 Mehmood (4): Main aur Mera Bhai - 1961 Humjoli - 1970 [Triple Role] Do Phool - 1973 Pocket Maar - 1974 Salman Khan (4): Suryavanshi - 1992 Karan Arjun - 1995 {Reincarnation} Judwaa - 1997 Heroes - 2008 Ajay Devgan (3): Gair - 1999 Hindustan Ki Kasam - 1999 Deewane - 2000 Asrani (3): Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar - 1973 Bidaai - 1974 Shera - 1999 Jackie Shroff (3): Allah Rakha - 1986 Dil Hi To Hai - 1992 Bandish - 1996 Jeetendra (3): Jaise Ko Taisa - 1973 Meri Aawaz Suno - 1981 Singhasan - 1986 Kajol (3): Hamesha - 1997 {Reincarnation} Dushmun - 1998 Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi - 2001 Rajendra Kumar (3): Akeli Mat Jaiyo - 1963 Jhuk Gaya Aasman - 1968 Gora Aur Kala - 1972 Sadhana (3): Woh Kaun Thi - 1964 Mera Saya - 1966 Geeta Mera Naam - 1974 Deepika Padukone (2): Om Shanti Om - 2007 Chandni Chowk To China - 2009 Hrithik Roshan (2): Kaho Na Pyaar Hai - 2000 Krrish - 2006 Mala Sinha (2): Maryada - 1971 Do Ladkiyan - 1976 Nutan (2): Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya - 1966 Milan -1967 {Reincarnation} Patience Cooper (2): Patni Pratap - 1923 Kashmiri Sundari - 1925 Rajiv Kapoor (2): Aasmaan - 1984 Lover Boy - 1985 Rajnikanth (2): John Jani Janardhan - 1984 Gair Kaanooni - 1989 Reena Roy (2): Milap - 1972 {Reincarnation} Ladies Tailor - 1981 Shammi Kapoor (2): China Town - 1962 Chhote Sarkar - 1974 Sharmila Tagore (2): An Evening In Paris - 1967 Mausam - 1975 Shatrughan Sinha (2): Milap - 1972 {Reincarnation} Kalicharan - 1976 Sunil Dutt (2): Milan - 1967 {Reincarnation} Laila - 1984 Sunil Shetty (2): Gopi Kishan - 1994 Judge Mujrim - 1997 Madhuri Dixit (1): Sangeet - 1992
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 I didn’t know slapping had powerful impact until my friend related his experiences. And why won’t it be powerful and memorable experience when he has been occasionally at receiving end. It has left an imprint on his memory that can never be erased. Let me relate it in his own words:  HE: Life was beautiful until mom told that any girl slapping me first time today will be my life partner. I was very happy. I wouldn’t really mind being slapped once, I thought. A soft hand will slap softly. On that day, I did get slapped but that left a gap between my teeth that can never be filled. The gap in life is still unfulfilled. ME: OMG! How cruel. HE: No, that’s alright. I didn’t mind neither being slapped or losing teeth. But the girl walked away. She was just practising her karate shot. When I asked her about marriage, she gave me the royal black belt treatment. I then forgot about marriage. I learnt East to West face swing and back. My neck does a 180 degrees swing in a jiffy. ME: Sad, very sad. And I thought girls were gentle by nature and handling. But she handed you a heavy dose.  HE: That was nothing. The next one thought my cheek was like another hand and she wanted to clap. She gave me such a tight one that for days people thought I had grown a tomato on my right cheek. Mom actually wanted to pluck it. Like Spiderman or Batman, I became a Tomatoman. ME: Interesting. Very interesting. HE: It would have been interesting were it not painful. Then there was another girl, who thought my cheek was as cushiony as Dunlop pillow and she wanted to land her hand on it. Except the landing was not smooth. It slipped to my lips and for days I had to believe in ‘mum’ to be the word. I could hardly open my mouth. My lips were sealed. ME: That was very cute. Only a kiss can seal lips but she sealed yours with her hands. Wow. HE: She was a boxing champion. If I only knew it earlier. ME: Oh! How could she do that to you? Life is not a boxing ring when you could have ended in giving her a wedding ring.  HE: No, never. I shudder to think of my rest of the life. One of the girls sat on my lap and was interested in making a world map on my face. Before she could do that, she took a cat nap and I escaped. ME: That was too mean. But you did enjoy when she sat on your lap. HE: You crazy! She was a wrestling champion. I almost crumpled under her weight. Thank God she fell asleep soon or else I could imagine being slapped hard and fast. ME: Poor guy! You never met a straight girl. HE: What do you mean? All these girls were “straight”. They were not gay or lesbians. You are nuts! ME: I am sorry. By straight, I meant normal.  HE: Normal! I am still figuring that out. I forgot to tell you about that rock star. She went on a date with me and started playing rap on my cheeks. She was giving a live performance throughout the evening. By the time I reached home, my face was bloated up as if bees had stung me. For days I couldn’t open my eyes. ME: That’s terrible, too terrible. I wish no one undergoes such an experience on his date. HE: No, never. It was too humiliating. To get beaten up and still end up paying the bill. But there was no way out. I was the perfect gentleman. Except she was no pretty woman. ME: How I wish I could do something for you on this front. Did you end up finding the dream ‘slap’ woman as your mom predicted? HE: I almost did. She was exactly how I had always dreamt of my dream woman. Except she liked to tap me everywhere on my face. So much so, my nose started free flowing like a tap. I didn’t mind that too. But her pooch wished to wrap his tail around me. She liked that. I protested. She could wrap herself around me but not her dog. She was upset and tapped me hard on my head. That left me zapped. She left. I finally came to my senses. ME: That was equally bad. But how did you come to your senses? Were you not in your senses till then?  HE: You are right for once. I have realized I am quite merry being a bachelor than be slapped to marry.
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 Raadhe the boy of Tere Naam (2003) has grown into Raadhe (or Rajbir Shekhawat) the man in Wanted (2009). The former could take the beating from the goons but now Raadhe is a cold blooded no-nonsensical killer. He kills like swatting the flies. There is no remorse. He has no time to think even.
He simply minces meat and makes keema (for the festive season). He has prepared the dish and the guests are invited. The viewers don’t disappoint as they take sumptuous bites after being ravenously hungry for a month (not only fasting sillies but for lack of major releases past four weeks.) Goons (even a cop) swoon over goris and guns go chitty chitty bang bang. Who cares except our hero Salman. He is out to safeguard the underprivileged especially women, children and the senior citizens. (Next stop for him is to become a politico.)  If a killer can do social service, what about the respectable citizens of India? So the story begins with the police Commissioner Ashraf Khan (Govind Namdeo) pledging to clean Mumbai of goons and bloodshed. And his most wanted list is topped by Raadhe, who is wanted by cops and goons alike. He is wanted by his love interest (Ayesha Takia) too. Poor gori doesn’t guess that Sallu Miyan is a killer. Here Sallu has competition from lecherous cop Talpade (Mahesh Manjrekar), who too desires the lollypop. But before Sallu in love, Talpade is gir pade. Raadhe’s boss is Gani Bhai (Prakash Raj) but Raadhe works for money bhai. He has no affiliation or loyalty to any one except money. He sums up Gani Bhai with being a “B grade villain” looker.  Fighting and killing is a child’s play to him. But he is unlike any other goon. So much so that a goon says, “ Dikhne mein to tu hero lagta hai.” How else can Sallu look? His looks and dress ups betray his killer (!) role. But then the killer Khan kills with his looks every time he appears. His friends call him, “ Rocky ka baap, Terminator ka nana”. (Wish Stallone and Schwarzenegger take that as a compliment.) When the goons and cops alike are behind Raadhe, what does he do? Radhe simply retaliates for he knows attack is the best defence. The climax is truly a killer. The movie belongs to Salman. For there is nothing much to this tapori turned killer flick Judwaa part 2. Salman fills the screen. He carries the movie on his able shoulders. That is enough. So forget about the story. Now a days all movies are a rip off of earlier local flicks or Hollywood’s. Only the treatment is Indian. Wanted too seems to be floated from the Parisian flick Banlieue 13 (2004). OK, ok. It has been reported to be a rip off of Tamil/Telugu Pokkiri (Rogue, Rowdy, 2007).  With no storyline to boast off, what is the USP of Wanted? Who else but Salman. The guy sitting next to me in the multiplex is a fan of Aamir Khan but after Ghajini he came to watch this flick. He too ended up repeating the dialogs, “ Ek baar main commitment kar doon phir main apni bhi nahin sunta”. (Cheers.) Action is top of the class. Cinematography is superb. Storyline is strictly OK. Songs are OK too but Jalwa is hummable with Govinda, Anil and Prabhu Deva jiving along. Dialogs especially have been written to be quoted again and again. The movie is for anyone looking for mind-blowing action and entertainment. For 180 minutes, it is paisa vasool stuff. Last week another gangsta flick Baabarr had released. There was no curiosity and no excitement. This week it is another scenario with Wanted.  Salman has faithfully delivered hits almost every alternate year: 1989: Maine Pyaar Kiya
1991: Sanam Bewafa, Saajan
1994: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
1995: Karan Arjun
1996: Jeet
1998: Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Bandhan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
1999: Biwi No 1, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
2002: Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam
2003: Baghban
2005: Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, No Entry
2007: Partner This year is no different. With each passing year he is looking fitter, younger and handsomer. Over 20 years in Bollywood, the style Khan has come a long way baby. And there is much fire left to make him go great guns. More loudly than the ones in Wanted. Suffice it to say there is one and only Salman Khan. This week belongs to him even though two other releases are there. The movie is bound to break a few records going by the crowds at the multiplex. With Eid around the corner, it will open floodgates for the remaining viewers starved for entertainment for a month. That will be something, eh!  No problem here. For this month, maan na maan, Salman hamara mehmaan. Jeeyo Salman. It’s time for celebration for the festival and the hit alike. So eat seviyan double time. Enjoy!
