Pammi Somal does a Subhash Ghai!

Pammi Somal with Gurdaas Maan and Jackie Shroff

Subhash Ghai is known to make special appearances in his films. Pammi Somal, journalist turned filmmaker has done that in her debut film Mummy Punjabi, set to release this month. When her crew asked her to do a small appearance, she said, “Not with anybody but the best looking guys Gurdas Maan and Jackie Shroff.’ So she does a little jig with the two actors in a song, sung by the legendary Punjabi singer and ofcourse our very own Jaggu. The film stars the enigmatic Kirron Kher as Mummy Punjabi!

kkusum fame Nausheen Ali Sardar is back on small screen

After regaling TV audiences in iconic shows like X-Zone, Saturday Suspense and Star Star Bestsellers, Kkusum and a host of Pakistani serials, Nausheen Ali Sardar is now back on the small screen, after a long hiatus. The long-legged Bandra beauty has now donned the Rajasthani attire for the mature role of an elderly mother in Beend Banoonga Ghodi Chadhoonga, the popular daily soap on Imagine.
The stunning actress reveals the reasons for her break from the small screen, her marriage plans and future projects. Excerpts from an interview:

You had taken a long break from TV all these years. Why?
I had done a lot of TV and wanted to do something different, something bigger. So I signed five films in four years. At that point I had thought that if things did not work out, I could always go back to TV. And for some reason or the other, the films I did got delayed. Then I realized that I did not quite have the patience for films.
You aren’t being seen much on TV either.
Well, after Kusum, I did Kaalchakra in which I had a triple role. I hosted the show, Arranged Marriage with Swapnil Joshi. I was also offered Nach Baliye also but I rejected it.
Why?
Because I am extremely scared of dancing! Whenever I am asked to dance, I just freeze.
Talking about marriage, we heard that you are getting married soon. Is it true?
Yes. I will get married within this year.
Who is the lucky man?
That, I can’t tell you. It is very personal.
So the earlier reports about you going steady were true after all.
I won’t comment on that either (smiles mischievously).
Okay, what attracted you to this elderly role you are playing in Beend Banoonga Ghodi Chadhoonga?
It is a very strong role. In fact, the character of Santosh, which I play, is one of the pillars of the story, along with those of Jai and Sarika. Secondly, it is a male-oriented serial, unlike the female-oriented ones that are the norm now. So there is something different about this.
What kind of challenges do you face as an actor, while enacting this role?
Well, firstly, speaking in the Rajasthani dialect is a big challenge. I am a typical Mumbai girl, that too from Bandra. Speaking like an elderly Rajasthani woman, especially in the early episodes, was very difficult. Secondly, playing a mother to a young man is also a challenge. I am not even married in real life. And here, I have to portray a mature, orthodox woman.
Apart from your role, what do you like most about Beend Banoonga Ghodi Chadhoonga?
It is about traditional family values. And most importantly, it is about this girl from an orthodox family who asserts her wish to become a doctor. This is a subject which few serials have tackled. Moreover, as I said earlier, it also has the male in a pivotal role, a refreshing change from serials where the male characters are pushed into the background.
What other projects do you have in hand apart from Beend Banoonga Ghodi Chadhoonga?
Right now, all my time devoted to this serial since it is a daily soap. But yes, I have done a film, Bangalore Blues, with Irfan Khan. It will be releasing this year.

Do you know this girl?

You didn't recognize this girl, right? Well, this is not your fault because you have most of times seen this girl in skimpy cloths. She is Meghna Naidu. Yes, the girl which exposed highly in 'Hawas' and 'Thoda resham lagta hai'  song's video.

Director Ashok Nanda decided to cast Meghna Naidu for the role of an ugly girl in Rivaaz, path-breaking film that exposes the traidition of family prositution in Indian villages that exists even today. Megha Naidu, shocked by the actual bytes and footages, immediately expressed her consent to act in the film yo jelp the cause.

