Working with Aamir is fantastic: Jiah

In a short span of less than two years, this sultry babe with an enchanting pout and lustrous locks has worked with bigwigs like Ram Gopal Varma and Amitabh Bachchan.

Actress Jiah Khan, who has now bagged Aamir Khan's prestigious project Ghajini, talks to NT about some of the things close to her heart.

We don't get to hear anything about you these days. What are you up to?

My entire energy and waking hours are dedicated to Ghajini these days. It is such an engrossing film that I don't even have the time to think about anything else. But I am not supposed to say anything else about the project.

There are rumours that you have chopped your lustrous locks for one of the forthcoming films on Shahid Kapur's advice...

No way! I will never do that unless a role really demands it. All these rumours are silly.

If you had to choose between Ramu and Aamir as your favourite director, whom would you choose?

(Giggles) This is a tough one! Each one is a genius in his own right and their techniques are quite distinctly different. So, both remain my favourites.

With your western upbringing and exotic looks, you are just right for the crossover projects. Why aren't you doing these?

I am doing a couple of such projects. The discussions are on, but till the time I actually sign these, it won't be appropriate to talk about them.

You were quite bowled over by Big B after Nishabd. Who are the other industry men who are hot according to you?

I haven't worked with many of them to comment on them. But yes, I find those who are not married, quite hot. Shahid for one, is a wonderful guy to work with.

You are doing quite a few stunts these days for your films. Is it because your role model Angelina Jolie also does her own stunts?

Yeah, maybe! Angelina's stunts are quite awe-inspiring. I also like the way she lives her life on her own terms and I admire her concern for children and animals.

Doesn't it scare you sometimes that you might get hurt?

It maybe scary at times but unless you do your own stunts, you can't convince the audience about the depth of your emotions on screen. So, you have to go for it. After all, it is for a cause.

Grapevine has it that you will be appearing in Dhoom:3. Are you ready to change your image for that?

It's not confirmed as yet. But, if it comes through and the role demands it, I don't mind changing my look completely.

One recent movie that you really liked...

Taare Zameen Par. There wasn't a single minute when I didn't cry during that movie. I felt completely drained out emotionally. And when the lights were switched on in the theatre, I saw that all the people had tears in their eyes.

And what do you have to say about Aamir Khan?

Meeting him and working with him is an experience in itself. As a director he's fantastic. I absorb any advice or input that he gives me. He's a wonderful person too.

Who's the lucky man in your life?

I am not very comfortable talking about my private life but I will say just one thing 'I am so happy these days'!

What about your singing aspirations? After all, you are a trained opera singer.

I play piano and sing and dance at home. But that's a very private thing. These things help me to destress.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Rahman named best music director at IIFA

A.R. Rahman was named the best music director for his score in "Guru" at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) 2008 awards here Sunday night, while the Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Om Shanti Om" swept a number of technical awards.

Shreya Ghoshal won the honours for the best playback singer (female) for "Barso re" from Mani Ratnam's "Guru", which film also bagged awards for the best background score (Rahman) and best song recording (H. Sridhar).

The best playback singer (male) award was bagged by Shaan for "Jab se tere naina" from "Saawariya".

Veteran Javed Akhtar was named the best lyricist for "Om Shanti Om", which also garnered awards for best special effects (Red Chillies Entertainment), best art direction (Sabu Cyril), best costume design (Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar and Sanjeev Mulchandani) and best makeup.

The award for best screenplay was won jointly by Anurag Basu ("Life in a Metro") and Jaideep Sahni ("Chak De! India").

"Chak De! India" also took home the trophy for best cinematography.

Imtiyaz Ali was named the best dialogue writer for "Jab We Met".

Courtesy: indiainfo.com

Aamir is all set to clash with Shah Rukh again?

There may be murmurs around the release date of Ghajini being changed from October 2 to a later day but our trade sources insist that there is no other option for the film but be postponed.

Says the source on condition of anonymity, "There is no way how Ghajini could make it to 2nd October.

Ok, so it is a great time for release but then the film hasn't managed to make a kind of progress, which would enable it to be ready for release on 2nd October.

Aamir Khan has gone through quite a few accidents, minor as they may be, but all of that has adversely affected the film's progress."

Courtesy: ittefaq.com

Aamir's cameo in nephew's film?

The debut film of nephew Imran Khan is so close to Aamir's heart that he is keen to do a cameo in it.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na... is special to Aamir Khan. After all it marks the debut of his nephew Imran, and the comeback of his uncle Mansoor Khan.

We heard that Aamir was keen to do a special appearance in the film. The actor was to play a cop, but then got so busy with Ghajini that he just didn't find the time to play out his role.

His place was then taken over by Murli Sharma. Accustomed to playing the bad guy in films, Murli will play a good cop in this one.

But will Aamir find a way of being a part of the motion picture that's so close to his heart? Koi jaane na!

Courtesy: indiatimes.com

Mani Ratnam shifts

Director Mani Ratnam has finally decided to make a move! The ace director will soon be shifting his residence from Alwarpet to Boat Club. Mani Ratnam has already purchased a bungalow worth Rs. 15 crores in that area. His forthcoming project with Vikram and Ashwarya Rai in the lead is expected to takeoff in September.


Interestingly, Prithviraj will don the villain role. The yet-to-be-titled film will be produced by Mani Ratnam’s home production Madras Talkies. P. C. Sriram will wield the camera and A. R. Rahman has been signed up to compose music.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Aamir Is Offering Ghajini as a Package Deal with His Nephew Imran’s Debut to TV Channels

Harman Baweja’s Love Story 2050 and Imran Khan’s (Aamir Khan’s nephew) Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (JTYJN) are both releasing on the same day. Both films are being marketed aggressively. One way of promoting a film is throug media tie-ups, with publications and TV channels to give editorial support.
Says a source, “Aamir is in talks with some TV channels for the tie-up of Imran’s film and he has offered Ghajini to anyone who will take it as a package deal with JTYJN.”

Harman’s debut was fixed on July 4 long before Aamir’s home production JTYJN, chose the same date to make its release. Now the two newbies are pitted against each other, even though the films are not in the same category.
Love Story 2050 is a mega budget film and has star value thanks to Priyanka Chopra, while JTYJN has been made on a more modest budget and has Genelia D’Souza. Aamir realises that, and so he wants to push his nephew’s film.
Says a source, “Aamir is great at marketing. Look what he did with Taare Zameen Par. And now he has put all his marketing skills behind Imran’s film. He has personally looked into every aspect of the film. From the story to the post-production. When the film was complete, he blogged about his nephew, introducing him to all his fans.”
All the comments made by readers were in favour of Imran, which is fine, but there were many anti-Harman comments which were surprising.” The negative Harman comments have now been deleted.
I am readying myself 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. Today the first promo breaks on TV.
It should be up on the website www.jaanetu.com as well. This will be my nephew Imran’s first film, I think I’ll post a photo of him. Tell me what you think of the promo, and him.

Courtesy: indiajournal.com

GHAJINI steps back!!

There may be murmurs around the release date of GHAJINI being changed from 2nd October to a later day but our trade sources insist that there is no other option for the film but be postponed.

Says the source on condition of anonymity, 'There is no way how GHAJINI could make it to 2nd October. Ok, so it is a great time for release but then the film hasn't managed to make a kind of progress which would enable it to be ready for release on 2nd October. Aamir Khan has gone through quite a few accidents, minor as they may be, but all of that has adversely affected the film's progress.'


Is the competition getting too heavy on 2nd October?

'It would be laughable to insist that competition would make Aamir move his film to a later date', quips the trade expert, 'If GHAJINI was ready then it would have scared all the other film makers who are bringing their films on 2nd October and not Aamir Khan. Even when TAARE ZAMEEN PAR came alongside WELCOME, the latter didn't take it too lightly. It is a different matter that both the films turned out to be blockbusters but if one looks at the kind of budget TAARE ZAMEEN PAR was set in, the profit margins were huge.'

Coming back to GHAJINI, the source adds, 'DRONA, KIDNAP, WANTED - DEAD OR ALIVE - each of these films which are now sighting 2nd October - would have had to worry a lot more if GHAJINI was coming on the same day. However, now they have to worry a lot more about how they want to avoid clashing with each other. Believe me; even as GHAJINI is more or less out of the race, it is still not healthy for Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan to clash on the same day. May better sense prevail'

So what happens to GHAJINI then? When would it most likely release?

'I think this time around it is going to be a battle royal as Aamir and Shah Rukh may take each other hands on. Yes, it appears that GHAJINI is looking at arriving with SRK's RAB NE BANA DI JODI on 12th December', concludes the source.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

Ada - Music review

Music Director: A.R. Rahman

Lyrics: Nusrat Badr and Raqueeb Alam

Our Rating: 3/ 5

Ada certainly reflects the versatility of ace music director A R Rahman. It has a soothing feel to the music, but cannot be slotted as one of his best works. The musician has dished out some magical albums like Guru, Rang De Basanti and Jodha Akhbar. Ada is an album with eight songs and an instrumental, sans remix versions of any.


Ishq Ada hai definitely tops the chart, but Meherbaan and Gulfisha will follow soothe. Only if the lyrics were taken care of Ada could have been another legend of Rehman. Getting a personal copy of the album is not a bad idea for the music lovers.

