Amitabh Bachchan to make Hollywood debut with The Great Gatsby

Can it get any bigger than this? Ok, let's put it this way - Can it get any 'GREATER' than this? What you are about to read below is unquestionably the biggest and the greatest announcement coming out of our Indian Film Industry.

In what will go down as a defining moment in Indian cinema, the day we were patiently waiting for has arrived.

The Great Gatsby marks Amitabh Bachchan's first ever main stream Hollywood movie to be directed by the Oscar nominee Buz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge). Mr. Bachchan plays Meyer Wolfsheim - a Jewish man Gatsby describes as a gambler who had fixed the World Series. Wolfsheim is a clear allusion to Arnold Rothstein, a New York crime kingpin who was notoriously blamed for the Black Sox Scandal which tainted the 1919 World Series.

The Principal photography began this week on Warner Bros. Pictures' and Village Roadshow Pictures' The Great Gatsby. The film is a new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel from the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann. The filmmaker will create his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the title role.

The Great Gatsby follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Academy Award nominee DiCaprio (Blood Diamond, Aviator) plays Jay Gatsby, with Tobey Maguire starring as Nick Carraway; Joel Edgerton and Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan (An Education) as Tom and Daisy Buchanan; Isla Fisher and Jason Clarke as Myrtle and George Wilson; and newcomer Elizabeth Debicki as Jordan Baker. Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan will play the role of Meyer Wolfsheim.

Oscar nominee Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) directs the film in 3D from a screenplay co-written with frequent collaborator Craig Pearce, based on Fitzgerald's book. Luhrmann produces, along with Catherine Martin, Catherine Knapman, Lucy Fisher and Academy Award winner Douglas Wick (Gladiator). The executive producers are Barrie M. Osborne and Bruce Berman.

Two-time Academy Award-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin (Moulin Rouge) also designs with the director. The editors are Jason Ballantine, Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, and the director of photography is Simon Duggan.

Luhrmann said, "Fitzgerald loved the movies and was a passionate believer in the power of cinema. The Great Gatsby has been adapted for the screen no less than four times. Fitzgerald's story defies time and geography. The vision and the goal of our remarkable cast and creatives is to do justice to the deftness of Fitzgerald's telling, and illuminate its big ideas and humanity. This is our challenge and our adventure."

The Great Gatsby is being shot in Luhrmann's native Australia. The filmmaker stated, "The opportunity to make the film in Australia with the Bazmark creative team is very important to us; the assistance from Screen Australia and the NSW Government has made that possible."

The film will be distributed in 3D and 2D by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Bollywood Hungama wishes Mr Amitabh Bachchan the best of the best in his debut Hollywood venture The Great Gatsby.

Bodyguard is a beautiful love story-Salman Khan

Any actor who thinks he is a sex symbol has got a serious problem. He's the Bandra lad whose good looks and deadpan delivery has made him one of Indian Film Industry's biggest and the most bankable star at the box office. Then there are those who take Salman seriously and those who don't. The truth is that he does the same - he takes you in for a ride or he leaves you midway stranded. Then there is his illness and the entire country praying for him. The truth is that he doesn't care and in his trademark style quotes, "I'm alright. I'm fine. It's just that I had some short circuit in my head". That's when you start to respect the man for not being a star but Salman Khan. He still has the noticeable 'bhai' burr and a slight roughness around the edges but everything else about him screams 'superstar'. I meet the actor at Mehboob studio just hours before he was supposed to travel to the U.S. for his treatment. With his black polo neck t-shirt with 'Bodyguard' printed on it and his favourite denim and black boots, Khan looked as if he cared the least about who is on the other side interviewing him. I come to know that because he stared at me with unnerving focus, and after a brief pause he smiles but doesn't make an eye contact with you. He then gets up, lights his cigarette, chats with few of his friends who've accompanied him at Mehboob while his bodyguards make sure that no stranger enters his domain. All said but beneath the shiny varnish of his fame and wealth and super power status, there is something appealing about Salman's belief that he could just as easily have turned out doing something altogether more normal. There goes his humour again, "I still haven't figured that out because I'm just normal". UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent brings you a quick Q n A with Salman Khan on pain, gain and Bodyguard.


"My earlier two films with Kareena didn't work so hope this time the chemistry changes"
I don't know how my chemistry with Kareena is. Actually she can tell you much better (laughs). But honestly, we've worked together on two films earlier Kyun Ki and Main Aur Mrs Khanna that didn't do well at the box office. So hope the chemistry changes this time around (smiles).

"I had heard of the Bodyguard script when the film was in the making down South" 
Yes, Bodyguard is a remake but it's very different as far as characters are concerned. The only character that the director has retained is that of Bebo's. A lot has changed. The whole feel of the movie is altered. I had heard of the Bodyguard script when the film was in the making down South. Atul narrated me the story and he wanted to take the rights.

"Bodyguard is a beautiful love story that I'm doing after a lot of action films that have kept me busy" 
I don't believe that I am doing all the same kinds of movies. Wanted was different than Dabangg. Dabangg was different fromReady and so is Bodyguard different from all the ones I've mentioned. It's just that because the action is the same, people think that I do similar roles but it's not the truth. Bodyguard is a beautiful love story that I'm doing after a lot of action films that have kept me busy.

