Amitabh Bachchan

'3 Idiots' bags Best Film honor at 55th Filmfare Awards

megha — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:43:29 +0530

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan bagged the Best Actor and Actress award for their performances in 'Paa' while '3 Idiots' scooped six trophies including best film at the 55th Filmfare awards.

The year 2009's biggest blockbuster '3 Idiots' won best director award for Rajkumar Hirani, who also picked up the best story trophy with Abhijat Joshi at the ceremony held in Mumbai on Saturday.

Hirani also won best Screenplay Award with Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the Aamir Khan starrer. The duo also bagged the Best Dialogue Award for the film.

Bachchan and his family skipped awards function to protest against a news report about Aishwarya Rai's health in a tabloid owned by the same publication as Filmfare last week.

The Bachchans have sent a legal notice to the paper asking for retraction and apology. In Big B's absence, Vidya collected Bachchan's best actor award.

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor and noted music composer Khayyam were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Boman Irani and Kalki Koechlin won the Best Supporting Actor and Actress for '3 Idiots' and 'Dev D' respectively.

Among the popular category, Oscar-winning music composer, A R Rahman, won the best music award for 'Delhi-6', making it the 25th black lady on his award-shelf.

'Aaj Din Chaddya...' from 'Love Aaj Kal' fetched Irshad Kamil the Best Lyrics award.

In the Critics' Awards category, Nandita Das won the best director trophy for 'Firaaq' while Ranbir Kapoor and Mahie Gill bagged the best actor and actress award for their performances in 'Wake Up Sid' and 'Dev D' respectively.

Best playback singer (Female) was shared by Rekha Bharadwaj for 'Genda Phool...' from 'Delhi 6' and Kavita Seth for her soulful rendition of 'Iktara...' from 'Wake Up Sid'.

Mohit Chauhan bagged the best playback singer (Male) award for peppy number 'Masakalli...' from 'Delhi 6'

Among the technical awards, Sreekar Prasad received award for best editing for 'Firaaq' while best cinematography trophy was held by Rajeev Ravi for 'Dev D'.

Best visual effects award was bagged by Govardhan Vigharan and Vinay Singh Chuphal for 'Kaminey' and best production and art direction went to Helen Jones for 'Dev D'.

Best choreography award went to Bosco-Ceasar, for 'Chor Bazaari' from 'Love Aaj Kal', best action to Vijayan Master for 'Wanted' and best sound design to Manas Chaudhury for 'Firaaq'.

While best costume design award went to Vaishali Menon for 'Firaaq', best background score went to Amit Trivedi for 'Dev D'. Trivedi also bagged the R D Burman Music Award for new musical talent.

The best debut award was shared by Zoya Akhtar for 'Luck By Chance' and Ayan Mukherji for 'Wake Up Sid'.

The award function was hosted by Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan.

Movie Review: Teen Patti

nishtha — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:18:16 +0530

Teen Patti movie poster. Photo courtesy: wikipedia

Movie Review: Teen Patti

Fri-Feb 26, 2010

New Delhi / Nishtha Bhatnagar

Movie Review: Teen Patti
Rating: * 1/2

The Great Gambler is back but this time as an idiosyncratic, old and non-entertaining one. And for all those who thought, Teen Patti will be Bollywood's answer to Twenty One or Ocean's series, it is time to wake up from your dream. Questions that loom large after the watch- Why would anyone want to pay Ben Kingsley so much money and then waste him. Worse still, why would Amitabh Bachchan do a movie like Teen Patti for any money.

We have seen how much director Leena Yadav can deliver earlier also. Her vague treatment of the Sanjay Dutt - Aishwarya Rai - Zayed Khan starrer Shabd had left us stunned many years ago. And she brings it back with vengeance in her latest film Teen Patti. A movie, supposedly revolving around the mathematical concept of Probability, has in lay person's lingo, no probability of making any money at the Box office.

A slow pace, an absolutely confused script and actors who seem to be scurrying around for direction sum up Teen Patti. With no explanation of the law of probability, the least the director could have done is shown us was some gambling fun. But there too, to our great disappointment, we find actors like Mahesh Manjrekar, Shakti kapoor and Jackie Shroff appearing randomly and disappearing even more randomly. There is no flow of events, and the characters are poorly etched. Ben Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan's interaction in English has been sloppily dubbed in Hindi.

Amitabh Bachchan doles out a great performance, but that is no way makes up for a weak and boring script. Ben Kingsley and his talent are hardly used and appreciated in the film. All other actors including Madhavan fail to leave a mark.

Rate This Article:

Raj wonders why Big B was spared

tejas — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:05:32 +0530

Slamming Shiv Sena's attack on Shahrukh Khan for speaking in favour of Pakistani cricket players, MNS chief Raj Thackeray today said why megastar Amitabh Bachchan was not targeted for sharing dais with an actor from the neighbouring country.

"Recently, Amitabh Bachchan shared dais with Pakistani actor Zia Mohyeddin in a media-sponsored programme. But the issue was not raised like that of Shahrukh Khan," Raj told reporters here.

