Shankar’s ‘Boys’ to get dubbed in Hindi

Director Shankar, who has been churning-out incisive socio-commercial flicks; hop-skipped for a different attempt on “Boys’. The film won appreciations, but also generated controversies about double entendres and few “Bold’ themes. A.R. Rahman’s musical score being a sensational mania resulted in record-breaking sales of audio despites piracy. The audio success fetched more crowds for the film.

Now with A.R. Rahman ruling Bollywood with continuous success, producers have planned to dub “Boys’ in Hindi. Abbas Tyrewala who shot to fame with his directorial “Jaane Ya Tu Jaane Na’ will be penning dialogues for the Hindi version.

The film has Siddarth of Rang De Basanthi fame, Bharath, Nakul, Genelia D’Souza of Jaane Ya Tu Jaane Na in lead role with Vivek enacting a prominent role.

Courtesy: thaindian.com

The Hindi Boys and Rahman!

Banking on the success of Rahman’s Oscars and Genilia’s newfound stardom in Bollywood, the Shankar directed Boys is being dubbed in Hindi. Producer A M Ratnam, however, believes that Boys will create a ripple in Hindi too and that the chartbuster music will ensure the movie’s success.

Genilia’s success with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa has also served as a drive for Boys dubbing, in which she played the college-going Harini and was wooed by Munna, played by Siddharth.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

A. R. Rahman sweeps the music segment in Filmfare Awards

A R Rahman has bagged the Best Music Director’s award at Filmfare ceremony. Before this, Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor replaced Shah Rukh Khan as the host of the Filmfare awards, that’s going to be scheduled today in the night.

In the mean time, the Bollywoods’s red carpet has been rolled down for stars. Music trio Shankar Ehsaan and Loy in all black attires were first spotted on the red carpet. After that singer Shiamak Dawar moved on. The “Rock on” man Farhan Akhtar was also spotted in black dress at red carpet.

Very soon Shahid Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan would be presenting their dance in the most awaited show.
The list of the award winners:
Critic Award for Best Actor: Manjot Singh(Oye Lucky..Lucky Oye)
Critic Award for Best Director: Nishikant Kamat Mumbai Meri jaan
Critic Award for Best Performance: Pratik Babbaar for Jaane tu ya jaane na and Poorab Kohli for Rock On

Best Music Director: A. R. Rahman(Jane tu ya jaane na)
Best Screenplay: Mumbai Meri Jaan
Best Dialogue: Manu Rishi for Oye Lucky..Lucky Oye
Best Supporting Actor: Arjun Rampal for Rock On
Best Supporting Actress: Kangna Ranaut for Fashion

Best Lyrics: Javed Akhtar (Kahne ko Jashne Bahara hai) Jodha Akbar
Best Editing: Amit Pawar for Mumbai Meri Jaan
Best Sound Design: Vinod Subramaniyam for Rock On
Best Choreography: Longines for Pappu Can’t Dance Saala(Jaane tu..)
Best Visual effects: John Deitz
Best Production Design: Oye Lucky-Lucy Oye
Best Action: Peter Hein for Ghajini
Best Cinematography: Jeson Best for Rock On
Best Background Score: A. R. Rahman for Jodha Akbar
Best Costumes: Manushi Sharma for Oye Lucky..Lucky Oye
Best male and female debutants: Asin and Farhan Akhtar and Imraan Khan
R.D. Burman upcoming talent: Beni Dayal for Ghajini

Best Female Playback singer: Shreya Ghoshal “Teri or, teri or..” for Singh is King
Best male Playback singer : Sukhvinder Singh “Haule-haule se hawa chalti hai” for Rab ne bana di jodi

Courtesy: desibollywood.in

Two more awards for Oscar Rahman

Barely a week after the Oscar triumph, Rahman hit upon another double delight at the Filmfare Awards. As expected, he walked away with awards for the best music and best background score. The year 2008 was very special for Rahman in Bollywood with at least three superhit albums; Jodha Akbar, Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa and Ghajini, Yuvraj being the only album that failed to make a big impact. It seemed like a contest between the three Rahman

albums for the coveted Filmfare statuette and in the end it was the peppy and youthful Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa which took the award. One can easily guess that it was the hugely popular ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ that did the trick for Rahman this time. Jodha Akbar took the award for the best background score for the stirring sounds created by Rahman. While it is rather true that Rahman’s victory at the Oscars has almost wholly eclipsed his Filmfare triumph. It is not a surprise, as the man has got many of these before. But for all Rahman fans, this is yet another reason to celebrate none the less.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

2008 was A R Rahman's year

But for a few delightful scores from the likes of A R Rahman and troika Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, there was nothing much the Bollywood music industry had to cheer about during 2008.

