Thursday, August 23, 2007
Bollywood actor Dutt freed on bail
Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:08AM BST
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By Krittivas Mukherjee
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, jailed for six years for receiving guns from gangsters involved in the country's worst bombings, was released from prison on bail in western India early on Thursday.
Dutt, sporting a beard and a shaved head, walked free following 24 days in jail and after being granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday while his lawyers challenge the conviction.
"I knew he would walk out free. I'm so happy," Trishala Dutt, the actor's daughter and a U.S. resident, told local television by telephone. "I can't believe it's happening."
The macho actor began serving his six-year sentence on July 31 -- less the 16 months he served while awaiting trial over the bomb attacks that killed 257 people in India's commercial capital of Mumbai in 1993.
Dutt, 48, stepped out of the jail in Pune city and shook the hands of police officers before leaving for home.
Dressed in a white, striped shirt, he was received by a few friends and lawyers, flown to Mumbai in a private jet and then driven to his house in a black limousine.
The actor, who earned fame playing anti-hero and gangster roles, was welcomed by family and friends, some of whom had arrived from overseas. A coconut was broken at the doorstep as an auspicious ritual and part of an emotional reception.
At Dutt's home in a swish Mumbai neighbourhood, his family was preparing for a special thanksgiving prayer to be performed by Hindu priests
Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:08AM BST
Email this Article Print this Article RSS
[-] Text [+]
By Krittivas Mukherjee
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, jailed for six years for receiving guns from gangsters involved in the country's worst bombings, was released from prison on bail in western India early on Thursday.
Dutt, sporting a beard and a shaved head, walked free following 24 days in jail and after being granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday while his lawyers challenge the conviction.
"I knew he would walk out free. I'm so happy," Trishala Dutt, the actor's daughter and a U.S. resident, told local television by telephone. "I can't believe it's happening."
The macho actor began serving his six-year sentence on July 31 -- less the 16 months he served while awaiting trial over the bomb attacks that killed 257 people in India's commercial capital of Mumbai in 1993.
Dutt, 48, stepped out of the jail in Pune city and shook the hands of police officers before leaving for home.
Dressed in a white, striped shirt, he was received by a few friends and lawyers, flown to Mumbai in a private jet and then driven to his house in a black limousine.
The actor, who earned fame playing anti-hero and gangster roles, was welcomed by family and friends, some of whom had arrived from overseas. A coconut was broken at the doorstep as an auspicious ritual and part of an emotional reception.
At Dutt's home in a swish Mumbai neighbourhood, his family was preparing for a special thanksgiving prayer to be performed by Hindu priests
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Shilpa's 'Miss Bollywood' to premiere in Germany
Shilpa Shetty is in no mood to rest.
With an activity-a-day being a routine of her life post 'Big Brother', the glamorous actress is now busy finalizing the nitty-gritty's of her Broadway musical 'Miss Bollywood'. This would be along the lines of 'Moulin Rouge' and Andrew Lloyd Weber's 'Bombay Dreams'.
"From the last couple of months, Shilpa's basic aim is to showcase Bollywood and Indian culture in the West," said her spokesperson. "Even for the musical, her costumes will be designed by popular Indian designer Neeta Lulla and will represent the ethics and culture of India."
"Her role requires lots of dancing and acting, which is something she loves doing anyway," remarked Dale Bhagwagar.
Bhagwagar further informed that renowned Indian choreographer Ganesh Hegde would set the steps for the musical, while Shilpa would focus on her performance, leaving the singing to professionals. The actress has already started rehearsals for the shows.
Starting with shows in Germany for the first three months, the musical will travel to UK and later to other parts of the world including the US and Australia.
"After 'Big Brother', Shilpa was constantly under media glare with all her moves being marked. She was looking at expanding her horizons by going to another level. This musical gives her a chance to do something she's always wanted to," added Bhagwagar
Madhur turns Professor
Madhur Bhandarkar never runs out of news. Parties, launches, seminars, weddings, name it and you will see him at all events. And this week after winding up all his commitment he headed for Subhash Ghai's acting school to address the students. "I have been a great fan of Subhash Ghai and it's a pleasure to address his students," says Madhur. Phew, we wonder when does Madhur get time to churn out his realistic movies?
Ashutosh Rana is back!
