Nov 9, 2010

Healy left out of N Ireland squad


David Healy is omitted from the Northern Ireland squad for the friendly international against Morocco at Windsor Park.


McGhee 'comfortable' at Pittodrie


Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee insists he is comfortable in the role following Saturday's 9-0 thrashing by Celtic.


Charlton reject takeover attempt


League One side Charlton Athletic reject a takeover bid from a consortium led by Swiss-based fund manager Sebastien Sainsbury.


Lafferty's mobility pleases Smith


Rangers manager Walter Smith acknowledges the contribution of Kyle Lafferty in his team's decisive second-half display at St Mirren.


Allah Ke Banday further postponed, Faruk Kabir won't compete with Bhansali


Faruk KabirDebutante director Faruk Kabir won't release his film Allah Ke Banday with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish. He would rather wait one more week.
With the censor board clamping down on four different sequences of violence, drinking and cocaine-sniffing, director-actor Faruk Kabir's Allah Ke Banday won't make it to the theatres before 26 November. Harried and anxious, Faruk says, "We thought we'd incorporate the changes in a few days and send off our overseas prints in time for Bakri Eid release on November 18, a Thursday. But now it seems we won't be able to release before November 26. Fortunately, I've a very supporting producer and Naseer saab is also with me." The thought of releasing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish on November 19 gave Faruk the heebie-jeebies. "I am too much in awe of Mr. Bhansali to release with him. I remember when I had just returned from film school in New York, I had approached Mr. Bhansali for a job as an assistant. He didn't entertain my request. Destiny, I guess." Faruk assisted Saeed Mirza and is now keen to show the veteran filmmaker Allah Ke Banday. The censors are at the moment the culprits behind the delay in Faruk's film. Says the director, "They asked for four cuts. One of them is a gory prison fight involving kids. We were asked to reduce about 30 seconds of the two-minute violence. The censor board said they had to be extra-sensitive in issues involving children. I completely agree with that." What however made less sense is the order for deletion of scenes showing a guy sniffing cocaine and shots of some men consuming alcohol. Says Faruk, "We were asked to completely do away with scenes showing a guy sniffing cocaine. And the censor board had a problem with shots of people consuming alcohol because the brand name of an alcohol showed up on screen. I wasn't even aware it was showing." The problem is, Faruk has no substitute stock to supplement these deletions. "We shot very cut-to-cut. There's no extra footage. So how do I fill the deleted footage? Me and my editor are going crazy figuring it out."


Latest developments in tinsel town


Now for some garma-garam khabar from the entertainment industry... Thanks to the cuts imposed by the censors, ALLAH KE BANDAY has been shifted ahead by one week, which means that the film will arrive a week later, not on 12th but on 19th November. However, the makers have decided to release the film a day earlier, on Thursday, 18th November to capitalize on the Eid festivities. This foreign studio has decided to get aggressive and invest in Hindi films. The studio hasn't made money on Hindi movies in the past, but that hasn't deterred them from investing in Bollywood. Everyone's wondering why this talked-about film, which was due for release next week, was shifted ahead. It seems, the senior actor, who happens to be a good friend of the maverick film-maker, requested him to shift his film to a latter date, so that it doesn't cut into the sensitive film's business.


First promo of 'Yamla Pagla Deewana' is the talk of town


Yamla Pagla DeewanaBollywood is full of surprises. Samir Karnik is going through a rough patch. Ditto for Deols, especially Sunny and Bobby Deol, who haven't tasted success for a while now. But the promo of Karnik's YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA, starring Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol, which was launched last week, has been received exceptionally well by viewers across the globe. What's interesting is that people on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, who are really hard to please when it comes to Hindi movies, have reacted very, very strongly to the first promo of YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA, showering lavish praises on message boards/FB status/tweets. This faction of cinegoers had reacted similarly to DABANGG sometime back and with YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA winning unanimous praise, one expects the film to live up to the expectations when it releases in January 2011.


