Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Amitabh Bachchan Priyardarshan join hands with Toonz
Amitabh Bachchan, Priyardarshan join hands with Toonz
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 (IANS) Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, ace director Priyadarshan and animation major Toonz Animation have joined hands to prepare a Rs.20 crore 3D animation film titled "Twinergy".
Addressing reporters on the eve of Technopark-based Toonz celebrating its first decade of operations, its CEO P.Jayakumar said that the pre-production work is over and the production of the film has commenced.
"This is a 90-minute 3D animation film in English. Bachchan cleared this story after hearing seven ideas from us. We had a three-hour discussion with him in Hyderabad where he was assisted by Abhishek and Aishwaraya. At the end of it, he zeroed in on three and finally gave the nod for 'Twinergy' ," said Jayakumar.
The film tells the tale of a royal family, united by love and divided by misunderstanding and how they adopt two twins into their fold.
The funds for this mega project have been arranged by Toonz and Priyadarshan is expected to spend a week here in the Toonz studio and would again join the team when the post-production work begins.
"The post-production part will happen in Mumbai because Bachchan is particular about the quality of post-production. The film would be released hopefully by Diwali next year," said Jayakumar.
Toonz Animation has emerged as the preferred one-stop studio for entertainment majors and its client list includes Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures Corporation, Hallmark Entertainment Productions, Lionsgate Entertainment, Cartoon Network, BBC, Sony Entertainment and Marvel Characters.
Elaborating on their initial years, Jayakumar said that the initial years were tough and they lost a lot of money.
"But now things have changed and our pipeline is full for the next three years. Now we are in a position to select what we wish to do and we have now started to outsource work to Korea, the Philippines and China. We are now making money," he added.
Toonz today employs 350 professionals in the studio here with a good spread of expatriate animators.
They have also set up an academy for training animators and by now they have 11 centres in the country here and their first overseas centre is now opening shortly in Jordan.
Big B makes Aladin a cool family entertainer Movie Review Rating ***1/2
Big B makes 'Aladin' a cool family entertainer (Film Review - Rating: ***1/2)
By Joginder Tuteja
By Joginder Tuteja
Film: "Aladin"; Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandes, Saahil Khan, Ratna Pathak; Director: Sujoy Ghosh; Rating: ***1/2
"I am still a teenager", says Amitabh Bachchan right at the beginning of "Aladin", setting the mood for the film to follow. Young at heart and fresh in treatment, "Aladin" wouldn't have been possible without him.
Playing Genius - The Genie could have gone either way since he is expected to be whacky, quirky, a little eccentric, a bit mad and hugely lovable.
The narrative is clearly divided into two sections. If the first half is more children friendly, the second half has a lot going for teenagers and above.
There is some fun in store for children with a donkey's head replacing Riteish's, his guitar turning into a frog and him being thrown in the air after being turned into a balloon. The funny antics that follow may not have grown ups rolling with laughter, but should surely keep the smiles on.
Amitabh's 'Yo dude' act keeps the fun going. He adopts a completely different body language as the flamboyant genie, who is happy moving on with the times, and could give the younger generation a run for its money.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Dutt's Ringmaster character makes on and off appearances, though one would have expected to see more of him.
The entire past about Aladin and the Genius gets a little confusing.
The real fun begins in the second half with the battle between good versus evil. Sanjay becomes more prominent on screen, the past is unearthed, action and thrills take centrestage and the best of VFX is unveiled.
The visuals belong to the never-seen-before variety, especially the ones where Big B is shown repenting about his misdeeds. The flashback sequence is extremely well done too.
Sujoy Ghosh does well in conjuring the imaginary world of 'Khwaish' that gives the film a visual appeal. This is further enhanced by the presence of newcomer Jacqueline Fernandes. Riteish is likeable as the young man who gets superpowers towards the film's end, hence keeping an option for a sequel.
Sanjay is good but how one wishes that he had at least a couple of dramatic scenes with Amitabh.
However, the film completely belongs to Amitabh who totally steals the show. Watch him in "Genie Rap" and you'll know why.
The story of "Aladin" is legendary and Genie and Jasmine are known worldwide. This is why it requires courage for a filmmaker to set the film in contemporary times and come up with his own take on a well loved tale.
