Marigold is a musical romantic comedy about a young American woman Marigold(Ali Larter)who travels to India and finds that her life is transformed in the most unexpected ways by her experiences and adventures there.



American Actress Marigold Lexton (Ali Larter) arrives in India with no luggage and a bad attitude. Stranded in Goa when financing for her low budget Hollywood movie falls apart, Marigold finds herself cast in a small role in a Bollywood musical. Eager to prove herself, she enlists the aid of Prem (Salman Khan), the film's choreographer. After several false starts ? Marigold is most definitely not a natural dancer ? she experiences renewed confidence and growing love for Prem.They both fall in love each other.

In rapid succession, Marigold discovers that Prem is not only descended from royalty but is also paced in rapidly ? approaching arranged marriage to a beautiful India girl Janvi (Nandana Sen). Unable to deal with this development, Marigold angrily departs Prem's family estate. But she is urged back by Janvi who confesses that Prem doesn't love her and never will. Another complication ? in the form of Marigold's boyfriend, Barry (Ian Bohen), who arrives in India unexpectedly - finds Marigold emotionally drained but still very much in love with Prem.

Love does ultimately triumph as Marigold and Prem are brought together and Janvi and Barry embark upon a romantic journey of their own.let's see the movie to know whole story about it.

"NAYA DAUR" COLOUR FORMAT

If you have to re-establish the golden era of the Indian cinema, what else could be the best way than to re-release an all time classic like Naya Daur. And if this black n white film is beauty-personified with colour, it will breathe in a new life into this masterpiece.

This is exactly what filmmaker Ravi Chopra has done to his father, B R Chopra's work of art which starred Dilip Kumar, Vyjayantimala, Ajit, Jeevan and Johny Walker. B R Films will now be releasing Naya Daur in colour format with 5.1 stereophonic sound.

Movie "GURU" Song "Barso rey"

Movie "GURU" Song "Tere Bina"

PARTNER

It would be foolish to expect anything serious from a film’s music if David Dhawan happens to be its director and his two favourites Salman Khan and Govinda, the lead actors. ‘Partner’ is a film that promises Dhawan’s trademark kitsch, slapstick and wit, all rolled together in an enjoyable comedy.

Giving company to Salman and Govinda in the film are Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif respectively. Interestingly, Katrina is not paired with Salman but with Govinda.

In the sophisticated romantic comedy, Prem (Salman Khan), a legendary Mumbai City "date doctor" who, for a fee has helped hundreds of men woos the women of their dreams. In his childhood he understood a woman?s likes and dislikes in food, clothes or men. His aim is to help those men who like or love women, not to take them to bed.

The ultimate professional bachelor, Prem discovers that all of his tried and true tricks of the trade are no match for Naina (Lara Dutta), the one woman he truly loves; she works for a newspaper as a journalist.

He comes across with Govinda, who is in love with Katrina Kaif, the rich and famous daughter of an industrialist tycoon. Prem helps Govinda to find her lady love, which go through many hurdles in a comic series and finally winning the heart of lady love of Govinda and Salman Khan.

The film’s music is given by Sajid-Wajid, good friends of Salman, who gave a rather forgettable score for an equally forgettable movie called ‘Killer’ last year.
The opening track, ‘Do You Wanna Partner’ is high on techno quotient but low on melody. The song, sung by Udit Narayan and Shaan,
Hip Hop meets Reggae meets desi filmi music in You’re My Love. The song’s rollicking mood stands in sharp contrast to its average melody and unimpressive singing by both Shaan and Shweta Pandit. Hip Hop rap by Earl D'Souza's lends a bit of vigour to this otherwise bland track. The remix version of ‘You’re My Love’ has an added thump.
All in all, the music of ‘Partner’ is no great shakes despite the fact that it offers many dance tracks. The songs in the album do manage to create a mood of fun and frivolity. But there is nothing that makes a place in your heart.

