Bollywood-themed musical coming to town : Bombay Dreams kicks off on April 6

Bombay Dreams, a Bollywood-themed musical, is all set to create ripples at the Alhamra Art Council from April 6 to April 20.

Originally, the play was an Andrew Lloyd Webber production, created by famous Indian music director AR Rahman. The plot has been written by Meera Syal. Directed by Shah Sharabeel, the current play is an adaptation of the original one in accordance with the local scenario.


The story of the play revolves around an ambitious young guide, Aakash, who is brought up by his mother and lives in the slums.

He fantasises about being a Bollywood star. The story unknots two Sikhs, Honey Singh and Money Singh, announcing that they will build elite apartments on slum land.

Meanwhile, a young lawyer named Vikram arrives along with his fiancée, Priya. He offers his services to save the slums. Priya later offers Aakash a shot in Bollywood and takes him to Mumbai, where he experiences a side of the city he had never imagined. Complications arise as Akaash faces the reality of showbiz, fame, his love for Priya, and his obligations to his family, friends, and his paradise slum. The play beautifully hints at the identity issues confronting human beings. Bombay Dreams is being staged in Lahore for the first time, after enthralling audiences in Islamabad.

Director Sharabeel said that the play was one of the most expensive plays put on in Pakistan, costing Rs 3 million.

The play comprises a huge cast of 75 characters – 25 female and 50 male artists. “The play has been coloured in a local fashion to make it look like real. Though the play is in English, it proceeds in such a fashion that a person not familiar with English can very well understand it. The actors have been working hard and we hope to have a big crowd in the support,” said Sharabeel.

Interestingly, all the actors are from various educational institutions, and none of them is a professional. Students form the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), National College of Arts (NCA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore School of Economics (LSE), Kinnaird College (KC) and Lahore Grammar School (LGS) are participating in the musical. “The play is known for its rhythmic tones composed by AR Rahman and will definitely cheer the audience,” Sharabeel concluded.

Courtesy: dailytimes.com.pk

Son goes father's way

Manoj K Bharathy, son of veteran director Bharathirajaa, is all set to join as an assistant to director Shankar. He informs that has been included in the prestigious team after a formal interview.

A one-time assistant to director Manirathnam, Manoj had worked in the making of ‘Bombay’. However he ventured to acting and acted in over a dozen movies. Now he has decided go back to what he loves the most, directing movies.

Says Manoj: “I am happy to work under Shankar Sir. I may direct a movie on my own after the completion of Shankar Sir’s magnum opus ‘Robot’ starring Superstar Rajinikanth.”.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Anti-climax

Aamir Khan has got the makers to change the script of his yet untitled remake of Tamil film, Ghajini. Aamir insisted on changing the remake’s climax as he was unhappy with the last 30 minutes of the original version.

Our source says, “After getting a new look for Ghajini’s remake, Aamir has begun the new schedule of the remake with various changes in the film’s pre-climax and climax portions.

The Tamil version’s climax takes place in a medical college where the hero (actor Surya) takes on the villain played by Aamir’s Lagaan co-star Pradeep Singh Rawat, who is also involved in human trafficking.

There is a double role of the villain and the hero fights both of them in a hand-to-hand combat. But before the fight happens, the villain and his goons chase the second heroine (played by Nayanthara) to her college after which they disrobe and kill a medical student. The goons then announce that they shall continue to kill students until the hero comes out of hiding.

“Aamir knows that his biggest fan base is the family audience. Now, after the respect that he has earned post Taare Zameen Par and his rising popularity with children, Aamir wouldn’t like the remake to have any content which he doesn’t believe in. That’s why he has got the entire climax rewritten. Apart from the changes in the last 30 minutes of the film, the Hindi version remains true to the
original,” adds the source.

Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com

SRK, Yash Raj films & Rajinikanth clash!

As interesting as the headline is the story itself. If reports smoking out of Bollywood are to be believed then we can witness the clash of Titans, we mean with regards to the film industry.

Red Chillies VFX, Yash Raj FIlms and Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya's Ocher Studios will be vying with each other in the National Association of Broadcasters show to be held in Las Vegas on April 15.


The three production houses will also be making their presentations. Reports suggest that the production houses will also extend their service to not just desi but foreign films as well. The highest billing among these three production houses has been given to given to SRK's Red Chillies VFX. Not to mention that SRK's production has ventured into making animation films as well.

Rajinikanth's Ocher Studios has ventured in to the production and making of the animated film 'Sultan - The warrior', with a whooping budget of 70 crore rupees. Reports indicate that there is tough competition existing between Red Chillies VFX and Ocher Studios. And with Yash Raj films too coming out with an animation film titled 'Roadside Romeo' the competition is getting stiffer.

Now the best we can do is just wait till the calender turns April 15th and watch who gets picked as the best!
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Bala to direct Kamal

Bala is busy with his seemingly endless Naan Kadavul. But that does not stop him from nurturing his dream, which is to direct Kamal Haasan.

The director is only three films old in Kollywood but has already created a niche for himself here. In spite of the prolonged making phase for Naan Kadavul, the expectations for the movie are pretty high.
However, now shooting seems to be going on unhindered and hence there is hope that the movie will hit screens this year. Following this movie, it is said that Bala might actually get to make a film with Kamal Haasan.

Kamal, the Kollywood Moghul, is right now busy readying for the release of Dhasavathaaram and will then focus his energies on completing Marmayogi. And it is the film after this one that is to be directed by Bala.

Courtesy: tamilstar.com

Who will crank the camera 'Robot'?

Confusion over the cinematographer of Shankar’s Robot continues. Earlier it was said that Nirav Shaw would be the cinematographer of the mega movie starring Superstar Rajinikanth and Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai. However, according to a grapevine, Nirav Shaw’s demand for a huge salary made Shankar look for other options.

The ace director then roped in Thiru but even this arrangement did not last for long. The latest news is that Thiru is out and Rathnavelu is in.


Rathnavelu, who is fondly called as ‘Randy’ in Kollywood circles, is one of the favorite cinematographers of the leading heroes. Moreover, he hasn’t demanded much salary to work in the project. So it is believed that Randy, who cranked the camera for movies like ‘Sethu’, ‘Nandha’, ‘Jeyam’, ‘Thirumalai’ and ‘Perazhagan’, will be the cinematographer for the mega budget movie produced by Ayngaran International and Eros Multimedia.

Rathnavelu is currently working for Goutham Menon’s ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’, starring Suriya, Sameera Reddy, and Divya Spandana.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Rajini Boss to rock North India

Superstar Rajinikanth's Shivaji, the Blockbuster of the year 2007, is now all set to hit theatres in Northern India. The reshooting and dubbing work of the film is over now and the producers are now negotiating with their Mumbai and upcountry counterparts to release the movie in big way.

Even the Tamil version was a hit for North Indian audiences all over India and the film has successfully completed its 100th day mark in two theaters in Mumbai and one in New Delhi (as said by AVM).


The Hindi version of Shivaji will hit the screens with nearly 350 prints all over the country. There are number of big names also contending for the distribution rights of the great film including the UTV Group, the producers of Jodha Akbar.

According to the producers, the movie will be a big summer treat for the North Indian viewers and releasing date will be announced soon after completing the distribution formalities.

Courtesy: oneIndia.in

Daddy’s girl out to prove herself

EVEN as he is busy with the release of his Tamil film Dasavatharam, Kamal Haasan has started work on his next project Marmayogi that is set in the seventh century.

To be made in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam, his fourth directorial film is being produced by Walt Disney Productions in collaboration with Bharatbala Productions and Adlabs. Also starring Hema Malini, it has music by AR Rahman.

Meanwhile, the numero uno actor will be seen in 10 diverse roles in Dasavatharam that is set for release in April. Asin and Mallika Sherawat are the female leads, with music by Himesh Reshammiya.


What was amazing to see was that despite being tied up with work, the superstar made a fleeting visit to Mumbai recently to be with his elder daughter.

