Lagaan is listed among top 100 Albums

Here’s news that is bound to make Bollywood proud. The soundtrack of Lagaan, composed by double Oscar winner AR Rahman, has been listed among 

Still from Lagaan

the 100 Greatest World Music Albums of All Time by a popular website. 

Incidentally, Rahman’s Roja was earlier listed among the Top 10 soundtracks of all time by Time magazine. Lagaan is listed at No 44 in the current list.

Other Indian albums in the list include The Ravi Shankar Collection: Live — Ravi Shankar At The Monterey International Pop Festival (No 20), singer Asha Bhosle’s Precious Platinum (No 37) and sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan’s Traditional Music of India (No 38).
Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Gowariker picks new composer over Rahman for...Rashee?

After working with Oscar-winning music maestro A R Rahman in three of his hits—Lagaan, Swades and Jodhaa Akbar, director Ashutosh Gowariker has roped in Sohail Sen for his romantic comedyWhat's Your Rashee? set to release on September 25.

Sen, who has earlier worked on multi-starrer film Sirf in 2008, has composed 13 different songs for the much-awaited movie. Lead actors Priyanka Chopra and Hurman Baweja are both vouching for the quality and variety of songs that the new music director has composed.

Priyanka, who essays 12 characters in the movie, said: "Given that there are 12 characters belonging to different backgrounds and different zodiac signs in the film, it's amazing how Sohail [Sen] has beautifully brought all of them together with a range and mixture of distinctive sounds."

"Each song is extremely unique and true to depicting each character's story. I am anxiously looking forward to the launch of the music from the film," she added.

Meanwhile, Hurman too is all praise for the composer.

"Imagine hearing an album and finding it impossible to choose a favourite track because every track you hear becomes an instant favourite. That's just what Ashu sir [Ashutosh Gowariker], Javed [Akhtar] saab and Sohail have created—13 distinctive compositions in one addictive album," he said.

What's Your Rashee? is Gowariker's first romantic comedy and is based on a Gujarati novel, Kimball Ravenswood, by Madhu Rye.

The plot revolves around a young Gujarati man in pursuit of his dream girl with the catch of finding her within 10 days to save his family from an unforeseen ordeal.

The movie is jointly produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions.

Courtesy: sify.com

Growing demand for Rahman’s tunes

The tunes of AR Rahman has been relished by music lovers from ‘Roja’, ‘Mumbai’, ‘Gentleman’, ‘Donga Donga’, ‘Rangeela’, ‘Indian’, ‘Prema Desam’, ‘Jeans’, ‘Taal’, ‘Sakhiya’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Amrutha’, ‘Naani’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Yuvraaj’ to ‘Ghajini’ and the endless list goes on..

Rahman’s double Oscar glory is surging in the country and the demand for his albums in the market is now raging high with patrons thronging towards the stores.

Within this past two weeks, the sales have gone up by more than thirty percent. Store dealers have ordered extra copies of the albums ‘Bombay Dreams’, ‘Signature Collections’, ‘Vandematharam’, ‘Live in Dubai’ and ‘Between Heaven and Earth’. 

The signature tune of Airtel is on air all over India depicting Rahman’s stature and sale records are in a never-seen-before consign in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Along with movie albums, patriotic and international albums are emptying the stocks, as said by retailers.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

The truth behind Ghajini's mysterious title

Aamir Khan's upcoming next, unusually titled, Ghajini has had left everyone wondering. Everyone has been thinking about what the heck is the meaning of it. Yes it was the name of the original Tamil version of the film directed by A.R.Murugadoss who is also directing the Hindi version. But no one understood what it meant. A large section of the media and Aamir's fans alike were also thinking Ghajini is Aamir Khan's character's name in the film. But is it?

According to our unit sources, "Ghajini is not the name of Aamir Khan's character in the mystery thriller. It is actually the name of the villain whom Aamir's character is trying to find throughout the film as he is the one who has murdered his girlfriend (Asin) and left him severely injured leading him to an extremely disturbed state of mind. The character of Ghajini is played in the film by actor Pradeep Singh Rawat who also played the same role in the original. He had earlier acted as the hot blooded Sardar in Aamir Khan Productions' Lagaan (2001). In fact the villain has a double role in the film. So now there is Ghajini 2 also in Ghajini one can say!"

Courtesy: oneindia.in

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

AR Rahman: The master in his element

When it comes to composing music or being modest, not many can match A R Rahman.

The Mozart of Madras on Tuesday proved why he continues to be loved by one and all even after almost 16 years after he first burst into the music scene with Roja.

Receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Rtn. Indra Subramanyam, president of the Rotary club of Madras, the music director, in his typical inimitable style, said," Ella pugallum Irraivanuuke." (To God be all glory!) after saying, "It's an honour to receive this award. However, I still think that nothing has happened. I am like a slate that is yet to be written. There is so much to be done, not only in music but also for humanitarian causes."

