‘Kites’ to hit screens worldwide on May 21

Hrithik Roshan-Barbara Mori starrer ‘Kites’ will be released in over 2,300 screens worldwide on May 21.

“Of these, over 1800 screens are in India and over 500 screens overseas, making ‘Kites’ the biggest ever Indian release till date globally,” said Sanjeev Lamba, CEO, Reliance BIG Pictures, which is distributing the film.

In its first phase, ‘Kites’ will release in India, U.S., U.K., UAE, Australia, South Africa and 30 other countries on May 21. In the second phase, it will release in additional 30 countries, which include various non-traditional markets.

Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori, Rakesh Roshan, Rajesh Roshan, Anurag Basu and Brett Ratner have travelled to New York and London for the promotion of the film with Barbara Mori and Brett Ratner doing additional promotion in Miami and Los Angeles, he said.

“The movie’s universally appealing story deserves the largest release, not just in India, but also overseas. We have immense faith in the film and have supported it to the fullest in terms of marketing and distribution,” Mr. Lamba said.

Udita goes back to school

Udita Goswami’s film, Chase, is on the brink of release, but what has the actress all geared up is the graduation course that she is doing. Udita, who started her modelling career at the age of sixteen, quit studies midway. A friend of the actress revealed, “She is now doing her commerce
graduation course through correspondence and has even been attending classes for the same. Udita devotes three hours to her class
regularly.”
Udita has bigger plans for the future too. Once she obtains her commerce degree, she intends to pursue an MBA. She feels that most actresses, in a bid to focus on their showbiz careers, given up studying, but she did not want to be the same.
However, the source reveals that Udita is determined to go ahead with her academic pursuits as she wants to set a good example for her children in the future. “She doesn’t want to be embarrassed when they ask her about how she fared in academics,” said the source.
Udita was to go to New York Academy for the acting course initially. But the plan has been postponed now. She wants to complete her graduation first.

Feeding her hungry fans

Several Bollywood actresses have attracted stalkers who go to great lengths to attract the attention of their revered divas. But this one takes the cake.
Kareena Kapoor had a strange fan who was desperate to meet her. He waited to catch a glimpse of her every day and made repeated attempts to gain an audience with the actress. However, Kareena refused to meet him. The dejected fan then went on a hunger strike until she agreed to see him. Finally, Kareena’s security guards told her of the extreme step the poor fan was contemplating.
A source said, “The young man spent three days outside Kareena’s gate, constantly staring at her apartment and at the cars passing by in the hopes of seeing Kareena. He even told the guards of the building of his intention to fast till he met Kareena.”
Kareena decided to ignore him and not create a fuss by filing any complaints. But when she heard he hadn’t eaten in three days, she altruistically decided to feed him first. Kareena made sure he had his fill before giving him a piece of her mind!

Bebo says no to the Idiot Box

Kareena Kapoor is too busy to do television. The actress was recently offered a television show based on her, Main Kareena Kapoor Banna Chahti Hoon, for an astronomical amount. According to sources close to the actress, the show would have involved Kareena interacting with contestants from all over the country, hoping to make it big in Bollywood.
However, sources say that the actress is too busy with her films and brand endorsement and turned down the offer. Said a source: “Kareena has just started filming for Ra1 with SRK. She then has her hands full with Golmaal 3, Agent Vinod with Saif Ali Khan and an untitled film with Madhur Bhandarkar. As of now she doesn’t have the time for television.”
However those hoping to see Kareena on the small screen during prime time need not be disappointed, since the actress might just make her television debut in 2011. Says Bebo, “Television is an option that I definitely find exciting, but I would much rather concentrate on one thing now. So it’s films for the moment.”

'3 Idiots' still awaits 10 year test: Boman Irani

“3 Idiots” might have gone on to become Hindi cinema’s highest grosser till date with record collections of about Rs.400 crore (Rs.4 billion). But actor Boman Irani, who will be seen next in Shyam Benegal’s “Well Done Abba”, says the movie still awaits its true test.

“The euphoria of ‘3 Idiots’ never died down. There’s great value for it...(but) at this point of time it’s a little premature. The true test of the movie is not how much money it makes, but whether after 10 years if people recall it as a reference point and in fun as part of their movie conversation,” Boman told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

“Very few movies remain in public memory as landmark films and I want to see whether ‘3 Idiots’ will be up there with some of the wonderful films that have come out of this country...Hopefully, we’ll come to know in a few years whether it can become one of the great films,” he added.

Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, “3 Idiots” also starred Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor.

After a humble beginning with Mansoor Khan’s “Josh” in 2000, Boman shot to fame as the eccentric doctor J.C. Asthana in Hirani’s “Munnabhai M.B.B.S.” and followed it up with the portrayal of a Sikh property dealer Lucky Singh in “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”.

