Dunki: what this new Bollywood film tells us about the imperial history of the UK’s immigration system

Deana Heath, University of Liverpool

The UK government’s efforts to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, which undermine the independence of Britain’s judiciary, highlight ongoing tensions within the British Conservative party.

They also mark a return to colonial-era forced mobility, particularly of non-white migrants. The British used a similar practice to establish and maintain colonies and control imperial and colonial borders – for example, through the forced relocation of people in the transatlantic slave trade and the dispossession and eviction of Indigenous peoples in white settler colonies.

They also transported British convicts to overseas colonies and, during the second world war, dispersed refugees to colonised territories.

There are echoes of empire in today’s anti-immigration legislation in the UK, but what is less discussed is how these practices shaped former British colonies such as India.

Dunki, a Bollywood film currently playing in cinemas, explores these issues. The film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and featuring global superstar Shah Rukh Khan, details the travails, from the mid-1990s, of a group of Sikh friends from Punjab who migrate to the UK.

Unable to do so legally thanks to the barriers on legal migration for Commonwealth citizens, they decide to take the “donkey”, or illegal, route. This means travelling to a foreign land through a range of other countries.

While donkey routes are traditionally via train, boat or other means, the recent, real-life grounding of a chartered “US donkey flight” in France reveals that this method is changing with the times. The Romania-based Legend Airlines plane was on its way from Dubai to Nicaragua, from where the migrants would have travelled to the US border.

These journeys are not only difficult and dangerous, but expensive. To get to the US, the largely Punjabi migrants detained in France had reportedly promised to pay between £55,000 and £75,000 to corrupt immigration agents.

In Dunki, the donkey route takes the friends overland via Afghanistan and Iran, before they are smuggled by container ship to the UK. Along the way, three members of the group are murdered, one is threatened with rape, and they endure innumerable other hardships. And for those who make it, their situation improves little upon arrival in the UK.

Underpinning such adversities is colonialism and its legacies. In one moving scene, Khan’s character speaks at the funeral of a man who committed suicide after failing the English language test that would have enabled him to go to the UK.

When the British came to India, he says, “We never asked: ‘Do you know Hindi?‘ How dare they stop us, he asks, from going to their country because we don’t know their language?

Later in the film, a character suggests that Indians like her were only forced to go to the UK because of what the British had done to India.

Preserving the spoils of empire

Dunki also demonstrates the ironies of modern border restrictions in the UK. Although these, by design, largely bar the entry of the global poor, the labour such people provide is essential for maintaining the standards of living that Britons enjoy.

UK trade policies continue to generate a steady supply of both low-cost goods and labour from lower-income countries. Since Brexit, for example, the British government has pressured countries such as Ghana and Cameroon to sign trade deals that perpetuate impoverishment and industrialisation, and feed an exodus of migrant labour to the UK.

It is India, however, that remains the largest migrant-origin country in the world. India became the go-to destination for a new form of bonded labour known as indentured servitude following the formal abolition of slavery in Britain in 1833. But the displacement of up to 20 million people, particularly in Punjab, in the 1947 partition of India into two separate nation-states, fuelled a new exodus – including to the UK.

The ethnoreligious nationalism that fuelled partition continued to spawn further migration. This includes the genocidal violence, in 1984, that led to the death and dislocation of thousands of Sikhs. The cast of Dunki appears to leave India in the aftermath of such horrors. Yet instead of openly acknowledging this, the film displaces the genesis of its story to a decade later.

This is likely due to political concerns within India today. The governing Hindu ethnonationalist party, the BJP, has proposed sweeping new powers to censor films. The government already uses the threat of legal action to shape the content produced by streaming platforms, and employed emergency powers to ban a BBC documentary on the prime minister, Narendra Modi.

Since right-wing Hindu groups can also force a film to be withdrawn, it has become risky for filmmakers to explicitly address issues to do with ethnoreligious violence. Both India and Britain have a long way to go in acknowledging the ongoing relationship between colonialism, migration, and their legacies.

Deana Heath, Professor of Indian and Colonial History, University of Liverpool

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........ → January 25, 2024

Deepika's interview on mental

Deepika Padukone recently took up the cause of spreading mental awareness. 

Deepika did an intricate research on the matter. She collaborated with a team of doctors for research and has also up The Live Love Laugh Foundation’ to spread the word on mental health care. Deepika admitted that she underwent depression last year and after a lot of support, understanding from her family and guidance of doctors she overcame it. The actress openly shared her experience on a reputed national television show with her mother and doctors by her side. It was an interesting exchange where they discussed the issue at length. The audiences applauded Deepika’s courage and the show was widely discussed and spoken about. It got more than 50,000 views in no time and has been abuzz on social media platforms aswell. People have also been tweeting and commenting about the same. Deepika’s foundation even in the nascent stage has received support from varied organizations and individuals who are keen to partner or support the initiative in their own manner.Source: page3bollywood