The award was conferred on the music director, by the Rotary club of Madras which sought to salute "the consummate composer who makes music the language of the heart and the soul".

Rahman was posed a few questions on the occasion to which he replied in his trademark style. Needless to say, his brief replies were laced with wit.

When asked what kind of research he did to recreate the effect for period films like Jodhaa Akbar, he said," We did a lot of research for Jodhaa Akbar and finally did not use anything we found."

It required a carefully- worded question to corner the musician, someone in the audience asked, " In addition to God (We know that you will attribute your success to God), what is the source of inspiration that gives you melodies?"

Rahman replied," There are two things I follow. When I know that I'm confident, I know I'm wrong. When I'm insecure and when I feel I'm going to be humiliated, that is when something special comes up."
When asked to name a few of songs he wished he had composed, the director initially tried to sidestep the question, but then responded," I would love to do something on the space that is there on the music of the 60s."

Disclosing what he preferred to listen to, the music director said, "I like Carpenters and old songs. Songs of Kannadasan, M S Viswanathan-Ramamurthy, K B Mahadevan and P Susheela are good. I like listening to Hemanth, Mandolin Srinivas and Kishore."

When pointed out that he had already reached the peak and that there was nothing left to conquer, the ace musician said, "I don't think benchmarks should be set. So much more has to be achieved. That is why I have started my music school."

When asked what he would like to teach his children, he replied, "I think their mom is a better teacher." And finally, when asked what he would like to teach Saira, he shot back,"She is teaching me."

The taste of music
Rang De Basanti was good but not good enough to beat Maah Tujhe Salaam. Thiruda Thiruda was much better than Rangeela. However, it was Zubaidaa which won the honours hands down on Tuesday at the Taj Connemara, where a function to felicitate musical genius A R Rahman was organised.And boy, were they all delicious!

For those of you who still haven't been able to comprehend what we are talking about, Rang De Basanti, Maah Tujhe Salaam, Thiruda Thiruda and Rangeela were the names of delicacies and dishes served to the dignitaries who attended the function organized by the Rotary club of Madras. While the Shahjahani badam ka shorba soup was called Jodha Akbar, the salad bar with dressings was called Satrangi re... and the main course comprised Maa Tujhe Salaam... (Tiranga Mirch Aur Paneer Jalfrezi), Rang De Basanti (Zaffrani Khumbh, Mutter Aur Makai), Kuchi Kuchi Rakkama... ( Kathrikai Rasvangi), Thiruda Thiruda (Kaikari Kothmali Korma) and Ahe Udi Udi... ( Urlai Vepudu).
The Lucknow Dum Biryani with Burhani Raita was called Zubeida and steamed rice was known as Sathiya. Dal Panchmela was called Rangeela while assorted Indian breads were called Lagaan!

In the dessert section, Chum Chum was called Chaiya Chaiya and finally, Chocolate Desire was aptly named Chinna Chinna Aasai..., reminding us the fact that the song continues to be one of the sweetest songs ever made.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Aamir Khan releases music of his forthcoming production

Noted Bollywood actor Aamir Khan known for his penchant for making meaningful cinema, released the music of his forthcoming production 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' here last evening.

Bollywood's legendary actor Shammi Kapoor launched the audio of the film.

Contrary to Bollywood extravaganza and showbiz, the music was released in a very subtle manner at Kapoor's residence. Aamir considers Kapoor as his lucky mascot and has been seeking his blessings right from his debut film.

Music director A R Rahman has directed the music of the latest flick.

"The music is really fabulous. Lyrics written by Abbas (scriptwriter and director Abbas Tyarwala) are very different and unusual. I feel that such music has been chosen by Rahman after a long time," said Aamir.

The film's promos have already created excitement among the public and people are now eagerly looking forward to the release of the movie.

Aamir's latest flick is a director debut of scriptwriter Abbas Tyrewal and is also a debut venture for Khan's nephew Imran Khan. Bollywood actress Genelia D'souza plays the female lead.

Though not much information of the storyline of the movie has been revealed, the promos are in line with Aamir's constant endeavour for a refreshing theme and his penchant for making meaningful movies.

After successful box-office hits, 'Lagaan' and 'Taare Zameen Par', this will complete the hat trick of Aamir's productions.

The film is expected to be released in the first week of July.

Courtesy: dailyindia.com

Despite setbacks GHAJINI to release on time

After his first injury, followed by a more grievous one the second time around, Aamir Khan has been advised a three weeks rest by his doctor. For the few who are not very aware of the happenings, we are referring to the climax shooting of Aamir Khan's next release, GHAJINI, where unfortunately the actor perfectionist was injured twice during the climax action sequence.
Needless to add that the unfortunate happenings have provided fodder feed to the gossip mongers, who have already done a few 'breaking' scoops. The news have mostly centered on how Aamir Khan's stubborn approach has led to the postponement of GHAJINI from its already announced October 2 release date.