"Kareena has been promoting the film as this is my best love story since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" 
Kareena has been promoting the film as this is my best love story since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. I'm surprised (laughs). I can't comment on that because it's her take. It's a compliment but I think this is way different than that. Kareena is one of the best actresses I've worked with. I've also enjoyed working with her sister Lolo who is a dear friend too.

"I like doing movies that I like to watch as an audience" 
I like doing movies that I like to watch as an audience. I will never do a movie that someone else liked it and recommended me. The audience's reaction is all what matters to me. That's my award. Bodyguard was originally from the South but because I thought that I'd like to see this film from an audience's perspective. I always do and I will keep on doing just that.

"I've not asked Shera for any feedback on how I should do my role" 
My character of Bodyguard was scripted and not researched. So why would I want Shera to inform me how to look and how to act. Tomorrow if I do a film called 'Driver' I will never ask my driver for tips. I follow scripts and that's it. If the director wishes to change anything then we talk it out and I give my inputs sometime. Like the idea of the bodyguard wearing a Bluetooth was mine. That's how today bodyguards look like, right?

"I'd like to believe that songs are the highlight of this movie too" 
The songs are becoming a rage, especially the title track that people are dancing on. Kids too love the song. Then there is 'Teri Meri' that's a beautiful rendition. That's one of my favourites too. Yes, I'd like to believe that songs are the highlight of this movie too.

"I am perfectly fine. It's just that I had a short circuit in my nerve" 
If I wasn't fine I wouldn't have been giving you this interview. Yes, I am going to get this treated and by that time my film would've released. I am taking precautions and will soon get it cured, don't worry. No pain no gain as they say.

After Diwali, Ajay makes summer as his own with Bol Bachchan

After ruling Diwali for three years in succession (Golmaal 3, All The Best, Golmaal Returns), looks like Ajay Devgn is now making the month of July his own. Call it superstition, eyeing the right release period or sheer coincidence but the superstar now truly believes that Summer of every year is turning out to be quite lucky for him. This is the reason why now he has fixed the release of his next biggie Bol Bachchan in July 2012.

"Yes, the release of Bol Bachchan has been confirmed now. It would arrive on 6th July next year", informs a trade source, "Ajay would also be co-producing the film. The shooting begins later this month and the film has approximately one full year for itself before it hits the screens."

Now this should pretty much translate into a lucky streak for Ajay since he recently saw the biggest solo success ever of his career with Singham that had released in July this year. All set to cross the Rs.100 crores mark, this Rohit Shetty film arrived a year after Ajay's last big success, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, which had again released in the month of July (of 2009).

"In the recent years, the only July release of Ajay which hasn't done well is Mehbooba. It had arrived in July 2008 but failed since it was a delayed release. However, let's not forget that his Omkara, which had arrived in July 2007, had seen excellent critical acclaim coming its way and stays on to be a landmark film for Ajay. Of course Ajay has taken a note of this trend and is now making conscious effort to bring his films during this time period of the year", the trade source continues.

For Rohit Shetty too this is a breather of sorts because he would now be in a far lesser pressure situation that he was in during Singham. Due to July deadline given to him, he couldn't take a breather after Golmaal Returns last year and had to finish and deliver Singham in four months flat.

"For Bol Bachchan though, I would be working at a relatively easier pace", Rohit had mentioned in an earlier conversation, "There is good time to make this film and thankfully I won't be fighting any aggressive deadlines."

Well Rohit, with your 'jodi' with Ajay Devgn continuing to see a constant upwards progression film after film, you would be fighting the battle of huge expectations for sure!

Don 2 to be released in 3D format

After the success of Vikram Bhatt's Haunted 3D, every other filmmaker in town is planning to either make or convert his film in 3D format. The latest buzz is that Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment are planning to release their eagerly awaited SRK starrer Don 2 in 3D.

After seeing a few 3D conversion tests, the duo was convinced that Don 2 in 3D will only further enhance the impact. Needless to say, foreign technicians will be working on the 3D conversion process.

Don 2 will be released in Hindi and dubbed in Tamil and Telugu as well. The film opens worldwide on Dec 23.

Aarakshan's collections suffered a big dent because of the ban" - Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha, rejoicing in his victory over the lift of the ban on Aarakshan in Uttar Pradesh, has decided to make a film on creative freedom and the efforts to muzzle the artiste through extra-constitutional means.

The honourable Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban imposed on the filmAarakshan by the Mayawati government is, according to the director Prakash Jha historic. However, there is no sense of triumph in the victory, since the failure to release the film in UP at the time of its release on August 12 resulted in huge losses of revenue.

Says Jha, "Even this Friday on August 19, after the court's verdict there was no way we could release the film .We opened all over UP only on Saturday morning to full houses in Varanasi and other places. But at what cost? The film's collections suffered a big dent because of the ban. Why must we suffer this kind of humiliating authoritarianism?"

The director however is happy he fought the ban. "There's a lesson here for all filmmakers. We should not buckle under pressure. My film is not the first to face hurdles from state governments after being censored by the Central Board of Certification. The film industry needs to collectively fight pressures from the outside."

Jha's films have faced constant hurdles before and after release. "But iss bar thoda zyada ho gaya."