Rahman began the year with "Jodhaa Akbar", followed it with "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" and capped them with the score of British director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire", for which he has received a Golden Globe nomination, and "Ghajini".

"Jodhaa Akbar" was quite enjoyable though the film bombed. The epic had tracks like 'Azeem-o-shaan shahenshah', 'Khwaja mere khwaja' and 'Jashn-e-bahaara' that went down well with the listeners.

The youthful music of "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" struck a chord with 'Pappu can't dance' becoming a favourite and even prompting many a party to use it during recent poll campaigns.

The 'Mozart of Madras', as Time magazine once dubbed Rahman, with a melange of pop, jazz and retro elements also conjured tracks like 'Kabhi kabhi Aditi zindagi', 'Nazrein milaana nazrein churaana' 'Kahin to hogi wo', 'Jaane tu mera kya hai' and 'Tu Bole, main boloon', which became popular too.

Rahman is found to be at his best in the "Slumdog Millionaire" score. Be it the 'O...Saaya', the East meets West 'Mausam and escape', the folk number "Ringa Ringa" or the hip-hop 'Gangsta blues', Rahman just proves he is a cut above the rest.

The music also won Rahman a satellite awards given by the International Press Academy.

Courtesy: ptinews.com

A.R. Rahman Interview on Yuvvraaj Music

This year has been a treat for A.R.Rahman fans. After a royal, vintage score inJodhaa Akbar you gave us the peppy and zany Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na. What do you have in store for your fans withYuvvraaj? 
The music of Yuvvraajis something which we (Mr, Ghai, Gulzaar saab and myself) have all worked very hard on. Since the film itself is a musical, the music plays a very important role. I wouldn't like to say much about what's in store as far as the music goes. I don't even want to say the clichéd stuff that this is completely different from what I have done. All I would like to ask the people is to listen it for themselves and I hope they like it (smiles).
Subhash Ghai's films are known for the music and this one is a musical. You've worked with Mr. Ghai earlier in Taal and then in Kisna. How similar or different has been the experience working with the showman? 
It has always been a pleasure to associate with Subhashji on his projects. Working on the music of Yuvvraaj has been a creative challenge for me, as Subhashji has always been associated with melodious music and has a vast understanding about the subject. As for comparisons with Taal, all I would say is that this is completely different. It's a different story, set in a different place and is also multi-cultural. Taal was more Punjabi-friendly, remix, rhythmic kind of music etc. whereas Yuvvraaj is more about melody and love etc...Yuvvraaj being a musical and a grand film, audio is just 50%. The visuals and the music complement each other.
Did you give him many sleepless nights considering you like to work at night? 
I had a request from Mrs.Ghai asking me not to work very late in the night. So whenever it was 12 at night, I used to tell him, "I am tired. So let's call it a day" (laughs)

The music of Yuvvraaj has a very European kind of a feel with symphony, large scale orchestrations etc. 
Yeah, we've used a Motif from Beethoven's 5th Symphony because the story is set in Austria/ Prague etc. Hence, we wanted that experience and feel to come alive through the music.

After 'Jashn-e-Bahaara', Javed Ali became a household name; after 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi', Rashid Ali had truly arrived. Do you think it's going to be Benny Dayal this time who has crooned the soulful 'Tu Hi Toh Meri Dost Hai' in Yuvvraaj? 
I hope so (smiles). I really wish Benny has a great future. He is a very hardworking boy. In fact, he has even sung a song for me in Ghajini which I am sure people will like. My best wishes are always with him.
You are known to give new singers a chance be it Naresh Iyer or Rashid Ali or Benny Dayal. How do you find this new and untapped talent every time? 
It just happens. We just check them out and if they are good enough we give them a break (smiles).

