Delhi-6 Movie Review

Well, 'Rang De Basanthi' was about embellishing the young rebels with spirit-of-patriotism that had a very colorful appeal. Yippee!! Rakeysh Mehra is back with a bang emblazoning Delhi fantastically. Trust us; it's an unforeseen 'Wall of Old Dilli' where nothing rules, but everyone is surmounted with humanity. Of course, the auteur unravels the beauty of not just the street corners, jelabi shops, but heart-binding relationships… An appealing relationship between various communities has been decorously depicted that draws us straight into streets of Chandni Chowk. Perhaps, it's not 'too-sweet-for-the-heart' moments as there are peculiarities of caste-communalism differences that get us through a chain of unexpected sequences.

Precisely, the film possesses the best attributes of getting ennobled as 'World Cinema'. Maybe, the plot is a bit clichéd to 'Swadesh' where an NRI makes his way to India getting adhered to scenario bounded with happiness and tribulations.

So if you are guessing what could be the common traits between 'Rang De Basanthi' and 'Delhi-6' here we have it for you in a platter. An enriching characterization with the finest narration is what you will witness. Rakeysh brings in a couple of metaphors that goes more relevant across the characters; 'Kaala Bandhar' and Stage Play of 'Ramayana'. Indeed, Rakeysh deserves special applause for these exceptional motifs…

When his Naani (Waheeda Rehman) loves to breathe her last not in New York, but in her hometown Chandni Chowk of Delhi, her grandson Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) fulfills the wish. But sooner, he gets more glued to the new land of fun, frolic and happiness where everyone is blessed with a good heart and his friend. He finds elated amidst the kites, pigeons, sporting snookers with Uncle Ali (Rishi Kapoor) and tasting jelabis. On the pars, he is stuck with puzzling thoughts about witnessing untouchables, an arrogant police officer (Vijay Raaz), and his uncles (Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra) who've risen within their house. And finally, the sweet Bittu (Sonam Kapoor) caged in a circle of ancient-culture.

If you're a good analyst of films, there's something uniquely trenchant with Rakeysh. Unlike other flicks that have carried on with the First-Second half, the director has inherited the narration with 3-Act formulas. Something that isn't common, right? Yeah, 'Delhi-6' is yet another example to suggest the changing face of Bollywood.  Getting on with the metaphors of 'Kaala Bandhar' and 'Ramayana' stage plays, he tries pulling the realistic pictorials. When the throngs are bounded devotionally watching the mythological drama, politicians interrupt it. And again, watch the special performance of Lord Shiva's 'Rudra Thandava' for the politician.

It's all about – Even Gods get down for the sake of politicians in the present world. Years back, one incident had really shaken not just the Dilliwalas, but the entire Nation and it was the 'Monkey Man' terrorizing the streets. Blending it to the script, the idea has worked out well. The director's portrayal of the Hindu-Muslim communal conflict and the solution drawn out it is quite appealing.

The characterizations have been brilliantly designed. Rightly as Sonam suggested 'it is Delhi who's the protagonist', it's true and we feel it too.  There aren't too many locations, but patently the streets of Chandni Chowk have been decorously portrayed. Hats off to cinematographer Binod Pradhan for a spellbinding piece of work. You don't see Abhishek and Sonam alone presented with prominence, but everyone seems to have had a vital role to play. Be it Rishi Kapoor with his hidden love or the so-called untouchable Divya Dutta; they're top-notching with their performance. Abhishek Bachchan is up with his usual resplendence while Sonam seems to have matured up from her 'Saawariya' days.

The musical score by A.R. Rahman is 'wordlessly colossal', especially the number 'Masakali' is a rich fiesta offered to the audience. Don't miss his background score in the penultimate sequence where there's hunt for the 'Kaala Bandhar'.

Precisely, the screenplay is intricately beautiful that you don't feel like watching the film but taking a walk down 'Delhi-6'.

On the whole, 'Delhi-6' is an incredible flick in terms of all panoramas. The film is simply prodigious with flawlessness and a piece of work that takes Indian Cinema to the next level.

Verdict: The real taste of Delhi.

Rating : ***1/2

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Mehra - DELHI 6 is about characters, not stars!

Despite having worked with megastar Amitabh Bachchan (AKS) and superstar Aamir Khan (RANG DE BASANTI), Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra insists that his films deal with characters and not stars or superstars. The accomplished director clarifies by saying that it's the film and the story that works and not the stars who make films work.
Maybe that was the reason why Rakeysh has worked so hard on the script of his upcoming Friday release, DELHI 6, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Waheeda Rahman. As is known, a lot of input in DELHI 6 was Rakeysh's own experience of his childhood days in old Delhi, earlier known as DILLI 6 (due to the postal code) since his whole family, both maternal and paternal belong to Delhi.