Jha's film on the whole experience of battling various organizations a state governments for the release of Aarakshan has inspired a script on the subject.

"Why are we filmmakers constantly subjected to efforts to stifle our voices? I was provoked enough to go to the Supreme Court. A lot of filmmakers just succumb to pressure and make whatever adjustments are required of them. We shouldn't allow this to happen."

Siddique: 'Salman is jovial, humourous and you can tell him anything!'

Even as the buzz on Bodyguard gathers momentum, director Siddique who helmed the Malayalam and Tamil versions of the flick is all gung ho over the Hindi remake showcasing Salman Khan in the lead role as Lovely Singh, alongside a luscious Kareena Kapoor.

"Although I'm directing this subject for the third time, it is a first of sorts for me, since the canvas of Bollywood is very large," Siddique is quoted to have said in a popular channel byte. "I'm lucky to have one of Bollywood's number one heroes Salman Khan and the number one heroine Kareena Kapoor in my film."

Shedding light on super icon Salman Khan, Siddique states, "I thought that Salman Khan was a very serious and professional kind of person and that is the kind of impression that I had about him because of his movies. But when I met Salman Khan, I realised that he has a very childlike quality about him. He's extremely jovial, humourous and has absolutely no airs about being a top actor of Bollywood. Also, his nature is such that you can go up to him and tell him anything and he will not mind it. Similarly, you can be sure that if there is something that is topmost in his mind, Salman Khan will just go ahead and tell you about it."

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif to go back to college

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are getting ready to head to college as they are all set to become students at the renowned Trinity College Dublin in Ireland which is one of the finest colleges in the world, where they will be shooting for YRF's Ek Tha Tiger.

Director Kabir Khan wanted to shoot some scenes at a college campus in Europe and didn't want the usual Oxford or Cambridge campus. Kabir decided on the celebrated Trinity College as he had been to Ireland to shoot a documentary on the Irish Republican Army strife in Belfast many years ago and had visited the Trinity College campus back then.

Trinity College is one of Ireland's principal third-level institutions and has been ranked highest in Ireland in international surveys.

Kabir was more than pleased when the prestigious Trinity College, Dublin granted him the permission to shoot his film Ek Tha Tiger within their premises. Trinity College is not a star struck educational institution and have put forth certain conditions. They have insisted that Salman and Katrina enroll themselves as students of the college for at least one or two classes and spend some time in an orientation exercise so that they feel a sense of belonging. The enrolling will be temporary.

Kabir has also personally guaranteed that the crew would be absolutely unobtrusive, and that the unit would be kept to a bare minimum.

Ek Tha Tiger will be shot in different countries, including Ireland and Istanbul and the stunt directors of The Bourne Identityhave been roped in to do Salman's action sequences.

They leave for Dublin on August 10.

Salman to remake Manjrekar's Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho in Hindi

Salman Khan is on a high these days with the recent success of his films Wanted, Dabanngand Ready and now, he is all set with his next film Bodyguard co-starring Kareena Kapoor. Though a number of film offers are lined up in front of the star, Sallu is also contemplating to produce act in the Hindi remake of Mahesh Manjrekar's Marathi film Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho.

Salman is very keen to produce the film under Salman Khan Being Human banner, and the proceeds of the movie will entirely go towards the actor's charity foundation.

Although the deal is yet to be confirmed, it is said that Salman is likely to play father to two kids in the film. While on the other hand, we hear rumours that Kangna Ranaut will play the female lead in the film.

However, it is yet to be seen when the film will actually hits the floor as Salman is packed with back to back shoots of Yash Raj Films' Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif, followed by Sher Khan and Dabangg 2

I am not writing 'Dabangg 2

Lots of speculation going on when it comes to Salman Khan's subsequent movies, afterBODYGUARD. Since the actor doesn't interact with media persons, except while promoting his movies during the time of release, the media keeps coming up with stories pertaining to the new films he has signed. But the truth is something else... Once Salman is through with the promotions of BODYGUARD, the actor will embark on the shoot of Yash Raj's EK THA TIGER, which will be followed by SHER KHAN [Sohail Khan], DABANGG 2 [Arbaaz Khan] and KICK [Sajid Nadiadwala - Shirish Kunder]. These are the only films that Salman has green-lit, as of now.

Meanwhile, there's talk that Salman is writing the screenplay of DABANGG 2. But, again, the truth is something else. "Arbaaz has penned it himself and it's a mind-blowing script," Salman tells me. Look forward!

Shammi Kapoor passes away

Veteran actor Shammi Kapoor passed away today (Aug 14) morning. His health went down severely last week and he was admitted at Breach Candy hospital where he was on ventilator support. Kapoor was suffering from chronic renal failure. He was 79.

Shammi Kapoor was one of the biggest and most favourite stars of the 1950s and 1960s known mainly for his romantic films like Junglee, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Dil Deke Dekho, Professor, Kashmir Ki Kali, An Evening In Paris, Brahmachari, Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai and many more. Shammi Kapoor was known for his unique style and high energy. He was also undoubtedly one of the best dancers of his generation and brilliant comic timing which can be witnessed in most of his films. The veteran actor recently shot with his grand-nephew, Ranbir Kapoor, for the latter’s upcoming film Rockstar. With the death of Shammi Kapoor, Bollywood has lost a gem today and the ‘Yahoo’ star will be missed by millions.

