S.J. Suryah, who has been sidelined for quite sometime following some disastrous movies, is determined to make a strong comeback with his Telugu movie ‘Puli’, starring Pawan Kalyan.
He made a dream start with films like ‘Vaali’ and ‘Kushi’. He established himself as a smart and innovative storyteller, who can handle big stars with ease. But he changed track when he started acting. Though his maiden venture as hero ‘New’ was a hit, it received lot of criticism for its ‘vulgar and smutty portrayals and dialogues’.
The director cum hero received flakes for continuing making film on the same lines. The failure of these films has forced him to take a break and introspect.
The break seems to have helped the young and innovative director. Now he seems to be a changed person. “I made mistakes. Now I am a changed person. You will see a new Suryah. Someone who is responsible towards society”, says the director.
‘Puli’ is said to be a different kind of cop story with the music of A.R. Rahman. Suryah believes that this film would change his image. He is confident that the film would be his second beginning.
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com
Friday, February 01, 2008
BEYOND THE FRONTIERS
In the fifteen years that he has been around, he has turned trends on their heads and reset music parameters. This year, A.R.Rahman has achieved the rare distinctions of winning both the Best Music and Best Background Music trophies for Guru and also opening an unique Music Conservatory in Chennai. In an informal chat, the elusive composer talks of - what else? - his music
You launched the K.M.Conservatory on your 42nd birthday. What exactly is the concept behind this?
Conservatories are widely known in the West and the concept comes from the orderliness and harmonic structure of Western classical music. When I worked abroad, it struck me that I could prepare and record music in three days flat - and yet it sounded so beautiful.
Over here we are not so well organised., and it is extremely difficult to find certain instruments like oboes and French horns because there are no players. Most of today’s musicians are into electronics and the learning of instruments is neglected and music is compromised because they cannot sustain a livelihood with them.
But in the conservatory, a young musician can learn the violin or even a rare instrument and sustain himself by doing, say, its edit on the computer. So he learns - but earns well too. This is a common practice abroad where people do something else for a livelihood and also play music. There are musicians, for example, who are also web designers, so that they can afford a decent lifestyle.
I have extended this concept even to Indian classical and folk music. Musicians can come here to learn different styles of music like kirtanas and thumri.
A world-class orchestra is also our goal. Since electronics sounds came in and their new sound was liked for its freshness, live classical music and instruments began to lose appreciation, which was ominous. So many Indian composers have to go abroad to find orchestras for recording. KM Music Conservatory aims to eliminate this shortcoming. For a modern classical musician, having knowledge of both music performance and music technology is invaluable. Therefore, as I said earlier, excellent music production capabilities will ensure many more career opportunities and financial security.
You launched the K.M.Conservatory on your 42nd birthday. What exactly is the concept behind this?
Conservatories are widely known in the West and the concept comes from the orderliness and harmonic structure of Western classical music. When I worked abroad, it struck me that I could prepare and record music in three days flat - and yet it sounded so beautiful.
Over here we are not so well organised., and it is extremely difficult to find certain instruments like oboes and French horns because there are no players. Most of today’s musicians are into electronics and the learning of instruments is neglected and music is compromised because they cannot sustain a livelihood with them.
But in the conservatory, a young musician can learn the violin or even a rare instrument and sustain himself by doing, say, its edit on the computer. So he learns - but earns well too. This is a common practice abroad where people do something else for a livelihood and also play music. There are musicians, for example, who are also web designers, so that they can afford a decent lifestyle.
I have extended this concept even to Indian classical and folk music. Musicians can come here to learn different styles of music like kirtanas and thumri.
A world-class orchestra is also our goal. Since electronics sounds came in and their new sound was liked for its freshness, live classical music and instruments began to lose appreciation, which was ominous. So many Indian composers have to go abroad to find orchestras for recording. KM Music Conservatory aims to eliminate this shortcoming. For a modern classical musician, having knowledge of both music performance and music technology is invaluable. Therefore, as I said earlier, excellent music production capabilities will ensure many more career opportunities and financial security.
Where is this Conservatory located?
The KM Music Conservatory and Audio Media Education will be India’s first Apple-authorised training centre. Right now, it is located in a small premises next to my studio but by the end of this year we will shift to a proper campus just outside Chennai. We plan to have a faculty of professors and musicians from both India and abroad and start the first batch in 2008, when we will audition vocalists as well as flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and percussion players.
What will be the curriculum like?
We will have courses including Western Vocal and Instrumental, Indian Classical Vocal, Western and Indian Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Ear Training, Piano, Audio Engineering, an Apple-certified course in Logic Pro, and a Digidesign-certified course in Pro Tools. We will also have a professional KM Music Symphony Orchestra for those who complete the programmes, and the A.R.Rahman Foundation Scholarships for deserving students.
A Mumbai daily stated that you are curtailing assignments, especially in Hindi films, to give more attention to this new mission.
It was my dream to have such a conservatory for years but I held back each time as news floated about others planning similar things. Finally, since nothing was happening I decided to move ahead. And it’s not that I am cutting down on Hindi films. I have always been fairly choosy, I think, and I can’t do 10 films at a time here. But yes, I am trying to choose the cream even from among them.
This time you were in Mumbai a day before theScreen Awards. So why did you not stay back? As it happened, you annexed both the Best Music and Best Background Music trophies for Guru.
I know, I regret that I could not attend the Screen Awards show. The problem was that I was in a whirlwind at that particular point, so I was not even accessible as I hardly had time even to check emails and SMS-es! Besides the launch of the Conservatory, I flew down for the music launch of Jodhaa Akbar on the 9th, but I had to fly abroad as a studio had been booked for two days for some background music work on the film.
We just spoke about classical music. In Guru, Barso re proved the most popular song along with Tere bina. The ‘item’ song Mayya mayya came a third. Does that indicate a trend?
By itself, it is a very good sign, though Mayya mayya was also popular, besides being the first song that we recorded. It is a fact that ‘item’ songs or electronic music does not satisfy in the long run, unlike folk-based or raag-based songs. But Barso re was an afterthought. We had earlier recorded a song that was based on Gujarati folk that was to be shot with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on a bicycle - Main chali. But then she suffered an injury and we thought of a rain song instead and that’s how Barso re happened. Tere bina was a Sufi number and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khansaab has always been a great inspiration for me.
What kind of song comes easier for you?
Making any good song or tune is never easy! (Laughs)
Speaking of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is it true that you wanted her to sing Man Mohana in Jodhaa Akbar?
Well, Ashutosh Gowariker was very keen on Aishwaryaji singing that song. But she had no time to rehearse.
But the song is very demanding musically. Could an actress doing a one-off rendition have done justice to it?
Well, there are hidden talents in people! Nicole Kidman successfully sang abroad.