THE MOVIE "CASH"

'Cash' is a high octane heist thriller set in Cape Town, South Africa.
The film revolves around an ace con artist,(Ajay Devgan) who hires a set of top notch robbers (Esha Deol, Zayed Khan, Dia Mirza and Riteish Deshmukh) to steal a set of priceless diamonds in South Africa. The group also faces a threat from underworld don (Suniel Shetty), who is after the same diamonds and also the Head of Security (Shamita Shetty). How these three groups manage to thwart each other forms the rest of the story and makes it a nonstop adventure caper.

An item song that is expected to play in the opening title rolls, 'Cash' follows the theme of the movie as it talks about how 'cash' makes the life go around. Another version of the song comes later with the sound of a hovering helicopter in the background creating an action feel.The idea behind creating 'Cash' is simple i.e. to create 5-6 tunes that keep the adrenalin flow intact as one takes a break from action sequences. You have seen the title song and 'Mindblowing Maahiya' to be aware about 'Cash'. Now watch out for 'Naughty Naughty' and 'Naa Puchho' and you would surely have your hands full.

"AWARAPAN"

Fortune always comes in disguise. If you recognize it, it will change your life forever and if you don't it will keep eluding you the rest of your life.Emraan Hasmi, kisser boy image has done lots of damage to him, but for the first time he does something that he can be proud of - intense acting.'Aawarapan' was initially supposed to be an autobiographical film from Mahesh Bhatt's bastion, but seeing the film it does not seem to be so. This is a typical masala film from Hindi cinema but it is the treatment of the story that leaves you spellbound. The story of 'Aawarapan' may not offer you something very extraordinary but Mohit Suri does make it a treat to watch.

'Aawarapan' is a story of human emotions that have always been an integral part of all Indian stories. And a story where an employee of a powerful boss develops sympathy for his muse has always been very vulnerable. Emraan Hashmi plays Shivam, who is a lonely person. He is lonely in his life and also in his thoughts. He has pain in his heart but will in his guts. He is working for his boss Malik (Ashutosh Rana) and his boss is everything for him. Malik has a muse Reema (Mrinalini Sharma) but he is not sure if she really loves him. So, he asks Shivam to keep an eye on her and if she betrays him, then Shivam has to give her a final call.The smooth drama erupts into a volcano as soon as Malik leaves. Shivam witnesses some hard hitting facts on his back. He cannot believe that Reema had the guts to take a life threatening decision. She had been hiding her boyfriend for so many days from the vulture like eyes of Malik. And, now she wants to elope with her boyfriend. Shivam is in a fix. He has seen love leaving him in the past and now he has to face the biggest challenge of his life. Either he betrays his boss and help the young lovers or he can challenge the destiny and be loyal to his duty. Life is such an 'Aawarapan'.
Among actors, Emraan Hashmi scores the maximum . His every move and every cut is very well designed. Right from his first act of violence till his volatile end, he oozes energy on screen. He delivers his dialogues with aptness and always seems to be at ease with this character. Mohit Suri has given him a life time opportunity in 'Aawarapan' and it will always remain a milestone in Emraan's career . He just needs to bank on this role and move to a direction that will establish him as a good actor.
Shriya in a brief role brings in freshness and charm. She is like a fresh breeze of Mumbai Monsoon and if anything is left by the female lead, Mrinalini grabs the space with her guts and matches with the demand of the story.On the whole, 'Aawarapan' is a good film from the Bhatt camp and will keep the jolly mood alive for the whole year for them.