Title track Ishq Ada is an out and out romantic number. Newbie Rashid Ali's voice is heart rendering and mesmerizing. The simplicity of the music lies with the lower notes played in the base guitar and the old sound of the accordion.

Rahman's lead guitarist has used the platform very well. The song also has a female version sung by Parul Mishra The female version has been given a classical touch with higher notes in base guitar and drums.

Hawa sun hawa is sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik. Though music is different and has a fresh feel, it is a wee bit too slow. The song can be rated as average.

'Gum sum gum sum' is crooned by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, again. The song doesn't sound novel. The listeners would definitely expect something more from the song.

Here's some breather for the music lovers after those gloomy tracks! Gulfisha hits the right chord. The background score and harmonious beats will set your heartbeat racing. Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan's unique voice sets the song apart from the varied mixes in the album.

Rahman's melodious voice is meant to soothe the ears. Meherbaan, an ultimate romantic track and creates imagery while listening to it. The lyrics are exceptionally good.

The three minute long song is sure to leave the listener spellbound. Listeners are bound to fall in love with the song every time they turn it on. The older the song is to the listeners ears it sounds new to the ears. The instrumental version is equally beautiful.

Tu Mera hai brings Chitra, Sukhwinder Singh and Naresh Iyer together. The track has an exceptional music but average lyrics. They don't have the same impact as his other songs.

Hai Dard is a gloomy track of the album. The music doesn't touch the heart. However, Udit Narayan's vocals pep the song to some extent. The lyrics of the song are pretty good.

Alka Yagnik and Jayachandran give a soulful vocalization of Milo wahan wahan. Their vocals complement each other and are sure to have an impact on the young hearts.

Ada may not be every music lover's pick, but it has the melodious quotient intact.

Courtesy: radioandmusic.com

Rahman turns producer with MARAMYOGI

The music maestro A R Rahman seems to be in a mood to add a new feather to his cap.

According to the grapevine ace music director Rahman who enchanted souls with his melodious music is now gearing up to step into the producers' shoes. The buzz is that A R Rahman has now turned producer. In fact he has signed none other than Kamal Hassan to direct and act for his film tentatively titled MARAMYOGI.


Rahman will also compose music for his home production MARAMYOGI. The film will be made in Hindi and later on dubbed in other regional Languages.

Courtesy:

Rajini leaves for Vietnam

Rajini’s Kuselan is nearing completion and if sources are to be believed, the film has shaped up very well and would be liked by one and all. After wrapping up his part, super star would be off to his daughter Soundarya’s animation project Sultan, the Warrior. It has been said that few stunt and song sequences are required to be canned at Vietnam which Soundarya proposes to complete in the next schedule.

After finishing them Super star may take his favorite trip up in the Himalayas to recharge himself. Initially it has been reported that he would be off to Himalayas after Kuselan but the plan has been changed to accommodate dates for his daughter. Once he gets back from his trip, he is likely to start work for Shankar’s Robot.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Pawan Kalyan: Get set go!

Pawan Kalyan’s Jalsa, despite getting just average talk fared well at the box office and has registered a hit for Pawan after a gap of seven long years.
But Pawan Kalyan like other heroes is in no mood to celebrate his success. As always he stayed away from the media and left the film’s fortunes for fans and audiences.

His next flick Puli with SJ Suryah was announced a while ago but the uncertainties over the film's shooting to take off kept hitting the news and gossip circles. Now there is a clear indication about the Puli schedule . Puli's shoot will surely start on June 23 is the fresh update from the producer. However, the first schedule will only last for five days it seems. Two songs are already recorded for this film by AR Rahman.
Pawan Kalyan who is likely to canvass for Chiranjeevi in the next election might not be available for Puli’s crew at a stretch. So, one could expect the film to be completed only by next summer.

Courtesy: andhracafe.com

Kajol in Kamal’s next?

After Dasavatharam, what's next on Kamal Haasan's menu? The actor has started pre-production work on his new film Marmayogi, which he is directing and producing.

It is a big budget extravaganza and he is talking to a few corporates to fund the project. Marmayogi is said to be a historical adventure romantic film with an 'A' list of actors. Kamal is trying to rope in a Bollywood actress and the buzz is that Kajol has been sounded about it.

The film will have music by AR Rahman. The rest of the cast and crew are being worked out. It will be the second time that Kamal is using an old MGR title for a film of his. Earlier, he had used the title Sathi Leelavathi (1936), and now the famous MGR starrer Marmayogi (1951). It has tremendous title value, and the modern Kamal film will have three versions in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Jiah takes a bumpy ride with Aamir

Being the perfectionist that Aamir Khan is, he refused to relent when Jiah Khan developed cold feet while shooting a scene in A.R. Murgadoss's Ghajini that required her to ride a scooter with him as the pillion. Poor Jiah had never even sat on a scooter before and was extremely jittery. However, Aamir reassured her and made her understand that it was important to show her riding the scooter for the particular sequence.

Said a source from the Mumbai hospital where Ghajini was being shot, "Jiah was supposed to ride a scooter with Aamir as the pillion. She had never ridden a scooter before but Aamir made sure she learnt it for the particular scene."

The source adds that she learnt to ride the scooter but when it came to doing the scene with Aamir, she panicked and absolutely refused to ride it. Despite Jiah being scared that she would cause an accident, Aamir refused to shoot it otherwise. He sat down with her and said that he would take care of it if any went wrong.

Finally, Jiah shot the scene after much convincing from Aamir Khan.

Courtesy: masala.com

Album: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

Album: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Music: A.R. Rahman, Rashid Ali, Vasundhara Das, Benny Dayal, Satish Chakravarthy
Label: T Series
- Indo-Asian News Service

Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na is the launch pad of Aamir Khan's nephew Imraan and to play it safe, Aamir has roped in A.R. Rahman for the music. Set against a campus backdrop, the film's music gives us an insight into the other side of the composer.

Newcomer Rashid Ali can thank Rahman for a great debut as he croons to Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, a romantic fun piece. The track doesn't sound much like a Rahman composition, but is nevertheless an enjoyable song as Rashid's vocals gives it a youthful touch. Lyricist Abbas Tyrewala ensures his lyrics don't disappoint either.


Putting a complete halt to the success of the previous track is Pappu can't dance. The title itself makes you wonder if it is worth hearing. Well, not really. It is a high paced number that comprises of bizarre thumping music with extra beats. The song may stick to its theme, but as an audio number, it doesn't fare well. As far as singers go, Rahman usually picks good artistes for his albums, but his current bunch for 'Pappu...' does not impress at all.

Jaane tu mera kya hai helps the album pick up once again. This track has a repeat value and can pull anyone into its sombre mood. Sung by Runa Rizvi and written by Abbas, the sad and emotional number revolves around the female protagonist and will definitely find a place among listeners.

Sukhwinder Singh renders the second version of the track that revolves around the male protagonist. In spite of being a regular with these kind of songs, he doesn't sound repetitive. The lyrics are touchy and poetic, courtesy Abbas.

Finally, we come across a typical Rahman number that doesn't sound monotonous but is in fact one of the best songs of the album. Nazrein milaana nazrein churaana has an array of singers but doesn't commit the same mistakes as 'Pappu...'

The long list of newcomers that forms part of the album finally gives way to the composer himself. Rahman croons another very-unlike-himself track, Tu Bole Main Boloon. It belongs to the genre of jazz with saxophones, violins and pianos thrown in. It carries with it a very contemporary, western feel.

Rahman dives into Indi-pop next for Kahin to. Listeners get a breather in the form of Vasundhara Das, whose brilliant voice is being heard after a long gap. A slow paced number, the song also has Rashid's voice and encompasses the ingredients of a slow-moving, romantic track. However, Abbas's lyrics are not so impressive.

Rahman's attempt at experimenting with new and different sounds for the album may not have resulted in chartbuster hits, but the attempt is worth hearing. Like Naresh Iyer in Rang De Basanti, the surprise package of this album is Rashid.

Courtesy: ndtvmusic.com

Gearing up for ‘Marmayogi’ is Kamal

Kamal Haasan's ‘Dasavatharam’ is ready for release. The magnum opus is sure to bring laurels to Kamal.

Meanwhile, the actor has reportedly completed penning the story and script for his next venture ‘Marmayogi’, which is enacted and directed by Kamal Haasan himself.

Plans are on to commence shooting very soon, says sources close to Kamal Haasan.


The movie shares its title with a MGR blockbuster and is set in the seventh century. A war between two dynasties results in the survival of a child as the sole heir of a clan.

Kamal rescues the child and imparts him wisdom. He also makes him to revive the past glory. Hema Malini dons a negative role in the movie.

'A state-of-the-art camera called Red will be used for ‘Marmayogi’ for the first time in India.'

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

I don't think remix is a bad word: AR Rahman

There's little one can say about him that has not been said before. He is a musical genius whose popularity spans across continents. He has revolutionised Indian film music and now he is nurturing young talent at his own music conservatory. The man who delivers music from the heart and he is AR Rahman.

Rajeev Masand: Let me start today by throwing an accusation at you. You seem to be reserving the best songs in your album for yourself, whether it is Khwaja mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar, Tere Bina from Guru, whether it is a song from Sivaji. Is it pure selfishness or is it the fact that you think that you can bring something to the songs that perhaps others can’t?