But on the first day of shoot, when Meghna walked in for the shot, Ashok Nanda asked her to go and wash off her make-up. "But I haven't worn any," said Meghna. "You ahd told me to come without make-up."  Shrugs the director, "she just would not look ugly without make-up. I had to get make-up done to make her look ugly."

Now that is one compliment Meghna Naidu would always remember.

Choreographer Shabina Khan took six hours to do item song

Six hours, that’s a one of a kind record. Choreographer Shabina Khan recently created history in Bollywood item song choreography. She shot the famous song ‘Chandigarh Ki Star from Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap in a record time of 6 hours. A Vishal-Shekhar musical duo composition, this song stars Raveena Tandon who made a comeback on the big screen after a long hibernation. This item number was a last minute addition to the film.

Shabina khan with Raveena Tandon

“The film’s director Puri Jagannath had given me just one day to complete it and I choreographed it in a record time of six hours, which was next to impossible. The song consists of 25 dancers. I’ve used two sets of costume and make-up changes. Then the lighting had to be taken care of. After completing the shoot, it took the production team another six hours to edit it, says Shabina who is famous for her extreme commitment towards her work.

Item numbers, a new trend off late, have become the modus operendi for upping a film’s stability. It generally takes 3-4 days to shoot them. Coincidentally, Raveena also happens to be a close friend of Shabina, who has previously worked as an assistant with choreographer Ganesh Acharya.

“Raveena had no clue on who the choreographer was and when she found out that I was choreographing the song, she jumped with excitement. In fact, it was Raveena who pushed me to become a choreographer,” says Shabina, who first worked with Raveena in the actor’s 2005 movie Pehchaan

Ankhiyon ke zarokho se pair - Ranjeeta and Sachin come back!

Many cinelovers who are in age of 30+ love songs of 'Ankhiyo ke zarokho se' film by Rajshree  Productions. It was lovely love story with music by Ravindra Jain. There was a young pair Ranjeeta and Sachin featuring in it. Ranjeeta had worked in many films of which prominants like 'Satte  Pe Satta' with Amitabh Bachchan. Ranjeeta had disappeared then. Now great news is that she is making come back! and how! with Sachin! and that also with Rajshree Productions! So actually it's casting coup in itself!

sachin and ranjeeta in ankhiyon ke zarokho se

Sachin  returns to Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd. with their forthcoming film ‘Jaana Pehchana’.
Sachin  hardly needs any introduction. Who can forget the handsome, boyish face from Geet Gaata Chal, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Balika Badhu, Satte Pe Satta, Nadiya Ke Paar, Sholay and countless other hits? After three decades of regaling both Hindi and Marathi film-buffs, Sachin’s illustrious career seems to have come full circle. He has now returned to the legendary Rajshri Productions, the banner which gave him his first taste of national stardom. And the prodigal son has returned to shoulder far greater responsibilities with Rajshri’s forthcoming film, ‘Jaana Pehchana’, a sequel to Rajshri’s legendary Akhyon KE Jharokhon Se...
Jaana Pehchana also has his earlier co-star Ranjeeta playing the female lead opposite Sachin

Excerpts from an interview with the multi-faceted artiste…

How does it feel to return to the Rajshri banner after all these years, with ‘Jaana Pehchana’?
It feels wonderful! In fact, though I didn’t work with them for so long, I never really felt that I was away from them. Rajshri Productions has been like a second home to me and this is like a family reunion.

You are playing the lead in ‘Jaana Pehchana’ and also directing it. Was it only because of the banner that you chose to direct the film too?

Of course, it is a great opportunity for any director to work with a banner like Rajshri. They are family. However, it was also the unique concept of the film which drew me to it. It is an emotional, sensitive romantic and contemporary story telling of the sort that has never been tackled in Indian cinema ever as it not only deals with Jaana Pehchana but also with Aakhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se . It is a challenge to delve deep into the nuances of the relationship between the two protagonists.

Ranjeeta and Sachin will creat majic of 'Ankhiyon ke zarokho se' once again!

