Aap Ka Surroor - A Movie Review

Cast: Himesh Reshammiya, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat, Raj Babbar, Shravan

Producer: Vijay Taneja

Director: Prashant Chaddha

Music Director: Who else but Himesh Reshammiya

Rating: *1/2

So the 'Moviee' which is the real finally releases and Himesh Reshammiya has finally made his debut as an actor.

Himesh or HR appears as himself, only on a more elevated scale as he is introduced as the biggest star from India . In fact at one point of the film he is referred to as the biggest performer on the earth – well we will allow that much of cinematic liberty.

He is on a tour to Germany where he is supposed to perform. And he lands up in the country fifteen days before his concert. We allow that as well as no matter how busy a star he might be, he ca always take out time for a small holiday before his concert. And it is in Germany that he meets Riyaa - played by Hansika Motwani, the child actor from Jaago fame. And it's love at first sight and no unlike Main Hoon Na where violins played when Shah Rukh sees Sushmita, here it is the Gayatri mantra. And next thing you see is that Himesh is remixing the Gayatri mantra in an earnest attempt become the Bhajan samrat from the rockstar that he is!

So while Himesh's best friend Shravan, played by debutant Shravan romances Riyaa's best friend, the shy HR and Riyaa start talking never expressing their love till Riyaa's father played by Sachin Khedekar decides to takes her away from HR to Goa. That's when HR reaches Goa to propose his lady love in front of the whole junta and this convinces papa that HR is not one of those who flirts from the entertainment world and who would merely use his daughter for a month and leave her.

On his performance night when he is arrested for the murder of a journalist apparently did a sting operation on him. The camera records HR's face while he kills the journo who happens to be the daughter of ex-cop Merchant (Raj Babbar). HR flees from jail in order to prove his innocence and that he does by getting the real murderer to agree to this in front of camera and some 100 people.

Well, the movie had a decent story but the script is not. Scenes that should have been serious ended up being an unintentional comedy. Especially, the scene where HR deciphers the code to a lock in which the murder weapon is kept. Funny the murderer uses his own gun to kill and yet the police can't trace it!

Also the engagement scene where the song 'Jhoot nahi bolna' has been shot is filled with firangs, who are clueless about the dance they are performing. And wonder how they got so many firangs in Goa and so many Indians on the German streets. And if this is not enough, we have autowallah doing a jig on the roads, complete with their three wheelers, on the streets of Germany. Also while Himesh is in jail, he suddenly breaks into a 'Tanhaiyan' song where he is shown walking down snow filled streets carrying his ever sad face. Himesh's security guards also disappear as soon as he starts romancing Riyaa on the streets on Germany and are back when he enters home.

There are also some jokes on Himesh's personality for example, him singing through his nose, him being surrounded in controversies all the while, his arrogance and his cap.

The cinematography is probably one good thing apart from the hit music, which anyway falls into the typical Himesh mould.

Performance wise Shravan lights up the screen every time he appears. Hansika's performance is inconsistent at best, good at times and bad at others. Mallika Sherawat is funny and no she is not playing a villain. Contrary to reports she actually helps HR solve the case. Raj Babbar can do without a mention. That leave us with Himesh Reshammiya. And, the verdict is – Himesh you are a great music director and stick to that. Himesh fails to evoke any emotions neither in himself nor in the audience.

Director Prashant Chaddha's debut movie may take an opening due to the craze and curiosity among people but it should not make any mark in the box office, especially with two other movies releasing on the same day.

Hansika Motwani to pair up with NTR

Hansika Motwani, the heroine of blockbuster ´Desamuduru´ is going to pair up with Young Tiger NTR, for a film to be produced by C Aswinidutt on the banner of Vyjayanti Movies with Meher Ramesh as director.

This is her second film in Telugu. Debutant director Meher Ramesh had earlier worked as an assistant with popular director Puri Jagannath and proved himself as a successful director in Kannada.

It may be mentioned here that ´Okkadu and Idiot´ of Telugu were earlier remade in Kannada in Meher Ramesh´s direction. Though ´Andhrawala´ was a disaster in Telugu, it was remade in Kannada as ´Veera Kannadiga´ under Ramesh´s direction and it was a big hit there.

