Latest News from BollywoodHungama.com http://www.bollywoodhungama.com Hungama Feed Creator http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/templates/default/images/logo2.jpg http://www.bollywoodhungama.com Feeds provided by BollywoodHungama. Click to visit. http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/09/11651/index.html Click above for more stills UTV Motion Pictures and Citizen’s Council for a Better Tomorrow announced the launch of their MUMBAI MERI JAAN signature campaign at a press conference held in Mumbai. The signature campaign will spread the message of communal harmony and salute the spirit of Mumbai and its people, who have jumped back to normalcy after being targeted by terrorists on various occasions. The MUMBAI MERI JAAN signature campaign was launched by F.T. Khorakiwala and Ronnie Screwvala along with Nishikant Kamath and actress Soha Ali Khan signing the first banner of the campaign, which will be the world’s largest signature hoarding. Also present to show their support for the campaign were Kiran Shantaram, Hemant Karkare (Jt. Commissioner Anti-Terrorist Squad), Julio Ribeiro (Ex DIG Maharashtra Police) and M.N. Singh (Ex Commissioner of Police, Mumbai). Taran Adarsh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:35:29 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/09/11650/index.html Click above for more stills Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy and Farhan Akhtar rocked audiences with their magnificent live performance on Monday night at Infinity Mall, Andheri. The general public along with the media witnessed this one-of-a-kind music launch of the new film ROCK ON!!. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, ROCK ON!! also marks the debut of Farhan Akhtar and Prachi Desai. The film also stars Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Shahana Goswami and Luke Kenny. Proud father Javed Akhtar along with Big Music representative Kulmeet Makkar unveiled the music album. Taran Adarsh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:32:11 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/09/11649/index.html On Tuesday, 1st July, a local video and music retail business and its Director were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £ 5,614 to the London Boroughs of Brent & Harrow Trading Standards Service for supplying counterfeit and unclassified DVDs. Musik Zone (Wembley) Ltd., based at 105a Ealing Road, Wembley and its Director Mohammed Nadeem (aged 37), pleaded guilty to a total of fourteen offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Video Recordings Act 1984. The Court heard that the case arose after Brent & Harrow Trading Standards Service received a complaint from a member of the public who had purchased a number of CDs and DVDs from the defendant's premises which were later found to be counterfeit. Undercover Trading Standards Officers visited the shop during October 2007 and purchased several DVDs which, upon examination by the film companies, were also confirmed as being counterfeit. The Court heard that on 12th November 2007, Brent & Harrow Trading Standards joined forces with the Alperton Safer Neighbourhood Police team to search Nadeem's shop for illegal goods. A quantity of fake DVDs were seized because they breached the trade marks of Eros International Ltd. and Yash Raj Films. After the seizure, the DVDs were also examined by the British Board of Film Classification, who confirmed that they were unclassified as required by the Video Recordings Act 1984. The Magistrates were told that during an interview with Trading Standards Officers, Nadeem stated that the seized DVDs were his own personal possessions and that he had purchased them from Wembley Market. He also stated that some of the seized DVDs belonged to his friends who had left them in his shop. Taran Adarsh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:44:46 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/09/11648/index.html Click above for more stills The flow of multiple releases week after week is playing havoc. Sometime back, this writer had mentioned categorically that the day is not far when release dates will go haywire due to lack of theatres. And that's what is happening. This Friday, as many as three new Hindi films were confirmed -- MEHBOOBA, MUKHBIR and GOODLUCK. In fact, the producers of MEHBOOBA and GOODLUCK have gone all out to promote their films. With JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA faring exceptionally well and some plexes increasing its shows from next week onwards, it has resulted in the new releases not getting the theatres. Resultantly, the makers of GOODLUCK have decided to shift its release to 1st August. That makes it MEHBOOBA and MUKHBIIR this Friday [July 11], besides two major Hollywood openers, HANCOCK and KUNG FU PANDA. In the future too, the release dates of a number of films are expected to go topsy-turvy for this reason. Taran Adarsh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:13:08 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/09/11647/index.html The refreshingly different CHEENI KUM released more than a year ago, but even before the film could hit the screens, Balki