AR Rahman: I don’t make decisions for myself. I leave it to the directors. In Tere Bina, I had Khader Mustafa who I liked very much. But Mani Ratnam felt that I should sing it. Khwaja mere Khwaja was a song done as a template to listen to and when I played it Ashutosh wanted it. He added it. It was not there in the film earlier.

In Jaane Tu, it was just the opposite. He did not want my voice. He felt it was too soft. I said I like this song and I will do another song for you. He then asked me to re sing it. Initially it was soft jazz and he did not like it. He wanted it more aggressive and more fun kind of singing.

Rajeev Masand: Originally I know, you were committed to do music for Om Shanti Om but you did not do it because you were refused the publishing rights, which is the ownership rights. I know it is common practice in the West and makes perfect sense that the person who creates the music should own the music.

AR Rahman: It is both ways. Some people buyout the music and it is transparent. The buy out is shared. But in this case, strangely we never intended to do that. At that particular time, when my company was launched, I realised the importance of having a publishing of ones own. I have reached 41 now and somewhere I felt that I have to do something for my kids and the generation and in a way to exploit our music in the west, something like an ambassador in the other country. Like recently there is a movie, The Accidental Husband, which has three of my Tamil songs. To give more scope and accessibility to my stuff, it is important. It is a little shocking in the beginning but people are getting used to it.

Rajeev Masand: Did you hear the music of OSO?

AR Rahman: Yes. I liked it. I would not have been able to do it the way it was done.

Rajeev Masand: Was it very different from what you had imagined doing it when you were committed to do it?

AR Rahman: I had a couple of meetings with Farah and we were discussing the Bombay theme and it is unfortunate that we could not work on this. But we are great friends and we will be working in future.

Rajeev Masand: I also know that you were committed to doing Kamal's film Dasavatharam, which you couldn't because time constraints did not allow you.

AR Rahman: Yes at that particular time, I was doing many things. I was travelling and Kamal ji wanted me to give the music immediately and it was a huge film. I knew the kind of work it would require. I knew I could not do justice in that short period.

Rajeev Masand: You were replaced then by Himesh Reshammiya. Were you insulted?

AR Rahman: No, not at all. Himesh did the songs but I think Devi Sri Prasad did the background music.

Rajeev Masand: Have you heard the music?

AR Rahman: No, I have not heard the music.

Rajeev Masand: He has also sung in Tamil.

AR Rahman: I would love to listen to it.

Rajeev Masand: What do you think of him as a singer? You have used so many Bombay voices. You have introduced so many people in the music industry. How come you haven’t found anything for Himesh?

AR Rahman: I think he has got a particular style. I have heard him very closely and I think he is capable of much more. In fact we were co-judges in a show for a channel. So, I am waiting for the right song for Himesh. I like him as a person and I wish him all the best.

Rajeev Masand: You know that he is a movie actor now as well.

AR Rahman: Yes I know. Awesome.

Rajeev Masand: I know you have started a music Conservatory in Chennai. Is this your way of giving back to the industry?

AR Rahman: I just get panicky thinking what if there are no violin players and no trumpet players and I would have to go to Prague or London again or other places. Not only me, Ilayarajah goes to Budapest and Salim goes to Prague. We are all passionate about music and if we don’t have the right kind of players then we will have to compromise and even spend more. I was waiting for someone to bell the cat. I waited for almost 10 years. It did not happen. So just a week before my birthday, I decided to do it. Everything has gone well and we will start in June.

Rajeev Masand: Do you find that we are too lenient as a society? Why are we so indifferent about plagiarism? Look at Pritam’s track record lately. Look at Race, Jab We Met, Metro. Almost all his track records can be traced to either a Korean hit or another Hindi film song or a foreign song. Why are we so lenient as a society as far as plagiarism is concerned?

AR Rahman: It is not just one person. There are a number of people. It’s also how the industry has forced people to do that.

Rajeev Masand: Do you actually believe that?

AR Rahman: I think now people are in a position to say no that I can’t do that. They will be respected even more when they do that. I think that it is what each composer needs to do when he is forced and told that some song is needed. So, one should maintain one’s integrity. If someone wants a particular song without courtesy, then the composer should refuse and say he doesn’t want to steal the song. Else most of them will land up paying a lot of money from their pockets as an out of court settlement.

Rajeev Masand: Your fans were very surprised when you took a shot with remix. You did it few years ago with New, then you did it with Azhagiya Tamil Magan and then now you have done it again with Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

AR Rahman: I don’t think remix is a bad word. There is both good and bad in that. You can’t say all Western music is bad and noisy. I don’t agree with that. You also can’t say that all Indian music is classic. I am a composer and if there is a song which I love, for example Tu hi re and someone remixes it, I would not like it, but if there is a peppy song and I want to hear something interesting, then it’s okay. That’s what I did. I took two tracks from Adaan and I released it. Some guy there in a village will be remixing it in his computer and singing in his voice and producing something interesting, an idea that may not have occurred to us.

Rajeev Masand: You said no to Spike initially when he said he wanted to use Chaiyya Chaiyya and wanted to add rap to it when he wanted to use it for his film, The Inside Man.

AR Rahman: No. We were trying to be careful. Rap means swearing and I did not want Chaiyya Chaiyya to have any swear words in it. So, when they assured me that they would not have any swear words in it, and then we said yes.

Rajeev Masand: I remember you saying a little while ago that you were tired of doing these big historic films and you were looking at letting your hair down a little. Is the film Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, a respite then, an opportunity?

AR Rahman: I started working on the movie at about the time when I said that. Working with Abbas was really great. Though it was a little crazy but I like the craziness. It’s good to break away from routine at times and not be rigid.

Rajeev Masand: How would you describe the sound of the film?

AR Rahman: I think it is a mix. With different lyricists, different flavours come out. With him, there is a genre of words and phrases he has picked and the song is around that. For example, Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, it is a song that I haven’t ever done before. It is simple arrangement yet romantic. It’s like rediscovering yourself.

Rajeev Masand: If I ask you to choose the one song that you are most remembered for, would you still pick Chaiyya Chaiyya?

AR Rahman: You can’t be generic about it. People get angry. Down south people like the film called Duet and it is a soundtrack. Some love Roja, some like Taal, some Lagaan.

Rajeev Masand: Which ones are the breakthrough ones for you?

AR Rahman: For me, personally, I would say Roja, album Vande Mataram, Taal, Dil Se, Bombay Dreams, and probably Rang de Basanti now. In South, last year’s Sivaji is also one. So these are all different songs. When you get bored, you move on to the next phase. These are all different phases.

Rajeev Masand: There was time that you were extremely reclusive, media shy and hardly any media appearances. That seems to have changed now.

AR Rahman: That is sarcastic?

Rajeev Masand: No not sarcastic at all. Did you consciously choose to be more accessible, whether it is brand endorsements, interviews or be it television appearances.

AR Rahman: Yes. Some proposals suited me as a musician. I would not be selling oil or underwears. And also I needed that to fund my school and other interesting projects that I was doing. It was also a way to communicate with people, and people started liking it.

Rajeev Masand: You are collaborating once again with Rakesh Mehra for the music of Dilli 6. That is after the great soundtrack that you gave him for Rang de Basanti. What was the brief for Dilli 6 and how are you going to top the music of Rang de Basanti? I know you will say that they are two different films, but it’s impossible to avoid the comparisons?

AR Rahman: Certain things…you have to let them be. Maybe there is some soundtrack that moves away from Rang de Basanti and is even better for the ears. I am not worried about it at all.

Rajeev Masand: What is the brief for that?

AR Rahman: It is all a secret.

Rajeev Masand: You are also working again with Subhash Ghai after Taal and Kisna. Taal, in the sense was one of the most popular and successful commercial albums that you did. What can you expect from Yuvraj? Subhash Ghai says it’s a complete musical this time.

AR Rahman: Yes he loves music. We are talking about a very passionate man and he wants to pick up the best music and picture it in a great and different way. You have to give it to the man. He has been there for three decades and still wants to excel. It is a great attitude and I am learning from him.

Rajeev Masand: You will still not give us a brief for this one?

AR Rahman: No...

Rajeev Masand: You have worked with one of the best filmmakers, Mani Ratnam, Shekhar, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Rakesh Mehra and many more. Are there other filmmakers that you are looking forward to work with, just because you think you will be able to bring something interesting to their film or just because you like their kind of films?

AR Rahman: Yes. There was a time when I wanted to work with Bazelon and Andrews.

Rajeev Masand: And you almost did work with them?

AR Rahman: We had a couple of meetings but then I had to leave all my assignments and go and settle in Sydney or London, which at this point in my career or age, I can’t do.

Rajeev Masand: I read something interesting that you were all set to work with Bazelon and then they went to IMDB and they looked up all the movies you did and they were thirty. And they got worried.

AR Rahman: It is threatening because they would be worried that if I am already doing so many films, how would I concentrate on theirs. What happens is that when someone announces a movie and their music and my name, even without my consent, my name is there on IMDB. It is dangerous. Anyway, now the most liberating thing for me is my own label. And if I want to do something good, I can produce it myself now.

Rajeev Masand: Is there one music instrument that you are determined to learn how to play?

