Bachchan, Aamir blog about Mumbai attacks

The feeling of helplessness and shock in Bollywood over the Mumbai terror attacks was evident in the blogs of actors Amitabh Bhachchan and Aamir Khan [Images], two of the most prolific bloggers of Mumbai's film industry.

The actors, in their effort to reach out to the public in the hour of crisis, described their numbness at the events that unfolded in their beloved city. "My pain has been the sight and plight of my innocent and vulnerable and completely insecure countrymen, facing the wrath of this terror attack. And my anger has been at the ineptitude of the authorities that have been ordained to look after us," says Big B [Images] in his new blog post.

Similarly, Aamir says he feels, "Shocked, heartbroken, helpless and angry" and writes he felt sick while watching the TV images of a terrorised Mumbai. "I have been watching television since yesterday and to see various locations in Mumbai turned into a war zone is shocking and heartbreaking to say the least," he wrote.

"My heartfelt condolences to families of persons killed and taken hostage. I was feeling sick in the stomach when the fire broke out at the Taj," he added.

Amitabh Bachchan [Images] confessed that he has been living in a constant fear since the attacks. "Last night, as the events of the terror attack unfolded in front of me I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow. For a very disturbed sleep," he wrote on his blog.

Both stars expressed their solidarity with the slain police officers and offered their condolences.

"Brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute them and respect their sincerity in the call of duty," said Bachchan.

Paying his homage to Hemant Karkare and other officers, Aamir said, "Hemant Karkare [Images] of the ATS, who in the recent past was being targeted by various political parties for the work that he was doing. When will these politicians lealise and admit that terrorists HAVE NO RELIGION.

"Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or God. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner," an angry Aamir said.

Bachchan said he was disgusted with the often repeated cliche of "spirit of Mumbai". "Yes Mumbai is strong and resilient and shall not be cowed down by any such occurrence. But let us not conveniently use it as our cover sheet, pull it over our heads and go off to sleep," an angry Bachchan said.

While Aamir, who had played a young idealist police officer fighting against terrorists in his film Sarfarosh, warned against politicians taking undue advantage of the situation for petty gains. "I dread to think of how various political parties are now going to try and use this tragedy to further their political careers," he wrote.

The actor appealed for all political parties to set aside their differences and unite in the hour of crisis. "At least now they should learn to not divide people and instead become responsible leaders. An incident such as this really exposes how ill-equipped we are as a society as far as proper leaders go.

"We desperately need young, dynamic,intelligent, honest and upright leaders, who actually care for the country," Aamir's blog said.

Actor Ashish Chowdhury loses sister, brother-in-law in attack

November 28, 2008 17:08 IST

Bollywood actor Ashish Chowdhury's sister and brother-in-law were among the many hostages killed at the Oberoi Trident Hotel in Mumbai.

The actor, who had been maintaining a tense vigil outside the hotel ever since he came to know about the terrorist attacks, broke down after hearing the news.

'My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls,' he had told a news channel on Thursday.

The couple, who were held hostage at the hotel in Mumbai since Wednesday night, were reportedly shot in the leg first and then straight in the head.

Yuvvraaj disappointed , thrown out of theatres

Yuvvraaj | Katrina Kaif | Salman Khan | Bollywood Videos | Hot N Spicy

Subhash Ghai's latest offering, Yuvvraaj has been one helluva disappointing film. The film not only opened to a below average response in the multiplexes, it also got a severe thrashing by the critics. The word of mouth spread about the film was completely negative. A lot was expected from the real life jodi – Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif having being paired romantically first time together but their on screen chemistry appeared completely thanda.

Industry trade sources tell us, "The film opened to 30-40% in all the major multiplexes on Friday but the collections actually dropped down further as Sunday came. Then on Monday it went lower to a poor 20-25%. Later, as the week progressed one saw just 30-40 people patronizing its show in most of the multiplexes. At some places even in big cities, the response dwindled so low that the multiplexes were left with no option but cancel some of Yuvvraaj's shows."
"Salman's last project, God Tussi Great Ho had met with almost a similar fate and it was necessary for him to deliver a hit in Yuvvraaj. But more than him it is the showman to be blamed for disappointing everybody, including Salman. It is learnt that some portions of the movie have been re-edited. But now it's too late!" the source further added.

Tags: yuvvraaj, salman khan, katrina kaif, subhash ghai.

"I am slept with gun under pillow after terror attacks" : Amitabh Bachan

Condemning the terror strike in Mumbai as a "terrible situation", Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan said that for the first time in his life he slept with his loaded licensed revolver. "As the events of the terrorist attack unfolded in front of me, I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow, for a very disturbed sleep," Amitabh wrote on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com. The superstar said he was glued to the TV screen late on Wednesday night when security personnel battled the terrorists who killed 125 people and injured 327 across the city.