However, Aamir Khan's close family sources assure us that Aamir is determined to stick to the original release schedule of the film, come what may!

Well, knowing the 'Bhuvan' of LAGAAN, we are not surprised, and here is wishing Aamir a speedy recovery.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Aamir Khan plans theatrical teaser to launch nephew Imran Khan

Aamir Khan has thought of an innovative teaser theatrical trailer to promote and launch his nephew Imran Khan.

It is 2.5 minute trailer that takes a tongue-in-cheek dig at all star launches and all the hoopla over well toned muscular bodies. This includes him because of the news about his looks in Ghajini.

The trailer shows Imran Khan as a huge well toned muscular guy with all trimmings of a theatrical launch, only to reveal the real Imran Khan who is a boy next door as is his character in the film.

Khan Production's third production, after Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par, Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na is the launch vehicle of Imran Khan, Khan's nephew. Khan himself was launched in QSQT by Nasirsahib, who is Imran Khan's grandfather.

Khan has been taking very keen interest in the smallest details of the promotion of the film even though he is completely entrenched in shooting for a crucial portion of Ghajini in Hyderabad.

"Jaane Tu… as a film has a very young idiom, the language and the tone of the film is very tongue in cheek. We wanted the teaser to reflect the same irreverence in attitude", says Abbas Tyerwala, the director of the film.

Courtesy: businessofcinema.com

Aamir on his injury and Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Na

As we told you just a few days ago, Aamir Khan was hurt filming for Ghajini, so much so that he had to go to the hospital. Reports were that he was going to have to take some time off, but "Mr. Perfectionist" that he is, he is all ready back to work. Aamir recently updated his blog with the story and also a bit about his new film for his company, Janne Tu... Ya Janne Na. Here are a few highlights from his blog post.


About his injury Aamir wrote, "By now y'all must have heard various accounts of my injury so I won't bore you with one more. Especially since there is no particularly death defying moment in it. It was quite a boring injury, no anecdotal value or excitement whatsoever. Roll camera, action, run into frame, grab heavy goon, slam him against wall, lift him and throw him against second wall, shout in pain, hop on one leg, wave arm to call for cut, limp off to nearest chair. End result is that I had injured the adductor muscle in my right thigh. Which in layman terms means my inner thigh. There have been many more exciting injuries I have received in my career but again let me spare you the gory details. Importantly I'm recovering well and have restarted shooting with muscle supports and belts."

About Janne Tu... Ya Janne Na, a film for his banner Aamir Khan Productions he didn't say much but did reveal a picture of his nephew Imraan Khan, who is debuting in the film. "In the meantime I am readying my self for my next release. Jaane Tu. When I say 'my' I mean Aamir Khan Productions'. After Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par this will be our third release and I am keen to complete a hat-trick. We completed our test screenings end of March, and Rahman has almost finished the background score. Today the first promo breaks on TV. It should be up on the website as well.

This will be the first film of my nephew Imran, I think I'll post a photo of him. Tell me what you think of the promo, and him.

Jaane Tu is the debut not only of Imran but also Abbas Tyrewala who has written and directed the film. Abbas who has is an established writer having written films like Munna Bhai MBBS, Maqbool, and Main Hoon Na among others has done a great job as a director. While I was busy with TZP he was doing JT, and when I saw the completed film it was an excellent translation onto screen of the script, which for me is the most imp yardstick for any filmmaker."

Janne Tu... Ya Janne Na, or JT as Aamir calls it, is scheduled for release on July 4th of this year!

Courtesy: bollyspice.com

Aamir puts 'Ghajini' on backburner

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has rescheduled the shooting of his upcoming film 'Ghajini' to concentrate on his home production `Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na,' where he introduces his nephew Imran Khan.

According to sources close to the actor, Aamir, who has given himself a new bald look for 'Ghajini', feels it is payback time for him because veteran filmmaker Nasir Hussain, who is the actor's uncle, had launched him in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' in 1988.


Imran is Hussain's grandson and now Aamir is working equally hard to give a break to him in his third home production after 'Lagaan' and 'Taare Zameen Par'.

The actor has just shot Imran in a special promo for Jaane... with Abbas Tyrewala, who makes his directorial debut with this film.

The concept promo was Aamir's brainchild and has been shot over 10 days. The actor personally supervised all aspects of this shooting, even if it meant putting his own 'Ghajini' on a backburner, as the film's shooting had to be stalled and schedules reworked.

Courtesy: hindu.com

Aamir puts 'Ghajini' on backburner

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has rescheduled the shooting of his upcoming film 'Ghajini' to concentrate on his home production `Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na,' where he introduces his nephew Imran Khan.