Shruti Haasan performed at Mumbai’s Hard Rock Cafe during the launch of Rolling Stone magazine, where she belted out her own compositions.

She is also making her acting debut in a Tamil film, being directed by Nishikant Kamat and starring Madhavan. That's one proud father all out to support his daughter in her attempt to prove her talent.

Courtesy: newindpress.com

Rahman: In sync

Rahman’s is perhaps the most popular Indian music-composer with a fan following across borders.


What is it about his music that has struck a chord globally? "I don’t know. I think the almighty has been kind to me," he says in a matter of fact tone. But there must be something that inspires him to come up with unforgettable tunes. "I think music is about personality as it reflects an artist’s inner-self. Inspiration could come from anything, the team you are working with, pressure, the script, an idea etc. But the essence is derived from nature and the desire to give something that will be cherished," he adds.


What’s presently got him most excited is a new role that he is stepping into that of a teacher. "I am coming up with a music school, K Music Conservatory. All these years, I have been investing in machinery. So, at 41, I have realised it makes sense to invest in art which is why I decided to go ahead with the music school," he shares. Learning music from AR Rahman should be an extra ordinary experience. People must be queuing up already.

Been everywhere, done everything, we wonder where he sees himself heading from here. "Art is always about the search for the next level, and that is what has kept me going all this while," he signs off.

Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com

Aamir finally goes bald

There is a popular saying in Bollywood that ‘Whatever Aamir ‘Perfectionist’ Khan does, he does not follow any style, because whatever he does, simply becomes a style in itself’. The latest one being that he has gone bald for his forthcoming film Ghajini, with the southern sensation Asin and the Bollywood hottie Jiah Khan paired opposite him.


He going bald had become the talk of the town for quite some time now. And the ‘day’ decided was his Birthday, which eventually got postponed. Now the D-Day (or is it the B-Day- Bald Day) arrived yesterday when ‘Mr. Perfect’ Aamir ultimately bid good bye to his much loved hair, in the presence of his near and dear ones. And the person instrumental in this was the renowned celebrity hair stylist Avan Contractor, and the location was Aamir’s residence in Bandra. The ‘USP’ of this one and a half an hour ‘balding session’ was that, at the end of it all, at the behest of Aamir, Avan created a scar with the razor on Aamir’s head!

It looks quite ironical that it was the same Aamir who had gone full fledged with his locks in Mangal Pandey: The Rising. And now it is the same Aamir who has gone bald, though the common factor remains that both of these ‘hairstyles’ were not an overnight decision. Aamir had spent lots of time working out on these looks.

So, please do not be surprised if you suddenly find the young men going bald. Because you know that the reason is not the summer, or the dandruff and definitely not the lice, but it’s called the refreshing ‘Aamir slice’!!!

Courtesy: Indiafm.com

Aamir reveals his new look

We all know that Aamir Khan is sporting a new look for his upcoming film Ghajini and he finally revealed his new crew cut look at the premiere of ‘Race’ last night. Making his first public appearance with his new look, he says “This is how it’s gonna look and I’m going to keep it like this till the end of the film.” He also rubbishes the rumours that he is going bald for the role. “No, this is what I’m going to look after the second part of the film. The character, I’m playing in the film suffers head injuries and you can see some prominent spots in my head,” he reveals. Aamir was very nervous initially when hairstylist Avan Contractor was about to work on him. His wife Kiran Rao, close friend and lyricist Prasun Joshi, designer Arjun Bhasin and director A R Murugados were present at Aamir residence at the time of his hair cut. It is believed that Kiran and Prasoon constantly joked about Aamir going bald which made him all the more nervous. The entire process took one-and a half hour.


Aamir said, “Ghajini is an action thriller and this look is an important dimension to the character I’m playing. I’m very happy with the way it has turned out.” He was so happy with his cut that they had an impromptu dinner party to celebrate the new look. Known to be a thorough professional, Aamir and Avan spent weeks trying to work out this look.

Aamir is known to experiment a lot with his looks in different films. In Mangal Pandey he had long hair and a moustache. In Dil Chahta hai, he sported a never seen before young look with small hair and a tiny beard. Even in Lagaan he was playing a farmer in brown jacket, a turban and a dhoti. And how does his wife Kiran finds out “Isn’t he looking hot,” smiles a beaming Kiran.

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Khan v/s Khan v/s Khan this October

It's going to be one smash hit festive season this October as films starring the three mega Khans hit the screens. These are Aamir Khan's remake of GHAJINI, Saif Ali Khan's animation flick ROADSIDE ROMEO and Salman Khan's YUVRAAJ.

Each of the three films is special since they tell a story belonging to different genres. While GHAJINI is hardcore 'masala' entertainer with loads of action, drama, romance and emotions, ROADSIDE ROMEO is a comic entertainer with Yash Raj Films' first foray into the world of animation. Kareena Kapoor and Javed Jaffrey are Saif's partners as they dub for the animated characters.


On the other hand YUVRAAJ is a mega film for Subhash Ghai as he aims at making a big comeback with this dramatic musical. With names like Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and A.R. Rahman involved, YUVRAAJ has a lot in stakes for everyone involved.

All three projects being prestigious and much anticipated in their own right, GHAJINI, ROADSIDE ROMEO and YUVRAAJ have already made the month of October look extremely hot. While GHAJINI arrives on 2nd October, the remaining two flicks clash on Diwali i.e. 24th October.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Jodha Akbar is 2008’s blockbuster

Bollywood Magnum Opus, Jodha Akbar has swept box office collections netting over Rs 120 crore worldwide since one month of its release. The epic tale of love between emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife Jodha Bai has made 90 crores in India and the rest, abroad. With these box office figures it has become truly the first real blockbuster of 2008.


Riding high on the marvelous performance of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai under the able direction of Ashuthosh Gowariker (Of Lagaan and swadesh fame), the movie has captured the imagination of audiences’ worldwide. The movie is the second time the hit pair of Aishwarya and Hrithik have starred together since last year’s hit Dhoom-2. Released over 25 countries, Jodha Akbar has been dubbed into Tamil and Telegu and subtitled into English, Dutch, and Arabic.

Talking about the film’s box office response, Director of UTV Motion Pictures and co-producer of the film Siddharth Roy Kapur said, “The response ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ has received not only in India but worldwide by both critics and viewers is worth all the hard work. ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is an epic not merely by virtue of the timeless story it tells, but also because of the tremendous tribulations its creation entailed. In fact, the film is a standing monumental testament to Oscar nominated director Ashutosh Gowariker’s vision and commitment. To complement Ashutosh Gowariker’s efforts are power-packed performances by Hrithik and Aishwarya.”

The movie had faced bans in several Indian states due to opposition by various communal groups who wished to fan sentiments against the story line of the romance between a Muslim emperor and his Hindu wife. But ultimately the freedom of expression triumphed.

Jodha akbar has the distinction of being one among the highest grossing Hindi movies ever in its opening weekend with 25 core plus netting in India and 35 crore plus abroad. In India alone, the film released in nearly 1000 screens of which 400 were through digital cinemas. The scale of its release makes ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ the biggest ever release for an Indian film till date, according to company sources.
Courtesy:

Yuvraaj gets delayed again

Katrina goes to Ajmer Sharif to pray for divine intervention

Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj shoot was cancelled for the umpteenth time. The reason, this time as well, was Salman Khan. The actor was to shoot for Ghai in Panvel yesterday, when he called to cancel the shoot.

Off to the dargah

Girlfriend Katrina, who stars in the film got irritated and told the production guys that she was busy and that the next time, she wouldn’t be able to adjust her dates! She then took off to Ajmer with Salman’s sister Alvira.

Admits Katrina, “Yes, I went to Ajmer to pray at the dargah. I went yesterday morning and came back in the night.” When asked if she’d gone to seek blessings for Race, her Friday release, she refused to say anything, “That’s very personal. It’s between me and God.”