Script writer Kamlesh extended the story idea further but what will come as a surprise to many is that lyricist Prasoon Joshi too played a very important part in the script writing, apart from handling the lyrics and dialogues as well. Rakeysh acknowledges Prasoon's help saying that Joshi took the story to a completely different level through his creative inputs. And it is the combined efforts of all the three that DELHI 6 and its collage of characters take shape in the film.

Rightly said - It's the story and script that touches the heart and stars can only help in bringing the audience to the theatres! Rest, as they say, depends upon the merit of the film.


Courtesy: glamsham.com

Delhi-6 review: Rakeysh Mehra misses the bus this time

Taran Adarsh/IndiaFM

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra thinks out of the box and it's more than evident now. First Aks, then Rang de Basanti, now Delhi-6. A two-liner of the story may give you an impression that it's similar to UTV's earlier outing Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker: An American of Indian origin returns to his roots and decides to stay back in India. But Delhi-6 bites more than it can chew.Preview, images and videos: All about Delhi-6 | Sonam Kapoor, the Masakaligirl | Check out our special on Abhishek Bachchan Set in old Delhi, the screenplay [Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Prasoon Joshi, Kamlesh Pandey] takes its own sweet time to come to the point. In fact, the entire first half is dedicated to the sundry characters in the bylanes of old Delhi, where several stories run parallel with the main plot. The two warring brothers [Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra] and the wall that divides the two; the daughter of the house [Sonam Kapoor] aspires to be an 'Indian Idol' contestant; a moneylender's [Prem Chopra] wife has an illicit relationship with one of his lecherous debtors [Cyrus Sahukar]; an 'untouchable' [Divya Dutta] makes more sense than the so-called thekedaars of samaj; a friend of the family [Rishi Kapoor] has still not forgotten his first love [Tanvi Azmi]. Oh yes, there's also a 'Kaala Bandar' who spreads havoc in the locality. Really, Rakeysh tries to pack in multiple stories in those 2.18 hours. But, alas, the problem is that barring a few individualistic sequences, you don't carry the film home. The film is engaging in bits and spurts. Worse, it tends to get monotonous, preachy and boring and the end is so bizarre, you actually want to ask the writers, 'Hey guys, you okay?' Let's cut a long story short: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra misses the bus this time. Delhi-6 tells the story of a young American boy Roshan [Abhishek Bachchan] of Indian origin, who comes to India for the first time, to drop his ailing grandmother [Waheeda Rehman]. She wants to retire and spend the last leg of her life back home; dissolving into the soil she was born in. In America, having led a very western lifestyle, Roshan is not familiar with the sites and smells, the food and culture, the religion and beliefs, this huge melting pot that India is. He believes that Dadi had left her family and loved ones back in America, only to realise that how wrong he was. The warmth and affection of the neighbourhood embraces him with open arms. Amidst all this he meets the beautiful Bittu [Sonam Kapoor], who wants to break free from the typical Indian social structure. Roshan is destined to lose his heart to her. That Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is an accomplished storyteller is evident in several individualistic scenes. Note the scene when Vijay Raaz slaps Abhishek and Abhishek slaps him back. Also, portions in the second hour, when a Baba [Akhilendra Mishra] triggers off the Mandir-Masjid talk and divides the two communities, is very well structured. The sequences are disturbing and the writers and director succeed in exposing the fickle-minded people residing in the locality. But the screenplay isn't foolproof. The romantic track is the weakest link in the enterprise. The love story falls flat. Also, the ending is so abstract that an average moviegoer would find it difficult to comprehend what the actual culmination is. The sequence in the end, when Amitabh and Abhishek have a conversation, looks weird. In fact, ridiculous. What was the need to have this sequence? It makes no sense. Even the Ram Leela sequences, interspersed at regular intervals, are forced in the screenplay. Rakeysh's handling of the subject is exemplary at places. But the writing [faulty at times] as also the execution of the material isn't the type that would appeal to all sections of moviegoers. A.R. Rahman's music is outstanding; it's easily amongst his finest works. 'Masakali', 'Ye Dilli Hai Mere Yaar', 'Rehna Tu', 'Maula' and 'Genda Phool' are amazing tracks. Ditto for Prasoon Joshi's lyrics; they're gems. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is brilliant. Watch the Jama Masjid sequence [breath-taking] or the camera movements in the bylanes of old Delhi. Just one word to describe the output: Incredible! Abhishek doesn't work. His American accent sounds fake. Sonam is likeable. Waheeda Rahman enacts her part well. Rishi Kapoor is wasted. He deserved a better role. Amongst supporting actors, Om Puri [powerful], Pawan Malhotra [flawless], Vijay Raaz [tremendous], Deepak Dobriyal [genuine], Divya Dutta [admirable] and Cyrus Sahukar [likable] leave a mark. Prem Chopra is alright. Atul Kulkarni looks like a buffoon. And what is Raghvir Yadav doing in this film? Supriya Pathak, Tanvi Azmi, K.K. Raina, Akhilendra Mishra and Dayashanker Pandey are passable. Amitabh Bachchan's presence in the penultimate minutes fails to evoke any reaction. On the whole, Delhi-6 has a terribly boring beginning [first hour], an absorbing middle [second half] and a weak end [climax]. At the box-office, the business is bound to be divided. The film may record bountiful collections at multiplexes in its opening weekend. The popular music as also the fact that there's no major opposition will benefit the film in the initial days. But the business at single screens as also the mass belt will be a shocking contrast. However, the cracks will start appearing sooner than expected, even at plexes. Thumbs down! Verdict: One-and-a-half stars