AR Rahman: Yes, there is a new instrument called the Continuum, which could be a breakthrough in Indian classical music, which I hardly find time to practice and when I do practice, I think it is good. I may soon have classes for that in my Conservatory.

Rajeev Masand: Is there any one song by another composer that you have been humming lately?

AR Rahman: Lately....there is a song of Mohit Chauhan in Jab We Met.

Rajeev Masand: Tumse hi?

AR Rahman: It’s very Himachal actually?

Rajeev Masand: Best of luck. Thanks for talking to us.

Courtesy: ibnlive.com

Rahman remixes!

AR Rahman, who isn’t a fan of remixes and all that, has for the first time ever given in to composing a remix number for the Aamir Khan produced and Abbas Tyrewala directed film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

Rahman tells us, “It’s a very fresh, light, romantic comedy. Pappu Can’t Dance is a song that is very peppy and upbeat. It’s a nice song and has the potential to be a hit at discos and pubs, so I made an exception and remixed my own song.” The music maestro has decided to become lenient with the DJs infamous for their remixes, too. “Now they are free to remix how much they want,” he laughs.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Vietnamese fighters in 'Sultan The Warrior'

Soundarya is leaving no efforts to make 'Sultan The Warrior' a product that will be termed as an animation movie having the same kind of standard shown previously by all the hit animation films created by the leading film and animation studios in the world.

For giving a particular action scene the maximum perfection which can be achieved, Soundarya along with the action choreographer of the film Peter Hein have gone to Vietnam.

The action scenes which will be shot in Vietnam will not be seen in the film as everyone knows the film is a fully animated one and do not require real actors.

The head of Ocher studios and her team of technicians are in Vietnam to shoot the action shots just for using it as reference points for similar scenes to be shown in 'Sultan The Warrior'.

But then why Vietnam and why it is being shot using some fighters of that country when there is enough and more facilities and junior artists right here in Chennai, is a question that can pop up.

The native fighters who are participating in the action scenes can be only found in Vietnam and they are the only ones in the world who are capable of doing the action scenes which are required as per the necessity of the story of 'Sultan The Warrior'.

These fighters are labeled as guys who can even challenge the laws of gravity and come out with stunning, unbelievable flexible movements as never seen before.

'Sultan The Warrior' is already hot in the film circles because of the reason that Superstar Rajinikanth will be seen in a complete 3D animation avatar for the first time.

Now this news of this variety action scene has added up to the excitement surrounding the film.

Watch Sultan The Warrior Trailer

Indiaglitz will give you more instant updates of "Sultan the warrior".

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Chapter on Rajini in CBSE books

Wow! what a cheerful and eventful year for our Superstar Rajinikanth! In the beginning of the year 2008, he received ND TV's prestigious 'Entertainer of the Year' award from Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A few months later his biography My Name Is Rajinikanth hit the stalls and still it is selling like hot cakes. Now a chapter on Rajinikanth's life has been added to Std VI English prose book of CBSE.

This is the first time in India's history that a chapter about an actor's success history has been included, that too in a CBSC text book. The chapter is under the section: Dignity of Work. Published by Oxford University Press, the chapter consist the extract of his life from a conductor to a superstar and also includes excerpts from his friend Bahadur, who was a past colleague of Rajini later became a bosom friend. In 1970s Rajini, a bus conductor in route No.10 A, and Bahadur, a driver in the same bus were good friends.

According to the book, young Shivaji Rao alias Rajini sometimes also acted in plays staged at the Gubbi Veeranna Ranga Mandir in the city. When Bahadur saw his friend on stage, he realized that the young man has great acting potential. The overwhelming response from the audience, particularly, when he played Duryodhana and Yechhama Nayaka, the Kannada Warrior, strengthen his belief. "It was then that I was convinced that he should act in movies," Bahadur said.

When the Madras Film Institute was set up in Chennai around the same time, Bahadur suggested to Shivaji Rao that he should pursue a course in acting at the Institute. The young man was obviously reluctant to give up his conductor's job and do the course since he was worried about his finances.

Bahadur replied, "Give up the job. I'll look after all your needs." Bahadur kept up his promise till Shivaji completed his course. For two years, from 1974 to 1976, he gave a significant part of his salary to Shivaji and ensured that he completed the course at the Film Institute. When the course was over, the famous director K Balachander signed up the young actor for his new Tamil films Apporva Ragangal and Moonru Mudichu. And the rest is history!

Now almost all the children in CBSE stream can read about our superstar and his hard working nature and how he became an example for true friendship. This is truly a biggest, rare and worthy honour to the Superstar and even superior than any other awards he received so far

Courtesy: oneindia.in

I am not sure if I’ll start blogging: Rahman

The songs of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na are distinctly different from what you’ve churned out recently. What’s the reason behind this?
Well the idiom of the JTYJN is very different and that’s why I have also tried and used single notes of sounds and simple guitar tunes. Director Abbas Tyerwala has a lot of knowledge in music and knew what he wanted as far as the sound is concerned.

Among Bollywood composers, Pritam gives a lot of scope to young artistes. How much of space do you give to newcomers?
Well, whenever I get a chance and I think a young and fresh voice would do perfect justice to my composition, I definitely like to give chance to a young artiste. In fact, in JTYJN a couple of songs like Aditi and Pappu Can’t Dance are sung by newcomers and I think they have done a brilliant job.


Among your contemporary composers, whose works do you find interesting?
Well all the composers right now are really good, they all are capable of delivering good songs. For instance, Vishal and Shekhar, Pritam etc. are really good.

You are always accused of keeping the best song of each film you compose music of for yourself ?
(Laughs) No. It’s the producers and directors who like the way I sing and want me to sing for their films. For JTYJN, it was the other way round. I thought I would have liked to sing the title track. But Abbas was dead against it. It was only when he heard it that he actually fell in love with it.

Your and Aamir’s association has always given out some really good songs. Do you think you too will recreate the same magic of Lagaan and Rangeela?
It is a happy coincidence that we’ve both been on projects where music has played an important role. Our relationships in these films were of an actor and a music director where the interaction is almost minimum. On JTYJN, though, he was playing a producer. Our interaction has been minimum. In fact, when Abbas and I wouldn’t budge on certain issues, it was Aamir who played the role of peacemaker. My relationship with Aamir is very personal and we are friends.

Didn’t you fear that people would compare your title track with the original number?
I really like the title track of the film. I was a bit apprehensive since it was a very popular yesteryear number. To give music to such a number always brings along the fear of comparison. However, I have treated it as the music for today’s generation who may have not heard the original song.

Since film music is so popular in India, do you think we’ve reached a stage where parents would encourage if their children wanted to earn a living by composing. Or do they still want composing to be left as a part-time job?
Of course, I think film music is gaining a lot of popularity. So, many music reality shows are coming up and the turnover for such shows is massive. There is so much of competition in here. Music composition has become very challenging and thus should be taken seriously and not as a part-time job. As far as parents go, they should encourage their children because if they have the knack for composing, they can definitely go a long way. I think hard work always gets paid.

You have an official website. Do you intend to start blogging someday? And if you do so, are you going to address key issues plaguing the Indian music industry through your blog?
I am not sure if I’ll start blogging but if I do at any point of time, I’ll definitely try to bring up issues plaguing the Indian music industry and other issues as well.

When one learns that AR Rahman is giving music for a particular song/film, the expectation grows. Do you feel the pressure on yourself?
No. It inspires me to give better music. I work for myself and want to give good music.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

'Ghajini' delay sets up Aamir Khan vs Shah Rukh Khan clash in December

Aamir Khan's hamstring injury, and a five week doctor mandated rest to allow it to heal, has led to the release date of Ghajini being pushed back to December 12, setting up a clash with Shah Rukh Khan's Rab Ne Banaa Di Jodi that looks too good to be coincidental!

It is hard to explain why 5 weeks of bed rest should result in 10 weeks of production delay for a film that has already been two years in the making! Unless you have been reading Aamir's blog and have his recent digs at Shah Rukh on your mind. In which case, you are likely to conclude that the prankster in the 43-year-old star is once dominating over the recluse.

Ghajini has already been sold for a whopping Rs 93 crore - Rs 53 crore for the domestic screening and Rs 40 crore for satellite, overseas and home video rights, so the delay is unlikely to have financial implications for Aamir the producer.

Incidentally, Shah Rukh's Om Shanti Om had fetched a record Rs 73 crore...there we go again comparing the two stars!

Ghajini, a Hindi remake of the similarly named Tamil film, has Aamir playing a distraught boyfriend who is called upon to avenge his girlfriend's murder, despite suffering from short-term amnesia.

Courtesy: sawf.org

Soundarya Rajinikanth's multilingual film with Mahesh Babu

Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher studio started its production campaign in style with the costly project 'Sultan The Warrior' which is the first of its kind of an animation feature film featuring a fully 3D animated version of an Indian film superstar.

The film has the potential to start a trend.

Then there was the news of Soundarya taking a keen interest in making the second part of the blockbuster film 'Billa'.


Rajinikanth's daughter seems to follow the corporate way of making movies by planning for more than one film and simultaneously announcing and starting the work on the different projects at the same time.

A new big project to be made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi will be made with the Tollywood hero Mahesh Babu in the lead role.

The super hit director Puri Jagannath will be the director in charge of the new mega project of Soundarya Rajinikanth.

However the movie's work will start only next April with December 2009 being planned as the time for the release.