Remember Ashutosh Rana? Ya, the same actor who made an impressive debut years back in Tanuja Chandra's Dushman where he played the menacing Gokul Pandit, well the talented actor is making a comeback in another women filmmaker's film. He will be seen in Pooja Bhatt's forthcoming film Dhokha . "Ashutosh has always been a part of my father's films and he said yes to the film even before I would narrate out the role to him," says Pooja. Being loyalist always helps ... wot say Ashutosh?
Bopanna-Qureshi win fourth title
NEW DELHI, August 20: Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi clinched their fourth title on the trot, defeating Alberto Francis and Philip King of the US in the $50,000 ATP Challenger final at Bronx, New York. The 'Indo-Pak Express', seeded fourth, came through 6-3, 2-6, 10-5 against the home favourites in the summit clash of the hard court event on Sunday. The duo had earlier won three successive titles in Europe earlier this month before returning to the courts here following a week's rest. Bopanna and Qureshi pocketed $3,100 as winners' purse. What more, the 55 points the pair won for their stupendous effort helped the Indian move up five places to 84 and the Pakistani 18 rungs to 113 in the latest ATP Doubles rankings.
SC grants interim bail to Sanjay Dutt
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim bail to actor Sanjay Dutt, who has been sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by a TADA Court under the Arms Act. The bail is valid till he gets a copy of the TADA court judgement. Earlier, the apex court had deferred the hearing and issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The reason cited by the CBI sources for non-filing of the response was the non-availability of the conviction judgment. Dutt had filed his bail petition challenging his sentence, and seeking an interim bail. Dutt's lawyers' contended that Dutt's conviction under the Arms Act was wrong because no weapon was recovered from him. They also say that the actor's conviction was based on a confessional statement, which he later retracted.
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Thursday, August 16, 2007
60 yeras of patrotism
60 years of patriotism, Bollywood style
Indo Asian News Service
Last Updated: August 13, 2007 04:49:03
Fables of patriotism almost always have sent cash registers ringing at the Bollywood boulevard and as we gear up to celebrate India's 60th Independence Day, nationalism has got a reel life makeover with Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chak De! India.The film that released Friday may be one among many Hindi films espousing nationalism but the Yash Raj Films (YRF) production redefines reel patriotism without stroking hatred for another nation.And unlike a zillion Hindi films where women play non-consequential roles as the male lead forges ahead and saves the pride of the nation, in Chak De! India the country relies on a gaggle of 17 girls to save the day and bring home the World Hockey Championship.Last year itself the same banner had released Fanaa about romance between a blind Kashmiri girl, essayed by Kajol, and Aamir Khan as a Pakistan-backed terrorist masquerading as tourist guide. The film ended with Kajol taking the life of her country's traitor. The film, however, was not projected as a story of a patriotic woman.Bollywood has always reflected the times. Before Fanaa hit the marquees, Aamir was seen in 'Rang De Basanti' in which a group of young men draw lessons from the freedom struggle and justify using violence to rid the country of a corrupt leader.However, this was not Aamir's first patriotic role. He had played a pre-independence villager in Lagaan, who beat the Brits at cricket, and a patriotic cop in an earlier hit Sarfarosh.The same goes for Shah Rukh. Before donning the hat of a former disgraced Indian hockey team captain-turned-coach of Indian women's hockey team on a mission in 'Chak De! India', he has played an NRI in Swades (2004), who comes back to India to work for the uplift of villagers.In 2003, a film with rabid Pakistan-bashing histrionics of Sunny Deol in The Hero slumped at the box-office. Clearly, the face of patriotism has moved from Manoj Kumar to Sunny Deol to the 17 women hockey players; just as the meaning of patriotism has changed from fighting imperialists to fighting the enemy across the border, to fighting the enemy within, and finally to announcing the arrival of India as a global giant.That's perhaps why Rajkumar Santoshi's out-of-history-books Legend of Bhagat Singh did not do half as well as Rang De Basanti, which used the same legend to galvanise today's apathetic youth to action.