Courtesy: sify.com

Delhi 6 - Music review

Rahman’s magical soundtrack After tasting international success through Slumdog millionaire, the Mozart of India is coming up with his latest offering Delhi 6. Last year has been quite special for Rahman and his fans as whatever he touched turned gold whether it was Jodha Akbar, Ada, J.T.Y.J.N, Yuuvaraj, Sakkarakatti or Ghajini. And to top that all an international movie which got him the Golden globe - a lot was indeed riding on Delhi6 and the fact that Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and Rahman’s

last collaboration was the revolutionary movie Rang De Basanti, it just couldn’t get bigger than this. Let’s see if Delhi 6 can stand up to its huge expectations or not. Aarti... (Tumre bhavan mein) A devotional piece, which is so simple - which is what makes it so beautiful to hear. Not much of instrumental usage but the chorus put to good use make this a soothing listen. . Arziyan... Another devotional song from Rahman about Allah. And this one will rank right at the top and a sure buy for all believers. The rich vocals by Jaaved Ali and Kailash Kher, some brilliant lyrics by Prasoon Joshi and immaculate use of instruments by Rahman makes this a special song which will melt even the hardest heart, and make it sway to the music. An answer to last year’s Khwaja mere Khwaja, so get ready to spread your hands slowly turn round and twirl with God. If only Rahman has himself sung this, it would have been a perfect rendition.

Bhor bhaye... A classical Hindustani style song sung by Shreya Ghosal, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Gujri Todi is a nice listen, and would surely go well and would impress more when we see the movie. A song, which will surely remind us of Rahman’s guru Illayaraja, especially the style of rendition by Shreya or the way the tabla is used. It bears an unique Illayaraja stamp on it. Illayaraja will surely feel proud of his prodigy, a job well done.

Delhi 6... Now that’s what we are talking about, hip hop song on the lines of Rang de Basanthi’s Paathshaala. Blaaze, Benny Dayal, Vivinenne Pocha, Tanvi, Claire have enjoyed rendering this. The female voice repeating ‘yeh Delhi hai mere yaar’ is haunting. This theme song is so beautifully tuned that if you can close your eyes you can visually enjoy the streets of Delhi in a car, repeating it over and over again. This is going to become a 2009 anthem for youngsters. Dil Gira Dafatan... A sterling vocal work by Ash King makes this the most pleasing to hear romantic number in a long time. It’s a slow and soothing romantic song which will most probably be used as a background music and not mouthed by any actors. Rahman just uses simple string instruments and especially puts guitars to good use to give soul to this number. A song, which would surely become a favorite among fans of soft melodies. It has a striking similarity to Rang De Basanti’s ‘Tu muskaraye’. Genda phool... Rekha Bharadwaj, Shraddha Pandit, Sujata Majumdar with supreme ease transform you to rustic village but Rahman with his brilliant usage of western instruments transforms you to another world of ecstasy all together. With Rajat Dholakhia sharing the music credits with the maestro, this little piece is sure to rule the charts and will be constantly used at many marriage functions! Noor... It’s a small shayeri voiced by Amitabh Bachchan which is given an earthly, vibrating soothing music. The shayeri does demand a ‘wah-wah’. (As it runs for less than a minute we aren’t rating it). Hey Kaala Bandar... A rap and hip-hop song which sounds like a satire at the world itself, Karthik, Naresh, Srinivas, Bony Chakravarthy have rendered the song brilliantly with Rehmanism taking over. With peppy and danceable music this is going to ring in many phones as a ringtone for a while. Masakali... This has been running in our minds for quite a while thanks to the promos. Rehman’s slow poison seems to work brilliantly yet again as the 40 sec start up to the song in the promos’ have already captured the hearts of many million Rehman fans. And with the full song it is going to put the whole nation in a frenzy. It might be the next Kabhie Kabhie Aditi or the next Chaya Chaya to say the least. Brilliant placement of instruments and Mohit Chouhan’s lively rendition makes this a must hear. Masakali will do for Mohit what Chaya Chaya did for Sikhwinder. Rehna Tu... Rahman doesn’t keep the best to himself but whatever he renders would become the best automatically and this song sung by A R Rahman along with Benny Dayal & Tanvi is a simple song driven to greatness by our Mozart’s magical voice. A romantic number which will be widely used by people who love to spend their time at the beach watching the sunset. It’s magical. Verdict: Rahman has done it yet again, a perfect soundtrack, which has something for everyone. This is not a musical - this is magical! Go and buy the original CD available on T-series, as this album is going to fly off the music counters in no time. All hail the director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra for selecting these masterpieces and compiling everything together. Even if Slumdog doesn’t get the final nod from the Oscars this year, we have a worthy album, which can bring us the next!!