The film's story, dialogues and Screenplay will be written by the director himself and is a joint venture between Ocher studios and Warner Brothers.

Puri Jagannath told that he was overjoyed when Soundarya approached him to direct the big film as it brought back the memories of the day when Rajinikanth himself told that if he ever had a son he would have surely launched him as a hero in a film directed by him.

After giving two blockbusters in the form of 'Athadu' and 'Pokiri', Mahesh Babu teams up with Puri Jagannath again for this new film.

The Telugu pin up boy told that he is very happy to work again with Puri Jagannath and will try to reach up to people's expectations.

Although a new addition to the list of players in the production business, Ocher studios has set its sights on transforming itself into one among the top most film business houses in India with carefully deciding on each new project with proven experienced film makers at the helm.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Gautham denies rift with Harris

Director Gautham Menon always shared good rapport with Harris Jayaraj. The two had been part of several successful ventures including ‘Minnale’, ‘Khaakha Khaakha’, ‘Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu’ and ‘Pachai Kili Muthucharam’.

However with Gautham opting to work with A R Rahman for ‘Chennaiyil Oru Mazhai Kaalam’ surprised many.

Questions started to do rounds whether the two are at loggerheads. However Gautham is quick to deny them as rumors.

“I am an admirer of Harris Jayaraj even now. I wanted to work with Rahman and expressed my desire to him. He readily agreed and we commenced ‘Chennaiyil Oru Mazhai Kaalam’. That's all.'

The movie features Trisha in the lead role and five newcomers are playing part of it.

The film's story revolves around 3 girls and 4 boys. Trisha portrays a new generation software engineer. Naethra and Nikitha play the other two girls. Karthik who is actress Maheswari's brother plays the male lead opposite Trisha and Daniel Balaji is in a role of a psycho.

The first shooting schedule of 25 days has already got finished in Chennai. The second schedule's work has started and is going on.

The ace director also spoke about the response till now for his new project and also explained about the title of the film.

'The people have a lot of expectations on 'Chennaiyil Oru Mazhai Kaalam'. Just like the rainy season, love is also a beautiful experience'. 'Mazhai Kaalam' in the title represents the love shown in the film’.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

When Rahman forgot Shammi Kapoor’s song

AR Rahman has been a huge fan of Shammi Kapoor’s films. In fact he has seen most of his black and white films too.

So when we asked him to sing any of Shammi Kapoor’s song, we were surprised to see a blank expression on his face. “Hey this is very embarrassing.

I seem to have gone completely blank. I don’t seem to remember any of the songs. However let me tell you that the music of his films was very peppy. Kapoor is a man who changed the way songs were sung and shot. It was a beautiful experience to meet him and his family and it was a dream come true for me,” says the media-shy music maestro. Let’s hope the feeling is mutual!

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Rahman strikes the perfect balance between being different and being commercially safe

Whenever Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman have come together, the music has been distinct and experimental ("Lagaan", "The Rising"), and of historic proportions. Some of it worked, and some didn't, because the elasticity of the experiment is usually calmed by commercial confines.

"JTYJN" isn't afraid to experiment, but luckily, it's targeted at an audience that dares to be different - the college crowd. It's a young and peppy soundtrack that has significant shades of Rang De Basanti, as well as clear influences from Rahman's ongoing theatrical work on London's West End.

"Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi" features lead vocals by Rahman's new find, Rashid Ali, who has been his lead guitarist for most of his recent world tours. Behind the mic, Rashid's warm vocals, which fit the bill of the young and have the fresh aura that the movie has created around itself, take centrestage as the song is comparatively lower on background instrumentation.

"Pappu Can't Dance" brings the unorthodox genius of Abbas Tyrewala and A.R. Rahman together in a must-hear, musical mélange of madness. Barring all the controversy around it, which could only help step up its impending popularity, the song is trademark ARR who has historically come out trumps, when given a lyrically and conceptually offbeat track ("Rukmani" from "Roja", "Urvasi from Kadhalan"). Featuring a smorgasbord of singers, and a catchy Carnatic classical vocal hook, Pappu is clearly one of Rahman's wackiest creations.

Although there may not be an immediate attraction, the symphonic and melancholic natures of "Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai" are magnetic; a large part of which is to be attributed to the voice of the relative newcomer, Runa Rizvi. Her voice does tend to get a tad nasal in higher registers, but it only adds to the haunting appeal of this track.

The male version of this track, rendered by Sukhwinder, is more dark and morbid, with a near-theatrical allure to it, with elaborate string orchestral accompaniments. The main melody, which features the movie's title, creates a memorable theme, which is unforgettable and lingers, long after you have heard it.

After the heavy and pensive segment, "Nazrein Milana Nazrein Churana" acts as a respite - a simple, hummable guitar track, which seems to be sung by a group of college friends. Very "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander".

The experimentalist returns with "Tu Bole Main Boloon", and takes the soundtrack down a different avenue altogether - into the genre of jazz, which is a fairly unfamiliar terrain when it comes to Bollywood. Tyrewala's engaging lyrics, as they talk about two tangential viewpoints, and Rahman's inimitable coarse vocals create an experience that is beyond words.

Finally, Rashid Ali returns to the mic, accompanied by Vasundhara Das, for "Kahin To Hogi", a gentle love ballad that brings back memories of Glenn Madeiros.

Balance sheet: Rahman is clearly the Salvador Dali of Indian music, when it comes to the level of experimentation in his compositions, constantly testing the shock absorbers of his listeners. At times you feel that he pushes the limits of his audience's comprehension and music appreciation (as in his recent "Ada: A Way of Life"), and at other times you feel he has struck the perfect equilibrium between standing out of the crowd and being commercial enough for surefire success. "JYYJN" is a brilliant example of the latter - a balanced chord that only ARR could strike.

Courtesy: masala.com

AR Rahman's next big flick is 'Yuvraaj'

T-Series, after releasing the music of Aamir Khan Production’s 'Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na', which is composed by A.R. Rahman, has now also acquired the music rights of Rahman's next big flick 'Yuvraaj'.

'Yuvraaj' is Subhash Ghai’s directorial venture slated to release this Diwali. A.R. Rahman has always been loved from the time of his blockbuster hit Bombay and is known for his mesmerizing music.

T-Series is proud to be associated with A.R. Rahman again. Through 'Yuvraaj', T-Series wants to bring the combination of T-Series and Rahman to its music listeners again.

'Yuvraaj' is Produced and Directed by Subhash Ghai under the Mukta Arts Ltd Banner. The movie stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan, and Boman Irani.

Courtesy: msn.com

T-Series with an A.R.Rahman project again

When a company has the music rights of a film's songs composed by the Mozart of Asia A.R.Rahman, then there is no need to get worried about the success of sales of the music.

T-series is one company who is fortunate to associate with the music maestro back to back. After releasing the music of Aamir khan Productions 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' composed by ARR, now the company will release the music of 'Yuvaraj' composed by the music wizard.

This film marks the return of Subash Ghai after a low profile 'Black & White' into his usual way of directing his movies in a large scale.

The film which will be released this Diwali has also the paring of the real life couple Salman khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles other than having acclaimed actors like Anil Kapoor and Boman Irani in supporting roles.

The movie is produced by Subhash Ghai's own production company Mukta Arts Ltd.

The videos of the songs of 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' are already being aired by the different channels and have started getting good reviews.

How Salman shakes his leg to the tunes of A.R.Rahman in 'Yuvraj' is left to be seen.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

'Aamir is not difficult to work with'

Aamir Khan is going all out to launch his nephew Imraan Khan in Abbas Tyrewala's Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, and has roped in the best to make the film successful.

That would, of course, include A R Rahman.

Rahman gave us a sneak preview of the music in his own voice. Listen to it here. He also spoke to Nithya Ramani and Syed Firdaus Ashraf about the film. Excerpts:

How does it feel working with Abbas Tyrewala?

This is a completely new team for me. So working with him was a little strange in the beginning. Then, we got used to each other. When the music was done, Aamir was happy and appreciated it. He said that the two of us made a good team.

Was it difficult working with Aamir and producer Mansoor Khan?

Aamir is not difficult to work with. It's just that when he gets excited about something, he likes the integrity of the same thing. And when something goes wrong, he wants to bring the integrity back. He likes to balance the whole project. He is a great producer.

Was Aamir involved in the music of his films?

We last worked during Rang De Basanti . I just get just feedback from him. He is more involved in the music of Gajini than any of his previous films.

Whats the best part about 2008 yet?

The best part of 2008 for me is the launch of my music conservatory. It's very important to me, and a completely different road. I am looking forward to this exciting venture.

What was your reason for opening this school?

The time has come to start, so that we could have an orchestra. We have got about 1,000 queries and managing director Selvakumar is in the process of replying to it. It is about musicians. Only if you have musicians, you can have composers. [We want] to create a pallate of players for future composers. If they don't have musicians, they will make music out of computers. By this, they might lose the joy of listening to live music and composing from that.

Are you scoring the music for Rajiv Menon's Dhun?

Yes, we are in the process of getting it finalised.

You were supposed to go to Cannes Film Festival this year. Why did you not go?

That was very strange. I saw it in the newspapers. I had other commitments, and they called me on a very short notice. So I could not go.

Courtesy: rediff.com

Rahman takes Aamir by surprise!