Terming Bachchan's behaviour as a 'duplicity', Raj said, "Amitabh refused to accept honour from an Australian university last year (to protest attacks on Indians there), then how can he share dais with Pakistani actor when terrorists from the same country attacked us."

Asked if he wants Big B also to apologise, Raj said, "No. I have no such expectations from Amitabh."

Taking a dig at the megastar, Raj said, "If Shahrukh's (remarks on Pakistani players) was a publicity stunt, the same is true about Amitabh also."

Bachchan is part of a peace initiative 'Aman ki Asha' aimed at promoting good ties with the neighbouring country. He has faced criticism in the past from MNS which accused him of ignoring Maharashtra where he earned name and fame.

Raj said his party is not going to take part in the ongoing agitation against Shahrukh Khan and would concentrate on working in the interest of Marathi people.

On the Government's stand on the issue, Raj said it is that the law and order situation is not good but would not like to speak anything on handling of the matter.

Movie Review: Rann

megha — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:52:06 +0530

A promotional poster of the latest RGV movie "Rann". Photo Courtesy: Flickr.

Movie Review: Rann

Fri-Jan 29, 2010

New Delhi / Nishtha Bhatnagar

Rating: ****

Ram Gopal Varma can steer films on politics, underworld and other hard hitting subjects quite well. He has shown us his mettle in Satya, Company, Sarkar and its sequel.

His films are pace perfect, entertaining and also get the audience to do some serious thinking. Rann is another such film that will get you to put your thinking caps on.

Rann looks at the functioning of India media with a magnifying glass, rooting out many of its failings. But at the same time it provides for a flip side that brings out the integrity in those few journalists who still manage to keep the truth afloat.

Thus, Rann may be a bit of a reality check and a bit of a wake up call for those who use the medium without any integrity.

Rann proves two things. Firstly there are directors other than Madhur Bhandarkar who can capture the nuances of an industry with great skill. RGV establishes himself as a master of his trade once again.

Secondly, it doesn't always take a young or good looking actor to sell a film. Amitabh Bachchan still has it in him to shoulder a film singlehandedly. His performance in Rann is par excellence.

RGV also manages to get the best out of Paresh Rawal, Ritesh Deshmukh, Rajat Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav and Sudeep.

Rate This Article:

Mithun slit his chest for me: Big B

nishtha — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:58:46 +0530

Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty was such a big fan of Amitabh Bachchan during his struggling days that he "slit his chest" for the star's well being when Big B was fatally injured while shooting Coolie in 1983. The two actors recently met on the sets of a dance reality show which brought old memories back to Bachchan.

"A dedicated follower and one that has always been respected by the fraternity, his concern and love for all is legendary - slit his chest and took a pledge on his blood for my well being during my Coolie episode. How can one ever forget that," the 67-year-old star wrote in his blog. Bachchan was critically injured in the intestines while filming a fight scene in the 1983 film with co-star Puneet Issar which almost cost him his life.

Big B also recounted Mithun's loyalty for him on the sets of his film 1976 'Do Anjane' in which Mithun did a cameo. "During the shoot for Do Anjane at Calcutta he used to run around enthusiastically ready to carry my bags for me. I would desist from him doing this, but he went ahead and did it always," Bachchan wrote. Mithun had to go through a lot of struggle to establish himself in Bollywood as an actor and made a name for being a dancing star.

"He danced at parties and possessed a million dollar smile - open, uncomplicated and full of warmth. But look where he is today. At the top of his creativity - I simply loved him in Guru," Bachchan added.

Indian cinema offers poetic justice in 3 hours: Bachchan

nishtha — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:26:16 +0530

Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan, who was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) says that Indian films click with audience worldwide because it offers poetic justice in three hours. Bachchan, who felt humbled on receiving the award, said, "Our cinema offers poetic justice in three hours. You walk away from an Indian cinema with a smile on your lips and dried tears on your cheeks."

The 67-year-old actor said that the Middle East is emerging as one of the largest territories for Indian cinema overseas. He headlined the Indian celebrities walking the red carpet on the opening day of DIFF. "Although there are linguistic differences, people in the Arab world share cultural similarities and can associate well with Indian films. This bodes well for the Indian film industry," Bachchan said.

"DIFF is of very recent origin compared to the history of cinema but it in a short span, the festival has entered an arena that has been dominated by the Western film industry," he added. The festival will be screening two of Bachchan's, Black (December 11) and Silsila (December 15) in his
honour.

Movie Review: Paa

nishtha — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:04:09 +0530

Paa movie poster. Photo courtesy: wikipedia

Movie Review: Paa

Thu-Dec 03, 2009

New Delhi / Nishtha Bhatnagar

Movie Review: Paa
Rating: * * 1/2

First things first. Paa is not a father-son, son-father relationship. It is infact a son-mother, mother-son relationship with vignettes of a politician who happens to be the father of 12 year old boy suffering from a genetic disorder called Progeria and whose existence he is unaware of. But having stated the total disconnect from what one expects and what had seen on trailers, Paa is not a let down per say. The movie only touches upon the illness in bits and pieces revelling more in humour and fun rather than angst.