Read More........ → December 11, 2015

Watch trailer: Madhuri Dixit's Gulaab Gang is power-packed

The first trailer of Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla-starrer Gulaab Gang is out.  Soumik Sen's directorial debut is a war between good and evil. Both Madhuri and Juhi portray strong characters in the film. While Madhuri plays the leader of a women's group in village, Juhi essays the role of a politician. In the two-and-a-half minute trailer, patriarchy takes a beating as Madhuri spouts dialogues till now considered a hallmark of the angry young men in Bollywood. Juhi's smooth, guiltless evil portrayal reminds one of Manoj Bajpayee! Some of the wonderfully written dialogues in there are worth a mention. Madhuri says:
Hamare yaha ek kahawat  hai... danda sabka pir hota hai. Rod is God. After throwing a man on the ground with eleventh slap, Madhuri says: Hamare yaha 11 ko shagun mante hain. Juhi tells Madhuri: Chappar fad ke de sakti hun aur chappal fad ke bhi. Madhuri responds to a similar dialogue with: Niche wali jab leti hai to patloon fad ke leti hai. The film, produced by Anubhav Sinha, is slated for release on March 7. Source: Hindustan Times

Read More........ → March 01, 2014

'Jai Ho' Movie Review Starring Salman Khan and Daisy Shah

By : Bollywood-News-Stories, Rating - **** Indian film industry since years has been working over such social issues – corruption and biased system of our nation. In these movies there is always a man with certain force, who works against these social issues and makes a big difference. These issues ends finally. Then what’s new with Sohail Khan and Salman Khan’s movie “Jai Ho”? The concept of the movie is provocative and it has none other than Salman Khan to ensure that you make your way to the theatres. Jai Ho is a movie that deserves your attention to the fullest, and equally demands your applause. It has the necessary strong fondness, which is thought provoking, and doesn’t mocks over the sentiments. Jai Ho is a story of an Ex-army officer Jai Agnihotri (Salman Khan), a strictly honourable man who is fighting alone against corruption and injustice prevailing in the society. This man has a simple yet  meaningful aim to help others and encourage them to help the others, forming an ever growing circle of people helping each other. On his verge he faces the anger of the local powerful politician (Danny Denzongpa) who is miffed by his noble move. But, Jai is ready to face the battle against the local politician, however bloody it may get. Jai  firmly believes that you do not have to wear a uniform to serve your country.  The local politician tries to target Jai’s mother (Nadira Babbar) and sister Geeta (Tabu). This goes personal; Jai loses his cool and rises above to save his family. It is an unequal war - one side stand the politician with his numerous henchmen and on another side is Jai - alone. But unknown to him, a silent revolution started taking shape. The voiceless public, he has helped in the past, is gathering force and finally has a voice which cannot be silenced. The idea of ‘Jai Ho’ is noble and you are moved with the message circulated throughout the movie. Since we have Salman Kahn in the lead role, then expecting some bone crunching, face smashing action sequences is fair. Sohail has very smartly brought in the combative progression and Salman enjoys every bit of it. Alongside goes the blooming romancebetween Salman Khan and Daisy Shah. Debutant Daisy Shah is impressive in her role. Other actors Suniel Shetty, Ashmit Patel, Yash Tonk, Bruna Abdullah and Sana Khan are equally good in their roles. After a long time, Danny is successful in recreating terror. But Salman Khan takes the lead among all other actors in the movie. His generosity and simplicity wins you over so as his aggression. Music by Sajid-Wajid is good and background score by Sandeep Shirodkar is brilliant. Jai Ho is a sure shot entertainer, with a genuine strong message. A must watch. Source: http://bollywoodnewsstories.blogspot.in/

Read More........ → January 23, 2014

Madhuri Dixit makes a scintillating comeback with Dedh Ishqiya

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Parmita Uniyal, Expectations were sky high from Abhishek Chaubey's second directorial venture Dedh Ishqiya (first one was Ishqiya) mainly because it marks the comeback of one of the most successful actors in Hindi cinema - Madhuri Dixit, and also because the first part of the franchise was a critically acclaimed film. Chaubey couldn't afford to go wrong with this one, and he did not."Dedh Ishqiya's success can be attributed to the taut story of Darab Farooqui which is aided by Chaubey's fine screenplay, Vishal Bhardwaj's rib-tickling, naughty dialogues and Bashir Badr's lovely Urdu poems. Chaubey conjures a quaint, lyrical and extravagant world, which he uses to highlight the waning wealth of feudal society," writes Suhani Singh, India Today. The director who has written screenplays of films like Omkara and Kaminey deserves a round of applause for making this sequel better than the original. "Dedh Ishqiya is in many respects appreciably more enthralling than Ishqiya," says Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV. In fact, Dedh Ishqiya offers a different flavour that the viewers might like to savour. "Ishqiya was sharp, spicy and volatile, with impulsive characters and a storyline taking a somersault every few minutes. Dedh Ishqiya is no different. It transports you to a diverse world, but like the first part, this one focuses on love and deceit as well. Also, it's far more complex this time around... and the truth hits you like a ton of bricks!" writes Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama. If you are planning to watch the film for Madhuri, you should go ahead and book your tickets as the director has elicited a brilliant performance from the actor. "If it is difficult to take one’s eyes off the screen when Madhuri is on it, it is no less a joy to watch Huma Qureshi effortlessly matching strides with the veteran, move for move," says Chatterjee. If you are among those people who don't believe in mindless entertainment, this one is not a bad idea. "Dedh Ishqiya entertains, but does so in a manner that does not trifle with the intelligence of the audience. In other words, here is an exceptional film that does not have to negotiate the kind of facile crowd-pleasing narrative  formulations that most Bollywood flicks must necessarily wade through in order to get to the Rs. 200-crore mark. Dedh Ishqiya might not get there, but it is a triumph of measured craftsmanship and storytelling  finesse," adds Chatterjee. The film works at numerous counts - editing, cinematography, sets, costumes. "Dedh Ishqiya is an absolute delight because all its parts fit beautifully. The cinematography, sets and costumes are exquisite. The editing is sharp. Most importantly Darab Farooqui's story is plotted wonderfully by Vishal Bharadwaj and Chaubey's screenplay. Bharadwaj has also written the dialogues and they're stylish, witty and a wonderful change from the awkward khichdi of Hindi and English that we usually hear in Bollywood films. Of course, it helps to have actors like Raaz and Shah delivering Bharadwaj's lines," writes Deepanjana Pal, Firstpost. Coming back to the performance front, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi's portrayals have won hearts again."Naseeruddin Shah captures the essence of the worldly wise Khalujaan with the kind of acuity that only an actor of his proven calibre could have. Arshad Warsi, as always, is a livewire who injects full-on fizz into the proceedings without breaking into a sweat," says Chatterjee. So if you are planning to watch a movie this weekend, Dedh Ishqiya is strongly recommended. In the words of Taran Adarsh: "On the whole, Dedh Ishqiya is a worthy follow up to the widely admired Ishqiya. Powerful writing, superb direction and outstanding performances make Dedh Ishqiya a must watch. Just don't miss it!" Source: Hindustan Times, Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org