A.R. Rahman took Aamir Khan for a surprise visit to the Amin Peer Dargah in Andhra Pradesh.

Says a source close to the actor, "Aamir and Rahman share a lot in common. Ever since they worked together on Rangeela a decade ago, the two have become great friends. They share a great rapport professionally as well as personally. Aamir had also invited Rahman to Mumbai for the music launch of his nephew's debut film, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.


"After the music release, Rahman told Aamir that he had to leave with him for Chennai the very next day. Aamir, who was a bit surprised, asked the music director why he was asking the actor to accompany him to Chennai. However, Rahman refused to give any explanation to Aamir and only insisted that they must go to Chennai together," adds the source.

Aamir left with Rahman for Chennai on Wednesday but the journey didn't end there. Adds the source, "On reaching Chennai, Rahman drove Aamir to the Amin Peer Dargah in Andhra Pradesh's Cuddapah district. They reached the dargah in the evening after a five-hour drive. The dargah is very close to Rahman's heart and he completely believes in the power that it gives him."

Commenting on Aamir and Rahman's visit to the dargah, the source adds, "The two had dinner at the dargah and attended a performance by the qawwals, which started on Thursday at 1 am went on till 5 am. Aamir really enjoyed the performance as he himself is a great lover of these things. The two spent some quality time there and Aamir loved the experience.

"Rahman had always wanted to go to the dargah with Aamir. He particularly wanted the actor to seek blessings and be present for the Urs. Rahman was also keen that Aamir attended the performance by the qawwals in the dargah. Rahman attends this Urs every year. Last year he had taken Prasoon Joshi with him," says the source.

Courtesy:masala.com

After Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, AR Rahman-T-Series bond strengthens with 'Yuvraaj'

T-Series, after releasing the music of Aamir Khan's Production JAANE TU YA JAANE NA the music of which was composed by A R Rahman now also has the music rights of Rahman's next big flick YUVRAAJ stated to be released this Diwali. A R Rahman has always been loved from the time of his blockbuster hit 'Bombay' and is known for his mesmerizing music.

T-Series is proud to be associated with A R Rahman again. Through YUVRAAJ ,T-Series wants to bring the combination of T-Series and Rahman to its music listeners again.

YUVRAAJ is produced and directed by Subhash Ghai under the Mukta Arts Ltd banner. The movie stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan and Boman Irani.

Courtesy: glamsham.com

T-Series acquires music rights of Ghai’s next

T-Series has acquired the music rights of Subhash Ghai’s next directorial venture, Yuvraaj.

The film, slated to release this Diwali, is being produced under the Mukta Arts banner.


The music for Yuvraj, starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan and Boman Irani, has been scored by AR Rehman.

T-Series had earlier released the music of Aamir Khan's production Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na composed by Rahman.

Courtesy:indiantelevision.com

Three cheers for Rahman, Aamir

Rahman and Aamir Khan have developed a fascination for each other. After ‘Rang De Basanti’, the two come together for ‘Ghajini’, directed by A R Murugadoss.

Aamir Khan has roped in Rahman to score the music for his home production ‘Jane Tu’ to be directed by Abbas Tyrewala. Aamir Khan is launching his nephew Imran Khan as hero in the movie.

Rahman says, “It is nice to work with Aamir. He gives one enough freedom. A great producer, he values music a lot”.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Robot amidst stringent security

The Shankar – Rajinikanth magnum opus, Robot, has begun groundwork work and research. With director Shankar importing computers from America that will be employed for the special effects in the movie, Robot is more or less underway.

Keeping in mind the Internet-sneaking-of-Sivaji-images that remained unsolved despite the tight security arrangements in place during Sivaji’s shoots, Shankar has left no stones unturned this time around to make sure that the computers are tucked away secretively in a Gemini lab. Guarded by security personnel, access to the hall is restricted to the very few kingpins associated with the movie.

Superstar Rajinikanth is busy with his extended cameo for Kuselan and an announcement about Robot’s commencement is expected to be out soon.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Rajini and Shankar to fly US

Superstar Rajini is almost completed his works for his forthcoming Kuselan and preparing himself to fly off to US for taking make up tests for his year 2009 magnum opus Robot. According to the sources, Rajinikanth and his director Shankar are travelling to Hollywood to try out new looks for this Rs.1300 Million mega sci-fi thriller Robot. The new look and the makeup for it is expected to cost over Rs.30 million.

Robot Rajini will have Aishwarya Bachchan as his lady love for the first time and the actress has already allotted 6 months bulk dates continuously for a whopping Rs.60 million. The movie is a joint venture by Entertainment giants like Ayngaran and Eros and AR Rahman will compose the music for this flick.

The first photo shoot for the film by famous Chennai fashion and portfolio photographer G Venket Ram was held in mid-February and redesigned by Soundarya Rajinikanth as per the instructions of the director.

On the other hand, Gemini Colour Labs, one of the famous labs in Chennai has started its renovation work for the convenient of Rajini, Shankar and Robot team. It has made sure that Robot crew does not have to shuttle Chennai to Mumbai to get better amenities to give the best treatment to the film. So the directors of the lab ordered all new equipments to erect in the laboratory and the renovated lab will be inaugurated by none other than Superstar Rajini soon after his return from the US.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Jaane Tu music is young and peppy

Four summers ago, when I spoke to Abbas Tyrewala -- the prolific writer of Munnabhai [Images] MBBS, Maqbool and Main Hoon Na -- he appeared rather reluctant to direct a movie.

Today, this 'one-man army' is ready with his maiden venture, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na -- a generation Z musical cum love story produced by Aamir Khan [Images].

Besides a story to tell, Tyrewala is also assigned the responsibility of introducing Aamir's nephew, Imraan Khan in the best possible way, as well as showcasing Genelia D'Souza (Tujhe Meri Kasam [Images], Masti). What's more, the man has written the lyrics too, against A R Rahman's zingy score.

Though the soundtrack is undoubtedly fresh and zippy, it would be ridiculous to expect an overwhelming cousin of Jodhaa Akbar or Guru, which is both a welcome change as well as reminiscent (not in tune but spirit) of his compositions for mushy-themed campus capers like Kadhal Desam (also known as Duniya Dilwalon Ki), Boys and Lakeer.

So how good is is Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na? Well, for most part, I'd say 'Encore!'

Here's what it has to offer:

The exuberant fragrance of teenage-hood serenades the air with the infectious beats of the opening track -- Kabhi Kabhi Aditi. Rashid Ali's funky rendition and Rahman's stylish and rhythmic pace makes this a case of love-at-first-sound.

Also, as it often happens with the Carols (Oh Carol by Neil Sedaka) and Alices (Living next door to Alice by Smokie) of the world, there's nothing cuter than having a song that sings your name. And so all the girls who go by the name of Aditi, get ready to have a gala time soaking in the Hey Aditi dedications at a jukebox near you.

Up next, there's the naughty 'n' nutty Pappu can't dance. Indeed, Pappu might be a lousy mover, but the song, overall, is one hot-stepper. Then again, its mocking lyrics, which are allegedly aimed at Aamir's Andaz Apna Apna co-star Salman Khan [Images] poke fun at his -- disguised as Pappu -- love for fast cars, designer accessories and rippling muscles. While Sallu fans might be none too pleased, Pappu and his left feet are a rocking entertainer on their own. It's remix by Krishna Chetan is a pleasant add-on!

All of a sudden, the album slips into a grim mode in the restless and uncertain notes of Rahman and romance with Jaane tu mera kya hai. While its female version, in the husky tones of Runa, boasts of an eccentric electronic arrangement and tangent strain, the darker and desolate alternate interpretation by the reliably dramatic Sukhwinder Singh is sufficiently emotional if not necessarily heart-wrenching.

The capricious melody of Nazrein milaana, nazrein churaana reflects the playful, dreamy and perplexed state of young 'uns with warm results. The mercurial tempo of the album continues with a nifty Rahman jazz-up the scene, quite literally and lovingly, if I may add in Tu bole... main boloon. It's a wonderful experiment and introduction in the Bollywood music scene and deserves much applause.

Rashid Ali, accompanied by an exquisite Vasundhara Das, makes a surreal return in the soundtrack with the waltzing glory Kahin to. If you enjoyed Danish boy band Michael Learns To Rock, whose uncanny influence is echoed in Kahin's notes, this is definitely your cup of tea.

Looking for a soulful, uncomplicated, pleasant music? Rahman's frothy tonic of vibrant and breezily-tempered creations in Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na should certainly catch your fancy.

Rediff Rating:

Courtesy: rediff.com

Gemini's makeover for Rajni

Rajinikanth's movies not only create a big hype, but definitely bring big fame to the names behind it. That is yet another reason for even small distributors buying his movies for exorbitant prices. So what is the primary reason? Rajinikanth's movies come with a guarantee of box office success.

And when two giants like Rajinikanth and Shankar combine, it could never get better. Robot, a science fiction film starring Rajinikanth and directed by Shankar, is being considered as a very important milestone and opportunity by all involved in it, especially by Gemini Laboratories. So much so that Gemini Laboratories decided to undergo a major overhaul to meet all technical demands of the film's visual effects. It has ensured that most of the equipment necessary for the film's special effects are installed in its lab. It has constructed big rooms, halls, and studios for the foreign film crew to work in and store equipment they bring. It is also building a big recording theatre to house all latest recording equipment.