According to sources close to the actor, Aamir, who has given himself a new bald look for 'Ghajini', feels it is payback time for him because veteran filmmaker Nasir Hussain, who is the actor's uncle, had launched him in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' in 1988.


Imran is Hussain's grandson and now Aamir is working equally hard to give a break to him in his third home production after 'Lagaan' and 'Taare Zameen Par'.

The actor has just shot Imran in a special promo for Jaane... with Abbas Tyrewala, who makes his directorial debut with this film.

The concept promo was Aamir's brainchild and has been shot over 10 days. The actor personally supervised all aspects of this shooting, even if it meant putting his own 'Ghajini' on a backburner, as the film's shooting had to be stalled and schedules reworked.

Courtesy: hindu.com

Rahman's next album after 'Vande Mataram'

Way back in the late 90s, A.R. Rahman's audio album for Sony, 'Vande Mataram', rocked the nation. In fact, it rekindled the patriotic spirit of 'Vande Mataram' through its contemporary sounds and classy arrangements. The album also marked the first and sadly the last union of two maestros. Obviously we are referring to the man himself, A.R.Rahman and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary sufi qawwali singer, whose replacement has still not been found in the music world.

Coming back to our headlines, especially for those music lovers who are wondering as to when the composer of works like ROJA, DIL SE, TAAL, LAGAAN........to the recent JODHAA AKBAR, will come up with another album, after the stupendous success of 'Vande Mataram'. Well, the long wait is more or less over and the good news is that music wizard A.R.Rahman is busy working on his next album. As per very reliable sources, almost a decade after 'Vande Mataram' , Rahman's next album should be out later this year, more details of which are expected soon.

Courtesy: glamsham.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

Aamir Khan’s Ghajini overtakes Om Shanti Om

Much before Aamir Khan’s Ghajini hits the theatres, it's creating waves. Perfectionist Aamir Khan does everything in style and always we find some sort of uniqueness in his storyline. His upcoming venture Ghajini overtakes Shahrukh’s already released film Om Shanti Om. While Om Shanti Om rights were sold at Rs 73 crore, the rights of Ghajini have been sold at whopping price more than 93 crore.

A source from the film fraternity remarked that “No other Bollywood film was sold with such a huge price in domestic theatres”. The film distribution rights of Rs 53 crore and music distribution of Rs 40 crore had sum up the circulation price to Rs 93 crore. Aamir always tries to make a critically acclaimed film with full perfection. Whether it is Lagaan or Taare Zameen Pe, his work is always considered to be a masterpiece.

Ghajini is a remake of a Tamil version. For many days, he has been looking for the right lady. Various names had been suggested but ultimately he settled down with Jiah Khan and Tamil actress Asin. It is the most awaited film of 2008 and its music is still not out of the cocoon. We can say that Ghajini will be another eye-catching and mind blowing offering from the intense and dynamic actor, Aamir Khan.

Courtesy: Bollywoodmantra.com

Jodhaa Akbar could make even more money than OSO

Getting a royal welcome on both sides of the Atlantic, Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, grabbed an estimated $1.3 million in North America and $750,000 in the United Kingdom over the weekend.

Factoring in the Gulf countries, the Caribbean and Australia, the three day haul could reach an awesome $3 million.

The film may not have crossover appeal to the mainstream audiences but anyone who reads the opening of The New York Times review may be tempted to see it. 'They may not make'em like they used to in Hollywood,' critic Rachel Saltz wrote, 'but sometimes in India they still do. Jodhaa Akbar... is filmmaking on the grand scale of Cecil B De Mille (The Ten Commandments), with romance, stirring battles, and enough elephants and gold to sink the Titanic .'
The US box-office was especially impressive given the awful weather conditions in the Midwest.

"If the goodwill and enthusiasm for the film continues, and we at UTV feel it will, Jodhaa Akbar could make even more money than Om Shanti Om," said Lokesh Dhar for distributor UTV. "We are not looking at the success of this film in terms of another hit for UTV (which has distributed hits like Don). It could become the all-time highest grossing Bollywood film in North America."

Farah Khan's OSO starring Shah Rukh Khan , who also produced it, grossed about $3.8 million in North America and holds the record.

"Despite the fact that Jodhaa Akbar is three-and-a-half hours long," Dhar continued, "and theatres are having less number of shows, we are doing extraordinary business."

The film, which got decent reviews from many mainstream publications including The New York Times and a few pans like the one in the San Francisco Chronicle, had a record 135 prints released in North America. In the United Kingdom it has some 70 prints.

The full week's gross outside India could exceed $4.5 million. Even if the film's takings were to fall by 50 percent in subsequent weeks as it traditionally happens for Bollywood movies, it could still end up with some $8 million.

Unlike in India where the entertainment tax takes away nearly 50 percent of the box office collection, Bollywood producers get about 65 percent of the overseas take.

