Jan 31, 2011

Arjun Rampal to be brand ambassador of Gillette


Arjun Rampal
Arjun Rampal is one cool dude who also happens to be the all-time sexiest hunk of Bollywood. He is also someone who is, by and large, enjoying a dream run in Bollywood with all his films shining at the BO. And for those who live breathe and smell Arjun Rampal, here is some news for you. This man has now been chosen to be the brand ambassador of Gillette. Arjun also tweeted about the same saying "Yes guys I am the new brand ambassador (of Gillette). Wonderful to make this association. So all of you get ready for a shave." That's surely the way to go, Arjun boy!


Live Chat: Dev Anand on February 1 at 1700 hrs IST


Dev AnandHe is one of the greatest living legends in the Hindi film industry. Despite a career spanning over six decades and comprising of evergreen hits such as Guide, Jewel Thief, Johnny Mera Naam, Kala Pani, C.I.D., Paying Guest and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, he is still going strong. He is none other than superstar Dev Anand. Dev Anand is now busy gearing up for the re-release of his cult classic film Hum Dono Rangeen this time in digital colour format. While the film opens coming Friday, we at Bollywood Hungama give you a chance of a lifetime to have a live video chat with the man himself- Dev Anand on Tuesday, February 1, at 1700 hrs IST. Don't miss this for anything!


Riya Sen to endorse Rivaaz Jewellery alongwith cricketer Sreesanth


Riya SenShe is sizzling hot while he is super cool. And when they both collide, the resultant has to be absolutely magical. Well, we are referring to Riya Sen and ace cricketer Sreesanth. According to Bollywood Hungama's confirmed sources, Riya Sen is all set to endorse 'Rivaaz Jewellery' (a brand by the famous Gitanjali Group) alongwith the cricketing sensation Sreesanth. The official announcement of the campaign is awaited.


Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji opens better than Bhandarkar's biggest film Fashion


Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji
Continuing the winning trend in 2011 so far, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Jihas now joined the likes of Yamla Pagla Deewana, No One Killed Jessica and Dhobi Ghat, all of which have been successful at the box office. Now this Madhur Bhandarkar film too has taken a decent to good opening at the box office, hence ensuring that at the least it is on safe ground and is a winning preposition at the least. "Exactly", says an excited Bhandarkar who has been closely monitoring the film's progress amidst the trade, audience and industry circles, "I was getting good vibes from those who had seen Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji prior to its release. However the way audience too has given a go-ahead to the film, as can be seen in the collections over the weekend gone by, I am quite pleased." He has all the right reasons to be elated. As per early estimates, the film has netted in the vicinity of Rs.15 crores just from India. This is just a Rs.3 crores less than what Priyanka Chopra starrer Fashion had netted in it's entire first week when released a couple of years ago. Of course the print count was lesser there but in the times when quick bucks are the name of the game, an early recovery for this medium budgeted film featuring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Omi Vaidya is being looked at pretty positively. Says a source attached to the film, "The film has been made on very controlled budget despite big names being involved. There was no wastage involved as well as it was wrapped up in quick time. While the production cost was Rs. 22 crores, print and publicity was further Rs. 6 crores. To recover Rs. 28 crores is a cakewalk due to inherent merits that the film carries." With good reviews coming the film's way and audience reaction too ranging from decent to good with no one having anything contrary to say, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji pretty much seems en route to turning into the biggest grosser ever for Madhur Bhandarkar after Fashion (which had netted Rs.27 crores). "Well, I hope so", smiles Bhandarkar who can shrug away the under performance of his last release Jail, "We have anyways recovered quite a lot from satellite (Rs.16 crores) and music rights (Rs.2 crores). The theatrical too was sold at Rs.13 crores which will be quite easily recovered by all involved." As for the audience, Bhandarkar is happy that he could successfully move away from the serious cinema that he has made in the past and give them some light hearted entertainment as well. "In addition to that this is my first major success for a male oriented film", adds Bhandarkar, "The film has only picked up further over the weekend. With quite a few open days ahead, we should only be benefiting further from word of mouth."


