Graeme Swann has worked out the key to Test match success - 'play like you do in the back garden'.
Dec 12, 2010
'Play like you do in the back garden'
Graeme Swann has worked out the key to Test match success - 'play like you do in the back garden'.
Akram: India's SA tour is ill-timed
The 5-0 win against New Zealand shows India’s massive bench strength.
NBA: Nowitzki stars in Mavericks win
Dirk Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to their 12th straight NBA win with a 103-97 victory over the Utah Jazz.
'India can be bowled out in two Tests'
South African bowling coach Vincent Barnes believes his side can bowl out India in at least two Tests in the three-match series.
NHL: Penguins maintain form
The Pittsburgh Penguins continued their red-hot winning streak in the NHL with a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
Boxing: DeGale powers to British title
Olympic gold medallist James DeGale claimed the British super-middleweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Paul Smith.
Tottenham vs Chelsea: Key Battles
ESPNSTAR.com brings you the key head-to-head encounters in Sunday's London derby between Tottenham and Chelsea.
NFL: Vikings-Giants clash postponed
Sunday's encounter between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants has been postponed until Monday due to heavy snow.
'Proteas have special plan for Sehwag'
South Africa coach Corrie van Zyl said his team has worked out special strategies for Virender Sehwag.
Ferreira confident of stopping Bale
Chelsea defender Paulo Ferreira claims he is up to the task of stopping Tottenham's tearaway winger Gareth Bale.
Boxing: Khan proves he's a lion heart
Amir Khan says his thrilling win over Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas on Saturday night proved he has a "lion's heart".
Wenger keeping faith in Arshavin
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will be patient with inconsistent Russian striker Andrei Arshavin.
Boxing: King Khan retains WBA title
Amir Khan retained his WBA light-welterweight title with a thrilling points victory over Argentina's Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas.
Fergie expects Old Trafford classic
Sir Alex Ferguson is anticipating another action-filled encounter with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday.
Lorgat: Ideal UDRS near completion
ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat has confirmed that the proposed changes to the UDRS system is nearing its completion.
Santa Cruz in AC Milan's sights
Exiled Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is reportedly being lined up as Filippo Inzaghi's replacement at AC Milan.
Ajay Devgn opts out of Santoshi's Power
Power, Firoz Nadiadwala's multi starrer film being directed by Rajkumar Santoshi has run into problems. The film which was announced on Anantachaturdashi, the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, has suffered a major setback with the lead actor Ajay Devgn opting out of the project. The film which also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt was almost ready to go on floors with only minor roles that were left to be filled along with the part for the leading lady. However, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the film schedule has been thrown askew as Ajay will no longer be part of it. Though the reason behind Ajay walking out of the film is still a mystery an official statement is yet to be issued neither side is ready to divulge any information.No Problem producer plans mega party inviting entire industry
The much talked about party of No Problem seems to be the most looked forward to. Turns out, this party is going to be a lavish affair reminiscent of the filmi parties that ruled the scene a few years back. True to the tradition of filmi parties, this party is going to be in a swanky sea facing a bungalow in Juhu, which is owned by B.K Modi, who is the head scion of Spice Studios, the co-producers of No Problem. While Bollywood parties are always known to be lavish, this one takes the cake as B.K.Modi is getting the entire road washed before the party, and as if that was not enough, he is also red carpeting the entire lane to welcome their guests, the party is expected to go on till the wee hours in the morning and the guest list promises the who's who of Bollywood. Not just that, B K Modi is going all out, the food is going to be an elaborate affair and there are going to be delicious dishes from all over the world. And to whip up this delectable affair the best chefs are being called in. Well, No Problem team seems to have thrown the mother of all parties in true filmi style, and B.K Modi is a mood to celebrate, regardless of the fate of No Problem at the box office; he wants to celebrate the first production under the banner of Spice Studios.TMK in censor trouble; gets U/A certificate