When asked about the Yuvraaj shoot being canceled for the seventh time, she quips, “The shoot got delayed, not cancelled and it’s just the second and not seventh time. Salman had to complete the shooting of Boney Kapoor’s film.”

Katrina laughs off the rumour that she has refused to adjust her dates the next time, “How can I not give dates for my own film? Yuvraaj has got delayed by two days and these things happen in production.”

Not cancelled

Director Subhash Ghai also takes pains to stress there was no cancellation, “The shooting has been postponed by three days from March 16 to 19. Boney’s Pokhiri shoot got extended and he asked me if he could shoot with Salman for a few more days and I agreed.

Postponements and extended shoots keep happening in the film industry. We have put up a huge set in Panvel and shooting will begin from today morning at 7 am. Yuvraaj is 65 per cent complete. Now only three songs and the climax remains.

Salman has never been any trouble and is a delight to work with and is one of the most lovable people I have ever met.”

Courtesy: mid-day.com

Yuvraaj shoot was cancelled

Katrina goes to Ajmer Sharif to pray for divine intervention


Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj shoot was cancelled for the umpteenth time. The reason, this time as well, was Salman Khan. The actor was to shoot for Ghai in Panvel yesterday, when he called to cancel the shoot.

Off to the dargah

Girlfriend Katrina, who stars in the film got irritated and told the production guys that she was busy and that the next time, she wouldn’t be able to adjust her dates! She then took off to Ajmer with Salman’s sister Alvira.

Admits Katrina, “Yes, I went to Ajmer to pray at the dargah. I went yesterday morning and came back in the night.” When asked if she’d gone to seek blessings for Race, her Friday release, she refused to say anything, “That’s very personal. It’s between me and God.”

When asked about the Yuvraaj shoot being canceled for the seventh time, she quips, “The shoot got delayed, not cancelled and it’s just the second and not seventh time. Salman had to complete the shooting of Boney Kapoor’s film.”

Katrina laughs off the rumour that she has refused to adjust her dates the next time, “How can I not give dates for my own film? Yuvraaj has got delayed by two days and these things happen in production.”

Not cancelled

Director Subhash Ghai also takes pains to stress there was no cancellation, “The shooting has been postponed by three days from March 16 to 19. Boney’s Pokhiri shoot got extended and he asked me if he could shoot with Salman for a few more days and I agreed.

Postponements and extended shoots keep happening in the film industry. We have put up a huge set in Panvel and shooting will begin from today morning at 7 am. Yuvraaj is 65 per cent complete. Now only three songs and the climax remains.

Salman has never been any trouble and is a delight to work with and is one of the most lovable people I have ever met.”

Rahman thanks all for support during his illustrous journey

AR Rahman looked smart and simple clad in a black kurta at the audio release function of 'Somberi' that was held in the city on Sunday.

Many wondered how Ali, who stars as the lead man in the film managed to get Rahman to fly down all the way from Chennai.

But Rahman was more than happy doing the favour for Mano, who has turned a music director with this film.


Rahman thanked all the Telugu music directors he has been associated with since his struggling days. It was Raj Koti, who identified his potential as a keyboard players and took him into their troupe, once Rahman came out of the Ilayaraja tutelage, he informed.

The function was more of a gathering of music directors, as Mani Sarma, Koti and Devisri Prasad were present to congratulate both Mano and lyricist Jonnavittula who is turning a director with 'Somberi'.

Rahman also disclosed that Mano was among the first few to record a song at his recording studio in Chennai, which he had opened only recently.
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Aamir gets a new head-line!

Aamir Khan came to Delhi on Saturday morning. But, unlike what was reported, and what television cameras lined up to capture him were expecting, he wasn’t bald!

The actor’s decision to sport the shorn look for the film Ghajini had been making headlines, and even Aamir had confirmed that he would shave his head on March 14, his birthday. It was reportedly his wife Kiran’s idea that he do so.

But when Aamir landed in Delhi the next day, the short crop was intact. According to sources, his hairstylist Avan Contractor and Ghajini’s director AR Murgadoss couldn’t finalise the actor’s exact look in Ghajini.


And so the great shave was stalled. Our source from Ghajini’s production house says, “There has been a lot of speculation about when Aamir would shave his hair.

He’ll be sporting the bald look in some of the most vital scenes in the film. Being a perfectionist, he didn’t want to wear a wig for them. However, deciding to go completely bald was a particularly difficult decision for him. After much thought, he finally decided that he’d shave off his hair on his birthday. But he backed off due to a certain reason.”

It is learnt that an integral part of Aamir’s bald look is a prominent scar, which is very relevant to the film’s script. “On March 14 evening, Aamir, Avan and Murgadoss just couldn’t decide how the scar would look. As the scar had to look exactly the same in all the scenes, they didn’t want to take any chances. The scar also has a certain design that the three have decided on. Now, it has been decided that Aamir will shave off his hair this week,” adds the source. The film also stars Asin and Jiah Khan.

Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com

EROS pins hope on YUVRAAJ!

Trade buzz has it that Subhash Ghai's companies, Mukta Arts Ltd and Mukta Searchlight Films, struck a three film deal with EROS International for around 75 crores. Of the three films, BOMBAY TO BANGKOK and BLACK & WHITE, both under Mukta Searchlight Films, have already released.

While the Nagesh Kukunoor directed BOMBAY TO BANGKOK is a total washout, the Subhash Ghai directed 7-8 crores, BLACK & WHITE may at best turn out to be a coverage film for EROS. It now appears that EROS will have to wait for Ghai's trump card, YUVRAAJ (Mukta Arts Ltd), starring Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif, to strike gold.


For those who are interested in numbers, if the price of Rs. 75 crore were to be apportioned between the above three mentioned films, a fair distribution would be 7.5 crore for BOMBAY TO BANGKOK, Rs. 12.5 crore for BLACK & WHITE and the remaining Rs.55 crore for YUVRAAJ. And that inclusive of both the theatrical and non theatrical rights.

Well, those lucky few who have seen the rush prints of YUVRAAJ tell us that Ghai's confidence in the Diwali release is very much justified.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Rahman's school an insider's view video

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Aamir gifts himself a shave.

Today, the 14th of March is Aamir Khan’s birthday, and making it special is the gift that Aamir will be giving himself. Folks we are referring to him going bald. If you remember some time back Aamir had said that for his forth coming film Ghajini he will be getting into the character he plays and hence will shave his head. Well today is the D day when Aamir will be using the scissors to snip off his hair.

Apart from this it is also rumoured that the film Taare Zameen Par by far the best film that proved Aamir Khan’s prowess in directing films will be remade in Tamil and will be under Aamir’s own production banner. However he will not be directing the film, instead this part has fallen to the award winning actor-director Cheran.

If that’s not all, the second change will be who’s playing Aamir’s role in the film. The grapevine tells us that Aamir is keen on having either one of the Tollywood superstars Vikram or Surya play his role. While the part that Darsheel plays hasn’t yet been decided or finalized yet.

Let’s hope that the Tamil version is as good as the real one, as most remakes falling flat these days. However we tried to get in- touch with Aamir at his office and residence but he was not available for comments, while his co-workers say that they will have to ask the star before commenting on it.

Courtesy: Indiatimes.com

Rehman's music institute starts with 150 students

AR Rehman, the musical genius of India has announced that his dream music institute KM Music Conservatory will be started from June this year with 150 selected students. The Maestro met the media representatives yesterday and spent nearly 3 hours to brief his plans and ideas on the project, which was described as one of the rare meets of the musician.

The KM Conservatory of Music in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple Authorized Training Centre, will concentrate on instrumental and vocal music (both Indian and western), and music technology. Courses will first be offered in Music Technology, voice, strings and keyboards (piano and electronic keyboards).

As informed by Rehman, other instruments and aspects of the art of music and sound design would be added to the curriculum depending on the demand and interest.

“The main idea behind this novel attempt is to develop the knowledge of music technology, which is a must in today's musical world. Students, who complete the Music Technology Course will be equipped to handle advanced studio equipment, with long term professional prospects" Rahman said.