All these three films were moulded on the screen with the sons of Kannada Kanteerava Raj Kumar. Presently NTR was busy with the shooting of ´Yamadonga´.

After the completion of this movie, Aswinidutt´s film would go to sets

Awarapan - A Movie Preview

Cast:Emran Hashmi, Shreya Sharan, Mrinalini Sharma, Rehan Khan

Producer: Mukesh Bhatt

Director: Mohit Suri

Music Director: Pritam Chakraborty

Rating: **1/2

It seems, Emraan Hashmi sans kissing and love making scenes, is no better an actor. Thankfully, a relatively strong story line makes Awarapan an acceptable film.

Awarapan is the story of Shivam (Emraan Hashmi), an atheist gangster, who slowly begins to change after he meets Aliya (Shriya Saran) and falls in love with her. When their love is discovered by Aliya's enraged father, he takes a shot at Shivam but gets Aliya instead. Shivam is devastated by Aliya's death and he tries to shoot himself too, but he's unable to, so he runs away to Kowloon and starts working for Malik (Ashutosh Rana), hoping to forget his past.

Here, however, after successfully running a hotel for his boss, he is asked to keep an eye on the boss's girlfriend while he's away on a trip. Incidentially, Reema (Mrinalini Sharma), Malik's girlfriend, is a victim of human trafficking and was actually bought by Malik. Unfortunately for Shivam, Reema reminds him of his dead girlfriend and he begins to go into depression again.

In the process of shadowing her he finds out that she's having an affair with someone else, and promptly lets Malik know about this discovery. He is given the orders to finish her off and he cannot get himself to do it. Hence he has to, now, face Malik's wrath. In the process of running away, he realises that he can't keep running for ever. He cannot keep living the life of an 'awara' and here is when he's hit by the beam of enlightenment (literally) and he vows not to leave until he has set Reema free from the clutches of his lusty boss.

I'm not sure, whether the name 'awarapan' was meant for Shivam, the character of this film, or Emraan in reality, because the title is a complete mismatch. In fact, this is the only film in which he does not play the 'awara'.

The story is unusual and in the end one can relate to the plight of a lonely lover, so one does go through a certain degree of catharsis. But at a lot of points, the movie is hilarious, although I don't think the director intended it that way.

Like for example when Aliya's father shoots at Shivam, one would think that he'd try to protect his girlfriend who's behind him. Instead, with moves of a superhero, he dives out of the way letting his girlfriend take the shot. And he screams wildly in despair as he sees Aliya collapse. One wonders why? And then, throughout the film, we see the wandering shadow of a love lost Shivam who shows no guilt at all at his action. So when he finally 'sees the light' its difficult to sympathize with him. The whole scene, as impactful as it should have been, seems to fizzle out and settles for just being acceptable.

How he is hit by the beam of enlightment is another story. The man, he kidnapped in India only to later let him go, finds him in Kowloon where he's become a monk (god only knows why) and finally while running away from Malik he reaches the monastry where this victim takes care of him. Here looking at Buddha he finally begins to believe in god (again I'm not sure why). Simply having the hero pass out in front of the monastry and one of the monks helping him would have been so much more affective.

Towards the end Shivam goes to Malik's brother (Ashish Vidhyarthi) to find out where Malik's kept Reema. Here when Ashish Vidhyarthi, amused, askes to no one in particular, "Kya hai? Kya hai is ladki mein ke mera bhai uske liye apni zindagi barbaad karne ko tayaar hai aur tu apni jaan dene ko tayaar hai?" he takes the words right out of the audience's mouths. We never really understand why the girl Reema is so important and, as Malik says, different.

But it was too much too handle when, in the end, the treacherous villain comes face to face with our hero, and he asks 'why so much for this girl'. Our hero gives some half baked story about freeing trapped doves and being graced by gods blessings (which seems so inadequate) instead of saying something about redeeming himself or about love. That not being enough, our hero simply shoots Malik after that, who drops dead without a fight, while his, surrounding, bodyguards and his son just stand and watch the fun. I thought he was faking it, until the movie got over. The main villain removed, the rest of the fight seems so pointless.