They usually say that you reserve the best track for yourself in every album, be it 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja' in Jodhaa Akbar or 'Tu Bole' in Jaane Tu....is it true in the case of Yuvvraaj? 
(smiles) In Yuvvraaj, I have not sung much. I have just sung bits and pieces here and there. Though Mr. Ghai wanted me to sing, I don't think my voice matches Salman Khan's. He has a much deeper voice. If I feel convinced that it's working for the betterment of the film's music I retain it, else I remove it.
How long did it take to compose the music for Yuvvraaj and what was the brief given? 
The initial brief was Mr Ghai always wanted to have a full fledged orchestra kind of a musical score and with Yuvvraaj he has fulfilled his desire. I hope people like it and appreciate it.

Lyrics have been written by Gulzar Saab...How has been the experience working with him? 
I love working with Gulzaar saab. His whole temperament and vast experience is something which I really admire. All the films that I have worked with him have been really enjoyable.
I know one should never ask a music composer to pick his favorite track but nevertheless which track is closest to your heart? 
I like 'Tu Muskura'...it's a really soulful number.

A lot has been said about Katrina playing the cello. Whose idea was it and is it the first time that the cello has been used in a Hindi film?
It was Mr. Ghai's idea. I don't think the cello has been used in any other Hindi film on screen. The sight of a beautiful girl playing an instrument like the cello seems like an overwhelming visual. It's really nice.

Have you used the cello in many songs? 
It's almost interwoven in every song.

Is it true that the sound of the cello is closest to the human voice? 
Yes...provided it's played properly (laughs)

In today's time and age there doesn't seem to be any rivalry among music composers. You have someone like Shankar Mahadevan who every now and then sings for Vishal-Shekhar and even Vishal has sung a lot for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Have you been approached by other music composers to song and will you do that? 
I have been approached. They have been very kind to ask me to lend my voice but I am signed by a company and hence cannot go beyond my contract.

Which soundtracks have you liked in the recent past? 
I've heard a couple of songs of Rock On. I loved the trailer and the whole concept seems really interesting. I want to watch Rock On.
Earlier this year, on your birthday you launched your dream project K M Music Conservatory in Chennai. How is work coming along on that front? 
It has been really good. The first batch of students has already been enrolled and the response has been more than encouraging.
Is it true that you are part of a T.V. show called The Big Band? Could you take us through that? 
The Big Band is a search for the best band. I liked the concept when Phat Phish came and narrated the idea to me. We are looking at exploring talent not just across India but also from neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia etc. It will also facilitate in some sort of a cultural exchange between our musicians and their musicians. I am really excited about being part of the show. 
Finally, what's next in line after Yuvvraaj? 
After Yuvvraaj, there is the Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini. I am also doing the music for Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.'s multi-starrer Blue. There is also Danny Boyle'sSlumdog Millionaire, the music of which is already done. So there's a lot to look forward too.


Courtesy: uaedailynews.com

Aamir’s not happy with Ghajini

Aamir Khan is a thorough perfectionist. And the actor is currently concentrating on Ghajini which is going to be his next release after Tare Zameen Par. 

According to a unit hand, Ghajini is complete and therefore Murugadoss kept a special screening for Aamir. Apparently, after watching the film Aamirrealized that some scenes require changes and he has asked the director to re-shoot those. 

The director, Murugadoss who trusts Aamir’s instincts has agreed to make changes. A unit hand informs that Aamir is currently busy shooting for 3 Idiots. Also, shooting for Ghajini will mean that Aamir will have to sport the hairstyle required in the film. However, Aamir is sporting short hair these days and will need at least a month-and-a-half to get back in the required hairstyle. Thus the star will be able to re-shoot for Ghajini only in October. 

It can be recalled that Aamir’s last film Tare Zameen Par was supposed to be directed by Amol Gupte. However, after shooting some scenes Aamir realized that he himself should direct the film and took over the director’s baton. There were also rumours about Aamir being a ghost director for Jaane Tu ... Ya Jaane Na which was made under his home production. 