Live - Transfer deadline day


Paul Konchesky leaves Liverpool for Nottingham Forest on what is expected to be a hectic transfer deadline day.


Liverpool demand £50m for Torres


Liverpool are likely to sell striker Fernando Torres before the transfer window closes on Monday if they can agree a £50m package with Chelsea, according to an Anfield source.


Man Utd to host Crawley in FA Cup


Premier League leaders Manchester United will host non-league Crawley Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup.


Murray to work for Grand Slam win


Andy Murray says the only way he can respond to his Australian Open defeat by Novak Djokovic is to work hard to get better.


Sri Lanka v West Indies scorecard


Scorecard from the first one-day international between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Colombo.


Nasri set for three-week absence


Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri faces a three week lay-off after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half of Arsenal's FA Cup win over Huddersfield.


West Ham bring in Keane on loan


West Ham sign Spurs striker Robbie Keane on loan until the end of the season with an option for two further years should the Hammers avoid relegation.


Man City's Johnson injures ankle


Adam Johnson has been ruled out for up to three months after suffering ankle ligament damage, according to Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.


Fulham 4-0 Tottenham


Four first-half goals earns Fulham a thumping victory over 10-man Tottenham and a place in the FA Cup fifth round.


Rangers reach CIS Cup final


Holders Rangers hold off a strong challenge by Motherwell to set up a Co-operative Insurance Cup final against Celtic.


Team Lotus unveil challenger T128


Team Lotus unveil the challenger T128 and say they are confident of being more competitive this season.


England set for Bangalore switch


England's 2011 World Cup match against India could now take place in Bangalore after Kolkata's Eden Gardens fails an ICC inspection.


Strauss angry after England slump


Skipper Andrew Strauss criticises his batsmen after defeat in Brisbane gives Australia an unassailable 4-1 lead in the seven-match one-day international series.


Watson triumphs at Torrey Pines


American Bubba Watson holds off Phil Mickelson to win the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.


Casey breaks drought in Bahrain


Paul Casey wins the Golf Champions event in Bahrain for his first title in 20 months.


Indians in Cairo fight looters with bats


There are 3,000 odd Indians living and working in Egypt. About 2,000 are in Cairo.


HC: Banks can't use cops to evict defaulters


The Bombay HC has ruled that banks cannot unilaterally use the police machinery to evict defaulting borrowers from mortgaged property.


Zero tolerance for sexual misconduct: Nirupama Rao


Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao has written to all heads of missions stating government's position of "zero tolerance" for incidents of sexual misconduct and domestic violence.


Wishing Preity Zinta a very happy Birthday


Preity ZintaAfter having made a splashing debut with Dil Se, today's birthday girl Preity Zinta, who is also known as the original 'effervescently bubbly-cious' girl of Bollywood, went onto do films that spelt class to the core. Till today, how can one forget her on-screen question rendition of 'Are you a virgin?' to none other than the 'Baadshah' of Bollywood ...Shahrukh Khan, no less! A few examples of Preity Zinta's accomplishments read as Soldier, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Mission Kashmir, Dil Chahta Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, Kal Ho Na Ho, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Heroes etc... You too can join Bollywood Hungama as we wish Preity Zinta a very happy Birthday… simply by posting your messages below:


Shooting of Bodyguard halted in Pune by members of FWICE


Salman Khan, Kareena KapoorBy now its common knowledge that shooting of the Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Bodyguard is on in full swing in Pune. However, the shooting schedule was hampered earlier this week when members of FWICE (Federation of Western India Employees) raided the sets and halted the shoot. Apparently, the Federation had received a tip-off saying that the unit members were made to work for more than the daily stipulated shift time of 12 hours and were even asked to work on January 26 - Republic Day. Besides this, some of the crewmembers of Bodyguard remake were not registered with FWICE which is mandatory. We tried getting in touch with producer Atul Agnihotri but he didn't respond.