Bollywood insiders believe that even if Jodhaa Akbar does not do spectacular business in India, the overseas moolah will help it recuperate its reported $10 million budget.

Another reason why the film may not suffer a steep decline in the second week is that there are no big movies challenging Jodhaa Akbar for several weeks, till the action thriller Race, which is also distributed by UTV.

"We strongly feel that Jodhaa Akbar is not going to be a one week phenomenon," Dhar said. "Many people are telling us that they are seeing the film two or three times, taking friends and family members who may not usually see films in theatres. The word has gone out that this is one film you ought to see on the big screen first."

Indian Americans are also spreading the word that Jodhaa Akbar is not like the typical Bollywood production, and some of them are quoting reviews like the one in The New York Times.

'These royals are played by Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan,' Saltz continued, 'two rather astonishing specimens of human beauty. Neither is a great actor, but both know what's required of a star and seem to the palace born.'

She did not forget the music and Kiiran Deohans for his cinematography. 'The film bounces along to a memorable score by A R Rahman. (I am still humming the songs),' Saltz wrote.

Giving the film four stars out of five, the BBC's Tajpal Rathore wrote: 'One is perhaps starting to expect too much from director Ashutosh Gowarikar after such masterpieces like Lagaan and Swades . But he seems to raise the bar with his historic magnum opus, Jodhaa Akbar.'

'Extensive though it is, Jodhaa Akbar cannot be discussed using small talk,' Rathore wrote. 'Everything in the film is big and grand: the palaces, the armies and most importantly, the love story. It hits at the heartstrings and somehow has enough energy to sustain itself through the bloated script that perhaps should've been chopped. Ravishing Rai is convincing enough but it's Roshan's majestic performance as the love-struck warrior that packs the punch; it's his film from start to finish.'

Gowariker knows how to tell a story, declared Sandip Ray in the San Francisco Chronicle, referring specially to Lagaan. But in the new film, the review said, he seems overwhelmed by the sheer weight of history.

'The never-ending opening sequence, a CliffsNotes version of Indian history in superstar Amitabh Bachchan's sonorous baritone, doesn't help either,' Roy added.' Or perhaps the film just topples over under the sheer weight of all that gold jewelry.'

The problem with Jodha and Akbar is that they are both too noble, the reviewer continued.

'Epic stories need epic tragedies or at least forbidden love,' he added.' In the 1960 classic Mughal-E-Azam, the rebellious prince (actually the son of Akbar) falls in love with the beautiful courtesan, and her defiant songs became the anthem of star-crossed lovers. (You still hear South Asians singing it at gay pride parades.)'

But there are moments when the film manages to break free of its limitations, the review said. 'Jodha and Akbar duel in an empty palace courtyard, their swordplay turning into foreplay,' it explained. 'A crowd of Sufis whirl, their white outfits glowing against the brick red earth, and the emperor leaves his seat to dance ecstatically with them. These are the real human moments in the film. One just wishes there were a few more.'

Many viewers in New York and New Jersey cinemas said they were not deterred by the film's length. "We have watched on DVD some films which are just about two hours long and we have found them boring," said a 50-year-old man who had driven 40 miles from Connecticut to see the film in a New York theatre with his wife and grown children "But if a film is well made, who worries about the time? And this kind of a film one must first see in a theatre, never mind what good home entertainment system we have at home."


Courtesy: Rediff.com

'Filmmaking is not for the faint-hearted'

With Jodhaa Akbar ready to roll out across over 1,200 theatres worldwide -- at least 125 of them in North America -- distributor and co-producer UTV expects another breakthrough hit. For UTV Chairman Ronnie Screwvala, there cannot be any real business without calculated risks.

Ronnie Screwvala

Screwvala is emerging as the first India-based film producer to co-produce films in Hollywood with film companies associated with Sony and Fox Searchlight.

In India, he is steadily emerging as a producer with rare vision, courage and success. 'He is 'the frontrunner in the race to become Bollywood's Jack Warner -- the man who transformed parochial American cinema into its modern global form,' declared Newsweek recently.


In June, Screwvala's biggest Hollywood venture yet, the sci-fi film The Happening, directed by M Night Shyamalan, will roll out to more than 2500 theatres in North America.

What is special about Jodhaa Akbar?

It is a visually stunning and superbly directed film about a little known aspect of Indian history. People know of Akbar, his rebellious son and Anarkali. People also know that Jodhaa was a Rajput wife of Akbar. But how many of us have known this great love story and the mystical bond between the two?

Aishwarya and Hrithik in Jodhaa AkbarSome people may say this is a period film, this is history and it may not be exciting...

The story of the film takes place in the 16th century but the film feels like a contemporary movie. It is a love story for our times. It was left to Ashutosh Gowariker to make a film of such huge magnitude and intensity that future generations may speak of Jodhaa and Akbar in the same breath they would talk about Akbar's rebellious son Salim and Anarkali, the dancing girl.