The storyline revolves around the life of 12 year old Auro who has been raised by his mother and grandmother. His father who is a renowned politician asks his mother to abort the child when she concieves him by mistake while they are both in college. The mother Vidya played by Vidya Balan however, decides to bring the child into the world without informing the father. A few years hence, she realises that her son is suffering from a rare genetic disorder called Progeria, that leads to accelerated ageing. The father son come face to face at an award ceremony. Do they end up bonding, well find out for yourself.

The second half of Paa is more refreshing and promising than the first. It ushers in some great chemistry between the Bachchans and also finds happy niche in child-like jokes and silly utterances. The first part dabbles more with politics, media and mud slinging. It is only after the interval that one begins to realise that Balki might just end up living upto his Cheeni Kum reputation thereby giving us a film that is endearing and sweet in its simplicity.

Kudos to Amitabh Bachchan for his voice over and dubbing which doesnt seem to have been an easy task for the actor. The make up of the actor which is almost perfect also ends up absenting him to the audience completely. Thus it is actually only through his dialogue delivery and eyes that Bachchan communicates with us, letting us into the brilliance behind the mask. Abhishek Bachchan is good in his role as Amol Atre, the poignant father than Atre the politician. Vidya Balan manages to carry off her simpleton role effortlessly.

Overall, Paa doesnt have a robust storyline. Watch the film, if you can hold your judgements till the interval lets you into the second half which might end up redeeming the entire film.

Rate This Article:

SRK paints, Big B sings as Bollywood remembers 26/11

nishtha — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:04:30 +0530

From Shahrukh Khan who turned painter for the occasion to Amitabh Bachchan joining a chorus of singers, India's film fraternity paid tribute to the heroes and victims of the 26/11 terror attacks. Khan joined a unique attempt to remember those who lost their lives on the eventful day by painting on a wall at Marine Lines even as Bollywood remembered the day the city was hit by one of the most bloody attacks in it's history.

"It was a very tragic event, but the good thing that happened was that the tragedy brought the people of Mumbai together and closer," said actor Aamir Khan.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently joined the chorus for a special song as a tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. "Sonu Nigam had asked me to participate in a song that he was doing for those whom we lost that fateful day. I did,' Amitabh wrote on his blog.

"Many different singers from our trade had participated in it to lend it a spirit of togetherness and strength, of faith in our independence, and the love for those that became ours in defending our freedom. I am joyed by the effort and give voice to it," he added. Actor Akshay Kumar, whose wife Twinkle was at the Taj when the terrorists stormed in, saluted the spirit of the city which defied all odds to get back on it's feet. "I know I am the luckiest guy in the world as my family was saved from a tragedy but I would like to extend my support and love to those who have lost their loved ones," Akshay said.

The actor's upcoming film De Dana Dan incidentally began shooting the same day as the attacks and will release a day after the first anniversary. His co-star actor Suneil Shetty said that terror attacks are meant to disrupt the peace and economy of the country but the best way is to fight back. "I am very happy the way we have fought back and resumed with our responsibilities. This is the perfect way to tell the terrorists that they have not succeeded," Shetty said. Actress Neha Dhupia recalled that she was shooting for De Dana Dan when the attacks happened.

"We were shooting when the news broke out but our director Priyadarshan said that we would be not be affected by it and will continue our jobs and that is to entertain people and give them a reason to smile at such times," Neha said.

Amitabh Bachchan causes rift between IIFI organisers

nishtha — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:31 +0530

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has become the bone of contention between the two organisers of the International Film Festival of India (IIFI), with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) saying that the Directorate of Film Festival did not want to invite Big B.

ESG's Red Carpet Committee member Rajendra Talak on Monday told reporters that the ESG wants to invite Bachchan to the festival, but DIFF is not keen on the idea. "We always feel that he should come but what can we do? It is only upto the DFF," Talak said. Responding to a question during a press conference along with Red Carpet Committee Chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar, Talak said that the ESG is not even allowed to recommend names to the Directorate.

When contacted, Director of DFF, S M Khan denied that there was ever any formal or informal discussion with ESG about inviting Bachchan to the festival.
"We have not received any proposal either formal or informal from ESG on inviting Amitabh Bachchan to the festival. I am in regular touch with ESG officials and there has been no such request from them," he told PTI.

Talak said that the society could not invite the star as it is not involved in conceptualising the event but is merely involved in logistic support. Talak, who himself is a National Award winning filmmaker, refused to offer any comment when asked whether Bachchan's political affiliations had anything to do with not being invited for the festival.

Earlier last month, Bachchan during his Goa visit had expressed his interest to attend IFFI. When asked why is he not attending the festival, Bachchan had replied, "the question should be asked for those who invite people for the festival." IFFI 2009 will be held in Goa from November 23 to December 3 in the cities of Panaji and Margao. The festival was shifted to Goa in 2004 and since then ESG has been co-hosting it.

Meanwhile, ESG has planned red carpet sessions every day in the evening during the festival, which will be open for the non-delegates too. Various competitions have been organised during the occasion and winners will be given prizes including photo opportunity with the stars.