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                   Well, well. Priyanka Chopra is certainly hogging the limelight and news headlines with her playing 12 characters distinctly in a single movie What’s Your Rashi. That’s a first in the world and this unique feat is headed for Guinness record entry. Priyanka should be lauded for playing 12 characters that must have been quite a task – like combining 12 movies in one. Simply say it is 12-in-1. But actors playing multiple roles in the same movie is nothing new both in Bollywood and Hollywood. When movies were just beginning to be made in the 1900s, it was the era of black & white silent films. Men played the characters of the women too as the latter weren’t allowed to work in the bad world of movies. The conservatism slowly paved the way for women’s entry and look what Priyanka has done now. The maximum characters played in a single movie is world record 27 in numbers. That was in Hollywood. Except for 7, 8 and 11 roles, Bollywood has done it all from 1 – 12. Of course single roles are common. Double roles are getting as common as single roles and triple roles too are gaining in prominence. The rule of quantity rules here. Quality takes the back seat. Multiple roles are both disguise-wise and character-wise. Hindi cinema came into existence only in 1899 and Hollywood in 1910. So, compare how it was then and now. From black & white, silent, all-men flicks to today’s is a long journey. Let’s see how Hindi films fare in multiple character feat. 1. Single All movies 2. Double Anna Salunke (189? - ?) – Lanka Dahan (1917) Shahu Modak (1918 – 1993) – Awara Shahzada (1932) Salman Khan – Judwaa (1997) Shahid Kapur – Kaminey (2009) 3. Triple Madhubala (1933 – 1969) – Phagun (1958) Vyjayantimala Bali (1936) – Madumati (1958) I S Johar (1920 – 1984) – Johnny Mera Naam (1970) Mehmood (1932 – 2004) – Hamjoli (1970) Dilip Kumar (1922) – Bairaag (1976) Amitabh Bachchan – Mahaan (1983) Kader Khan – The Don (1995) Mithun Chakraborty – Rangbaaz (1996) Shahrukh Khan – English Babu Desi Mem (1996) Dharmendra – Jeeo Shaan Se (1997) Johnny Lever – Achaanak (1998) Himesh Reshammiya – Tidwa (2010) 4. Tetra/Quadra Lakshimikant Berde – Trinetra (1991) 5. Penta/Quinta Kishore Kumar (1929 – 1987) – Badti Ka Naam Dadhi (1974) Kader Khan – Pehla Pehla Pyaar (1994) Madhuri Dixit – Gajagamini (2000) 6. Hexa Govinda – Had Kardi Aapne (2000) Rahul Bose – Maan Gaye Mughale Azam (2008) 7. Septa Eric Idle (1943) – Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975, Hollywood) 8. Octa Adolf Dymsza (1900 – 1975)– Sprawa Do Zalatweinia (1953, Polish) Alec Guinness (1914 – 2000) – Kind Hearts And Coronets (1949) 9. Nona Sanjeev Kumar (1938 – 1985) – Naya Din Nayi Raat (1974) 10. Deca Kamal Hassan – Dashavatar (2008 Tamil; 2009 Hindi dub) 11. Hende/Unde Robert Hirsch (1925) – Pas Question Le Samedi (Impossible/No Questions On Saturday, 1965, French) 12. Duode Priyanka Chopra – What’s Your Rashee (2009) 14. Joseph Henabery (1888 - 1976) – Birth Of A Nation (1915) 24. Henry William George Lupino or Lupino Lane (1892 – 1959) – Only Me (1929) 27. Rolf Leslie (189? - ?) – Sixty Years A Queen (1913, London, UK) I am just wishing and waiting if someone would play 50 or 100 (centa) roles in a single movie. That may be difficult (but not impossible) considering 27 roles have already been played as early as 1913 in Hollywood. Wish Bollywood overtakes it in number game. You are welcome to add to this list in all categories except single and double (they are a long list). Only Bollywood please. Hollywood is already done.
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Bozo, my dog has always been an arch enemy of my cat Billo. But there have been subtle changes in his attitude recently. He even proposed to her. But she was not relenting. Finally she told him that he had to answer her questions correctly for her to decide on the matter. So, here it goes: Billo: Why do you bury your bones in the ground? Bozo: Cuz I can’t bury them in the trees. B: Good. Now, the next one. Why do you wag your tail? B: Cuz no one else will do it for me. B: Hmm. Why don’t you speak to your foot? B: Cuz it’s not polite to talk back to your paw. B: I am suitably impressed. So, which is your favourite city? B: New Yorkie. B: Who is your favourite comedian? B: Growlche Marx. B: Umm. Umm. You come across intelligent. Do you email? B: No, I pee-mail. B: What will you do if it rains cats and dogs? B: I will step in a poodle. B: I am surprised that you never went to school. What if I wish to eat a dog (you)? B: You can eat a hot dog. B: What’s your favourite food? B: Anything that’s on your plate. B: Bad, bad. I won’t allow that. Tell me, why do you need a license whereas cats don’t? B: Silly, it’s simple. Cats can’t drive. B: Heavens1 Is that so! Tell me, when will you say meow? B: When I will learn a foreign language. B: Good. Very good. One final question. What would you do if you fell in a swimming pool? B: Obviously. I would get wet. B: No, you will never go to swimming pool as I don’t like water. Promise me this. B: I make my solemn promise. I will never get wet. Bozo’s answer acted as a catalyst. Their puppy love blossomed. Soon they sent catalogs (wedding invites) to all. They went on their honeymoon on a catamaran. There are no more catastrophes or catcalls. And there is no catch here. As they fall in the same category. They cater to each other. She goes for catwalks. He minds the cattle. He copycats. She likes him more. And they both lived happily ever after.
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This is a well-known fact. Although Hollywood came into being only in 1910 and Bollywood existed since 1899 (exactly 11 years earlier), still Hindi movies end up as a copy of English movies. The directors say they were ‘inspired’ or whatever from the original, the fact remains they are plagiarised, pirated copies of the original. Its no wonder that Bollywood is the producer of largest number of movies (800 a year) in the world.
The name Bollywood itself is a copy of Hollywood. It is right to say Bollywood make for excellent copycats. You will be surprised to know that the movies you hoot for and whistle at in the theatres are mere copies adapted to Hindi cinema. There is no creativity involved except the art of adaptation that is something to marvel at. The Hindi movies neither acknowledge nor credit the original English movie. And that is gross. Shame upon these uplifters or copiers. Don’t we have good writers and ideas or is it convenient to copy as one needn’t worry about copyright laws? It is like pre-prepared halwa just ready to eat. There are no ethics involved. Just cut, copy and paste (make). Everything is copied – be it a well-known play or novel or a movie. If it can be copied then why not? Even Cantonese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish movies have been blatantly copied. And it not the small production houses, who copy. Even the biggest in the industry resort to copying. The biggest of heroes and heroines act in them. The only Hindi movie copied to English is Meera Nair’s take on Sanjay Dutt’s popular Munna Bhai series (which itself is copied from Patch Adams) called Munnabhai MBBS Gangster MD. She is a NRI director and not exactly a Hollywood one. Of course there are reports that two Hindi film and a Bengali script were made in English movies: Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957) - Dirty Dozen (1967) Bankubabur Bandhu (sci-fi story 1962; script 1967) - The Alien (1967, cancelled); Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977); ET The Extra Terrestrial (1982); Koi...Mil Gaya (2004) The Burning Train (1980) - The Runaway Ttrain (1985) Even Hollywood make movies from other languages but they acknowledge and get the copyright. I could find the following Hindi movies copied from the English movies. I am sure you will know many others. Just fill in the gaps. Remember to see the original and not the pirated version. It can be seen each year the copying is increasing. Copying is of course like a back handed compliment. The good news is Hollywood has woken up to this plagiarism and has taken legal action as can be seen from Ravi Chopra. Warner Bros and novelist Barbara Taylor Redford too have resorted to legal action In Mumbai courts. Now, Bolly copycats BEWARE! Even the Indian TV shows are plagiarised from the West: KBC - Who Wants To Be A Millionare ?
Kya Aap Pancchvi Paas Se Tez Ho - Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader ?