What is the buzz for the movie like?

I feel there is tremendous excitement for this film and for good reasons. Those who have seen the previews know they have glimpsed something unseen in Indian films. The word is out that the scale on which this film has been made is unprecedented. It is also Hrithik Roshan's first film in a year, and the audiences are expecting an excellent on screen chemistry between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Jodhaa) and Hrithik (Akbar). And people expect Ashu to have made a film even more engrossing and timely than his best work to date, Lagaan [Images].

But the film also runs more than three hours...

It has so much of intrigue and drama, apart from romance, that there would not be any dull moment in it. What is Ashu excellent is at telling a beautiful story while the spectacle unfolds and the screen is filled with great visuals and that is the biggest strength of the film.

Why will the film resonate with audiences today?

One of the reasons, we expect the film to reach wide audiences is due to the important fact that it is more of a love story than a historical film. It is not what you think as a traditional period or historical film. History serves as a backdrop to tell a marvelous story that looks not only at an unusual alliance between Jodhaa and Akbar but also at the religious, cultural and political issues of the times.

What would be some of the issues it addresses?

The film also deals with the issue of arranged marriage. Arranged marriages are quite common across India even today but how many of them are successful like that of Jodhaa and Akbar? The film could ignite new discussions about arranged marriages and love marriages. We expect people to come out of the screenings, talking a lot about the old times and their own lives.

There will be a lot of curiosity how the film opens.

I feel it is not going to be a two or three week phenomenon. It could become a long running hit.

What kind of repeat value does the film have?

We expect people to enjoy the spectacle and romance the first time they see the film. But we also expect many to return to the theatres a few days later to get more of the story, character developments and various underlying themes of the film.

Such things happen in the case of literary mystery books. People rush through the book for the suspense and then return to enjoy its language.

Certainly. Among the many films we have released some have had strong repeat audiences. Rang De Basanti [Images] was one. And I expect a similar reaction to Jodhaa Akbar, too.

Who would be the audience for Jodhaa Akbar abroad?

It will be playing primarily in the Diaspora market. But I would not be surprised if the word about the film gets out, and there would be some crossover audiences. It has the scale and appeal of a mainstream Hollywood film.

You have produced films like Jodhaa Akbar, The Namesake [Images], Life In A... Metro and Rang De Basanti that many others would have shunned or considered risky.

These are calculated risks. Once we are convinced -- and a lot depends on the script and the commitment of the director -- we greenlight the project within a few days. When Anurag Basu came to us with the proposal for Life In A ...Metro, we liked the concept immediately. I was fascinated that a band would be featured in the film and it would be used to propel the story. The gut feeling worked out to be true.

What would you tell younger filmmakers who are planning to produce or direct a film?

Always remember this: Filmmaking is not for the faint-hearted

You also sign a director to one or more films...

If I am convinced that the director I have signed -- whether a newcomer or a veteran -- is passionate about the project and is capable of streamlined production, it makes sense to have a bond that goes beyond one film. And that is why when Anurag Basu came to us with the idea of making Metro, I said, let us make more films with him.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra following Rang De Basanti is working on Dilli 6 and we are distributing the new film, too. We have made two films with Ashutosh Gowariker, Swades [Images] and Jodhaa Akbar. We released Aamir Khan's [Images] Taare Zameen Par [Images]. We are also releasing his next film as a producer though he is not in it; he did not direct it either.

Some directors including Basu and Mehra had made films which weren't successful before they approached UTV.

That tells something about the UTV philosophy. We don't really look at the past. Everything depends on the filmmaker's concept, script and commitment.

When someone like Mira Nair approaches with you with a project like The Namesake, which is based on a well-known book, do you make time to read the book?

I read the book, and, of course, I read the script. I have been telling those who had the fear that Mira may not do justice to the novel to see the film and read the book again or read it for the first time. I am sure you will end up appreciating the film better.

If you were to say in a few sentences what the driving philosophy behind UTV movies is...

We have made films that are beyond the song and dance routine. There are, of course, songs and dances in our films but they are truly situational and propel the story. We don't care for films which have songs for the sake of having them. We are looking at the bigger picture. And we are interested in being world players. Apart from the film projects we have signed with the production company of Will Smith [Images] and Chris Rock, we are also co-producing Night Shyamalan's film, The Happening.

You have often talked about transparency in business.

This is very important to me, and a small measure of this is reflected in the box-office grosses we put out, especially in North America and the United Kingdom, week after week. Just as Hollywood studios release the box-office information each weekend, we too do so, whether a film is a success or not.

Only a few movie companies in India seem to have your business concept when it comes to transparency.

There are good reasons for that kind of a business. Many films were -- and still are -- produced by family concerns. They looked at it as a cash flow business. We never really realise whether a film had made money or not because of lack of transparency. But at UTV we look at the films as a profit and loss business. We want accountability at every stage of the production and distribution.