While both the movies gave him new nicknames, Boman says he likes his monicker ‘Virus’ (Viru Sahastrabudhhe) from “3 Idiots” as well.

“I am very proud to be a part of ‘3 Idiots’ and happy that the character has worked in a big way. The wonderful thing is I used to be called Mamu (from ‘Munnabhai M.B.B.S’) earlier, then Lucky Singh happened for a while and now I am called Virus,” said Boman.

Watch Bollywood films to know Indians: Rani Mukherjee

Indian films are all about our culture, our traditions, human relations and all about heart. So when Australians watch Indian films, they will get to know Indians better, Rani said during an event in Sydney

Cinema can go a long way in promoting positive bilateral relations between Australia and India, especially Bollywood films as they are “all about heart”, said Rani Mukherjee, who was here as chief guest at the 2010 Indian Film Festival — Bollywood and Beyond.

“Cinema showcases different cultures and Indian films are all about our culture, our traditions, human relations and all about heart. So when Australians watch Indian films, they will get to know Indians better and that will help in knowing each other better,” Rani told IANS in an exclusive interview.

So will she act in a film on racism? “As an actor, I would be part of any film that inspires me as an artist. If there is a great character for me to play, if I feel there is something interesting in the film about racism and if there is a positive outlook towards changing the mindset, I would hundred percent do it.”

She would like to do diverse, challenging roles. So does she feel socially responsible while doing a movie?

Giving the example of her role as a deaf, dumb and blind girl in “Black”, she said, “I do expect that people who do not know about the deaf and blind get more aware of people like them. You should never pity them because they are such spirited, lively, fun people and there is so much to learn from them.

“Michelle McNally did graduate despite her handicap. The sheer fact that if you have the passion, nothing is impossible in life. That is what my character in ‘Black’ and the film taught me and that is what I would like to portray to the hundreds and millions of my fans who watch the movie”.

The festival, which opened with “Black” and “Dil Bole Hadippa” in Sydney, is screening a retrospective of Rani’s distinctive films alongside recent Bollywood hits, some regional cinema gems and documentaries.

For Rani, every role is a dream role, but the role that debutant director Anurag Singh gave her in “Dil Bole Hadippa” was “wonderful”.

“It is wonderful being a man and to feel like a man and get attracted to beautiful women. It was a dream role because I could never imagine in my life that I would cross dress as a man. I also got to experiment with cricket, a sport I had never played in my life. I trained for eight months and fell in love with the game. And, of course, being a man and tying your hair up in a turban was the most relaxing part!“

Being a Bengali, was it difficult for her to play the role of a Sardar?

“Punjabis and Bengalis make a great combination; even marriages between them are lovely,” said Rani, relating an interesting episode about how she was exchanged with a Punjabi baby at the hospital and her mother had to fight to get her back.

“I still have to crack the code whether I am a Sardar or Bengali,” she said.

Rani also revealed that if she weren’t an actress, she would have been “a housewife with my sari tucked in my waist, making chapattis for my husband, raising two kids probably in Allahabad or Kolkata or somewhere where my parents would have married me off!“

So is she ready to direct films after a career spanning 17 years as an actress?

Rani was forthcoming: “I would like to do a lot of things in life, but you never get to do everything that you want to do. When an actor probably completes 10 years, you are often asked would you like to direct or write?

“I didn’t want to become an actress, but I became one and so I have this thing in my head that ‘Never say never’ It is not something I have planned, but if I do get an opportunity and have this energy rush in my body to take up the responsibility of a director some day, I would definitely love to direct.”

Asked if she dreams about winning an Oscar, the multi—award winning actress said: “I would dream about everything and as an actor our greed never stops for awards, recognition, fame, and love and warmth from people; so it is a never ending process for an actor.”

The actress, who chooses her roles with care and takes what inspires and excites her, is looking forward to “No one killed Jessica”, a film based on the murder of Delhi model Jessica Lall in which she plays the journalist.

“It is a very different film that I am doing after a long time. It is a very different and powerful role; so I don’t know how my fans are going to react to it, but I am looking forward to it because it is an interesting movie based on a true life story.”

Salman hospitalised after shooting with fire

Actor Salman Khan, who is shooting for his brother Arbaz Khan's debut production 'Dabang' in Satara district, had to be rushed to a hospital during the weekend after shooting a gruelling sequence which required him to run through fire several times.

The scene required Salman to shoot in close proximity with the fire and though everyone insisted on a single shot, the actor took several takes before the scene was canned and ended up breathless because of the smoke.

