Author Archive
There are whispers in the industry that Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be using the songs from Inshallah in his alternate project Gangubai Kathiawadi. But the fact is, the filmmaker-composer is busy composing an entirely new soundtrack for Gangubai. “There’s nothing in common between Inshallah and Gangubai Kathiawadi except Alia Bhatt. While SLB’s music and songs for Inshallah were soft romantic ballads, here in Gangubai he’s going in quite an opposite direction. The songs in Gangubai will be raw earthy and folksy. For the first time SLB is doing a folk-based music score,” says a source close to the director.
Are we moving towards a trend of film directors serving as their own music providers? Satyajit Ray is the only example of a major filmmaker in the past who composed music for his own films. Says Bhansali, “There is a genuine music composer dormant in many filmmakers. Raj Saab (Raj Kapoor) used to compose a lot of his music in his own head. Then he would share his creations with Shankar-Jaikishan who would then mould the compositions into a sophisticated work of art. Another great filmmaker, the underrated Raj Khosla was a singer-composer who collaborated with Laxmikant-Pyarealal for some fabulous music.”
As a music composer Bhansali admits his greatest inspiration impetus and motivator is Lata Mangeshkar. “My greatest compliment as a music composer came to me from my idol Lataji for the music of Bajirao Mastani. Lataji has inspired all my films. She told me that the Latpat latpat opening of my ‘Pinga’ song was from her song in V Shantaram’s Amar Bhoopali. Lataji said she liked my songs and the way I’ve filmed them. Then she affectionately said, ‘Aapne mera Latpat latpat utha liya.’ I humbly submit that it is indeed true.”
Bhansali says there are other influences simmering seductively in the soundtrack. “I am also proud to say that the number ‘Deewani Mastani’ is completely inspired by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s style of composition. Bajirao Mastani is a tribute to the voice of Lataji, the music of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and the cinema of K Asif and V Shantaram. I am very proud to have absorbed all these influences.”
Also Read: Alia Bhatt to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, release date revealed
There are whispers in the industry that Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be using the songs from Inshallah in his alternate project Gangubai Kathiawadi. But the fact is, the filmmaker-composer is busy composing an entirely new soundtrack for Gangubai. “There’s nothing in common between Inshallah and Gangubai Kathiawadi except Alia Bhatt. While SLB’s music and songs for Inshallah were soft romantic ballads, here in Gangubai he’s going in quite an opposite direction. The songs in Gangubai will be raw earthy and folksy. For the first time SLB is doing a folk-based music score,” says a source close to the director.
Are we moving towards a trend of film directors serving as their own music providers? Satyajit Ray is the only example of a major filmmaker in the past who composed music for his own films. Says Bhansali, “There is a genuine music composer dormant in many filmmakers. Raj Saab (Raj Kapoor) used to compose a lot of his music in his own head. Then he would share his creations with Shankar-Jaikishan who would then mould the compositions into a sophisticated work of art. Another great filmmaker, the underrated Raj Khosla was a singer-composer who collaborated with Laxmikant-Pyarealal for some fabulous music.”
As a music composer Bhansali admits his greatest inspiration impetus and motivator is Lata Mangeshkar. “My greatest compliment as a music composer came to me from my idol Lataji for the music of Bajirao Mastani. Lataji has inspired all my films. She told me that the Latpat latpat opening of my ‘Pinga’ song was from her song in V Shantaram’s Amar Bhoopali. Lataji said she liked my songs and the way I’ve filmed them. Then she affectionately said, ‘Aapne mera Latpat latpat utha liya.’ I humbly submit that it is indeed true.”
Bhansali says there are other influences simmering seductively in the soundtrack. “I am also proud to say that the number ‘Deewani Mastani’ is completely inspired by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s style of composition. Bajirao Mastani is a tribute to the voice of Lataji, the music of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and the cinema of K Asif and V Shantaram. I am very proud to have absorbed all these influences.”