THE LAST LEGION(2007)/ ADVENTURE-ACTION

The setting of the story is shortly before the decline of the Roman Empire, 470 AD, where a young boy, Romulus (Sangster, Nanny McPhee), is set to inherit the Empire. He is captured after his parents are slain when the Germanic forces (Goths in this film) led by Odoacer (Mullan, On a Clear Day) sacks Rome and takes the city, as well as the surrounding territories, as his own. In real life, Romulus departure out of Rome marked the end of the Empire and he would never be heard from again, but in this mostly fictionalized story, Romulus is seen as being taken under the protection of the legion commander Aurelius (Firth, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), who escapes with a small faction of his best men, one Eastern woman warrior named Mira (Rai, Bride & Prejudice), and a two-bit magician named Ambrosinus (Kingsley, Lucky Number Slevin), who has acted as Romulus' mentor.
The Last Legion gets caught up trying to be too many different things for different audiences. It tries to be an epic, and yet it lacks the sweeping magnificence required to be truly breathtaking. It tries to be an adventure, but not given enough background information about the characters to be enrapt in their quest.
It tries to be a family-friendly film, yet it is also on the violent side, with every confrontation settled through means of killing, including a particularly troublesome murder near the end that will probably send mixed messages to the more impressionable members of the audience.While watching The Last Legion I got the impression that some responsible in making the film viewed it as a tongue-in-cheek lark and others thought it an adventure in the most noble of traditions.

The best thing that one can say about The Last Legion is that it does have a capable cast and some very good locale shots and CG-laced backdrops.The script by Jez and Tom Butterworth (Birthday Girl) isn't really aiming for that level, thinking it more of a direct epic adventure, but without an authentic-seeming historical treatment or a set up for an engrossing battle between the forces of good and evil. The Last Legion offers little but a good looking, capable cast trying their best not to smirk at what they must surely have considered an epic of absurdly small-minded proportions.
The Last Legion, the movie, is pretty much on par with the last legion depicted within. It's a small scale, ill-equipped, and rather desperate conglomeration of talent that hasn't the tools or ingenuity necessary to be truly formidable.

ABHISHEK-PRIYANKA‘ FIGHTS’ CAUSE RIFT

It all started with the two action directors having creative differences over the way Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra should execute their stunts in Drona .

Action directors Kaushal and Delmar had frequents arguments and they usually simply ignored each other. Says a reliable source, "They don't get along with each other. They disagree on most things. There have been times when both have hurled abuses at each other." Things reached a flashpoint when the duo engaged in a brawl and now Kaushal might not be a part of the second schedule of the film.

THE TRAIN

The Story Begins Like this, Bishal (Emraan Hashmi), a middle class man, is settled in Bangkok with his wife, Anjali (Sayali Bhagat) and their 5-year-old daughter Nikki. Anjali and Bishal are trying to hold on to their deteriorating marriage, which is already under tremendous pressure. One ordinary day, on his way to work, Bishal meets Roma (Geeta Basra), a beautiful, captivating woman. The attraction between them is instantaneous. As Bishal gets to know her better, he realizes that she too is a loner, trapped in a loveless marriage. Both were facing the same problem So, the attraction between them reaches a peak and they decide to give in to an adulterous affair.
As Anjali starts getting suspicious of Bishal's erratic behavior, his romance with Roma depens. Just when Bishal thought life could not get more complicated, he realizes that his secret liaison is known to someone, an unknown elusive enemy who is bent on using the knowledge to destroy all three lives. The twists-n-turns in the screenplay keep you guessing what the next step would be. Starting out with an extra-marital affair, the story changes gears and shifts to blackmailing, murder and eventually, the husband-wife relationship. On the whole, THE TRAIN is an entertaining fare that lives up to the expectations.So watch out "The Train".

THE MOVIE SPEED

Director Vikram Bhatt's infatuation with the Hollywood style action thriller and English titled film continues this year with 'Speed' after the disappointment of 'Red' and 'Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie' early this year. Like 'Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie', the film is multi-starrer and has stars like Aftab Shivdasani, Zayed Khan, Ashish Chaudhry, Tanushree Dutta, Urmila Matondkar, Amrita Arora and Sophie Chaudhry in the main leads. The musical album of 'Speed' introduces "stomp" genre of music in two different versions with promising results. 'Speed' has six original soundtracks that can be heard on Tips music cassettes and CD's.
The film has few questions for the viewers.
What do you do when you get a phone call from a stranger begging you to save her life?
What would you do if your only ray of hope is your phone?
Would you sacrifice your love to save somebody's child?
To get the answer of this all questions you have to watch The movie “ Speed” .