"Salman wanted the scene to be flawless and ended up getting breathless since he was shooting close to so much fire. He had to be rushed to the hospital after the scene was successfully canned," said a sources in the film unit.

In spite of the doctor's advice to take rest for the next couple of days Salman went back to shoot for the other scenes the very next day.

"Everyone was impressed with Salman's professionalism. It was clear that the fire scene was a difficult one to shoot but he took several takes to get it right. He visited the doctor and was back to shoot the very next day since he did not want to interrupt the schedule," said the source.

Shilpa Shetty joins Twitter @theshilpashetty

Actor Shilpa Shetty is the latest celebrity to join the micro-blogging website Twitter, which is fast becoming a favourite hangout for Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

The 34-year-old, who has her own blog, joined the networking site on Friday. Shetty, who is also the co-owner of IPL team Rajasthan Royals, used the opportunity to promote her team. "Hello Hello i am the newest inclusion to twitterdom! In London now..IPL Jitters kicking in.Launched the new mascot 'Moochu Singh' too cute!! (sic)," the actor wrote.

Shetty was welcomed by filmmaker Karan Johar, an avid tweeter, who had earlier encouraged Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan to join the website. "Ok...@theshilpashetty in the house and joins the family...give her love!!!," Johar tweeted.

Other Bollywood celebrities on twitter are Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Mallika Sherawat, Riteish Deshmukh, Preity Zinta, Lara Dutta, Shahid Kapoor and Anupam Kher.

Deepika wants to work with Salman

She began her Bollywood journey with Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om but it is actor Salman Khan, who is on the wish list of Deepika Padukone.

“I am really looking forward to work with Salman,” Deepika said.

“In fact we were supposed to be paired up much earlier but then a couple of films didn’t quite work out. That’s sad but I am sure that in near future, we would be paired opposite each other,” said the actress, who will next be seen with Farhan Akhtar in Karthik Calling Karthik.

She has already worked with hotshots like Akshay Kumar Chandni Chowk To China and Saif Ali Khan Love Aaj Kal and will next be seen opposite Abhishek Bachchan, Imran Khan and Neil Nitin Mukesh in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se, Break Ke Baad and YRF’s untitled film respectively.

Meanwhile, one wonders what happened to a film called Kick, which was rumoured to be featuring Salman and Deepika together. The remake of the namesake Telugu film, it was supposed to be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by AR Murugadoss.

“It is plain rumour. Reports of me working with Salman in Kick are untrue. In fact I haven’t been offered any such film”, the actress said.

Soon after Karthik Calling Karthik (February), Deepika would be seen in Housefull (April). Either Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se or her film with Neil Nitin Mukesh would be her next release thereafter. Incidentally, both the films are being shot at a brisk pace.

With so much work happening and no play, isn’t she worried of burn out? Doesn’t she fear getting all tired and worn out with so much work happening month after month?

“Honestly, I don’t look at working in films as a job. I really enjoy performing and what I do is something that gives me maximum pleasure and satisfaction. I am better off facing the camera”, smiles Deepika.

“In any case, I am taken well care of both on and off the sets. I feel comfortable and secure and there are no complaints whatsoever,” she said.

Theatres dither on SRK film

The Maharashtra government suffered a jolt when the association of cinema hall owners announced that they would not be screening My Name is Khan on Friday — its intended date of release — due to the stringent Shiv Sena agitation against it. Throughout Thursday, the state egged them to reverse their decision.

“They should stand by what they want to do. They should release the film,” said the Chief Minister, Mr Ashok Chavan. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan who is currently in Berlin for the premiere of his film, tweeted. “My stardom is transient. My integrity in non-negotiable ...My being Indian unquestionable... Hope peace prevails.”

In an unexpected turn, the MNS chief, Mr Raj Thackeray, targeted his uncle’s party for its “double standards” in not attacking Amitabh Bachchan despite sharing a dais with a Pakistani artiste while pouring vitriol on Shah Rukh.

‘A stupendous win, not unexpected’

Bollywood lyricist Gulzar, who shared the Grammy honour with A.R. Rahman for the song ‘Jai Ho’ in the film Slumdog Millionaire, said, “I immediately sent him a message of congratulations and told him that he was getting used to twins. Every time he wins two — two Oscars, two Grammys.

“It is a moment of great pride to see actually what Rahman is doing,” he added.

Sound artiste Resul Pokutty, who won an Academy award along with Rahman for his work in Slumdog Millionaire, described it as a “stupendous win,” which was not unexpected.

Veteran director Subhash Ghai said, “I am proud of Rahman as a special friend and Indian composer who has made India so proud in the world of music.”