Today, software for pitch-correction is available. On the other hand, you have always been known to use amateur singers and maintain their natural tones, even if they are not in immaculate sur. Why is that?
As a lover of world music, I have come to believe that it is not necessary to have perfection when someone has a passion for music. Too much polish can be boring sometimes! (Laughs) See this jacket that I am wearing. It’s a new jacket but there is a deliberate faded quality at the edges. That makes it more attractive!
You tend to do a lot of Hindi films with a period or historical backdrop - The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Bose - The Forgotten Hero, Mangal Pandey - The Rising and even Lagaan and a part of Guru. How do you approach these films’ scores vis-à-vis a ‘normal’ contemporary assignment?
Such films make you think differently. For example, there is no catchy groove that you can use and a certain authenticity is needed. At the same time, there should be a contemporary appeal and quality, and I have to see how friendly my music can be while retaining the correct vibe. Today even kids are smart - they pick up the best and the most interesting of songs, old or new.
A common allegation is that you use instruments that were not present in those eras.
Well, I try to avoid something that has too modern a sound, like a guitar. I love acoustics anyway. But such aspects are not always possible or necessary. And no composer has been able to be a purist in this genre of cinema. The effect and quality of the orchestration and background music are more important.
Another long-standing accusation against you is that your music often is repetitious, and this has been a personal observation too.
(Smiles) Well, I guess that’s because everything I do comes from within me, so a certain style or stamp is unavoidable. But it also has a lot to do with the film too and my inspirational level.
Well, we see freshness in every film of yours with say, a Mani Ratnam or a Subhash Ghai or an Ashutosh Gowariker. But then you do films like Lakeer, Tehzeeb…
(Shrugs) Sometimes I have done certain films for specific reasons. But as I said I want to be even choosier than before.
Himesh Reshammiya hopes to sing for you sometime. You used Bappi Lahiri’s vocals in Guru. And now there is news that you will be singing for Kailasa - The Band in their first film project.
Well, that’s not going to happen, unfortunately. Kailash (Kher) did want me to sing, but I am not comfortable as yet with the idea of singing for someone else. I can’t really explain why, but I guess I am somehow not cut out for that.
Which are the films that you are doing now?
I am doing Aamir Khan’s Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and his remake of Ghajini and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Dilli 6.Subhashji’s Yuvraaj will always release this year. In Tamil films I am doing Shankar’s Robot and also Sultan - The Warrior.Then there is a Telugu film starring Pawan Kalyan. Some more projects are coming up.
Courtesy: ScreenIndia.com
Star-studded music launches are back!
Jodhaa Akbar
The music of UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions’ Jodhaa Akbar was formally released by the Royalty of Jaipur (who are the direct descendants of Jodha) - His Highness Maharaja Bhawani Singhji and Her Highness Maharani Padmini Deviji of Jaipur and His Highness Maharaja Brajraj Singhji of Kishangarh.
Present in the magnificent Royal Tent, especially erected for the unveiling, were singers Sonu Nigam, Javed Ali and Bela Shende along with the cast and crew of the film including Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, A. R. Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Punam S. Sinha, Sonu Sood, Ronnie Screwvala and Sunita and Ashutosh Gowariker . Cinematographer Kiran Deohans, action coordinator Ravi Dewan, production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai, costumes designer Neeta Lulla and character artistes Raza Murad, Ila Arun, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and writer and character artiste Haider Ali were present. The other guests who attended the launch included Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay and Zarine Khan, Zayed Khan, Amar Singh and others.
Said Ashutosh Gowariker, “The experience of producing the music of Jodhaa Akbar has been fascinating, exciting and unique. One of the pleasures of working on a film is repeating your team. And if that team happens to be Javedsaab and Rahman then the process of creating music is all the more wonderful and joyous.”
Speaking on the music, A R Rahman comments, “It has always been a pleasure to associate with Ashutosh on his projects. We started off with Lagaan and then Swades, both of which gave me immense creative satisfaction as a composer. It was an honour that Jodhaa Akbar was offered to me.”
The music of the film marks the launch of UTV Music and UTV chief Ronnie Screwvala said, “A film of the magnitude and calibre of Jodhaa Akbar with its outstanding music compositions is the perfect vehicle for the launch of UTV Music.”
Courtesy: ScreenIndia.com
The music of UTV Motion Pictures and Ashutosh Gowariker Productions’ Jodhaa Akbar was formally released by the Royalty of Jaipur (who are the direct descendants of Jodha) - His Highness Maharaja Bhawani Singhji and Her Highness Maharani Padmini Deviji of Jaipur and His Highness Maharaja Brajraj Singhji of Kishangarh.
Present in the magnificent Royal Tent, especially erected for the unveiling, were singers Sonu Nigam, Javed Ali and Bela Shende along with the cast and crew of the film including Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, A. R. Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Punam S. Sinha, Sonu Sood, Ronnie Screwvala and Sunita and Ashutosh Gowariker . Cinematographer Kiran Deohans, action coordinator Ravi Dewan, production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai, costumes designer Neeta Lulla and character artistes Raza Murad, Ila Arun, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and writer and character artiste Haider Ali were present. The other guests who attended the launch included Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha and Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay and Zarine Khan, Zayed Khan, Amar Singh and others.
Said Ashutosh Gowariker, “The experience of producing the music of Jodhaa Akbar has been fascinating, exciting and unique. One of the pleasures of working on a film is repeating your team. And if that team happens to be Javedsaab and Rahman then the process of creating music is all the more wonderful and joyous.”
Speaking on the music, A R Rahman comments, “It has always been a pleasure to associate with Ashutosh on his projects. We started off with Lagaan and then Swades, both of which gave me immense creative satisfaction as a composer. It was an honour that Jodhaa Akbar was offered to me.”
The music of the film marks the launch of UTV Music and UTV chief Ronnie Screwvala said, “A film of the magnitude and calibre of Jodhaa Akbar with its outstanding music compositions is the perfect vehicle for the launch of UTV Music.”
Courtesy: ScreenIndia.com
'Jodha Akbar' once again under Rajput fire
Jodha Akbar continues to be in the news for all the wrong reasons. The Rajput community who had earlier voiced their objections against alleged historical inaccuracies in the film has once again raised the issue. The Rajput Sabha has said that they will not allow Asutosh Gowariker to release the film unless and until he removes the inaccuracies.
Rajput Sabha head Narendra Singh Rajawat has contended that Gowariker is presenting Jodhabai as Akbar's wife, which is factually incorrect, adding that Jodhabai was not the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber as shown in the film.
Jodhabai was the daughter of Motaraja Udai Singh of Marwar and was married to Akbar's son Salim alias Jehangir. Mughal king Shahjahan was her son, he explained.
Rajawat said such distortion of historical facts had hurt the feelings of the Rajput community.
The community has also urged the courts to restrain Gowariker from showing Jodhabai as the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber.