Facilities Offered:

The courses are at present divided into Preparatory, Foundation and Diploma. It is learnt that there will be a place for any student with musical interest, from the earliest level to higher level, to learn and to perfect their skills. Boarding and lodging also will be provided for the needy pupil.

The AR Rehman Foundation, the main sponsor of the KM Conservatory has also planned to provide scholarship aid to the needy students initially in the Foundation and Diploma Courses.

Students, who are dedicated to the art of performance will be trained up to professional standards over a period of years by teachers, both from India and from other parts of the world in a widening number of instruments as the conservatory develops and grows.

The Conservatory would also make the musicians develop professional approach to enhance musical proficiency, without which no artist can survive in today's world. The courses and training aim to serve as a place of training up to the highest level, where one could widen his or her musical and technological awareness, literacy and standards.

Discussions are under way with the University of Madras to consider the possibility for the KM Conservatory eventually to gain status as a Deemed University offering Bachelor Degrees in Music and Music Technology.

The Conservatory would operate from a place adjacent to his studio in Kodambakkam in its first year. In the next year, in a suburb of Chennai, a leafy three acre campus will be made ready for the building of class rooms, a concert hall, recording studio and residential facilities for faculty and students from out of station.

AR Rehman, the Founder and Principal of the conservatory (as announced by himself) is also founding a symphony orchestra in the western mode, to serve as a resident studio orchestra to perform music of his own composition for the music industry and to perform for the general public in Chennai and elsewhere in India as occasions arise. This orchestra is to be populated by salaried professional musicians at an international standard, both from India and abroad. Some of these players will also teach at the Conservatory.

Answering to a question about the fee structure in the institute the musician told that that would be 'normal Indian fee structure'.

Rehman requests all to visit his website www.arrahman.com for further information and announcements about the KM Conservatory and Orchestra.

Courtesy: OneIndia.in

£12m Lord of the Rings Sets Closing Date, 19 Jul

The epic stage adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has posted closing notices at the West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane for 19 July 2008, just a year after it opened as the most expensive production in West End history at an estimated cost of £12.5 million.

The hybrid Tolkien musical – which opened at Drury Lane, to a mixed critical reception (See Review Round-up, 20 Jun 2007), on 19 June 2007 after six years of development and re-writing, a 2006 try-out in Toronto and six weeks of previews – had been booking through to 28 September 2008. It will now close after 492 performances, having played to an audience of over 446,000.

Rob Howell won the Best Designer prize in this year’s Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards for The Lord of the Rings’s spectacular, state-of-the-art set. The 45-foot stage alone, equipped with three revolves and 17 lifts, cost £1 million. In addition to the expense, the design for The Lord of the Rings is the most high-tech and physically complex in the West End. Special planning permission was required to refit the Drury Lane to accommodate the new high-tech set – according to the Daily Mail, the process of removing it and reinstating the Victorian equipment that it replaced will now take a minimum of ten weeks. In conjuring Tolkien’s fantastical Middle Earth, the show also features stilt-walking, giant leaping and aerial choreography, as well as dance, illusions, magic and other special effects. Ensemble members were required to undergo weeks of boot-camp style training before rehearsals began (See News, 8 Feb 2007).

Plans are now underway for German production, to open in November 2009, and a scaled-down touring version that will open next year in New Zealand before travelling to Australia and the Far East. Producer Kevin Wallace said in a statement: “The show’s creative team has proven just how enchanting, exhilarating and powerfully entertaining The Lord of the Rings can be live on stage. We will continue to bring this incredible theatrical event to audiences in London until 19 July, and we look forward to presenting the show to new audiences abroad from 2009.”

After its initial Canadian run in 2006, the piece was substantially revised and the running time shortened by 40 minutes to just over three hours. The Lord of the Rings has a book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, and music by Bombay Dreams’ AR Rahman and Finnish folk group Värttinä with Christopher Nightingale (See News, 21 Oct 2003). It’s directed by Warchus and choreographed by Peter Darling.

The 50-strong company is led by: James Loye (as Hobbit hero Frodo), Peter Howe (Sam), Michael Therriault (Gollum), Malcolm Storry (Gandalf), Jerome Pradon (Aragorn), Rosalie Craig (Arwen), Steven Miller (Boromir), Michael Rouse (Legolas), Sevan Stephan (Gimli), Richard Henders (Merry), Owen Sharpe (Pippin), Brian Protheroe (Saruman) and Abbie Osmon (Galadriel).

According to today’s Daily Mail, The Lord of the Rings must make way for the upcoming revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, a product of the latest television casting competition, I’d Do Anything, which begins broadcasting on Saturday nights on BBC One this weekend (See News, 12 Mar 2008).

Courtesy: whatsonstage.com

Aamir Khan treads road ahead

Aamir Khan has left the grand success of 'TZP' behind and is looking forward to the road ahead exploring new roles in 'Ghajini' and 'Idiots'. He is sure that 'Ghajini' would be one of the biggest hit of 2008.

He is doing all to ensure an ‘Eid-Ul-Fitr’ release for 'Ghajini', the Hindi remake of the South blockbuster. The festival incidentally is likely to fall on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2008. The weekend after that too would be bountiful due to the festival of triumph of good over evil, ‘Dussehra’.

Aamir's 'Ghajini' project hit headlines for reasons aplenty. It was Aamir's six or eight pack abs, his personal gym, his bald look and Asin's Bollywood debut that kept the much-awaited film always in news. After seeing Asin's superb performance in Tamil version of 'Ghajini', Aamir Khan invited her to act as the female lead in its Hindi version.

The shooting for the film started on January 22. The film, directed by A R Murugadoss, stars Tamil actress Asin and 'Nishabd' fame Jiah Khan.

Raju Hirani of 'Munna Bhai' fame has signed Aamir Khan for 'Idiots' 'based on Five Point Someone' and deals with the story of three IIT students. Aamir had acknowledged that post 'Ghajini' Remake, he would work on 'Idiots'. The latest Raju Hirani film would be produced by his mentor Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Our sexy Bebo could be Aamir's girl in 'Idiots'.

Ask him about his dream project and he says it's 'The Mahabharata'. According to him, this is the ultimate we could give to world cinema. But if he would ever attempt the subject, it would take at least 15 years with 5 years just for the research work. Now, this is Aamir Khan, every time serving us a visual delight, which is a rarity these days!

Courtesy: msn.com

Robot Pooja in April

The official pooja of Superstar Rajinikanth's mega movie Robot directed by Shankar will be held in the second week of April and the movie will go to the floors by the month of May, as announced by Ayngaran Films International, the producers of the film.

The photo-shoot was held last month at AVM Studio and now Ocher Studio Managing Director Soundarya Rajinikanth is busy with the designing work of the stills taken during the shoot. It is expected that Rajini would finish his portions in Kuselan before Robot goes to the floors by May. The actor has allotted 25 days call sheet to Kuselan, the bilingual in Tamil and Telugu.


Though the unexpected demise of writer Sujatha, who was working with Robot team, had shocked the unit, the director is looking confident, because he has got the completed script work that was handed over by the writer to Shankar just few days before his death.

Courtesy: oneIndia.in

Soundarya expects Rs.100 cr from Sultan

The Rs 40 crore budgeted Rajinikanth's animation film 'Sultan the Warrior' is expected to do the business worth Rs.100 crore, as informed by Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of the film. According to Soundarya, the film is progressing at a brisk pace and more than 100 technicians are working round the clock on the film at Soundarya's Ocher Studios.

Soundarya said, "Though the film is an animated version, it will be like a full-fledged Rajini film with as usual entertainment aspects. Our Superstar is going to sing and fight in this film. It is two and half entertainment extravaganza with all trade mark styles of Appa."

Latha Rajinikanth, wife of the Superstar also contributing in this film from her part. She is going to sing a song in Sultan

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Now, you can learn music from A R Rahman

Thanks to the Almighty for making music the universal language!