In the end, one is quite confused about what the moral, or rather, the main theme of the story was, because at first it seems to be about faith in god, then about the hero's escapism or 'awarapan' and after all that we find Reema, after escaping to India, talking to the press saying that we should all do something about human trafficking because "freedom is our birthright." A littile bit of a muddle, I must say.

Emraan Hashmi is his usual self. Ashutosh Rana is very good as the Malik, although not entirely exploited well enough. Salil Acharya, as the boss's son, is none to great. Ashish Vidhyarthi is good in his minor role, but completely wasted. Purab Kohli as Ashish's son does a very good job. Shriya's just used as a pretty face while Mrinalini's not too expressive either. The plight of a sex worker forced into the situation, is not visible in her.

Director, Mohit Suri, has been quite good with his past moves but does not really live up to the expectations in this one.

The music is good, as in all of his past movies. They are quite touching and definitely helps with the narration.

Altogether, the movie is worth a one time watch. It is entertaining even if it has its flaws.

Shekhar Suman's son in father's footsteps

There is yet another star son who is all set to join the bandwagon and try his luck in Bollywood. We are talking about Adhyayan, Shekhar Suman's son.

The 19-year-old is all set to make his screen debut with Kumar Mangat's Haal-e-Dil. The youngster has graduated from the New York Film Academy and was one of the 1,000 boys who auditioned for the film.

Just when father Shekhar Suman has gone for a makeover and is planning a comeback in his new avatar, the son is all set to make his mark on Bollywood. Adhyayan is currently shooting in Leh for the film.

Director Anil Devgan is very impressed with the newcomer. The film is a musical love story and major part of it will be shot in Russia. Meanwhile, Dad Shekhar is still keeping quiet about his son's debut film.

Dharmendra, Shilpa promote Apne at IIFA

Shilpa Shetty seems to be the draw of the ongoing International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), in Yorkshire, UK.

She may not have tasted much success at home -- her most recent film Life In A... Metro has not fared very well -- but her Big Brother success in UK has her contemplating buying a house there.

Presently, Shilpa is promoting her upcoming film Apne, which will release on June 29.

Yana Gupta's Maxims Photoshoot

Yana Gupta's Maxims Photoshoot

Yana Gupta's Maxims Photoshoot

Yana Gupta's Maxims Photoshoot

Yana Gupta's Maxims Photoshoot

Everything is clear to me now: Bips

Bipasha can suddenly see the world much better.

"All these years I've avoided hosting any show or any event for the simple reason that I can't read the tele-prompter. I'm short-sighted. But now history beckons me. And if I don't correct my vision now history and my conscience would never forgive me."

Having been given the singular honour of hosting the official -declaration ceremony for the New 7 Wonders Of The World in Lisbon on July 7, Bipasha has finally taken the plunge.

"I've got myself contact lenses this week--at the age of 28, if you please! All these years I stubbornly avoided it and risked losing friends after looking through them in public. But now when I was given the great privilege of hosting the event at Lisbon along with the likes of Ben Kingsley and Hillary Swank.

Jennifer Lopez will be performing…wow! I'd be foolish to not correct my eyesight. I can see everything so much clearly now…"

Including the fact that hosting the 7 Wonders declaration -ceremony is a historic honour for her, Bollywood and the country?

"That, it is!" Bipasha exclaims. "I don't know what made them choose me, maybe it was my appearance at Cannes last month. But I suddenly got a call from them. I'm deeply honoured and flattered. This is the first time since 200 BC that the 7 Wonders are being reconsidered. To be part of this is to be part of history. And I wouldn't have missed it for anything in world, certainly not for being stubbornly short-sighted."

Bipasha feels born-anew when she finally tried on her contact lenses. "I hope that doesn't mean my birthday will be celebrated thrice a year. My birthday is on Jan 7. But many websites have given the date wrongly as sometime in May. So I receive gifts and calls twice a year. Now with my new vision of life I may also receive birthday greetings on June 20 every year."

Hearty laughter and a promise to be dressed up for the occasion by her favourite designers, follows. "It would be my dear friend Rocky S for the Indian outfit, and that's a saree. Armani will do my western outfit, and destiny will take care of the rest," Bipasha shoots off before starting preparations for an event that promises to change the world, including Bipasha's.