Bachchan to lend voice to animation

nishtha — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:59:56 +0530

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is all set to save the world, albeit in a digital avatar. The Shehenshah of Bollywood is lending his voice for the feature length animated film, Twinergy, which is being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan.

The film based on the universal theme of good and evil is filmmaker Priyadarshan's first animation project and will see Big B playing the lead as well as lending his famous baritone to his character.

A B Corporation has entered into a tie-up with media entertainment major Toonz India to produce the full-length animated film. The pre-production work of the Rs 20 crore venture has begun in Toonz studio at the Technopark here and the film is expected to release during Diwali in 2010, P Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Animation India Pvt Ltd told PTI.

"This movie has several unique features. This is for the first time that a Bollywood icon associating with an animated film. Also, this is the first animated film by Priyadarshan," Jayakumar said.

"For Toonz India, this also part of its 10th anniversary projects. We have been able to make a global mark in animated entertainment during this period," he said. The film revolves around twin brothers of a magical kingdom, with Bachchan's character finally saving their world from evil, he said. A royal family, united by love but divided by misunderstanding, adopt the twins Dhruva and Vajra into their fold. United by their powers and benevolence, they become divided due to machinations of a greedy and power hungry uncle.

In the end, the twins realize that energy is more than power and when properly balanced it binds everyone together. "We are sure it is going to entertain both children and grownups alike and set them thinking," Jaya Kumar said.

Gandhi, Taj Mahal, Amitabh may feature in Google logos

Sneha — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:09:04 +0530

Mahatma Gandhi, the Taj Mahal or Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan drawn by schoolchildren may soon feature in specialised homepage logos in popular search engine Google on festive occasions in India.

Specialised logos based on the theme 'My India' will feature on the special days including national holidays and other festive occasions, according to Google India.

These logos will be selected from the 'Doodle 4 Google' competition, where schoolchildren across the country will be asked to "think about what is India and what it means to them," and then represent their vision pictorially, Arvind Desikan, Head of Consumer Marketing, Google India, told PTI.

The contestants may include any aspect of India that may mean something to an individual, Desikan said, adding that the organisers do not want to restrict the theme.

"We do not want to restrict the theme. We believe that the concept 'My India' is a personal one. We are one billion people and we have each experienced India in our own special way," he said.

"Whether it's cricket, the Taj Mahal, Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi, Bharatanatyam, Aryabhatta... we want this young generation to tell us what they think through a doodle," he said.

"The competition seeks to celebrate the talent and the spirit of Indian children. The winners' doodles will be displayed on Google's homepage for millions of people to see."

Small screen sizzles sans melodrama

wali — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:07:49 +0530

In the mad rush to capture the television viewership, what works best - a good story, a mega star or a reality show which is hardly real - is something nobody really knows.

Television producers are experimenting with every genre to churn out a successful serial. But to catch the ever changing pulse of the viewers is not that easy a task.

In its quest to increase TRPs, Colors is banking heavily on Bolloywood mega stars. After Akshay Kumar’s deadly stunts in Khatroon ke Khiladi season 2 kept the audience mesmerized, the channel has now roped in Amitabh Bachchan to host big-ticket reality show Big Boss 3.

Like his last avatar as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati on Star, Big B is again enthralling the viewers with his style and mannerisms. However, the selection of the housemates for the show seems to be a lopsided affair.

The small screen is increasingly turning out to be an abode for yesteryears’ Bollywood actors and budding models of today. Maybe that’s the reason why we see Poonam Dhillon, Aditi Govitrikar and Sherlyn Chopra on Big Boss.

Drama queen Rakhi Sawant’s mother Jaya also made her television debut in the same, but before viewers could even notice her presence, she was evicted from the house.

As the Big Boss's house is all set for a long season of backbiting and often obnoxious fights, Kiran Bedi is conducting her Kachehri minus the glamour on Star Plus. The former IPS officer solves cases of domestic violence and disputes with élan in her show Aap ki Kachehri.

If this real court room bores the viewers, then there is the Dance Premier League (DPL) on Sony. The show provides a stage to dancers who nurture a dream of making it to Bollywood solely on the moves of their dance. Judging the show are Rani Mukherjee, Shayamak Davar and Arshad Warsi.

DPL is refreshing, but MTV's Rock On fails to rock. What the participants compose, sounds like a cacophonic extravaganza. Often the tracks of old Hindi movies are distorted to add a rock touch to it. This, perhaps, spoils the chance of the channel to stand out amongst the musical serials.

Changing genre

After decades of dominance on Star Plus, Ekta Kapoor finally ended her 'Star exclusivity' with the serial Betaab Dil Ki Tamnna Hai. Sony is airing the serial which is loosely based on the Shiney Ahuja sex scandal. Away from the emotional politics and dynamics of a large family business, Ekta has woven a story around three sisters from a poor background who want to make it big one day.

Betaab…. is not the only serial that is focusing on women facing hardships in life. Agle Janam Main Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo on Zee Tv, Uttaran and Bairi Piya on Colors are setting a new style and genre of storytelling for the television audience.

Though lacking the glamour and high voltage star power, these serials appeal to the middle class India. But, will these serials live up to the magic of Bunyaad? Keep watching this space to know more.