These days it seems as thought the censor board has decided to toughen up on films. Just recently films like Aakrosh and Crook ran into problems with the censor board. This time it's the much talked about, Akshay-Katrina starrer Tees Maar Khan that has hit troubled waters. Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the censor board recommended certain cuts in the film to grant it a U certificate. Further it is learnt that the word 'Sheila' was asked to be removed from the song 'Sheila Ki Jawani'. Some of the other cuts involved scenes where Katrina Kaif's naval was visible. Apart from these, the board even asked for the phrase 'Maa Ki Aankh' to be removed, as well as some other words like tawaif, etc. were also asked to be removed. Director Farah Khan did not accept these cuts and took the film to the revising committee in Delhi. Post the censor board ruling, Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder approached the revising committee to get the certificate for the film. Contrary to the cuts requested for by the censor board, the revising committee passed the film without much debate. The committee of seven members who saw the film on Thursday differed from the board finding nothing so momentous in the film to warrant 18 cuts. The film was passed with only a couple of cuts and a passing certificate will be issued to the film early next week.Deepika Padukone to sizzle on Dum Maaro Dum track
Deepika Padukone, who has been hugely responsible for many men suffering from insomnia and other such 'hailments', is now all set to work her charm once again, this time with her gyrating moves in Rohan Sippy's Dum Maaro Dum. Deepika, despite, not being the leading lady of the film, will be seen doing a scintillating item number for the film, on the remix version of the infamous song 'Dum Maaro Dum'. The song has been composed by Pritam. Rohan, who is apparently very excited to have Deepika on board, said that the song will have a contemporary feel to it, and that they will be shooting it next week. Dum Maaro Dum, which stars Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Rana Daggubatti is scheduled for release in April 2011.Samir Karnik accuses No Problem makers of copying his poster designs
It is that copycat syndrome again. Or so director Samir Karnik believes. In an angry outburst he says his posters of the three loveable Sardarjis - Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol in Yamla Pagla Deewana has inspired director Anees Bazmee to put his entire male cast into turbans on the posters of No Problem. Says Samir, "We came up with posters showing the Deols in turbans. Soon after that, I saw similar posters of No Problem with all their heroes Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna etc. as Sardarjis, plastered all over town. It can't be a coincidence." No Problem director Anees Bazmi agrees there is design behind the Sikh posters. "We shot the song with the entire cast dressed up in Sikh turbans a year ago. So where's the question of copying the other film? With due respects to Dharam paaji, Sunny, Bobby and Samir Karnik, my links with Punjab and Punjabiyat go back a long way. I made Singh Is Kingg. And if I had my way, I'd make Singh Is Kinng 2 too. But I am not being allowed to. You'll have to ask producer Vipul Shah why." However, Samir Karnik gets the last word in on the question of Punjabiyat. Says Karnik, "Amost everyone in the cast and crew of Yamla Pagla Deewana is Sikh. All the Deols, our leading lady Kulraj Randhawa even our writer Jasvinder Singh Bhatt are Sikhs. They (the unit of No Problem) might have shot their turbaned song first. But our posters were out first."