We hope Murugadoss gets his directorial liberties this time!

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Abbas Tyrewala: Hottest director of 2008?

“Is it really a big hit in the UK?” director Abbas Tyrewala asked me when I bumped into him and his wife at Delhi airport earlier this week and congratulated him on the success of his film ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’. Abbas was blissfully unaware that his debut movie, a teen romcom starring the new kid on the block Imran Khan, is indeed one of the biggest blockbusters of 2008.
A key factor in the film’s success is A R Rahman’s hit score which is the current rage in India. The single ‘Pappu can’t dance’ has become a dance floor anthem and another single ‘Kabhi Aditi’ is the most popular mobile phone ringtone at the moment.
Was the popular ‘Pappu’ number a take on Madonna’s ‘Pappa Don’t Preach’? Abbas laughs: “You know you are the first person to make this connection. But Pappu is someone who has got it all without trying.” What’s next for the talented director who has a fondness for wearing red trainers? “My next film is an adult comedy. It is too early to say anything else.”

Courtesy: timesonline.co.uk

It happens only with Aamir Khan!

Aamir Khan must be the only film personality of recent times whose every single release whether as an actor, director, producer or all of the three combined brings along clashes of some kind from the Bollywood industry people. It is being observed right from the release of his Dil (1990) which clashed with the action thriller Ghayal then followed by Lagaan (2001) which had a mighty opposition in the partition saga Gadar, Ek Prem Katha continued with Taare Zameen Par (2007) along with the comic caper Welcome and finally Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na with Love Story 2050.

Firoz Nadiadwala producer of Welcome had sent feelers to Aamir to postpone the release of his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par so that it does not clash with his multi-starrer Welcome. But Aamir chose to ignore it. Then when just recently his produced Jaane Tu was nearing release, Love Story 2050 maker Harry Baweja went on to meet Aamir to request the postponing of his Jaane Tu so that his son, Aamir did not budge and went ahead to clash it with Love Story 2050. The result was there for everyone to see. While Jaane Tu captured the box office and audience’s hearts, Love Story 2050 was declared the biggest dud of 2008. Now its déjà vu again for Aamir as industry sources confirmed to us about Subhash Ghai sending feelers to Aamir to re arrange the release date of his Ghajini.

A source tells us, “Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif was originally planned to release in the Diwali week, on October 24th. But then as its shooting got postponed thanks to Salman Khan and his 10 Ka Dum shooting, the release was pushed ahead further. Ghai then planned for a release around the 2009 Republic Day. But just a few days back Salman allotted his dates to Ghai to shoot his remaining portions in a few weeks time now. Because of this it became possible for him to wrap the project just in time for a year end release. So keeping 26th December as the release date, he had started his planning only to realize, Aamir’s Ghajini was slated for a release on 26th December. Yuvraj is Ghai’s most ambitious film to date and after a huge flop like Kisna his reputation is definitely at stake. He doesn’t want to take any chances with his film this time as last time Madhur Bhandarkar’s Page 3 released with his Kisna had completely overshadowed Kisna in all departments including the box office run. Now therefore he has started sending feelers to Aamir to either post pone or pre pone his Ghajini. Aamir it is learnt has still not given his reply on this matter yet and is very likely that he is not going to budge this time around too!”

However, sources close to Ghai have confirmed to us that if Aamir doesn’t go in for a shift in his Ghajini date then Yuvraj may get preponed for a November 21st release date.

Courtesy: realbollywood.com

‘Talent is not age-dependent’

Living in London, did you get to estimate how much of a rage Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na would turn out to be?
Although I’m based in London, I travel a lot to India and have many contacts there. And in today’s time of Internet boom, topographical difference can hardly be a dampener. Besides, there are many satellite Asian channels, which play Bollywood music. And Aditi is not the only song that I had sung in the film, there’s also Kahin to. Earlier too, I had sung a number, Ishq Ada Hai in the film, Ada. So, it’s not that I’m clueless about how my songs are doing. I also made it a point to catch the flick.