Indo Asian News Service
Last Updated: August 13, 2007 04:49:03
Fables of patriotism almost always have sent cash registers ringing at the Bollywood boulevard and as we gear up to celebrate India's 60th Independence Day, nationalism has got a reel life makeover with Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chak De! India.The film that released Friday may be one among many Hindi films espousing nationalism but the Yash Raj Films (YRF) production redefines reel patriotism without stroking hatred for another nation.And unlike a zillion Hindi films where women play non-consequential roles as the male lead forges ahead and saves the pride of the nation, in Chak De! India the country relies on a gaggle of 17 girls to save the day and bring home the World Hockey Championship.Last year itself the same banner had released Fanaa about romance between a blind Kashmiri girl, essayed by Kajol, and Aamir Khan as a Pakistan-backed terrorist masquerading as tourist guide. The film ended with Kajol taking the life of her country's traitor. The film, however, was not projected as a story of a patriotic woman.Bollywood has always reflected the times. Before Fanaa hit the marquees, Aamir was seen in 'Rang De Basanti' in which a group of young men draw lessons from the freedom struggle and justify using violence to rid the country of a corrupt leader.However, this was not Aamir's first patriotic role. He had played a pre-independence villager in Lagaan, who beat the Brits at cricket, and a patriotic cop in an earlier hit Sarfarosh.The same goes for Shah Rukh. Before donning the hat of a former disgraced Indian hockey team captain-turned-coach of Indian women's hockey team on a mission in 'Chak De! India', he has played an NRI in Swades (2004), who comes back to India to work for the uplift of villagers.In 2003, a film with rabid Pakistan-bashing histrionics of Sunny Deol in The Hero slumped at the box-office. Clearly, the face of patriotism has moved from Manoj Kumar to Sunny Deol to the 17 women hockey players; just as the meaning of patriotism has changed from fighting imperialists to fighting the enemy across the border, to fighting the enemy within, and finally to announcing the arrival of India as a global giant.That's perhaps why Rajkumar Santoshi's out-of-history-books Legend of Bhagat Singh did not do half as well as Rang De Basanti, which used the same legend to galvanise today's apathetic youth to action.
Mahesh Bhatt: Freedom is a high-sounding concept, which may have benefited you and me. The majority of India is enslaved by poverty. Only when the weakest of the weak is free will I feel free.Victor Banerjee: I'm deeply saddened by the disparity in wealth, and even ashamed to use the word 'wealth'. Sixty years after independence we eulogise dubious movie stars and cricketers with comic scores. We live in a world of magical muck while millions starve, fight discrimination and can only pray to the heavens for solace and food.With our imperialistic shrines, the Baristas and KFCs and McDonalds we've more to be ashamed of than proud. As for the imitative institutions like 'Bollywood' they make us look like caged monkeys where the zookeeper is the ignorant American.Priyanka Chopra: I feel lucky to be part of independent India. We actually have the freedom of choice and speech and the freedom to dream and actualise our dreams without the fear of losing our values. And I salute our forefathers for paving the way for our lives today.Preity Zinta: Freedom to me is the choice to think, live and act the way I want to; the choice to say yes or no. I think I have that choice
Movie Review : Partner
Starring: Salman Khan, Govinda, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Dilip Tahil, Rajat Bedi, Aarti ChabariaDirector: David DhawanMusic: Sajid WajidProducer: Sohail Khan Productions, K Sera Sera
Salman Khan and Govinda play partners in this movie. The film has Katrina paired up with Govinda while Lara Dutta is cast opposite Salman Khan. In the film, Salman plays a love guru who is an expert in matters relating to romance and girl-wooing. Inspired by director Andy Tennant's likable Hollywood hit HITCH [2005; Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta], PARTNER is a true-blue David Dhawan film.
PARTNER is for those seeking non-stop entertainment. It's targeted at those who swear by masala films. Those who want to get transported to a world of make-believe in those 2 hours. It's definitely not for those who actually know what to expect, but pretend to rubbish escapist cinema. Also, it's not for certain critics [looking for art cinema in a masala entertainer] whose star ratings are a much bigger joke than the one David Dhawan.
Prem [Salman Khan] is a 'date doctor' who, for a fee, has helped hundreds of men woo the women of their dreams. In his childhood, he understood a woman's likes and dislikes in food, clothes or men. His aim is to help those men who like or love women, not to take them to bed. Prem discovers that his tried and tested tricks are no match for Naina [Lara Dutta], the one woman he truly loves, who works for a newspaper as a journalist. He comes across Bhaskar [Govinda], who is in love with Priya [Katrina Kaif], the rich and famous daughter of a tycoon [Dilip Tahil]. Prem helps Govinda find his lady love and eventually also finds a soulmate in Naina.