Live Chat: Shraddha Das on Jan 31 at 1600 hrs IST


Shraddha DasShe is a well known name and face in the Telugu film industry and has now made her big Bollywood debut with Madhur Bhandarkar's Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji. She is none other than Shraddha Das. Shraddha will be live on Bollywood Hungama's celebrity video chat on Monday, January 31, at 1600 hrs IST. Don't miss it!


Lisa Ray to open yoga studio in Toronto


Lisa RayMarriage seems far away from Lisa Ray's mind. Speaking exclusively, Lisa reveals she has big career plans this year including the opening of a Yoga studio in Toronto for which, work is on full-throttle at the moment. Yoga, it must be mentioned, provided Lisa with tremendous emotional spiritual and physical solace during her prolonged illness and recovery last year. And now Lisa is ready to share her Yoga gyan with the world. Lisa says there's no room for marriage in her life right now. "This news has come completely out of left field. It was most unexpected! I'd love to clarify matters as I'm working on projects in India and don't want my work colleagues out in India to get the impression that I'm not committed to my projects and work out there." Ask her about the status of her relationship with her faithful companion Brett Wilson and Lisa says, "The point is, marriage is not on the cards. The news that came out is unfounded. I am very good friends with Brett and I described marriage as an 'imperfect institution' to make light of the situation, not to make light of marriage." Lisa is excited about her projects this year. "I'm opening a hot yoga studio here in Brampton, Canada. There's so much to look forward to this year. Every day is a blessing. I was recently at the Toronto Film Critics Association dinner where I was surrounded with love and compliments on my 'Second Coming' (the near-death illness). I'm working on a kick-ass series for TLC. Finalising some film projects soon. Involved in another momentous stem-cell event in Toronto. Life is grand. I'm so blessed to live and work in two different worlds."


Live Chat: Tisca Chopra on Jan 31 at 1500 hrs IST


Tisca ChopraYou may remember her as Maya Awasthi, from her acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par, along side the perfectionist Aamir Khan, she is Tisca Chopra. Known for her performance in intensive and off beat films like Hyderabad Blues, and Firaaq, Tisca is all set to feature in the comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji. Tisca will be here on Bollywood Hungama's celebrity video chat, talking about her film and a lot more, so mark the date on your calendar and keep yourself free as Tisca will be online on Monday, Jan 31, at 1500 hrs IST.


Mallika Sherawat acquitted from obscenity case


Mallika Sherawat
This one goes way back, in fact more than four years ago, there was a case of obscenity filed against the seductress Mallika Sherawat. The case in question was filed by social activist Vinod Jain who claimed that the performance by the actress at a New Year party in '06 was outright obscene. The case which was filed in the Sessions court was dismissed stating that it was a classic case of morality issues. In other words, the performance can be deemed obscene depending on the point of view of the individual. Though the actress is heaving a sigh of relief, Vinod Jain, states that he will not rest and will later approach the High Court with the same claim.


Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra on 5 years of Rang De Basanti


Rakeysh Omprakash MehraThe cast and crew of the momentous Rang De Basanti (RDB) watched the film exactly five years after its release on January 26.
And the best part of this retrospective experience was that the team watched exactly the same print that they had viewed five years ago when they first saw RDB. After the screening, the entire retrospective team of RDB moved from the theatre to the film's producer Ronnie Screwvala's home. Says Rakeysh, "Ronnie's home was the nearest to the theatre. So we all moved there and kept chatting about the film till 5 in the morning. I got to know many things that I didn't know about my film, things that the cast and crew had managed on its own while I was preoccupied with something else. It was an amazing experience to just sit and talk about a film that means so much to us." While Rakeysh is thrilled by the film's lingering relevance to this day, he's also deeply saddened by it. "As an artiste it is gratifying to know that the film still has a deep relevance to society and to cinema. But it's also sad that the issues that RDB raised are today more relevant than they were five years ago. As a filmmaker I am happy that No One Killed Jessica used images from RDB. But as a citizen of India it is deeply saddening to know that issues of socio-political injustice that the film raised are more alive today than five years ago. I can only cross my fingers and hope that the issues in RDB are not relevant five years from now." Says Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, "The happiest part of viewing RDB again with the entire team was that my daughter Bhairavi and her best-friend Tarni who were only 7 when RDB was first released, empathized with the film now. Some of the big names associated with the film couldn't make it though. Madhavan and Soha Ali Khan were in London. Waheeda Rehmanji was in Bangalore. A R Rahman was away. But the one we missed the most was Lataji (Mangeshkar). When I called to invite her she regretfully said she had another Republic Day commitment. Besides, she argued, she had seen RDB just two days earlier."