Agneepath' between 'Ra.One' & 'Don 2

Karan Johar is filming AGNEEPATH at lightning speed. Without making any noise whatsoever, in fact. Though director Karan Malhotra began filming only recently, the film, with Hrithik Roshan reprising Amitabh Bachchan's role, is already 50% complete. "Another major schedule of the film in Daman and we will be through with the principal shooting of the film," Karan informs me.

Meanwhile, there are whispers that Karan has sold the distribution rights of AGNEEPATH and STUDENT OF THE YEAR to a Hollywood studio for an astronomical sum. "Not true! In the first place, I don't wish to get into the co-production deal with anyone for AGNEEPATH. This one's special; it was produced by my father and I would like Dharma to retain its rights exclusively," Karan states. What about S.O.T.Y.? "Again, the news is unfounded. I haven't inked the deal with any studio yet," he adds. Karan plans to release AGNEEPATH this year. In fact, like Salman and SRK, who will have two releases this year, Hrithik too will have two releases this year, starting with ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA on 8 July, followed by AGNEEPATH in the final weeks of 2011. "We haven't zeroed on any date yet, but we should release it between RA.ONE [Diwali] and DON 2[Christmas]," Karan says.

Katrina will be dancing on 'Aaya Re Aaya Bodyguard' along with Salman

'Aaya Re Aaya Bodyguard'....that's the item song which Katrina would be joyously gyrating to inBodyguard. Even as Katrina gears up for the challenge of outdoing her 'Sheila Ki Jawaani' number she has a bigger challenge to meet up to.

Salman Khan aka the King Of All He Surveys, will also be part of the song. Apparently, he reasoned that since the song is about his character, Bodyguard ka hona to haq banta hai, boss. Now Ganesh Acharya has been asked to incorporate Salman into Katrina's elaborate item number.

Apparently, Salman wants the number structured like 'Sheila Ki Jawaani' where Akshay Kumar joins Katrina. That is easier said than done.

Says a source, "Salman likes to do his own thing in the dance numbers. Everyone knows in 'Munni Badnaam' he didn't follow Farah Khan's instructions. Katrina will be rigorously rehearsing her steps for 'Aaya Re Aaya Bodyguard'. She wants it to be as perfect as 'Sheila Ki Jawaani'. Salman's improvisations are bound to distract her. But the there is not much she can do about it. Because as Salman pointed out the song is about him, so he has to be part of it."

Bodyguard producer Atul Agnihotri confirms that Salman would be part of Katrina's item number.

Kareena hopes to break Salman jinx with Bodyguard

Kareena hopes to break Salman jinx with Bodyguard 



They may be leading from the top when it comes to the most saleable superstar actors that Bollywood has today. However, it is strange that when it comes to being a deadly combo, 'Bhai'-n-'Bebo' jodi hasn't worked at all. In fact leave aside just been moderately successful, the pairing has ended up with disastrous outings commercially, something that continues to intrigue Bollywood and makes one hope and believe that the jinx would finally be broken with Bodyguard.

"It is surprising that the hottest superstars in the business today haven't managed to deliver a success so far", questions a prominent filmmaker, "I would have given it all to make sure that when I sign them on, there is a deadly story, script and presentation in place that justifies the coming together on screen. Seems like the makers of Kyon Ki and Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna were not as intrigued and chose unconventional subjects despite such luxury of star material at their disposal." 

So while in Kyon Ki, Salman was shown as an inmate of a mental asylum who fell in love with Kareena (who herself turned into a mental patient towards the film's end, hence leading to a sad ending), Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna stays on to be one of the biggest disasters ever of their career, what with absolute lack of chemistry between the duo due to poorly etched characters. 

"Things could have changed had Sanjay Leela Bhansali made Bajirao Mastani with Salman-Kareena. He lost heart though when they went ahead with Priyadarshan for Kyon Ki. That film continues to be on hold but both actors always planned to bounce back in a big way. Moreover Salman shares a great personal rapport with Karisma too since his early years and the elder sister too has always wanted Bebo to make a crackling 'jodi' with her erstwhile on-screen partner. So when Bodyguardcame calling, everyone felt that this was just the right film to break the jinx since it comes with a powerful storyline", informs a family friend. 

Though Bodyguard is expected to do all the talking, film's producer and Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri feels that there is no 'theory' behind any jinx. He begins diplomatically stating, "Some films do well and some don't; you can't pick up actors and state that their 'jodi' isn't working with the audience. On screen both Salman and Kareena look very nice and this is what that matters. You can't start doubting your casting decisions on the basis of their earlier flops together. When you would see 'Bodyguard', you would know that this is perfect casting for the roles that have been written." 


However, another source from the film puts the record straight. "Movies like Kyon Ki and Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna would have failed regardless of the actors. Also, talking about jinx, wasn't Shahid-Bebo 'jodi' called jinxed after a hat trick of flops in Fida, Chup Chup Ke and 36 China Town before Jab We Met came calling? It's a matter of one good film. Period."

French title for Shahrukh Khan

French title for Shahrukh Khan

The French government will confer "Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters" title on Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan for his contribution to Indian film industry, a senior French government official said on Thursday.