THRILLER "NAQAAB"

Director duo Abbas-Mastan is back with another thriller Naqaab, which is being dubbed as a 'triangular love story with a twist'. Naqaab brings together the Humraaz team of Bobby Deol, Akshaye Khanna and Abbas-Mustan. In this movie also, the two men are pitted against each other,paying for the attention of the same girl. Intresting seems as Humraaz and Akshya Khanna plays as Vicky Mahlotra who is an out of work young man and willing to forsake all in his quest to become and actor. The Another actress called Urvashi Sharma who roled as a Sophie in this movie. So Sophie in this movie is confident enough of embarking on a live with a millionaire and the millionaire is none other than Karan Khanna ( Bobby Deol ). Actually, Karan is a millionaire flowing locks and dressed in smart-cut suits. But Sophie wants a true love too and she could find such love within Vicky Mahlotra. In short sentence if we say the story of Naqaab, “It’s the story of a young girl called Sophie who is from the middle - class family but she is engaged with millionaire Karan Khanna (Bobby Deol). But when she meets Vicky Malhotra (Akshaye Khanna ) she gets a true love from him and her affections shift to him and later on the problems begins in the relationship of both Karan And Sophie. Further details you have to see whole film. Enjoy the movie “Naqaab” .

Donot forget It’s the movie of Abbas-Mastan.

WEDDING OF AISHWARYA AND ABHISHEK

It was one of the most guarded moments of the Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan wedding.
The media, including photographers, were not allowed to step into Bachchan's bungalow Prateeksha -- where the couple were married -- and definitely not allowed to take pictures. Apparently, there were 11 pandits at the wedding.Also, it appeared that the wedding had a strong sense of Bunt The community to which Ash belongs – traditions. Abhishek Bachchan, wearing a beautiful jewel-studded sehera, enters Prateeksha, where his bride--to-be awaits.The 31-year-old actor arrived in a well-decorated white horse, while the baraat came in seven Volvos.

BOLLYWOOD'S HOTTEST STARS

Guess who are the hottest stars in Bollywood? The Khans, the Bachchans and Hrithik Roshan can step aside. Take a bow Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Priyadarshan, Vipul Shah, Sanjay Gadhvi, Rajkumar Hirani, Anees Bazmi… you get the picture, don't you?
Forget star actors. Producers – and these include individuals with good track records, corporates, and even Hollywood studios like Sony, Warner and Disney in India – are chewing their nails to rope in Bollywood's best directors. Star actors, who want to work with these directors, also are doing what they haven't ever done: waiting for the directors to be free.