Dus Ka Dum - Power Of 10
Indian Idol - American Idol
Bigg Boss - Big Brother
Karishma Ka Karishma - Small Wonder Copy from one, it’s plagiarism; copy from many, it’s research ! Whoa! These plagiarised Hindi films are copied much earlier to reach the market as pirated CDs. And the producers cry that they 'suffer' losses (!) and they will take action against the pirated CDs. Just shows, what goes around comes around. In 2003, Boom's CDs were released in the maket a week earlier. The movie suffered heavy losses but that is another story. The pirated CDs do a roaring business coming from Dubai and Pakistan. From Hollywood to Bollywood to CDwood is big bucks albeit via copycat route. The following list is just the tip of the iceberg. May better sense prevail over Bollywood. We have such a large population. Isn’t it time we found creative writers with originality and ideas. They will infuse breath of fresh air and over take copycats. Let’s hope for the better. 2010 (1) Firoz Nadiadwala’s untitled movie – The Hangover (2009) 2009 (12) YMI – Crash (2005) Wanted - Pokkiri (2007, Tamil) Tere Sang – Juno (2007) Paa – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008) Dil Bole Hadippa – She’s The Man (2006) Dashavataar - Dasavatharam (2008, Tamil) Daddy Cool – Death At A Funeral (2007) Blue - Into The Blue (2005), The Fast And The Furious (2001), Torque (2004) Billu Barber - Kuselan (2008, Tamil) Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai – My Cousin Vinny (1992) Agyaat – The Blair Witch Project (1999) 3 Idiots - Five Point Someone: What Not To Do At IIT (2004, Chetan Bhagat novel) 2008 (35) Yuvraaj – Rainman (1988) Via Darjeeling – Rashomon (1950) U Me Aur Hum – The Notebook (2004); A Moment To Remember (2004, South Korean movie based on a 2001 Japanese television drama Pure Soul) Ugly Aur Pagli – My Sassy Girl (2008); The Bizarre Girl (2001, South Korean) Sunday – Anukokunda Oka Roju (2005, Telugu) Sorry Bhai – Dan In Real Life (2007) Singh Is Kinng – Miracles (1989) Shaurya – A Few Good Men (1992) Ru Ba Ru – If Only (2004) Race – Goodbye Lover (1998) One Two Three – Blame It On The Bellboy (1992) Mission Istanbul – The Firm (1993, movie; 1991, John Grisham novel) Mere Baap Pehle Aap – Ishtam (2001, Malayalam) Maharathi – Maharathi (1987, Gujarati play) Krazzy 4 – The Dream Team (1989) Kismat Connection – Just My Luck (2006) Kidnap – Shattered (1991) Karzzzz – Karz (1980, Hindi) Hijack – Die Hard (1988) Heroes – The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) Hello – One Night @ The Call Center (2005, Chetan Bhagat novel) Hari Puttar: A Comedy Of Terrors – Home Alone (1990), Harry Potter (2001) Golmaal Returns – Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973, Hindi) God Tussi Great Ho – Bruce Almighty (2003) Ghajini – Memento (2000) Ek The Power Of One – Athadu (2005, Telugu); Wanted (2008, English) Dostana – I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry (2007) Don Muthuswami – Oscar (1991) Dil Kabaddi – Husbands And Wives (1992) De Taali – Totti Gang (2003, Telugu) Dasvidaniya – The Bucket List (2007) Bachna Ae Hasino – John Tucker Must Die (2006); Teen Deviyan (1965) Anamika – Rebecca (1940) Aamir - Cavite (2005, Philipino movie) 1920 – The Exorcist (1973); The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005)
2007 (18) Welcome – Mickey Blue Eyes (1999) The Train - Derailed (2005) Tara Rum Pum - Days of Thunder (1990); Life Is Beautiful (1997, La vita e bella, Italian) Speed – Cellular (2004) Salaam-E-Ishq – Love Actually (20030 Raqeeb - Murder By Natural Causes (1979) Partner – Hitch (2005) Om Shanti Om - The Reincarnation Of Peter Proud (1975) Nishabd – Lolita (1962) Naqaab - Dot The I (2003) Manorama Six Feet Under – Chinatown (1974) Life In A…Metro – The Apartment (1960) Heyy Babyy – Three Men And A Baby (1987); Trois Hommes Et Un Couffin (1985, French) Fool n Final – Snatch (2000) Dhamaal – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966, Italian il buono il brutto il cattivo); It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963); Mr Bean (1990 – 95) Chak De India – Miracle (2004) Bheja Fry – Diner de cons (1998) Awarapan – A Bittersweet Life (2005) 2006 (18) Zinda - Oldboy (2003, Korean) The Killer - Reservoir Dogs (1992), Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Collateral (2004) Taxi No. 9211 – Changing Lanes (2002) Tathastu - John Q (2002) Shaadi Se Pehle - Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi (1979) Rang De Basanti - All My Sons (1948); Jesus de Montreal (1989) Phir Hera Pheri – Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998) Omkara – Othello (c. 1603, W. Shakespeare’s play) Naksha - The Rundown (2003) Malamaal Weekly – Waking Ned (1998) Krrish - Paycheck (2003) I See You – Just Like Heaven (2005) Humko Deewana Kar Gaye – Notting Hill (1999) Fight Club: Members Only - Fight Club (1999) Bas Ek Pal – Carne Tremula (1997) Alag – Powder (1995) Aap Ki Khatir – The Wedding Date (2003) 36 China Town - Once Upon a Crime (1992) 2005 (21) Zeher – Out Of Time (2003) Sauda: The Deal - Indecent Proposal (1993) Sarkar - The Godfather (1972) Salaam Namaste - Nine Months (1995) Naina – The Eye (2002) Mr Ya Miss - Hot Chic (2002) Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya – Cactus Flower (1969) Main Aisa Hi Hoon - I Am Sam (2001) Kyun Ki...- One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) Khamoshh...Khauff Ki Raat - (2003) Jurm – Double Jeopardy (1999) Garam Masala – Boeing Boeing (1965) Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina – Confidence (2003) Ek Ajnabee - Man On Fire (2004) Deewane Huye Paagal - There is Something About Mary (1998) Dansh - Death and the Maiden (1994) Chocolate: Deep Dark Secrets - The Usual Suspects (1995) Bunty Aur Babli – Bonnie And Clyde (1967) Bluffmaster – Matchstick Men (2005) Black – The Miracle Worker (1962, 2000) Bachke Rehna Re Baba – Heartbreakers (1984, 2001) 2004 (15) Taarzan: The Wonder Car - Christine (1983) Swades: We The People - Chigurida Kanasu (2003, Kannada) Shukriya: Till Death Do Us Part – Meet John Doe (1941), Meet Joe Black (1998) Plan – Suicide Kings (1997) Phir Milenge – Philadelphia (1993) Musafir – U-Turn (1997) Murder - Unfaithful (2002) Mujhse Shaadi Karogi – Anger Management (2003); Meet The Parents (2000) Masti - The Seven Year Itch (1955) Hum Tum - When Harry Met Sally (1989) Hum Kaun Hai? - The Others (2001) Dhoom - The Fast and the Furious (2001); Ocean's Eleven (2001) Aitraaz – Disclosure (1994) Aetbaar – Fear (1996) Aabra Ka Dabra - Harry Potter (2001) 2003 (15) Saaya – Dragonfly (2002) Raghu Romeo - Atame! (1990, Spanish, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down) Qayamat: City Under Threat - The Rock (1996) Paap – Witness (1985) Munnabhai MBBS – Patch Adams (1998) Maqbool – Macbeth (W. Shakespeare’s play, 1611 - 12) Kucch To Hai - I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) Koi... Mil Gaya – Singin’ In The Rain (1952); E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982); Rain Man (1988); Forrest Gump (1994) Karishma: A Miracle Of Destiny (Sahara TV Serial) – A Woman Of Substance (1979, Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel) Jism - Body Heat (1981) Inteha – Fear (1996) Footpath – State Of Grace (2003) Ek Din 24 Ghante - Lola Rennt (1998, German, Run Lola Run) Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai - Meet the Parents (2000), Father Of The Bride (1950, 1991) 3 Deewarein - The Shawshank Redemption (1994) 2002 (11) Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai - American Pie (1999) Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai - My Best Friends Wedding (1997) Raaz - What Lies Beneath (2000) Kehta Hai Dil Baar Baar - Meet The Parents (2000) Kaante - Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Reservoir Dogs (1992), The Usual Suspects (1995) Humraaz – A Perfect Murder (1998) Hum Kisise Kam Nahin - Analyse This (1999) Deewangee - Primal Fear (1996) Company - Training Day (2001) Chor Machaaye Shor - Blue Streak (1999); Gol Maal (1979) Ek Chhoti Si Love Story – A Short Film About Love (1998), Malena (2000) Awara Paagal Deewana - The Whole Nine Yards (2000) 2001 (6) Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya – Fatal Attraction (1987) Lagaan – Victory (1981) Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta - Liar Liar (1997) Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi - The Parent Trap (1998) Kasoor – Jagged Edge (1985) Ajnabee - Consenting Adults (1992) 2000 (7) Mohabbatein - Dead Poets Society (1989) Karobaar: The Business of Love - Indecent Proposal (1993) Kahin Pyaar Naa Ho Jaaye – The Wedding Singer (1998) Josh - West Side Story (1961) Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega – While You Were Sleeping (1995) Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke – A Walk In The Clouds (1995) Bichhoo - Léon (1994) 1999 (4) Sangharsh - Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Mann - An Affair To Remember (1957); Love Affair (1994) Kartoos - Point of No Return (1993) Baadshah - Nick Of Time (1995), The Mask (1994), Rush Hour (1998), Mr. Nice Guy (1997) 1998 (4)
Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha – French Kiss (1995) Ghulaam – On The Waterfront (1954) Dushman – Eye For An Eye (1996) Chachi 420 - Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) 1997 (2) Judwaa - Shuang Long Hui (1992, Cantonese, The Twin Dragons); Comedy of Errors (W Shakespeare’s play, 1592 -94) Deewana Mastana – Dumb And Dumber (1994); What About Bob? (1991) 1996 (3) Papi Gudia - Child's Play (1988) Fareb - Unlawful Entry (1992) Agni Sakshi; Daraar - Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) 1995 (5) Yaarana - Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) Sauda - Indecent Proposal (1993); The Deal (2005) Rangeela – Win A Date With Tad Hamilton (2004) Criminal - The Fugitive (1993) Akele Hum Akele Tum - Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) 1994 (3) Yeh Dillagi – Sabrina (1954, 1995) Main Khiladi Tu Anari – The Hard Way (1991), Lethal Weapon (1987) Eena Meena Deeka - Three Fugitives (1989) 1993 (4) Khalnaaika – The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (1992) Hum Hain Kamaal Ke - See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) Baazigar - A kiss before dying (1991) Anmol - Cinderella (1950) 1992 (3) Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar – Breaking Away (1979) Ek Ladka Ek Ladki – Overboard (1987) Chamatkaar – Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968) 1991 (4) Pyaar Ka saaya – Ghost (1990) Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin - It Happened One Night (1934) Bhabhi - Sau Dada Sasu Na (1985, Gujarati movie) Akayla - Cobra (1986) 1990 (2)
Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaayen – The Rainmaker (1956) Agneepath – Scarface (1983) 1989 (2) Parinda - On The Waterfront (1954); Underworld USA (1961) Main Azaad Hoon - Meet John Doe (1941) 1988 (4) Zalzala - Mackenna's Gold (1969) Tezaab – Streets Of Fire (1988) Maalamaal - Millions (1985). Khoon Bhari Maang – Return To Eden (1983) 1986 (2) Jaanbaaz - Duel in the Sun (1946) Ek Ruka Hua Faisla – 12 Angry Men (1957) 1985 (1) Aitbaar – Dial M For Murder 1984 (1) Lakhon Ki Baat - The Fortune Cookie (1966) 1983 (1) Masoom - Man, Woman and Child (novel 1980, movie 1983) 1982 (1) Satte Pe Satta - Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954, 1982) 1981 (1) Shaukeen – Boys’ Night Out (1962) 1980 (3) The Burning Train - Shinkansen Daibakuha (1975, The Bullet Train; Japanese); The Towering Inferno (1974) Man Pasand – My Fair Lady (1964) Karz – The Reincarnation Of Peter Proud (1975) 1978 (1) Khatta Meetha – With Six you Get Eggroll (1968) 1975 (3) Sholay – Seven Samurai (1954, Japanese); For A Few Dollars More (1965), The Magnificent Seven (1960); Once Upon A Time In The West (1968, Italian, C’era una volt ail West) Rafoo Chakkar – Some Like It Hot (1959) Dharmatma – Godfather (1972) 1973 (3) Namak Haram – Becket (1964) Khotey Sikkay – The Magnificent Seven (1960) Abhimaan – A Star is Born (1954)
1972 (1) Parichay - The Sound of Music (1965) 1969 (1) Aradhana – To Each His Own (1946) 1965 (1) Gumnaam – Ten Little Indians (movie 1965, Agatha Christie novel And Then There Were None, 1945) 1964 (1) Kohraa – Rebecca (movie 1940, novel 1938) 1956 (1) Chori Chori (Raj Kapoor, Nargis) - It Happened One Night (1934)
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If there are Bollycats then there are Hollycats too. And the best known directors of Hollywood – Robert Aldrich, Steven Spielberg and Andrei Konchalovsky - have plagiarised Bolly flicks. Of course there is concrete factual proof that two Hindi films and a Bengali script were plagiarised to make English movies: The worst part is these Hollywood directors neither acknowledged nor credited the Bolly flicks. Raj Kapoor-Nargis starrer Chori Chori (1956) was a copy of Holly flick It Happened One Night (1934). That was roughly the beginning of plagiarism in Bollywood. The very next year Hollycats pounced on Bolly flicks. Read the following story and know it cuts both ways. 1. Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957) – The Dirty Dozen (1967) The film was inspired by the story of an 'open-prison' experiment in the princely state of Oundh near Pune, which was recounted by screenwriter G. D. Madgulkar to V. Shantaram. The Dirty Dozen (TDD) itself is believed to have been inspired by the 1957 Hindi film, Do Aankhen Barah Haath (DABH). Bobby Sing writes: 12 convicts are demanded by an officer for an experiment in which he wishes to transform them into good and well mannered citizens. This is the theme of V. Shantaram’s self featured classic. In 1954, Akira Kurosawa made Seven Smaurai with a similar theme and may be V. Shantaram got the idea from the Japanese masterpiece & made Do Ankhen Barah Haath in 1957. But if we look at both closely then the Hindi Classic is quite different from Kurosawa’s film since there is no villain here to fight with. The 12 people are just turned into good citizens and well behaving farmers. In fact Hollywood in turn seems to be inspired from the Shantaram for their classic TDD a film made in 1967. In this again the convicts were taken and trained into military men. On the contrary DABH is more of an emotional flick with very soft and touchy sequences and no violence. The use of lighting, camerawork, dialogues and even the songs woven into the storyline is just fantastic. V. Shantaram as an actor is so cool, easy going and sober even in the most difficult scenes dealing with the convicts. Classics are always a source of inspiration, therefore famous Indian director; Subhash Ghai again reused this concept for his hit movie Karma (1986). The only difference is that in Karma there were only 3 convicts instead of 12. Students of media world and film-making should watch all these films together to understand how a director can use his own personal vision to come up with a completely different movie on an otherwise inspired theme. One of his famous and widely appreciated movies probably inspired Hollywood filmmakers too. A US Army Officer is assigned a duty to train 12 convicted murderers for a mass assassination mission. This is the plot for TDD a film made in 1967 directed by Robert Aldrich. Sounds very familiar to DABH made by V. Shantaram in 1957 which was exactly on the similar lines. Thought the English Classic is said to be based on a novel by E. M Natanson, which was published in the early sixties. But still Shantaram’s Classic came earlier than that in 1957. One argument in this context can be given that Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai was made in 1954, which may be the main inspiration source for both the above mentioned movies. It is quite possible, but in DABH, Shantaram made a significant contribution wherein the convicts were not fighting with anyone or saving any village from any dacoits. They were only being transformed to be good citizens by the officer. So a fresh new & socially relevant angle was there in the Indian masterpiece which may have also inspired the makers of TDD. In fact Subhash Ghai's Karma seems to be inspired from TDD, where the only difference is that in Karma there were only 3 convicts instead of 12. 2. Bankubabur Bandhu (sci-fi story 1962; script 1967) - The Alien (1967, cancelled); Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977); ET The Extra Terrestrial (1982); Koi...Mil Gaya (2004) According to Wikipedia: The Alien was an Indian-American science fiction film under production in the late 1960s which was eventually cancelled. It was being directed by the parallel Bengali film director Satyajit Ray and co-produced by Hollywood studio Columbia Pictures. The script was written by Ray in 1967, loosely based on Bankubabur Bandhu (Banku Babu's Friend or Mr. Banku's Friend), a Bengali science fiction story he had written in 1962 for Sandesh, the Ray family magazine, which gained popularity among Bengalis in the early 1960s. Bankubabur Bandhu was eventually adapted into a television movie by Satyajit Ray's son Sandip Ray alongside Koushik Sen in 2006. The Alien had Columbia Pictures as producer for this planned US-India co-production, and Peter Sellers and Marlon Brando acting in lead roles. However, Ray was surprised to find that the script he had written had already been copyrighted and the fee appropriated by Mike Wilson (Ray's representative in Hollywood). Wilson had copyrighted the script as co-writer, despite not being involved in any way in its creation. Marlon Brando later dropped out of the project and though an attempt was made to bring James Coburn in his place, Ray became disillusioned and returned to Calcutta. Columbia expressed interest in reviving the project several times in the 70s and 80s but nothing came of it. When the New Hollywood film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was produced in 1982 by the same company that had contracted with Ray in 1967, many, including Arthur C. Clarke, saw striking similarities in the movie to Ray's earlier script - Ray discussed the collapse of the project in a 1980 Sight & Sound feature, with further details revealed by Ray's biographer Andrew Robinson (in The Inner Eye, 1989). Ray believed that Steven Spielberg's film "would not have been possible without my script of The Alien being available throughout America in mimeographed copies." When the issue was raised by the press, Spielberg denied this claim and said "I was a kid in high school when his script was circulating in Hollywood." Star Weekend Magazine disputes Spielberg's claim, pointing out that he had graduated from high school in 1965 and began his career as a director in Hollywood back in 1969. Besides E.T., it is also believed that another earlier Spielberg film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), was also inspired by The Alien. The 2003 Bollywood film Koi... Mil Gaya, the first film of the Koi... Mil Gaya series directed by Rakesh Roshan, appears to be based on Satyajit Ray's The Alien. In particular, the film appears to parallel The Alien more closely than E.T. in that it revolves around a mental retard coming in contact with a friendly alien. In 2003, Satyajit Ray's son Sandip Ray began working on adapting Ray's original 1962 story Bankhubabur Bandhu into a Bengali television movie of the same name. The adapted film, directed by Koushik Sen, was eventually shown on television in India in 2006. This version is based on Ray's original story Bankhubabur Bandhu where the protagonist was a school teacher named Bankhu Babu, in contrast to his script for The Alien where the protagonist was a boy named Haba. 3. The Burning Train (1980) - The Runaway Train (1985) The film has similarities to the later Hollywood film TheRunaway Train (1985). Watch the ‘inspired’ and copied flick to know the truth.