"The title is being conferred to recognise the successful work done by Khan in 15-year career span and his contribution to Indian cinema - as an artiste and entrepreneur," Audiovisual Attache - Head of the French Film and TV office, French Embassy in India, Mohamed Bendjebbour told PTI.

The distinction is given to persons who have established themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of the arts in France and throughout the world, Bendjebbour said.

French Ambassador in India Jerome Bonnafont will confer the title on Khan at the inaugural ceremony of four-day French film festival - First rendezvous with French cinema here in Mumbai on January 27.

This is not the first time an Indian film personality is being honoured by the French government. In 2005, renowned director Adoor Gopalakrishnan was bestowed with a similar title as Khan, while last year Amitabh Bachchan was conferred with "The Legion d'Honneur", France's highest civilian honour.

"We have the tradition of honouring great film personalities in India. Our government believes that Indian film industry is today among the best in the world in terms of quality," the official said.

The three-day festival will showcase seven commercial French titles, in an attempt to initiate and popularise French cinema in Mumbai, before travelling to other cities. The Cultural Service of the French Embassy in India is organising the festival, in association with UniFrance, an organisation committed to promoting French cinema across the world.

"Indian cinema and the audience both have matured a lot in last couple of years. This change has coincided with the multiplex boom in India. We thought the time is ripe to tap its potential," said Philippe Martinet, Cultural Counsellor to the French Embassy in India, adding "we also want filmmakers to use France as the backdrop for their movies." Among the seven films to be screened, would be Roman de Gare (Crossed Tracks), directed by the Academy and Palm d'or awardee, Claude Lelouch. Other films are La Science Des Reves (The Science of Sleep), and the world premiere of Asterix at the Olympics amongst others.

All these films to be showed in the festival would be released in India. Major companies like Polydor and Shemaroo have bagged the title rights for India release.


"We've spent some time conducting non-commercial screenings of French movies in multiplexes across the country and have received a good response," said Martinet.

Big B last year, SRK this year for the French

The French govt will confer 'Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters' on Shahrukh for his contribution to Indian films.

The French government will confer "Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters" title on Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan for his contribution to Indian film industry, a senior French government official said on Thursday.

"The title is being conferred to recognise the successful work done by Khan in 15-year career span and his contribution to Indian cinema - as an artiste and entrepreneur," Audiovisual Attache - Head of the French Film and TV office, French Embassy in India, Mohamed Bendjebbour said.

The distinction is given to persons who have established themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of the arts in France and throughout the world, Bendjebbour said.

French Ambassador in India Jerome Bonnafont will confer the title on Khan at the inaugural ceremony of four-day French film festival - First rendezvous with French cinema in Mumbai on January 27.


This is not the first time an Indian film personality is being honoured by the French government. In 2005, renowned director Adoor Gopalakrishnan was bestowed with a similar title as Khan, while last year Amitabh Bachchan was conferred with "The Legion d'Honneur", France's highest civilian honour.

"We have the tradition of honouring great film personalities in India. Our government believes that Indian film industry is today among the best in the world in terms of quality," the official said.

The three-day festival will showcase seven commercial French titles, in an attempt to initiate and popularise French cinema in Mumbai, before travelling to other cities.

The Cultural Service of the French Embassy in India is organising the festival, in association with UniFrance, an organisation committed to promoting French cinema across the world.

"Indian cinema and the audience both have matured a lot in last couple of years. This change has coincided with the multiplex boom in India. We thought the time is ripe to tap its potential," said Philippe Martinet, Cultural Counsellor to the French Embassy in India, adding "we also want filmmakers to use France as the backdrop for their movies."

Among the seven films to be screened, would be Roman de Gare (Crossed Tracks), directed by the Academy and Palm d'or awardee, Claude Lelouch. Other films are La Science Des Reves (The Science of Sleep), and the world premiere of Asterix at the Olympics amongst others.

All these films to be showed in the festival would be released in India. Major companies like Polydor and Shemaroo have bagged the title rights for India release.

"We've spent some time conducting non-commercial screenings of French movies in multiplexes across the country and have received a good response," said Martinet.

---

SRK conferred prestigious French title

Shah Rukh Khan has been conferred the `Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters' title by the French government.

Shah Rukh Khan was on Sunday conferred the prestigious `Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters' title by the French government at a ceremony in Mumbai.

SRK, who had a good year in 2007 with runaway hits Chak De India and Om Shanti Om, was presented the award in recognition of his 15-year-career in the Hindi film industry, one of the biggest in the world.

The title was conferred to Khan by French Ambassador in India Jerome Bonnafont at the inaugural ceremony of a four-day French film festival held at a suburban hotel.

The `Order of Arts et Lettres', created in 1957, is one of the four Ministerial Honours of the French republic and was established to reward artists who have gained fame for their works in the field of arts and literature and have promoted these fields.

Khan is now in the august company of other recipients that include Indian director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, author Arundhati Roy, singer David Bowie and Bob Dylan, actors George Clooney, Leonardo Di Caprio and Clint Eastwood.

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SRK says he used to watch French films for lovemaking scenes

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan says he used to watch French films for the "lovemaking scenes" for which they were famous the world over.

Shah Rukh admitted to having a French connection and said he used to go to the French cultural centre in Delhi to watch their movies since he was told it was the best cinema.