These directors are Bollywood's new stars. Their fees will put to shame many of India's hottest actors. Consider this: Sanjay Leela Bhansali pocketed Rs 7 crore for the upcoming Diwali release Sawariya. For his next project he is being offered Rs 12 crore. But he has said no. He wants Rs 14 crore, according to film industry sources. Priyadarshan charges Rs 4 crore these days. And no one is complaining. On an average, he directs three films a year. With Rs 12 crore in his pocket annually, Priyan is clearly on top of the list. Others charge a bomb too. Dhoom-man Sanjay Gadhvi with his new film Kidnap produced by Ashtavinayk Films, Rajkumar Hirani who starts a new film with Shahrukh Khan, Kunal Kohli, Vipul Shah, Rakyesh Mehra and Anees Bazmi all come with a price tag of Rs 3 crore plus a share of profits. But these days when money is flowing like water in the industry, high fees aren't a problem. These directors simply don't have dates. Their plate of commitments is overflowing.
You will have to wait for three years before Bhansali starts your film. If you have a fat cheque ready, Priyan may be able to start off your project by early 2009. Anees Bazmi of No Entry fame has an enviable reputation of pocketing a hefty advance for six films— so the man has no time to breathe for the next four years!
And if you think you want to sign up the man who made Rang De Basanti, remember Rakyesh Mehra has a Rs 280 crore four- film production deal with UTV. To ensure that you have at least one release per year from a good director, producers are snaring them up with multi-film contracts. That is why you read of Adlab Films, UTV, Eros, Percept Pictures, and Pritish Nandy Communications signing multi-film deals with directors too. The entry of new players, flush with globally raised finances, is adding to the mayhem now. The Indian Film Company (a Raghav Behl-backed Studio 18 venture) has raised 55 million pounds from the AIM, London. The boys at Big Motion Picture (the brand name of Reliance Entertainment's new film venture) are ready to sit across the table with big plans. Warner Bros has opened shop in Mumbai. NDTV is ready to jump into the movie biz too. And Big B's ABCL is to be revived with a $200 million plan. But all of them desperately need one thing: good directors. Like parking slots and marriageable men, the good ones are already taken or, huh, swing to a different tune (Rakesh Roshan, Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar and others direct only for their own production companies) . One way out is what industry leader Yashraj Films has accomplished. Introduce a new set of directors (Sidharth Anand, Kabir Khan, Anil Mehta and Victor Acharya) and make them stars (as in the case of Kunal Kohli, Sanjay Gadhvi and Shaad Ali). But to do so, you need to have a creative head like Aditya Chopra and a brilliant marketing package. But Yashraj demands its pound of flesh: an exclusive contract that forbids the new-finds to direct films for others till they finish their three film contract or five years!
This, having a creative head, is an approach that some of the moneybags are seeking. Shahrukh for instance has been reportedly offered a blank cheque by Anil Ambani — which is he wants to launch three new directors (all of were assistants) under his Red Chillies Banner. Aamir Khan and PVR have a ditto relationship —new directors and new projects, under the creative supervision of Aamir. With demand riding high, don't be surprised if you see directors being 'insourced'. You may soon see a Shankar who directed Sivaji doing Hindi films or Hollywood's lesser-known directors making Bollywood films.Yes. It's a wonderful time to be a director in Bollywood.

GANDHI MY FATHER

Gandhi My Father is a powerful study of the nature and sufferings of the patriarchal relationship between one of the world’s most loved figures – ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi - and his misfortunate eldest son Harilal.

The film delves into a territory that has never before been visited by film, and will spark debate by bringing to light an unknown facet of the personal history of a man who transformed the soul of a nation, but who could not save the soul of his own son.

Based on his thought-provoking play, Mahatma v/s Gandhi, veteran thespian of Indian theatre and cinema Feroz Khan has combined his unparalleled talents as a writer and director with the production skills of fellow industry stalwart Anil Kapoor, to create the most affecting film of modern times.

Although inspired by the philosophies and teachings of one of the greatest men of the modern world, the groundbreaking Gandhi My Father is far from a biopic account or portrayal of Gandhi’s struggle towards India’s independence.

Delving deep into the personal tragedy that Gandhi kept secret from the world, Feroz Khan’s filmic tour de force focuses on the doomed relationship between a father respected by an entire nation, but rebuked by a son who was disowned, and whose bitter end was the result of years of abject alcoholism.

Coming from a family that has been involved in the art of filmmaking for the past 50 years, actor Anil Kapoor has entered the realm of production with Gandhi My Father, and brings thorough knowledge and wide experience to the craft.
He forays into independent production with his banner, Anil Kapoor Films Company, joining hands with the London-listed, leading integrated media and entertainment Company Eros International, to bring to the audiences a story that gives fascinating insight into Gandhi’s life; not so much as father of the nation, but as a father to his son, Harilal.

Gandhi My Father is released and distributed worldwide by Eros International.

IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVING YOUR DADDY

In fact, Anil Sharma’s Apne is defensible essentially because it pulls yesteryear’s action Adonis out of the mothballs (the Metro cameo was mere time-pass). In fact, this Punjab-to-New York sarson da saga is a bonus of sorts, re-launching the asli Mr D flanked by his puttars. Balle balle.
For nostalgiaphiles of the Aaya Dharmendra Jhoom Ke entertainers of the 1960s, the early morning shot of him throwing out his arms to embrace his sons, is heart-warming. Ditto the daddy cycling through the farmfields, or brooding with snowflakes in his palm.
Besides the full throttle involvement of the 72-year-old actor, the project is elevated by some stunning boxing ring bouts. Stylistically, they are straight out of Rocky and Raging Bull but they do hurtle you to the edge of the seat. And that’s because you care about what happens to the father, once cheated of the World Heavyweight championship. Now, either his prodigal business man son (Sunny Deol) or the physically challenged one (Bobby Deol) can redeem his honour. Uh huh.
So much for the upbeat news. How you wish director Sharma had exercised some control in the film’s length. It goes yawn and yawn till you grey. For instance, why that elaborate public rally sequence showcasing Mr Amar Singh (super wooden) delivering a half-baked speech? And why so many unnecessary characters like the joke-cracking weirdo, the absent-minded beardo, and a midget with a case of the fidgets?
As for the women – Shilpa Shetty and Katrina Kaif – they keep pat-patting their hair into place. How about displaying some acting sparks, ladies? Next: meet Mum Kirron Kher who dons terrific shawls and stern expressions, a Muslim chacha (Victor Bannerjee hamming like Kanhaiyalal of yore), a suited-booted gent (Pakistani actor announcing, “I’m so proud to be an Indian!), a jabbering sister, a beatific brother-in-law..and more etcs.
Indeed, a doctor even announces, “This is getting too crowded please.” Clutter apart, the crippled son is suddenly cured in a Manmohan Desai-style miracle. And of course, there are frequent outbursts of patriotism carrying the hangover of Gadar.
On the tech-front, Kabir Lal’s cinematography is lustrous. The sound recording is first-rate. But Himesh Reshammiya’s music is eminently forgettable except for a shriek that goes something like, “Aaaah, you gotta gotta hit the bool’s eye.” What’s that?
Gratifyingly, the direction has sufficient intelligence to let the Deol trio to do their own thing.

Bobby is endearingly restrained. Sunny has his classic volatile moments (no one can yell, “Tune mere baap ko maara!”) like he does. Best of all, Dharmendra is tender and tough, the quintessential macho man with a marshmallow heart, taking you back to the Phool aur Patthar days.

SMALL FILMS WIN BIG AT THE BOX OFFICE

The small-budget films that Bollywood churned out this year were the ones that raked in the money at the box office, not the much-hyped big releases, the industry's half yearly report card reveals.
The report, which is an eye opener of sorts, says that only six of the 50 films released were declared hits and the small-budget movies made with little-known actors had an edge over the publicised biggies.
Catering to the changing tastes of the audience, movies such as Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, Bheja Fry, Life In A... Metro, that banked upon a good script, good performances and fresh treatment, found favour with the audience.
In comparison, well-packaged and much-publicised Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Shakalaka Boom Boom, Eklavya - The Royal Guard, Salaam-e-Ishq, Just Married and Nishabd were washouts because they failed to live up to the expectations of moviegoers.
The changing tastes of moviegoers in the last few years enabled controversial films like Parzania, Black Friday and Water to do well. Mira Nair's The Namesake and Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked got positive feedback too. Apart from good scripts and well-etched characters, the films had social as well as artistic merits.
Ironically, while the taste of the audience is altering, major producers continue to chase formulas. "Unfortunately, the people who have money don't have the intelligence to understand a good script. They go for big names for their personal security," said Pandey.
Kumar Taurani, managing director of Tips Industries Ltd, is not averse to big names but agrees that the script plays a pivotal role in the success of a film.
He says: "Any producer would prefer success at the ticket window and for that you need a good script. Having said that, I feel that if you have a good script and big names the profit ratio is greater.Things are changing, so may be soon the small stars would also guarantee bigger profits. Films like 'Bheja Fry' and 'Dor' got good response which proves that now everybody is getting a chance here."