Nobody except a highly spiritual musician like A R Rahman can start his new venture on this note.

Only a man like him can dedicate his dream venture to one of the most famous Sufi saints in Chishty order, and the founder of Sufism in India: Khawaja Moinuddin Chishty.

Yes, Rahman has named the first music conservatory in India as K M Music Conservatory. The school was official launched on March 12 in the midst of highly acclaimed musicians from all over the world.

"The two letters are spiritually close to me, and brought me good luck," he confessed.

Music has given Rahman everything and he says the Music Conservatory is his way of giving something back to music. "The more you give, the more you get."

"There are 1.4 billion people in India and thousands of musicians but there is no symphony orchestra with our very own musicians while even smaller countries have their own orchestra. So, the reason to start the KM Conservatory is simple. Most of the young aspiring musicians want to learn more of electronic stuff. Acoustic instruments are of no interest to them. We want to start a course where students learn acoustic instruments as well as electronic instruments. It is important to raise awareness about different kinds of music," he continues.

It was this desire to have an orchestra in India that mainly prompted him to pump a lot of his money into a dream project like this.

"We are chipping in all that we have. We have not counted yet. It's the project that is more important."

Padmabhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, one of India's leading Hindustani classical musicians, and his son Mustafa Khan, will be teaching Hindustani classical music to the students at the Conservatory.

Congratulating Rahman on his effort, Khan said, "I congratulate Rahman for starting a music school of international standards in India. We are always with him."

Padmabhushan Dr L Subramaniam who is in the advisory board said, "This music school is one of the best things that can happen in India. It is a great venture. When we grew up, we didn't have this kind of an opportunity. Here, musicians from different parts of the world will come and take classes for the students. The approach to music is holistic."

Dr Randy Giles, who will advise on the academic curriculum said, "This is a very new idea in India. Indian musicians will benefit a lot from the school. The future of the school is one in which music is seen as a discipline just as any other, with the potential to be a professional career."

The others in the advisory panel, who were present with Rahman at the launch included the Founder of Global Rhythms ensemble Prof Srinivas Krishnan, pianist composer Pushkar, voice trainer and composer Wendy Par, and violinist Ladislav.

Rahman says he welcomes all those musicians who want to teach at the Conservatory.

The KM Conservatory, in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple authorised training centre, will concentrate on both Indian and western instrumental and vocal music technology.

Initially courses will be offered in music technology, voice, strings and keyboards. These are divided into Preparatory, Foundation and Diploma courses. The Preparatory course is open to any student from any age group with interest in music while the Foundation and Diploma courses are more advanced. In fact, the Diploma course is a two year program.

There are also plans to make the KM Conservatory into a Deemed University with a Bachelor's Degree course in music.

In addition to providing scholarships to students from the A R Rahman Foundation, Rahman's role is that of a Founder-Principal overseeing the curriculum. In two year's time, he hopes to have a huge sprawling campus away from the hustle and bustle of city where only music notes are heard.

Rahman's advice to all aspiring musicians, "Be passionate about music, true to yourself and give 101 per cent to music."

Courtesy: Rediff.com

Forerunner to a world university?

'If music be the food of love, play on', said the bard.. . The music wizard of India A R Rahman has decided to play on. This music Director and Composer is taking a new role, that of a Founder and Principal of a Music Conservatory, KM. He declines to clarify as to what these two alphabets stood for. He simply says this close to his heart. For him music is the passion flowing endlessly from his heart.

India has been, from time immemorial, the nurturing home of music. However, we are inward looking. The time has now come for us to open up. Already, Musicians like Dr L Subramaniam have been deeply involved in fusion music – an amalgam of Indian and Western music. A new form of music is already evolving in the world arena.

It is a pity that we don't have a symphony orchestra at home. Rehmans and Ilayarajas are compelled to go abroad to create orchestras of high quality. When the world is shrinking and music is becoming more and more universal – universal in its appeal across cultures, in its language, in melody, in harmony, in rhythm, we have to boost the level of musical proficiency which the emerging wider culture demands.

Let's hope that A R Rahman's KM Music conservatory will substantially contribute to this end and who knows it might be a percusser toa World University. Let's wait to listen to that new melody. After all, Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.

Courtesy: chennaionline.com

Rahman to attend Ali’s audio do

'Somberi' is the film that Ali is doing these days. The audio of the film is being launched on March 16 here. But this would be no ordinary do, as the makers of the film have a scintillating line up of hot-shot music directors coming for the audio release function.

If all of them manage to make it, then Ali can soon boast of having the most happening audio release function in a long time. For, there is AR Rahman who is said to have given his consent to attend the function.

Then there is Mani Sarma, MM Keeravani, Devisri Prasad and Koti, who are all said to have said ‘yes’ to grace the occasion.

Now, in case you wondered how the producer Yarramilli Venkateswara Rao could manage it, then here’s the inside dope.

It is because of the lyricist Jonnavittula Ramalingeswara Rao, who is turning a director with this film.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

A.R. Rahman launches first Indian orchestra

After waiting for seven years, India’s most famous contemporary music composer A.R. Rahman Wednesday launched his first full-fledged orchestra. It has been named “Global Music” and is the first homegrown orchestra. “I kept hearing someone is setting up an orchestra and waited for seven long years for someone else to set up an orchestra like the New York, London or Budapest Philharmonic in India. But it did not happen”, Rahman, whose recent works include music for “Guru” and “Jodhaa Akbar”, told the media here.


“Whenever I want to compose for an orchestra, I have to go to London or Budapest,” he complained.

The music maestro announced setting up of the orchestra along with the launch of his KM Conservatory, a music school for professional musicians in the outskirts of the city.

The orchestra, to be fully operational in the next two years, will have both Indian as well as Western musicians. “It will play combinations of two kinds of instruments. There is so much talent in India, but we have no symphony orchestra,” Rahman told the media.

He also said the orchestra was expected to bring more professionalism even in film music and introduce millions of Indian music-lovers to “opera and concert as entertainment”.

The symphony orchestra will be in the western mode, both as a resident studio orchestra to perform his own composition for the music industry and for the people in Chennai and elsewhere in India.

This orchestra will be populated by professional musicians of international standard, both from India and abroad.

The KM Conservatory of Music, in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple-authorized training centre, which opens in June this year, will concentrate on instrumental and vocal music, both Indian and Western, and music technology.

“In order to bring the music culture to India, where music can be taken as a serious professional option and flourish in the coming generations, training young professionals is essential,” Rahman said.

The accomplished composer, who is trying to create opportunities for Indian wannabes, has carved a niche for himself outside the Indian film industry.

He collaborated with international composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for “Bombay Dreams”. Then he teamed up with the Finnish folk music band Varttina and composed for “The Lord of the Rings” theatre production and also did a piece, “Raga’s Dance” for Vanessa Mae’s album “Choreography”.
Courtesy: ThaiIndian.com

Aamir takes on Shahrukh

With actor Shahrukh Khan being in the limelight for a spree of endorsements and the much hyped Kolkota Knights, Aamir Khan too doesn’t take the backseat. With Aamir Khan’s birthday being just a few days away, the team at Samsung unveiled their new brand ambassador for their series of mobile phones. A cordial Aamir Khan appeared to the media and had a line or two for King Khan-Shahrukh who apparently is the ambassador for a competitive mobile brand.


“Shahrukh always loves being second”, is what Aamir had on being asked about Nokia and its representative. “I do take great interest in cricket but buying cricket teams doesn’t interest me”, says Aamir denying rumours of any association with the Indian Cricket League.

Aamir also had a line or two for Shekar Kapur and Ranbir Kapoor. Aamir denied being a part of Shekar’s Time Machine and at the same time expressed how keen he is on signing Ranbir for his next film.

For those wondering, what’s next for Aamir. Well it’s Aamir going bald within a few days for his next flick “Ghajini”.
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

What is A.R. Rahman’s secret title?