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

It's all a number game: DILLI 6 is now DELHI 6

From the beginning, the Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor starer was known by its Hindi name "Dilli 6". However, as the release date drew closer, the film title was changed to its English form Delhi 6. Why the sudden change? It is perhaps a simple belief in numerology. Let's take Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the maker of the film, for example who added an extra "Y" to his first name. Numerologically speaking, the new title would actually be beneficial for everyone involved with the film. The old name "Dilli 6" adds up to the number 18, which is not auspicious at all for Abhiskek and Sonam. However, "Delhi 6" adds up to the number 24, which is very powerful. This new name will mainly prove to be beneficial for Sonam Kapoor and the producer Ronnie Screwvala. Ronnie Screwvala's date of birth is the 8th June, and 6 is one of his luckiest numbers.

Let's hope that the new name change does wonders for the film. Here's wishing Delhi 6 the best of luck at the box office.

Courtesy: bollyspice.com

Abhishek Bachchan goes Bald for 'Dilli 6'

Abhishek Bachchan took out time from his busy schedule to accompany director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and actress Sonam Kapoor for the unveiling of Dilli 6 in Dubai.

On Sunday, Mehra showed the first trailer of his much-anticipated film to the international press at the Dubai Film Festival which will end on December 18. He was joined by the film’s leading stars.

Abhishek had been busy shooting Mani Ratnam’s next film, tentatively titled ‘Raavan’, with wife Aishwarya Rai in South India. There was a break in the shooting for a day as the crew shifted from Kerala to Ooty. Abhi took advantage of this short break and flew to Dubai for the unveiling of ‘Dilli 6’.

The movie’s story is set in Chandni Chowk area of Delhi.
Abhi and Sonam were contrastingly attired in white and black respectively. Rakesh himself wore a black kurta pyjama. There trio were also spotted enjoying a boat ride.

During his brief stay at the festival, Abhishek wore a cap that concealed his new hairdo for Ratnam’s film. In fact, the buzz is that Abhi has gone bald for the film and therefore wears cap to hide it.

Courtesy: india.com

First look at Delhi-6

Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Rakeysh Mehra at the photo call for “Delhi-6” in Dubai on December 14, 2008

picture: ITP Images

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra presented a first look at his next film “Delhi-6” (earlier titled in “Dilli 6”) to the media at the Dubai International Film Festival today (December 14, 2008).

The very short, intense looking teaser was a collage of scenes from old Delhi such as the Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid and cycle rickshaws in the meandering lanes of the old town interspersed with shots of the Statue of Liberty, a carefree Sonam Kapoor dancing with a pigeon perched on her head and Abhishek Bachchan in a variety of moods. And a soulful, unmistakably A.R. Rahman number in Sonu Nigam’s voice playing in the background.

“The film is about Roshan Mehra, who travels to India with his ailing grandmother. Little does he realise that this short trip will turn into the longest journey of his life – a journey where he discovers India and himself,” said Mehra. The story is told against the backdrop of the walled city of old Delhi. And the number 6 in the title is the postal pin code of the area.

“I grew up in Delhi, but contrary to media reports this film is not autobiographical,” clarified Mehra. “I based it in old Delhi because I believe that the city is a microcosm of India in terms of our mindset. But despite the ancient setting, the film is an exploration of contemporary Indian society,” he added. Mehra also said that like “Rang De Basanti”, this film too has political overtones because he believes that “we cannot and should not avoid politics”.