"But I also used to watch it for the lovemaking scenes," he told reporters yesterday before he was conferred the `Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters' title by the French government.

The star also said he had not thought about acting in foreign films since he had not been offered any yet.

Shah Rukh said he did not know that he was popular in France.

"I came to know that people in UK knew me after I travelled there. But I never knew people in France also knew about me," Shah Rukh said.

"I am proud we have taken our culture and identity of our country to France through the medium of our films," he said.

The title was conferred on Shah Rukh by the French Ambassador in India Jerome Bonnafont at the inaugural ceremony of a four-day French film festival.


Shah Rukh, who had a good year in 2007 with runaway hits "Chak De India" and "Om Shanti Om", was conferred the award in recognition of his 15-year-long career in the Hindi film industry.

The `Order of Arts et Lettres', created in 1957, is one of the four Ministerial Honours of the French republic and was established to reward artists who have gained fame for their works in the field of arts and literature and have promoted these fields.

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Shahrukh Khan's Ra.One shooting in RFC

Ramoji Film City might have surrounded by several controversies in the past, present and future, one thing is clear it stood tall as one of the best film studio in India. Bollywood ka badshah Shahrukh Khan’s ambitious movie Ra. One which is being made with a very high budget is also got attracted to the excellent facilities and the amazing locations in the RFC. Hence, Shahrukh Khan and his Ra.One team have come down to shoot some action scenes at Air Port set in RFC.

Shahrukh Khan, who is said to be inspired by Rajinikanth’s Robo movie starts making this movie Ra.One. His character name in this movie is G.One who plays as Super Man role. Bollywood hot and spicy girl Kareena Kapoor is pairing with him in this movie. Shahrukh Khan is producing this movie under his home banner Red Chilies and Anubhav Sinha is directing it.

Shahrukh Khan is wearing specially designed costumes that costs Rs.1 crore. He also roped in several Hollywood technicians for making this film. Shahrukh Khan assures an amazing show with this movie. This film is expected to release during Diwali festive session this year.

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Shivasena spit fire on Shahrukh Khan

The radical Shivasena party of Mahrashtra has spit fire on Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan for attending the grand function celebrated on the eve of Hrithik Roshan’s latest Hindi movie ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Na Dobara’ release followed by Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif’s birthday function. The Shivasena’s mouth- piece-news paper ‘Samna’ has severely criticized Shahrukh Khan for grandly celebrating the occasion, while entire Mumbai is mourning for the deaths of its citizens in the recent bomb blasts. Shivasena states “Shahrukh Khan is hero in reel life but he is a villain in the real life.”

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Salman and Shahrukh make Katrina’s birthday special

Katrina Kaif’s birthday on Saturday was made special by both Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan. How? Read on... 

Katrina herself had no plan to party on her birthday on July 16. But on the eve of her birthday, she met up with both Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan. Katrina promoted the film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara on Friday evening and then went to an Oshiwara pub where she is reported to have met Salman Khan. After meeting Salman, Katrina headed for a special screening of the film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara organized by Shahrukh Khan at his residence Mannat.

The screening was followed by an impromptu party to celebrate Katrina’s birthday. Everyone from the film -- Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol -- enjoyed fully.

But that was not it. We hear that the next day, Katrina’s birthday, she was invited to Salman Khan’s residence Galaxy Apartments for a lunch. Katrina reportedly spent quality time with the Khans and pampered her taste buds without thinking about her diet regimen going for a toss.

It was her birthday and the lady was in a mood to let go. What’s worth appreciating is that it was made special by both Shahrukh and Salman who, we all remember, had ruined her birthday bash in 2008 by their fight. One only wishes Shahrukh and Salman too had shaken hands and come together on this birthday of Katrina. Well, next time, may be.

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Dada fans angry over Shahrukh khan

Cricket lovers and Dada (Saurav Ganguly) fans in Bengal are fuming with fury against Bollywood actor and the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders team Shahrukh khan, for not taking their favorite cricketer Dada into his team. They believe that, it’s nothing but insulting the Bengali tiger Ganguly. Dada fans warn Shahrukh khan that, his team will not be allowed to play the match in Kolkata without having their Dada in the team. Therefore, Shahrukh has assured them that he will certainly try to take Dada into his team. But, he also very well knows that, even he can not alter the team as it’s a multi million game.

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Two-much-too-soon for Shahrukh?

Buzz is building up for Shahrukh Khan this year. First he has 'Ra. One' arriving on Diwali and then he would be wrapping up 2011 with 'Don 2' hitting the screens on Christmas. Though typically Shahrukh starrers are spaced by at least a year, this is not really turning out to be the case this time around.

"When Shahrukh originally started work on 'Ra. One' and 'Don 2', the original idea was to keep the two films distanced by a good enough duration. 'My Name Is Khan' had arrived early last year and even if 'Ra. One' would have released this summer, one wouldn't have minded 'Don 2' to arrive this Christmas as this would have led to six months gap", says an industry insider.

However with 'Ra. One' seeing an extended schedule and the film still being shot, there was no other choice for Shahrukh but to grab Diwali slot. Meanwhile with Farhan Akhtar and Co. already closing on the festive occasion of Christmas.