Read More........ → January 10, 2014

Sushant Singh Rajput Wants To Promote Shuddh Desi Romance

Sushant Singh Rajput became an overnight sensation with his debut Bollywood film Kai Po Che and now, the actor will be seen in Yash Raj Films' upcoming movie Shuddh Desi Romance. The trailer of the movie has got a great response from the audiences and Rajput's family and friends too have appreciated it. Sushant, who belongs to Patna, is very keen to promote the film there and has also requested YRF to promote the film in his hometown. Sushant also wanted to promote his debut film in Patna however, he couldn't do so as he proposed the idea to the makers very late and hence the logistics couldn't be worked
out. But this time, the actor didn't waste any time and spoke to the production house well in advance. Spokesperson of the film confirms, "Sushant is very keen to promote the film in his hometown Patna. Having come from the city he is emotionally tied to the city and would love to visit his town with his co-stars - Parineeti and Vaani. We are yet to freeze on the promotion plans but we will take a call on it soon." Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film also stars Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor and is slated to hit the theaters on September 6, 2013. Source: Article, 'Shuddh Desi Romance' Box Office Collection: Parineeti-Sushant Holds Well in Week 2: Romantic comedy "Shuddh Desi Romance" is holding well in theatres in its second week as well. The youth-centric film has raked in a total of 39.82 crore within nine days from the domestic box office. Given the fact that the film was released in limited

screens, along with the much hyped multi-starrer "Zanjeer", the film has received good response in India. Despite three new releases, "Grand Masti", "Horror Story" and "John Day", the Maneesh Sharma directorial has a strong hold in theatres. In its second week, the film did a business of around ₹1.23 crore and ₹2.01 crore on Friday and Saturday, respectively. "#ShuddhDesiRomance Fri 1.23 Cr, Sat 2.01 Cr. Wk 2 Total 3.24 Cr. Grand Total 39.82 Cr," trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted on Twitter. 'Source: Article

Read More........ → January 03, 2014

John Abraham Marries Priya Runchal, His Investment Banker Girlfriend

John Abraham With Wife Priya Runchal?

Sorry girls, John Abraham is now a married man. It is heard that the actor is married to his investment banker girlfriend, Priya Runchal. Sources say that, the two got married in a hush hush situation with only close friends and family, it seems. The actor tweeted," Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed 2014! May this year bring you love, good fortune and joy. Love, John and Priya Abraham". We wish John a happy married life! John first met Priya, an investment banker in December 2010 at a Bandra gym. John had earlier mentioned in an interview that he would be getting married in 2013. In his word, "I know it will be this year, but I don't know when. It could be in a few months or a few weeks. I am a very impulsive guy.
So I might decide to get married next week! It's possible that our wedding may have just 10 people, if we include close family"..Before John met Priya in 2010, he was in a relationship with actress Bipasha Basu. The celebrity couple called it quits in 2011. If rumours are anything to go by, John is keen on making a biopic on JRD Tata and might even play the protagonist in the film. Source: Article

Read More........ → January 03, 2014

National Awards: Paan Singh Tomar best film, Irrfan best actor

Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Paan Singh Tomar, a real-life story of athlete-turned-dacoit, was today named the best picture at the 60th National Film awards while its male star Irrfan Khan shared the best actor honour with Vikram Gokhale for Marathi film Anumati. Usha Jadhav was adjudged the best actress for her portrayal of a rustic housewife in Marathi film Dhag while filmmaker Shivaji Lotan Patil was declared the best director. Bollywood films shared the spotlight with Malayalam and Marathi cinema in the key categories at the awards this year. Bedabrata Pain’s debut Hindi film Chittagong, about Chittagong uprising, shared Indira Gandhi award for best debut film with Siddhartha Siva’s Malayalam film 101 Chodiyangal. Hindi Vicky Donor, John Abraham produced film on sperm donation, shared the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment honour with Malayalam film Ustad Hotel, by director Anwar Rasheed. Vicky Donor actors Annu Kapoor and Dolly Ahluwalia were best supporting actor and actress. Ahluwalia shared supporting actress credit with Kalpana for Malayalam film Thanichalla Njan. Director Sujoy Ghosh was declared the best original screenplay writer for his Vidya Balan starrer thriller Kahaani while another Hindi film Oh My God won the best adapted screenplay for Bhavesh Mandalia and Umesh Shukhla. Kahaani was also named the best edited film (Namrata Rao) of the year. Bolo Na from Chittagong won the best lyrics for Prasoon Joshi and best male playback singer for Shankar Mahadevan. Aarti Anklekar Tikekar was named the best female playback singer for Palakein Naa Moondoon from Marathi film Samhita. Source: The Asian Age,