The 1985 Oscar nominated film The Runaway Train (TRT, starring Jon Voight) gets its theme from The Burning Train (TBT).Watch this movie and check out for yourself. The only difference is the train ain’t burning (so its not a blatant copy) but the brakes have failed due to full throttle being jammed and the uncoupling of rear locomotives part; the police officer entering the train by a chopper like Danny tried in the Hindi TBT that has 'burning train' written all over it and yet we don’t go overboard shouting plagiarism with a capital P. Watch TBT again and then watch the English copy before you decide.
Imagine how many current Hollywood releases are copies of Bollywood. And this fact goes unnoticed as we are concentrating on Bollywood copying them and not the other way around.
Plagiarising creative works is intellectual theft and cheating. If Bollywood plagiarises, we call it a shame. So, if Hollywood plagiarises, do we call it any different?
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Yeah, Steven Spielberg (62) is the reigning king of plagiarism in Hollywood along with Columbia Pictures. He has made it into an art that is closely followed by many. Rightly he is the trend setter in plagiarism. It is said Spielberg is one of the most notorious practitioners of the fine art of taking credit where credit is not due. Dorothy Parker said, "The only 'ism' Hollywood believes in is plagiarism." To take this argument further it is said, you haven't arrived in Hollywood until you've been sued for plagiarism. Plagiarism is big business in Hollywood and they steal creative works from remote parts of he world. The original author remains ignorant of his work being copied. Rare few coming to know of it take the director producers to court to sue them. Then there is out of court settlement and life goes on. Plagiarise till you get caught and then settle the court case with millions made from the plagiarised movie. Whoa! CAVEAT: All writers! Hide your stories and scripts. Don’t post them over the Internet. You never know when these predators of the third kind will plagiarise them without acknowledging and you will ever remain ignorant about it. Get your works copyrighted. Spielberg now can be rightly called STEALberg. When a thief commits burglary in your house, what do you do – beat him up and hand him over to the cops? So what should be done with these plagiarists, who shamelessly steal and don’t consider it stealing- kick in the butt? Or shun their movies. The following is Speilberg’s Plagiarism Top 10 Movie List (a la Schnidler’s List ;-) ): 10. Old Boy, 2010 - Oldboy (Chan-wook Park film South Korean, 2003) 9. BEE MOVIE. 2007 Steve Hickner – Beebylon (Henrik Wallgren & Per Umaerus script, 2002) 8. DISTURBIA. 2005 D. J. Caruso – Rear Window (Cornell Woolrich story, Alfred Hitchcock film, 1954)
7. WHAT LIES BENEATH. 2000 Robert Zemeckis – (Peter Forde aka Gerhard Pieter Ferreira script)
6. CHICKEN RUN. 2000 Peter Lord & Nick Park – Escape From Cold Ditch (Alan Davidson, 1995)
5. AMISTAD. 1997 - Echo of Lions (Barbara Chase-Riboud's novel, 1988) 4. TORNADO. 1996 Noel Nossek - 4. TWISTER. 1996 Jan de Bont – Catch The Wind (Stephen Kessler screenplay, 1989)
3. ET: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL. 1982 – The Alien (Satyajit Ray script, 1969) 2. GREAT WHITE. 1981 Mark Princi – Catch The Wind (Stephen Kessler screenplay 1989)
1. JAWS. 1975 Steven Spielberg - Moby Dick (Herman Melville novel, 1851)
The following plagiarism list is by other directors. BIG FAT LIAR, 2000 Director: Shawn Levy – a satire on plagiarism DEATH RACE, 2008 Paul WS Anderson/Jeremy Bolt - Joust (Adam Stone script) YEAR OF THE DOG, 2007 Mike White – We’re All Animals (Laura Kightlinger script, 2002) KNOCKED UP, 2007 Judd Apatow - Knocked Up: Confessions of a Hip Mother-to-be (Rebecca Eckler non-fiction book, 2005) SYRIANA, 2006 Stephen Gaghan - (Stephanie Vergniault script, 2002) KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, 2005 Ridley Scott - Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade(James Reston Jr book, 2001) FINDING NEMO. 2003 Andrew Stanton - Pierrot Le Poisson Clown (Pascal Kamina children book, 1995) BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE. 2003 Adam Shankman – Amoral Dilemma (Mary Flaherty screenplay) ONE HOUR PHOTO. 2002 Mark Romanek – Magic Moments (John Wrathall short film, 1996) ENOUGH. 2002 Michael Apted – Even Exchange (Allyson Turner script) THE ANIMAL. 2001 Luke Greenfield – The Organ Donor FREQUENCY. 2000 Gregory Hoblit – Doubletime (Bill Selby script)
THE OMEGA CODE. 1999 James Cameron – The Omega Syndrome (Sylvia Fleener novel, 1997) LOST IN SPACE. 1998 Stephen Hopkins – Space Family Robinson (Ib Melchior script) VOLCANO. 1997 Mick Jackson – Magma Town (Aleksandar Skocajic script, 1994)
THE FULL MONTY. 1997 Peter Cattaneo – Ladies Night (Andrew McCarten & Stephen Sinclair, 1987)
DANTE'S PEAK. 1997 Roger Donaldson – Magma Town (Aleksandar Skocajic script, 1994) GROUNDHOG DAY. 1993 Harold Ramis – One Fine Day (Leon Arden, novel 1981)
LOOK WHOSE TALKING, 1989 Amy Heckerling – (screenplay, 1986) COMING TO AMERICA. 1988 John Landis – (Art Buchwald manuscript)
THE TERMINATOR. 1984 James Cameron – Soldier (Harlan Ellison story, 1964) GHOST BUSTERS. 1984 Ivan Reitman, Ray Parker Jr (theme song) – I Want A New Drug (Huey Lewis theme song) ALIEN. 1979 Ridley Scott – Discord In Scarlet (A E Van Vogt short story, 1939, Voyage Of The Space Beagle novel, 1950)
THE STING. 1973 George Roy Hill – (nonfiction book, 1941) THE GHOST SHIP. 1943 Val Lewton – The Ghost Ship (Samuel R Golding & Norbert Faulkner play)
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Category:
script
(It’s actually a spoof – script. It’s a dialogue between two cow friends.) Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Cow.
Cow, who?
Cows don't say who, cows say moo ! COW 2: OK! OK! Enough of silly jokes. How are you my dear? COW1: What do you call a grumpy old cow – MOOdy? I am moo-dy. Today I didn’t wake up in a happy mooo-d. It’s just an-udder day. C2: I am sorry to hear that. How about going out this evening with me. C1: Sure. Let’s go to the moo-vies. C2: You know what! While coming here, I saw a woman looking at me and other cows. She said, "What a cute bunch of cows!" "Not a bunch, herd", her friend replied. "Heard of what?" "Herd of cows." "Of course I've heard of cows." "No, a cow herd." "What do I care what a cow heard. I have no secrets to keep from a cow!" And to say we animals are considered stupid. It is these humans, who are rightly stuppid. C1: I know. I know. Are you worried about this Mad Cow Disease that’s going round? C2: Not really, I am a chicken. But I am worried I may fall sick with hay fever. How is your son, that young calf? C1: He is doing very well. Thank you. After giving birth, I was de-calfenated. Just the other day I was telling him: “Turn the udder cheek and mooo-ve on. Seize every opportunity and milk it for all its worth! It's better to be seen and not herd. Honor thy fodder and thy mother and all your udder relatives. Never take any bull from anybody. Always let them know who's bossy. Stepping on cow pies brings good luck. Black and white is always an appropriate fashion statement. Don't forget to cow-nt your blessings every day.” C2: You are an ideal mother to him. Did he try fence jumping? C1: Yeah. I shudder to say, it was an udder destruction. C2: It is his learning stage. Never mind. I have brought some bullogna for him. They are his favourite. What has he taken up at school? C1: Oh! All those boring subjects – Moosic, Psycowlogy, Cowlculus and Thermoodynamics. He uses the cowlculator too. C2: He is the true progeny of a cow. Now that my favourite holiday – Moo Year Day is nearing, I will take him for an outing. C1: You know what! Now that he is growing up, he goes out for lunch to the calf-eteria. His room is so messy, I always end up asking him, was he raised in a barn? C2: Don’t be so hard upon him. He will learn. He is growing up. C1: Yeah. He wants a car to go out with his friends. He demands a Cattleac! C2: He has the true bovine class. Keep him pampered. C1: If I do that, one day he will end up giving spoilt milk. Now he goes after milkshake. C2: Are you sending him abroad for higher studies: C1: Yeah, he wishes to go to Cowlifornia. He will be most happy there. He says he will send me instant moo-ssages too. He is good in studies. With time he will get butter and butter. He plays for his favourite band Moody Blues too. C2: I must say, you are plain lucky. You are simply bovine. Do you have enough money to send him abroad? C1: No, not really. C2: I know that farmer is milking you dry. I am waiting for Halloween Day. It’s our Boovine day. I may scare that farmer out of his wits. C1: Actually I am waiting for Christmas. We will be the Santa Cows. C2: Earlier I used to read the newspaper The Daily Moos. But now I read the news online. It seems Russians will get milk from Mos-cow. Sweden won’t import cows as it has Stockholm. C1: I came across the worst. Nietzsche is philosophising: To moo is to be while Sartre says To be is to moo and Sinartra says Moo be moo be moo. C2: They are crazy, dear. I will be soon going to Hawaii. I can wear my Moo-moos there. I would like to ride in the trains in the cow-boose. I will also go to St. Moo-is, Moo-ssouri and Moo Jersey. C1: Don’t you forget Moo York. When I die, I wish to spend my afterlife in Moo Moo Land. It is a place of udder delight. C2: My heaven is on earth. I am in love with Moochael Jachson and dance to his Meat It. C1: Now, you are my envy dear. Wonder, why I didn’t think of this before. My Moo Moo. His may be History now but his Black & White is for us cows. May his soul rest in peace. Moo Moo.