What was your reaction when you first heard that Ranjeeta would be your co-star once again?
It is very rare in the industry to see a popular on screen couple come together again in a sequel of the same film. That too after so many years ! We worked together in Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se and the audience loved our chemistry. She is such a brilliant actor. It is a great pleasure to work her even as a director.

Could you tell us a little about what Jaana Pehchana is all about?
Jaana Pehchana is basically a sequel to the hit film, Akhiyon ke Jharokhon Se.  In AKJS, we saw the beautiful romance between Arun and Lily where eventually,  Arun Mathur was left alone after his beloved, Lili’s (Ranjeeta) death and he has been living in her memory ever since.
 Jaana Pehchana introduces  Asha (Ranjeeta), an author, who has an uncanny resemblance to Lily . She walks into the life of Arun Mathur to write his biography.  What follows from there is a contemporary love story with a beautiful blend of old school romance combined with young love.

You are also singing a couple of songs in the film. What made you decide to do playback singing too?
 It wasn’t me who decided that. It was our music director Ravindra Jain’s decision. He thought my voice would suit the character I play in the film. And by the way, this is not the first time I am singing in a film. I’ve been doing that since the past three decades!

Talking about Ravindra Jain, he had also composed the music for your super-hit films like Geet Gaata Chal and Akhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Nadiya Ke Paar. How is it interacting with him as a director?
Ravindra Jain or Dadu, as we all call him, has been a father-figure to me ever since I did those two films. Tthe unforgettable songs of Geet Gaata Chal, Akhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se and Nadiya Ke Paar are still loved by people of every age. Absolutely nothing has changed since then. Dadu is still creating the same kind of magical music, which will be evident when the songs are released.

We hear that you have also written the screenplay for ‘Jaana Pehchana’. Since you are acting in and directing the film too, don’t you think it is too much of a pressure?
Multi-tasking has always come naturally to me. For all my Marathi films as well, I have involved myself in the screenplays, direction, production, along with acting, so it was nothing new to me. In fact, it made the process much more exciting.

What made you decide to write the screenplay as well?
It was not planned. It just so happened that after reading the basic structure of the film’s story, I began developing it in my own way. And I finally ended being the screenplay writer too!

From Akhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se to Jaana Pehchana, what changes have you noticed in Rajshri Productions’ way of working and their approach to films in general?
The biggest change has obviously been the use of advanced technology which wasn’t available then. In keeping with the times, their films now have a much modern feel and look. But the legendary Rajshri values and their ethics are still very much the same. They have still kept that tradition intact. And it is this quality for which I respect and love them immensely.

You have used the word unique to describe jaana Pehchana. What should the audiences expect?
You will have to go and see the movie to know why it is unique. I won’t spoil the surprise element but all i can say is that you will see a 22-year-old Sachin and Ranjeeta also!

Mahaakshay’s a family man!

Mahakshy Chakraborty

Mahaakshay Chakraborty is a family man. In  fact, this birthday, the actor who made his mark with Vikram Bhatt’s Haunted -- India’s first Indian stereo-scopic 3-D horror film, preferred to spend the day at his home with his family. “It was a quiet family lunch. I prefer spending my birthday with those I cherish. I am no party animal,” he confesses. “I am in films because I love the business of cinema. Whether it be donning makeup, the arclights or facing the camera, it is a passion. And now, I think, with success comes a responsibility. And I want to do films that will make my dad proud.”
Mahaakshay Chakraborty's next film Tukka Fit is a comedy film by a debutant director Vinay. Says he, “I chose a comedy because it is diametrically different from Haunted. I owe my life to Vikram Bhatt who believed in me. And now, I want to live up to the expectations of the common man who puts his hard-earned money to buy a ticket to watch a film.”
And of course, family matters most. “Mom doesn’t say much but I can read it in her eyes. And dad, he told me after Haunted, ‘Mimoh, now I find life is beautiful wherever I go.’ I want him to feel that way, always.”
Looks like this young lad’s attitude will surely take him places.