Read More........ → March 20, 2013

Vicky Donor'Vicky Donor', 'Barfi! bag several awards

Mumbai: ‘Vicky Donor’ and ‘Barfi!’ won seven award each at the 8th edition of Renault Star Guild Awards 2013 in the popular and technical category. ‘Barfi!’ even won the title of best film. Actor Ayushmann Khuranna took home the award for most promising debut for ‘Vicky Donor’. Actress Vidya Balan bagged the award for best actress for her film ‘Kahaani’, while Ranbir Kapoor won the title of best actor for ‘Barfi!’. Actress Priyanka Chopra won the shining star award for her performance in ‘Barfi!’ and ‘Agneepath’. The lifetime achievement award went to veteran actor Manoj Kumar for his contribution to Indian cinema. In Television, the award for best non-fiction series went to ‘Crime Patrol’ while the best ongoing drama fiction was awarded to ‘Bade Acche Lagte Hain’. The awards held on Saturday night at the Yash Raj Studios was a star studded experience. Among those attending the event were Salman Khan, AbhishekBachchan, Karan Johar, Sridevi, Boney Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manoj Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, R. Balki, Gauri Shinde, Hema Malini, Anurag Basu and Sidharth Roy Kapur. Star Guild Awards is a joint initiative by the Film and Television Producers Guild and the Wizcraft International Entertainment.'Source: News-Bullet

Read More........ → March 02, 2013

Jagjit Singh most Googled ghazal singer

New Delhi: Late ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, whose 72nd birth anniversary is on Friday, has topped a list of popular singers of the genre. According to Google Search Trends, Jagjit Singh was people's first choice - both in India and abroad, when it came to songs, lyrics, and mp3s of ghazals. Globally, the Indian subcontinent searches the highest for Jagjit Singh, followed by Pakistan, Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates. In India, netizens of Ludhiana, Bhopal and Indore search the most for queries related to Jagjit Singh, best remembered for numbers like "Jhuki jhuki si nazar", "Tum itna jo", "Koi ye kaise bataye", "Yeh tera ghar yeh mera ghar", "Tumko dekha toh yeh khayaal", "Kaagaz ki kashti", "Hoshwalon ko khabar kya", "Koi fariyaad" and "Chitthi na koi sandesh". He died on October 10, 2011, following brain haemorrhage. Singer Pankaj Udhas takes the second place in his online popularity in India, whereas Pakistani ghazal ace Ghulam Ali is number two on the popularity chart worldwide. Source: News-Bullet

Read More........ → February 12, 2013

Rising star: Madhurima Tuli is on the roll

Launch Vehicle: I am playing Jessica in Cigarette Ki Tarah; she’s a bold, beautiful and confident girl from Goa. She hails from a very rich family, and is arrogant and vain about her beauty. But she is also very kind and endearing, and wants someone who would love her immensely. There are certain twists and turns as the story progresses, which I can’t reveal right now. Casting Coup: I actually did a film for an NGO in MP. There, I met an actor who introduced me to the makers of Cigarette Ki Tarah. Initially, I was a little doubtful about the prospect of the film,Cigarette Ki Tarah. But the story and music is very good. I love the songs. I did not to audition for the role, because the actor who introduced me to the makers, had seen me act. So, he had put in a good word for me. I hope that they have liked my work! It also depends on the reactions of the audience. Stepping Stone: Before Cigarette Ki Tarah, I was doing a Kannada film for Mukta Arts, which is going to release in January. There’s a song which needs to be recorded. Before films, I have done many advertisements like Godrej, Fiama di Wills and Carbonn, and have been the face of many brands. I have also done an international project called Lethal Commission which is on YouTube. It was a short film which premiered in Las Vegas. First Shot: I was confused and nervous, did not know what was happening around me when I gave my first shot. There were so many people around me. For me, it was a difficult because my films were taking time to release. Even my South film was delayed. So I was confused and wondering whether this film will release. But now I am very happy and excited about it. Lessons Learnt: Yes, I have learnt a lot from this film. The character portrays myriad emotions — arrogance, romance and spunk. Each scene has taught me something. The experience will definitely help me in my future projects. Matinee Idols: Madhuri Dixit — I have been a hardcore fan of hers since childhood. Future Projects: I can’t talk about it. My next project is going to release in February or March next year. The promotions will start either by December end or January. Source: Screen India

Read More........ → January 31, 2013

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola : Updated Box office Report

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola got a good openinf weekend collection but the saw a big drop on Monday. the film is not able get the expected response from audience and upon that the mix reviews, especially negative reviews. Film collected 22 cr nett over the weekend including previews. Film dropped by 60% from Friday and as per early estimates, film should collect Rs. .10 cr nett on Monday. Film may drop from this Friday as new films are releasing including one bigger film of Sudhir Mishra 'Inkaar', the secon week  
seems to be very tough for the film going by the negative response. Below are the collections of the MKBKM - Domestic Collections (1st Week): Friday - Rs. 07.00 Cr., Saturday - Rs. 07.25 Cr., Sunday - Rs. 07.75 Cr., Monday - Rs. 03.10 Cr., Total Domestic Collections - Rs. 25.10 cr, Total Overseas Collections - Rs. 01.75 Cr., Total Worldwide Collections - Rs. 26.85 Cr. Source: Page3

Read More........ → January 22, 2013

Priyanka Chopra’s songs turning chartbusters

Things may not be hunky-dory for Priyanka Chopra, what with her father’s poor health and Barfi! getting knocked out of the Oscar race, but the actress-singer has a reason to be happy. 