What was the response to your first playback, Ishq Ada Hai?
Ishq Ada Hai was recorded seven years back as AR was looking for a singer who could sing in a
totally different style. In addition, AR essentially wanted an acoustic and organic feel to the song. He asked me to play some guitar and I started experimenting with what became the intro. He wanted an intense effect to the voice and suggested that style. I was glad that song was chosen for the promo of the film and found its way to the top five in many charts. I’m pleased that both this song and Kabhi Kabhi Aditi were the first songs on each of the respective albums.

Was a career in music a natural choice, since your mother carved a niché for herself in the world of classical music?
My mother was a ghazal singer but she would regularly perform lighter music. She successfully recorded some albums in UK, one of which featured Ustad Ghulam Mustafa’s compositions. As far as I’m concerned, I broadened my outlook in music having adapted to many genres in Western, Asian and World music. Thankfully, I’ve also gained a lot of experience in studio work as well as by performing live with many musicians — playing Jazz gigs to Arabic music. Having recognized my ethnicity, I also listened to many Indian artistes whilst growing up.

You had worked with Rahman on the Bombay Dreams project and had been part of the troupe for a while as a guitarist, before this big break. How did the two of you come together?
I met AR at a concert in UK, seven years ago. The initial conversation was completely about my mother, Farida Ali’s connection with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, since he had worked on her ghazal album in UK and also about my love for Jazz music.

You started off as a guitarist and then emerged as a singer...
From the beginning, AR knew I was also a singer. It just took time for tracks like Ishq Ada Hai to surface. India is looking for new sounds and styles — now is a good time to be in Bollywood.

When you chatted Rahman up, were you aware of his iconic status?
At that point of time, I did not know too much about AR’s projects, other than the fact that he had given music for Bombay, Rangeela and Taal.

You are 42 and yet sound like a 20-something in Aditi. Has age got nothing to do with how one sounds?
Talent is not age-dependent. I do naturally have a young voice, since I do look after my voice and myself.

Having given a smash hit, would you now like to pursue Bollywood seriously?
Since I am a singer, I feel that I would like to pursue any projects, which will highlight my abilities. Bollywood is an important part in the spectrum of entertainment. Besides this, I hope to further showcase myself as a guitarist and composer.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment?
Right now, I am working on my own album which will be produced by AR Rahman’s own music label. I am the first one to be signed on by him. I want India to discover not just Rashid Ali’s voice but also what his own music and guitar playing is about. There’s no denying one thing — Rashid Ali is here to stay.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

College-goers go crazy over Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ hairstyle

Imran Khan may be ruling the hearts of college-goers after his debut in a refreshing puppy love story – ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, but it is ‘Mamu’ Aamir whose ‘Ghajini’ hairstyle has taken the campuses by storm.

Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ haircut has become so popular in colleges that the authorities in Bangalore have banned the hairstyle. Students sporting Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ look are not being allowed to enter classrooms.


Sounding amused over the incident, Aamir Khan said that he is surprised at the ban and didn’t know that a hairstyle poses as a distraction in studies.

But ban or no ban, campus kids are in no mood to do away with the trendy Aamir’s hairstyle. Clearly ‘Mamu’ Aamir is having an edge over ‘Bhanja’ Imran!

Courtesy: zeenews.com

It's a 'Jaane Tu…' wave right now: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is going through the best phase in his career. "No one can predict which way the pendulum will swing, before a film releases. But 'Jaane Tu…' has fared well beyond my expectations. It's a 'Jaane Tu…' wave right now, like it was when 'Bobby' had released. The euphoria was also witnessed during 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai'. I only wish Chachajaan [late Nasir Husain] was alive to share the happiness. He was very close to Imran," Aamir tells me as we meet again for a heart-to-heart conversation.

With Imran's debut vehicle proving a major hit, is Aamir guiding his nephew how to go about in his career? "I would never do that. It's important to take your own decisions. You must learn to walk without crutches. Right from the start of my career, I took my own decisions… I made mistakes, but those were my mistakes. I think, I've learnt more from my failures than hits and I would advice Imran the same," Aamir states.