Salman Khan in 'YUVVRAAJ' Special screening

First Look: 'Ghajini'

'Ghajini', set and shot mostly in India, is a romantic thriller. It is about a once-rich businessman who suffers from short-term memory loss. Some sequences of the movie were shot in Deadpan Desert of Namibia and in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cast and Crew: Directed by A. R. Murugadoss; Produced by Allu Aravind, Madhu Varma, Madhu Mantena; Written by A.R. Murugadoss, Starring: Aamir Khan, Asin Thottumkal, Jiah Khan; Music by A. R. Rahman; Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran; Distributed by Studio 18 Adlabs; Release date: December 25, 2008

Ravi K. Chandran cranks the camera for 'Ghajini'. His folio features such acclaimed works as 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Koi...Mil Gaya', 'Black', 'Paheli', 'Fanaa' and 'Saawariya'.

Akshay Kumar's 'Blue' inspired by 'The Deep'?

Debutant director Anthony D' Souza says his underwater action thriller 'Blue', said to be one of the most expensive Hindi films, has borrowed some elements from the 1970s Hollywood movie 'The Deep'.

"To a certain extent 'Blue' is inspired by 'The Deep'," said D'Souza.

'The Deep', which released in 1977, was an underwater movie about a ship that sank with drugs and cocaine. The film, directed by Peter Yates, was even nominated for several awards, including the Oscars.

"My film has nothing to do with drugs and cocaine. It is based on lost treasure which three friends try to find. It is related to the obstacles that they face in the process and the deceit and betrayal among themselves and others," D'Souza told us.

"My film has certain special characters that will give it a different feel. Basically, 'Blue' is not only inspired by one film but has references from various underwater films and also creature films like 'Jaws'," he added.

Being made at a whopping Rs.1.29 billion budget, the film stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif.

About the characters in the movie, D'Souza said that while Sanjay and Akshay play fishermen based in the Bahamas, Zayed is a flamboyant guy who joins them in a treasure hunt. Lara plays Sanjay's wife and Katrina's character has grey shades to it.

"Most of the characters in my film are in grey shades. The bad guy in the film is one among the three main lead characters and Katrina will surprise the audience with her role," D' Souza said.

D'Souza said the fear factor of his movie are the 40 untrained real sharks that he has used to guard the treasure.

"The three heroes, who go on the mission, have to encounter the sharks before reaching the treasure," he added

Brad Pitt to play bald, old man in new film

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is to abandon his heart throb image and turn into a wrinkled and balding man for the upcoming drama 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'.

Directed by David Fincher, the film is adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald - about a man who is born in his 80s and ages backwards.

Set in New Orleans, Los Angeles, the film charts the character Button's (Pitt) journey from the end of World War I in 1918, into the 21st century.

Releasing Dec 25, the film also stars Cate Blanchett in the lead.

Taj Mahal under attack?

Why are aliens attacking the Taj Mahal?

 

This picture is a specially created visual for the film 'The Day The Earth Stood Still' starring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates and Jaden Smith.

 

The future of the earth is in jeopardy and time is running out.
Will world leaders take heed of Klaatu's grim prophecy? Or is our
planet about to be destroyed?

 

Keanu Reeves gives a powerful performance as the iconic Klaatu and is joined by Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates and John Cleese.

 

Directed by Scott Derickson (‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’), ‘The
Day the Earth Stood Still’ is 20th Century Fox's contemporary
reinvention of its 1951 classic.

 

Keanu Reeves portrays Klaatu, an alien whose arrival on our planet
triggers a global upheaval. As governments and scientists race to
unravel the mystery behind the visitor's appearance, a woman (Jennifer
Connelly) and her young stepson get caught up in his mission – and come
to understand the ramifications of his being a self-described "friend
to the Earth."

 

Says Keanu Reeves, “This film is a cautionary tale about human
survival on the precipice and our relationship to the planet. It's
about the fact that it is only when our backs are up against the wall
that we do anything to change our behavior.”

 

Spicezee Bureau Mumbai, Nov 05: Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who has never been too keen on working out for fitness, has now bid goodbye to his flab by losing 15 kgs for his role in Mani Ratnam's ‘Raavan’. Not only has Abhi Jr shed his weight, but has also got his hair trimmed to give the character a real feel. According to our source, "Mani Ratnam wanted Abhi to have a lean body for the lead role in ‘Raavan’. Mani also asked Abhishek to get a crew cut so that he looks convincing in his role." Here’s hoping that the toned up Abhishek will be much more impressive than the previous unshaven fat looking hero who was surely getting more unkempt and boring day by day.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Aah, now this one is a huge film. For a 10 year old who may still be wondering what's the fuss about the coming together of Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra, a trip to Maratha Mandir, Mumbai, is mandatory to check out Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge which is still running there for 13 uninterrupted years.

And for the grown-ups, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hardly needs an introduction. Of course, the music of any Yash Raj Film is special because regardless the fate of some of their recent films, music continues to be highpoint of the production house, Tashan and Bachna Ae Haseeno being the case in point.