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Category:
Short Story
“Bitch! The day I lay my hands on you, you will wish you were long dead.” “Why will I wish so, my dear cousin when it should be the other way round?” “You have double crossed me. You have duped me out of a deal. You think you are a smart Alec, don’t you? Laugh till you can or till I can reach your neck.” ”Don’t tickle yourself rascal. Whoever gave you the right to reveal my minimum bid for the Tender to Slimy Bunny? You took money from him, of course. Never mind. I knew, you were up to something. I gave you the wrong quote. Did you for a moment think I will trust you with the minimum bid?” “You are damn right. He paid me. That’s business. Now he’s gunning for me after losing the Tender. He thinks I have double crossed him. I dread to think what he will do to me? You gotta set the matters right. You must meet him and tell him what you have done.” “Are you crazy? You must be. Why will I do that? The Tender has rightly been awarded to me. I am the lowest bidder. You were the one coming to me to know my quote. I smelt rat then. Now it doesn’t matter. Let me tell you, I gave you a higher bid price than what I had bid.” “You always thought you were smart chick, right! Not this time. Do as I say and talk to Slimy or I will bust you faster than you can say bust.” “Forget it. Don’t even waste your breath. You know what! Double crossing runs in your family. The day your dad cheated my dad out of the land deal and didn’t even offer him the price, I had vowed I will get even with you. I shouldn’t have vowed. You are an easy catch.” “Forget the past. Now, do…” “That is something I can’t do – forget the past. Your dad set the ball rolling. You picked it up but it is me, who will have the last laugh. So your family wants to gyp us out of our own property. Do you think you are that smart, bastard. You are my cousin, no doubt but your days are numbered. I was too young to kill your dad, who duped his own younger brother out of his property share. You thought you could go on doing the same. You forget, I am not my dad. I will give you the taste of your own medicine.” “Leave these dialogues for later on. Now, get ready and go and meet Slimy.” “Who the hell are you to order me? In a little while you will know…” “It doesn’t matter what I will know in a little while. There is work to be done and you are simply delaying it. Don’t force me to get rough with you Timara.” “You will get nothing out of that. Return Slimy’s money and he will be off your back.” “You crazy or what! I have already spent $ 10,000 that he gave me. From where will I get that sort of money now unless you give it to me? Now, that’s a good idea. Why don’t you pay Slimy since you are the root cause of trouble?” “You are definitely crazy. You gotta pay me $ 10,000 for double crossing me. Or I will report the matter to the cops.” “Bitch, you just don’t know what you are talking. I will smash that smart brains of yours. You think you are pretty smart, huh! All bitches think so but once they get the treatment they realise they are just bitches.” “I have heard you enough. Pay Slimy and end the matter. I wonder if the matter will end there. He won’t take kindly to your deed. Remember Coco Dou?” “What of him? Why bring him in now?” “He is being released from jail today. Your wife Salina must be by his side by now.” “How do you know all this?” “When I am dealing with creeps like you, I must keep a step ahead. You thought you could take over his casino and inform the cops about his whereabouts, get him arrested and send him to jail for 15 years. You forced his girlfriend to marry you. In less than five years he is out on account of good conduct. Salina has borrowed money from me against the casino. She wants to take off with Coco. But I don’t think Coco will leave without settling the score with you finally.” “If what you say is true…” “Run. Run for all your two legs are worth. I am gifting the casino to Coco for coming out and starting a new life. Don’t waste any more time. Go. Go away.” “So, this is your plan. You not only gypped me of a deal you are in cohorts with my enemy.” “In your case, nothing was ever yours. You double crossed everyone. Now it is payback time. What you took by cheating is being returned to its rightful owner. Don’t go back home. Coco’s men are waiting for you. Your son is with them too.” “Jonty is with them! If anything happens to him, I will kill the bastards. I will…” “First save your life. Jonty gets his dope from them. They will take care of him. Now run fast. If you luckily or unfortunately escape either Slimy or Coco you will live to regret it. You surely wouldn’t want to live life half or quarter. Trust me; I will complete their unfinished job. The pleasure would be entirely mine. I can do that now itself but let them do what is rightfully theirs.” “I will not forget your treachery. If what you say is true and I can evade these two, I will give you a worthy farewell.” “You don’t talk of bad things when death is awaiting you. Everyday is not a Sunday, bro. I wish you well.”
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Daddy Cool is neither cool nor hot (Comedy) Kisaan is fodder and not food (Social) Love Khichdi has tasteless plot (Comedy) Quick Gun Murugan hams & brood (Comedy) Toss has been tied in a knot (Thriller) YMI leaves us in dizzy mood (Social) With six releases (! Thriller, 2 social, 3 comedy) on a single day, it would have been a welcome scenario for entertainment seeking viewers. But it is not so. With 5 – 15% viewers gracing the shows, news is two of the releases faced cancellation of shows. One reason for rejecting the movies could be lack of big stars. Viewers go to see the movie on reading the names of stars. Even the promos are tepid. They neither excite nor raise curiosity value. Suffice it to say, the movies have got the stamp of having been released. No serious thought has gone in making them. Consider this: Daddy Cool top star is Sunil Shetty. Kisaan has Jackie Shroff. Love Khichdi boasts of Randeep Hooda. Quick Gun Murugan has Rambha (!?!) Toss has Ashmit Patel and YMI (Anupam Kher). Daddy Cool is a straight copy of Death At A funeral (2007). When an original English movie is there, who would one wish to watch a shoddily made Bolly copy? Kisaan is on the lines of Upkar (1967). One Manoj Kumar was two much. Why would anyone want a three much Sohail Khan now? If Harman Baweja has Priyanka Chopra in 12 roles in What’s Your Rashee then Randeep has seven matches in Love Khichdi. Quick Gun Murugan has shades of Sholay (1975). Toss too seems like a straight lift from a Hollywood thriller. YMI is Pratighaat (1987) six times over. Movies are not sold on has-been stars’ or character artists’ names. They need stars to survive. With so many releases on a single day, the fewer viewers will go for either of them. This will eat into each other’s business (if ever there could be one!) The three comedy flicks are pathetic. Watch the promos and you get the feel. The thriller comes across as dark. Maybe the two socials can bring in the viewers on account of emotional ketch up. (Independence Day, love for nation, etc etc.) The box office result is evident from day1 itself for all these movies. All the movies dangle between B and C grade. But miracles do happen. You never know how the week(end) will unfold. If they survive beyond a week will either make them enter Guinness record or as I said miraculous. Whatever, we don’t need Nostradamus to prophesise their fate. God save the viewers as next week too has SIX releases coming our way and they are as worse (if not better) than the current crop. They just don’t make news. The only good factor about them is four out of six are at least in B grade category. Yippy! Time to celebrate. Where are all the A-listers? Any movie is made keeping in mind the box office. Some are expected to recover their production costs. While others are supposed to set the box office on fire. Wonder in which category these movies will fit in. It is doubtful if they can recover their production costs too. They will end up in a loss for their distributors.