You started your Hollywood career with a relatively low budget film, co-producing a Chris Rock comedy, I Think I Love My Wife (reportedly costing $12 million).

We are moving towards bigger budget films, too. We are clear on where we want to go. Our ambition is to be a global Indian entertainment company. And I don't see any reason why we can't make big-budget Hollywood films.

Do you think the kind of deals you are forging in Hollywood would have been possible two decades ago? You would have been expected to spend many months living in London [Images] or Hollywood then...

This is the age of globalisation. I come to Hollywood several times in a year. But given the rapid communication modes today, a lot of business can be done with Hollywood while one is in Bombay.

Courtesy: Rediff.com

'Jodhaa Akbar' is three hours, 20 minutes long

Director Ashutosh Gowariker has revealed that the playing time for his much awaited historical romance 'Jodhaa Akbar' is three hours, 20 minutes.

The dubbing for the film, which releases February 15, is over and mixing is underway.

"After editing and mixing it finally comes to 3 hours, 20 minutes of playing time, which is still less than my 'Lagaan'," Gowariker, who has just come back from a prolonged period of confinement due to a bad back, said.

The Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer, produced by UTV, is set in the 16th Century and revolves around the romance between Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai.

Talking about his illness, the director said, "Though I've not fully recovered, I am now active."

"It's quite a Valentine's Day release, don't you think? A legendary Hindu-Muslim love story," chuckled Gowariker.

Courtesy: DnaIndia.com

'Jodha Akbar': What is in name?

Several controversies have surrounded the forthcoming film of Aishwarya Rai and Hirtik Roshan 'Jodha Akbar'. Rajputs in Rajasthan have staged demonstrations against the historical films. Even historians have questioned the very existence of Jodha Bai. Many have questioned the name Jodha bai but others say that name outside the Mughal Palace and inside the harem differed.

More than four decades ago, K. Asif picked up Akbar's son Salim from the pages of history and cast his love story in celluloid.

The magnum opus, "Mughal-e-Azam", based on the tragic romance between Salim and Anarkali, was a sheer spectacle in terms of grandeur, colour, drama and music. It remains a hit till date.

So now the question is: will Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodhaa-Akbar" - starring Indian superhero Hrithik Roshan and beauty queen Aishwarya Rai - weave the same magic?

"People will come to the theatres out of curiosity but the magic of 'Mughal-e-Azam' will always linger. 'Jodhaa-Akbar' is not a love story in the true sense, it was more of a marriage of convenience; hence a bigger challenge for Gowariker to make it in to a convincing love story," Debdatta Mukherjee, a leading model, told IANS.

"Mughal-e-Azam", say old-timers in Bollywood, was based on a "documented" love story, whereas there "are very few details available about Jodhabai and Akbar. Jodha still remains a mystery. Many historians believe that she was a Rajput princess from Rajasthan and according to some, Raja Mansingh's sister.

"There is no drama associated with their courtship," said an industry veteran.

Gowariker risked making "Lagaan" in 2001, a period film set in colonial India, and hit the jackpot. And now he is gambling once again by daring to narrate the not-so-familiar love story of Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhabai in "Jodhaa-Akbar" releasing Valentine's Day week.

Releasing Feb 15, it's a rather unusual Valentine romance - between a Mughal emperor and a Hindu woman who was the emperor's arranged match. Love grew after marriage and also saw the birth of the heir to the Mughal throne, Jahangir.

While Asif's "Mughal-e-Azam" was a doomed love story starring Dilip Kumar and "beauty queen of the era" Madhubala, Gowariker's 16th century tale is about prince Salims's parents who were brought together by a marriage of alliance.

"Jodha and Akbar shared a perfect arranged marriage. I was fascinated by how their relationship must have grown after marriage," Gowariker was quoted as saying.

Earlier, Hrithik and Aishwarya had scorched the screen in the slick flick "Dhoom 2", but the director says that their previous image is not going to harm his film.

He said: "Their contemporary image won't be a problem. They were a huge success in 'Dhoom 2'. That can only help my film, not harm it. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya.

"What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least, that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour."

Produced at a cost of Rs.15 million, "Mughal-e-Azam" was the costliest film of the era. It took Asif 14 years to realise his dream because of casting, financial and technical obstacles. Once completed, the epic love story was premiered simultaneously in 1960 in 150 theatres across the country and turned out to be a gold spinner.

Gowariker also faced difficulty in finding a producer. However, once the deal was signed with UTV, he had a smooth ride.

Gowariker finished the film in a year's time. He used over 80 elephants, 100 horses and 55 camels in the movie. Initially, the film's budget was of Rs.400 million, apparently it overshot the whip.

While Nitin Desai worked on the details of the magnanimous sets, Tanishq has designed the jewellery and Neeta Lulla has done the costume and looks of the film. It goes without saying that they all worked under the guidance of Gowariker.