It’s no news that her single ‘In My City’ has been received very well internationally; now the remix versions of the song are busting the charts. One remix has stormed into the top ten of the pop chart on Beatport, which is regarded as the world’s largest DJ and electronic music  community. At the time of this report, the remix of Priyanka’s song was on the second spot, even above the remix of the popular ‘Gangnam 
Style’. The news brings a sliver of joy for Priyanka Chopra who’s been quite downbeat because of her father’s ill health, so much so that she’s been forgetting her dialogues while shooting for director Apoorva Lakhia’s Zanjeer. Meanwhile, Priyanka recently launched a website to support adolescent girls and prevent any gender discrimination. “Even today, millions of girls continue to be deprived of their right to education. Early marriage keeps lakhs of girls from completing their studies,” she said at the event. Priyanka Chopra’s next big professional challenge would be to play the noted Indian boxer Mary Kom in a film. Well, the gal’s just indefatigable. Source: ApunKaChoice

Read More........ → December 31, 2012

12-hour marathon Mohammed Rafi concert on Tuesday

(IANS) A 12-hour marathon concert in memory of the legendary singer Mohammad Rafi will be held here Tuesday to mark his 88th birth anniversary, an organizer said Saturday. "The concert will start at 12 noon Dec 25 and conclude at midnight. In between there will be a short break to honour renowned radio personality Amin Sayani and the late composer Naushad Ali with the Mohammad Rafi Award for this year," Spandan Arts chief Ashish Shelar told IANS. Rafi was born Dec 24, 1924 and died July 31, 1980, aged 55, leaving behind a wealth of over 5,000 songs in Hindi, various Indian and even a few foreign languages, which he rendered during his 35-year-long singing career. While the 80-year old Sayani will receive the award in person, the late music director Naushad Ali's son, Raju, will accept the award on behalf of his father, Shelar said at a media briefing here. Well-known stage singers Srikant Narayan, along with Sarita Rajesh and Mona Kamat will regale the audiences with a selection of 101 ever-popular, timeless favourites rendered by Mohammad Rafi. "Music is a universal language and food for the soul. Mohammad Rafi was the 'King of Hearts' and his songs would continue to give tremendous joy and listening pleasure for many more generations," Shelar said. Considered the greatest Indian playback singer of the Hindi film industry, Mohammad Rafi was noted for the rare ability to mould his voice to the persona of the actor on the screen lip-synching the song. "Even though you knew it is Rafi singing, it appeared as if the voice belonged to one of the actors on whom it was picturised like Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Dev Anand, Raj Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Balraj Sahni, Shashi Kapoor, or many others. He was the 'unique' voice of many stars simultaneously. His void remains unfilled even today," said music lover and Rafi admirer Anand Joshi. During his lifetime, Mohammad Rafi was conferred the Padmashri, National Film Award, Best National Singer Award, six Filmfare Awards, besides many other national and international honours. Shelar said that the Tuesday concert would have a complete selection of Rafi numbers - happy, mischievous, romantic, sad, qawwalis, bhajans, duets - which have made him rule the charts even 32 years after his demise. Source: News Track India

Read More........ → December 31, 2012

Khiladi 786 Movie Review.

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Asin, Himesh Reshammiya, Mithun Chakraborthy, Raj Babbar, Johny Lever, Directed By: Ashish R.Mohan 

Here comes another entertainer which is out-an-out masala and a fun oriented pot-boiler. Akshay Kumar is back again for what he's best at, This time he brings back the 'Legacy' Khiladi with laughter. The film is directed by First-Timer Ashish R.Mohan who was earlier an associate director to Rohit Shetty. The film tells story about Bahattar Singh (Akshay Kumar) who is a Punjabi lad. Bahattar Singh dresses up like a cop and displays his magical muscles to help the real uniformed cops to work efficiently. But despite flaunting such amazing power, No girl is willing to marry him. Bahattar Singh has a unique family that consist of javascript:void(0)a granny being South African, mother a Canadian and aunt a Chinese. Enter Mansukh Desai (Himesh Reshammiya), who is out to awake himself after his father throws him out of his house, and his business, for ruining his chances at hitting the 500-wedding record. Mansukh's intelligence is put to test and he invests his everything to connect Bahattar Singh with an equally rash and unique
Indu Tendulkar (Asin). Indu is adamant to scare away any man. An infamous don Tatya Tukaram Tendulkar aka TTT (Mithun Chakraborthy), is insistent about giving Indu a very good life by finding a groom from a respectable family. There unfolds a string of lies and complicated cover-ups that eventually lead into confusions, confusions and more confusions. As i said the film is directed by Ashish R.Mohan who was an associate to Rohit Shetty. In that case, Fun, Masala and Heavy-Dosed south-indian style action keeps the pace of the film a tight gripped. Musically,Himesh Reshammiya does a wonderful job. Cinematography is also good. But for a Comedy-Action entertainer, You have to have amazing timing of Comedy in a performance. Akshay Kumar is just amazing with his Actions and Charms. After a long time, You are sure to enjoy Akshay Kumar film filled with Action and Comedy. Of course, The 'Jackie Chan' of India. Asin does her part well with her confident acting skills. Mithun Chakraborthy and Johnny Lever are Superb. It is really good to see Raj Babbar with his amazing comical-timings after such a long time. Special mention to Himesh Reshammiya and his Acting. You have to see him to believe, Himesh has grown his acting skills. I assure you, You won't be disappointed after you see him acting in this one. Not to forget, Himesh has also written the story of the film. Khiladi is back, And this time he is back to entertain you after a gap of approximately 12 years. If you are looking for a Masala Entertainer, Khiladi 786 is your dose. Source: Page3