BEAUTY BITES FROM THE GLAMOUR WORLD

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So with agreement to this adage, beauty holds different perspectives for every other eye. What may be pure, flawless beauty to one may be superficial and bland to another. So what happens when connoisseurs of beauty have varied things to say about this subjective aspect? It fills the canvas with different hues of views about beauty.
Top photographer Daboo Ratnani believes in the final product and not how the person looks in real life. It is very necessary that the person looks dazzling in the picture or else the picture can't be perfect. He says, “As a photographer, beauty is what I see through the lens. I am interested more in the end product - the picture - rather than what the person is really all about. It's okay if the person is not brilliant looking in real life, as long as she is stunning when she is in front of the camera.”
On the contrary, ace photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha feels that an imperfect beauty makes brilliant pictures. He feels that if a picture goes wrong then it is not the face's fault, it is the photographer's fault though he feels that there is an element of photogenic factors that count.
Daboo feels that a great bone structure and cosmetics can enhance beauty. But he also feels that confidence in oneself is a prerequisite. Gautam agrees that today beauty has become very cosmetic. He asserts, “Unless you have your individuality with your won flaws and perfections - you will look like anyone else around.”

"THERE IS SOMETHING MISSING IN TODAY'S MUSIC" - LATA MANGESHKAR

“I can’t tell you about the hard work among today’s generation as I don’t work much, but I do feel something is missing”, said noted singer and artist, Lata Mangeshkar, in an interview with BBC Hindi.
“People might say I’m old fashioned.. Naushad sahib used to think for days on end for one song… One song would take 15 days… The tune changed many times… There was Salil Chowdhury. Today, if Salilda was around, people would find it difficult to listen to his songs… these persons would get immersed in music. Shankar-Jaikishen and Lakshmikant Pyarelal were there. Until they got satisfied, they would be sitting. We do not find that these days… to what extent is this prevalent these days, I would not know…”, she further added in response to a question during an exclusive interview with Sanjeev Srivastava, Indian Editor BBC Hindi.
Lataji, as she is lovingly addressed by one and all, when asked the one song that gave her the maximum pleasure as a playback singer promptly said, “Aayega Aayega, Aayega Aanewala from the movie, Mahal”.
She went on to remember the days when the song was being recorded.“ At the time when the songs of Mahal were being recorded, Khem Chandra Prakashji, who considered me like his daughter, said that the songs will be very popular. The film came and the songs became very popular. But Khem Chandra Prakashji expired. I was very sad. Kishore Kumar and I used to address him as Chacha. He did not live to see the song, Aayega Aanewala become so popular.”
Another incident she remembered about the recording of the song “Aayega Aanewala”. The song was picturised on Madhubala in a happy mood on a swing and it was important it was sung in a manner that would create a feel good ambience in the shot. “Shooting that song was very interesting. Bombay Talkies is a big studio in Malad. It was empty. I started singing. But they said that the right effect was lacking, like the sound trailing from a far off distance… They made me stand in one corner and kept the mic in the centre…nearly 20 feet away. The initial lines of the song, Khamosh hai zamaana… I had to take one step at a time while singing the initial lines and by the time I reached the mic, the song would start. I have worked a lot on this song.”
While speaking about other yesteryear artists, Lataji liked Kishore Kumar the best. While she feels that singers like Mohd. Rafi and Mukesh were good in most of their songs, Kishore Kumar was good in every song. Kishore Kumar’s sad songs have been her favourite and she rates the romantic songs she has sung with Mohd. Rafi as amongst her best.
While she has enjoyed working with composers like A R Rehman and Jatin-Lalit from today’s generation, she expressed sadness that today’s music has got influenced by western tunes. “These days, I first listen to the song and then go for recording. There was a time when we used to get a phone call, there’s a song of Naushad Sahib, please come… and we would go running… these day’s people stress on rhythm a lot. We get influenced by western tunes…we do not find the Indian touch,” she said
These were excerpts from Radio One 94.3 FM’s interview with Lata Mangeshkar which was aired on 12 noon on July 1st, 2007.