Ghosh does exactly that as he lets his imagination go wild and spins a tale that ends up relating the past, present and future of these characters. This VFX filled entertainer is just the right recipe if one is looking for a family entertainer.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
I Talk to Myself on my Blog
'I Talk to Myself on my Blog,
Amitabh Bachchan on this obsession for blogging,
aversion to social networking site and getting past with just three hours of sleep
Amitabh Bachchan Jacqueline Ritesh Deshmukh Godrej Diwali Aladin Winner Contest
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Event: Godrej Diwali Winner Contest
Celebrities: Amitabh Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Others
Venue: J W Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai
Date: 28th October, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Promotions of films a test of patience Amitabh Bachchan
Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently busy promoting his film "Aladin", says that movie promotion is not only an art but also a test of one's patience.
"Promotions of films has now become an art, an exercise in management, a test of patience and an ability to be able to answer the same questions in and out with the same intensity and conviction that you may have expressed in the previous interview," Amitabh posted on his blog.
Amitabh also said that he admires journalists relentless pursuit for exclusives.
"They are all around you waiting in anticipation for their turn to arrive, to be able to turn on their microphones and cameras, to put on that TV anchor demeanour and strike out. I have admired their relentless pursuit for that exclusive, their determined effort to get something out of their subjects which has not been covered by the other rivals, present merely inches away," he wrote.
Further praising journalists, he wrote: "The speed with which they (journalists) all operate is incredible. How they devise the look of the interview, what would need to be shown as a clip to enhance the program, the reference material of the past, the music and the editing of the material they have, the headlines that need to be created and then finally the presentation on the broadcast.
"...But there is never ever a complaint, an objection to a delayed request and neither is there need to bring out competition at the street level. There is a deep understanding and respect for each other. A desire to share information and to see that it is disseminated in a manner that would be the requirement of their seniors."
Releasing Friday, "Aladin" is the modern version of the fantasy story and also stars Riteish Deshmukh and Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandes.
Aladin is good family film with lovely ambience & fantastic special effects Big B
Aladin is good family film with lovely ambience & fantastic special effects Big B
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, October 28, 2009 - 14:57 IST
He hates having any glorious epithets attached before his name, but that still doesn't help take away the title of a 'star par excellence' that he has earned over the years. The actor in question is none other than Amitabh Bachchan who is out to play magic on his fans yet again in his upcoming film Aladin.
Bollywood Hungama was privileged to have him here with us on the Celebrity Chat, as he answered the volley of questions that came his way from his innumerous fans. Think you lost out on the opportunity? We have the extract of the chat here just for you.
Amitabh Bachchan: Hi this is Amitabh Bachchan only on Bollywood Hungama.com
Pravin: Hello Amitji
Amitabh Bachchan: Hello Pravin...how r u doing???
Niraj: Amitabh Saab, I have no words to thank you for giving us an opportunity to chat with you. Kindly tell me whether many years back you had a Yahoo Messenger Chat A/c with the name 'amitabh_bachchan_hero'?
Amitabh Bachchan: Niraj, no I never had an account like that
Siddhant: What is ur next film after Aladin sir?
Amitabh Bachchan: Siddant, the next film after Aladin is Paa
Nhik: It simply Gr8 to Chat With a legend like U
Amitabh Bachchan: Its lovely chatting to a legend like you as well.
Taha: hi Amitabh uncle you have any movie with Zayed and Fardeen?
Amitabh Bachchan: No I am afraid not taha
Niraj: Amitabh Saab, why is it so that the media which writes about the celebrities (good or bad-in whichever way it is beneficial to them) gets a lot of opportunities to meet and interact with the celebrities & the fans due to whose love and appreciation the actors become stars and superstars don't get even 1% of what the media gets?
Amitabh Bachchan: Niraj...you write to me and I will give you an opportunity to meet me. Conversely, you could come on my blog.
Nhik: Tell me about your new movie "ALADIN" Its Looks Superb
Amitabh Bachchan: Nhik....Aladin is a good family film, great music, lovely ambience and fantastic special effects.