By creating a familiar and fully-equipped environment in which the foreign technicians can work comfortably and effectively, Gemini Labs has made sure that Robot crew does not have to shuttle between their parent laboratories and India (which was the state of Dasavathaaram crew). All this investment will pay returns only when movies as grand as Robot or Dasavathaaram happen, which is not too frequent in India. But Gemini Labs still did it all for a Rajinikanth movie. This is not surprising when we look at the fame and attention that Gemini will get by being a part of Robot, the most talked-about movie now.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Will A.R. Rahman concur with Ilayaraja?

Going by the saying “old wine in a new bottle” remixes and remakes seem to have become the norm of the day. At a time when the new generation is being hounded by critics for using yesteryear hits, maestro Ilayaraja has boldly decided to remix his own composition Madha Un Kovilil… from the film Archanai for Naan Kadavul. Thus far, only songs

those were more than a decade old was considered for remixing. But debutant L.V. Ganesh, son of famous musician L. Vaidyanathan, has decided to remix A.R. Rahman’s Kadhalikkuum Pennin Kaigal from the film Kadhalan. This one will be for Theeyavan, which features newbie Uday and Mamudhurai-fame Midhuna in the lead roles. However, M.S. Bhaskar and Arthi will shake their legs for this song making it a comical affair.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Exclusive! Rahman sings Jaane Tu for rediff.com

The music of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na was unveiled by Shammi Kapoor at his residence in Malabar Hill on Tuesday evening.

Aamir Khan -- who launches his nephew, Imraan, in this film -- wanted his idol Shammi Kapoor to do the honours.

Imraan and his leading heroine, Genelia D'Souza, was also present. Writer Abbas Tyrewala, who has penned movies like Asoka, Maqbool, Munnabhai MBBS, Main Hoon Na, Salaam Namaste and Welcome, makes his directorial debut with Jaane Tu.

We got A R Rahman, who scores the music for the film, to sing a few lines from the film, as well as talk about it. Check out the video!


Courtesy: rediff.com

Age in action

Hollywood has finally acknowledged that action heroes who sell are like good wine, they get better with age.

That ageing action heroes still rule the roost has been proved by the critical acclaim Harrison Ford and his Indiana Jones and The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull received at Cannes, where it premiered last Sunday, and is expected to be this year's biggest summer blockbuster.

The film - which sees the 65-year-old Harrison Ford return to the role of Indiana Jones after a 19-year gap was praised by the world media, reportedly garnering a three-and-a-half minute standing ovation by the select few who were invited to watch it, according to a Hollywood trade publication.

Before the screening, huge crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the movie's super hero Harrison Ford, who is quoted as saying, “I expect to have the whip turned on me. I'm not really worried about it. I work for the people who pay to get in. They are my customers and my focus is on providing the best experience I can for those people.” According to Hollywood websites, the film and its hero have received a resounding thumbs-up from critics known to pan popular entertainers. Noted critic Derek Malcom in his review has surprisingly given three out of five for this film. The film's director, the legendary Steven Spielberg (62) has hinted that he and producer, the iconic George Lucas (63) may take a fifth installment of the world's most popular action adventure Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford!

All this is great news for Kollywood's ageing action heroes who are still in their mid 50s - the likes of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sarath Kumar and Arjun (44). These heroes have been around for more than 20 years, and are still the best in business. It reiterates the fact that like Hollywood's dad army - Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone (62) and Bruce Willis (53), our ageing stars have audiences' faith in them. “The Tamil audiences have grown up on Rajini sir and Kamal sir and they are still the poster boys for today's youth in the 16 to 25 age group as they have reached iconic status,” says director K S Ravikumar, who has worked with both the stars.

Just as older action heroes in Hollywood are facing stiff competition from younger and fit action heroes like Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom and Jason Statham, in Kollywood too, stars like Vijay, Ajit and Surya in their mid 30s are giving the bigger superstars a run for their money. However, the bottom line is that younger action heroes worldwide are not in the same league or as charismatic and hot as the older guys who are all mega-brands with audiences of all ages.

Hollywood's ageing super heroes have the best of make-up men, stunts and fitness personnel monitoring round the clock their sagging skin, creaking bones, thinning hair, paunches, and back problems. The grapevine says that Ford was given air-brushing, his looks were digitally enhanced. This is afterall the world of make believe and our ageing stars too have been given digital make-overs for that youthful, debonair look and make their death-defying action scenes look natural and real on screen. The Kollywood buzz is that Shankar is going to give a totally new look to Rajinikanth in his forthcoming Robot. The director has already teamed with hair designer Bhanu and bought the latest expensive wigs from US for the star. Unlike in earlier days, technology can help a star hide his age and look smarter and more dashing on screen.

Though Rajinikanth's public appearances show his age, it never shows on screen. The trade attributes the success of Sivaji to Rajinikanth's young and charming looks in the film.

Shankar has spent a lot of time and energy to see that he could play the character he plays in the film. The buzz is that the actor keeps to a strict diet, consisting mainly of vegetarian food. Kamal, on the other hand, regularly works out and is very particular on how he looks on screen. Sarath Kumar also works out daily and is an actor who performs action scenes with a lot of conviction. So, while it might seem that size does matter, age definitely doesn't!

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Rare honor for Rahman

Acclaimed music composer A R Rahman will be presented with a life time achievement award by International Indian Film Academy (IIFA).

The award would be presented to Rahman on 6 June at a grand function to be held at Bangkok.

The award is being presented to Rahman for his immense contribution to promote Indian film music abroad and also making a mark internationally.

The function would be attended by the likes of Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan among others.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Rahman's Sakkarakatti to be released in June

AR Rahman is back with a brand new score. The musical genius, who has composed some fantastic tunes for Sakkarakatti, will release the audio in June.

The film has six songs which is a mix of classical and hip-hop numbers.The movie marks the debut of Bhagyaraj's son Santhanu and has been produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu. His son Prabhu is directing the movie.

The filmmakers have finished shooting the talkie portion of the movie and all that is left is one song. Rahman has come up with a catchy musical score. The song Taxi Taxi is sure to be a superhit.

Santhanu’s father previously launched his sister Sharanya amid much fanfare in the film Paarijatham, but the actress has not delivered a hit after that. Let’s hope that things turn out to be different for Santhanu at least.

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

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na - Music review

Would it be Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak once again with the arrival of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa? This is the first feeling one got the moment the first look of this Aamir Khan production was out. Marking the launch pad of his nephew, Imraan Khan, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa seems to be another innocent love story in the offering sans any unnecessary mush, hence going truly with contemporary times. With pretty girl Genelia D'Souza opposite Imraan in this campus flick and A.R. Rahman as the composer, this Abbas Tyrewala debut directorial venture (he also doubles up as a lyricist here), JTYJN, is a promising flick arriving this summer. Does the music hold up to the promise? The answer is - Yes!

Write your own music review of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
First things first - when the best of the best of 2008 would be written down, the number 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi' would definitely find a mention. Crooned by newcomer Rashid Ali who is being introduced by Rahman on Bollywood musical arena, the song is beautiful from the word GO, the moment guitar strings mark the song's beginning.

Rashid's voice is just perfect for an actor who is being launched in a youthful romantic entertainer and the singer utilizes the big platform to the fullest. While Abbas' lyrics go truly with contemporary times, it is a nice change to hear a Rahman composition in a truly mainstream cinema rather than the historical/period/issue based films for which he has been creating music for quite some time now.

In true Rahman style, he gets together a bunch of singers for the track 'Pappu Can't Dance'. Well, this is the track which is supposedly a spoof on Salman Khan's on and off screen image and has been making news in last few days. The song's beginning has a rhythm which has formed a part of the racy proceedings in the first teaser of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa that had kick started the film's promotion a few weeks back.

Anupama, Benny Dayal, Blazee, Tanvi, Darshana, Satish Subramanium and Aslam come together to sing about this character called 'Pappu' who has seen all the riches in his life. Since the day he was born, he roams around in the best of the cars, has a body to die for, boasts of an impeccable style, but alas, can't dance to save his life. Hence the title - 'Pappu Can't Dance'. A fast moving fun song, which has a campus setting to it and also appears in a 'remix version', 'Pappu' is a song which should be fun when watched on the big screen.

It's a new sound at the very beginning of 'Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai (Aditi)' that hooks you on instantaneously. This very rhythm stays throughout this song which is crooned for the female character of the film, Aditi, by yet another relative newcomer Runa. If the song's haunting tune wasn't enough, the way Runa renders the track makes it one as the sad theme of the song conveys what the protagonist is going through. A number about a girl remembering the times gone by with the boy she loved, 'Jaane Tu' is composed in a style, which is similar to that of 'Zara Zara' [Rehnna Hai Terre Dil Mein] and hence can be expected to grow over a period of time.

The song is later heard in a version meant for the film's male protagonist Jai and is titled 'Jaane Tu Meri Kya Hai (Jai)'. This time around the beginning is even more somber and takes it's own time to reach the stage where Sukhwinder Singh comes around to hold the center stage. The pensive mood is conveyed well yet again though this time around the version is even more somber.

