Latest News from BollywoodHungama.com http://www.bollywoodhungama.com Hungama Feed Creator http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/templates/default/images/bollywoodhungamalogo.gif http://www.bollywoodhungama.com http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/07/04/13040/index.html Kambakkht Ishq is the first Akshay Kumar starrer that his son Aarav stayed awake watching till the end, thanks to his naani Dimple Kapadia who not only cheered the film at a private screening on Wednesday night but also made sure Aarav remained enthused. It hasn't been an easy time for the gorgeous Dimple Kapadia. In spite of a cloud hovering over her happiness, what with sister Simple seriously ill for some time now, Dimple was prominently present at Akshay's special screening of Kambakkht Ishq on Wednesday evening. Not too many people know this. But Akshay Kumar's biggest fan is his mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia. Taking time off from looking after her ailing sister, Dimple showed up at Akshay Kumar's special screening with 30 of her friends. And Dimple enjoyed herself thoroughly. Says Akshay shyly, ''My mother and mother-in-law are my biggest supporters. My mom came with about 120 of our friends and relatives. My mom-in-law had invited 30 of her friends. And they seemed to be having a good time.'' Dimple makes it a point to watch all of Akshay's major films and insists on bringing her pals along. But she also makes it very clear that the most important man in her life is Akshay's son Aarav. ''That's true,'' laughs Akshay. ''In fact I value my mother-in-law and my son's opinion the most.'' Aarav known to doze off at all of Akshay's Premieres stayed awake right till the end of the special screening of Kambhakkt Ishq. ''My mother-in-law made sure Aarav was comfortable. Both of them kept laughing throughout the film and that's a good sign.'']]> Subhash K. Jha Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:02:02 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/07/03/13039/index.html Click above for more stills Leggy actress Pooja Batra, who starred in films like Virasat, Haseena Maan Jayegi etc., maybe missing from the Bollywood scene after she tied the knot with hubby Dr. Ahluwalia; however she still continues to make her presence felt in Bollywood in a rather unique way. At the previews of Kambakkht Ishq which took place yesterday, viewers were surprised to see Pooja's name being featured in the opening credits of the film. Considering that Pooja has been missing from the Bollywood action for a while now, we decided to find out why she was being thanked by the makers. Speaking to a spokesperson from Sajid Nadiadwala's office, we got the information we wanted. "Pooja was instrumental in fixing meetings with Hollywood bigwigs such as Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh. Pooja, as we all know, is now based in LA since a few years and when we got to know that she is in touch with some Hollywood bigwigs, we immediately asked her if she could help us set a meeting with some of them. She was more than helpful and coordinated a lot in getting the Hollywood stars on board. Hence, it was apt that we thank her for this sweet gesture," said the spokesperson. Pooja was even present at the special screening of the film which took place on Wednesday night. One thing is for sure, Pooja is well connected not just in Bollywood but even in Hollywood.]]> Bollywood Hungama News Network Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:31:28 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/07/01/13038/index.html Click above for more stills In an era where everyone has access to at least one digital screen: mobile or computer, the makers of Kambakkht Ishq and Hungama Digital Media (Hungama) today announced the launch of a unique bouquet of digital promotions that gives Bollywood fans across the country, a connect with the film anywhere they go. The digital services which are conceptualized, designed and executed by Hungama aims to create fervor and excitement about the film through varied avenues like the Kambakkht Ishq mobile game, a mobile Voice VAS service by Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor and a blog written by the film's director Sabbir Khan on www.bollywoodhungama.com The Kambakkht Ishq Mobile Game is a fun-filled racing game which allows users to play the role of Akshay Kumar and highlights the bittersweet gender wars between the two protagonists of the movie. The user has to complete various stunts and collect objects in the exciting and fast paced racing game to complete the game. In the mobile voice VAS service, Akshay Kumar reveals a few of his stunt tips for all the young aspiring stunt men; and Kareena Kapoor advices women on beauty tips. All people have to do is pick the phone, dial a number and listen to the stars of Kambakkht Ishq speaking to them. Commenting on these unique initiatives, Neeraj Roy, Managing Director and CEO, Hungama Digital Media said, "India is the fastest growing mobile market with over 400 million subscribers; and with over 50 million people accessing the Internet, movie makers clearly cannot ignore the digital space anymore. With Kambakkht Ishq, we have explored both the internet and the mobile platforms, with promotions that capture the essence of the film that has such a great international appeal." Elaborating on this, Sajid Nadiadwala said, Kambakkht Ishq is an action-packed, romantic comedy that will appeal to everyone. This movie also tickles the 'war between the sexes' that the youth will especially connect with. We needed to promote the film through platforms where youngsters are present and today I see every young boy or girl digitally connected, either