"The fact is that his fans have indeed been spoilt with an offer of 'two-much-too-soon'", quips a prominent filmmaker.

Now whether Shahrukh's strategy of bringing two of his films so close to each other goes in his favour or not would be known in a few weeks from now once comparisons between 'Ra. One' and 'Don 2' further catch on more heat.

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Ra.One first look released on twitter

Shahrukh Khan's highly anticipated film, ‘Ra.One’ was released on twitter. It has been open to the audience in the form of 10 second teaser. Director Anubhav Sinha unveiled the first look of Ra.One on social networking site Twitter on 23rd morning.

To keep the excitement on, the rest 40 sec teaser will be shown on 24th March on ESPN –Star channels during the world cup quarterfinal match of India and Australia. It was a scince-fiction and the trailer shows Shahrukh Khan like a superhero, flying in the air, moving through the crowd like a superman.

The 100 crore budget film brings together Kareena Kapoor and Shahrukh Khan again after ‘Asoka’. The movie will also see Arjun Rampal playing a pivotal role.

Well, the teaser looks really amazing and Shahrukh a real superhero.

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Shahrukh reveals his first crush

Many female fans fall week at Shahrukh Khan’s knees but his heart was ruled by two yesteryears actress when he was in his teens, they are Saita Banu and Mumtaz. Shahrukh Khan during the music launch of his home production, 'Always Kabhi Kabhi’ said, “My first two crushes have been Mumtazji and Sairaji. Now I address them with a 'ji'. I always felt that they were the most beautiful ladies in the world. My father used to find Madhubalaji very beautiful".

The actor added that he used to shake a leg when he heard songs picturised on the two actresses.

"I remember Sairaji's Bhai Batur. She was in a tub in the video. Even I would get into a tub and dance. Then there was Mumtazji's Chakke Mein Chakka," said SRK.

When asked if he had a crush on any of the actresses from the present time, Shahrukh known for his witty answers said, "Times have changed. Now the girls have crushes on me."

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King Khan is the king of vulgarity

Actress Neha Dhupia rightly said that only Shahrukh Khan and sex sells in Bollywood. Tickets for the Shahrukh’s show in Dhaka were sold out like hot cakes and a 30000-strong crowd thronged the Dhaka's Army Stadium on December 10 to see their star perform live. But a Bangladeshi newspaper called King Khan as ‘The King of vulgarity'.

Weekly Blitz, a leading local newspaper, came down heavily on Shahrukh’s show, which also featured actors like Arjun Rampal, Rani Mukherjee, Eesha Koppikhar and Dia Mirza. It alleged that Shahrukh did things that hurt the sentiments of the Bangladeshis.

The newspapers slammed Shahrukh for smoking in public and alleged that he did it intentionally to drive a point that he doesn’t care the Bangladeshi authorities. It questioned why the actor was allowed to use the VVIP terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while he doesn’t enjoy such privilege even in his own country.

Shahrukh also received flaks for uttering Bangla slang on the stage. He also spoke in Hindi and English at the show. The newspaper also alleged that the Russian dance troupe that accompanied him, indulged in illicit activities with the locals.

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Shahrukh Khan invites friends for India-Pakistan semi final

Shahrukh Khan will be suspending all his important work on Wednesday. The superstar will be watching the India-Pakistan match in the semi-final clash of the two teams in the Cricket World Cup.

We hear that Shahrukh has plans to put up a big screen home theatre at his residence Mannat especially for the screening of the match. Moreover, he has invited all his close friends from the industry to join him on the big day to watch the super-match of the tournament.

It can be recalled how Shahrukh had cheered for team India in South Africa when India played Pakistan in the finals of the first T20 World Cup in 2007. This time, too, he and his friends will obviously root for India.

The semi final match is turning out to be special in many ways. Besides a sporting contest, it has become ground for diplomacy between the two countries as Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has invited his Pakistani counterpart to watch the match in Mohali.

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'D' for Don, is now for Shahrukh Khan

SRK sports a fancy ‘D’ tattoo on his arm in Don 2; don’t mistake this for just another ‘D’ as the Don 2 team designed it especially for Shahrukh Khan. 

Ritesh Sidhwani the producer of Don 2 reveals that the three of them (Farhan, SRK and Ritesh) jointly decided that it would be a good idea to make the tattoo permanently Shahrukh’s, and they created a new design and registered it.

Not only that, they see the potential in the Don franchise, and plan on creating a line of Don inspired merchandize that will feature the ‘D’ symbol - caps, T-shirts, bags and such. You can see the branding starting with the ‘D’ in the first look of the movie!

Shahrukh continues to grow as a producer, he has turned his cricket team the Kolkota Knight Riders into contenders, and is now turning into a marketing guru of sorts who is always trying to go the extra step to bring something new to the audience -- getting Akon to sing a hindi track in Ra.One; or to reach the audience in new ways -- turning Ra.One into a Playstation video game.

Don 2 will see two new additions in the face of Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor, the rest of the cast is the same as Don and includes Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani and Om Puri. Arjun Rampal will not be seen in the sequel.

The film will release on December 23, just two days ahead of Christmas. Guess Don 2 will conclude 2011 with a BOOM! Making way for a Don 3 someday.