Soha Ali Khan plays deaf girl in official remake of It's All Gone Pete Tong
Soha Ali Khan would be seen as a deaf girl in Soundtrack, a Hindi film which is an official remake of a Canadian film It's All Gone Pete Tong. The Hindi version is being backed by SaReGaMa who have bought the rights for the remake. Confirms Soha, "Yes, I am playing a deaf girl in the film. I have just started shooting for the film and trust me; it is a completely different experience for me. I can't imagine myself in a world where I can't hear anything. I converse so much with people in real life and to be put in a situation like this, it has been a challenge for me." The film is based on the true story of a popular Czech DJ Kristov Masalin who lost his hearing due to excessive noise levels at various venues at which he played. However, Kristov's career did not end with his total loss of hearing and used various methods to keep his music career alive. The Canadian take (It's All Gone Pete Tong) on this true story had Paul Kaye playing the DJ under the direction of Michael Dowse. The Hindi version though has Rajeev Khandelwal putting on the gears of a DJ. Meanwhile, post the debacle of Tum Mile, Soha Ali Khan is now seeing a fresh lease to her career with multiple films lined up in near future. "Yes, Tum Mile not doing well was a disappointment. However, there was no conscious effort to take a break. It's just that Tera Kya Hoga Johnny is now releasing after all the issues it had to face due to YouTube leak earlier this year. It was unfortunate", sighs Soha. She is excited about 2011 though. "There is another film called Chemistry which I have done with Shreyas Talpade. It is my first ever out and out comedy. And then of course there is Soundtrack which should turn out to be a superb human drama. These are the kind of films that excite me. I am anyways not dreaming of pot loads of money. As long as there is something which is experimental yet saleable, I am fine not being a part of hardcore mainstream brigade", she signs off.Break Ke Baad's vfx extravaganza by N. K. Graphic Arts
When it comes to vfx in heavy budget Bollywood movies, there are a few big vfx companies which has made its presence felt, over the past few years. But ever thought, a team of mere 5-6 guys hailing from Kolkata, in a small garage type studio, would able to execute vfx for big budgeted Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer Break Ke Baad? But yes. It is. Indranil Roy, who moved to Mumbai with couple of his team mates a few years back, running his own small animation boutique and executing a lot of TV commercials, has done it. "This is the first Bollywood feature film project which we have executed" says an excited Indranil, who also happens to be the vfx supervisor for the film. Indranil started his boutique almost a decade back in Kolkata with the name N. K. Graphic Arts. "The company initially floated was in Kolkata for few years and then we planned to shift its base to Mumbai for better prospects. Though it was non-operational for almost a year and half, as I was a part of Prasad EFX, but now again we have started the studio as our priority" When asked Indranil about his working experience in Bollywood and with the director Danish Aslam, he gave a very satisfied smile and replied, "Well, it has been a great learning and working experience. Danish is very well versed with his job and keeps a fair understanding about the vfx. He keeps sharp eye for the quality of content and is very particular about finesse of every shot executed." As a new entrant in the industry, he is also thankful to Vicky Bahri, the Co-producer and Kunal Kohli, producer of the movie, for giving him an opportunity to work with them. "Vicky's and my relationship come from the time when we worked together for a TV commercial, a year back." he states. 
He further informs that regarding the vfx and the shots, "There are more than 150 vfx shots of over 14 minutes which we executed. Having our team here in Mumbai, we also roped in few mates from Kolkata who accomplished the work." With this beginning in the industry, Indranil wanted to thank everyone who played a key role along with him to finish the project. Here are the mentioned few names (credits) who worked rigorously on the movie: Photogrammetry/Modelling/Texturing - Arijit Gupta; Senior 3D artist - Prashant Sadaphule; Concept Arts for five credits: Vinod More; Web Design/Fx - Tapas Kanti Sarkar; Compositing/Match move - Rajesh Patel; Roto/ Animation - Debasis Das; Match move and Credit design (Sharmila Tagor's credit) - Arup Barik; Kite Thread Dynamics - T. Suresh Babu; Compositing: Ketan Patil; Staircase Calligraphy - Damini Roy. Paragliding sequence compositing and body rig clean up: VFX supervisor Ashoke Chowdhury. In this Bollywood Hungama's exclusive; here are the shot breakdowns of few major shots executed. Images and Information courtesy: Kunal Kohli Productions, Reliance Big Pictures and N. K. Graphic Arts. Click on the below given tabs for the shot-by-shot breakdown:Anurag Kashyap accuses Big B of postponing release of Chittagong
Anurag Kashyap is known to speak from his heart and doesn't believe in mincing words. This time Anurag has gone ahead and taken pot-shots at none other than Amitabh Bachchan. Apparently, Anurag is upset as he feels that Big B used his clout to postpone the release of the film Chittagong (which is also based on the 1930 Chittagong uprising just like the Abhishek Bachchan starrer Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey) While Khelein Hum Jee Jan Sey (KHJJS) is a big budget film made by a veteran director like Ashutosh Gowariker and stars bigwigs such as Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, Chittagong is a relatively smaller film directed by Sonali Bose and stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead. Both Chittagong and KHJJS were to release last Friday (Dec 3) but finally only KHJJS released and Chittagong got postponed. Anurag Kashyap may not be directly involved with the film but he still smelt something fishy in this sudden act and expressed his rant on a social networking site. The maverick filmmaker said, "See Chittagong, a far superior film made on the same subject as Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.. At 1/8 th the cost, far superior actors and immense passion... Producers decided to sit on it, because of a phone call from someone, because that someone was trying desperately to save his son's career... welcome to Bollywood, where whose son you are outshines all the hard work and passion and potential and talent. KHJJS came and went, now what?" The comment has certainly not gone down too well with Big B who has called the accusation as incorrect and baseless. While Big B refuses to comment further on this issue, this certainly is something he won't forget in a long time to come.
