Tuesday, March 22, 2011
SRK's three essentials to make Hindi films global
Bollywood lacks three very essential skills - screenplay writing, technology and discipline - says superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has been in the industry for almost two decades "Hindi films lack in three very important aspects of filmmaking. The first amongst them is screenplay writing We need to understand the format and adhere to screenplay writing technique like them (Hollywood). The sooner Indian filmmakers realise that screenplay writing is not an art form but a science, the faster our films will globalise,” Shah Rukh said Friday at the India Today Conclave.
"Secondly, I feel so odd that on one hand we have the biggest software developing industries of the world, but somehow we are lacking behind in it's usage in India. We have the means to buy the machines, but we don't have mechanics to stand by them. That is a big investment we are looking for from Hollywood.”
"We need our own people who can make us our own cheaper, better, faster software for visual-effect teams,” he added.
"The third important thing that we need to learn is the discipline with which they (Hollywood) do their business. It does exist in other sectors, but it is lacking in the film industry.”
"If our industry wants to thrive economically, we also need to figure out and learn ways of selling our dreams to the largest number of people in the shortest span of time. We need to learn the science of marketing from them,” he said.
The actor also felt that if one didn't understand the importance of these aspects, sooner our young audience will stop watching our own domestic product.
At the same time, Shah Rukh felt that Indian filmmakers need to maintain their own individuality.
Aamir to play ghost in next?
Everyone knows that Aamir Khan is playing a cop in Reema Kagti's suspense thriller, but is he playing a ghost too?
If reports are to be believed Aamir Khan's character will die in the first half only to resurface in the second as a bhoot, reports Mid Day. Before Aamir,Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have also portrayed ghosts in Hello Brother and Paheli respectively.
Apart from this film, Aamir Khan is all set to portray a negative character in Dhoom 3.
In Reema Kagti's next, Aamir Khan would also be portraying a moustache. We now wonder if that will accentuate the ghost effect?
Priyanka to do sizzling number in Dostana 2?
Priyanka Chopra wrapped up the final schedule of Don 2 a week ago and is now looking forward to two films with Hrithik Roshan, Krrish 2 and Karan Johar’s remake of Agneepath, which she started shooting for this week. “It’s too early to comment on my role in Krrish 2 but I’m part of Rakesh sir’s project, and that’s the happiest bit of news for me,” she says.
“After completing Don 2, I’ve just started shooting for Agneepath. I’m melting on the sets because it’s so hot and we’re shooting outdoors in the city all day. But that’s the look and feel of the film, it’s rough, real and hot. I’m still a bit nervous on the sets because everyone has been shooting for a while. In a week, I’ll have found my space too.”
Don, in 2006, had her stepping into Zeenat Aman’s shoes as Roma, who had performed a couple of stunts in the original Don (1978). Last summer, when the Don sequel with Shah Rukh Khan had gone on the floors, Priyanka had said she would use some of her experience from her TV reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi Season Three in the film. Did she really do that? “Yes, I have a few more stunts in Don 2 than I had in Don. But don’t forget that I’m Roma, and not Don. So, I can’t have more stunts than him,” she laughs.“Don was a remake, so there was a diva like Zeenatji, who had set a benchmark for me. This time, it’s a completely new plot, and I’ve had to set a benchmark for myself. None of that was easy.” So, did she finally catch hold of Don? “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai!” laughs Priyanka.
The actor has recently shot an ad for the camera brand, Nikon that she endorses, with Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani. Considering she wanted to be a part of Dostana 2, expected to roll with Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in the second half of the year, have they figured out a way to fit her in? “It could be a passing shot in one of the frames or I could be introducing characters the way Shilpa (Shetty) did in Dostana with a hot sizzling number. Tarun and I again had a discussion while shooting for the ad. I’m sure we’ll figure out my part in Dostana 2 before the shoot starts,” says Priyanka.
The actor is also rumoured to be one among three female actors in the running to play the lead in the Abhishek Bachchan-Aamir Khan starrer, Dhoom 3, which starts later this year. Priyanka says, “I’ve been reading about it, but unfortunately I haven’t been offered the film yet. So, I can’t say if I’m in the running or I’m doing it.”