Read More........ → December 30, 2012

Kareena Kapoor promotes 'Heroine' on a cruise in Dubai

True to the glamorous spirit of their film Heroine, actress Kareena Kapoor, director Madhur Bhandarkar and producer Siddharth Roy Kapoor held a stylish and glitzy promotional programme on a cruise in Dubai. Kareena felt like a true 'heroine' as she alighted from a seaplane at the Jebel Resort here Monday evening for the cruise. "True to the role that I am playing in 'Heroine', this event in Dubai has let me relive the moment of playing the role of a star once again," Kareena Kapoor said in a statement. Madhur Bhandarkar, who was impressed with the innovative strategy, said: "Only my 'Heroine' Kareena could have carried this off with much aplomb like her role in the film." The team of "Heroine", which takes a behind-the-scenes life of a Bollywood actress, has been busy spreading a word about the film. Kareena's peppy number "Halkat jawaani" has already caught the fancy of many of her fans, and the team hopes to grab more eyeballs with unique promotion ideas. "We have planned the marketing of 'Heroine' very creatively and in sync with the glamour quotient of the film. Kareena and Madhur have been involved in the planning process with us and we are happy to have this event in Dubai," said Kapur, managing director - Studios, Disney UTV. Source:  ApunKaChoice

Read More........ → December 16, 2012

Anushka Sharma proud to be 'Yash Raj Heroine'

Anushka Sharma is so proud to be part of late Yash Chopra’s last movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan,’ that she doesn’t care much for the box office result. The actress has admitted that she signed the movie, also starring Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, because it was Chopra’s. “I didn’t need anything else to attract me to the role,” Sharma said in an interview with Gulf News. “The fact that Yash Chopraji wanted me in his film and that I am going to be a ‘Yash Raj Heroine’ was an attraction enough,” she stated. “For any actor, it’s a huge dream because he’s a brand in himself. And to get that chance so early in my career and for that dream to naturalise so early is superb,” she added. Chopra, known as one of Bollywood’s most influential filmmakers for making lavish love stories, died at the age of 80 after contracting dengue fever last month. Jab Tak Hai Jaan, to be released tomorrow is a love triangle, a premise that the late legendary director Chopra had perfected. And Sharma will not be affected much even if the movie fails to do well at the box-office because in her eyes being directed by the legendary filmmaker Chopra and acting alongside King Khan is what all means to her. “This film has gained a special place in my heart. Whether it will do well or not … it’s too special for me to be concerned about all of that,” she said. She will cherish the memory of working under the late Chopra forever. “The time I spent with Yashji is the best memory I would take back from this film. Three words that describe him aptly would be warmth, humble and child-like,” she added. Source: Screen-India

Read More........ → November 16, 2012

Naughty At 40

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi: Farhad Pastakiya (Boman Irani) is living every man’s dream. He is a salesman in a lingerie shop. He just has to take one look at a woman, and he can tell what her vital statistics are. On the flip side, he is a 45-year-old, kind-hearted Parsi bachelor who has never found love. The only women in his life are his dominating mother Nargis (Honey Irani) and doting grandmother Siloo (Shammi Aunty). However, Farhad is very optimistic and believes that someday, he will find his true love. As an answer to his prayers, in walks Shirin Fugawala (Farah Khan), into his shop and it’s love at first sight for Farhad. Shirin is a 40-year-old, bubbly, straightforward, Parsi Trust secretary who turns out to be Farhad’s soulmate. As no love story is complete without a twist, all hell breaks loose when Farhad’s mother Nargis, realises that her son’s dream girl is her sworn enemy. So how exactly will Shirin and Farhad meet is something to look forward to.The posters of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi are a spoof on three of the most romantic Bollywood movies: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is the first Bollywood movie to be shot at Cusrow Baug in Colaba Causeway. The Parsi residents of the colony have previously never allowed any film to be shot there The Buzz: Curiosity about the unusual jodi that is Farah Khan and Boman Irani playing middle-aged lovers, is one of the film’s biggest talking point, Source: Screen India