She certainly looks gorgeous enough to be the 8th wonder of the world. "Ha, don't compliment me for my changing looks so soon. I'm a Capricorn and change is my only constant. It's said woman metamorphose and reach a peak of their beauty till 30. I still have two years to go."

Making Mallika look sexy!

It doesn't take much to make Mallika Sherawat look hot. The actress has always looked sexy in her movies, from Khwahish to Pyaar Ke Side Effects.

But her turn in Mehbooba, the song in Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor raises the notch even higher. Mallika looks stunning in her version of Helen's dance in Ramesh Sippy's Sholay (1975).

And it's all thanks to fashion designer Ashley Rebello.

Ashley has worked with many stars like Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Karisma Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen, but he shares an especially good relationship with Mallika.

The duo have worked together in quite a few films.

Ashley tells us about his favourite Mallika designs. Have a look.

Aap Kaa Suroor: The Moviee: The Real Luv Story

Mallika's most-talked about outfit in Aap Kaa Suroor is the one she wears in the Mehbooba song.

The briefing given to me was that the outfits had to be similar to that worn by Helen in the original song. So I designed an outfit with the same colour combinations.

But after Mallika's dance around the campfire, the song shifts to a casino. The costume changes to a skin coloured gown, with embroidery at strategic places.

Mallika trusted me totally for these outfits, and did not give me much advice.

Someone special in Riya's heart?

The latest gossip doing the rounds in Bollywood is that Riya Sen is dating a hot dude, who has gifted her a very expensive mobile phone...and only the two know the number.

Meanwhile, brushing aside rumors about his affairs with Riya Sen, the Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel says he is having a good chemistry with her and they are working together in a film too.

"If people take it as an affair, I can't do any thing about this.”

"Sometimes I hear that Riya has refused to work with me. Then I also hear that we are having an affair. These are all rumors. There is no truth in it."

Babbars ignore the Bachchans!

A Chat with John Abraham

Macho Bollywood star John Abraham, who is currently shooting in Pondicherry for Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashayen, says the widespread speculation about his 'serious rift' with Bipasha Basu is baseless.

Speaking to IANS in an exclusive interview, the suave actor said they are hurt and disturbed by the recent rumours, which are vicious attempts targeted to damage their relationship.

John, who has been constantly linked with several women by the media, said his relationship with Bipasha was strong enough to withstand any storm.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: John, there has been a lot of talk about you and Bipasha splitting.
A: What can I say? It's completely untrue and I wish people would let us preserve the sanctity of our relationship. I speak on behalf of Bipasha and me when I say that all is absolutely fine between us. It hurts and disturbs us when speculation is carried to this damaging level.

Q: It isn't speculation any more. People seem to have written your relationship off.
A: I'm shocked at the upsurge of animosity against my relationship with Bipasha. I'm surprised by the intensity of loose talk. It's hit us like a tsunami. But our bonding is strong enough to withstand any storm. We never expected this kind of attack on not just our relationship but also our characters. People can say what they like. But we intend to remain together.

Q: But the talk must have hurt both of you. In fact, Bipasha who's generally gregarious has suddenly become reclusive.
A: What do you expect her to do? For a man, to face this kind of talk, is easier. She's a lady and she is under such unnecessary strain. Bipasha and I both come from very decent middle class backgrounds. Our parents taught us never to hurt anybody and certainly not hurt the person you love the most.

The way we've been projected in the past week has been contrary to what Bipasha and I stand for. However, we don't need to clear the air about our feelings to anyone. What we do wish to tell people is that we need space for our relationship. What we share means a lot to both of us. We'd appreciate it if people don't try to break down our relationship from the outside.

Q: Is Bipasha hurt about something?
A: Look, every relationship has some problems. I don't deny we had a bit of a problem, but in this case the problems weren't so massive as to be written about as the end of our relationship.

Every intimate relationship has a fair share of ups and downs. Why pull us up for it? I think some people took undue advantage of the fact that we had a bit of a routine problem. Bipasha and I both want to say ... please respect our relationship.

Q: Easier said than done, don't you think?
A: We both are very simple people and when our morals are questioned, we feel we're being slapped around for nothing. There has always been gossip about our relationships with our respective co-stars, mine far more than hers, but this time the talks went overboard.