He said that the name of Raja Bharmal's daughter was Harkabai alias Heera Kunwar.
The Rajput community is all set to boycott the film which is due for a 15 February release.
Courtesy: Indiantelevision.com
Rajput Sabha head Narendra Singh Rajawat has contended that Gowariker is presenting Jodhabai as Akbar's wife, which is factually incorrect, adding that Jodhabai was not the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber as shown in the film.
Jodhabai was the daughter of Motaraja Udai Singh of Marwar and was married to Akbar's son Salim alias Jehangir. Mughal king Shahjahan was her son, he explained.
Rajawat said such distortion of historical facts had hurt the feelings of the Rajput community.
The community has also urged the courts to restrain Gowariker from showing Jodhabai as the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber.
He said that the name of Raja Bharmal's daughter was Harkabai alias Heera Kunwar.
The Rajput community is all set to boycott the film which is due for a 15 February release.
Courtesy: Indiantelevision.com
Salman and Ajay in 'London Dreams'
Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi is set to begin production of the grand musical "London Dreams" this year and the real surprise of the project is Salman Khan.
Santoshi said: "'London Dreams' will come in the middle of the year. So I wouldn't like to say much about it right now. But yes, Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan have been signed for it. And A.R. Rahman will do the music."
Ajay is of course is widely considered Santoshi's resident hero.
But some years ago, Santoshi and Salman had teamed up for the comedy "Andaz Apna Apna".
Salman, currently on a signing spree, has agreed to work in new films to be made by Nikhil Advani and Samir Karnik, among others.
"London Dreams" is unlike any film Santoshi has made before.
Moving away from the gut-wrenching trademark action of his films like "Ghayal" and "Lajja", the new movie is based in London and will delineate the life and times of those associated with the Asian underground music scene.
It will chart the rise and fall of an Indi-Rock band, with A.R. Rahman providing the global sounds for this unorthodox Bollywood musical.
The film could be Santoshi's most expensive film to date, as it will try to replicate the flamboyance of Baz Luhrmann's "Moulin Rouge".
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
Santoshi said: "'London Dreams' will come in the middle of the year. So I wouldn't like to say much about it right now. But yes, Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan have been signed for it. And A.R. Rahman will do the music."
Ajay is of course is widely considered Santoshi's resident hero.
But some years ago, Santoshi and Salman had teamed up for the comedy "Andaz Apna Apna".
Salman, currently on a signing spree, has agreed to work in new films to be made by Nikhil Advani and Samir Karnik, among others.
"London Dreams" is unlike any film Santoshi has made before.
Moving away from the gut-wrenching trademark action of his films like "Ghayal" and "Lajja", the new movie is based in London and will delineate the life and times of those associated with the Asian underground music scene.
It will chart the rise and fall of an Indi-Rock band, with A.R. Rahman providing the global sounds for this unorthodox Bollywood musical.
The film could be Santoshi's most expensive film to date, as it will try to replicate the flamboyance of Baz Luhrmann's "Moulin Rouge".
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
Nasreen to book Rahman
The author and documentary film-maker plans to write a volume on the composer
It’s an exclusive function, where Shah Rukh Khan was honoured by the French government. Hardly anyone managed to get near King Khan, except for one exception. Nasreen Munni Kabeer was especially ushered backstage, where Shah Rukh gave her a big hug, and the two chatted for quite a while before he made his way out.
Not very surprising, considering Kabir is one the few who made it to the inner world of Shah Rukh Khan by making two documentaries on the star. “When I made those documentaries, he was peaking as a star. But in the four or five years since I made the documentaries, (The Inner World of Shah Rukh Khan/The Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan), he has become a much bigger star,” she says.
Ask her if she remains in touch with Shah Rukh and she states humbly, “I do call him and we do chat once in a while, but he is a busy, busy man, I don’t expect him to have that kind of time for me. After all, I am just a small documentary film-maker.” However, Kabir has covered Shah Rukh Khan during his recent visit to Paris and may also do another documentary on the star. “I get footage from wherever I can and then put it together to see if I can get something interesting,” she says.
So is she working on another such project? “Well, I have always liked to work on those who have changed the course of the Hindi film industry. I did a documentary on Amitabh Bachchan many years back, and then Shah Rukh. I would love to do a book on A R Rahman soon. I am in talks with him. I hope it works out,” she says.
In the pipeline is also a project to transcribe the dialogues of Mehboob Khan’s classic Mother India and a few more documentaries.
“I love Mother India, it’s a classic film and also one that has so many layers. I am not only transcribing and translating the dialogues into English, I am also analysing the film as I go along. I have done the same for Mughal-E -Azam and I hope to do more such films,” she ends.
Courtesy: DnaIndia.com
It’s an exclusive function, where Shah Rukh Khan was honoured by the French government. Hardly anyone managed to get near King Khan, except for one exception. Nasreen Munni Kabeer was especially ushered backstage, where Shah Rukh gave her a big hug, and the two chatted for quite a while before he made his way out.
Not very surprising, considering Kabir is one the few who made it to the inner world of Shah Rukh Khan by making two documentaries on the star. “When I made those documentaries, he was peaking as a star. But in the four or five years since I made the documentaries, (The Inner World of Shah Rukh Khan/The Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan), he has become a much bigger star,” she says.
Ask her if she remains in touch with Shah Rukh and she states humbly, “I do call him and we do chat once in a while, but he is a busy, busy man, I don’t expect him to have that kind of time for me. After all, I am just a small documentary film-maker.” However, Kabir has covered Shah Rukh Khan during his recent visit to Paris and may also do another documentary on the star. “I get footage from wherever I can and then put it together to see if I can get something interesting,” she says.
So is she working on another such project? “Well, I have always liked to work on those who have changed the course of the Hindi film industry. I did a documentary on Amitabh Bachchan many years back, and then Shah Rukh. I would love to do a book on A R Rahman soon. I am in talks with him. I hope it works out,” she says.
In the pipeline is also a project to transcribe the dialogues of Mehboob Khan’s classic Mother India and a few more documentaries.
“I love Mother India, it’s a classic film and also one that has so many layers. I am not only transcribing and translating the dialogues into English, I am also analysing the film as I go along. I have done the same for Mughal-E -Azam and I hope to do more such films,” she ends.
Courtesy: DnaIndia.com
2nd front steps up willing to take Akbar out
 |
Akbar may himself be dead and buried and mughal empire long been subjugated, but the unsettled questions during that muslim invasion of Hindustan and mughal controlled era of the subcontinent are not exactly creating the fuzzy sentiments among people across the board as Ronnie Screwvala and UTV might have expected. If there are certain types of people looking forward to the film, there are also an increasing number of people who are planning to hold the film and its backers in a hostile account after this movie.