Paresh Rawal does voiceover for Bhandarkar's film, free of cost


Paresh RawalThe multi-talented Paresh Rawal has provided only his voice to Madhur Bhandarkar's Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji.
Says Madhur, "I suddenly realized I needed someone to play the sutradhar, to bring the characters and story together. And I wanted a voiceover that is new to the audiences' ears. I thought of Pareshji. Ironically, we have worked only once together as director and actor in Aan, a film that I am not too proud of." Paresh's voice is a last-minute addition to Dil To Baccha Hai Ji. It was felt that the characters and their motivations needed some amount of explanation. Madhur rushed to Paresh who sportingly agreed. Says the actor, "We all need to do these things once in a while. When Madhur asked me I readily agreed. He is not only a fine filmmaker but a good human being as well." Like his peer and illustrious senior Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal has seriously cut down on the quantity of his work, to concentrate on theatre in 2011. Says Paresh, "I'm not very happy with the quality of roles being offered to me. So I am focusing on theatre. I am doing a satire on insurance companies called 'Kishen Aur Kanhaiya'. As far as films are concerned I've only one release this year, Anees Bazmee's Ready." Paresh is disillusioned by the way his more meritorious films are being marketed these days. "I did a really good film Road To Sangam last year. The producer was new and my efforts went to waste. I am now looking at good work in commercial films. I am on the verge of signing two films with one of my favourite directors Priyadarshan."


A.R.Rahman receives Crystal Award at World Economic Forum


A R RahmanAcademy Award winner A.R.Rahman received the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award for his contribution to the world of art and culture and for his outreach to improve the state of the world. "Countries that work to eradicate poverty and help the poor are the best", said Rahman at the annual summit of the forum at the Swiss ski resort after Hilde Schwab, president and co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, presented him with the award. Jose Carreras, an opera artist from Barcelona, was also given the Crystal Award for his social work for the patients of leukaemia. The award function was attended by several heads of governments, including Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, top C.E.O's, religious leaders and academicians.


Live chat: Shazahn Padamsee on Jan 28 at 1700 hrs IST


Shazahn PadamseeWhen you have parents who are already so famous, it's but obvious that the spotlight will refuse to move away from you. Same is the case with Shazahn Padamsee, one of the front runner actresses of the current generation. After having made her impressive debut in Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year, Shazahn, surely is on every director's wish list. The good news for all the Shazahn fans is that that this PYT is all set to rock the scene with Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji. Bollywood Hungama brings to you Shazahn for an exclusive Celebrity Video Chat on Friday, Jan 28, at 1700 hrs IST. Don't miss it.


Liverpool to make shock Carroll move


Liverpool could make a shock move to buy Andy Carroll from Newcastle to replace Fernando Torres.


Are Man City planning to spend again?


After Adam Johnson's ankle injury, Roberto Mancini is considering dipping into the transfer market again.


Saha: Torres would invigorate Chelsea


Everton's Louis Saha believes that Fernando Torres could breath new life into Chelsea's title challenge.


Fabregas tries to defuse shirt dispute


Cesc Fabregas defended himself after Huddersfield players complained he was a bad sport in their FA Cup clash.