Inimitable Amitabh celebrates 67th birthday

megha — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:19:36 +0530

With his ability to redefine himself time and again, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who turned 67 on Sunday, has successfully established himself as Indian cinema's brand ambassador besides being the most sought after star in Bollywood.

"When I was a four-year-old I used to ask for gifts on my birthdays but that phase is over now. I think the biggest gift for me at this point of my life would be that I continue getting work and the support of my family," the superstar said on the eve of his birthday.

All you wanted to know about Amitabh:
* Biography
* Big B's Blog

And while most of the stars and superstars have went into oblivion, the "angry young man" of Indian cinema, who started his career in the Hindi film industry with 'Saat Hindustani' in 1969, is enjoying the busiest time of his career with back to back releases and a prime time reality show on television.

Bachchan, who made a comeback to television as "pop philosopher" on 'Bigg Boss 3', will next be seen in fantasy movie 'Aladin', where he is playing a genie.

Apart from 'Aladin' the actor has six other big budget films lined up for release, including 'Paa', 'Teen Patti', Ram Gopal Verma's 'Rann', 'Shoe Bite' and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Chenab Gandhi'.

Despite his busy schedule, Bachchan has also found a blog to stay connected with his fans across the globe and hardly a day goes when the star does not update it.

Bachchan, who will soon complete his 40th year in the film industry may feel that the "excitement of birthdays and gifts has long since gone by" but that has not stopped his fans across the globe from celebrating his big day, with more than 6000 logging in on his official website to wish their icon a happy birthday.

In an industry, where it is easy to get stereotyped, Bachchan remains one of the few actors to get the chance to portray a myriad of avatars on screen - be it a modern genie in 'Aladin' or a media tycoon in 'Rann'.

But the actor has had a bumpy ride to the superstardom.

In his initial days in Mumbai, Bachchan struggled hard to establish himself as he survived through 13 consecutive flops.

Interestingly, his dream break came with Prakash Mehra's "Zanjeer" in 1973, which was turned down by then superstars Dev Anand and Rajkumar. Bachchan became the voice of the youth as an "angry young man", who was ready to take on a corrupt system alone.

He became the face of youth rebellion with films like "Deewar" and "Sholay" "Amar, Akbar and Anthony", "Don", "Trishul" and "Mukaddar Ka Sikander".

They helped him reach the height of superstardom, which remains indisputable till today, though there were plenty of road blocks on the way, including bankruptcy and a near death experience.

While filming "Coolie" in 1982, Bachchan suffered a near fatal intestinal injury during the filming of a fight scene with co-actor Puneet Issar. He remained critically ill in hospital for many months, at times close to death.

The public response included prayers in temples and offers to sacrifice limbs to save him, while later there were long queues of well-wishing fans outside the hospital where he was recuperating.

Bachchan made a foray into politics in 1984 and won the Allahabad seat but the experience left a bitter taste in his life after he was accused of scams and corruption and he vowed never enter the field again.

The actor faced a career decline after 1985 with his films tanking at the Box Office. However, he delivered some hits like "Hum", "Agnipath" and "Khuda Gawah" during this period.

Bachchan faced near bankruptcy after his company ABCL suffered huge losses after films and the 1996 Miss World Universe competition, which was organised by ABCL in Bangalore, failed to generate money.

However, Bachchan resurrected his career with Star Plus' "Kaun Banega Crorepati" in 2000.

The reality show, which was adapted from UK's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", made the actor a favourite to the millions across the country, who religiously tuned to the programme everyday, bringing the actor back to his former glory days.

And Bachchan, who is fondly called the 'Shehenshah of Bollywood' continues to thrive with no plans of fading away.

Big B not in Farah's 'Happy New Year'

nishtha — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:27 +0530

Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan has rubbished rumours that her upcoming film Happy New Year will see the coming together of Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan. The Om Shanti Om director said her best friend SRK is the only actor who has been finalised for the movie, which is still in its scripting stage.

"There is no truth in the rumour that Big B is going to star in the film. Besides SRK, I never cast anyone in my film till I have my script ready. As of now, only Shahrukh and me are in the film," Farah told PTI.

Earlier, it was reported that the Main Hoon Naa director will bring the two actors together in the film. The duo was last seen together in Bhoothnath also starring Juhi Chawla. The other actors who were said to be working in the movie were Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan and Juhi Chawla, a claim denied by Farah.

Describing the film as "modern and contemporary", the 44-year-old director said it would go on floors this year. "I would resume my work on the script once I finish shooting for the chat show," she said.

Aishwarya down with flu like symptoms

megha — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:40:56 +0530

Actress Aishwarya Rai is down with a "chest infection" and "flu like symptoms", leaving her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan worried.

The 35-year-old actress who was shooting with husband Abhishek Bachchan in Ooty for the upcoming Mani Ratnam film 'Ravana' is down with the illness, Bachchan who is in Singapore tending to politician Amar Singh wrote in his blog.

"Aishwarya has taken ill and is down with chest infection and flu like symptoms. Had a high fever on Saturday but is settling down today," wrote Bachchan.