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Touch wood! Tere Mere Beach Mein (TMBM) is something entertainment starved viewers were waiting for a long long time. Far away from the boring reality shows, even more boring saas bahu serials and what not, this is real entertainment that keeps the viewers glued to the idiot box. Star Plus has done a sort of coup. Calling the big screen mega stars to the small screens right into our homes twice a week! What more could we viewers ask for. Right from the day its ads started appearing, it had created a buzz. My friends, family, neighbours, everyone was agog. We waited with baited breaths for August 23 2009 to arrive on dot at 9 pm. And the bachelor boy Salman Khan arrived in style. I thought he had lost his fans. But there was rapture in my home. I could hear claps in my neighbours’ homes too. No doubt the entire country was glued to the show. Usually the street below has noises coming but then it was pin drop silence. This pointed to a real entertaining show had arrived. Farah Khan began her grilling of bad boy Sallu. Not that he minded (the grilling, sillies!) In fact, he was enjoying it. He answered everything directly without resorting to diplomacy or ‘no comment’. We knew everything about his life (right!) but no, not quite. I was dumb struck to find the hunk is a mama’s boy. (Later I didn’t mind it.) Salma Khan too arrived. Truly jovial and spirited, she was a star in her own right. She still whacks Sallu (at 44!). Man, that requires some guts to reveal. The hunk, who smashed bad guys on the silver screen getting a tight one from momma dear and not complaining! That can’t be our Sallu. But Sallu miyan was right there, agreeing to this and more. When Salma aunty revealed her visit to jail to meet Sallu there, her eyes welled up. It was so touching. My own eyes welled up. Sallu admitted that he had been a source for a lot of heart ache for his parents. But his mom stands like a Rock of Gibraltar and still waits for him late in the night till he comes home. She still feeds him. That will end when he finds a wife for himself. (When, indeed! A good question.) A line-up of college girls is squeaking merrily that they will marry him instantly. Must be a hearty news for Sallu. But Kats (Katrina Kaif for you and me) won’t like it. I sorely missed her absence from the show. She should have been right there completing the family picture. Never mind. A girl comes over with a varmala. But Sallu tells her had he been married at right age, he would have a daughter her age. (It’s a fact but we don’t want to wake up from our dream of this ‘young’ lover boy.) He gives her his watch as a gift. She says she will ever cherish it. (I will, man if I was lucky enough to receive it.) Sallu also ends up picking a slip to hand over the gift hamper to a girl. And then Salma aunty went further that she was scared of Sallu’s dangerous driving. Sallu is jovially stopping her from revealing this fact as the case is still on. Or the fact that they have rabbits. He interrupts now the authorities will infer they have deer too. She still prepares food for his entire unit of 35 people everyday. The lady has lot of stamina. She has been a mother everyone would desire to have and rightly so. But has Sallu been a worthy son? She says YES (And we all wholeheartedly believe it.) There are other mama’s boys, who admit to it on screen. A couple are also invited on stage. His mama needs medical care and Farah hands over Rs 1 lakh cheque to him. Farah also hands over a similar amount cheque donation to Sallu’s charity. And the show expects the star to donate something that can be auctioned to raise money for a charity. Sallu is ready for it. His yellow towel (used in one of his songs) is autographed, danced in and handed over to Farah. Sallu’s Wanted is releasing on Sept 18. This show is publicity enough. Our anticipation and expectations have gone through the roof. Must say, can’t wait for the movie now. It is bound to do very well. Even if (God forbid) it fails, Sallu will remain much in demand. His popularity will not fade away. He needs a hit badly after Yuvraaj’s failure. But personally it doesn’t matter whether he delivers a dud or a dude (hit). We are happy enough to watch his new releases. The show ended with mom-son duo dancing with Farah. The episode was nearly an hour-long but I (I am sure many others too) was left asking for more. I was so engrossed that I watched the ads too lest I missed any part of Sallu’s episode. It was simply superb. The good news is the show is on for seven weeks with two episodes per week. The weekends are definitely booked from now on. The cream of Bollywood and sportspersons would be amidst us. Right from SRK to Hrithik to Priyanka Chopra, a bevy of who’s who will grace the show. The TRPs will definitely go up. Currently, there is nothing to compete or beat this show. I wish it was hosted 7 days a week. If SRK can admit he is Joru Ka Ghulam or Hrithik admitting he still stammers, I want more star secrets out. I can hear many others agreeing. Farah deserves kudos for bringing up such a lively show. I am sure; there will be more copycat shows in future by other channels. For now, this one will do. Three cheers to everyone on TMBM for spreading the cheer around. Keep up the good work guys.
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It’s been nearly three years since Preity Zinta (34) and Rani Mukerji (31) have acted in any major film or given hits. Once major actresses, they have literally disappeared from Bolly movie scenario. Both the actresses have had similar phases professionally and personally. Since end-2006, it has been a steady downhill for both of them. Their contemporaries Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon have left gracefully in favor of home and children. Aish is still clinging on. Divya Bharati is dead. Kajol, Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu and Urmila Matondkar are still favored by viewers. Has age caught up with these two? The movie offers have almost dried up that only special appearances or cameos or inconsequential or art movies are on their platter. If a commercial heroine starts acting in art movies, it is an indication of the end of Bolly career. And Preity is doing just that. Although Rani is not doing art movies, she is having nothing else with her except one movie courtesy Aditya Chopra. But things are looking up a bit. But it is only a bit. While Rani started her career with a flop Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1996), Preity began with an acclaimed performance in Dil Se (1998). Both became good friends and acted in quite a few movies together. They gave many hits together. The growing up phase was excellent for both of them. Preity was dating businessman Ness Wadia from Feb 2005 but it ended in May 2009. What keeps her occupied now is IPL cricket. Bollywood has almost bid her goodbye. Her last hit was Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). 2006-end she delivered a dud Jaan-E-Mann. And the trend has continued up till now. 2007 saw her delivering two more flops Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and The Last Lear. She had a special appearance in Om Shanti Om. 2008 saw her acting in two more flops Heaven On Earth and Heores. She made a special appearance in Rab Ne bana Di Jodi. 2009 is no better. She is doing a cameo in Main Aur Mrs Khanna. She has an art movie Har Pall and an unconfirmed English movie Once Upon A Night. Rani was strongly believed to be married to Abhishek Bachchan but that was not so. It led to lot of bad blood. Once the apple of Bachchans’ eyes and having acted in Black and Bunty Aur Babli (2005), she suddenly lost out to Aishwarya Rai on personal front. Professionally she gained Mangal Pandey (2005) from Aish. Rani’s last hit was Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). 2006-end she stated delivering flops regularly starting with Baabul, her last movie together with Amitabh. 2007 saw three flops in Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (LCMD) and Saawariya and a special appearance in Om Shanti Om (OSO). Rani had major confrontations with Jaya Bachchan on the sets of LCMD indicating the hopes of getting married to Abhishek had ended. OSO was the arrival of younger crop of actresses and a near-end to Rani’s career. There was news of engagement to Aditya Chopra although the Chopra parents were unhappy with Aditya’s divorce and accepting Rani as their future daughter in law. They even denied the engagement news. 2008 was no better. Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic was a big flop and she had a special appearance in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. 2009 hasn’t done any wonders for Rani. She made a special appearance in the flop Luck By Chance. She has Dil Bole Hadippa coming up courtesy (Aditya Chopra). Her sexy hot new look is being appreciated. Hope the movie turns out to be a hit and offer her a much needed respite in three years. This will indeed be a great comeback for her. Even Aditya need a hit after giving string of flops. Wishing the star couple great success in their professional and personal lives. Or she has to wait to know her prospects in Karan Johar’s animated Koochie Koochie Hota Hai (2010). Their careers have almost ended. What both Preity and Rani need is a major hit opposite major heroes in big production house movies. These two girls have many more years of work left. What they need is luck and a hit. And they will be back in circulation. It will be bad if they are consigned to anonymity and become a has been. Can they overcome failure and court luck again. Can they make a successful comeback? There is competition from the new crop of young heroines too. But they can face that. They are talented and have years of acting experience backing them. If their fans can repose faith and throng theatres in huge numbers to watch their movies, these girls would be back in Bollywood. And the key to that is the success of Dil Bole Hadippa and Har Pall. Wishing them the very best.
