What a tune Sirjee!

See (Actually listen) this song of Kannada movie Pallavi Anupallavi. Do you remember some thing?

Yes, you have got an idea Sirjee...

It is Idea Cellular advertisment in which tune was taken from song Naguva Nayana of above said movie. It's tune is of great music composer Ilayaraja. I think R. Balki has made this ad and he may have choosen this tune of Ilayaraja. Interestingly This Kannada feature film has Anil Kapoor as its hero. Another interesting fact is Anil Kapoor's so many films are remake of south films like Eeshwar, Beta, Virasat, Badhai ho badhai, Nayak etc. 

Salman Khan moving ahead in life?

Salman seems to be getting matured now both from mind and heart. It appears so from what he answered Karan Johar's questions about his ex girl friends Aishwarya and Katrina on the Koffee With Karan show. From Salman's past behavior we have seen that it is not easy to forget love- lover and when there is small world like film industry when you have to answer every day to journalists and bollywood friends which may be common between you and your ex lover, it may be very painful. Salman (who is equally responsible for his break ups) has successfully passed from this difficult stage, or at least it seems so.

But think about Jitendra who was unsuccessful to get married to Hema Malini and then Dharmendra married to her. Jitendra not only moved ahead in life but after then romanced with her on screen in films like Justice Chaudhary and Qaidi.

Why we need to remember Baazigar after 20 years?

It was 19^th November, 1993. I had completed 19 years. We had two choices to celebrate my birthday. One was to watch Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke and other was Baazigar. Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke was Mahesh Bhatt film starring Amir Khan and Juhi Chawla. It was comedy film and music was also good. But I preferred to go for Baazigar. We watched this film in theatre. Why? You know it! Baazigar has become classic film and it has completed 20 years yesterday (12^th November, 2013).

Shahrukh Khan starred ‘Baazigar’ film completed 20 years! It would be better to say this film belonged to Abbas-Mustan, director pair. It is very unusual in Indian cinema, where usually music directors (such as Husnalal Bhagatram, Kalyanji Anandji, Laxmikant Pyarelel, Nadeem Shravan etc) work in pair, but not directors.

Abbas-Mustan got taste of success with film ‘Khiladi’ which was produced by cassette company Venus. So Producers and directors again got together for a new film to repeat success. Film was ‘Baazigar’. This film proved to be another hit for them. It was also a second success for Shahrukh Khan as an actor but first sucess as solo hero cum villain (Shahrukh had given hit film ‘Deewana’ but Rishi Kapoor was also there to share a major chunk of success as he was main hero of it). This was also first film of Shahrukh-Kajol as pair and they gave hit film one after another. They are still considered to be one of the most successful pair.

When there is talk of success, we should also consider Anu Malik. This music director was going low before ‘Baazigar’. He gave seven hit chart buster songs in just one film! Interestingly, ‘Chhupana bhi nahin aata’ song had two versions: One was in Vinod Rathod voice and another version was in Pankaj Udhas voice. Another songs were ‘Ae mere humsafar’, ‘Baazigar o baazigar’, ‘Ye kali kali ankhen’, ‘Kitabein bahut si’. Tune of ‘Ae mere humsafar’ was loosely copied from Kishore Kumar song ‘Khubsurat Hasinna’ (Mr. X). Whistle tune which comes in starting of song ‘Ae mere humsafar’ was used by Anu Malik in song of ‘Ishq’ (1997 film)- ‘Ishq hua kaise hua’. Two songs – ‘Tere chahere pe’ and ‘Samajh kar chand jis ko’ were not included in film but were on cassette. Even, ‘Ye kali kali ankhen’ is shown only part whenever this film is shown on tv channels.

Screenplay was written by three writers, Robin Bhatt, step brother of director-writer Mahesh Bhatt, Aakash Khurana, also known as actor and Javed Siddiqui who is now known as father of Leela (Lubna Salim) of tv serial ‘Ba Bahu Aur Baby’. This film was said to be inspired from Hollywood movie ‘A Kiss Before Dying’ (1991). First time in Hindi film history, hero kills his innocent lover to revenge against her father. It was hard to think that this film where hero and villain is same person, would be successful, but it met success. Scene in which Shahrukh tries to wear lens and one lens falls is said to be copied from movie ‘Satte Pe Satta’ in which Amitabh played double role. Shahrukh also immited Amitabh-Neetu Singh dance style of song ‘Mein tum ko kya kahun deewana’ (The Great Gambler) in song ‘Kitabe Bahot Si Padhi Hogi Tumne’. In turn, Shahdi Kapoor imitated Shahrukh Khan’s style with cap and funny dance in ’36 China Town’ in song ‘24 X 7 I think of you’. He also imitated style of Shahrukh Khan of song ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’ title song.