"Its worrying to be so far away from children and not be there to look after them. Yes, they are mature and married and responsible, but children will always remain children," a concerned Bachchan added.

The 66-year-old veteran also complained that he has been suffering from a "strained back".

"Jaya left this evening for Mumbai after having spent more than a month by the side of Amar Singh ji during his ailment. I stay back till he is sound enough to travel back," he wrote.

Amitabh is Ramu's blogging guru

megha — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:01:27 +0530

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma's tongue-in-cheek posts may be miles away from Amitabh Bachchan's philosophical musings, but the controversial director says that it is Big B who inspired him to blog.

Varma who has directed the megastar in many films, including the hit Sarkar series, said that it was Bachchan who made him realise the full scope of the medium.

"I knew about it before but it was Amitji who sort of educated me about the scope of blogging and then I started writing and the feedback was interesting," the director told PTI.

And Varma who receives plenty of flak for his no-holds-barred commentary on the blog, said that he is unfazed by the often scathing criticism. "The very idea behind the blog is to elicit comment and the brickbats come along with the bouquets.

"I have nothing to complain about and I actually thrive on criticism," said the filmmaker who is known for his gangster dramas and horror flicks.

From the 'Psychological Impact of Background Music' to 'I Love Hate', RGV blogs about anything and everything under the sun, but keeps from describing his daily routines, a habit amongst bloggers, including Bachchan.

"For me it's more about my thoughts and I don't want to waste space by detailing my mundane daily life," said Varma. The avid blogger may have a completely different style from Bachchan, but their wavelengths are in sync when it comes to films.

"We share a great professional relationship and the rumours of a fall-out were just another media creation. I had said in an interview that I was over with the Sarkar family and that was interpreted as a tiff with the Bachchans," clarified the filmmaker.

Varma who's next release, the much hyped 'Rann', again stars Big B said that contrary to popular belief the film is not his way of getting back at the media.

"The media is not a singular creature that can be targetted. And the same way I don't think the media is against me or intentionally targets me.

"When I went to the Taj after the Mumbai attacks, I knew that it was bound to create some negative reports," said the director adding that controversy seems to follow him wherever he goes.

Varma who is often described by the moniker 'controversial director' stirred a hornet's nest when he reinterpreted the national anthem for his film 'Rann'. He had filed a case in the Supreme Court when the censor objected to the use of the anthem, terming it a "distortion".

"I don't love controversies. What creates a controversy? When some one does something new and out of the box, people are bound to react and some tend to react in a negative way and then it snowballs into something called a controversy," said Varma who recently created a furore when he hung dummy corpses on the posters of his film 'Agyaat' in 15 locations in Mumbai.

But the 'Rangeela' filmmaker who has run into trouble with the censor again over an item number featuring Priyanka Kothari in 'Agyaat' is unapologetic. "The fear of creating a controversy will not make me do run of the mill things," said Varma.

IIFA extravaganza kicks off in Macau

wali — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:21:33 +0530

The IIFA celebrations kicked off today with some of Bollywood's biggest celebrities making a bee line to this small Chinese town for the weekend as megastar Amitabh Bachchan declared open the extravaganza.

The International Indian Film Academy completes it's decade this year and megastar Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the three-day-long event by planting a lotus, the official flower of both India and Macau, a special administrative region of China.

The awards are often called 'Bollywood's Oscars' but the 66-year-old actor said that he did not subscribe to the view because he does not approve of the constant comparison with Hollywood.

He added that while the Indian film industry may not be able to match upto Hollywood's technological polish, but had enough talent to compete with the West.

"Why can't we be proud of what we are doing rather than comparing ourself with others. The west is west and the east is east. Let both of them exist in their own world. What is wrong with the Indians?," the actor said.

The actor who was voted the 'Star of the Millennium' by BBC in 2000 also unveiled his wax statue flown in especially from London's Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum to Macau for the IIFA celebrations.

The actor, flanked by his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, unveiled the statue at a green carpet event.

The waxwork remained a star attraction on the green carpet with other Bollywood stars and dignitaries making a stop to get a picture with Bachchan's wax replica.

Bollywood A-listers turned up for the event, including Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor,Sushmita Sen, Govinda and Neil Nitin Mukesh.

But it was 'Slumdog Millionaire's teenage stars Tanay Chheda, Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar and Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala who stole the show from the stars and were an instant hit with the crowd.

Despite the fanfare, the tenth edition of the IIFA awards will be a watered down affair compared to previous years as some of the biggest stars are missing from the fray.

Superstars Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir Khan as well as Bollywood's leading ladies Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have given the event a miss.

Bachchan turns down Australian doctorate

sitansu — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:32:53 +0530

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has reacted to racial attacks on Indian students in Australia by rejecting an honorary doctorate offered to him by an Australian university.

The Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane had offered the 66-year-old veteran a doctorate for his contribution to the world of entertainment and Bachchan had earlier accepted the title.

The honour was to be conferred on the star in July as a part of celebrations to commemorate a retrospective of his films to be inaugurated in the city.