New Nazia and Sanjay Dutt connection

Nazia Hussian is daughter of Akhatar Hussain

Do you know what the trend latest in the B – World is? No, it’s not the sexy designer apparels, or the “I’m so cool” hair styles, or the latest Prada footwear’s. It’s not even the ‘break up – patch up’ with friends & foes or kids starring films. The latest hot cake news is about stars acting as launch pads for their nephews & nieces, who are on a mission of carrying forward the family heritage. After trend setter Aamir Khan extensively promoted his favourite nephew Imran Khan and also after Sanjay Dutt took on to promote his nephew Nilesh Sahay, it’s time for Sanjay’s niece, Nazia Hussain, to step in the arena. Nargis Dutt’s grand niece, will make her debut with a Bollywood film ‘Say Yes To Love’.

Granddaughter of Akhtar Hussain, Nargis’s elder brother, Nazia will star opposite, Asad Mirza a fresh face as well, and is the son of Mahroof Mirza, who will also direct the new onscreen couple. He has directed many films like Mashooq, Yaara Dildar, Misaal & Rama o Rama.
Speaking about her new project, an excited Nazia said ” “Yes I am making my debut with a love story and it is a musical. I am excited about it because it is something that we have not seen in the recent past.”

What was the point of excitement for Nazia to take this step other than the legacy? “It was one fine day when I decided that I want to be an actress and after my acting school, I started giving various auditions. I had forgotten about my first audition for this film when I got a call for the second screen test after 5-6 months of the first one. And here I am doing it. The film will release in August.”

Speaking about being in touch with the Dutt family, Nazia said, “I’m not really in touch with Sanjay chachu but I am with his sisters Priya and Anju. My mother is closer to them and they know what I am doing. I am now looking forward my first film.”

Music launch of Bas Ek Tamanna

Actors Rituparna Sengupta, Samir Aftab and Gauri Karnik at the music launch of bas ek tamanna

When you make a film with conviction, the entire globre conspires to make your dream come true. The same holds true for Subhan Aziz whose film Bas Ek Tamanna saw a music launch amind the glitterati of tinsel town. hosted by Subhan Aziz and Nasreen along with Narendra Singh of Filmy box, the launch saw composer Omkar, singers Javed Ali, Mudasir Ali, Prashant Samadhar, actors Sameer Aftab, Rituparna Sengupta, Gauri Karnik, Richa Sony, Abhinav Gautam, Aparajita Ray, Bharat Kapoor, Rajesh Modi, Vrajesh Hirjee, Vishwajeet and Sonalika Pradhan, Nimai Bali and Sahila Chadda, Pritobash, Aditya Singh Rajput, Pawan Shankar, Ashwini Chopra, Jawahar lal,  director Rahul Kapoor,  Rajib-Mona, directors Rajeev Ruia, Arshad Siddiqui, Anil Agarwal, Dilip Dhanwani, Dinesh among others. One saw a glimpse of Yash Chopra at Sun N Sand, making the evening worthwhile.

Richa Sony looking stunning in blue, Javed Ali in black and sufi singer Mudasir Ali sporting a new haircut and looking macho in pink were the first to arrive. They were very warmly received by hosts Subhan Aziz and Narendra Singh.

Sameer Aftab reached immedately after followed by Gauri Karnik. Dorector Rahul Kapoor along with dad veteran actor Bharat Kapoor came soona fter. The celebs poured in after that one by one making the evening worthwhile. Javed Ali, Omkar, Mudasir Ali and Prashant Samadar set the stage afire,

Said Subhan Aziz, "all I wanted as to make a heart-warming story and say it on film. I am so happy so man people stood by me through this film and made the journey worthwhile." Aziz has earlier dabbled in south and has made a hit click with sueprstar Mamooty.

Here is looking forward to this film lighting up the screens this Eid. As Vrajesh Hirjee put it humourously, "Salman bhai ko takkar dene ki jurrat har koi nai karta hai baap." But Subhan would rather Salman watch his film and have a few good words to say about it as well as it is  his Eid offering. "I am sure Salman will also love my film," says the confident man. Touche!..