It was Ghai who had suggested the words “Jai Ho” when the music composer was doing the music for Yuvvraaj. Ghai replaced the track with ‘Shanno Shanno’ in the film. The track was subsequently used in the Danny Boyle-directed film.

Noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor said, “A.R. Rahman goes beyond Slumdog and takes over Hollywood.”

Sukhwinder, who sang the peppy number, said the recognition had been long due.

“I am feeling flabbergasted. I want to congratulate the entire musician community and everyone in India. Rahman deserves it. I have told him many times over the years that ‘you deserve a Grammy’. Right from his first work in Roja all are award worthy. So I had been expecting this to happen,” he said.

All eyes are now set on Tuesday’s Oscar’s nominations as Rahman is in the list of hopefuls this year for his song ‘Na na’ for Couples Retreat.

Watch 'Ishqiya' for its rustic appeal

Steamy visuals, colourful expletives, Gulzar’s lyrics, impressive star cast — Ishqiya promises all this and much more. Coming from Vishal Bhardwaj’s stable, the film, will give a rustic feel to the audiences just like Omkara did.

The directorial debut of Abhishek Chaubey, the movie has actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi. It has already become an awaited venture courtesy its songs and promos.

“The film is a blend of romance and suspense. It deals with various aspects of love, lust, complete submission and false love. It is not just about the three central characters; other characters in the film are also connected to it,” Chaubey said.

“I have borrowed my backdrop and settings from reality and I used them to tell the story. It’s basically about the emotional journey of these three people,” he added.

The story involves two thieves — Khalujan (Naseer) and Babban (Arshad) — who are on the run from their boss. They seek refuge with an old friend and instead meet his widow Krishna. As they plan their escape, their time spent together draws the duo to her.

Khalu with his tinted vision of old-fashioned love and Babban with his lustful eye — both are attracted to her.

The threat of imminent death forces them on a path of violence and betrayal. Set in a rural landscape, Ishqiya explores basic human emotions influenced by desire, greed and revenge.

Vidya had to mouth expletives for the movie, which made her apprehensive.

“I was very apprehensive while using those slangs. I have never used them in my real life but I had to because the script demanded. The movie belongs to a certain terrain where slangs are part of their lingo,” Vidya said.

“Abhishek Choubey had to constantly keep giving me a pep talk. Quite often I was stuck because of the language and content,” she added.

With only four songs on the soundtrack, the music of the film has already become a favourite among listeners.

Salman and I had differences over 'Veer': Director

Director Anil Sharma admits he had creative differences with Salman Khan over the making of “Veer”, penned by the actor himself, but everything was finally sorted out.

Anil Sharma, who earlier made “Gadar : Ek Prem Katha”, told IANS: “Salman was not just the main actor in ‘Veer’, he was also the writer. We had a lot of differences of opinion. The way he narrated the story and the way I perceived it as a director were different.

“Moreover I brought in other writers Shailesh Verma, Shaktimaan (who wrote my ‘Gadar’) and Krishna Raghav. Raghav did all the research. So Salman’s story has been interpreted in the way I thought right.”

He said Salman insisted that Anil watch his source of inspiration, the Yul Brynner-Tony Curtis 1962 film “Taras Bulba”. “But we couldn’t get a single print of the film. So I had to make do with the images that I had in my mind from childhood.

“They made the film in Russia last year. I saw that version. ‘Taras Bulba’ was the story of the father Yul Brynner, played by Mithun Chakraborty in my film. ‘Veer’ is not the father’s story. It’s the son Salman’s story. And we had to relocate the entire story from 16th century Russia to colonial India,” Anil said.

While Salman Khan has become the face of “Veer”, the director has taken a backseat so far.

Speaking up finally he says, “For three years now all kinds of things have been said and written about ‘Veer’ and my relationship with the project and actors. The truth is we were making a very difficult film. And there were bound to be creative differences. But we sorted them out.”

Anil admits he never wanted Salman’s favourite composers Sajid-Wajid to do the music of “Veer”. “I had heard their tunes in his earlier films and I was sure Sajid-Wajid weren’t the right ones for a period drama like ‘Veer’ I met them reluctantly and was surprised by their understanding of Hindustani music. We worked really well together. And the fact that I could convince Gulzar saab to work with Sajid-Wajid was a stroke of luck.”

He also brushes off talk of “Veer” being an epic like “Gadar”.

“Please don’t expect ‘Gadar’ in ‘Veer’ ‘Gadar’ was far more dramatic and emotional. ‘Veer’ is targeted more at today’s younger audiences,” he said.

Talk is that Salman Khan had apparently first gone to his friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct “Veer”. When Bhansali declined, Salman vowed to make the same story with another director. Anil Sharma was chosen because of “Gadar”.