Read More........ → November 01, 2012

You don’t go to Switzerland without Yash Chopra: SRK

Actor Shah Rukh Khan admits to an “emotional and mental” void in his life after father figure, late filmmaker Yash Chopra, passed away last week. So much so that the 46-year-old has cancelled the shoot of the last song of Chopra’s film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ), in his favourite outdoor location, Switzerland. “We don’t feel emotionally and mentally ready to go to Switzerland and shoot without Yash ji. You don’t go to Switzerland without Yash Chopra,” says the actor, who will now be a part of a grand farewell in ode to his guru with a lavish premiere of the film on November 12. What happens now to the swan song in Switzerland that was due to be filmed for JTHJ? We could not shoot for it as Yash ji was unwell. After he passed away, Karan (Johar) said, ‘Should I shoot it?’ But Adi (Aditya Chopra) said, ‘No we are not going to shoot it.’ If the song is not being shot by Mr Yash Chopra in Switzerland, then even I don’t want to shoot it. None of us wants to. The song will now be played in the background. We’ll use some scenes from what Yash ji’s already shot. What is the thought behind doing a gala premiere of the film? Shah Rukh kisses father-figure Yash Chopra on his last birthdayYash Chopra always released his films on Diwali (JTHJ releases on November 13), because his ideology was that it’s a festival of life and happiness. Hope it’s not seen in a wrong sense, but the fact that he’d been making films for the last 50 years, and just 10 days after he made his last film, he passes away — I think in a strange sense is the happiest a filmmaker can be. We as people who’ve experienced him should celebrate what a wonderful and happy life he had. We shall carry forward the reason he made films for, and that was to celebrate life. We are going to have this huge premiere, Insha Allah, on the 12th (of
November). To me it has become a little more than a film. That sensuous song Saans: MORE ON JAB TAK HAI JAAN: JTHJ: SRK-Katrina get groovy for Yash Chopra's swan song The foot tapping number is in contrast with the gloom that has set in after movie mogul Yash Chopra's demise. Jab Tak Hai Jaan's latest song Ishq Shava released on the same day the King of Romance passed away. And it trended heavily on Twitter all night. Unlike the romantic number Saans, which showed a scintillating chemistry between SRK and Katrina, Ishq Shava seems to be a peppy number. WATCH SONG. JTHJ: Yash Chopra to direct last-ever scene: Yash Chopra prepares to say goodbye to direction with Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ), his assistant directors (who have worked with him for years) are busy designing a spectacular souvenir for the king of romance. They want this to be their special gift to their mentor. LAST-EVER, Jab Tak Hai Jaan: Yash Chopra to miss his last take? For the shoot of the last remaining song in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, director Yash Chopra had a grand vision: a sari-clad Katrina Kaif romancing Shah Rukh Khan in the lush meadows of the Swiss Alps. But unfortunately, his illness, caused by a bout of dengue, stymied the plan for the song, which would have reflected his trademark directorial style. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, Is SRK's Challa from Jab Tak Hai Jaan inspired? AR Rahman's Challa song might be creating waves on the internet, but it has emerged that the song is not exactly err.. original. It is in fact inspired by Eagle-Eye Cherry's number Save Tonight from his album Desireless. The opening notes of Challa, where SRK is strumming the guitar, is uncanningly similar to Save Tonight's music. Challa is sung by Rabbi Sheirgill. Check Out The Videosis the best way of giving a tribute or the best way to mourn for Yash Chopra’s passing away and to celebrate the fact that he was a part of our lives. ‘I was never a part of this game’ A newspaper in Pakistan has reported that Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ) will be banned there and the promos have been pulled off air. Are you aware? I never read the posts that come in newspapers anymore. I don’t know about this. You’ll have to ask the distributors. Your Diwali release clashes with Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar. Does that worry you? I find this talk of competition within films and actors to be redundant. It’s actually the sensibility of outsiders who don’t know this business or who don’t feel the film. I feel the film. My film is not mathematics. I don’t believe in numbers. I know people think I’m a rich capitalist, a well-to do star. Ya, I’m a rockstar. But all that follows the belief that I’ll only do a film which my heart tells me to. I don’t need to know which other film is coming when my film is coming. With all humility and honesty, when my film comes, then only my film comes. I’m not being derogatory to anyone. But my film comes from the heart. If it’s just about the business, then I hope everyone else’s film does more business than mine. Trade experts are predicting collections of over Rs. 200 crore for JTHJ. What are your expectations? I’ll tell you two things. I am not a trade pundit. I am not an astrologer. I am an actor and that’s what makes me unpredictable. I hate numbers. It is so being tunnel visioned to be confined by numbers. I don’t even understand why people celebrate birthdays. You’re just getting older. It’s really stupid to be confined by numbers. Have you passed on the same outlook towards business of cinema to your kids? I’ll never be able to teach my son or daughter to be successful in the business of cinema. But they will know how to tell a story from the heart. My son has gone to study abroad. He looks a little educated now. I’ve been an outsider here. I was never a part of this game. Have you began working on the sequel to RA.One? Films like that take a little while. I am making three films already (Chennai Express, Happy New Year and A for Apple, B for Billi, C for Cutta). I need to take out some time, which I don’t see happening. It’s huge pre-production work to look into the VFX. It takes about a year. So not right now. Is it true that you have postoponed Chennai Express to avoid a clash with Salman Khan’s Brindavanam during Eid next year? Again, utter crap and nonsense of newspapers, with all gentleness and kindness. You are a very loyal ambassador when it comes to brands you endorse such as Tag Heuer that have become a part of your life through your trademark red glasses and watch. What keeps it going? I have been fortunate to have had employers who have had an association with me with the mindset of continuing it for a lifetime. Tag Heuer and Hyundai are among those. It has been close to 10 years with Tag now and they have never forced me to promote it in my films. It’s by default that I keep showing off pieces like this Tag Heuer Carrera India Racing Edition Chronograph that I am in Delhi to launch. When I need money, I work, otherwise I attend Tag functions (laughs).About the song: The song, we hear, was supposed to be as intensely romantic as Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai from Yash Chopra's Daag, the first film that Sr Chopra directed for his home banner Yash Raj Films in 1973. The song was to be shot in the snowfall capturing the same desperate romance between Shah Rukh and Katrina Kaif that Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore projected in Daag. For the shoot of the last remaining song in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, director Yash Chopra had a grand vision: a sari-clad Katrina Kaif romancing Shah Rukh Khan in the lush meadows of the Swiss Alps. But unfortunately, his illness and then his sudden death stymied the plan for the song, which would have reflected his trademark directorial style. It is now also believed that the film's stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma will work together to ensure that the film proves to be a fitting tribute to the Bollywood stalwart. Watch theSPOTTED: SRK-Anushka shoot in Ladakh Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma are currently shooting for the last stretch of Yash Chopra's untitled romantic film in Ladakh. PIC INSIDE Kashmir makes SRK relax, unwind after years: Shooting for Yash Chopra's yet untitled movie in this picturesque south Kashmir hill station seems to have helped Shah Rukh Khan unwind himself from an otherwise boring routine of lights and camera. "Slept for 10 hours after a long time. God I feel rested... even my beard seems fresh," Shah Rukh posted on his widely followed Twitter account Friday. INTERVIEW INSIDE, SRK revives Pahalgam's romance with B-town: A favourite haunt of the Bollywood since 70's, Kashmir's picturesque hill station Pahalgam on Monday saw actor Shahrukh Khan shooting his first ever movie in the valley and bringing back the destination, with a very few movies shot since turbulent years of 1990s, on the film industry's map. READ MORE SPOTTED! Anushka Sharma shoots in Kashmir: Actor Anushka Sharma joined Shah Rukh Khan in Aru, Kashmir for the shooting of their untitled Yash Chopra film on Wednesday. The actor was seen walking through a lush green hill station in a ganji and cargos, as soldiers and fans looked on from a distance. Security has been beefed up to keep the crowds away. MORE INSIDE Jab Tak Hai Jaan will be my last film: Yash Chopra: Chopra's disclosure, made at an event marking his 80th birthday with actor Shah Rukh Khan by his side, took the Indian film industry by surprise. "I think I've had enough, Shah Rukh," Chopra replied when Khan asked him about his next project. READ MORE Poster of Jab Tak Hai Jaan a rip off? The poster of Yash Chopra’s upcoming film, Jab Tak Hain Jaan (JTHJ), has an uncanny resemblance to the poster of the 2011 French war adventure film, Forces Speciales. Fans have been writing about the similarity on online forums. JTHJ features Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, and will release around Diwali. COMPARE, JAB TAK HAI JAAN: Trailer releases, trends on Twitter, Soon after Yash Chopra revealed the name of his latest romantic flick, we get to see the trailer of Jab Tak Hai Jaan also! Trending heavily on Twitter, the trailer shows Shah Rukh Khan romancing in his signature style with both Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. TRAILER INSIDE, Shah Rukh Khan turns poet, translates Jab Tak Hai Jaan poem, When Shakespeare asked that what's in a name, he probably didn't forecast the announcement of the title of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan. TRANSLATION INSIDE, SRK-Katrina’s film titled Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum: Buzz is that director Yash Chopra’s comeback film has finally got a title. The film, that stars actors Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, will reportedly be titled Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum. MORE INSIDE. SRK-Katrina chemistry should be good: Salman Khan: Salman Khan feels that the chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in Yash Chopra's next will be good. VIDEO INSIDE (With additional inputs), Source: Hindustan Times, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → October 30, 2012