Also Read: Alia Bhatt to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, release date revealed
The desi Forrest Gump promises to be a beast quite separate and different from the original. While the Tom Hanks classic looked at American history through the eyes of the timid but honest protagonist, Aamir Khan’s Sardarji character in the remake titled Lal Singh Chaddha will view Indian history from the time of the Partition. Sources in the know which do not want to be quoted say the film will travel into the sensitive areas of Indian history including Operation Bluestar and the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
A source very close to the project informs this writer, “The whole point of doing Forrest Gump in Hindi is to transpose the original into Indian soil. Brutal aspects of Indian history cannot be swept under the carpet. They would have to be carefully probed.”
Keenly particular about getting the facts right, Aamir and the film’s producers Viacom 18 will invite eminent historians as consultants on the screenplay. “We want to get this completely right,” says a source in the know.
Also Read: Aamir Khan to meet Tom Hanks?
The desi Forrest Gump promises to be a beast quite separate and different from the original. While the Tom Hanks classic looked at American history through the eyes of the timid but honest protagonist, Aamir Khan’s Sardarji character in the remake titled Lal Singh Chaddha will view Indian history from the time of the Partition. Sources in the know which do not want to be quoted say the film will travel into the sensitive areas of Indian history including Operation Bluestar and the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
A source very close to the project informs this writer, “The whole point of doing Forrest Gump in Hindi is to transpose the original into Indian soil. Brutal aspects of Indian history cannot be swept under the carpet. They would have to be carefully probed.”
Keenly particular about getting the facts right, Aamir and the film’s producers Viacom 18 will invite eminent historians as consultants on the screenplay. “We want to get this completely right,” says a source in the know.
Also Read: Aamir Khan to meet Tom Hanks?
There are reports in some sections of the press that Salman Khan is moving out from his family home Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai to build a larger home.
However, a source close to the Superstar shuts down these rumours firmly. “Salman isn’t going anywhere. These rumours (of him shifting out) keep recurring once in a while. But as always there’s no truth to it. Salman will never leave Galaxy Apartments. It is where he grew up and it is his home. Never mind if there isn’t enough space for him in the apartment. He is way too attached to his current home to contemplate a move,” says the source.
The source says Salman’s parents keep asking him to move to a bigger place. “Bhai insists on staying with his family. He won’t go anywhere without his parents. And his parents are not willing to budge. Thankfully Bhai isn’t getting married anywhere in the near future. Imagine if his wife had to be accommodated in that small apartment,” says a close friend of the Superstar.
Also Read: Salman Khan’s DABANGG 3 trailer to be launched on October 23; EXCITING details inside!
More and more filmmakers, who can’t afford Akshay Kumar, are inclined to opt for Kartik Aaryan. After all, they do have similar (non-filmi) backgrounds. Both are clean-cut health-conscious unassuming affable handsome North Indians with a huge following among women and children.
No wonder Kartik is seen as the ideal replacement for Akshay. Recently Kartik was signed for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The original hit in 2007 had featured Akshay Kumar. Now comes the news that Kartik Aryan will play Akshay’s part in the third film of the Hera Pheri franchise.
According to sources, Kartik will step into Akshay’s shoes while Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty will be retained in Hera Pheri 3, playing their original parts.
This should be interesting.
Also Read: Dostana 2: Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya goof around during the prep time
Some over-imaginative portals are doing a great job of assuming scandal where none exist. A section of the media reported last week that Sajid Khan who directed Housefull 4 until he was sacked for sexual harassment, has sent a legal notice to the producers asking for his rightful credits.
However, when I contacted producer Sajid Nadiadwala, he said, “There is no truth this. We haven’t received any notice.” Sajid Khan was the director of the first two Housefull films. He was on board to direct the fourth film in the franchise when he was trapped in the MeToo net and had to leave the project. It was taken over by Farhad Samji.
The reports of Sajid Khan demanding his credits for direction cropped up recently. But the fact is, Sajid Khan is lying very low while his namesake Nadiadwala is looking forward to the release.