Maestro A.R. Rahman’s appearance in public events, leave alone press meets, is a rare occurrence. And when he called the media to address them, it was indeed a surprise

The occasion for this is the inauguration of his music school – KM Conservatory of Music. Addressing the media, Rahman said that this school would be for students wishing to pursue music courses either as a profession or a vocation.


He lamented that India, though rich and diverse in music, lacks symphony orchestras. To set this right, the students trained in the institute will pursue learning to play in a symphony orchestra. Initially, it will be formed partially with Indian and foreign students; however, he aims at creating one entirely for Indian students.

KM Conservatory of Music, for the time being, will be operated from the place adjacent to his studio in Kodambakkam. But about three acres of land has already been acquired in the suburbs in which class rooms, recording studios, concert hall and residences for faculties and students residing outside the city will be built. KM Conservatory of Music will operate in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple certified institution. It has also been disclosed that talks are on with the University of Madras to grant Deemed University status to this institution.

When the reporters quizzed him on the why he had named the school KM, the maestro refused to divulge it and said the explanation behind the title will remain a secret close to his heart.

On composing music for the films of the Superstar, Rahman said he had worked with him several times earlier; his current projects with Rajini are Sultan the Warrior and Robot.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

A. R. Rahman launches a Conservatory and an Orchestra

It was one of the rare ‘Meet the Media’ events attended by a much sought after celebrity. The music wiz kid A. R. Rahman met the media persons this morning (March 12) to make a presentation about the foundation of his new KM Conservatory of music, an institution for the training of musicians for professional careers in the field.

The KM Conservatory of Music in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple Authorized Training Centre, which opens in June of this year, will concentrate on instrumental and vocal music (both Indian and western), and music technology. Courses will first be offered in music technology, voice, strings and keyboards (piano and electronic keyboards).

The music wizard informed that, other instruments and aspects of the art of music and sound design would be added to the curriculum depending on the demand and interest.

The courses are at present divided into Preparatory, Foundation and Diploma. It is learnt that there will be a place for any student with musical interest, from the earliest level to higher level, to learn and to perfect their skills.

The main idea behind this novel attempt is to develop the knowledge of music technology, which is a must in today’s musical world. Students who complete the music technology course will be equipped to handle advanced studio equipment, with long term professional prospects.

Students who are dedicated to the art of performance will be trained up to professional standards over a period of years by teachers, both from India and from other parts of the world in a widening number of instruments as the conservatory develops and grows.

The Conservatory would also make the musicians develop professional approach to enhance musical proficiency, without which no artiste could survive in today’s world. The courses and training aim to serve as a place of training up to the highest level, where one could widen his or her musical and technological awareness, literacy and standards.

Discussions are under way with the University of Madras to consider the possibility for the KM Conservatory eventually to gain status as a Deemed University offering Bachelor Degrees in Music and Music Technology.

Rahman’s KM Conservatory has also planned to provide scholarship aid to the needy students initially in the Foundation and Diploma Courses.

The Conservatory would operate from a place adjacent to his studio in Kodambakkam in its first year. In the next year, in a suburb of Chennai, a leafy three acre campus will be made ready for the building of class rooms, a concert hall, recording studio and residential facilities for faculty and students from out of station.

The young genius is also founding a symphony orchestra in the western mode, to serve as a resident studio orchestra to perform music of his own composition for the music industry and to perform for the general public in Chennai and elsewhere in India as occasions arise. This orchestra is to be populated by salaried professional musicians at an international standard, both from India and abroad. Some of these players will also teach at the conservatory.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Rahman – The January Secret.

The month of January seems to turn the Musical Wizard on; there is a special connection between Rahman and January. Whenever he has had an album or a movie release in January it has for sure gone on to rock the charts for months, maybe an entire year altogether. Not impressed, well then the last three Januaries (2006, 2007 & 2008) have been nothing but Rahman, not in Kollywood but definitely so in Bollywood.

2006 - On the 26th of January, the movie Rang De Basanti released. Now if you have not heard Rang De Basanti (which is quite close to impossible) then you possibly do not know that Rahman is very close to the best in India when it comes to delivering high energy Punjabi numbers. The Rang De Basanti song which had Daler Mehendi in full throttle with the desi drums for company pumped adrenalin into the farthest corners of our body. Then there was the ‘Paathshala’ which might be called the ‘School of Rock/Rap’ for Indian film music, something never heard or tired before. Then Khalbali with the distinct Arabic feel that made you want to dance. And of course, there were the signature Rahman melodies, Roobaroo (the song that unearthed Naresh Iyer) and Tu Bin Bataayein that left a lump in your throat- January 2006.

2007 - We need not tell you what was unleashed in January 2007. For the ones not so fortunate with their memory- Guru. Another Mani Ratnam-Rahman combo that gave us everything that we needed for our hearing pleasures. Maiya Maiya, again an Arabic touch but very cleverly tweaked to suit our tastes. But then this was just the average part of an album that had two lilting melodies- Tere Bina and Aye Hairathe, the latter especially making us linger on in the sweet symphony of Hariharan’s voice as it blended with the subtly used tables. Not to forget the thundering background music that gave us the thrill.

2008- The music is just catching on in some parts of India but Rahman has definitely scored a hat-trick of hits in successive Januaries. Jodha-Akbar has sealed the love story of Rahman and January (Jodha Akbar Music was released in January). It may not be the ‘first time love’ kind of songs but Rahman has given one of the finest albums in recent times. Jashn-e-Bahara is definitely the most ‘melting melody’ that has come out since Aie Hairathe- the perfect use of Sonu Nigam’s sweet voice. ‘In Lamhon Ke Daaman’ too makes us lose ourselves in layers of finely crafted sound. But the cake is really taken by the instrumental versions where the flute replaces the vocals-mesmerizing. And for the thrill, hear Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah with its resounding drums.

So, what’s for January 2009- we cannot wait.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A.R.Rahman is a young global leader

World Economic Forum announced a list of Young Global Leaders for 2008.

The list includes people from business, media, academia, government and service, from as many as 65 countries.

This list is to honor young leaders from around the world for their contribution to society towards making a difference and for their professional accomplishments.

A.R.Rahman, the music maestro from Chennai, Pooja Shetty, director of Adlabs films and Ratul Puri, executive director, Moser Baer India are some of the people representing Indian Entertainment Industry in the list.

The list also includes Sabeer Bhatia, the developer of HotMail, Suhas Gopinath, CEO, Globals ITeS, who had set the record to become the youngest CEO of India, Anoushka Shankar, sitar player, Barkha Dutt, senior editor, NDTV, Larry Page and Sergey Brin - co-founders of Google and Jack Ma Yun - CEO, Alibaba Group, China.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajini and Vijay – at the same time!

Production house Ayngaran International is gearing up to start one of the most expected projects of the year – Robot – on May 10th, 2008. This film will have Rajinikanth playing the lead role. Meanwhile, the Superstar is busy with a short-term project Kuselan, which is shaping up well under director P. Vasu.

Fans are exuberant about Robot because of the success that Rajini’s previous film, Sivaji, reaped. Added to the excitement of this are the big names involved in the project. With the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan bagging the female lead and sharing the screen space with the Superstar for the first time, it is no surprise that this film has managed to generate enough curiosity even before it hits the floors. The Ash factor apart, director Shankar and music director A. R. Rahman’s association with Robot is another reason for all the buzz.

Ayngaran International has another project on hand that could also take off around the same time Robot commences. This film has Vijay in the lead and will be directed by Prabhu Deva. The duo already has a big hit to their credit with Pokkiri. Will the magic rub off this time too?

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Ghai's confidence in YUVRAAJ (Salman Khan)!

Former showman Subhash Ghai has received praises from most quarters for attempting something different in BLACK & WHITE. Apart from his sensitive handling of the subject, Anil Kapoor's acting in the film has also been appreciated. But its the restrained performance of the newcomer from Patna , Anurag Sinha, who has impressed one and all.