"I have been witnessing with great dismay and shock, the recent violent attacks on Indian students in Australia, on the electronic media the entire day," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

"I mean no disrespect to the Institution that honours me, but under the present circumstances, where citizens of my own country are subjected to such acts of inhuman horror, my conscience does not permit me to accept this decoration from a country that perpetrates such indignity to my fellow countrymen," he added.

Australia has recently seen a series of attacks on Indian students, the most serious being the assault of Shravan Kumar, a 25-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh who is battling for life in a hospital here after being stabbed by a screwdriver by a group of teens in a weekend attack that also left three of his friends injured.

IPL fever catches up with Big B

Sneha — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:14:25 +0530

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. Photo Courtesy: Flickr

IPL fever catches up with Big B

Mon-May 04, 2009

Mumbai / Press Trust of India

The Indian Premier League (IPL) fever has not spared even megastar Amitabh Bachchan and he doesn't miss watching matches especially when his favourite team - Mumbai Indians is playing.

However, the actor is upset over the two successive defeats of Mumbai Indians and expressed his frustration to "EF" (Extended Family) as he refers to his readers on his blog.

"Doing nothing and sitting in front of the 'box' an entire day is a feat by itself and I just did it. Albeit a little frustrating because the home team lost in the final moments," Bachchan wrote after Mumbai Indians was defeated by Kings XI Punjab in a close match last week.

Sunday's loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore made Big B just say, "The Mumbai Indians lost!! AAArrrgraahhhhh".

Bachchan has just returned after a overseas schedule of his home production Paa and is presently recording a song for Ram Gopal Verma's Rann.

Ever since his return, Bachchan has been glued to television watching the IPL.

During a media interaction to announce the 10th IIFA's venue last week, Bachchan asked the organisers to switch on the television in the hotel room, so that he could catch up with the ongoing match.

Bachchan said IPL was very popular abroad and people in Paris were also watching the cricketing event on television.

When he was asked about his favourite team in the IPL by journalists, the legendary actor refused to comment.

However, on his blog, subsequently, Bachchan has made his choice clear.

Bachchan, who is also a "Chelsea" fan, said football and cricket were great games of skill and they require television audience concentration.

Speaking for all the couch potatoes, Bachchan said, "we believe transformation of energy does indeed scientifically take place when we shout, Go Chelsea or Mumbai Indians!!"

According to the Big B, "a loss is more clinical. We like to go to bed immediately and most certainly do wish to be disturbed."

He wondered what he would do when the "great patronage of IPL" ends later this month.

Rate This Article:

Big B raves about Sir Ben

nishtha — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:55:03 +0530

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is highly impressed with the highly professional attitude of the Hollywood veteran Ben Kingsley. Bachchan has just completed shooting for his next flick with the Oscar winning legend.

Amitabh completed five scenes at an 'exotic casino' with Kingsley in London for the last schedule of Teen Patti, directed by Leena Yadav.

'(It's)...a joy really to be working with a crew that respects efficiency and time and a colleague who is professional to the core,' Amitabh wrote on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com. 'It's been a joy to work with Sir Ben. He is generous and polite, prepared and competent and cooperative with every breath. It is no wonder then that we have finished what would have involved us all for several more days,' he added

Amitabh is playing the role of a professor who trains five of his brightest protégés in gambling.

Commenting on the difference in the looks of his character vis-a-vis that of Kingsley's in the movie, Amitabh wrote: 'We are elder academicians; me more than him. I'm a math professor, generally known to be absent minded, hesitant in public and not generating too much care on clothing. Sir Ben is greatly more smooth and suave in the film.'

Other actors in the film include R. Madhavan and newcomers Siddharth Kher, Dhruv Ganesh, Vaibhav Talwar and Shraddha Kapoor.

Big B in trouble over tax payment

wali — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:22:12 +0530

Actor Amitabh Bachchan is in trouble with the income tax department.

The IT department has moved to Supreme Court against a Bombay High Court order which had dismissed an appeal related to his income from the show Kauna Banega Crorepati.

The IT department said Bachchan was not liable for benefit under Section 80 RR of the Income Tax Act, which covers Indian residents who earn foreign currency.

Bachchan had contended that, according to the act, 30 per cent of his earnings were not taxable as he was an artist and the remaining, which went to the account of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd, could be taxed.

The IT department said the entire show was shot in India at a studio in Mumbai and so no tax relief should be granted.

They also said Bachchan was an anchor on the show, and did not qualify as an artist, and so could not be exempt from tax.

The total income on which the department is asking for tax is Rs 21 crore.

No Holi for some leaders, Big B

Sneha — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:50:55 +0530

While Holi is celebrated across the country, some political leaders and other well-known figures will not take part in the festivity for various reasons.

BJP's prime ministerial candidate L K Advani said he would refrain from celebrating Holi as a mark of respect to those killed in the Mumbai terror strikes.

But the decision is not binding on the rest of the party.

However, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will give holi a miss for health reasons, on medical advice.

Railway minister Lalu Prasad, recently announced his intention not to celebrate Holi this year, citing the huge loss of life in the Kosi flood.