Speaking about his role, Abhishek said, “This film presents a foreigner’s point of view of what the real India is and I could identify with that because I was away from India for many years during my schooling. Doing this film was a life changing experience for me and I am happy I got this opportunity to discover myself.”

Sonam Kapoor believes that her character Bittu represents today’s Indian youth. “Bittu has her quirks and strengths. And I hope young people learn something from her mistakes and struggles and they feel inspired to accept their own culture instead of trying to blindly ape others,” she said.

Looking strikingly pretty in a black Vivienne Westwood dress and magenta Marc Jacobs ballerina shoes, Sonam incidentally got the biggest applause when she the “Delhi-6” team was introduced to the room full of media.

The film’s stellar cast includes Waheeda Rehman, Om Puri, Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Pawan Malhotra, Atul Kulkarni, Supriya Pathak, Tanvi Azmi, Divya Dutta, Vijay Raaz, Deepak Dobriyal and KK Raina. It is co-produced by UTV and Mehra and slated for release on February 20, 2009.

Courtesy: masala.com

DILLI 6 postponed

Though there was no official word on the release of Rakesh Mehra directed DILLI 6 throughout the year, there was speculation galore that the film would manage to arrive this year. A couple of months back, UTV did eventually come up with 23rd January as the D–day for the film's arrival. It was all official and all eyes were set on this Abhishek Bachchan starrer which was touted to be the one of biggest films of January 2009.

However, the latest development on the film is that it has been moved to the month of March. Though the final date on this is yet to be penciled in, one wonders if DILLI 6 would be further pushed to avoid the school/college exam season. Moreover UTV has three other projects already lined up for March – JOHNNY MASTANA, KISSAN and KAMINEY – and it would well be the case of too much too soon if DILLI 6 adds on to the list as well.

Looks like audience would have to wait for a little while before they get to see Abhishek Bachchan along with Sonam Kapoor on the big screen.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

AB Jr. and Sonam Kapoor in Agra for Dilli 6

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's last film Rang De Basanti is still fresh in our memory. The film won not just critical acclaim but also turned out to be one of the biggest commercial successes of that year (2006).
Now everyone is waiting with bated breath for Mehra's next film Dilli 6. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles and is slated to release early next year (2009).
The cast and crew of the film comprising Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Tanvi Azmi, and Waheeda Rehman were seen shooting some important scenes in Agra recently. From the looks of it, the camaraderie between AB Jr. and Sonam Kapoor seems to be really good. One can't wait to see them sizzle together on screen.
Not much is known about the premise of the film but the buzz is that the film is based on Mehra's growing up years in the popular Chandni Chowk. Whether Dilli 6 will be able to repeat the success story of Mehra's earlier film, one will just have to wait and watch.


Courtesy: movies.indiainfo.com

Abhishek & Sonam's DILLI 6 postponed

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial venture DILLI 6 starring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Kunal Kapoor in the lead has been postponed to February 2009 end release. It was earlier planned to release in late December 2008.

The reason being cited by the unit insiders are that the Bachchan's long 'Unforgettable Tour' which will be covering almost the entire globe will take months to complete. Also there were certain corrections made in the script of DILLI 6, after the last schedule ended which had the participation of all its main cast. Now these new sequences shall take time to be filmed as Abhishek is engaged with his first ever world tour.

A February 2009 end release means Sonam Kapoor shall have absolutely no single release in 2008. Her first film SAAWARIYA came in November 2007. Now with DILLI 6 being postponed and no other film of hers looking set to release in this year, her fans are definitely going to be disappointed with this long wait. Reportedly, Amitabh Bachchan too is all set to join the DILLI 6 cast in a special appearance playing the role of his real life son, Abhishek's grand father in the film.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Amitabh to play Abhishek's grandad in Dilli 6

Amitabh Bachchan is known to sign on unusual roles and the latest is that the superstar will play his son Abhishek's grandad in Rakeysh Mehra's forthcoming Dilli 6.

Mehra's semi-autobiographical film has Abhishek playing the lead and also stars Sonam Kapoor, who made her debut in Saawariya. He also roped in Amitabh to play a specially written cameo.

Confirming the news, Amitabh said: "I play Abhishek's grandfather in Dilli 6."

Interestingly, the film already has veteran actress Waheeda Rehman. And one of the Big B's incentives for stepping into the picture so late is to share screen space with his favourite actress.

Amitabh has earlier worked with Mehra in Aks. And with Dilli 6 almost complete, Mehra already has plans of casting Amitabh in his next film unusually titled Paanch Kaurav.

"It's too early to talk about Paanch Kaurav. But it's in the caper-adventure genre. And it would be my third film with the Big B. I couldn't get luckier. I've also done three films with Abhishek," revealed Mehra, whose last film was Rang De Basanti.