But a number of people feel that if one wants to sign Imran, it has to be via Aamir. True? "Yeah, that's what everyone feels. In fact, a number of people do call up, enquiring about Imran, but I tell them, 'Yeh lo number, Imran ko khud phone karo'," he laughs.

While on 'Jaane Tu…', Aamir has incorporated a song that was deleted from the final version. "It's my favorite number, but Mansoor, Abbas and I took a call jointly. We felt the song was only making the film lengthier. But since the results are out, the song has been added in its third week. Initially, we thought of retaining it for just one week. But looking at the feedback, we may stretch it to three weeks. However, let me add, the song will not be a part of the final cut in the DVD. It will be featured in the unseen portions," Aamir divulges.

With 'Ghajini' complete and slated for release in November, Aamir will begin shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's film from August onwards. "It's called '3 Idiots'. I am looking forward to working with Madhavan and Sharman Joshi [the 'Rang De Basanti' team]. Kareena is now doing the film," the soft-spoken actor states.

The topic moves on to his next project. Has he thought of his next directorial venture? "Not yet! I haven't started looking for stories either. Earlier, I was busy with Ghajini', then the release of 'Jaane Tu…' took most of my time," Aamir confesses. But the buzz is, Aamir intends casting Bachchan Sr. in his film. "I was at a loss of words when Mr. Bachchan said that he would love to work in a film directed by me. He's my favorite actor. It would be a privilege to direct him, but like I said, I haven't zeroed on a subject yet," Aamir says.

What about 'Delhi Belly'? Reportedly, the film will be made in English, not Hindi. "That's true! We are targeting at the global audience. I don't want it to be a bilingual [Hindi, English]. We tried that earlier ['Mangal Pandey'], but it didn't work," he says. With Ranbir Kapoor not part of the project anymore, will Imran step in? "Ranbir couldn't do the film due to date hassles. As for Imran, let's see. We haven't taken a call yet," Aamir states.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

Celebration time on Ghajini sets

Aamir Khan generally does one thing at a time but this time around he’s juggling two things simultaneously. On one hand, he’s been promoting nephew Imran Khan's film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. And he’s hard at work completing the shoot for Ghajini. And there was a massive celebration, which happened on the sets the other day.

So obviously, outsiders presumed the shooting was coming to an end. But the reason was different. The cast and crew were busy celebrating the death of the negative character or villain as we call him in Bollywood.

Pradeep Rawat is the person who played the villain in the original film as well as the remake.

According to Mid-Day the director AR Murugadoss said, "Yes, we did have a bit of celebrations at the end of the schedule. We ordered a cake, as that was the last scene of the villain. So in true filmi fashion we cheered the death of the bad guy!" Incidentally, Rawat also played the bad guy in the original.

Apparently, Ghajini has been inspired by Memento a film by Christopher Nolan.

Courtesy: buzz18.com

It's Rahman versus Pritam once again!

The music industry, which was off late going through a slump, has reasons to smile. The first half of the year, which saw just JODHAA AKBAR, RACE and JANNAT generating good audio sales, already has three brisk sellers. And that just in the first month of the second half itself!


It may be called a coincidence of sorts that it was A.R.Rahman who gave the music industry an elixir with JODHAA AKBAR. He was later displaced by Pritam with RACE and finally JANNAT. Just like the beginning of the year, it's A.R.Rahman who has once again scorched the charts this time around too with his JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA, which is sitting comfortably at the top, and for a few weeks now. And once again it's Pritam (like with RACE and JANNAT) who is challenging Rahman for the pole position with his SINGH IS KINNG!

However, unlike the previous occasion, this time around a third player has come into the fray, in the form of iconoclastic composers, Vishal and Shekhar, whose BACHNA AE HASEENO is giving hot pursuit to the above two albums.

Well, it will be interesting to see who emerges the winner, this time around.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Script of 'Jaane Tu...' was rejected four times: Tyrewala

Scriptwriter-turned-director Abbas Tyrewala whose debut film 'Jaane Tu ya Jaane Na' hit the bull's eye at the Box Office, says writers are still given raw deal and suffer from an identity crisis in the film industry.