His main rival in Bihar, and the current chief minister, Nitish Kumar, also said he would stay away from celebrations for the same reason.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan said the one festival his household enjoyed liberally would not be celebrated this year.

In a recent blog entry, he said "That joyous spirit has been dampened by the atrocities that our city faced on 26/11. In its wake somewhere inside us there is a reluctance to involve ourselves in any kind of exhibition. Private excesses do not find favour in our hearts. It is the right thing to do."

Amitabh Bachchan receives WEF honour

sitansu — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:20:26 +0530

Cinema acts as a "great integrator" and can help remove hatred and violence from the society now more than ever, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has said as he was honoured with the Crystal Award at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Devos.

"When we walk inside a dark hall and watch a film we never ask ourselves who is sitting next to us -- whether he is a Hindu, or a Muslim or a Christian -- but we enjoy the same cinema, laugh at the same jokes, sing the same song, cry at the same emotion," Bachchan said.

He said it is perhaps one of the most unique kinds of integration, which is greatly needed now "to help understand each other better to remove hatred and violence".

Speaking on the strides made by the Indian cinema, the 66-year-old actor said, "The very fact that I stand here on foreign soil endorses the fact about the journey Indian cinema has taken over the past 100 years."

"50-60 years ago we were an entity that was somewhat looked down upon. Children from good families were not allowed to join this profession," Bachchan said.

"Gradually over time we have seen progress and if I stand before you it is an indication of what Indian cinema has done," he said.

Besides Bachchan, classical dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Hollywood actor Jet Li and Venzuelan muscian Jose A Abreu received the award.

Amitabh bags World Economic Forum award

nishtha — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:27:14 +0530

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured by the World Economic Forum for outstanding excellence in art.

The Crystal Award is to be conferred on the veteran actor at a ceremony at Davos, Switzerland later Saturday. Noted Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer Mallika Sarabhai will also be hnoured for outstanding excellence in the field of culture.

The event will be attended by former British prime minister Tony Blair, Microsoft's Bill Gates and leaders from several countries among others.

“I had no idea there is so much visibility for Indian cinema in other parts of the world. This is just so amazing. This recognition, this attention, this awareness to our world and our craft is very overwhelming,” wrote Big B on his blog.

The 39th annual gathering of economic leaders at Davos will focus on ways to ward off recession and save jobs amidst a financial crisis in the world markets.

After receiving the Crystal Award and staying on for a day at Davos, Amitabh will fly to New York to attend the premiere of Pink Panther 2 on Feb 3 along with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya, who stars in the film.

Oscar not the ultimate recognition: Big B

wali — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:39:43 +0530

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Friday said that Oscar awards should not be considered as the "ultimate recognition" for artists though he was glad that those working behind the scenes were finally getting their due credit.

"You people have taken the Oscar as the best recognition and award," Bachchan said when asked if there was dearth of good Indian movies as very few have managed to get into an Oscar race.

"They are great in their place and we are so in our place. It is not that Oscar awards are the ultimate recognition," he told an audience during the release of a book on him Bachchanalia at the Jaipur Literature Festival here.

However, he hastened to add that he was happy that the artistes who were working behind the scenes were finally getting their due recognition. Bachchan said the nomination of Indian sound director Rasool Pookutty for an Oscar is all the more important, besides that of Rahman and Gulzar.

"It is encouraging when we see that the media, which conducts the film award ceremonies in India has started recognising the worth of background artists. Rasool, a sound engineer from India being nominated for the Oscar awards is definitely a wonderful news and makes me terribly happy for him," Bachchan said.

"Moreover, I hope that Rahman, who has already done India immensely proud brings back a second Oscar to the country," he said, a day after Indians bagged six Oscar nominations

"Oscar has its own place...we do not disrespect it....If they wish to give us an Oscar they can do it...if not, it would be even better," he said.

"India cinema has always stood first, stands first, is the best, Oscar has its own place," Bachchan said at the interaction.

The 66-year-old legendary actor also chose to clarify his remarks over Danny Boyle's film Slumdog Millionaire that bagged 10 Oscar nominations.

Bachchan said he believed the film was an artist's creative presentation and everyone had the right of expression. He denied that while writing his blog he had opined that the film was negative in depicting the poverty of India.

"The words (criticising the film) were not mine. In fact, in my blog I had analyzed some comments on the film put on my blog by the readers. I have since then spoken to both Anil Kapoor and Danny Boyle and clarified my position," Bachchan said.

On why he did not attend a nomination function despite an invite from Anil Kapoor, he said he was busy and conveyed his good wishes and congratulations to entire team of Slumdog Millionaire.

Asked whether Indian movies were fulfilling the aspirations of viewers and reviewers abroad, Bachchan said he was very happy as Indian films were catering to amount 2.5 billion people. "Look at cinema from the beginning, 50-70 years ago, it was not well respected...no one wanted to join the film line then, now the Indian cinema has grown tremendously, enveloped all of us.

"Criticism and cynicism at the international level gives us a satisfaction of growing Indian cinema's standard. We are a pioneer in film creativity and talent is no way inferior...if given an opportunity, we can make brilliant films for foreign competition", he said.