had expressed a desire to work with Big B again. "He's addictive. Once you work with him, it's difficult to look elsewhere," Balki had remarked then. Balki had plans of bringing the father and son duo of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in PA. Well, the dream has finally realized, for A.B. Corp has decided to produce the project. Also, besides the Bachchans, Balki has also confirmed Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal for pivotal roles. "We begin filming in February next year and hope to wrap up the shoot by May. PA deals with the father-son relationship," Balki divulges. Sunil Manchanda and Balki will execute the project. Taran Adarsh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:04:16 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/08/11646/index.html In the last few years, the Indian animation industry has seen some big names make their presence felt. Warner Bros. Pictures is the latest entrant in the animation space, with an untitled film, which is to be directed by Jyotin Goel and produced by Goel Screencraft in India. Warner Bros. Pictures is one of the most successful motion picture studios in the world and has been entertaining global audiences for over 85 years with high-quality, innovative, acclaimed motion pictures. Speaking on this occasion, Blaise Fernandes, Country Manager, Warner Bros. Pictures India says, "We are delighted to associate with Jyotin on this film. It marks our entry into the animation genre in India." Jyotin Goel has directed films such as Zahreelay and Inam Dus Hazar besides the popular sci-fi T.V. show 'Antariksh'. He is also associated with two filmmaking firms Goel Screencraft (as a proprietor) and Goel Cine Corporation (as a partner). Speaking about his latest venture- the animation film, Jyotin Goel says, "This is a story of love and adventure, full of color, music, drama and comedy. The film is not based on the humans but portrays the melodious world of birds and attempts to explore their lives from an unusual standpoint. It is a journey into the lives of birds as they soar over dense jungles and teeming cities, giving them a point of view of the world that is hilariously different from ours." The post production of this animated film will be handled by Interactive Realities International Private Limited (IRIPL). Bollywood Hungama News Network Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:52:28 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/08/11645/index.html One of the greatest actors of Indian cinema- Dilip Kumar will soon have a documentary on his life. The documentary titled Abhinay Samrat Ki Dastan, is being made by producer-director Ashoke Bhatt (who was chief assistant to Ismail Shroff). The documentary is currently in scripting stages and is expected to go on floors by September this year. It will even feature interviews of actors who have been close to Yusuf Saab such as Saira Banu, Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. Writer Amit Shanker will be giving the voiceover for this documentary. Bollywood Hungama News Network Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:32:22 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/08/11644/index.html Subhash Ghai is busy completing his magnum-opus Yuvraaj starring Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. Recently, the director shot a song along with ace choreographer Shiamak Davar and his team of dancers. However, Shiamak refused to charge a single penny for the song which really moved the Showman of Bollywood. Bollywood Hungama got in touch with Subhash Ghai himself to get the facts straight, "Yes, it's true that Shiamak refused to accept the payment for the song which he choreographed for my film Yuvraaj. When my production people went to give him the cheque he told them 'I have great respect for Mr. Ghai. I can't charge any money from him. As long as the dancers and technicians are being paid, it's more than enough'. What's more even my production manager told me about this only after the shooting finished. Apparently, Shiamak had strictly informed him not to tell me regarding the same. The next morning when I called Shiamak, he said 'Mr Ghai lets not discuss about this'. It's a great gesture on Shiamak's part which really moved me. We know each other since the time we did Taal together. His students and staff have a great deal of love and respect for me", says the veteran filmmaker So is Shiamak choreographing just this one song or is he doing all the songs of Yuvraaj? "No, he is just doing this song since he will be busy with Bachchans' Unforgettable Tour. Ahmed Khan will be doing the other songs." Considering that A R Rahman is giving the music for this flick, what kind of music can we expect from the maestro? "The music of Yuvraaj has an international feel. It blends both Western music with Indian classical music and folk music. It has some peppy numbers and some excellent melodies. It has a larger than life feel to it. Rahman has done his best", signs off Mr. Ghai. Bollywood Hungama News Network Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:53:14 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/08/11643/index.html So consumed