Yash Raj Films to launch Boney Kapoor's son Arjun Kapoor


Arjun KapoorIn the recent past Yash Raj Films has launched actors such as Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) and Ranveer Singh (Band Baaja Baaraat). Now the latest actor to be launched by YRF is none other than Arjun Kapoor (son of producer Boney Kapoor). When contacted YRF's spokesperson said, "Yes...Arjun Kapoor has been signed up for a film with YRF. However, as mentioned earlier, we will be making an announcement of all our forthcoming films in Jan 2011."


Rohit Shetty to make comedy film with Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan


Ajay Devgn, Abhishek BachchanThe verdict is out. Rohit Shetty's laugh-a-thon Golmaal 3 has emerged as the clear winner at the Box Office this Diwali. While the filmmaker is but obviously elated with his latest success, he is not one of those who believe in resting on past laurels. Rohit is already busy planning his next two films. While his immediate next as reported earlier would be the remake of the Tamil film Singam and would star Ajay Devgn in the lead, Rohit is also planning a comedy with Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan. Interestingly, the duo starred in Rohit's directorial debut Zameen. Confirming this news Rohit says, "Yes I am planning a comedy with Ajay and Abhishek. I have narrated the idea to them and am waiting to see how the dates can be worked out. The comedy flick would be produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd." However, Rohit maintains that the immediate next project that he would be working on would be the remake of Singam. "The comedy film will start only by mid next year. I would first be doing the Singam remake with Ajay. That is an action film and is being produced by Reliance Big Pictures. We start shooting in Feb. 2011 and I plan to wrap the film in two months. We are aiming at a June release." With these two films, Rohit Shetty surely has his plate full for next year.


Ranbir Kapoor’s loss becomes Aditya Roy Kapoor's gain


From one Kapoor to another. Debutant Aditya Roy Kapur who has made such a positive impact in Action Replayy has Ranbir to thank for the part. Post-Saawariya Aditya’s role was first offered to Ranbir who had reservations about sharing screen space with Aishwarya and Akshay. Veejay-turned-actor Aditya Roy Kapur who also plays a major role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish, has found unexpected support in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who stars with him in both his post-debut films. While Aishwarya plays Aditya’s mother in Vipul Shah’s Action Replay, she stars as his confidante and sympathetic shoulder in Guzaarish, two contrasting roles with the same actress that could create a confusion of perception, though it may be recalled Jaya Bhaduri played Sanjeev Kumar’s daughter and wife in Parichay and Koshish, respectively. Aditya is totally unfazed and far from confused about his diametrically opposed parts with Aishwarya in the two films he’s doing with her. “Sanjay Bhansali Sir’s and Vipul Sir’s film approach and treatment to the characters are so different, my response to the scenes is decided the minute I reach the sets for the two films. So I’m not confused by differing roles with Aishwarya in the two films,” says the young actor who made his debut last year in London Dreams as Zoheb, the Pakistani member of Ajay Devgan’s rock band. “I had no burning ambition to become an actor,” confesses Aditya whose eldest brother Siddharth works with UTV and second brother Kunal is a director- actor. Aditya is the baby of the family. “Considering my eldest bro is 19 years my senior, he’s almost like a father figure. So yes, I’m the baby of the family. I think Sanjay Sir and Vipul Sir saw me veejaying on television and decided to sign me. Luckily both the experiences have been rewarding.” Though Aditya has been seen around with his Guzaarish co-star Monikangana Dutta, it’s Aishwarya Rai Bachchan he likes talking about. “She has been very helpful with my scenes, telling me how to do them. She has been a silent support on the sets. I won’t forget that.” Aditya has often been seen hanging out with Monikangana. But he dismisses any talk of their friendship being anything more. “She’s my co-star in Guzaarish. And we’re of the same generation. So we spend time together. Otherwise I am single at the moment.”