Guitar is at play once again in the number 'Nazrein Milaana Nazrein Churaana'. The best song to arrive after 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi', 'Nazrein' deserves to be the next song in line for promotion. Packed with youthful energy, the number has a Rahman stamp all over it and goes in perfectly well with the film's campus mood. In fact just one hearing and you are sure to carry the number along for your next camp fire outing.

Yet again, it's an array of singers - Benny Dayal, Satish Chakravarthy, Naresh Iyer, Darshana, Shwetha, Tanvi, Bhargavi, Anupama - who come together but never once does one feels like trying to find out the singer behind a particular line. A complete team effort which reminds of the number 'Sama Yeh Suhaana' [Goonj] when it comes to it's setting.

The album continues to become better with every passing song, especially so the moment the title song arrives. Surprisingly, instead of 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa', it is titled 'Tu Bole Main Boloon', which are the opening words of the song. Sung by Rahman himself, the song is a funny take on how this guy and the girl have two different perspectives to everything, even though at the end what they mean is just the same! A bona fide jazz number with soft drums, saxophone and other associated musical instruments in tow, 'Tu Bolev' has an international feel to it in the way it's entire arrangements are done.

After a brilliant 'Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagiv', Rashid Ali returns with 'Kahin To Hogi Ho' where he has Vasundara Das for company. Yet another beautiful number which carries an Indi-pop feel to it, this love song has such a serene feel to it that one can't help playing the number on a repeat mode. This is a kind of a soft romantic number that you wish to preserve in your iPod and play it your loved one at the first given opportunity. A brilliant number which makes it two out of two for Rashid Ali!

The soundtrack here is unlike a conventional Bollywood score and instead introduces a style, which goes with the contemporary youthful setting. Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa is an album, which deserves to be bought this season. With Jannat being the only album which is registering good sales and no other album from past or present matching it's performance on the stands, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Naa by A.R. Rahman comes as welcome relief.


Courtesy: indiafm.com

A.R.Rahman adds more sweetness to the 'Sugar Cube'

There is no need to dig up the history and try to explain how the songs composed by A.R.Rahman in a lot of movies have went on to become youth anthems and how the expectations about a film increase and also add pages to its publicity when the news break out loose that the Mozart of Asia is composing the music for the songs in it.

The unit of the new film 'Sakkarakatti' can be assured of peppy, spicy, groovy and addictive music to do service to the ears of the audience as Rahman's compositions have done several times before being a big support factor to the success of the movie.

Getting A.R.Rahman to use his skills in a film is a very difficult task given his busy schedule and if the music maestro selects a movie then definitely he must have found something fascinating in the story of the film.

So the Job of building an aura around the potential of 'Sakkarakatti' a movie targeted at the youth has already been half done.

And when Rahman goes for something, he makes it the best.

A Singer Veena Bharatwaj was flown specially from London to record a song in this new film.

Other singers are Naresh Iyer, now a Rahman regular, Madhu sree, and Benny among others.

The audio tracks of a perfect blend of classical and hip hop music boasts of a song titled "I Miss U Da" which has been given sounds and tones that has never been heard before in Indian Films.

The director of the film himself admitted to have got hooked up with a youthful and inspiring ambiance in A.R.Rahman's studio when the songs were recorded.

The director of this youth oriented and colourful movie Prabhu who also happens to be the son of the famous producer Kalaipuli.S.Dhanu has taken a bold step in directing a movie just with the film making Knowledge that he has gained from his father and not by being an assistant to other directors.

The boldness to take the plunge just on their self belief shown by certain young directors in Kollywood has certainly triggered off a trend among the younger lot of aspiring directors to follow their dreams with oozing self confidence.

Director Prabhu follows the marks left back by the success story of another filmmaker who also happens to have "Prabhu" in his name.

The first time lucky director of 'Chennai 600028', Venkat Prabhu is already wrapping up his second project after hitting the Jack pot in his first attempt itself, that too without any prior experience to back up.

A.R.R's music comes as bonus in the true sense for any soon to be released movie.

Same in the case of this film too, but still it has a heavy luggage of making careers of two.

Other than a new director the film also marks the entry of Santhanu, son of the acclaimed actor/director Bhagyaraj into the film world as the leading man.

The audio C.D of the film comprising of 6 tracks will hit the music stores on June.

The countdown has started as all the scenes except the video of a song have been canned.

Wait and watch to see how the new Prabhu has tried to hit the bull's eye with his directorial debut.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Rajinikanth met Sultan

Superstar Rajinikanth saw two things when he watched the trailer of the animated movie 'Sultan The Warrior'.

For the first time he saw himself in a movie in which he did not act but still was able to enjoy Sultan as he is called in the film.

He also saw the talent and potential of his own blood in its full glory and splendor revealing in front of his eyes.

The actor after watching the trailer was moved and appreciated his daughter Soundarya who is the creative force and director behind the first of its kind animation project in India where a film star is being featured in a full length animated movie as an 3D animated character.

Ocher movies, Soundarya Rajinikanth's company is producing 'Sultan The Warrior'.

As usual in Rajinikanth movies, S.P.Balasubramanium has given the voice for the intro song in this film composed by the music wizard A.R.Rahman.

Three other songs composed by A.R.R. also add elegance to the film which has the duration of one hour and fifty minutes.

For Thotta Dharani, the acclaimed Art director, the experience in working in this movie turned out to be entirely different as he did not have to work with physical resources which are used to construct a set but just had to come out with designs which got the material and texture in the hands of 3D animation artists working under his guidance.

This attempt is sure to find followers once it gets released and Kollywood can be proud that the idea of 'Sultan The Warrior' was conceived and the effort to make it true was dared in Chennai.

Even if the film shows a Rajinikanth made up by animators, the opening and the hype to this movie is going to be the same as like any other film of the superstar.

That also is an honour that is meant exclusively for Rajini.

Who can argue on that?

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

‘Ghajini’ will hit the screens from October

Actor Aamir Khan, who is recovering from an injury, will soon resume shooting for Hindi remake of ‘Ghajini’.

'We hope to launch the film by October,' director A R Murugadas said.

With A R Rahman scoring music for the remake, the director, who originally planned to have just one melody number, has included another one.

Asin plays Aamir's heroine in the movie. She was part of the original too.

Courtesy:indiaglitz.com

Two in one special for Jaane Tu

If the title seems like a commercial for a soap or something, let us clear that notion immediately. Two in one special for Jaane Tu is referring to the two treats you're in store for when you visit a cinema near you this July 4th.

Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza will be hitting screens worldwide this July 4th with Aamir’s home production, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. And if that wasn’t enough of a treat, Aamir Khan has planned to release the first promo of the much awaited Tamil remake of Ghajini.


Ghajini Remake stars Aamir Khan opposite South actress Asin Thottumkal and recent debutant Jiah Khan. It's perhaps one of the most talked about and anticipated movies of the year and fans can finally rest in peace knowing that the promo is all set to hit the big screen this July.

Courtesy:bollyspice.com

Hindi Ghajini in October

Aamir Khan, who was injured during the shooting of his current project – the remake of Tamil film Ghajini – is recovering fast and will soon resume shooting.

Director Mr. Murugadoss, now in Chennai, stated that the film will be completed in three months and shall be released in October. He added that this will be a feast to Aamir Khan’s fan following, which has increased after Tare Zameen Par, not only in North, but also in Tamil Nadu. In Tare Zameen Par, Aamir played the role of an empathic and lovable teacher. In Ghajini, he plays the role of a man who has short-term memory loss. In Tamil, actor Suriya played this role and it won him a lot of accolades.

Asin is the female lead in the Hindi version too; she has spoken immaculate Hindi in her own voice. Music is by A.R. Rahman. All these factors are making the filmgoers of Tamil Nadu eagerly await this movie's release. Now at least they know their wait will end in October.

Southern beautyAsin, the female lead, has been in the news ever since she was signed for this movie. She swept everyone off their feet when she featured in “Close up” and “Mirinda” ads alongside Saif Ali Khan and Zayed Khan respectively.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Soundarya Rajini confirms Billa-2

Soundarya Rajinikanth, the director of Rajini's forthcoming animated magnum opus, Sultan - The Warrior officially confirmed the idea of making Billa 2 with actor Ajith. She said that she will start working on the film after June 2009, by which time Ajith will be free from Aegan and she will be free from Sultan: the warrior.

She revealed this with media persons a couple of days ago and said, "I decided this project only after consulted with my father and now a team has seriously in the discussions for Billa-2. Apart from this, I'm making all arrangements to take the entire Billa team into the sequel. When I told this idea to my father, he was very happy and also told that he is also very eager to watch the sequel of his classic action film with some other actor."


When a reporter asked about his father's role in Billa-2, Soundarya categorically dismissed that there was no such idea. Soundarya is going to produce this sequel in association with Warner Bros. Pictures India.

Courtesy: oneindia.in

Rahman's song to be remixed

A R Rahman's popular chartbuster "Kadhalikkuum Pennin Kaigal" from the movie 'Kadhalan' would be remixed soon for a movie titled 'Theeyavan'.

Interestingly the remix song would feature comedians M S Baskar and Aarthi dancing. 'Theeyavan' features newcomer Udhay and Mamudhurai girl Midhuna in the lead role.

Untill now only songs of M S Viswanathan and Ilayaraja were remixxed. It is perhaps the first time that Rahman's popular song is being remixed.

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com