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No Smalltalk Between Shah Rukh Khan And Amitabh Bachchan

Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan Comments.

One chance to bring Big B and SRK to share screen space together was Ravi Chopra’s Bhoothnath, but even that seems to be of no consequence now. Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla play parents to the kid who, after the family shifts to Goa, finds out a friendly ghost which can be seen only him.

Amitabh Bachchan plays the friendly ghost but the actor and SRK has to come together on screen for the climax scene.

Disappointingly both won’t be exchange any conversation as no one apart from the kid can see the ghost and so doesn’t SRK. Hmm…so there is no room for media to cook up stories to fuel the inconvenient relation between the two.

But I am sure even if they were asked to converse like in Mohabbattein, the actors would do it with ease. Their professionalism is quite famous after all! The film will be a visual treat for the audience, especially for the kids. And it will be good to see Shahrukh and Juhi together again after a long time. The movie will be ready by July 2007.

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Sabse Tez 'SRK'

Shahrukh Khan is ruling Bollywood for more than two decades now but the energy level seems to have amplified which has inspired his ‘Always Kabhi Kabhi’ team. Ali Fazal goes gaga about the unbeatable King Khan and his fast learning talent.

Ali claims that SRK behaves like a old friend and said, “Shahrukh Khan is a brilliant entertainer. We shot for a promo song which took us three days but SRK came on the sets and learnt the entire dance sequence in an hour and we were able to complete the shoot in a day.”

“SRK guided us with camera angle and positioning which helped us to perform better. It’s a great platform to play a lead in his production,” Ali concluded.

SRK’s get-up-and-go attitude is definitely helping the beginner in B’town where they look up to him as an inspiration.

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Pak hawkers attacks Shahrukh’s website

Shahrukh Khan-Bollywood ka Badhshah is in troubles. The stars of this great star is seems to be not in his favor these days. His Kolkata Knight Riders team has disappointed him in the recent IPL-4 matches. Then, he had big dreams over his ambitious movie ‘Ra One’ which is being made with huge budget. He starts an exclusive website for this film and even planned to introduce video games on this movie concept. But, recently some Pakistani hawkers have attacked his website and disrupted it. A pop song which he believed would be the highlight of his movie was also leaked in the internet. Hence, Shahrukh Khan who feels very sad over these developments has stated “It really hurts me to face all these developments. I have planned to give a wonderful movie to my fans. But, this kind of attacks and stealing the songs from my film is very discouraging.”

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SRK to perform at Airtel Bindaas India concert

Shahrukh Khan along with other Bollywood celebrities is all set to perform at the two hour live Airtel Bindass India concert, organized by UTV’s Bindass.

Boman Irani, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Dino Morea, Rakhi Sawant, Kunal Ganjawala, Ganesh Hegde, Nitin and Mauli Dave are the other bollywood stars who will be joining Shahrukh Khan.

The concert will also have Bindaas comical Hass Ley India Duo Mantra and Anirudh performing at the MMRDA grounds, Mumbai, on January 13, 2008. And the telecast is scheduled on January 26.

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SRK misses parents at release of biography

Striking an emotional note, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan, whose biography was released at a function in Mumbai, said he wished his parents were alive to experience the moment.

"I wish my parents were alive to see how much importance is given to me. It is quite overwhelming. I am embarassed about this," Shahrukh said at the release function on Wednesday evening.

The 460-page coffee table book Still Reading Khan, is written by Mushtaq Shaikh.

After watching a short film on his early days as an actor in the course of the function, Shahrukh said, "the best part of today's function was when I saw my old house in Delhi and it brought back memories of my Mom and Dad. I really wish they were here".

When compere Sajid Khan praised the actor's "big house and big car", the actor laughed out saying, "Sometimes I think that all I have is only a big car and a big house and nothing else. I think many more cotemporaries deserve to be written about but perhaps because the author is my neighbour, I was written about first."

Recalling Shaikh's interviews with him for the book, Shahrukh said, "I think he and I met and talked only between midnight and five in the morning. All he did was to ask me question about my life. I did not ask him what he exactly was writing".

In a touching a gesture, most of Shahrukh's directors including, Farah Khan, Aziz Mirza, Farhan Akhtar (who directed him in forthcoming Don) and Karan Johar came on stage to congratulate him and cut a cake to celebrate the book release.

Bbuddah Hoga Tere Baap' earns place in Oscar Archives

The Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts, Los Angeles, of world renowned Oscars, had announced that they are placing the script of 'Buddah Hoga Tere Baap' of Puri Jagannadh in which Amitabh Bachchan played the lead role in their archives.

Responding to the announcement, Big B says, 'Hats Off to Puri Jagannadh. The script of 'Bbuddah Hoga Tere Baap' is simply superb. It is great to learn that the script of the film earning a place in the archives of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts, Los Angeles, of world renowned Oscars. I heartfully congratulate Puri Jagannadh for earning such a rare distinction.'

In response, the director says, "A script penned by a Telugu director earning a pride place in the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts, Los Angeles, of world renowned Oscars is really great. When I heard the news from the Big B, I felt very very happy. I adore Amitabh and he is a great icon for me. At a time, when I feel honoured for making a film with such a great artiste, my script earning a place in Oscar�s archives is really a great honour for me. I am very happy in this regard."