"Not many know that the script of the film was rejected four times by some of the big corporate producers," says Tyrewala.

Script writers often remain unnoticed in Mumbai's film industry, but the rejection which Tyrewala received seems a little unfair considering his reputation for penning scripts for some of the most successful and acclaimed films like 'Maqbool' and 'Munnabhai MBBS'.

"The problem is that the people who are supposed to evaluate the scripts at the corporate houses know very little about cinema and unless that changes, we are going to have bad films," he adds.

Talking about the film, he says, "The script appealed to Aamir so much that he decided to produce it. A R Rahman too liked it and decided to give music at a very nominal renumeration." So, what kind of challenges did the newly turned director face in his almost nine year long career as a script writer? "The biggest challenge is when a very good script is not made into a good film or get stuck at the pre-production stage due to financial problems.

"That happens too often in a scriptwriter's life and the film industry is not organised enough to compensate the writer for the loss. We don't even get back our scripts sometimes," says the writer.

However, he adds that the fault is not entirely of the film industry but some script writers are also responsible to some extent.

Courtesy: ptinews.com

Found in Transition

Abbas Tyrewala is in Delhi, basking in the success of Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Naa

It was the thought of a hero on a horse that got Abbas Tyrewala to make his directorial debut Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Na. “I wanted my lead actor on a horse, it’s been ages since there’s been one in a Bollywood film. This I knew was going to be the penultimate scene. So I began to trace the story backwards from that point,” says Tyrewala. The movie that has used every single filmi cliché has become the year’s peppy hit and the soundtrack by A R Rahman is ruling the airwaves. Accuse him of serving you old wine in a new bottle and Tyrewala laughs merrily. “That was the idea in the first place. To use every cliché there is and give it fresh treatment. What’s better, it seems to have worked,” smiles Tyrewala who candidly acknowledges that the success of the film is more than he ever imagined.


At Osians Cine Fan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema, Tyrewala has provided many an entertaining afternoon as he has held discussions on scriptwriting and cinema. As one of Bollywood’s young and innovative scriptwriters, Tyrewala is now positively certain that he doesn’t want to write another film for anybody else. “It took me so long to make my first film and the transition has been important. The biggest transition was in terms of people. Scriptwriting is a lonely process, there’s nobody to deal with but yourself and the characters and situations that you create,” says Tyrewala who believes that making the film helped him trust people again. “It’s team work and as a director your vision of the film has to guide the entire cast and crew. It’s an attractive and powerful position to be in, it’s tough, but the money’s good,” chuckles Tyrewala.

But scriptwriting still remains his first love and Tyrewala is now happy to see the advent of more and more writer-directors in the industry. As a writer, he says, the biggest heartbreak is when the best scripts or stories don’t get made. “The industry is not organised enough for a script to make a comeback, after a producer backs out from the project. Writer-directors will have more control over their projects now,” he says.

As for sprinkling more magic from the 70s and 80s in his future films, Tyrewala admits that he’d love to remake films from the era. “I’d love to remake Waqt and Andaaz. Give it a twist, a whole new interpretation. There’s nothing wrong with that because some of our best movies came from the 70s,” says Tyrewala who’s currently working on scripting his next film, what he calls a naughty adult comedy. “I will be raising the age bracket of my audience to 28 and 30-year-olds. I want to tell people that when the heart breaks, it breaks seriously,” says Tyrewala. Well, we’ll take his word for it.

Courtesy:expressindia.com

Bollywood sees no age!

What’s common between Aamir Khan and Imran Khan besides their chacha-bhateeja bonding?


Both of them have big films this year and are even romancing heroines from the same age group. While Imran’s Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na with Genelia has been declared a hit, uncle Aamir Khan is preparing for his next big release, Ghajini, with Asin. Which just goes on to show that while Bollywood may have come of age, but the stars haven’t aged.