with a phone to their ear or their eyes on a computer screen. We at Nadiadwala Grandsons are very keen on exploring innovations in marketing, and Hungama has given us a great platform to create some fun elements of the film." Added director of Kambakkht Ishq, Sabbir Khan said, "This film is extremely unique in the way it has been written and directed and keeping in line with that I wanted to promote this film through distinctive platforms. Since this film also stars international celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh, I thought it would be best to use the digital platforms that give fans in international markets an insight of the film before its release. I am extremely excited about the blog on Bollywood Hungama to keep fans updated with the latest about the film." The stars of the film Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor were also present during the launch today. "I have always looked forward to doing an exciting film like Kambakkht Ishq and the film being translated into a game and a voice service on the mobile platform. Both these are extremely innovative and entertaining. I hope my fans especially enjoy the 'Stunt Tips', but they must all be very careful while doing them," said Akshay Kumar. Kareena Kapoor added,"I loved sharing my style tips with my fans. I hope all the ladies love all my style tips" Each and every filmmaker wants to give his film immense attention before its release to create a space in the audiences' minds that does not merely create awareness but instead goes a step further to ensure a 'buy-in' to the film by creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. Kambakkht Ishq is a perfect example where digital marketing is used beyond just run of the mill concepts to using the platforms to connect people with the stars and movie concepts.]]> Bollywood Hungama News Network Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:47:44 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/07/01/13037/index.html It looks like Suchita Bhatia who has leveled charges of plagiarism against the makers of New York is in trouble. Yash Raj Films, the producers of New York, have decided to take legal action against Bhatia for alleging that the script which was made into New York was originally suggested to Yash Raj three years ago by her. Confirming these developments, New York director Kabir Khan says, "This is really unfortunate. I wonder which cave this girl was living in so far to suddenly wake up five days after our film released to realize that New York is about three friends against a 9/11 backdrop." Kabir sees this as nothing but opportunistic timing. "It's a great method of getting her 15 minutes of fame. Yes, we're planning to sue her and make an example of this sort of post-success harassment that filmmakers go through." The director is very angry. "Why does one have to keep fighting to protect one's integrity? By suing this girl I hope to discourage such frivolous charges in the future."]]> Subhash K. Jha Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:15:56 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/07/01/13036/index.html Download K.I wallpapers The first screening of the much-awaited biggie KAMBAKKHT ISHQ was held last night [30th June] at Adlabs, Film City. It was an exclusive screening, with the cast and crew of the film watching it for the first time. Present on the occasion were Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan [who arrived with his kids], Babita Kapoor, Dinesh Vijan [Saif's producer-partner in LOVE AAJ KAL], Viki Rajani of Eros and those associated with the film. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala and his wife Wardha played perfect hosts. Meanwhile, lead man Akshay Kumar flew from London last night and is expected to watch the film tonight.]]> Taran Adarsh Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:31:35 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/06/30/13035/index.html Thespian Dilip Kumar was admitted last Sunday at Mumbai's Lilavati hospital with symptoms of malaria. The veteran actor and winner of numerous prestigious film awards is 87 years old. Dr Jalil Parkar, respiratory and pulmonary consultant at Lilavati hospital, where the actor was admitted on Sunday, said ''Dilip Kumar has been detected with falciparum malaria, but after taking anti-malarial medicine and antibiotics, his condition is stable now.'' Dilip Kumar's wife and former actress Saira Banu said, ''He is much better now, and we hope he will be discharged within 2-3 days''. Bollywood Hungama prays for the speedy recovery of this legendary actor.]]> Bollywood Hungama News Network Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:26:28 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/06/30/13034/index.html Not many may be aware, but the elegant lady-in-white, Simi Garewal, had shot for Anil Kapoor's home production Short Kut- The Con Is On. Simi played herself in the film and was part of a sequence where she had Arshad Warsi as the special guest on her famous talk-show 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal'. Arshad, who plays a struggling actor, ends up talking a whole lot of nonsense in the show thus making it a hilarious scene. However, disappointing as it may sound, in the final edit, the scene was removed to keep the film's length under check. The running time of Short Kut- The Con Is On is 130 minutes, the ideal length of a crisp comedy, and the makers didn't feel like stretching it any longer. If the scene had been retained, cine-goers would have got the opportunity to see Simi on the big screen after over two decades. She was last seen in her directorial debut Rukhsat (1986) co-starring Mithun Chakraborty and Anuradha Patel.]]