When the film was about to go on the floors couple years ago, the Rajput Mahasabha had warned the makers about potential consequences of manipulating history for a political agenda (BJP ruled Rajasthan is due for elections soon as are other BJP states like Madhya Pradesh). Lawsuits were said to be bound to follow for starters with violence following possibly after that.
Courtesy: Ibosnetwork.com
But since then, apart from the Rajput Mahasabha, a 2nd front, the Karni Sena has stepped forward warning Jodha Akbar also. It has warned the people of Jodha Akbar of physical consequences upon film's release if they felt an unseemly agenda using coverups and distortion of history was being perpetrated using the cover of this movie. Jodha Akbar has been threatened to be taken off the screens its first weekend itself if that would be the case.
And pointedly, the Rajput Mahasabha has already decided to evict even the two Amer individuals in today's times claiming to be hindus related to alleged Jodha Bai, and who were supporting Ashutosh Gowarikar's plans. Despite their royal claims, they are being evicted.
Rajasthan being a relatively hard saffron state, and with its long history fighting against muslim invasions, will be an issue for Jodha Akbar.
It is also possible that Hindu armed groups from Maharashtra, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh and other states will organize in force this time and that can create major problems for Akbar and the mughal crew in the weeks and months ahead.
Keeping these issues in mind, Gowarikar is said to have gotten Amitabh Bachchan to do voiceover for the film. But all that may not matter given the stakes involved. Right now all they are praying for is that the Hindus of today don't physically counter-strike their fictional mughal onslaught, taking the rug from under them; and that finishing the film does not turn out to be the easiest part of the job.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bollywood film Jodha Akbar gets the royal nod
India's royal families in Northwestern Rajasthan have endorsed the making of the Bollywood period romance Jodhaa-Akbar, dismissing all controversies revolving around the story line.
Based on the love story of Mughal emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife Jodhaa, the movie has won appreciation from the royal families of Jaipur and Kishangarh for the extensive research done by the director, Ashutosh Gowarikar.
Courtesy: NewIndpress.com
Based on the love story of Mughal emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife Jodhaa, the movie has won appreciation from the royal families of Jaipur and Kishangarh for the extensive research done by the director, Ashutosh Gowarikar.
Courtesy: NewIndpress.com
Aamir Khan won’t star in 'Delhi Belly'
A promise made to his kids has prevented superstar Aamir Khan from acting in his home production Delhi Belly .
Sadly, we may not see the perfectionist Khan acting in ‘Delhi Belly’, purportedly an action comedy set in Delhi. The movie is a very ambitious venture of Aamir Khan Productions. Its shooting crew, including cinematographer, will be from abroad. The film, in English language, will reportedly be directed by Swedish director Robert Nylund.
It is learnt that Aamir was keen to play a character named Nitin in the film, but he dropped the idea because he wants to keep himself free for a holiday with his kids Junaid and Aira.
‘Delhi Belly’ will go on the floors in March. And Aamir’s two kids will be free from their yearly exams by the end of March. That is when Aamir plans to wrap up the shooting of the Ghajini remake and head to a holiday with his kids.
The actor has not been able to spend much time with Junaid and Aira because he has been busy with publicity and release of Taare Zameen Par , which is showing no signs of slowing down at the box-office.
The movie has already surpassed the earnings of Rang De Basanti and may well turn out to be the biggest hit of 2007-2008.
The coming months would also see Aamir preparing for another home production that will go on the floors later this year.
Courtesy: Apunkachoice.com
Sadly, we may not see the perfectionist Khan acting in ‘Delhi Belly’, purportedly an action comedy set in Delhi. The movie is a very ambitious venture of Aamir Khan Productions. Its shooting crew, including cinematographer, will be from abroad. The film, in English language, will reportedly be directed by Swedish director Robert Nylund.
It is learnt that Aamir was keen to play a character named Nitin in the film, but he dropped the idea because he wants to keep himself free for a holiday with his kids Junaid and Aira.
‘Delhi Belly’ will go on the floors in March. And Aamir’s two kids will be free from their yearly exams by the end of March. That is when Aamir plans to wrap up the shooting of the Ghajini remake and head to a holiday with his kids.
The actor has not been able to spend much time with Junaid and Aira because he has been busy with publicity and release of Taare Zameen Par , which is showing no signs of slowing down at the box-office.
The movie has already surpassed the earnings of Rang De Basanti and may well turn out to be the biggest hit of 2007-2008.
The coming months would also see Aamir preparing for another home production that will go on the floors later this year.
Courtesy: Apunkachoice.com
Aamir disappointed in Jaipur?
Now that his TAARE ZAMEEN PAR has been declared a blockbuster in many circuits of India, Aamir Khan has recommenced the shooting of his latest, the remake of the South blockbuster, GHAJINI, early last week.
Taking a day off from the shooting of the film, Aamir Khan was in the Pink City on Republic day. Why one may ask? Well, Aamir was there to meet his favourite writer, Gore Vidal (the writer of classics like BEN-HUR), who was expected at the week long Literature Festival in the Rajasthan capital, Jaipur.
Aamir fans, along with parents from families with disabilities thronged Diggi Palace (the venue of the festival), to have a look at their favourite star. But Aamir himself was rather disappointed, as the reason for which he had come to Jaipur remained unfulfilled because Gore Vidal did not turn up.
However, Aamir being a sport said rather jokingly that the honorable organizers kept him in the dark about Gore Vidal's absence all the while!
Courtesy: Glamsham.com
Taking a day off from the shooting of the film, Aamir Khan was in the Pink City on Republic day. Why one may ask? Well, Aamir was there to meet his favourite writer, Gore Vidal (the writer of classics like BEN-HUR), who was expected at the week long Literature Festival in the Rajasthan capital, Jaipur.
Aamir fans, along with parents from families with disabilities thronged Diggi Palace (the venue of the festival), to have a look at their favourite star. But Aamir himself was rather disappointed, as the reason for which he had come to Jaipur remained unfulfilled because Gore Vidal did not turn up.
However, Aamir being a sport said rather jokingly that the honorable organizers kept him in the dark about Gore Vidal's absence all the while!
Courtesy: Glamsham.com
‘Sakkarakatti’ a song costs 2 C!
Recently director Kala Prabhu shot a song sequence, based on a unique concept in Prasad studio for the movie. The song portrays New York City after 500 years.
The song with such an incredible idea is for ‘Sakkarakatti’ that features Bhagyaraj’s son Shanthanu in the lead. Vedhika is acting as his pair. The film has the music by none other than A.R. Rahman.
Shanthanu and Vedhika were dancing around with a lot of French girls for the song. The song, which would cost two crore rupees, will be shot for 10 days, informs the director.
The movie, which has been in the making for quite some time, is growing fast. It is expected to be released by March-April. The young hero Shanthanu is expecting the movie for a break in his career.