Director Madhur Bhandarkar, whose Fashion got Priyanka her first National Award for best actor, is rumoured to be writing Fashion 2 with her in the lead. “Really? Was there ever going to be a Fashion part two? I don’t know about any such film. We’ll see if and when Madhur comes up with the sequel,” she says.
“After completing Don 2, I’ve just started shooting for Agneepath. I’m melting on the sets because it’s so hot and we’re shooting outdoors in the city all day. But that’s the look and feel of the film, it’s rough, real and hot. I’m still a bit nervous on the sets because everyone has been shooting for a while. In a week, I’ll have found my space too.”
Don, in 2006, had her stepping into Zeenat Aman’s shoes as Roma, who had performed a couple of stunts in the original Don (1978). Last summer, when the Don sequel with Shah Rukh Khan had gone on the floors, Priyanka had said she would use some of her experience from her TV reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi Season Three in the film. Did she really do that? “Yes, I have a few more stunts in Don 2 than I had in Don. But don’t forget that I’m Roma, and not Don. So, I can’t have more stunts than him,” she laughs.“Don was a remake, so there was a diva like Zeenatji, who had set a benchmark for me. This time, it’s a completely new plot, and I’ve had to set a benchmark for myself. None of that was easy.” So, did she finally catch hold of Don? “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai!” laughs Priyanka.
The actor has recently shot an ad for the camera brand, Nikon that she endorses, with Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani. Considering she wanted to be a part of Dostana 2, expected to roll with Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in the second half of the year, have they figured out a way to fit her in? “It could be a passing shot in one of the frames or I could be introducing characters the way Shilpa (Shetty) did in Dostana with a hot sizzling number. Tarun and I again had a discussion while shooting for the ad. I’m sure we’ll figure out my part in Dostana 2 before the shoot starts,” says Priyanka.
The actor is also rumoured to be one among three female actors in the running to play the lead in the Abhishek Bachchan-Aamir Khan starrer, Dhoom 3, which starts later this year. Priyanka says, “I’ve been reading about it, but unfortunately I haven’t been offered the film yet. So, I can’t say if I’m in the running or I’m doing it.”
Director Madhur Bhandarkar, whose Fashion got Priyanka her first National Award for best actor, is rumoured to be writing Fashion 2 with her in the lead. “Really? Was there ever going to be a Fashion part two? I don’t know about any such film. We’ll see if and when Madhur comes up with the sequel,” she says.
Aamir wants acting tips from Hrithik
With actor Aamir Khan set to take over the mantle of a villain in Dhoom 3, he is reportedly planning to get in touch with his Dhoom predecessor, Hrithik Roshan for acting tips. Hrithik had played the villain in Dhoom 2. Khan, reportedly, wants to discuss a "few points" with the younger hero regarding his role in Dhoom 3.
"Hrithik and Aamir had bonded earlier, but not in this manner. Aamir had never openly come out gushing about Hrithik's acting.
He wants to have a sitting with Hrithik before he starts shooting for Dhoom 3," says a source. Khan recently admitted during a TV interview that he's keen on taking acting lessons from the younger actor.
"Hrithik is one of the best looking actors we have. He is also a great actor. I want to take acting lessons from him," the actor had said on television.
Sources say that Khan has given a lot of thought to the matter that he is replacing Hrithik as the villain in the franchise, and wants to live up to it.
"Aamir would like to have a sitting with Hrithik regarding the matter and generally talk about the acting and body language required for the film.
Since Aamir is a very private person, he will not share the exact details of the conversation that he shared with Hrithik, but we know that he doesn't mind taking a few tips from Roshan Junior, and doesn't even dither to admit it openly," adds the source.
ll eyes were on the World Cup quarterfinal between India and Australia
Sydney: All eyes were on the World Cup quarterfinal between India and Australia as some unnerving news for Australia captain Ricky Ponting might come falling, as speculation is rife that he is in his last week as the Oz skipper following a string of defeats and behavioural incidents that put him in a bad light.