‘Baazigar’ was also first movie of Shilpa Shetty. After ‘Baazigar’, Shahrukh and Shilpa never worked together as leading pair, however, in ‘Om Shanti Om’ produced by Shahrukh Khan, Shilpa made guest appearance for ‘Dekho Dekho Hai Shaam Badi Deewani’.

Shahrukh Khan might have not gotten success if Akshay Kumar had accepted this film! Yes, as we all know, director pair Abbas-Mustan made a hit thriller ‘Khiladi’ with Akshay Kumar, so naturally their first choice for ‘Baazigar’ was Akshay Kumar. But Akki rejected this role as at their time hero used to be only hero and not grey character. Anil Kapoor and Salman Khan also rejected this role. Even Salman Khan’s brother Arbaaz Khan turned it down for the same reason. However he did a full fledged negative role in Abbas-Mustan's ‘Daraar’. Shahrukh Khan and Abbas-Mustan worked again in comedy thriller ‘Baadshah’ but didn’t meet success so after then they never worked together again.

Generally music directors and singers don’t get chance to come on screen as what they are. But in this film, singer Vinod Rathod and music director Anu Malik appear as respectively singer and music director. In ‘Chhupana Bhi Nahin Aata’ song, scene was of party thrown for Shahrukh and Kajol’s engagement.

Film makers first think of Sridevi for double role as Seema and Priya. But later directors felt that the audience wouldn't feel for Shahrukh's character if "he killed Sridevi." Therefore, Kajol and Shilpa Shetty were brought.

Siddharth (on right side) in Chhupana Bhi Nahin Aata song

It would also be noteworthy that Siddharth Ray plays lover of Kajol. Siddharth gave hit film ‘Vansh’ with Sudesh Berry. Siddharth was grand son of legendary film maker V. Shantaram. Unfortunately Siddharth passed away due to massive heart attack. Siddharth married to actress Shantipriya.

Dialogue of ‘Baazigar’ ‘Kabhi kabhi kuchh jitney ke liye kuchh harna padta hai aur har kar jitnewale ko baazigar kahete hai’ is quite popular. In Shahrukh and Abbas-Mustan’s ‘Baadshah’, funny dialogue was based on this dialogue. It was like this: ‘Kabhi kabhi dil jodne ke liye dil todna padta hai aur dil tod ke jodnewale ko …pata nahin kya kehte hai’.

Comedian Johny Lever was must for Abbas-Mustan’s films. Johny was appreciated for his role in ‘Khiladi’. Again in this film Johny was given important comedy scenes in Babu Lal head cook. Even today, people like to watch clips of comedy scenes from ‘Baazigar’, such as ‘Bina chai ki patti ki chai’ (making tea without tea leaves and adding salt in it!). Film also stars Raju Srivastav who is now well known standup comedian. Although Raju is seen in just one or two scenes. In party scene, song played ‘It’s my life’ was quite popular. This song is sung by Dr Alban and was quite popular reflecting changing nature of new generation.

So, sit on sofa, play dvd player and watch ‘Baazigar’ again! But be sure dvd has full movie in it without any cut!

Comedy Nights With Kapil : What is so special about Scooter?

Kapil Sharma was very much appreciated in 'Laughter challenge' (Star One which was relaunched as Life Ok). Then he rocked in many seasons of 'Comedy Circus' (on Sony). Now he has become producer and started 'Comedy Nights With Kapil' on Colors. This show has become very much popular.

Recently it was also in news as its set was burnt in major fire. It was also accused that Kapil has conspired of fire for maturing insurance claim.

Many celebrities have come in this show. List includes- Dharmendra, Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgan, Parineeta Chopra, Priyanka Chopra, Juhi Chawla, Vidya Balan, Kirron Kher and many more.

There are so many characters that have become intense popular. Upasna Singh is always appreciated in her comic roles in various films and serials, but as Buajee in this show she is not only gorgeous but humorous also when she says, "Kaun hai ye Bittu?"

Ali Asgar is also very gorgeous in drunken Dadi character.

Sunil Grover always makes us laughing and he himself doesn't laugh at all and keeps his face straight.

Navjot Singh Sidhu makes environment more live with his "Sher-o-Shayri".