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com
The song with such an incredible idea is for ‘Sakkarakatti’ that features Bhagyaraj’s son Shanthanu in the lead. Vedhika is acting as his pair. The film has the music by none other than A.R. Rahman.
Shanthanu and Vedhika were dancing around with a lot of French girls for the song. The song, which would cost two crore rupees, will be shot for 10 days, informs the director.
The movie, which has been in the making for quite some time, is growing fast. It is expected to be released by March-April. The young hero Shanthanu is expecting the movie for a break in his career.
Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com
Rajputs oppose Jodha Akbar
More trouble awaits Bollywood director Ashutosh Gowarikar's mega budget venture Jodha Akbar with leaders of Rajput community here threatening to stall its release in the state.
The Rajput community has alleged distortion of facts in the movie.
The film has Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Bachchan in the lead roles. It is scheduled to be released on 15 February.
President of Rajput Karni Sena, Lokendra Kalvi, has said that the Sena had apprehended distortion of Rajasthan's historical facts in Jodha Akbar which is based on Jodhpur raj gharana.
The Karni Sena would watch the movie when released, and if required it would not allow its screening in the state, Kalvi said.
Earlier, the Rajput Mahasabha had also alleged misinterpretation of historical facts.
They maintained that Jodha was Jehangir's wife and not Akbar's as shown in K Asif's Mughal-E-Azam earlier and now in Jodha Akbar.
Meanwhile, the royal families have stood in defence of the movie saying that they had been involved in the making of the movie. The Jaipur Royal family has come forward in support of Gowarikar.
The heirs of Kishengarh dynasty have also come forward to support the director. Former Royal Brajraj Singh said that they had already made changes in the script where required and there was no point of opposition now.
Courtesy: Saharasamay.com
The Rajput community has alleged distortion of facts in the movie.
The film has Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Bachchan in the lead roles. It is scheduled to be released on 15 February.
President of Rajput Karni Sena, Lokendra Kalvi, has said that the Sena had apprehended distortion of Rajasthan's historical facts in Jodha Akbar which is based on Jodhpur raj gharana.
The Karni Sena would watch the movie when released, and if required it would not allow its screening in the state, Kalvi said.
Earlier, the Rajput Mahasabha had also alleged misinterpretation of historical facts.
They maintained that Jodha was Jehangir's wife and not Akbar's as shown in K Asif's Mughal-E-Azam earlier and now in Jodha Akbar.
Meanwhile, the royal families have stood in defence of the movie saying that they had been involved in the making of the movie. The Jaipur Royal family has come forward in support of Gowarikar.
The heirs of Kishengarh dynasty have also come forward to support the director. Former Royal Brajraj Singh said that they had already made changes in the script where required and there was no point of opposition now.
Courtesy: Saharasamay.com
Monday, January 28, 2008
"Saying no to Shankar & Rajini can be a problem"
Aishwarya Rai opened up to the media first time on her upcoming Tamil project – 'Robot' to be directed by the renowned craftsman Shankar. She would star against Superstar Rajinikanth. Readers might remember that most of the heroine roles in Rajini's last few projects starting from Nilambari in 'Padayappa' were offered to Aishwarya Rai, only to be turned down owing to the date issues of the actress. |  |
Talking on Shankar and Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai expressed, "They are super entertainers, independently and together; it can be a problem saying no to them. I did get an enquiry last year when I was away on Pink Panther. This time I am happy that we could work out our schedule."
On heroines getting sidelined in a Rajini movie, Aishwarya was quick to refute the claim, "I don't think it's a fair statement. You can't but be fascinated by this phenomenon called Rajini sir. He is so super fascinating and intriguing to his audience. I don't think it's a deliberate attempt by any director to sideline any actor / character working along with him."
She went on to add, "Rajini Sir is such a wonderful human being. He has been so close to the family too. I am glad and honored to be working with him"
With Shankar finally managing to rope in Aishwarya Rai into his dream project, the expectations on 'Robot' would now touch sky high. The project to be produced by Ayngaran and Eros International has A.R.Rahman for music and will be the second film for Aishwarya Rai under Shankar's direction after 'Jeans'.
Courtesy: Behindwoods.com
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Fear of failure haunts A.R. Rahman
A string of hits over the years hasn’t helped composer A.R. Rahman get rid of his biggest fear -- that a bad project might harm his reputation as Bollywood’s best.
Rahman, who shot to fame with his compositions for "Roja" in 1992, is known for his musical versatility. He has innovated with different instruments and sounds to create some of India's best known musical hits for more than a decade.
But the composer knows success comes at a price.
"It does scare me sometimes (but) not about staying on top - first place or second place," Rahman told Reuters.
"It is about what I'm delivering, how good the music is always, how precise I have to be while composing as I might be putting my reputation of 15 years at stake."
Rahman has several big budget projects lined up for release in 2008, including Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodhaa Akbar", Subhash Ghai's "Yuvraaj", Rakeysh Mehra's "Dilli 6" and the Aamir Khan-starrer "Ghajini".
But he’s eagerly awaiting Tamil filmmaker Shankar’s science fiction venture “Robot”.
"Robot' is very futuristic and I am looking forward to composing for it," Rahman said. "I have never tried the genre before and it is an exciting venture."
Selecting the right project might be tough for some but for Rahman, instinct plays a key role.
"I often take quick decisions as sometimes I work with people whom I have worked with before and sometimes it's just out of pure instinct when I come across an exciting project."
Courtesy: Reuters.com
Rahman, who shot to fame with his compositions for "Roja" in 1992, is known for his musical versatility. He has innovated with different instruments and sounds to create some of India's best known musical hits for more than a decade.
But the composer knows success comes at a price.
"It does scare me sometimes (but) not about staying on top - first place or second place," Rahman told Reuters.
"It is about what I'm delivering, how good the music is always, how precise I have to be while composing as I might be putting my reputation of 15 years at stake."
Rahman has several big budget projects lined up for release in 2008, including Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodhaa Akbar", Subhash Ghai's "Yuvraaj", Rakeysh Mehra's "Dilli 6" and the Aamir Khan-starrer "Ghajini".
But he’s eagerly awaiting Tamil filmmaker Shankar’s science fiction venture “Robot”.
"Robot' is very futuristic and I am looking forward to composing for it," Rahman said. "I have never tried the genre before and it is an exciting venture."
Selecting the right project might be tough for some but for Rahman, instinct plays a key role.
"I often take quick decisions as sometimes I work with people whom I have worked with before and sometimes it's just out of pure instinct when I come across an exciting project."
Courtesy: Reuters.com
Jodhaa Akbar music review
Composing for a period film in present times is no easy task. One has to walk the tight rope and balance the musical moods of the era bygone with the present taste of music buffs, which, unfortunately, is heavily inclined towards anything techno and rap.