Q: But according to your well-wishers, Bipasha has split from you?
A: Well, I'm speaking on her behalf. And I'm saying we're together.

Q: So who's Sheetal Menon?
A: Sheetal Menon is someone I did an advertisement with. That's all I know of her. I've never been in touch with her since then. I don't want to give this any more importance. Look, I've been linked with every single heroine from my second film onwards.

Sheetal Menon is just one in the long line of link-ups. People will take advantage of these imagined link-ups and try to break my relationship with the woman I love. Yesterday it was Vidya Balan, today it's Sheetal Menon. Tomorrow it'll be someone else.

Q: But this lady seems to have upset Bipasha more than your other link-ups?
A: Bipasha is too clear-headed to believe in all this. I'm very fair and transparent to Bipasha ... That could be because I hardly wear anything (laughs).

Q: You seem to have a growing population of well wishers in Mumbai.
A: (laughs) I know what you mean. I'm aware of that. You tell me why I've so many 'well wishers'. I never did anything to earn this. I've gone out of my way to create good vibes around me. I'm here to do my work and carry on with my life.

What can I do if I still manage to instigate people? I'm here to do my job. I don't complicate anybody's life. I expect people not to complicate mine. I'm shocked that something so untoward could be done to our relationship.

Q: What practical steps are you taking to win back Bipasha?
A: Like I said, everything is fine between us. She's coming to join me in Pondicherry where I'm shooting now. In fact, I'm staying at a hotel of her choice. If you remember, we shot our first film 'Jism' in Pondicherry and now she joins me here. It'd be just like old times.

Source : AOL India

Bollywood Gossips : Tabu and Upen Patel seen Kissing

Now this one is an unlikely pair if not seen as an odd and strange and that to a romantic one.
So did Tabu and Upen Patel were really get cosy at the Bandra club Poison on Wednesday night. Apparently Upen had come in with his friends and soon hit the bar enjoying some drinks.

However, in sometime he noticed Tabu, chilling out with her friends there too.
So he went up to her and they started chatting.

This must have been the first time that they were hanging out together but the chemistry was so visible and you could make out from the body language that they were loving each other’s company. Tabu seemed to be in high spirits and was overwhelmingly happy.

So what do we see next? Upen kissing Tabu.
And that too not a random kiss but quite a mutual one, if you understand what we mean.

They were even kissing on their way out of the club.
What a love story brewing this is! Keep it up Dahlings we don’t wanna miss out much on this one. Upen refused to comment on the story!

Things are getting worse for Ayesha!

Right now things seem to be not too rosy for Ayesha Takia. Her last big budget release ‘Fool n Final’ bombed badly at the box-office. Before that there was much hullabaloo about the actress being considered for Aamir Khan’s highly ambitious ‘Ghajini’.

Later on came the news that she has walked out of the prestigious project owing to certain differences best known to herself.

The latest rumour doing the rounds is that the actress has lost out on the role of Princess Jasmine in Sujoy Ghosh’s fantasy film ‘Aladdin and the Mystery of the Lamp’ where she was cast opposite Ritesh Deshmukh who plays Aladdin.

The film has a high profile star cast of A-list actors. Big B is playing the role of the genie and Sunjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla and Sameera Reddy are also there in the film.

Things didn’t work out for the actress leading to her walk out from the project. The actual reason for Ayesha quitting is not known yet, but its confirmed that the director and producer are hunting for another face. Whatever the reason be, this obviously is a big loss for the actress.

The cutie pie actress’s career has hit a low but there are no reasons why she shouldn’t bounce back in form. Just have to wait and watch.

Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii

Cast: Rahul Bose, Zain Khan, Raj Bhansali, Rajesh Khera

Producer: Ken Ghosh and Namrata Rungta

Director: Kituu Salooja

Music Director: Salim Suleiman

Rating: *

This is one film that should have been released either during the World Cup or when the kids had their summer vacation. With school already on and cricket taking a back seat after the Bangladesh beating at the World Cup, I doubt this movie will have any takers. Although it deals with fantasy, it has a weak script and the director is trying to tell too many stories in one go.