But above all there is one thing special in it. Scooter!

Scooter is of Bajaj company. Bajaj Scooter was symbol of middle class vehicle. In films bikes were generally used but scooters were shown in films where hero was coming from middle class. Remember "Choti si baat"? In this film Amol Palekar and Asrani were shown riding on this scooter.

Now there is more tradition of bikes, scooty and active. So, now few people are seen riding on Bajaj Scooter. But there is one more thing about Scooter of 'Comedy Nights With Kapil' making it more special. Have you noticed its number? It is of Bhavnagar. Yes, Bhavnagar that is my native place. Bhavnagar that is known for cultural activities and which has given so many artists like Adya Kavi Narsinh Mehta, Morari Bapu (who needs no introduction), Dr. Kamlesh Avasthi (well known singer who sang songs in 'Pyasa', 'Naseeb'), Parthiv Gohil (Singer), Pooja Bhatt aka Pooja Mehar Bhatt  (Actress of Khatta Mitha and other Gujarati Plays), Ami Trivedi  (Kittu Sab Janti Hai , Papad Pol, Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo), Gujarati Writers- Editors, Manubhai Pancholi, Kanti Bhatt, Harkishan Mehta, Sportsman Pathik Mehta, Industrialist Seth brothers (Kayam Churna), educationist Gijubhai Badheka and many more...

Kuchh Kuch Hota Hai : Film completes 15 years

As 'Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai' completing 15 years, lot of memories came to mind with this- not so great, but enjoyable film.

It was first film of Karan Johar as director. Young at that age, he brought freshness in all way. In music, in locations, in college, in dialogues. It was year 1998 which saw Kajol's success. Kajol gave three main hit films that year- Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Dushman and Pyar To Hona Hi Tha. All were romantic films. In fact, for Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Ajay Devgan was appreciated for his acting. So far he was known as action hero, but with Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, he became romantic hero also.

For Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai's character of Tina, actual choice was Twinkle Khanna, daughter of Super star Rajesh Khanna and actress Dimple Kapadia and now wife of Akshay Kumar. Karan Johar and Twinkle were childhood friends, so Karan kept character name Tina which was also pet name of Twinkle. But Twinkle refused this role and ultimately it went to Rani Mukherjee who was new entrant to Hindi Films.
Filmmakers used to believe that Rani's voice is not good and so, in her starting films like Raja Ki Aayegi Barat and Ghulam they dubbed Rani's dialogues. But Karan Johar didn't follow the path and kept Rani's dialogues in her voice. Rani's voice became known then after.
Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai music director Jatin Lalit were in flying colours as they gave hit after hit. Kajol's three films that were success - Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Kuchh Kuch Hota Hai and Pyar To Hona Hi Tha had music given by Jatin Lalit.

In this film, Neelam did a cameo of VJ. At that time Neelam was doing countdown show 'BPL oye' on V Tv. In Neelam's sequence, Nikhil Advani (now a well known director) and Farah Khan (at that time she was just choreographer) did guest appearance. So she was given that role. Reema Lagoo and Farida Jalal were still choice for mother's role. In film Farida Jalal doesn't hesitate to speak 'Sexy' word which was taboo at that time. Daughter of Shahrukh Khan played by Sana Saeed has grown up and started career as young artist. Parzan Dastoor also will be remembered as mute Sardarji's role.
Filmfare editor in chief Jitesh Pillai also shared some his memories about this beautiful film.
Though Rani and Kajol are cousins but their relations were not good at that time. But Shahrukh and Karan always played peacemaker. So was about Salman Khan and Kajol. Shahrukh also played peacemaker between Salman and Kajol. Salman was also doing shooting for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and would come late at night.

In reunion scene of Rahul and Anjali, Karan Johar just left the camera on .Shahrukh Khan and Kajol just improvised. No one called cut.
In title song, cinematographer Santosh Sivan was specially called to shoot. Shahrukh changed some three costumes in a single shot.
Film's dialogue "Hum ek baar jite hain, ek baar marte hain, shaadi bhi ek baar hoti hai, aur pyar.ek hi baar hota hai" is considered one of the best dialogue of Shahrukh Khan.