Yash Chopra awarded with Asian Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema


Yash ChopraTributes continue to follow Yash Chopra who added the "Asian Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema" honour to his long list of well-regarded achievements on Tuesday, October 26, in London. This follows Mr. Yash Chopra being felicitated with the 'Swiss Ambassador's Award 2010" for his contribution in promoting 'Brand Switzerland' through his movies, earlier last week. The Asian Award was presented to Mr. Yash Chopra by Gurinder Chadha. The Awards honour excellence and talents from business to the arts, technology to politics, sports to public service. Presented by Lord Sebastian Coe, this year the Asian Awards 2010, saw many industry leaders in attendance, including Ratan Tata, Sunil Mittal, Sachin Tendulkar, A. R. Rahman and Vijay Mallya who were also awarded for their yeoman services in their own spheres. Guests at the award ceremony included luminaries Jermaine Jackson, Nasser Hussain OBE, Gurinder Chadha, Christian Louboutin and singer Sonu Nigam. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Britain's Deputy PM Nick Clegg was also in attendance. With such prestigious figures lending their full support, make The Asian Awards 2010 one of the most important awards ceremonies to launch this year. The Asian Awards recognized Mr. Yash Chopra for his excellence as a director (including Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Waqt (1965), Daag (1973), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Silsila (1981), Deewaar (1975), Trishul (1978), Lamhe (1991), Chandni (1989), Darr (1993), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Veer-Zaara (2004) among a host of others), Along With Being An Exceptional Producer (Of Mega Hits Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dhoom (2004), Dhoom:2 (2006), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Fanaa (2006), Chak De India (2007), Hum Tum (2004), Mohabbatein (2000), New York (2009), Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) to name a few) and for the active industry icon that he continues to be. Arguably, Mr. Yash Chopra can be called India's most successful confluence of creativity and administrative genius and remains an inspiration for all young directors and producers. Amongst his other pioneering efforts, Mr. Yash Chopra has also solely paved the way for the 'Studio model' in India. The first of its kind event celebrating achievement and excellence among South Asians from around the world, the inaugural Asian Awards supported the charity Save the Children and saw many South Asians gather under one roof at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.


Live Chat: Sharman Joshi on Nov 9 at 1500 hrs IST


Sharman JoshiSharman Joshi is the typical Bollywood hero, who is the darling of millions. He starred in some of the most memorable smash hits that Bollywood has ever witnessed. He has to his credit of having starred in blockbusters like 3 Idiots, Rang De Basanti... to name a few. The man is back with yet another stellar performance in the forthcoming Allah Ke Banday. Bollywood Hungama brings you a chance to get up, close and personal with this dude only on the Celebrity Chat on Tuesday Nov 9 at 1500 hrs IST Do not miss for anything in the world!


Rohit Shetty to remake Tamil film Singam with Ajay Devgn


Ajay Devgn, Rohit ShettyAfter directing successful comedies like the Golmaal series and All The Best, Rohit Shetty will change tracks for his next venture and return to the action genre. Rohit's next after Golmaal 3 is an action packed film which is a remake of the 2010 Tamil smash-hit film Singam. While the Tamil film starred Surya in the lead role, the Hindi remake will star Rohit's best friend Ajay Devgn. The film is being produced by Reliance Big Pictures which had also co-produced the Tamil version. Confirming the same, Rohit said, "Yes my next film is the remake of Singam and stars Ajay Devgn. Right now, I am too busy with the release of Golmaal 3 and have not finalised on the actress and other cast members." Considering Rohit's debut film as a director was an action film Zameen, it will be interesting to see how Rohit tackles this genre after a hiatus.


Get Bollywood Hungama movie reviews of new releases via SMS, for free


Each Friday as the new movies release, most of us are eager to know about the movie reviews. In keeping up with this very demand, your favourite Bollywood portal www.bollywoodhungama.com has come up with yet another innovative way through which you can get all the latest movie reviews via SMS on your mobile. The highlight of this unique feature is that it's absolutely free of cost. To subscribe to free Movie Reviews via SMS, all you need to do is SMS YBH to 54646. To unsubscribe you may SMS NBH to 54646. Kindly note, this service is available to subscribers within Indian territory only. var zflag_nid="585"; var zflag_cid="947"; var zflag_sid="36"; var zflag_width="300"; var zflag_height="250"; var zflag_sz="9"; So what are you waiting for? This is indeed a dream come true for all you movie lovers.