> Bollywood Hungama News Network Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:01:42 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/06/30/13033/index.html Realism has never been more in demand. And Sanjay Dutt who until recently was doing mainly fantasy is now on the realistic route. He'll soon start Raj Kumar Santoshi's film set in the Partition period. Dutt also plays a real-life cop in Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa set at the heart of Kashmiri militancy. And now, Sanjay Dutt will take time off to play a real-life cop who waged a fierce battle against terrorism in Punjab at the peak of Khalistan movement. Apoorva Lakhia, who has been in hibernation after the ill-fated Mission Istaanbul, is all set make a comeback with a film on the cops who battled Khalistani extremism. The terror situation in Punjab during the 70s and 80s will be recreated through rigorous research on that period. Lakhia says the film will occupy the same gritty real-time-real-space as his film Shootout At Lokhandwala. Sanjay Dutt will be playing a real-life cop, one among the group who helped exterminate extremism in Punjab. Amitabh Bachchan will also play a real-life cop in this 'period' sharp shooter. "It will be in the same genre as Shootout At Lokhandwala," says Lakhia about this film, which will be produced by Ashtavinayak. The last time we visited Khalistan it was for Gulzar's dark intense and lyrical Maachis. Lakhia's film tends to take another grittier brutal and violent route.]]> Subhash K. Jha Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:27:44 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/06/30/13032/index.html He mysteriously disappeared after his debut film KAAL released. But LUCK seems to have brought Soham Shah back. "After parting from Dharma Productions, I had to start my struggle all over again. A lot of people took advantage of the situation, considering the controversy that followed our split [Karan Johar and Soham parted on a bitter note]. Something would always go wrong at the last minute and I was 'out of work' for almost four years, till LUCK happened," Soham reminisces. That Soham and Karan Johar had a bitter split is known to all and sundry, but according to Soham, it was a professional decision he took at that stage in life and he doesn't regret it one bit. "I am whatever I am because of Karan Johar and will always be indebted to him for that," says Soham with a lot of gratitude. So how did it finally work out with Shree Ashtavinayak? "A friend [Rafi Kazi] wanted me to meet Rajbhai [Mehta], which I initially refused since it had become difficult to judge who was fake and who wasn't. But after my first meeting with Rajbhai, I felt some weight in his talks and that's how we went ahead with the film," Soham states, "Somewhere, I have to give maximum credit to Sanjay Dutt for making this work. He believed in me and supported me whole-heartedly." LUCK stars A-listers like Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, Mithun Chakrabarty and Danny Denzongpa. But what stands out is Ravi Kishan, who has been cast in a crucial role. "When I watched 'Big Boss', I could see a relation between him and the character he plays in the film. Even the people at Ashtavinayak were initially hesitant, but after we gave him a makeover [to look the character], everyone was unanimous that he was the right choice," Soham says. The talented director now has two more scripts under construction and one of them is meant for Sanjay Dutt's production house. Well Soham, hope LUCK's on your side this time around!]]> Taran Adarsh Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:57:18 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2009/06/30/13031/index.html Let's clarify about the new installment of SARKAR, before we let Ramgopal Varma talk of AGYAAT, his new outing. "I don't think another installment will have the same effect after the peak SARKAR RAJ reached, especially now that Abhishek is gone [the actor was shot dead in SARKAR RAJ]," RGV states, thus clearly signaling the end of the SARKAR series. Right now, RGV is looking at AGYAAT, which, he clarifies, is not a horror film, but a thriller. "Fear doesn't necessarily come from the supernatural. Fear can also come from something one cannot see. That invisible force is the driving force of AGYAAT," he elucidates. Fear or horror, as we know by now, has been RGV's forte and is the basis of almost every second film he makes. So what is so different about AGYAAT? "I can confidently say that this film is way ahead of anything I've done earlier. Creating a fearsome character just by its sound is a difficult task. Also, the jungle we've shot in is nothing like any jungle people might've seen before," RGV reveals. Unlike most RGV films, AGYAAT doesn't boast of big stars, rather most of them are rank newcomers/lesser-known names. "New faces don't carry the burden of expectations, so I get freedom to place my characters. In AGYAAT, you could say that the jungle or the creature is the lead," RGV adds. Next on the cards is RANN, with Amitabh Bachchan, releasing shortly after AGYAAT and the two part RAKTA CHARITRA, which goes on floors soon. RANN contains the controversial 'altered version' of the national anthem that has been submitted to the court for a nod. As for RAKTA CHARITRA, why has RGV opted for a character that most in North India haven't heard of and what if the first part doesn't do well [the film will be made in two parts]? "That's a risk I have to take. Also, his life [Paritala Ravi] could not be described in just two hours, so I needed to make the second part," justifies RGV.]]> Taran Adarsh Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:52:05 EDT