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Love can never go out of circulation irrespective of how much hatred or negativity be around. It touches the souls and quenches the spirit. Love Aaj Kal (LAK) is a prime example of this. Well, the movie is doing roaring business. It has truly connected with the viewers. There is a repeat value. Songs are a rage especially Aahun Aahun. Pritam Chakraborty plagiarized it from Pakistani singer Naseebo Lal, who copied it from Shaukat Ali Khan. Pritam is doing Anu Malik ‘inspired’ act a shade better than poor Anu. Pritam claims it to be an original and his very OWN? When will these stuppids grow up? Anu-Pritam copycat bhai bhai. Is there a punishment to deter these ‘thieves’? Can the original singers be compensated? Could Pritam be banned? His ‘borrowed’ plumes should not give him credit or a crown. LAK itself is a copy of a Taiwanese film Hao De Shi Guang (Three Times). Surprisingly it is not credited at all. Now, we know apart from Hollywood now even smallies are not left. The saving grace is LAK is liked by the viewers. It is all in the treatment, my dears. Otherwise, it is old wine in a new bottle. Even in neighboring Pakistan it is doing roaring business. Had the 19-year old Brazilian model Giselle Monteiro (Harleen Kaur) been taken in Deepika Padukone’s place, the movie would have been today’s Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Giselle has such an earthy quality that she instantly connects with the viewers. Her simplicity and clean looks make us take to her. Wish more such foreign talent is uncovered. The firangi birds are migrating and have a stay value. By now LAK has made big bucks and is still minting money. Everyone knows its story. There is nothing more I can write to add on to it. But here it goes. Jai (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Deepika) think they are in love. They are together but soon apart. They are today’s modern and practical couple. Their love is more buddy buddy than truly romantic love. Veer Singh (Saif in double role) instantly falls in love with Harleen Kaur (Giselle). He loves her without knowing much about her. It is more soul touching and spiritual than anything could ever be. He represents time tested lover. Jai and Veer (Rishi Kapoor now) meet and their views on love propels the movie. Whereas Jai is naïve, Veer is mature and understanding. This is the difference between aaj and kal. So do the viewers grow with the movie. Do Jai and Meera ever get together after their separation? That forms the rest of the movie. In three words, the movie is fresh, frothy and fun. Saif has turned in a mature performance. In a double role he has elevated himself a notch higher. He has definitely done himself a service. As aco-producer, the movie’s success would be a double boost for him. He deserves it. Deepika too is good. She lends her role lightness and charm. She dances even better. Still wish Giselle was in her place. Rishi Kapoor definitely adds value to the movie. His performance is simple in line with the role. Superb and mature. Future in-laws have come together here. Neetu Singh too appears at the fag end. So, it is all in the family. Imtiaz Ali has another winner on his hand. If Jab We Met was the beginning, LAK is the middle and Ali’s next would definitely be the end of this trilogy. Let’s wait for that. Considering these two, that would be a dynamite and worth a wait. London, San Francisco, Delhi, Kolkata – you get a free ride everywhere. Cinematography is eye-catching. The movie is a definite treat to lovelorn hearts. You want this to be happening in your life. You want to live it live. This is love yesterday, today and of course tomorrow too. That’s the USP of this movie. You are into Saif, Deepika and Giselle’s roles. No wonder, it is the biggest hit is 2009 (as of now). Love is definitely the flavor of the season. Take big dollops of it. LAK is the taste. Go for it in a big way. You do love ice creams, don’t you. LOL. Bless them. Bless you. [Bless me too. ;-)]
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World’s top 10 paintings have painters from all over the world but Indian painters and paintings are nowhere on the list. When we have world class painters, who have been painting since as far back as 1848, one wonders why they are not in the list and their paintings commanding top dollars. No doubt Indian paintings are gaining in popularity but only among Indians and the buyers are mostly corporate houses. They do have money to buy these rare pieces at the choicest prices. Only among niche foreign buyers at auctions they are known. Wish our painters were accorded the same glory and arrive on the world scene commanding top prices. The world’s current list has well known painters, who of course deserve this and more: ? JACKSON POLLOCK – No.5, 1948 ($ 140 million, unconfirmed) - GUSTAV KLIMT – Portrait Of Adele Bloch-Bauer ($ 135 million)
- PABLO PICASSO – Garcon A La Pipe ($ 104.1 million)
- PABLO PICASSO – Dora Maar With Cat ($ 95.2 million)
- VINCENT VAN GOGH – Portrait Of Dr. Gachet ($ 82.5 million)
- CLAUDE MONET – Le Bassin Aux Nympheas ($ 80.45 million)
- PIERRE-AUGUSTE RENOIR – Bal Au Moulin De La Galette (78 million)
- PETER PAUL RUBENS – Massacre Of The Innocents ($ 76.7 million)
- VINCENT VAN GOGH – Portrait de l’Artiste Sans Barbe ($ 71.5 million)
- PAUL CEZANNE – Rideau, Cruchon Et Compotier ($ 60.5 million)
- PABLO PICASSO – Femme Aux Bras Croises ($ 55 million)
?? VINCENT VAN GOGH – Irises ($ 53.9 million, most expensive when sold in 1987) In the light of the above list, one only wishes to find an Indian name making its way to the top of the list. After all, we have the talent. Wish it gets world recognition and bring home the glory and mega bucks. Indians have done it in almost all the fields. Oscars too are with us so why not our painters and painting be fetching the same glory and price? It’s about time. We too have our top 10 painters and their paintings: - RAJA RAVI VARMA (1848 – 1946, 58) – Dushyanta Shakuntala
- JAMINI ROY (1887 – 1972, 85) – Bride And Two Companions
- SOBHA SINGH (1901 – 1986, 85) – Sohni Mahiwal
- AMRITA SHER-GIL (1913 – 1941, 28) – Three Girls
- M F HUSAIN (1915, 94) – Single Canvasses ($ 2 million, highest paid painter)
- SYED HAIDER RAZA (1922, 87) – Bindu ($ 1.4 million)
- FRANCIS NEWTON SOUZA (1924 – 2002, 78) – Birth ($ 2.5 million)
- TYEB MEHTA (1935 – 2009, 83) – Triptych Celebration ($ 0.3 million)
- ANJALI ELA MENON (1940, 69) – Yatra
- MANJIT BAWA (1941 – 2008, 67) – Heer Ranjha
Hope our Indian painters become even more recognized the world over and their paintings fetch on par with other world artists at auctions. As the Indian painting scenario grows brighter, the future looks rosy. Here’s wishing them the very best.
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Once they had good innings in Bollywood. They were young. They were never actresses but stars. But age caught up with them. Refusing to give up on Bollywood although it has given up on them, they try gimmicks to stick on. Instead of growing up (mentally) and moving on, they simply will remain here by hook or crook. They refuse to hang their boots and welcome the next phase whatever it may be. With their fewer or non-existent films they resort to gimmicks to be in limelight. The current trend is to hit the networking circuit hard and be on page three. This does make news if not careers. Socializing has its own fringe benefits. Their movies fail big time. Now with hardly anything on their platter, is it anything surprising to find them becoming socialites and on the networking sites. These socialite non-actresses should have pity on their agents, who must be finding it difficult to procure movies for them. Next the agents may turn producers/directors to fit them in. Let’s take a look where they are now and what the future holds for them. Some can upgrade to another role playing if they put their heart to it. But Bollywood is truly over for them. Hope they realize it pronto. AISHWARYA RAI (35): In a couple of months she will turn 36. Already showing age on face and figure but one must admire her spirit of never give up (although there is nothing to give up). She clings to Bollywood although it has nothing more to offer to her. She was never an actress. With her screechy laughter and looks (read luck) she survived. Miss World title helped her land movies and of course her own coquettish ways. Her debut Hindi movie Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997) had director Rahul Rawail tearing his hair. She had no expressions to talk of. Twelve years in the industry and being married hasn’t changed her mentally. She was last seen in the blink and miss role of a thief in the Hollywood flick The Pink Panther 2 (2009). She has two Tamil flicks Endhiran and Raavana. There are talks of a movie each opposite Hrithik Roshan and Aakshay Kumar. The Khans refuse to work with her. Others are younger heroes, who won’t work with didi/auntiji. Its time for her to start a family. She can role play a mother to great success. There were rumors she were to join politics. Its time to change tracks and move on. She can actively exchange acting tips with hubby Abhishek. Both need each other’s help in this department. Bollywood courts youth. Or she will be seen hitting Cannes and IIFA only. Tsk tsk. MALLIKA SHERAWAT (27, 33, 45): Her age keeps bouncing up and down (doesn’t matter) like figure stats. She hit the Bolly scene too late age-wise. She did create waves with Khwahish (2003) and Murder (2004). But then it all fizzled out. She hit the scantily clothed photo shoot scene and now is extra active on social networking sites like Twitter. With inconsequential movies she proved she didn’t care for them. All she craved for was publicity. This socialite had truly arrived. Currently, she is trying her lucky stars in Hollywood. With a string of flops following her, she has nothing fresh on Bolly platter. A Holly flick Hisss (2009) is on the scene that may well join the list of misss. It can’t go any worst than this for the poster girl. What next for her? Perhaps the role of an Agony Aunt in real life. That should sell like hot cakes. She will be a chatpati red hot aunt, whom no one would mind. Will she give it a thought? SHILPA SHETTY (34): Another pretty face but with excellent public relations, she has successfully survived for so long in Bollywood. No doubt, she has a figure to envy and die for. She arrived with élan on Bolly scene with a hit like Baazigar (1993). But Kajol and Shahrukh Khan walked away with all the glory. A string of flops and inconsequential roles led her to resort to item numbers and special appearances. Help came by way of Big Brother show and now beau Raj Kundra. IPL too helped. She claims to get married this December. Considering her busy occupations (not Bolly flicks) with opening spas, latest controversy being kissed by a priest recently and of course networking, we seriously doubt it. In 2008 she had only a special appearance in Dostana. And 2009 is no better with The Man (Hindi, two years in the making), Kaanch (Hindi, cold storage) The Desire (Indian English movie) and Forever (English) making no news. Shilpa should seriously give matrimony a thought. Hitting the rich socialite circle in London with Kundra should be the right role she could dig her teeth into. Don’t say no, SS. RAKHI SAWANT (28, 30): She was born Neeru Sawant. She is a multi-faceted personality (dancer, film/TV actress, model, TV talk show host). And she has no reservations in admitting to her humble origins. She began her innings with Dil Ka Sauda (1999) and will now be seen in Dil Bole Hadippa (2009). She is more known for her hyper acts of verbally thrashing Mika for kissing her, discarding her boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi and now the much publicized swayamvar where she chose her life partner Elesh Parujanwala. More known for her item numbers than her movie roles, she has rightly decided on marriage. The question that remains is WHEN? And that is a million dollar question considering she doesn’t wish to give up on her ‘career’ after marriage. Hope she gets married and it survives. All the best. LOL. The above mentioned ‘actresses’ have no active movie careers to talk of as of now but are more known for their networking, socializing and gimmick stunts. Leaning on Bollywood doesn’t make sense. Isn’t it time they gave credit to their present roles and stuck to them. Rather they should move on and gracefully accept whatever life offers to them. Bollywood is past. Hope they realize and accept this fact. Future would definitely be more blissful.
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