Asif also worked with the best of talents. He hired tailors from Delhi to design the costumes, roped in goldsmiths from Hyderabad for the jewellery, Kolhapur craftsmen made the crowns, Rajasthani ironsmiths fabricated the shields, swords, spears, dagger and armour, specialists from Surat-Khambayat were employed for the exquisite zardosi work on the costumes, while the elaborate footwear was ordered from Agra!

Dilip Kumar who played Salim was sent to London to get a special wig to give him a princely look.

In a song titled "Ae mohabbat zindabad", a chorus of 100 singers were used and in a song titled "Azeem O Shan, Shahenshah" in "Jodhaa-Akbar", the director roped in 1,000 dancers in traditional costumes, wielding swords and shields.

While Asif's legendary masterpiece didn't have any historical evidence, Gowariker hired a research team of historians and scholars to guide him and help him keep things historically accurate.

After two years of pre-production work, Gowariker canned the first shot. "There was no reference in any books about what happened between Jodha and Akbar. I've taken extreme care to make sure viewers believe in the relationship," said Gowariker.

Another high point of "Mughal-e-Azam" was Naushad's superb musical score, especially the song "Jab pyar kiya to darna kya", which has a timeless appeal.

A.R. Rahman's music for "Jodhaa-Akbar" too has been appreciated. The songs have an epic feel to it.

"I wanted to make my historical movie as believable as I'd liked to see it. Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me," said Gowariker.

Although it has not been decided yet with how many prints "Jodhaa-Akbar" will be released when it opens, the film's promos hit the theatres with 1,125 prints.

Courtesy: Khabrein.info

A.R. Rahman acquires land for his dream project

Music maestro A.R. Rahman is ready to build a music conservatory in Chennai for young talents who want to learn Western classical music. He has already acquired land for it.

"It's near the Chennai airport. And we plan to start work on it very soon," Rahman told IANS. He says starting a music conservatory is a dream he has nurtured for years.


"I feel young talented musicians in our country, specially those who want to learn Western classical music, have nowhere seriously creative to go. We need to cultivate a taste for Western symphonic music so that an average musically-inclined young musician would be as enthused about learning the violin as the star," said Rahman.

The land purchase puts Rahman's dream plan into third gear.

"We'll soon be working round-the-clock. I want it to be one of the best music schools in our country."

Speaking on his latest music soundtrack in Hindi, Rahman said: "I wouldn't even want to compare my output in 'Jodhaa Akbar' with what Ashutosh Gowariker and I did in 'Lagaan' or 'Swades'.

"Or, for that matter, what Rakeysh (Omprakash Mehra) and I did in 'Rang De Basanti' (RDB). We've done what we liked without thinking of the outcome. You've to go by your instincts in every form of art. I've never intentionally tried to break the mould. I've tried to do what's right."

Two of his old scores are also ready for release.

"Two years back Abbas Tyrewallah's 'Jaane Tu Jaane Na' and 'Adaa' by Tanvir Ahmed were recorded. These will come in the next two months."

And, of course, there's Subhash Ghai's magnum opus "Yuvraj". "It's got Western classical vibes, but the sound is very Indian, very mellow."

He says his music in Ghai's "Taal" helped him earn Punjabi fans.

"I think 'Taal' took me to the Hindi-belt masses. I ceased to be different. Before that I was seen as this oddity from Chennai. Of course, 'Rangeela' got its own glory. But 'Taal' is the one that created a hardcore Punjabi audience for me."

He also has Mehra's "Dilli 6" coming up. "It's turned out very well. Who can say how it will be accepted? Did anyone expect RDB to become so big? Even a small idea can change the world.

"When I came into Hindi cinema with 'Roja', the whole road was empty. A lot of people are still doing good work, but not consistently. Good work can be done even on YouTube on the net. So let's not blame the lack of opportunities for the inconsistent musical output.

"Some of the stuff is undoubtedly good. You can't just write everything off. But I feel the whole idea of pop art has to change.

"Malayalam director Adoor Gopalakrishnan says TV has corrupted popular tastes. I'd have to agree with that. I feel the film medium deserves much better. Even I get pulled into projects which are not right."

Ask Rahman whom he considers a path-breaker after himself and he quips: "Why do we need a path-breaker? One never intends to be a path-breaker. If it happened I'm fortunate.

"Right now we need more experimental melodies in film music. The problem is that the minute you start composing a soundtrack, you're thinking you'll do what sells in the charts. Your intention becomes diluted. It's more about marketing than creativity.

"Which songs should go on the shelf, which should go into the pubs - these questions should come after you create the music. And there's a diminishing respect for creative people. Stars get all the respect because they bring in the audience. But what about other creative people?"

But Rahman is hopeful. "It will all taper off. We'll have more talent coming in."

Courtesy: Nowrunning.com