There is an orphanage run by one Hitler (Rajesh Khera). I wonder which orphanage runs in the manner this does. Maybe, the director is fantasising. Then there is Karan (Zain Khan) who lives in the orphanage, who stumbles on Kapil Dev's bat. Pronto! He makes it to the Indian team against Pakistan. Obviously he's a star in the orphanage as well as the country.

There's Varun (Rahul Bose) the captain of the Indian cricket team who hates his father. Then there is this orphan boy who is jealous of Varun's success Raghav (Raj Bhansali). And yes, the story of how Kapil Dev scored 175 not out after India were reduced for 17/5 against Zimbabwe is still being told! That was in 1983.

To add to the spice there's Maru and Nadira. They are both commentators. Yes you don't have to be a genius to know who they impersonate! Mandira and Charu!! While the real Mandira has the best sarees, Malini needs a stylist. As for Maru, he has lots of hair. A good hair weaving job by Nasir Khan.

No, there's no story so I will not even attempt to tell one. Let's go straight to the acting. Rahul, given the weak script and the fantasy plot, does well. Zain Khan impresses as a new comer, so does Raj Bhansali. As for Rajesh Khera, the Hitler of the orphanage, all that can be said is that he has a good stylist.

Maybe, just maybe, if the focus was more on the orphanage than cricket, the story would have been different. But then again, they don't even know how an orphanage is run!!

Cash - A Movie Preview

Cast: Ajay Devgan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Zayed Khan, Esha Deol, Shamita Shetty, Suniel Shetty, Diya Mirza

Producer: Anish RanjanDirector: Anubhav Sinha Music Director: Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani

Release Date: 27 July 2007

Cash is a high-octane heist thriller set in Cape Town, South Africa with top stars like Ajay Devgan, Suneil Shetty, Esha Deol, Dia Mirza, Zayed Khan, Shamita Shetty and Riteish Deshmukh in pivotal roles.For all those who have seen Anubhav's Dus can expect a little more, in fact quite a lot. Esha Deol played love interest of Abhishek Bachchan in Dus but was sort of a grey character. She again plays a robber in Cash.

Ajay Devgan as one of the leads should make the audience rest assured of great acting and stunts. Director Anubhav Sinha's last film Dus generated rave reviews for its action sequences, cinematography and fabulous music. In fact if sources are to be believed the actors have performed some of their difficult stunts. Cash is all about money and life... most of it is about money. They are all negative, all cons; they are all thieves running after some diamonds. There are some complications and some resolutions... and finally... Cash. Yes it's all about cash.

The whole story is about cash, heists and diamonds, four male characters, and three female characters and one beautiful picturesque location and thumping songs.The film revolves around an ace con artist, played by 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 non-stop adventure caper.Cash is one of the first films to be shot exclusively in the breathtaking locales of Cape Town in South Africa. Audiences can expect never seen before action-packed sequences like sky diving, kite surfing, skate boarding and fight scenes in the film, Cash is the first ever comic thriller of a film.

-glamsham.com

Priyanka Chopra: A new Powerpuff girl!

Priyanka Chopra is out for some kick-butt action. We saw some of her cool moves in Don and Krrish and now comes Drona. In her latest film Drona, which is also a super hero flick like Krrish, she plays the role of a protector to Abhishek Bachchan. It does sound odd as we have rarely seen women in Hindi films play daring characters on the silver screen.
Priyanka is bringing yet another change moving from the typical sweet and sexy roles that women get to essay to a very action packed role in this new movie. To add originality to her performance she went under training for martial arts to get the stunts right and from the looks of it she seems to be totally enjoying it.
When asked about the nature of the martial arts she says,"It's called 'katka'; it's a Sikh form of martial art where you fight with swords and with a defense mechanism which is very rooted. It looks quite spectacular." Way to go Priyanka!

Preity recalls 'Jhoom Barabar' experience

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, whose recent performance in the multistarrer Jhoom Barabar Jhoom has received mixed reviews, says she, Abhishek Bachchan and Bolly Deol were exhausted doing the numerous dance sequences for the film which was shot in England.

'Abhishek, Bobby and I are all Aquarians. We were so exhausted because we were constantly dancing,' she said. 'There's a lot of dancing in Jhoom... Also, the lines were so funny. We had to work hard on getting it right. It's been a long time since I had so many funny lines to mouth.'