"I was supposed to do Abhishek's launch film Samjhauta Express and then we were to do Bhairavi (with all the three Bachchans including Jaya). We had gone so deep into the discussions that we both feel we've already worked in those two films together. So our comfort level in Dilli 6 is as high as it would be for any director-actor team that has done three films together," the director said.


Courtesy: sify.com

My role required a lot of nudity: Sonam

After Ranbir, Abhishek Bachchan is Sonam's second co-star. And she's enjoying every bit of his company in Dilli 6.

"Abhishek and I are very well -matched, height-wise. And though he's very mischievous I find him very mature.

While Ranbir is someone I've grown up with, Abhishek is a someone I can look up to as a co-star. He's really cool. In fact, " she adds. "I'm learning so much from all my co-stars in Dilli 6. Abhishek and I, and our director Rakeysh Mehra are so much in awe of Waheeda Rehmanji.

During rehearsals every time she reads a scene there's pindrop silence for a few minutes. We're all busy staring at her. When people, including Waheedaji herself, said I look like her I feel I'll just faint with pride."

Sonam Kapoor is exhausted in Jaipur. She has been getting just about five hours of sleep per day to make up for lost time and for the absence of her co-star Abhishek.

Growing sad she sighs, "Abhishek lost his grandmom and I lost my grandfather. I was very very close to him. And my one regret is I couldn't meet him before he passed away. The last I saw him was about a fortnight before his death. My Nanaji was loads of fun."

The word's out. Sonam Kapoor has said no to a very big project with one of the industry's biggest stars for a topnotch banner.

"The role was extremely sensuous. That's fine, " opines the young eager and talented actress. "But it also required a lot of nudity and there was one major love-making scene.

It was a smashing opportunity for me to go beyond what I've done in Saawariya and my second film Dilli 6. But I can't do anything that I'm not comfortable with. "

Interestingly, both of Sonam's directors so far have been extremely protective of her. "Sanjay Sir would cover me up even when I walked from the set to my van. And now Rakeysh is worse! He wants to see me in nothing but salwar-kameez in Dilli 6." For a sequence Sonam had to get into chic attire. "When I came on the set Rakeysh looked at me, and said I should quickly revert to my salwar-kameez look.

Because of my dad everyone treats me like a child. I can't be doing any role which would make my father, mother and the rest of my family cringe at the premiere.

Call me a prude, but that's that way I am. My father has a 40-year reputation in the industry. And I'm not going to tarnish it."

Thought it's freezing cold in Jaipur, Sonam is swamped in the warmth of Rakeysh Mehra's unit of Dilli 6.

"Working on Saawariya was like being part of an extended family. I'll always look on Sanjay Bhansali as a parent beyond my parents.

Whatever I know about acting and cinema is because I was associated with him as an assistant and then an actress. Here with Rakeysh Mehra it's different, though equally enjoyable. I've been pampered silly during Saawariya. Now I'm learning to be much more professional."

Courtesy: santabanta.com

Atul Kulkarni plays Gobar in ‘Dilli 6′

After playing substantial roles in films like “Chandni Bar”, “Page” and “Rang De Basanti”, two time National Award winning actor Atul Kulkarni is to play a character named Gobar in Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra’s “Dilli 6″. Although Atul refused to divulge any further details about his character, he confirmed the news saying: “In ‘Dilli 6′, I am playing Gobar. The role is totally opposite to what I played in ‘Rang De…’.”

Atul spoke at the ongoing 10th Osian’s-Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab cinema.

The actor shares screen space with Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Om Puri in “Dilli 6″, which is based on the director’s growing up years in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi.

The actor informed that he will also be seen in “Yeh Mera India”, “Allah Ke Bande” and an English film titled “Chaurasta” with director Anjan Dutt.

At the moment, the actor is very content with the way his career has shaped up.

“Considering the age at which I started doing cinema, I have got good roles. I have worked with most top actors like Aamir Khan and even some of the best directors in Bollywood,” he said.

Atul is quite confident that he looks much younger than the three Khans of Bollywood - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir - despite being born the same year.

“I was born in 1965 like the three Khans. But I look much younger than them. Isn’t it?” he remarked.

Courtesy: thaindian.com

Rakeysh is curious about Delhi 6

After his blockbuster Rang De Basanti, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is busy shooting Dilli 6 and says his wife Bharathi has just begun to edit this Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor starrer. The director is curious to see the outcome of his hard work.

"I'm dying to see what I've done in Delhi 6. I haven't entered the editing studio yet. Since she is doing the editing, she first needs to be happy with my work. I need to let her do her work. It's the same with any other technician on board," Mehra said.