AR Rahman walks the thin line. His compositions in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ have a mere glimpse of what would have been the musical culture in Mughal times. And it also attempts to cater to the present popular tastes. This way, the music album of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ ends up neither here nor there. The compositions are good, but they are not great.
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah is a powerful song hailing the Mughal emperor Akbar. The number, sung by Mohammed Aslam and Bonnie Chakraborty, is heavy on beats and has a pleasing orchestra in the background. Rahman shows his musical wizardry with sounds that create images of rattling swords and chains. Also unmistakable in the song is the theme melody of ‘Lagaan’ that plays a number of times.
Jashn-e-Bahara could have been a much better song had Rahman chosen a better singer than Javed Ali, who surely sings the right notes with skill, but doesn’t have much emotive appeal in his bland vocals. Still, the song, set on an Arabic tempo, carries Rahman’s subtle magic. The tender notes of rubaab, mandolin and santoor form the backdrop of this soft romantic track, set to poetic lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
However, the Jashn-e-Bahara instrumental version on flute is a delight to the ears.
AR Rahman is back to what he does best in Khwaja Mere Khwaja, a sufi qawwali with a dash of techno touch. The song, an ode to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti of Ajmer, has Rahman himself wielding the microphone and jarring the senses of a listener with his emotive and evocative vocals. Though the song relies liberally on tabla and harmonium, the techno flavour ruins the purity of this devotional track.
The instrumental version of this song takes you by surprise. How Rahman keeps the same melody but changes its timing and structure just slightly to suit the Oboe and accompanying orchestra shows his command as a composer.
In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein is a lilting track about the gradual passing of intimate moments. Sonu Nigam and Madhushree’s impressive singing adds to this slow-paced song a mellowness that is broken by raucous chorus. Javed Akhtar’s words paint the imagery of two lovers sharing their most special moments together. It is a song that makes an impression only after repeated hearing.
Mann Mohanna is a devotional track addressed to lord Krishna. Supported by tabla and heavy orchestration, this song, sung by Bela Shinde, is a plea to the lord from a despondent woman.
All in all, the songs of Jodhaa Akbar are below the usual standard of a genius like AR Rahman.
Courtesy: Apunkachoice.com
AR Rahman walks the thin line. His compositions in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ have a mere glimpse of what would have been the musical culture in Mughal times. And it also attempts to cater to the present popular tastes. This way, the music album of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ ends up neither here nor there. The compositions are good, but they are not great.
Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah is a powerful song hailing the Mughal emperor Akbar. The number, sung by Mohammed Aslam and Bonnie Chakraborty, is heavy on beats and has a pleasing orchestra in the background. Rahman shows his musical wizardry with sounds that create images of rattling swords and chains. Also unmistakable in the song is the theme melody of ‘Lagaan’ that plays a number of times.
Jashn-e-Bahara could have been a much better song had Rahman chosen a better singer than Javed Ali, who surely sings the right notes with skill, but doesn’t have much emotive appeal in his bland vocals. Still, the song, set on an Arabic tempo, carries Rahman’s subtle magic. The tender notes of rubaab, mandolin and santoor form the backdrop of this soft romantic track, set to poetic lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
However, the Jashn-e-Bahara instrumental version on flute is a delight to the ears.
AR Rahman is back to what he does best in Khwaja Mere Khwaja, a sufi qawwali with a dash of techno touch. The song, an ode to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti of Ajmer, has Rahman himself wielding the microphone and jarring the senses of a listener with his emotive and evocative vocals. Though the song relies liberally on tabla and harmonium, the techno flavour ruins the purity of this devotional track.
The instrumental version of this song takes you by surprise. How Rahman keeps the same melody but changes its timing and structure just slightly to suit the Oboe and accompanying orchestra shows his command as a composer.
In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein is a lilting track about the gradual passing of intimate moments. Sonu Nigam and Madhushree’s impressive singing adds to this slow-paced song a mellowness that is broken by raucous chorus. Javed Akhtar’s words paint the imagery of two lovers sharing their most special moments together. It is a song that makes an impression only after repeated hearing.
Mann Mohanna is a devotional track addressed to lord Krishna. Supported by tabla and heavy orchestration, this song, sung by Bela Shinde, is a plea to the lord from a despondent woman.
All in all, the songs of Jodhaa Akbar are below the usual standard of a genius like AR Rahman.
Courtesy: Apunkachoice.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Disney to produce “Marmayogi”
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“Marmayogi,” a historical story set in the seventh century, is to be directed by the versatile actor himself with music by maestro A.R. Rahman. The rest of the cast and crew have yet to be finalized. However, yesteryear-Bollywood actress Hemamalini is playing an important role in this film. Sources say that Asin, who is currently paired with Kamal in his movie Dashaavtaram, will also play the leading lady in this film as well.
To kick start the project, Kamal Haasan plans to go to the U.S. in a few days to discuss production details. He is planning to shoot a major part of the film in the exotic locations of Thailand. The film is to be announced by February and will start shooting very soon.
Reportedly, the film is a remake of the 1951 MGR-Anjali Devi flick of the same name. It is based on the novel “Vendetta: The Story of One Forgotten,” written by Marie Corelli in 1886.
The film is said to be budgeted at 120 crores, making it the most expensive Indian film ever made. However, it might face stiff competition since the title from the recently announced Rajinikanth movie “Robot” is also said to cost 120 crores.
It should be noted that both Rajni and Kamal respectively started their movies “Sivaji” and “Dasavatharam” almost at the same time with the same claim. While “Sivaji,” which was released last June, went on to become a record-breaking blockbuster, “Dashaavtaram” is still under production and is expected to hit the screens in time for Tamil New Year.
Courtesy: Indianewengland.com
Aishwarya to star opposite Rajnikanth
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan disclosed that she would be doing the lead role opposite Rajnikanth in Shankar's mega venture Robot. "They (Rajnikanth and Shankar) are pure creative people, saying no can be such an issue....", Aishwarya said in a TV interview.
Ash, who plays 'Jodha' in her soon-to-be released period flick Jodha Akbar, said that Robot's director Shankar narrated her the script and she made it a point to "work out" the entire proposal.
The Bachchan bahu will play the lead role in Robot opposite superstar Rajnikanth, whose last film Sivaji is a running hit. Ash gestured with a salute and said "hats off" to the skill and creativity of Rajnikanth.
"They (Rajnikanth and Shankar) are super entertainers, independently and together", she said as she recounted her association with Shankar, who directed her in the 1998 Tamil film Jeans. Expressing surprise about the news of her being the highest paid actor in a Rajnikanth flick, Aishwarya said, "It's not that as much as speculated."
Talking about her family's announcement of an Aishwarya Rai Girls’ School in Barabanki of Uttar Pradesh, she said she felt "very humbled and privileged" on the commitment that her family has made.