Review: Kismet, Love, Paisa, Dilli

Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Mallika Sherawat, Ashutosh Rana, Neha Dhupia, Director: Sanjay Khanduri, Indian Express Rating:*1/2, What do you do after you’ve made a striking first film, which tracks a guy through a night in Mumbai as he falls in and out of hilarious adventures? Why, you do the exact same thing. Just switch Mumbai with Delhi, and the'local' with the 'metro', and hope that it will come out the same. Sanjay Khanduri’s ‘Kismet Love Paisa Dilli’ acronyms to that which cannot be expanded or explained in civil society. But it did get in a bunch of young fellows into the theatre for the first-day-first-show, all primed for the promise the film’s title held out. The director didn’t disappoint them : there is enough in the film’s fabric—crude, rude, vulgar—that can keep the most expectant fellow happy. The lines are full of allusions to private body parts and bodily functions executed in private, and of course there’s a `rape joke’. The leading man is sufficiently potty-mouthed, and pee-oriented too. The row ahead of me was in splits half the time : I had a tough time sitting through this one. It’s hard to believe the same director made ‘Ek Chalis Ki Last Local’, which gave us Abhay Deol’s lovely playing of a luckless lad stumbling through a host of riotous situations. Vivek Oberoi’s loutish Lokesh Duggal aka Lucky has no such luck. His companion is a curvy chick called Lavina (Sherawat), who, we are asked to believe, belongs to one of Delhi’s prominent educational institutions. Who just happens to be a hostess in a skinny sheath at a party where there are squealing queens (a prominent designer is called Rohit Pichwadia, sigh) corrupt politicians, gun-toting henchmen, suitcases full of crores, a tape with a sting operation on it, all converging with a van being driven by four Jat goons. If it weren’t for a few tolerable moments between Lucky and Lavina, I would have run right out of the theatre. There are elements here that make you think wistfully of mad capers and insane fun. ‘Kismet Love Paisa Dilli’ is most definitely not that film.shubhra.gupta@expressindia.com, Source: Screen India

Read More........ → October 25, 2012