HIMESH RESHAMMIYA TO CONTINUE ACTING

Now that AAP KAA SURROOR has released, people are curious to know whether Himesh Reshammiya would continue acting or get back to what he’s best at -- scoring music for films? “Had AAP KAA SURROOR failed at the ticket window, I would’ve gone back to composing music. But now that the verdict is out, I’ve decided to pursue acting,” Himesh tells me.
The music composer turned singer turned actor is already going ahead with AAP KAA SURROOR 2, the sequel to the first part. Also, Himesh would take up acting assignments offered by independent production houses. “The offers have started pouring in. But I don’t intend doing 10/11 films every year. At the most two films per year would suffice,” he divulges his plan of action.
Meanwhile, Himesh is least perturbed by the talk that a section of the paying public don’t rate his acting skills too highly. “They are entitled to their opinion. I respect that. But I would strive hard to prove myself. I am ready to face challenges. With the blessings of my parents and the Almighty, I’ve come this far. I’d scale greater heights if they continue to bless me,” he states with utmost humility.

ANUPAMA CHOPRA'S BOOK ON SHAH RUKH KHAN

‘KING OF BOLLYWOOD’ is a sweeping portrait of a man who is worshipped as a modern-day God, a country finding its identity and a movie industry that helped to change the face of India.
The book reveals how Shah Rukh Khan, a middle-class Muslim boy from Delhi, broke into the insular, nepotistic world of Bombay show business and emerged as a superstar. His larger-than-life tale takes us through the colorful and idiosyncratic Bollywood movie industry, where fantastic dreams and outrageous obsessions share the spotlight with extortion, murder, and corruption.
Mira Nair, director of The Namesake, comments "The ultimate story of the outsider who became Bollywood's great insider. Chopra captures the snap, crackle and pop of celluloid dreams in this immensely readable bio of the great Khan's life...a bounty for cinema lovers everywhere”
Emma Thompson, Oscar winning actor, comments: The “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls” of the Bollywood industry and essential reading for any Shah Rukh Khan fan.
‘KING OF BOLLYWOOD’ is the first comprehensive narrative account of Bollywood published by a major US publishing house: Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books). The book is being distributed in India by Om Books and Westland Books Pvt. Ltd. Internationally renowned film critic Anupama Chopra combines her knowledge of the Bollywood industry with firsthand interviews and exclusive photographs for an exclusive, insider’s look at Shah Rukh Khan and the world of Bollywood. ‘KING OF BOLLYWOOD’ will also be available in Hindi, Marathi and German translations. The will be released on August 9 in India.
Anupama Chopra is a film critic and book author. She has written about the Hindi film industry since 1993. Her work has been published extensively in India Today. She has also written about Bollywood for various international publications such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Variety and Sight & Sound.
Anupama Chopra’s first book ‘Sholay: The Making of a Classic’ sold over 10,000 copies and won a National Award for the best book on cinema (2000). Her second book, ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’, was published by the British Film Institute as part of the Modern Classics Series. Currently, Anupama scripts and host a weekly film review show called Picture This on NDTV 24/7.

Carving Dreams Entertainment, the country's leading talent agency and entertainment company today announced a mega co-production deal for USD 100M with Los Angeles' premier entertainment company, Hollywood Studios International. As per the deal, both companies will co-produce 5 films featuring both Indian and international talent. The deal will span across the next 24-36 months.

This strategic partnership will see many firsts in the Indian film industry. A key aspect of the deal is that each of the films will be simultaneously shot in English and in Hindi and will mark the Hollywood debut for many stars from Indian cinema. The projects, which are currently being developed, will be shot in India, the Middle East, and Europe.

For one of the films Akshay Kumar and Irrfan Khan have been finalized. This will be Akshay’s first film in the international arena. Talks are on for the rest of the cast and crew.

Mexican and Hollywood actress Salma Hayek has also been approached for this film though nothing has been finalized as of now.