Rajkumar Hirani directs Shah Rukh Khan in an ad film
Not too long ago, the ace director Raj Kumar Hirani made news when he decided to rope in his star from 3 Idiots, Kareena Kapoor, for an advert. The director who ventured into films following a successful career in advertising has now shot an ad with none other than SRK. It is being said that the director has apparently shot an ad with King Khan for a fairness product. The two were in the past supposed to work together for 3 Idiots but the deal didn't work out and the rest as they say is history. The said commercial was shot in Filmistan studio in Mumbai yesterday and it will go live on air in few weeks.Esha Deol learns direction and editing on sets of Tell Me Oh Khuda
By the end of her re-launch film Tell Me Oh Khuda, Esha Deol is a skilled film technician. Says Esha, "Throughout the making of Tell Me Oh Khuda, I was learning on the job. Today I am ready to direct. But I first need to build my position as an actress."Says Esha, "I've learnt plenty on the technical side of filmmaking during Tell Me Of Khuda. But it's a bit early for me to change lanes." Esha who become a bit of recluse, is ready to strike back. Her home production Tell Me Oh Khuda is being put together by Esha's mom Hema Malini and Esha frame by frame to make sure the re-launch is just right. While Hema confirms that Esha is indeed sitting on the film's editing, Esha admits, "I'm helping mom out. Yeah I am sitting on the editing. Throughout Tell Me Oh Khuda, I was an assistant. I've learnt so much from behind the camera. Now I'm learning how to edit. So this film has been a perfect training ground for me." Esha doesn't rule out the possibility of direction. One advantage of a home production is, you can learn on the job. Esha Deol is not just the leading lady of her mother Hema Malini's production Tell Me Oh Khuda, she's also the assistant director and her mother's chief technical advisor. "I know I can direct a film anytime," says Esha who celebrated her birthday in November with a theme party. Says Esha, "Everyone was supposed to dress up in the 1980s style. It was great fun. Usually I am not the party-party kind. But for the last year because of my involvement with our home production, I've been so cut off from all my friends I just decided to re-connect with them for my birthday."
Ranji Trophy updates: Saturday
Virat Kohli returns to Delhi squad for final Ranji Trophy league match while Rohit Sharma returns to Mumbai team.
Modi's lawyer says BCCI flouted rules
The BCCI has flouted its own rules again, said former IPL chairman Lalit Modi's lawyer Mehmood Abdi.
New formula for rain-hit IPL matches
BCCI has approved Kerala engineer V Jayadevan's technique to compute target scores in interrupted IPL matches.
Curator: Bouncy pitch at Centurion
Centurion is expected to have grass on the pitch so that there can be a bit of bounce for the first Test starting on December 16.
Record profit awaits BCCI from IPL-4
BCCI may be fighting franchises in court, but the prospect of its blue chip IPL looks even more profitable, Sports Center reports.
IPL players' auction postponed
The players' auction scheduled for January 8-9 may be postponed as BCCI is entangled in legal battles against franchises.
'Steyn will be the key against India'
South Africa's bowling coach Vincent Barnes said a Dale Steyn-led pace attack can bowl India out twice in a Test match.
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