are his friends from Bollywood by the idea of him directing another film after Khuda Kay Liye that they've already decided to give over an entire project with cast and all to Shoaib Mansoor. But Shoaib is no hurry to make his next film. "I'm really amused to hear that I've already decided which film to make next. In fact I've a couple of ideas that I'm developing," says the softspoken Khuda Kay Liye director speaking from Pakistan. Tell him that Percept Pictures is quoted as saying Shaan, the Pakistan matinee idol who played the lead in Khuda Kay Liye, has already been cast in his next, and Shoaib replies, "When I haven't even decided what I'll make next how can I firm in on the cast? It's unlikely that Shaan will be part of my next project." The Pakistani superstar didn't quite give Shoaib an easy time making Khuda Kay Liye. Though Shaan agreed to change his image and do a starkly realistic role he seemed to lose interest halfway and did nothing to support the film's craggy progression after release. Laughs Shoaib, "The star system is no different in Pakistan or India. India has some great acting talent .And I'd love to work with all of them. But at this juncture it would be highly premature to mention names because I've no one in mind." It took Shoaib a good 25 years to make his first feature film. "Making a film in Pakistan is not easy. I've fought many battles, petty and epic, to make Khuda Kay Liye. And if it has done well in Pakistan and India then my struggle has been worth it. Now of course I'll make my next film out of Mumbai. I'm committed to Percept Pictures for my next. And I think I'll make it within a year. This time I can focus on writing and directing the film while my producers will take care of everything else. But it will take me a year to get the script in place." At the moment Shoaib is getting ready for a 3-week trip to Japan from July 20 where he's being honoured by the Japanese federation. "This year I've a lot of traveling to do. Khuda Kay Liye had a much longer shelf life than I had imagined. My next film will also have a very strong socio-political content. I don't think cinema is about making 150 girls and boys dance on top of a Swiss mountain. It's a very powerful medium. Let's not use it for frivolity." Subhash K. Jha Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:14:22 EDT http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/08/11642/index.html Here's an EXCLUSIVE… and as always, it's ONLY on Bollywood Hungama! Aamir Khan is in a joyous mood! JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA is smashing box-office records and at the rate the film is faring, it may turn out to be the biggest grosser of the year, so far. A thrilled Aamir cannot hide his happiness when we discuss the numbers. The fact is, the film has worked big time, not just in India, but also in the international markets [Overseas distributor UTV has yet another Hit to their credit]. "The response is unimaginable. Believe me, I was quite nervous before the release. I was worried about the response. But I have always believed that a sincere effort would always stand out. In this case, I would like to give full credit to Abbas [Tyrewala]. He and his team worked relentlessly to make a genuinely good film," says the soft-spoken actor/producer, who's visiting various cities to promote the film [he's in Nagpur currently]. Has he analyzed, what actually worked? "I've always maintained that the script is the star. JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA was made with utmost honesty and that translated into success," he adds. Tell him that brand 'Aamir Khan' is synonymous with quality cinema and he almost blushes, "No, no… Abbas and his team deserve the credit. I wasn't there as an actor, but Abbas made it happen. Each one, the actors included, worked hard and gave their best." Amidst all the euphoria, Aamir's name has been dragged into a controversy. Reportedly, the Bawejas -- Harry and Harman -- have cried 'Sabotage', clearly pointing an accusing finger at Aamir. "It's childish," Aamir tells me. Please elaborate. "I saw Harry and Harman on television. I even read their statements in the media. I've been an actor for 20 years now. I belong to a family that's been making movies for almost five decades. I am well aware of the kind of hard work that goes into making a film. Why would I try to harm anyone? Forget harming, I wouldn't wish ill for anyone, Harry and Harman included." Aamir continues in the same breath, "I wish them [Bawejas] the best. Har aadmi mehnat karta hain. Ups and downs are part and parcel of this business, but you can't go around town pointing accusing fingers at others. I just don't understand, why am I being dragged into all this?" The conversation veers towards his next release GHAJINI. Reportedly, the film was slated for release on October 2, but there are reports that it has been postponed to December 12, the same week as Aditya Chopra-SRK's RAB NE BANA DI JODI hits the screens. "I am unaware of their release date, but GHAJINI is not arriving on October 2. We are aiming at November-end release and that's final," he asserts. Taran Adarsh Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:13:16 EDT