Says Nadiadwala, “This is our feel-good don’t-mind franchise, just loads of fun with no social message. We don’t want any negativity attached to it.”
Also Read: Ranveer Singh and Sajid Nadiadwala take The Bala Challenge and team ’83 sets the dance floor on fire!
The much-anticipated Friday release Saand Ki Aankh went to the prestigious Pingyao film festival in Pingyao, China this week on October 17, where it was greeted by a standing ovation by approving crowds of audiences and critics from all across the world.
Director Tushar Hiranandani who is just back from the exhilarating experience says it is all unreal for him. “The audience at the Pingyao festival loved my film. They gave it a standing ovation. There were so many parties coming forward to buy the film, I was overwhelmed. It is hard for me to believe all this is happening to me.”
China has become a huge and open market for Indian cinema. Says Tushar, “They are keenly interested in our cinema. Saand Ki Aankh is my first film as a director. And to have it receive so much love on such an important platform comprising truly cinema-literate audiences was a big thing for me.”
Also Read: Saand Ki Aankh: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar’s film gets tax exemption in Rajasthan
The ghoulish pleasure that the yellow sections of entertainment journalism get in spotting a celebrity at a hospital is a theme worthy of deep psycho-analysis. The number of times Amitabh Bachchan has been put into hospital, rightly or wrongly, can fill up an entire ledger book of visitors.
But this time the certainty with which the scandal-mongers are probing into Mr Bachchan’s medical history to conclude that he is in hospital for a liver condition, is symptomatic of an illness that plagues entertainment journalism today.
For those who are anxious about the mega-star’s health I have it from a family member that he is well. “He’s fine. He is just in (the hospital) for routine check-ups, so no need for any alarm,” says the family member adding that he will be home very shortly.
While the mega-star’s legions of fan may sigh in relief a question that the media needs to ask is, are sensational headlines more important than the truth about the health of India’s most beloved actor?
Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan donates Rs. 51 lakhs to Bihar CM relief fund
On October 19, Indian music and Indian cinema will be honoured in an unprecedented manner. SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali will be screened on that historic day at prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London and the screening will be accompanied by an elaborate live symphonic orchestra performing composer M M Keeravani’s score as the film plays.
This is an unheard of honour for an Indian film, one that Keeravani and the entire Baahubali team are rightly proud of. Says Keeravani, “I can’t wait for this historic event. I feel privileged. The Royal Albert Hall is playing my score live to the accompaniment of the film. It’s a huge honour and I’m proud to make my country proud.”
Keeravani’s sense of euphoria is shared by his colleagues from the Baahubali team. The film’s leading man Prabhas and director S S Rajamouli have flown to London to share this historic moment with M M Keeravani.
Also Read: Release of SS Rajamouli’s directorial titled RRR postponed
There are whispers in the industry that Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be using the songs from Inshallah in his alternate project Gangubai Kathiawadi. But the fact is, the filmmaker-composer is busy composing an entirely new soundtrack for Gangubai. “There’s nothing in common between Inshallah and Gangubai Kathiawadi except Alia Bhatt. While SLB’s music and songs for Inshallah were soft romantic ballads, here in Gangubai he’s going in quite an opposite direction. The songs in Gangubai will be raw earthy and folksy. For the first time SLB is doing a folk-based music score,” says a source close to the director.
Are we moving towards a trend of film directors serving as their own music providers? Satyajit Ray is the only example of a major filmmaker in the past who composed music for his own films. Says Bhansali, “There is a genuine music composer dormant in many filmmakers. Raj Saab (Raj Kapoor) used to compose a lot of his music in his own head. Then he would share his creations with Shankar-Jaikishan who would then mould the compositions into a sophisticated work of art. Another great filmmaker, the underrated Raj Khosla was a singer-composer who collaborated with Laxmikant-Pyarealal for some fabulous music.”