"I can't sit on AR Rahman's head when he's composing a song. Or I can't instruct Binod Pradhan on the lighting when he's shooting. To me, editing is the purest art form in cinema. It's the only vocation that's truly related to cinema.

If you see cinematography it originates in photography and painting. Screenplay writing originated from plays, stories and literature. Acting has its roots in folk and theatre. Direction is also a derivative. Film editing is the only pure and original art form. It's the only vocation born for and out of cinema. So I'd rather let it be done by someone who knows her job."

Mehra believes screen writing and editing are the backbones of a movie.

"The way scenes are cut determines the film. I don't know her job better than her, so I let Bharathi take care of the material. What would I do sitting with her? I've got better things to do in life."

Mehra is far from fatigued.

"Am I tired? Tiredness is a state of mind. But yes, I did need a break. So I'm writing and that for me is a break from direction. While directing I was reaching the sets every day at 8 am and leaving at 10 pm. Writing requires a different discipline and a different energy. I'm already writing my next film."

Whom will he cast now?

"I never think of whom to cast while writing. The characters get cast on their own. The script chooses the actor. The one I'm writing now needn't be the one that I'll direct next. What one makes depends on so many factors including the availability of the actors that I want.

"Yes, I do have a wish-list for my next film. But one has to have options. Suppose I don't get Rahman for the music, I might go with Vangelis (Greek composer). And it'd become a totally different tune. And if it's Om Puri instead of Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan), it's a different film."

Courtesy: ndtvmovies.com

I’m dying to see what I’ve done in ‘Delhi 6′, says Rakeysh Mehra

After his blockbuster “Rang De Basanti”, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is busy shooting “Dilli 6″ and says his wife Bharathi has just begun to edit this Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor starrer. The director is curious to see the outcome of his hard work. “I’m dying to see what I’ve done in ‘Delhi 6′. I haven’t entered the editing studio yet. Since she is doing the editing, she first needs to be happy with my work. I need to let her do her work. It’s the same with any other technician on board,” Mehra told IANS.

“I can’t sit on A.R. Rahman’s head when he’s composing a song. Or I can’t instruct Binod Pradhan on the lighting when he’s shooting. To me, editing is the purest art form in cinema. It’s the only vocation that’s truly related to cinema.

“If you see cinematography it originates in photography and painting. Screenplay writing originated from plays, stories and literature. Acting has its roots in folk and theatre. Direction is also a derivative. Film editing is the only pure and original art form. It’s the only vocation born for and out of cinema. So I’d rather let it be done by someone who knows her job.”

Mehra believes screen writing and editing are the backbones of a movie.

“The way scenes are cut determines the film. I don’t know her job better than her, so I let Bharathi take care of the material. What would I do sitting with her? I’ve got better things to do in life.”

Mehra is far from fatigued.

“Am I tired? Tiredness is a state of mind. But yes, I did need a break. So I’m writing and that for me is a break from direction. While directing I was reaching the sets every day at 8 a.m. and leaving at 10 p.m. Writing requires a different discipline and a different energy. I’m already writing my next film.”

Whom will he cast now?

“I never think of whom to cast while writing. The characters get cast on their own. The script chooses the actor. The one I’m writing now needn’t be the one that I’ll direct next. What one makes depends on so many factors including the availability of the actors that I want.

“Yes, I do have a wish-list for my next film. But one has to have options. Suppose I don’t get Rahman for the music, I might go with Vangelis (Greek composer). And it’d become a totally different tune. And if it’s Om Puri instead of Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan), it’s a different film.”

Courtesy: thaindian.com

First Look: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Dilli 6 now moved into the editing stage

Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra''s Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor new film, Dilli 6, has now moved into the editing stage.

Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Om Puri, Atul Kulkarni, and Divya Dutta, Dilli 6 is based on Mehra's growing up years in Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi.



Dilli 6 will be Mehra's third directorial venture, after the immensely successful Rang De Basanti, which had been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars.



The film, whose shooting mainly took place in Rajasthan, has wrapped up its shooting schedule and now moves into post production.


The film which stars Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor, will be edited by Mehra's wife Bharti. She is the woman behind the final look of Mehra's films, be it Aks or Rang De Basanti.



In fact, the director completely trusts his wife and is believed to have said that he has not yet entered the editing studio, where work has begun on the film.



Mehra believes in surrendering to the superior, technical genius of his wife when it comes to editing.

Courtesy: mynews.in

Rakesh Mehra speaks about filmmaking and the completion of Dilli 6

It's about time we heard from the cinematic genius who has been hiding for months now, working hard on Dilli 6. At last his work is over. Dilli 6 is now complete and in the safe hands of Rakesh’s wife, Bharathi, who is toiling very hard now to do immaculate editing to the movie. Bharathi did the editing for both of Rakesh’s previous releases, Aks & Rang De Basanti, and Rakesh Mehra is sure she’ll work her magic again.