 Nhik: Tell me about your new movie "ALADIN" Its Looks SuperbAmitabh Bachchan: Nhik....Aladin is a good family film, great music, lovely ambience and fantastic special effects.  |
Amitabh Bachchan: Thank you so much! I do hope you go and see Aladin with your entire family
Niraj: Amitabh Saab, you recently mentioned in an interview with Pratibha Advani that you were a big fan of Dilip Saab. What is your opinion about another living legend of the same period - Dev Saab? He has mentioned in his autobiography that when you did a music release of his film many years back, the shirts you both were wearing were similar - checks and buttoned up collars. Were you his fan in your childhood?
Amitabh Bachchan: Yes!we all are and he is a remarkable human, great compassion for cinema and his friends.
Ameeruddin: As Salam Walekum Amit Jee
Amitabh Bachchan: Thank you so much Ameeruddin...pls go and see the film.
Noor: Which is your favorite movie till date sir?
Amitabh Bachchan: Noor...All of them.
Arielle: Hi, how are you doing? Dad is a big fan of yours! He always praises you!! When will you come to Mauritius again? Amitabh Bachchan: Arielle...I love Mauritius...and the Mauritian people...I shall never forget the warm welcome they give me whenever I come there...Hopefully I should be there soon.
XYREO: Hello sir hopes you are well; I wanted to know the progress on your web site that Zapak was developing???
Amitabh Bachchan: Still working at it xyreo
MAX: Sir, how do u feel working with the new breed of directors?
Amitabh Bachchan: Wonderful Max...their enthusiasm, energy and desire to excel is most impressive
| MAX: Sir, how do u feel working with the new breed of directors? Amitabh Bachchan: Wonderful Max...their enthusiasm, energy and desire to excel is most impressive |
Amitabh Bachchan: It's a privilege chatting to you MAX and I don't believe in all these glorious epithets that are attached to my name
Neeroz: Hello Mr. Bachchan is there going to be any movie involving everyone from ur family?
Amitabh Bachchan: Neeroz...not so far
Arielle: What's your next after Aladin? What's the film all about? And also tell us something about Paa?
Amitabh Bachchan: Arielle...Paa is a story of a 12 year old child who suffers from Progeria... an ageing ailment. I play the child and Abhishek plays my father.
Arielle: When will you work with my most favorite actor - Akshaye Khanna after Deewaar? Is it true that you replaced him with Ajay Devgn in Teen Patti? Have you watched Akshaye Khanna's performance in Gandhi My Father and Race? How was it? What do u think of him as an actor and how do u rate him as a performer?
Amitabh Bachchan: I think in the younger breed Akshaye is one of the finest talents. I have never involved myself in the casting of my films. I didn't and have not had anyone replaced.
Aakash05: What is special about Aladin so that people will go for it instead of London dreams...??? Amitabh Bachchan: Aakash...go and see both films.
Dkhan: Could you tell us anything about Shantaram?
Amitabh Bachchan: Dkhan...Mira Nair met me and gave me the script but has not progressed further. I believe the film has been shelved
| Dkhan: Could you tell us anything about Shantaram? Amitabh Bachchan: Dkhan...Mira Nair met me and gave me the script but has not progressed further. I believe the film has been shelved |
Amitabh Bachchan: siddhant..There are none.
Fatima: Amit jee, what is your fav desi food?
Amitabh Bachchan: Fatima... Oh GOSH... There are many...difficult to narrate all of them here.
Nile: Sir do you believe that there is a genie lamp somewhere :)
Amitabh Bachchan: Nile...I believe in a force which is unknown and I hope that it will work as a Genie in everyone's lives.
Ameeruddin: Amit Jee....how is your health now?
Amitabh Bachchan: Very good Ameeruddin
Nhik: Thanks Sir and Tell Me Abt the WORKING EXPERIENCE with the New Girl and Ritesh?
Amitabh Bachchan: Nhik...they are both wonderful...Jacqueline is a foreigner but has worked very hard to learn the language and comes across as a breath of fresh air. Riteish is a most accomplished artist and I always wish him well
Avinashpatalay: Sir - I live in UK and sadly there is not enough publicity for Aladin as I have been expecting. It gives a just another run-out-of-mill movie though I know it's a great product from Sujoy. BTW - any chances of revival of Borivali with Naseeruddin Shah?