Preity also recalled the tough schedules they had while shooting for the film.

'We were located at the same place in London for such along time. We were there for three months at a stretch, and I was there right through,' she said.

'Fortunately Shaad works very quickly. But it was hectic and tough. I remember we shot Kiss of Love in the freezing cold. During one of the lavish sequences Shaad turned around to say, 'This is the most expensive film I've shot. Saathiya and Bunty Aur Babli were lavish. But not like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.
'You know Shaad has the typical boarding-school enthusiasm. Everything is the best, biggest.'

Munnabhai's jinx

Last week, Sanjay Dutt arrived at the special Tada court in Mumbai in a cheerful mood but left uncertain about when his verdict will be out. For yet another peculiar legal twist - and there have been many in this case - has now put his fate in jeopardy. The jinx just refuses to break.
Dutt's lawyer Farhana Shah, who also represents 79 other accused in the case, informed the court that certain observations by a Supreme Court judge pertaining to a different Tada case were relevant to the special Tada court proceedings as well. The observations were made by Supreme Court Justice Markandeya Katju on the constitutional validity of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (Tada) on May 18. Interestingly, the same day, Judge Pramod Kode sentenced the first of the 100 convicted in the serial blasts case.
Relying on Justice Katju's observations, Shah said that the Tada was repealed on May 24, 1995, and hence from May 25, onwards its provisions automatically ceased to be applicable. Justice Katju had observed, "In my opinion, the provision that legal proceedings can be instituted or continued even after the act has expired is clearly violative of Article 14 of Constitution of India."

Article 14 of the constitution ensures equality for all under the law.
Though Justice Katju said he was merely giving his 'opinion', and refrained from giving any directive to the lower courts, he further made remarks which could be interpreted as a 'directive' from the judge. Justice Katju said, "As regards those who have already undergone the entire sentence for which they were convicted under Tada, obviously nothing can be done but regarding those who have undergone only part of the sentence or regarding those who are facing prosecution or investigation under Tada, such prosecution or investigation are liable to be quashed in view of the opinion expressed above."

Justice Katju also said, "Since this point has not been raised in the appeal (the specific Tada case he was hearing) I am not giving any final opinion in the matter but the point, to my mind, is of such a vital and wide constitutional importance that I thought it fit to express my opinion on the same, so that this opinion can be considered in other cases where prosecution under Tada are going on or where convictions have been made in relation to the offences under Section 3 alleged to have been committed before May 25, 1995."

Latching on to these observations, the panel of defence lawyers argued that since the special Tada court was currently sentencing the convicted accused, these remarks amounted to a 'directive' from the court and hence Judge Pramod Kode should refer the matter to the Supreme Court or the Bombay High Court to decide. The prosecution opposed this and argued that these remarks were not the 'final opinion' and any 'passing' remark passed by a Supreme Court was not legally binding on lower courts unless it is a specific directive.

On Monday, Judge Kode is likely to give his verdict on this issue. If he rejects the defence arguments, the sentencing process could restart. If he decides to refer the matter to either the Supreme Court or the high court, it means that the sentencing process in the serial blasts case could be stalled for several weeks until that plea is decided.

Sanjay Dutt and his three friends have nothing to do with this legal issue since they have been acquitted under Tada and convicted only for possession of firearms under the Arms Act. But with a question mark on the existence of the Special Tada Court, unless the thorny issue is sorted out, Dutt's verdict cannot happen, say legal sources.

Dutt and his Bollywood producers have no option but to wait patiently.

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery

Bollywood Actress Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery - Don

Bollywood Actress Priyanka Chopra in the Movie Don

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra looks on during a promotional event of her Hindi movie Waqt, the race against time in Bombay, India, Wednesday, April 20, 2005.

Priyanka Chopra Photos

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra raises her hand to cheer the Indian cricket team at a promotional event cum send-off for members of the team, on the eve of their departure to participate in the World Cup in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007.

Priyanka Chopra

Bollywood actress and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra walks the ramp displaying the Fall-Winter 2005 creation of designer Vikram Phadnis at a fashion show in Bombay, India, late Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005.