Though BLACK & WHITE is under-performing at the box-office, Ghai is not unduly worried, as he knew that the movie would be a slow starter, which would grow with time. Good news for Ghai is that BLACK & WHITE has been declared tax-free in Delhi (where most of the film has been shot and based). Another factor going in favour of the film is its very reasonable budget of around 7-8 crore.


However, Ghai is supremely confidant of his Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer, YUVRAAJ. As per Ghai himself, the big budgeted musical (A.R. Rahman and Gulzar) will show that he is still way ahead of others in showbiz. In fact, the Mukta Arts head honcho goes on to add that YUVRAAJ is his box-office trump card.

The first time teaming up of Subhash Ghai and Salman Khan, YUVRAAJ, is all set for a Diwali release.

Courtesy: Glamsham.com

Rahman composes airport song for Hyderabad

The new airport in Hyderabad at Shamshabad will have a song of its own, like most corporate companies do these days.

So, GMR has roped in the likes of AR Rahman and Prasoon Joshi to do the honours. While Prasoon has penned the lyrics, Rahman’s tunes will welcome the guests from March 16 onwards.

Rahman is also said to have been approached for the next Mahesh’s film. So, let’s see what more interesting surprises Rahman will come up for his Telugu fans.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

'Robot' pooja in April; shooting in May

The pooja of the mega movie 'Robot' by the mega combination Shankar and the Superstar Rajnikanth will be held around April 14 and the movie will go to the floors by the month of May. The photo-shoot was held last month at AVM Studio. The music director A.R. Rahman too will start his work for the movie soon.

Though the unexpected demise of writer Sujatha, who was working with 'Robot' team, had shocked the entire team, the film will soon be kick started. Since Sujatha is one of the few Tamil writers, who are well versed in scientific matters, it would be a challenging task for the director to find a suitable person to write the dialogues for the science fiction movie.

It is expected that Rajini would finish his portions in ‘Kuselan’ before 'Robot' goes to the floors by May.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Tamil Jodha Akbar bombs badly

The Tamil regional dubbed release of Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Jodha Akbar has proven to be a disaster for UTV. The film has bombed even though past Hindi films have done good business in the state in their dubbed versions.

It was released in 8 theaters in Chennai. But there have been reports of Jodhaa Akbar having been taken off after matinee show itself on opening day due to lack of audience and replaced with 10,000 BC a Hollywood release this week which has open to over 95% response.


Given the dubbing costs and print costs, JA's local version will prove to be a big loser.

Courtesy: Ibosnetwork.com

Rahman likely to be roped in for 'Puli'

Pawan Kalyan’s forthcoming film is already being discussed with great enthusiasm among the film fraternity. 'Jalsa' is more or less complete and the film is due for release in the last week of this month. In all probability, March 27 could be the release date.

So now, the entire focus has suddenly shifted to 'Puli', which is being directed by SJ Surya. As per industry grapevine, Pawan Kalyan will be sporting two looks and the film will go on the floors from April 24.

It is being firmly believed by sources in the industry that A R Rahman could be composing the music for this film, given his recent hits in Bollywood.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

‘Peranmai’ postponed because of ‘Robot’?

It is learnt from reliable sources that Jayam Ravi starrer ‘Peranmai’, directed by Jananathan, is postponed because of Shankar’s mega movie ‘Robot’, starring Rajinikanth.

Earlier, Jananathan was planning to start the shooting by February 15 but it was postponed for some reasons. Then the director planned to finish the movie in a single schedule (for six months) starting by the month of March. But ‘Ayngaran International’ the producer, has made some amendments in his plans. It has told the director to postpone his schedule.


It seems that the production house, which is also producing the mega movie ‘Robot’, wants to start the two projects simultaneously. ‘Robot’ will be started after the preliminary works for the project getting completed. It has been decided that ‘Peranmai’ will be postponed till ‘Robot’ is ready to go on floors.

According to the sources, there may be some administrative and marketing reasons behind the decision to begin both the projects simultaneously.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

First look at Dilli 6

The next film from Rang De Basanti’s Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Dilli 6 is a semi-autobiographical take on his younger days in Delhi, mainly set in the old lanes of Chandni Chowk.

What’s new is the casting of the film which has been more of a game of musical chairs. First, it was Abhishek Bachchan, then Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Siddharth (of Rang De Basanti fame), Kunal Kapoor and even Ranbir Kapoor! Ironically, the lead role landed in the lap of AB’s baby, who had earlier turned it down. We bring you the views of the final hero of Dilli 6, Abhishek Bachchan, who explained as to why it all started in the first place. “Earlier, I did not have dates. Rakeysh came back some months later with a reworked script.


Thankfully, I could manage to juggle the scheds of Drona and Dilli 6.” Reportedly, the sets for the film constructed in Sambhar in Rajasthan gives a feel that the film has been shot in Chandni Chowk. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor too has been signed opposite Abhishek. Apart from the duo, the film also stars Waheeda Rehman, Om Puri, Atul Kulkarni and Divya Dutta. Music for has been composed by A R Rahman. A little history: Rakeysh was supposed to launch Abhishek with Samjhauta Express in 2000 but that somehow did not happen. Never mind, they are also doing Bhairavi, where the three Bachchans come together on screen for the first time. Aamir’s star value definitely helped Rang De Basanti do better at the box-office; will Abhishek do the same for Dilli 6? At least that is what Rakeysh must be expecting from junior Bachchan.

Courtesy: newindpress.com

Big B to play Abhishek's grandpa

Amitabh Bachchan will be seen playing Abhishek Bachchan’s grandfather in director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s film Dilli 6 .

Abhishek Bachchan may not have liked the idea of playing the younger Big B in Shoojit Sircar’s in-the-making film ‘Shoebite’, but the senior Bachchan has happily agreed to act in Mehra’s semi-autobiographical flick starring Abhishek and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles.


The film has Amitabh and Waheeda Rahman playing grandparents of the character played by Abhishek.

Big B and Waheeda ji have worked together in a number of films in the 70s and 80s, and ‘Dilli 6’ marks their coming together after a long gap of about 25 years.

Mehra, who is extremely fond of Waheeda ji (she was also part of his Rang De Basanti ), reportedly wanted her only to play the role of Abhi’s grandma.

Reports say that the two senior actors have already shot a few portions of the film in Rajasthan.

Courtesy: Apunkachoice.com

The cinematographer for 'Robot'

Director Shankar’s 'Robot', starring superstar Rajinikanth, will have a new cinematographer. Shankar has to look beyond his trusted ally K.V. Anand due to some unavoidable reasons.

The ace cinematographer, who has been an integral part of Shankar’s films right from 'Mudhalvan', has now committed for AVM’s new film starring Suriya and Tamanna. Shankar feels that it won’t be nice to call him at this juncture.


Then the leading director, who was impressed by Nirav Shaw’s work in 'Billa', has approached the cinematographer for 'Robot'. Unfortunately Shaw could not oblige, as he is already committed to ‘Sarvam’, directed by Vishnuvardhan.

Left with very little choice, Shankar has now opted for Thiru, who impressed everyone with his fine work in Ajith – Trisha starrer ‘Kireedom’.

Keep watching IndiaGlitz for the latest on 'Robot'.
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

A.R Rahman: 'War is about power'

ONE of the world’s biggest composing, production and musical names A.R. Rahman spoke exclusively to BBC Asian Network’s Gagan Grewal this week sharing his views on war and his career.

Rahman, the man behind the musical score of countless Bollywood films as well as West End productions including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams and Lord of the Rings spoke about his latest projects and war – something he’s rarely spoken about in public.

A.R. Rahman scored his 1st Bollywood song ‘Roja’ in 1992 which went on to be listed as one of the top 100 songs of all time by TIME magazine, yet Rahman says it’s hard to define a favourite song.

In 2003 BBC World Service ran a global poll, asking its listeners for their 10 favourite tracks of the last millennium. A.R. Rahman had two tracks in the top ten, Vande Mataram – a rendition of the Indian National Song made it to number 2.