Sanjay Chhel’s dialogues are packed with wit, humour and freshness. Johnny Lal’s cinematography is good. Sajid Wajid’s music has become a hit even before the release of the film. Bosco Caesar’s choreography is lively and refreshing.
Salman Khan, he is one actor who can look good even in the worst of situations. Govinda sets the screen blazing with an incredible performance. Katrina shows her dentist’s efforts in showering a bunch of smiles spread all over the film. Lara Dutta looks gorgeous and pairs off very well with Salman. Suresh Menon and Rajpal Yadav add to the fun elements of this masala entertainer.
Salman Khan and Govinda play partners in this movie. The film has Katrina paired up with Govinda while Lara Dutta is cast opposite Salman Khan. In the film, Salman plays a love guru who is an expert in matters relating to romance and girl-wooing. Inspired by director Andy Tennant's likable Hollywood hit HITCH [2005; Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta], PARTNER is a true-blue David Dhawan film.
PARTNER is for those seeking non-stop entertainment. It's targeted at those who swear by masala films. Those who want to get transported to a world of make-believe in those 2 hours. It's definitely not for those who actually know what to expect, but pretend to rubbish escapist cinema. Also, it's not for certain critics [looking for art cinema in a masala entertainer] whose star ratings are a much bigger joke than the one David Dhawan.
Prem [Salman Khan] is a 'date doctor' who, for a fee, has helped hundreds of men woo the women of their dreams. In his childhood, he understood a woman's likes and dislikes in food, clothes or men. His aim is to help those men who like or love women, not to take them to bed. Prem discovers that his tried and tested tricks are no match for Naina [Lara Dutta], the one woman he truly loves, who works for a newspaper as a journalist. He comes across Bhaskar [Govinda], who is in love with Priya [Katrina Kaif], the rich and famous daughter of a tycoon [Dilip Tahil]. Prem helps Govinda find his lady love and eventually also finds a soulmate in Naina.
Sanjay Chhel’s dialogues are packed with wit, humour and freshness. Johnny Lal’s cinematography is good. Sajid Wajid’s music has become a hit even before the release of the film. Bosco Caesar’s choreography is lively and refreshing.
Salman Khan, he is one actor who can look good even in the worst of situations. Govinda sets the screen blazing with an incredible performance. Katrina shows her dentist’s efforts in showering a bunch of smiles spread all over the film. Lara Dutta looks gorgeous and pairs off very well with Salman. Suresh Menon and Rajpal Yadav add to the fun elements of this masala entertainer.
Bipasha upset by Randeep's rash driving
Mumbai, Contrary to the reports published, Bipasha Basu says she is angry with Randeep Hooda for driving rashly and scaring the daylights out of her.
Randeep collided with Bipasha and John Abraham earlier this week when he drove his car at top speed inside Nitin Desai's studio in Karjat. While Bipasha and John were shooting for Vivek Agnihotri's "Goal" there, Randeep went to shoot for Ketan Mehta's "Rang Rasiya"."And then they write that I was admiring the man's driving! Am I mad to admire such rash driving? To begin with, I don't know Randeep at all. Someone drove rashly, scaring the hell out of me, John and our respective staff," Bipasha told IANS."At the time it happened, we had no clue where that came from. We came to know later who it was. At that time I was very angry with the person driving the car, not admiring him, as reported in a daily."Bipasha says that she has no fondness for reckless drivers."I'm not too fond of drivers who use the roads like their personal kingdom. I don't think it's right to drive like crazy, especially in a crowded place where people are shooting a film. I think anyone who does so should apologise."Randeep isn't in a mood to oblige.