Talking about the music of RNBJD, one looks forward to what composer duo of Salim-Sulaiman and lyricist Jaideep Sahni have come up with, considering this is easily their BIGGEST project ever.

Also, they would be expected to fill the shoes of Jatin-Lalit who made the score of DDLJ and Mohabbatein, the two projects directed by Aditya Chopra, ever-so-memorable.

a) So, does the music eventually go on to meet the sky high expectations?
b) Has Aditya Chopra indeed reserved the best songs for his third directorial outing?
c) Will Shah Rukh Khan have yet another blockbuster score a la Om Shanti Om to his credit?
d) Does Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi turn out to be the kind which would be played at least 3-4 years from now, if not a decade?

So how does one sum up the music of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi? Well, it is not bad but then it is primarily situational; the kind that gets enhanced by picturisation and choreography.

The sound of 'santoor' at the very beginning of 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' attracts one's attention right away since you immediately get the feel of a Veer Zaara outing.

A simple outing that has an out and out Indian feel to it; 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' starts off well but just doesn't pick up enough, courtesy the choice of singer.

Seriously, instead of Roop Kumar Rathod being entrusted with the responsibility of a track which is the flagship number of RNBDJ, if a singer like Udit Narayan or Sonu Niigaam or K.K. would have been the chosen one, the song could well have gone to a different level altogether.

In the end, it turns out to be a more than decent number which certainly could have been much better. Also, it doesn't quite turn out to be the kind which deserves to appear at the very beginning of the album.

Female version of the song, a much slower one, comes towards the album's end and has Shreya Ghoshal at the helm. A 100 second piece, it is a slower version and a sad one at that. Purely situational.

A slightly better number comes in the form of 'Haule Haule', a number which carries the flavor of Aaja Nachle soundtrack both in terms of middle-class setting and the overall simplicity of sound design.

Rendered by Sukhwinder Singh who is subdued rather than being typically full throated, 'Haule Haule' is a situational track which is already on air and is being noticed for the way the bespectacled Shah Rukh Khan brings in all his experience while comfortably dancing around in his middle class clothing. The number has melody as its driving force.

Would 'Dance Pe Chance' turn out to be that number which would make RNBDJ soundtrack special? This is what one wonders when this track sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Labh Janjua arrives next.

However, to one's disappointment, 'Dance Pe Chance' has an ordinary orchestra and arrangements that pull the song back. Preset keyboard sound seems to be driving this 'dance number' that is mainly a Sunidhi Chauhan track with an element of Punjabi being thrown in, courtesy Labh Janjua.

A song where a plain and simple Shah Rukh Khan seems to be going through dance classes, 'Dance Pe Chance' is a number where Salim-Sulaiman haven't done anything special and just followed the sound they have already brought to the audience in films like Neal N Nikki.

A four minute remix version 'Dancing Jodi' marks an end to the album and is marginally better due to all the pep and rhythm thrown in. Also, it includes references to 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' and 'Haule Haule'.

'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' is a kind of number which (on screen) could turn out to be good on screen, purely on the basis of how Aditya Chopra gets some fun rolling on the screen.

This one is clearly an experiment in the making since it amalgamates numerous lyrics and tunes from the yesteryear and mixes them together to create a 'bhelpuri' of sorts. So whether it is 'Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai', 'Pal Bhar Ke Liye Koyi Hamein Pyaar Kar Le' or 'Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke' or 'O Haseena Zulfon Waali' or 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' - the number includes them all and many more with Sonu Nigam singing as if he is a part of a concert where he has to pay a homage to all the greats from the past.

As a standalone number, 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' just doesn't stand a chance and certainly not the kind which would be solely responsible for the sales of the album.

There were four questions that were raised at the beginning of the review. This is what one has to say after hearing the entire album:

a) The music is decent but not huge enough to befit a project which marks the return of Aditya Chopra as a director
b) Aditya Chopra has been responsible for far better romantic outings, most recently being Bachna Ae Haseeno
c) The music will sell well but touching the numbers of Om Shanti Om would be feasible only if the movie turns out to be an excellent fare with a sustained presence at the box office
d) It seems highly improbable that the songs would remain rooted for years at stretch in the hearts of music buffs who expect nothing but the best from a project as huge and important as RNBDJ.

However, what needs to be remembered is that Aditya Chopra has been one of the pioneers when it comes to song picturisation. How can one forget songs like 'Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko To Pyaar Sajna'/'Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye' (DDLJ) or 'Chalte Chalte'/'Soni Soni' (Mohabbatein) which were not the flagship numbers of the respective films ('Tujhe Dekha' and 'Humko Humi Se Churalo' were) but still turned out to be widely popular. The same can be ultimately expected from RNBJD, if response to just-on-air 'Haule Haule' is any indication.

If the remaining songs too come close to 'Haule Haule' in the way they are picturised, rest assured RNBJD too would do well. Add to it the curiosity around SRK and Aditya Chopra coming together and the album can be expected to take a flying start at the stands.