Earlier, as stars grew older, they made way for the younger generation and resigned themselves to doing character roles or those more suited to their age. That’s no longer the case in Bollywood — we have papas and betas, chachas and bhateejas and even baaps and betis, all in the fray at the same time.
Aamir Khan and Imran Khan

Imran has already wowed the crowd with his debut film, but audiences will get to see more action from his side with Kidnap (with Sanjay Dutt) and Luck, set to go on the floors this year.
It’s been reported that Aamir Khan’s Ghajini, starring Asin and Jiah Khan, which was set to release on October 2, has been delayed because uncle Aamir wanted to give Imran an open field for his second release Kidnap, also slated for the same day.

Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor

After her debut in Sawaariya, Sonam Kapoor is all set to light up the screen with Dilli 6, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Om Puri, Atul Kulkarni and Divya Dutta.
After Race and Tashan, dad Anil Kapoor is ready to impress with four big films — Main Yuvraaj, Yahan Ke Hum Sikandar, Slumdog Millionaire and Chandralekha — all set for release later this year.

Kamal Haasan and Shruti Haasan

Shruti Haasan, until now known for her star lineage and rock performances, will make her debut with Imran Khan in Luck, directed by Soham Shah. The movie is supposed to feature Sanjay Dutt, Danny Denzongpa, Mithun Chakraborthy and Rati Agnihotri.
Kamal Haasan’s much-delayed and much-hyped movie, Dasavathaaram, didn’t quite work wonders at the BO. His fans have a long wait ahead before seeing him back in action.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

YUVRAAJ postponed; BILLOO BARBER on 30th October

The second half of 2008 has started off with a bang and the trade as well as the industry is ecstatic with the big success of Aamir Khan's JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA, though one does feel sad for Harry Baweja's LOVE STORY 2050.

Moving on, just last week we had told you about the release plans of one of the most awaited projects of the second half, Aamir Khan's GHAJINI (November 28th). And here are the exclusive schedules of three other highly awaited and anticipated projects of the year's concluding half.

As per our trade and distribution sources, Subhash Ghai has postponed his Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer, YUVRAAJ from its earlier announced date of October 24th. The new release date will be announced later. Meanwhile Shah Rukh Khan's next release (in a substantial role), Priyadarshan's BILLOO BARBER, which features Irrfan Khan in the title role, has now been finalized for an October 30th (just after Diwali) worldwide release. And the third movie that sees a change in its plans is Nikhil Advani's Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA TOWN, which has been preponed from its scheduled release date of October 29th and will instead hit the screens on October 24.

Before we leave, the usual disclaimer, release dates can change even at the eleventh hour!

Courtesy: glamsham.com

A.R. Rahman to compose music for the multi-starrer Blue

Music maestro A.R.Rahman has given some really diverse music this year. While he started the year with Ashutosh Gowariker's period film Jodhaa Akbar, he surprised everyone with the young and peppy tunes which he composed for Aamir Khan Productions' Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

If you think that's all you get to hear of Rahman this year, then you are wrong. While his music for Subhash Ghai's magnum opus Yuvraaj is being awaited with bated breath, he is also composing the music for Aamir Khan's Ghajini.

And for all you die-hard Rahman fans, there is some more good news. The music maestro has also been roped in by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. to compose the music for their multi-starrer Blue. Blue has been in the news recently as major portions of the film featuring actors like Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif were shot in the exotic locations of Bahamas. With Rahman coming into the picture this adventure ride only gets bigger and better.

Courtesy: indiafm.com

Rahman’s new album

Can A.R Rahman recreate the Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, magic for a Tamil film, also with newcomers a film based on youth Sakkarakkati?

The film's audio is being launched in a big way this Friday. It is the launch pad of noted writer, director and actor Bhagyaraj's son Shanthnoo Bhagyaraj as a hero.

The film produced by veteran producer Kalaipuli S.Thanu, is directed by his son Kalaa Prabhu who is also making his debut The film is said to be a musical love story which has some breath taking locations and mesmerising music by A.R Rahman.

The buzz is that after hearing the script AR Rahman was so impressed that he agreed to do the film for a rank newcomer like Kalaprabhu. The film has newcomer Ishita Sharma as the heroine, along with Vedhika, Amith, Lokesh and Harish. There are six peppy songs in the film, and Rahman's music is the biggest USP of the film.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com