The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday said there was stiff opposition at boardroom level to the 36-year-old retaining the job for next month`s tour of Bangladesh, although his position as a player was not in jeopardy.
An unnamed Cricket Australia official was quoted as saying, "We`re waiting for the next thing to blow up. We don`t go a game without there being some issues with him."
"We need to be looking at the future. It`s time for us to make a change," the newspaper quoted the official as saying.
Ahead of the World Cup, Ponting earned the dubious distinction of becoming the only Australian skipper to fail to win the Ashes three times, putting him under enormous pressure.
He has also done himself no favours in India, taking a reprimand from the International Cricket Council after smashing a dressing-room TV in a fit of fury after being run out during Australia`s World Cup win over Zimbabwe.
He was also criticised for angrily throwing the ball to the ground after colliding with teammate Steven Smith during their victory over Canada.
Then his sportsmanship was questioned when he failed to walk in Saturday`s defeat to Pakistan.
"We`re waiting for the next thing to blow up," the official said. "We don`t go a game without there being some issues with him."
Meanwhile, another media report claimed that Ponting runs the risk of losing his captaincy after the World Cup and Australia may be led by Michael Clarke in next month`s tour of Bangladesh. "As Ponting prepares to lead his team against cricket superpowers India in Thursday night`s cut-throat World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad, it has emerged the 36-year-old faces as big a battle with Australian powerbrokers to hold on to his job," the report said.
"The Herald has been told by a senior Cricket Australia official there should at least be a discussion by the board on whether Ponting should lead the side to Bangladesh even if national selectors name the Tasmanian as captain for the tour."
Michael Clarke, who led Australia to an emphatic 6-1 one-day series victory over England to give them a boost after the post-Ashes despondency, is seen as favourite to take his job.
The Australians face India in Thursday`s World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad.
The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday said there was stiff opposition at boardroom level to the 36-year-old retaining the job for next month`s tour of Bangladesh, although his position as a player was not in jeopardy.
An unnamed Cricket Australia official was quoted as saying, "We`re waiting for the next thing to blow up. We don`t go a game without there being some issues with him."
"We need to be looking at the future. It`s time for us to make a change," the newspaper quoted the official as saying.
Ahead of the World Cup, Ponting earned the dubious distinction of becoming the only Australian skipper to fail to win the Ashes three times, putting him under enormous pressure.
He has also done himself no favours in India, taking a reprimand from the International Cricket Council after smashing a dressing-room TV in a fit of fury after being run out during Australia`s World Cup win over Zimbabwe.
He was also criticised for angrily throwing the ball to the ground after colliding with teammate Steven Smith during their victory over Canada.
Then his sportsmanship was questioned when he failed to walk in Saturday`s defeat to Pakistan.
"We`re waiting for the next thing to blow up," the official said. "We don`t go a game without there being some issues with him."
Meanwhile, another media report claimed that Ponting runs the risk of losing his captaincy after the World Cup and Australia may be led by Michael Clarke in next month`s tour of Bangladesh. "As Ponting prepares to lead his team against cricket superpowers India in Thursday night`s cut-throat World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad, it has emerged the 36-year-old faces as big a battle with Australian powerbrokers to hold on to his job," the report said.
"The Herald has been told by a senior Cricket Australia official there should at least be a discussion by the board on whether Ponting should lead the side to Bangladesh even if national selectors name the Tasmanian as captain for the tour."
Michael Clarke, who led Australia to an emphatic 6-1 one-day series victory over England to give them a boost after the post-Ashes despondency, is seen as favourite to take his job.
The Australians face India in Thursday`s World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Indian playing XI row heats up
CHENNAI: All is not well in the Indian camp.
Right from the time the World Cup squad was selected, the selectors and skipper MS Dhoni were not sharing the same thought process. With the group stage almost done and dusted, the rift has only increased.
It's understood that
Dhoni's "stubbornness" regarding team selection hasn't gone down too well either with the BCCI bosses or with the selectors. And now, with just a couple of days to go for the crucial game against West Indies at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth met Dhoni & Co at the team hotel just before they were to come for practice. One understands that a few harsh words were spoken and the team management was asked to have a closer look at the playing XI. Dhoni has been extremely stubborn on the issue of playing with Piyush Chawla as the second spinner and the selection committee thinks that "it's time R Ashwin is given a chance".