Courtesy: Newindpress.com
Ash, who plays 'Jodha' in her soon-to-be released period flick Jodha Akbar, said that Robot's director Shankar narrated her the script and she made it a point to "work out" the entire proposal.
The Bachchan bahu will play the lead role in Robot opposite superstar Rajnikanth, whose last film Sivaji is a running hit. Ash gestured with a salute and said "hats off" to the skill and creativity of Rajnikanth.
"They (Rajnikanth and Shankar) are super entertainers, independently and together", she said as she recounted her association with Shankar, who directed her in the 1998 Tamil film Jeans. Expressing surprise about the news of her being the highest paid actor in a Rajnikanth flick, Aishwarya said, "It's not that as much as speculated."
Talking about her family's announcement of an Aishwarya Rai Girls’ School in Barabanki of Uttar Pradesh, she said she felt "very humbled and privileged" on the commitment that her family has made.
Courtesy: Newindpress.com
Trouble for `Jodha Akbar` from animal rights activists, Rajputs
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The film, which casts Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles, is scheduled to be released on February 15.
President of Rajput Karni Sena, Lokendra Kalvi today said that the Sena apprehended distortion of Rajasthan's historical facts in 'Jodha Akbar' which is based on Jodhpur Raj Gharana.
The Karni Sena would watch the movie when released, and if required it would not allow its screening in the state, Kalvi said.
Earlier, the Rajput Mahasabha had also alleged misinterpretation of historical facts. They maintained that Jodha was Jehangir's wife and not Akbar's as shown in K Asif's 'Mughal-e-Azam' earlier and now in 'Jodha Akbar'.
The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a body registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India, had also issued a letter to Gowarikar asking him if had the required permission for using animals in his film.
Courtesy: Zeenews.com
Friday, January 25, 2008
‘My images of Akbar and Jodhaa are from the Amar Chitra Katha’
From unsuccessful thrillers in the ‘90s he moved to the classic and Oscar terrain with Lagaan. He then won accolades for another issue-based film, Swades. Ashutosh Gowariker has now moved on - by moving back in time to Mughal history
Was the success of Lagaan a trigger for attempting another period drama? What inspired you to tell the love story of Akbar and Jodhaa Bai?
Right after Lagaan, I already had a script of an NRI coming and discovering India, but while I was working on Swades, my friend and the writer of Jodhaa Akbar, Haidar Ali, gave me this story about a Rajput princess and a Mughal emperor and my immediate reaction was wondering how come no one ever thought of making it into a film. We always take Jodhaa’s and Akbar's marriage for granted and say that Jahangir was born to them and then came Shah Jahan and so on. We always discuss the dynasty, the lineage, but never as to how they got married. I found that very fascinating.
For quite some time, I wanted to make a film in the love story genre and was looking for contemporary love stories that were around me at that point of time but wasn't finding the right kind of hook that interested me. But when the story of Jodhaa Akbar came about, I thought why not try and attempt it? While choosing a character from history, its relevance and the story you are telling around him becomes the key. My sole attraction in this story was how these two cultures and religions came together 450 years ago, and what must have happened. I based all my beliefs only on this and made the film.
The added attraction for me was that it was about Akbar. There are only two emperors in India who we call 'great' - Ashoka and Akbar. No one's born great, Babur started the Mughal dynasty, but we don't call him or even Shah Jahan, who made the Taj Mahal, great. Why is only Akbar termed great? What did he do? These questions attracted me to the topic, but I told Haidar that it was too vast and huge a subject to even put on paper and we need time. So while making Swades, we simultaneously worked on its screenplay and that's how the film came about.
How important was Hrithik or Aishwarya's resemblance to the original characters, or was star value the only criteria?
They were also my first choices because they are superb actors and their physical attributes lend themselves very well to the looks of a comic book emperor and a princess. My images of Akbar and Jodhaa are from the Amar Chitra Katha and like those portrayals - Hrithik is physically very strong and has princely looks, while Aishwarya is the quintessential princess.
As regards historical resemblance, my belief is that, it doesn't matter. Ben Kingsley is far removed from the Gandhi you see in all his photographs, nor does Brad Pitt match the mythical depictions of Achilles. The latest example are the three films on Bhagat Singh that released with Ajay Devgan, Bobby Deol and Sonu Sood, each playing the young martyr though the real Bhagat Singh neither looked nor was in the age group of the three actors. At certain times you need a face to a historical character that will do justice to the character and take it a little ahead by making it more palatable and believable.
Courtesy: ScreenIndia
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Right after Lagaan, I already had a script of an NRI coming and discovering India, but while I was working on Swades, my friend and the writer of Jodhaa Akbar, Haidar Ali, gave me this story about a Rajput princess and a Mughal emperor and my immediate reaction was wondering how come no one ever thought of making it into a film. We always take Jodhaa’s and Akbar's marriage for granted and say that Jahangir was born to them and then came Shah Jahan and so on. We always discuss the dynasty, the lineage, but never as to how they got married. I found that very fascinating.
For quite some time, I wanted to make a film in the love story genre and was looking for contemporary love stories that were around me at that point of time but wasn't finding the right kind of hook that interested me. But when the story of Jodhaa Akbar came about, I thought why not try and attempt it? While choosing a character from history, its relevance and the story you are telling around him becomes the key. My sole attraction in this story was how these two cultures and religions came together 450 years ago, and what must have happened. I based all my beliefs only on this and made the film.
The added attraction for me was that it was about Akbar. There are only two emperors in India who we call 'great' - Ashoka and Akbar. No one's born great, Babur started the Mughal dynasty, but we don't call him or even Shah Jahan, who made the Taj Mahal, great. Why is only Akbar termed great? What did he do? These questions attracted me to the topic, but I told Haidar that it was too vast and huge a subject to even put on paper and we need time. So while making Swades, we simultaneously worked on its screenplay and that's how the film came about.
Historical biopics cannot do without an element of fiction that's necessary for making for compelling celluloid telling. What have been your factual sources and what are the fictional liberties you have allowed yourself in telling this story? What is the fact-fiction ratio in Jodhaa Akbar?
I have based the entire story, its happenings and situations on the screenplay. Its pillars are facts like king Bharmal's daughter Jodhaa was married to the Mughal emperor Akbar, and then Jahangir was born. However, what happened in their chamber or between the two of them in their privacy, their evenings and their days is not written about anywhere. There' a gap there, though at the same time we have accounts of what kind of lifestyles the Rajputs and the Mughals had, which is generic. So I have used information which is generic and pieced together my story which we can say is 70 per cent imagination and 30 per cent history.