Amitabh Bachchan: avinash...I am not in charge of the publicity but I will put in a word to the distributors. I doubt if Borivali will be made with Sujoy.
Amitabh Bachchan: Lovely talking to you...there are many questions but there are many time constraints too... Thank you for being with me and thank you Bollywood Hungama for giving me this opportunity.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Bigg Boss 3 gets government notice for vulgarity
Bigg Boss 3' gets government notice for vulgarity
New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) The third season of the reality show "Bigg Boss 3", hosted by iconic film star Amitabh Bachchan, has landed in trouble with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Monday sending a notice to Colors channel for "offending good taste" and for the use of vulgar language.
The channel has been asked to show cause for its actions within five days, failing which it will be taken off the air.
"It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that certain parts of the reality show �Bigg Boss 3' telecast and re-telecast on Colors channel offend against good taste and decency and are not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition," says the show-cause notice.
The notice says the language used by some participants is abusive and the show contains visuals which appear to be obscene and violative of the government's programme code.
It also points out that recently in one of the visuals, one participant has been shown pulling down the shorts of another participant. "This has offended the sensibilities of many viewers," says the notice.
The ministry has asked Colors not to carry content on the show that "constitutes a violation of the programme code as enshrined in the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act 1995," failing which it will be taken off the air.
Recently, one of the participants in the show, actor-director Kamal R. Khan, was thrown out for violent behaviour.
The reality show is based on the international show "Big Brother" in which 13 celebrities are locked in a house for 84 days and monitored round-the-clock by 40 cameras.
Hospital trysts inspired Amithabh health endorsements
Hospital trysts inspired Amithabh's health endorsements
Panaji, Oct 25 (IANS) His numerous trysts with hospitals at various stages of his career inspired Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to espouse campaigns linked to health issues.
The actor, who has in the past been a brand ambassador for the advertising campaigns like pulse polio, HIV/AIDS, cancer, was in Goa to kickstart operations of Silver Star, a diabetes charity foundation, as its international patron.
"A lot of it came to mind during my several escapades after my accidents and visits to hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs)," Amitabh said.
The Bollywood superstar, who launched Silver Star's mobile diabetes assessment unit in Goa and donated Rs.11 lakh towards the initiative said "he was happy" to endorse causes related to health.
"When you speak of medicine and healthcare, any amount of charity is welcome," said Bachchan, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes.
BigB and Riteish were wary of Shiamak
When Big B and Riteish were wary of Shiamak
By Joginder Tuteja
Mumbai, Oct 25 (IANS) Selective when it comes to Bollywood assignments, Shiamak Davar got interested in "Aladin" when told by director Sujoy Ghosh that "Genie Rap" was a song designed for kids. Insiders however claimed it wasn't really an easy track to put in place as the actors - Amitabh Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh -- were wary of the choreographer.
The first and foremost reason for it was Shiamak's reputation of making his actors go through some unusual dance moves.
Riteish, who plays the title role in "Aladin", said: "The moment I was told that the song would be choreographed by Shiamak, I knew that I had to get my act right. Of course I have enjoyed success with a few dance numbers over the years, but one is always wary of dancing to the steps created by someone like Shiamak."
"Make A Wish" a.k.a "Genie Rap" has been on the air for a month now and has found an immediate connection with the audiences. A delightful track with the colour red holding prominence in a majority of frames, it carries a good
visual appeal.
Other than highly colourful picturisation, there is also the presence of Amitabh, Riteish, a couple of dozen gorgeous dancers, some cool VFX and of course a foot tapping tune created by composers Vishal and Shekhar. Of course the man who has added his own flavour to the entire package is none other than Shiamak.
"See, Shiamak has an entirely different approach to making your body move, something which is not really conventionally Bollywood. Right from the days of 'Dil To Paagal Hai', we have seen how innovative he is. You have to unlearn a lot of things to grasp what he wants you to do. I too was a little wary earlier on, but then constant rehearsals made me a lot more comfortable when I went for the take," confesses Riteish.
Apparently it was not just Riteish but also Amitabh who knew that it was going to be quite a challenging assignment to get into the act for Shiamak-choreographed "Genie Rap".