Har Kisi Ko Nahin Milta : Stop Raping Classical Songs

New rape on pretext of remixing/remaking/reusing melodious song. Now it is- Har kisi ko nahin milta. How bad voice of singer. I came to know it is Nikhil D'souza. It is sung without heart and feelings. My question is why all these bollywood people (I have used bollywood word intentionally as bollywood word is copied from hollywood and so many bollywood films are copied) are just making remake of classic superhit films with manipulations and also remixing old classical songs. Does it not imply that new generation of film makers and music composers lacking creative ideas and just want to earn money by encashing old classical films and songs.
Remakes were made in past also. Like Saajan was remake of Sangam. Ram Lakhan was remake of Deewar but at that time it was believed bad to market and publicize film as remake. On the contrary they used to deny about it. And there was never fashion of using original song with same words and same tune.
Now let's look at recent instances of abuse of meloduous songs : Hawa hawai (Shaitan), Khoya khoya chand (Shaitan), Dum maro dum (Dum Maro Dum), Na jaane (I, Me Aur Mein), Raat akeli hai (Raagini MMS 2), Taiyab ali (Once Upon Time In Mumbai Dobaara), Mera dil bhi kitna paagal ha (Lunch box), Dhak dhak (Nautanki Saala),

Why did Shahrukh and Salman hug?

Film world is cheering for end of Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan's fight. What can be good news other than this in Ramadan (correct spelling is Ramzan) month which is considered as most sacred month for muslim brothers?

It is known fact that both had fight on occassion of Katrina Kaif's birthday party which was held at Salman Khan's residence. At that time, Katrina Kaif was Salman's girlfriend. Fight was sparked from jokes which went to be personal. Shahrukh Khan joked about Salman Khan's ex girlfriend Aishwarya Rai which Salman Khan couldn't tolerate. After then, they didn't speak to each other.
They both have camps. So both started to draw persons from opposite camps. Salman Khan bonded with Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan against Shahrukh Khan. Shahrukh Khan brought Rohit Shetty (who is considered to be friend of Ajay Devgan) for 'Chennai Express'. Shahrukh also brought Katrina Kaif for his 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and performed kiss and other intimate scenes with her to envy Salman Khan.

Sharukh's film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' in which Katrina Kaif was lead heroine, was to be released with Ajay Devgan's 'Son Of Sardar'. Ajay Devgan complained to competition commission that Yashraj Films was pressuring on distributers to show only its film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. So Ajay Devgan roped Salman Khan for cameo.Salman Khan happily did it. Not even that, in promo, his dialogue was symbolically challenging Shahrukh Khan. It was like this : Pathan ke yaar se kabhi panga mat lena.

Well, this is now past matter. Both have hugged each other. It is said that compromise is not sudden. It was planned. Both were willing to have friendship from long time. In March, 2013, it was rumour that Shahrukh Khan went to Salman's residence. SRK's car was spotted in front of Salman's residence at 8.30 pm 31st March, 2013 night.

It means Shahrukh Khan was willing to be friend with Salman again. And he took initiative. Why did Shahrukh Khan do this? He is said to be very arrogant. He has insulted many persons, although by his cheap humour. So he can not be believed to take initiative, but he did. why? Let's check.

Shahrukh was left alone after fight with Salman Khan. Farah Khan left him and signed Akshay Kumar in her film as director. Karan Johar did not part away with Shahrukh but made no film after rift with Salman. Arjun Rampal also went away from Shahrukh Khan due to his arrogant nature. It is known fact that those who got Salman angry are left alone, Salman camp is so powerful. e.g. Vivek Oberoi. After rift with Salman Khan (famous 42 calls press conference) Vivek stopped getting A grade banner films. He apolosied publicly to Salman Khan, but Salman did not forgive it. Shahrukh also had to face similar siquences. On one side, Shahrukh's films were getting flop. Specially his Ra.one became material for joke. Shahrukh who is infamous for joking on other persons, could not tolerate joke upon himself for Ra.one and slapped Shirish Kunder. Sharukh also indulged in fight with security guard at Vankhede stadium. These all incidence made Shahrukh Khan realise that he need to compromise with Salman Khan.

But the question is why Salman Khan forgave Shahrukh while he is not known for forgiving persons easily. Infact Salman Khan also did not forgive Shahrukh easily. As said above, Shahrukh initiated peace process (!) in March,2013 and he succeded in July, 2013. Salman Khan knew that Shahrukh Khan had good political relations with central leadership of congress. This year, congress and MNS favoured to lift ban on Shahrukh from entering Vankhede Stadium. Salman was getting in trouble in Hit and Run case. May be he needed Shahrukh Khan to influence in the case.

But it was Baba Siddiqui, congress MLA in Maharashtra, who made Shahrukh and Salman Khan hug each other in his iftaar party. Let's see this is jenuine compromise or just for sake of mutual need.