When speaking to Mid-day, Rakesh said that he had yet to step into the editing studio and does not plan to either. He believes that he needs to let her do her work independently and treat her expertise exactly as he treats the expertise of any other technician he works with. Editing to Rakesh Mehra is the purest art form of cinema as it is the only craft that truly relates with cinema. Rakesh also added that he believes screenplay and editing are the backbones for any movie and considers no one to know Bharathi’s job better than her.

Now that Dilli 6 is out of his hands, what is the genius up to? Well, like they say a genius mind is never resting. Tired physically from the journey of Dilli 6, Rakesh Mehra is now returning to writing. One would think this is still a tiring job, but for Rakesh it’s a relaxing task. Subhash K Jha cleverly tried to get a hint of the cast for this project in the making, however Rakesh clearly stated that his scripts choose their actors. Besides, what he is writing may not necessarily be what he directs next.

Well, whatever Rakesh Mehra is up to, BollySpice will surely be the first to bring you the news!
Courtesy: bollyspice.com

Friend or foe, Aamir Khan invites all to 'Jaane Tu' premiere

The premiere of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is going to be a star-studded affair with the who’s who of Bollywood in attendance.

Aamir Khan is leaving not a single stone unturned to give a grand launch to his nephew Imran Khan via his home production ‘Jaane Tu’, co-starring Genelia D'Souza .

Not only has the star invited his friends and fierce competitors from the film industry, he has also extended an olive branch, along with the invitation, to the people he hasn’t gotten along with for years – and one of them is Ram Gopal Varma .


Aamir and Ramu had fallout during the making of their hit film Rangeela and never reconciled thereafter. Years passed but the chill in their relation never thawed. Until recently, when Aamir – presently in a happy phase of his life – decided to let bygones by bygone and invited Ramu to the premiere of ‘Jaane Tu’. Ramu has reciprocated Aamir’s gesture in the same spirit and accepted the invitation. The filmmaker says ‘come rain or high water’ (as is the case in Mumbai these days) he will attend the function.

A source from the industry says Aamir has also invited the Bhatts ( Mahesh Bhatt , in particular) with whom he had huge creative differences during the making of ‘Ghulam’.

And on Monday, Aamir dropped by on the sets of Yuvraaj at Filmistan Studios to invite filmmaker Subhash Ghai and Salman Khan .

Among the people on Aamir’s guest list for the premiere are: Amitabh Bachchan (including family), Shahrukh Khan , Salman Khan, Akshaye Khanna , Rajkumar Hirani , Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Kunal Kohli .

On the other hand, the Bawejas are holding the premiere of their big movie Love Story 2050 in London. The film, introducing Harman Baweja , will release on July 4 but will have special sneak peek screenings at multiplexes beginning Thursday night.

Courtesy: apunkachoice.com

Finally, 'Dilli 6' crew gets a flavour of real Delhi

After shooting a major portion of his film Dilli 6 in Rajasthan, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is finally shooting some scenes of his film in the capital city.

Rakeysh, whom we know well as a stickler for authenticity, surprisingly chose to shoot much of his semi-autobiographical film ‘Dilli 6’ in a sleepy Rajasthani town called Sambar rather than old Delhi.


Reason? The director is well aware that shooting a movie in Chandni Chowk area of Delhi often attracts fans in droves. So he opted to shoot the movie, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor , in Sambar, which looks pretty much like old Delhi.

But now, for the sake of some authenticity, the crew of the film is in Delhi to shoot a few important scenes. Shooting has been going since last few days in Chandni Chowk, Kashmere Gate, and the Chawri Bazaar Metro Station.

And as expected, Rakeysh’s fears are coming true. There has been no respite from the eager fans and onlookers who have been flooding the shooting locations like bees drawn to honey.

To make matters more complicated, it has been raining in Delhi since last few days.

But all this has left Rakeysh undeterred. Amid the commotion you can catch him munching on his favourite chaat and bhalle of old Delhi. Sadly, Sonam being the film’s svelte leading lady has to observe abstinence.

Courtesy:apunkachoice.com

Sonam Kapoor on the sets of Dilli 6

One of the most anticipated films of this year is Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Dilli 6 starring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles. While not much is known about the film or its premise, we came across this interesting picture where director Rakeysh and Sonam share a light moment on the sets of the film.


Wonder what Sonam is giggling about? Maybe they were planning to pull a prank on AB Jr. What say?
Courtesy:indiafm.com