A couple of days back, two selectors had a talk with Dhoni and he was clearly told that "Chawla has got enough chances" and that Ashwin should be in the playing XI. But the skipper was not ready to budge, even though there are senior members in the team who believe that the TN offie should get his chance.
Chika, despite his stature, has never interfered with the playing XI, but now that things have gone too far, there was no other alternative for the chairman but to have a talk with the team management. He clearly communicated the displeasure of the selectors but finally left it to the captain to take his call.
BCCI secretary N Srinivasan was also present and was a witness to the conversion between the chairman of selectors and the captain.
Later, Chika was present at the IIT Chemplast ground as well where he caught up with the other members of the team. The chairman had a long conversation with coach Gary Kirsten and later he was seen having a talk with the bowlers. As the media swarmed around him for a sound byte, he refused for the time being. "We will have a talk after India win the West Indies game," Chika said trying his best to deflate the tension.
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina has been given indications from the team management that he will play Sunday's game. The left-hander has mentioned to his close friends that he is making mental preparations to play the game.
Ashwin vs Piyush
What works in favour of Ashwin:
- His ability to bowl in the Powerplays. The off-spinner is known to contain the batsmen.
- Has done well in the Chennai, which is home turf for him.
What not for Chawla:
-Hasn't been able to contain batsmen or take wickets.
- Is under immense pressure to perform.
Right from the time the World Cup squad was selected, the selectors and skipper MS Dhoni were not sharing the same thought process. With the group stage almost done and dusted, the rift has only increased.
It's understood that
Dhoni's "stubbornness" regarding team selection hasn't gone down too well either with the BCCI bosses or with the selectors. And now, with just a couple of days to go for the crucial game against West Indies at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth met Dhoni & Co at the team hotel just before they were to come for practice. One understands that a few harsh words were spoken and the team management was asked to have a closer look at the playing XI. Dhoni has been extremely stubborn on the issue of playing with Piyush Chawla as the second spinner and the selection committee thinks that "it's time R Ashwin is given a chance".
A couple of days back, two selectors had a talk with Dhoni and he was clearly told that "Chawla has got enough chances" and that Ashwin should be in the playing XI. But the skipper was not ready to budge, even though there are senior members in the team who believe that the TN offie should get his chance.
Chika, despite his stature, has never interfered with the playing XI, but now that things have gone too far, there was no other alternative for the chairman but to have a talk with the team management. He clearly communicated the displeasure of the selectors but finally left it to the captain to take his call.
BCCI secretary N Srinivasan was also present and was a witness to the conversion between the chairman of selectors and the captain.
Later, Chika was present at the IIT Chemplast ground as well where he caught up with the other members of the team. The chairman had a long conversation with coach Gary Kirsten and later he was seen having a talk with the bowlers. As the media swarmed around him for a sound byte, he refused for the time being. "We will have a talk after India win the West Indies game," Chika said trying his best to deflate the tension.
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina has been given indications from the team management that he will play Sunday's game. The left-hander has mentioned to his close friends that he is making mental preparations to play the game.
Ashwin vs Piyush
What works in favour of Ashwin:
- His ability to bowl in the Powerplays. The off-spinner is known to contain the batsmen.
- Has done well in the Chennai, which is home turf for him.
What not for Chawla:
-Hasn't been able to contain batsmen or take wickets.
- Is under immense pressure to perform.
2011 Japan Earthquake Tragedy Brings Out Lady Gaga & Other Artists For Japan Relief Fundraising
In the global population of over 6 billion people, there is hardly an individual who hasn’t heard about one of the biggest natural disasters ever to struck Japan in the form of the earthquake and the resulting tsunami that had caused widespread destruction and has brought the country the threshold of one of the gravest nuclear crisis of all times. As the numerous countries and aid organizations scramble for an international relief effort, some of the most prominent music artists are also doing their bid to help Japan recover of this insurmountable trauma.
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