'Missing' Pakistan cricketer arrives in UK


Pakistan cricket faces a new crisis after wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider turns up in London after leaving the team camp in Dubai without permission.


UCI demands Contador disciplinary


World cycling body UCI asks the Spanish federation to begin disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador.


Man City launch Balotelli appeal


Manchester City deny they have accepted Mario Balotelli's sending-off at West Brom and insist they still hope the decision will be overturned.


Alonso '100%' confident of title


Ferrari's Fernando Alonso believes he will wrap up the drivers' title in Abu Dhabi no matter what his Red Bull rivals do.


Arsenal fight Koscielny red card


Arsenal appeal against the red given to Laurent Koscielny in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Newcastle.


Celtic plan ban for poppy protest


Celtic aim to ban those found responsible for a giant anti-poppy banner displayed at the weekend.


Edinburgh derby probes launched


The police and Scottish Premier League will both investigate crowd trouble at Sunday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.


Pulis wants referee relegations


Stoke manager Tony Pulis advocates the introduction of a relegation system for referees to stop poor decisions.


Murtagh leaves O'Brien's stable


Johnny Murtagh quits his role as number one jockey at the Ballydoyle and Coolmore stables.


Harbhajan and Laxman defy Kiwis


Harbhajan Singh hits a maiden first-class century as he and VVS Laxman defiantly thwart New Zealand's hopes of a rare Test win in India.


Nadal confident of making London


World number one Rafael Nadal expects to be fit for the ATP World Tour finals in London despite withdrawing from this week's Paris Masters with a shoulder injury.


Buckley ruled out of Samoa game


Ireland prop Tony Buckley will Saturday's autumn Test against Samoa at the Aviva Stadium because of a hip injury.


Tuesday's gossip column


Chelsea could be set to move to Earls Court, plus other stories


Monday's F1 gossip column


Renault in sponsorship talks with Lotus, plus other stories and rumours


Monday's Ashes gossip column


Simon Katich battling to be fit for first Test, plus other stories


Co-hosts target successful World Cup


India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have vowed to showcase a memorable World Cup to be played in South Asia for the third time.


Vettori: Harbhajan denied us win


New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori holds Harbhajan Singh responsible for denying them the opportunity to win the first Test.


Clarke rubbishes conspiracy theory


Michael Clarke was forced to clarify on Monday that there are no bad feelings towards his role as captain of the Australian team.


Zulqarnain seeking asylum in UK?


Zulqarnain Haider spent nearly five hours at the Heathrow airport reportedly to discuss plans to seek political asylum in the UK.


Flower: Cook will come good


Andy Flower remains confident Alastair Cook will deliver runs for England in the Ashes this winter.


White to skipper Australia A


Cameron White will captain the Australia A team in the tour match against England in Hobart from November 17-20.


Katich racing to be fit


Simon Katich accepts time is running out to convince Australia selectors he is ready for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.


Arthur upbeat over Johnson fitness


Mickey Arthur will be working double time with Mitchell Johnson to ensure the paceman is back to his best before the first Test.


Smith upbeat ahead of World Cup


Graeme Smith believes South Africa have taken some major strides in recent weeks.


Haider arrives in London


Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider arrived in London on Monday evening after disappearing before the fifth ODI.


Kallis stars as Proteas claim series


Jacques Kallis starred with bat and ball to help South Africa wrap up a 3-2 one-day series victory over Pakistan.


Teams set to travel to Hyderabad


India and New Zealand will reach Hyderabad on Tuesday for the second Test of the ongoing series.


Missing act might cost Haider dear


Zulqarnain Haider's abrupt disappearing act could have an adverse effect on his international cricket career.