For facts I referred to Abul Fazl's Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama, Badayuni's Muntakhab al-Tawarikh and a whole lot of Rajput history and historians like Jadunath Sarkar's A History Of Jaipur and The Kachhawas Under Akbar apart from meeting professors like Irfan Habib sahab and Shireen Moosvi of the Aligarh Muslim University, who are topnotch historians on Akbar. I also met the Jaipur royalty and discussed the script with them before starting the film because Jodhaa was from that family. I attended their rituals and took inputs to grasp the nuances around the protocol and behaviour of the royalty, which is most important while tackling such a subject.
Unlike Hollywood, the historical biopic as a genre hasn't been quite popular in India in recent times. What are the impediments against tackling one?
It's not that we have not been making historicals. One of the main reasons why films set in a different time zone don't get made is that they are expensive. Also for the director and writers there is too much of work to be done before you can take a single shot. Your time input has to be at least two years. Either you don't have the time to do that or don't have the goss or the money. Yet, I think we have a historical coming in every three-four years, and lot of period films are getting made like Mangal Pandey, the films on Bhagat Singh, Bose and Savarkar and Akbar Khan's Taj Mahal.
Jodhaa Akbar looks contemporary in its treatment, but there are certain givens that come with a historical. How different is your take from the cult, classic historical on Akbar, Mughal-e-Azam? Did the question of comparisons ever bother you?
I find it difficult to evaluate or describe, because how contemporary a film can be is something that is born out of its maker's personality. I can't pinpoint how contemporary my Jodhaa Akbar will be, but even Lagaan in spite of being a period film, had a certain modernity to it, which is bound to happen because it's us. Mughal-e-Azam was made at in the 1960s, when literature in cinema was given a very high platform, when theatre was still evolving and very uplifting and if you were not from theatre, you would not get a break in movies. The gap between theatre and films then was much lesser. So the styles of acting and writing were just shifting from the stage to films which is why the film had a more literary, theatrical and grandiose kind of treatment. But the people making Jodhaa Akbar are of a different set and generation. We don't want to ape anybody and have approached our script with all its honesty; so when you see the Agra fort or go to Jodhaa's chamber, there's a particular size to it that is true to the original. We have not created anything larger than required, just because you want to be bigger for the sake of bigness. That's not the focus in this film, so we have tried to stay true to how much we could within the scope of our film.
As regards comparisons, our story looks at Akbar from the age of 13 to 28. So it's a youthful romance and its focus is far removed from Anarkali, Taj Mahal or any of these historicals. I didn't think much about any kind of comparison as it's neither a remake of any era nor do many know about this relationship. It stands on its own anyway.
What made you cast Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead? Were they your first choices?
Two names that immediately came to my mind on hearing the story were that of Hrithik and Aishwarya. At that point of time, it was just a wish-list, but I was fortunate that I landed up getting my wish-list to say yes to the film. I think I am fortunate to have two big stars, who have a face value that could make the project much more attractive, and hence got me little more money to spend, though the bottomline is the story you are telling.
Moreover, you can't make films of this nature, unless they are backed by actors, stars and technicians of a certain merit. It's not just about the money, but also about getting the right team - Nitin Desai (sets), Kiran Deohans (photography), Neeta Lulla (costumes) and each and every member of the crew. When they back you up, then everything starts falling into place. The costumes start looking beautiful, the sets looks grand, the photography is breathtaking.
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They were also my first choices because they are superb actors and their physical attributes lend themselves very well to the looks of a comic book emperor and a princess. My images of Akbar and Jodhaa are from the Amar Chitra Katha and like those portrayals - Hrithik is physically very strong and has princely looks, while Aishwarya is the quintessential princess.
As regards historical resemblance, my belief is that, it doesn't matter. Ben Kingsley is far removed from the Gandhi you see in all his photographs, nor does Brad Pitt match the mythical depictions of Achilles. The latest example are the three films on Bhagat Singh that released with Ajay Devgan, Bobby Deol and Sonu Sood, each playing the young martyr though the real Bhagat Singh neither looked nor was in the age group of the three actors. At certain times you need a face to a historical character that will do justice to the character and take it a little ahead by making it more palatable and believable.
Punam S Sinha seems to be one of the most unlikeliest debutants in your cast. How did you think of her and convince her to come on-screen after three decades? Which are the other significant characters to watch out for?
She has an extremely charming and regal personality and has a body language, which is very elegant. While casting, I was always telling that I need someone looking like Punam Sinha for the role of Akbar's mother, but I wasn't getting anyone. So I decided to ask her instead, and she was pleasantly surprised. But she said that I first take Shatruji's permission and thankfully both liked the role and said yes. As Hamida Banu, an empress from Turkey, she very easily makes an impact with very few words. Sonu Sood, who plays Jodhaa's cousin brother, Sujamal, has an interesting brother-sister track going between the two. He dotes on his sister and is supportive of her when there is objection to the marriage. Ila Arunji who's playing Maham Anga, Akbar's extremely possessive and protective wet nurse, is another significant character.
The film has an eclectic period track which has you team up for the third time with AR Rahman (music) and Javed Akhtar (lyrics). What was your brief for the film's music and any favourite song?
It's the first time that Rahman and Javed sahab have done a film set in the Mughal era, so we did have our discussions as to how to approach it. We essentially wanted to create sounds and melodies that would have a researched backdrop of that period, but would be contemporary in their treatment and overall appeal as we wanted the songs to depict that past and carry the scene forward, and yet appeal to today's generation by not getting archaic. Also the language we wanted to use was to just give a hint of Urdu and be very simple. Even in the script and dialogues, any word that I don't understand is not in the film and my Urdu is very limited. It doesn't interest me to impress anyone with how much Urdu I know because then it becomes a personal film. I want it to stay as lucid and simple to the layman as possible. All the songs are close to my heart, but the song that's most representative of the film is Kehno ke jashne-bahara because it has romance and is the leading song of the film.
Courtesy: ScreenIndia
Image: Aamir Khan's bald look
Aamir Khan is one of the most versatile and talented actors (and now even a successful director) in the Indian film industry. The actor who is known for his quality of work is also well known for his impeccable sense of perfection in whatever he does and his attention for detail. The actor-director gave us one of the most loved films of 2007, Taare Zameen Par, which had everyone raving about his directorial skills. However, not one to rest on his past laurels, Aamir is currently busy shooting for the much anticipated remake of the Tamil hit, Ghajini.
The film directed by A.Murugadoss, which is around 50% complete, has Aamir alongside south sensation Asin and Jiah Khan. Aamir is known to go all out when it comes to preparing for his roles and for this film he is going one step further to completely get into the skin of the character. Apparently, the script of the film requires Aamir to go bald, especially, in the second half and while some of the other B-town actors may have opted for the easy way out and preferred to put a wig, the perfectionist Khan has decided that he would indeed shave his head to suit the character.
Well, now if and when that does happen, it surely will be one of the most talked about make-overs of the year.
Courtesy: Sify.com
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