Randeep collided with Bipasha and John Abraham earlier this week when he drove his car at top speed inside Nitin Desai's studio in Karjat. While Bipasha and John were shooting for Vivek Agnihotri's "Goal" there, Randeep went to shoot for Ketan Mehta's "Rang Rasiya"."And then they write that I was admiring the man's driving! Am I mad to admire such rash driving? To begin with, I don't know Randeep at all. Someone drove rashly, scaring the hell out of me, John and our respective staff," Bipasha told IANS."At the time it happened, we had no clue where that came from. We came to know later who it was. At that time I was very angry with the person driving the car, not admiring him, as reported in a daily."Bipasha says that she has no fondness for reckless drivers."I'm not too fond of drivers who use the roads like their personal kingdom. I don't think it's right to drive like crazy, especially in a crowded place where people are shooting a film. I think anyone who does so should apologise."Randeep isn't in a mood to oblige.
Bollywood's thoughts on Independence Day
Mumbai, India is celebrating 60 years of independence and the film fraternity too has joined the celebrations.While young actors like Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu rejoice as independence allows them to lead their lives the way they want to, seniors like Mahesh Bhatt and Victor Banerjee express their concerns over the chasm between the rich and the poor.
Mahesh Bhatt: Freedom is a high-sounding concept, which may have benefited you and me. The majority of India is enslaved by poverty. Only when the weakest of the weak is free will I feel free.
Victor Banerjee: I'm deeply saddened by the disparity in wealth, and even ashamed to use the word 'wealth'. Sixty years after independence we eulogise dubious movie stars and cricketers with comic scores. We live in a world of magical muck while millions starve, fight discrimination and can only pray to the heavens for solace and food.
With our imperialistic shrines, the Baristas and KFCs and McDonalds we've more to be ashamed of than proud. As for the imitative institutions like 'Bollywood' they make us look like caged monkeys where the zookeeper is the ignorant American.
Priyanka Chopra: I feel lucky to be part of independent India. We actually have the freedom of choice and speech and the freedom to dream and actualise our dreams without the fear of losing our values. And I salute our forefathers for paving the way for our lives today.
Preity Zinta: Freedom to me is the choice to think, live and act the way I want to; the choice to say yes or no. I think I have that choice.
Bipasha Basu: Freedom allows me to be myself. As a woman I can choose the profession I want and be respected for what I do. Today, women can afford financial freedom. Because we live in independent India, I get opportunities to exercise personal freedom.
Shabana Azmi: Looking at our country today I feel grateful for the sacrifices made by those who made freedom possible. It also makes me conscious of the responsibility we must exercise in preserving it. Pluralism is an invaluable gift of freedom. And it makes me proud to be an Indian.
Suniel Shetty: Freedom to me is the ability to live my life the way I want to. And no country gives me that freedom better than India. We not only give our citizens the full right to expression, we also allow foreigners full freedom in this country. And look at how much we're valued abroad! Bollywood today gets preferential treatment for shooting in nearly every part of the globe.
Anupam Kher: I've never felt freer. I'm able to do so many things with my life and career. Let's not forget we're just 60 years old after freedom, and we've done a terrific job of bringing our country from the 'Third World' to being a frontrunner. Our cinema is going through its most fertile phase. Given a choice I'd not be part of any other phase in the evolution of Indian cinema. This is it.
Kangana Ranaut: Freedom to me is the power to be anywhere without fear. I don't think women in this country have got that freedom yet. Last year my sister was attacked because she said no to a man who wanted to be friends with her. I think we girls should have the freedom to say no. But I don't have the freedom to say no. When I refuse a role or want to be out of a relationship or I want to be left alone I'm labelled arrogant.
Hema Malini: Sixty years of independence has given the Indian women equal rights and privileges to men in all walks of life. India is a shining example of unity-in-multiplicity. Gandhiji's teachings resonate across the world. India plays an important part in global issues. All this didn't seem possible a few years ago.
Irrfan Khan: It's a fact that we're born caged. We spend all our lives looking for freedom. It doesn't matter if after the British dominion, Indian leaders have made our lives miserable. We'll keep looking for and fighting for that freedom.
Kalpana Lajmi: These 60 years of independence spell a precious freedom of expression for me. My country's freedom has helped my liberation as a woman and as a citizen of India, has given me democracy, which gives me the right to vote for a better and positive change and growth for myself and for my country.
Manoj Bajpai: Coexistence of different cultures and communities, freedom of expression and freedom to be myself - these are what India has given me. I wish an end to corruption, caste system, crime and feudalism. And I wish women to be liberated completely from male chauvinism. It will happen, I know.
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