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery

Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan, right, and actress Priyanka Chopra wave at cricket fans during the one day international cricket match between India and England for the ICC Champions Trophy in Jaipur, India, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006.

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery

Priyanka Chopra Gallery

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery

Miss World Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra Photo Gallery

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra looks on during the match between India and England at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on October 15, 2006, in Jaipur, India.

Aishwarya Rai Photo Gallery

Aishwarya Rai Pictures, News, Gossips and More

Chak De India

Movie Name: Chak De India

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Mallavde

Producer: Aditya Chopra

Director: Shimit Amin

Music Director: Salim Suleiman

Release Date: 10 August 2007

There are a couple reasons why Chak De India is one of the more anticipated films to release in 2007. Firstly, it is yet another high-profile gathering of Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Raj Films. After hearing this, you'd think to yourself - "ah, another tear-jerking performance from another over-the-top romantic film." Well, let's not be too sure of ourselves; which brings me to the second reason why this film garners some thought - Director Shimit Amin.

It's extremely rare to see a director, who took his first steps in the RGV Factory (with Ab Tak Chappan) waltz over to the Yash Raj banner. Needless to say the two high-profile production companies are like fire and ice, producing some of the most contrasting films you'll find.

Starring Shah Rukh Khan and newcomer Vidya Malvade in lead roles, Chak De India revolves around Kabir Khan (SRK), the coach of a girl's hockey team, and a young sikh girl, Vidya (Vidya Malvade), who wants nothing more than the hard-to-earn consent of her parents to be able to join the team. SRK plays the role of a muslim man, disturbed by the sorrows of life, who wants nothing more than to see his nation's flag held high with all others. The girls' team makes it to Australia to play for the World Cup, and this is where the story portrays the plight and opportunities of the team as they fight for dignity, respect, and victory.

Model-turned-actress Vidya Malvade has truly received the break of a lifetime with this role. Or has she? Ladies and gentleman, over the past decade and a half or so, there has been an ignored theme that has run beneath the career of Shah Rukh Khan and the debutant actresses who work with him. If we look back, there have been several instances where debutant actresses gain the break of a lifetime working opposite this larger-than-life superstar, but then failing to ever achieve any sort of success in their careers (if you can even call it that). Is it the SRK curse? Or is just the luck of the draw? Let's reminisce...

Circa 1993, Shilpa Shetty has a dream launch with SRK in Baazigar. She's been struggling ever since. Apart from Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) and Dhadkan (2000), Shilpa has really never been able to gain the acceptance of both the masses and the classes. It is obvious that she has the potential, but will she ever reach it?

Suchitra Krishnamurty - do I have to say anything else? You probably haven't heard of her because she's done absolutely nothing since her dream debut opposite SRK in Kundan Shah's Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994). It wasn't until eleven years later she got a role in RGV's My Wife's Murder (2005).

Mahima Chaudhary was probably the most surprising victim of debuting with SRK. Her role as Ganga in Ghai's mega-blockbuster, Pardes, is still remembered by millions today. She was even hailed as Madhuri's successor... but wait, what happened Mahima? A slew of flops and a number of special appearances later, you still remain just that one-hit wonder.

Finally we have SRK's co-star in Asoka, Hrishita Bhatt. Although the film itself was a disaster, Bhatt was the one shining star in the entire film. But the curse had its way. Apart from full-fledged roles in films like Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Out Of Control, she had a couple scenes in Shimin's Ab Tak Chappan and a dance number in the super-flop, Kisna - The Warrior Poet.

Oh and I almost forgot, whatever happened to Gayatri Joshi from Swades? 'Nuff Said!

So it looks like history and fate is fighting hard against Vidya Malvade, who will be combating an uphill battle to prove that her career will be a success regardless of who she co-stars with. Vidya, here's wishing you all the best - and we hope the curse doesn't cast its shadow on you as well.

Coming back to the film itself, Chak De India has music by composer duo Salim-Suleiman, while the editing is done by Shimit Amin himself (who was a full-time editor before his progression into the director's seat). Cinematography will be handled by Vishal Sinha who did a stellar job working with Amin in Ab Tak Chappan. The film has been written by Jaideep Sahni.

Source - Glamsham Enfotainment Magazine.