"Well, Shiamak does come with a reputation and it was a happy sign for me to see my actors getting into the preparation mode for the song. The final effect shows and when I see the response of viewers the world over, I am assured that the hard work and commitment of everyone involved has paid off," says Sujoy.
A co-production of Sunil Lulla from EEros International and Sujoy' Boundscript, "Aladin" is all set for release this Friday.
Bachchans Family Pic in GQ Men of the year Awards 2009
Amitabh Bachchan BigB Family photos
Bachchans Family GQ Men of the year Awards 2009
Abhishek Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Amitabh Bachchan in fresh trouble over Uttar Pradesh farmland
Amitabh in fresh trouble over Uttar Pradesh farmland
Lucknow, Oct 23 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan seems headed for fresh trouble over a controversial plot of farmland in Daulatpur village of Barabanki district that he purchased last year.
The 1.383 hectare plot in Daulatpur, about 40 km from here, has been gifted to a proposed college named after his actress daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.
Amitabh had last year gifted two parts of the land to the local 'gram sabha' or village council after he found himself in the thick of a major controversy and court battles on account of ownership of the land.
However, it was reported Friday that Amitabh had "gifted" the entire piece of land to the college.
A local village head, Raj Kumari Singh, has decided to challenge Amitabh's giving away the land to the college.
She said: "A land once gifted to a gram sabha cannot be gifted to anybody else."
Singh termed the latest land gift, executed through the superstar's local power of attorney in Barabanki Friday, as "illegal". She said, "I will file a formal objection against the move, which is violative of Uttar Pradesh land laws."
The Bachchan family laid the foundation stone of the college on Jan 27, 2008, at a high-profile bash in the village where they also flew in prominent politicians like Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, his Man Friday Amar Singh, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and former Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah.
Golden couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Ad
Amitabh Bachchan talking to newspersons in Agra
Aladin Moive Song Aladin Dey Taali
Aladin Moive Songs Aladin Dey Tali
'Aladin' is a modern Remake of the classic tale of 'Aladin and The Magic Lamp'. Aladin Chatterjee (Riteish Deshmukh) lives in the city of Khwaish,
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Bihar based lawyer composes Amitabh Chalisa
Bihar-based lawyer composes 'Amitabh Chalisa'
Patna, Oct 12 (IANS) After "Lalu Chalisa" and "Nitish Chalisa", now there is "Amitabh Chalisa". A Bihar-based lawyer has composed a specially-structured hymn in praise of the Bollywood megastar, who turned 67 recently.
Sharad Kumar, an advocate practicising in Arrah civil court in Bhojpur district, about 60 km from here, has penned "Amitabh Chalisa". A chalisa is traditionally a Hindu hymn invoking 40 names of the god being worshipped, but in recent years they have been written in praise of politicians as well.
"I have completed it after working for three months and now got it printed," Sharad told IANS Monday on phone, speaking in chaste Hindi.
He claimed that "Amitabh Chalisa" is full of real stories from the megastar's life including the highs and lows. "I was always impressed by Amitabh," he said.
Sharad said early this year he decided to compose "Amitabh Chalisa" depicting the actor's 40-year-long career in Bollywood. "I have a dream to meet Amitabh one day in my lifetime," he said.
Sharad has collected information related to Amitabh from various websites, newspapers, magazines and books.
In Bihar, chalisas of political leaders are common. The first in recent history was written in praise of Lalu Prasad while he was the chief minister of the state in the 1990s.
It was followed by a chalisa for his wife and former chief minister Rabri Devi, and then one for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and another for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The "Lalu chalisa" sold 1,700 copies while the "Atal chalisa" sold 700.
Bigg Boss Season 2 BigB Birthday Celebrations in Bigg Boss Season 3 Aladin Movie Stills
Monday, October 12, 2009
Amitabh Bachchan birthday celebration and First Look of the Film Rann
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Event: Amitabh Bachchan birthday celebration and First Look of the Film "RUN"
Celebrities: Ram Gopal Varma and Amitabh Bachchan
Venue: PVR, Cinema, Juhu, Mumbai
Date: 10th October, 2009
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