Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Big B is a huge bonus: Kannada star Sudeep

Acting with Big B is a huge bonus: Kannada star Sudeep

Bangalore, April 22 (IANS) Popular Kannada star Sudeep is enjoying every bit of shooting in Ram Gopal Varma's next movie "Rann" where he plays Amitabh Bachchan's son. He says sharing screen space with the superstar always charges him up.

"I cannot describe in words how happy I was when Ram Gopal Varma sir told me that I would be playing Jay Malik, an important character in 'Rann', and I would be working with a legendary actor like the Big B. I had never dreamt of anything like this," Sudeep told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"To be seen in the same sequence with an actor like Amithabh Bachchan is itself a big bonus to me. I was always charged whenever I shot sequences with him," the star added.

Bachchan plays the owner of a news channel called 'India 24/7' in the media-based film and Sudeep revealed that many scenes between them were "confrontation sequences".

"Most of the sequences that have been shot till now featuring me and Bachchan sir have been confrontation sequences. I have a different mindset from that of Bachchan sir as I play a young man hungry for success at any cost. He plays the role of a media baron, Harshvardhan Malik, who values his editorial content and responsibility," the actor said.

Apart from Bachchan and Sudeep, the film also stars Paresh Rawal, Rajat Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Manisha Koirala, Purab Kohli and Gul Panag.

" 'Rann' will certainly be a great film as far as performances are concerned. Besides a terrific actor like the Big B, there are many actors who are doing some exciting characters in the film. And as usual like any RGV film it would be a visual treat," said Sudeep, who had acted in Varma's "Phoonk" as well.

The star is overjoyed that Amitabh Bachchan liked his work.

"One thing made me very happy. RGV sir showed me a message sent by Big B to him that he was impressed with my acting. I think that is a compliment which would be etched in my memory," said Sudeep, who has also directed three Kannada films.

Sudeep turned director in 2006 with 'My Autograph', a remake of successful Tamil film 'Autograph'. The movie went on to become a silver jubilee hit. His second directorial venture was "73, Shanthi Nivasa" and his third film as director is "Veera Madakari", which is still playing in theatres.

With "Veera Madakari" becoming a hit, Sudeep will now look to direct his next film "Just Math Mathnalli", which has been written by himself. Shooting for the film, produced by Shankar and starring actress Ramya opposite Sudeep, is likely to begin in early May.

MAHI

Big B teams up with Ben Kingsley for Teen Patti

Big B teams up with Ben Kingsley for 'Teen Patti'

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is set to share the screen space with Oscar-winning actor Ben Kingsley in Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti" which is said to be inspired by Hollywood flick "21".

Amitabh, who is currently in London to shoot the last schedule of the film, posted on his blog: "Soon after we (have to) get into a photo shoot and (start) reading rehearsals for the shoot with Sir Ben Kingsley. He plays an important part in the film."

Recent media reports indicated that Hollywood star Richard Gere also too would be a part of the film and Amitabh has fuelled rumours hinting presence of some big names in the film on his blog.

"There are some important names being mentioned for the shoot, but unless it all happens it would be premature to talk of them. Perhaps a little later when we are deep in progress on our work," he wrote.

On his first day in London, Big B was told that famous commentator and TV presenter David Frost wished to interview him and the former was elated.

"I am told Sir David Frost, that great commentator and TV personality, wishes to interview me for a programme he does on India. Such an important personality, what ever would he find talking to me, I wonder."

"The possibility of meeting up with two decorated personalities and in fact working with them together seems awe inspiring," said Amitabh.

In "Teen Patti", Amitabh plays a professor who tutors five of his brightest proteges, played by R. Madhavan and newcomers Siddharth Kher, Dhruv Ganesh, Vaibhav Talwar and Shraddha Kapoor for high stake gambling, but with a cause.


MAHI