Said Rahman: "I felt I should do something as a personal expression and I teamed up with my school mate Bharat Bala, a talented film maker, and he thought of this idea. I wanted to complete this album with the thought of belonging to the motherland. Though it was a controversial theme, I think the way it was put together made it acceptable to every community".

On the topic of war, on one of Rahman’s CDs, he says the world spends 730 billion dollars on war.

"The ultimate fight in humanity was actually for food. But now it’s not about food anymore or healing anybody…....It's about power, who's more powerful and who can control the world. Everybody's become a control freak, that’s the reason why we are spending so much of money on war, and so that’s the reason, why it was put on the sleeve of 'Pray for me brother' album. It's a simple thing, we don’t think about that, but when we see the reality we feel disgusted about it".

Rahman says he enjoys working in England as it gives him a platform try something non-Bollywood.

"It's completely different from what I do for movies because here [UK] there is different kind of audience, the whole platform is reputed and credible. My first entry here has been great with 'Lord of the Rings’ being the second musical, but completely western, completely non-Bollywood, non Indian, a good diversion for me to go deeper into this kind of music. "

Rahman has won recognition from a broad base including MTV, the Laurence Olivier awards as well as Bollywood. He says his father, who died when Rahman was nine, affected him and his career.

The father of two said: "Everything changed when I started discovering myself, and the influence of Sufism in my life and my family. And the first film when it came, that changed the whole direction of my life in a way because that defined my music, principles and existence in a way actually…. My inspiration I got from him [his father] and his hard work, the good name he earned in the industry, which I wanted to retain in a way."

Talking about what gives him strength Rahman replied: "I'm a spiritual person, the word religion has been so much in controversy. I think we need to go beyond and look at humanity with love rather than segmenting so much. I try to be as true as possible, but the main thing for me is how much is it turning me into a better human being and how much it makes me a good influence in the community. So that's very important and I keep that in my mind."

For a man that has achieved a lot at a very young age we asked A.R. Rahman what is next on the horizon.

"Right now I’m doing Yuvraj, a Subhash Ghai's film, D6 by Rakesh Mehra, and Ghajini with Amir Khan, and the next music release will be a film Jaane Tu Jaane Na, Amir Khan production".


Courtesy: theasiannews.co.uk

Mithun in Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj

One of 2008's most anticipated films is Subhash Ghai's Yuvraaj starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. The film which is a musical has added 2 more members to its already impressive star-cast.

The buzz is that Mithun Chakraborty apparently has been signed on to play a special appearance in the film. When Bollywood Hungama spoke to Mr. Subhash Ghai, he confirmed this, "Yes Mithun is doing a special appearance in Yuvraaj. However it is a very important role in the context of the film. We have shot with him already for around 5 - 6 days."


Besides this Aushima Sawhney who was last seen opposite Kunal Khemu in Superstar has also been signed. Ghai adds, "Aushima is playing one of the female leads in Yuvraaj"

With some people referring to the film as Main Yuvraaj while others calling it Yuvraaj we decided to get the facts straight from the man himself. "I keep telling everyone it is Yuvraaj. The title is positively Yuvraaj and not Main Yuvraaj"

Lastly we can't wait to check out this star-studded extravaganza and hence ask the showman, how much of the shooting is actually left? "50 % of the shooting is left, and we are releasing the film on October 24, 2008, the same day when Mukta Arts celebrates it 30th anniversary," signs off Ghai.

In the meanwhile, all you Ghai fans can surely check out his next release Black and White starring Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, and debutant Anurag Sinha that opens across cinemas next week (March 7).
Courtesy: Indiafm.com

Ash's new look for 'Robot'

From the moment director Shankar decided that he will work once again with the South Indian super star Rajinikanth, this project has been making news. Well there was also a controversy suggesting that Ash was signed and rumors emanating that she has quit the film. Well a few days back Ash had openly declared in an interview to a private channel that she had signed for this sci-fi flick.

Now here is more news for all you fans of this Bollywood beauty.


It seems director Shankar has asked Ash to go down by a few pounds because that is the look needed for the film. Ash, who had put on some weight for her recent blockbuster 'Jodhaa Akbar', is believed to be hitting the gym daily and is on a strict diet regimen for shedding the required kilos.

Ash will be shown as a sleek chic and she might also have to do some stunt sequences for this film, hence the reducing in weight. Ash has received a whooping sum as advance, and signing this film she has become the top paid actress in the entire nation.

'Robot' sees the coming together of giants like Shankar, A.R. Rahman, and Rajinikanth. This same trio had come together for making 'Sivaji-The Boss' which became a block buster in South India and abroad.

Let us hope that the magicians are able to weave their magic once again with this film as well.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

'Jodhaa Akbar' now in Tamil

Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus 'Jodhaa Akbar', starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, after having impressed the hindi-speaking audience, would now be released in Tamil.

The music for the film is by maestro A.R. Rahman, who has come out with some grand numbers. The Tamil lyrics have been written by Na. Muthukumar. The audio, that has been released recently, is doing well, say sources.


The film has turned out to be a super-hit, especially in the overseas market where it is doing terrific business aided by favourable reviews from the foreign press. The domestic revenue too has been above average considering that the film has not been released in Rajasthan and has been banned in Madhya Pradesh and certain other areas.

The Hindi version, released two weeks back, has so far collected 65 lakhs from Chennai alone. This is indeed quite a feat, considering the film’s running time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

However, UTV is planning to release a more tightly-edited version. The dubbed version would be released across Tamil Nadu on 6th of March.

Courtesy: Msn.com

Rehman bags three Filmfare Awards

It was A.R. Rehman all the way at the 53rd Annual Filmfare Award. The music maestro, nominated in three categories - Best Music, Best Background Score and Best Singer, walked away with two statues of the black lady (Best Music, Best Background Score) losing out the third one by a whisker.

It should be noted that the world renowned composer had just one release in 2007, director Mani Ratnam's Guru which released at the very beginning of 2007. However, the film's songs are still a rage with the masses, a proof of Rahman's musical prowess.


As he received the award for Best Background Score, Rehman (who was presented the award by Bollywood's famed director duo Abbas-Mustan) said, "The Filmfare Award is like an ornament for a lady; the more you have, it enhances the charm."
Later on, he was back on stage once again, this time receiving the Best Music award for Guru from Bappi Lahiri and Poonam Dhillon. The award, his 21st, makes the Mozart of Madras the recipient with the most number of Filmfare awards. We, at Oneindia.in, wish the 'Isai Puyal' on his glorious triumph.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Aamir's six packs!

Aamir Khan has taken his perfectionism to a new level.

The actor had acquired six-pack abs in October during a month-long schedule in South Africa where he had shot for a special dance number for Ghajini. Since then, however, he had lost his six-pack and put on some weight.

Now, he had to complete the dance number (about 30 per cent of it was left) at Film City recently. However, when choreographer Ahmed Khan met him, he realised that Aamir’s body was not matching the earlier shoot. Ahmed Khan pointed out that Aamir had lost his six-pack abs and had also become a little plump. So how could they shoot?


That’s when Aamir requested Ahmed to give him 21 days to get back to shape for the song. And sure enough, the actor achieved his target in 21 days. He returned with six-pack abs in three weeks!
Ahmed Khan says, "We had shot this song in South Africa four months ago, in October, and it turned out to be excellent. Later I wanted to add some variations in the song for it to look better. So I requested Aamir for some extra time. But Aamir got busy with the post-production and promotion of Taare Zameen Par. Finally, when I met him last month to discuss the song, I saw that his six-pack was gone, he was also looking plump. When I pointed this out to him, he requested me to give him 21 days to get back the same look. When I met him 20 days later, he was looking as perfect as he was in South Africa. We shot the song over four days."

Needless to say, Ahmed Khan is impressed with the actor’s commitment. He says, "Aamir not only has commitment, but will power too. Imagine getting six-pack abs twice over, for a film!"

Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com