As a music composer Bhansali admits his greatest inspiration impetus and motivator is Lata Mangeshkar. “My greatest compliment as a music composer came to me from my idol Lataji for the music of Bajirao Mastani. Lataji has inspired all my films. She told me that the Latpat latpat opening of my ‘Pinga’ song was from her song in V Shantaram’s Amar Bhoopali. Lataji said she liked my songs and the way I’ve filmed them. Then she affectionately said, ‘Aapne mera Latpat latpat utha liya.’ I humbly submit that it is indeed true.”
Bhansali says there are other influences simmering seductively in the soundtrack. “I am also proud to say that the number ‘Deewani Mastani’ is completely inspired by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s style of composition. Bajirao Mastani is a tribute to the voice of Lataji, the music of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and the cinema of K Asif and V Shantaram. I am very proud to have absorbed all these influences.”
Also Read: Alia Bhatt to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, release date revealed
There are whispers in the industry that Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be using the songs from Inshallah in his alternate project Gangubai Kathiawadi. But the fact is, the filmmaker-composer is busy composing an entirely new soundtrack for Gangubai. “There’s nothing in common between Inshallah and Gangubai Kathiawadi except Alia Bhatt. While SLB’s music and songs for Inshallah were soft romantic ballads, here in Gangubai he’s going in quite an opposite direction. The songs in Gangubai will be raw earthy and folksy. For the first time SLB is doing a folk-based music score,” says a source close to the director.
Are we moving towards a trend of film directors serving as their own music providers? Satyajit Ray is the only example of a major filmmaker in the past who composed music for his own films. Says Bhansali, “There is a genuine music composer dormant in many filmmakers. Raj Saab (Raj Kapoor) used to compose a lot of his music in his own head. Then he would share his creations with Shankar-Jaikishan who would then mould the compositions into a sophisticated work of art. Another great filmmaker, the underrated Raj Khosla was a singer-composer who collaborated with Laxmikant-Pyarealal for some fabulous music.”
As a music composer Bhansali admits his greatest inspiration impetus and motivator is Lata Mangeshkar. “My greatest compliment as a music composer came to me from my idol Lataji for the music of Bajirao Mastani. Lataji has inspired all my films. She told me that the Latpat latpat opening of my ‘Pinga’ song was from her song in V Shantaram’s Amar Bhoopali. Lataji said she liked my songs and the way I’ve filmed them. Then she affectionately said, ‘Aapne mera Latpat latpat utha liya.’ I humbly submit that it is indeed true.”
Bhansali says there are other influences simmering seductively in the soundtrack. “I am also proud to say that the number ‘Deewani Mastani’ is completely inspired by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s style of composition. Bajirao Mastani is a tribute to the voice of Lataji, the music of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and the cinema of K Asif and V Shantaram. I am very proud to have absorbed all these influences.”
Also Read: Alia Bhatt to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, release date revealed
The desi Forrest Gump promises to be a beast quite separate and different from the original. While the Tom Hanks classic looked at American history through the eyes of the timid but honest protagonist, Aamir Khan’s Sardarji character in the remake titled Lal Singh Chaddha will view Indian history from the time of the Partition. Sources in the know which do not want to be quoted say the film will travel into the sensitive areas of Indian history including Operation Bluestar and the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
A source very close to the project informs this writer, “The whole point of doing Forrest Gump in Hindi is to transpose the original into Indian soil. Brutal aspects of Indian history cannot be swept under the carpet. They would have to be carefully probed.”
Keenly particular about getting the facts right, Aamir and the film’s producers Viacom 18 will invite eminent historians as consultants on the screenplay. “We want to get this completely right,” says a source in the know.
Also Read: Aamir Khan to meet Tom Hanks?
The desi Forrest Gump promises to be a beast quite separate and different from the original. While the Tom Hanks classic looked at American history through the eyes of the timid but honest protagonist, Aamir Khan’s Sardarji character in the remake titled Lal Singh Chaddha will view Indian history from the time of the Partition. Sources in the know which do not want to be quoted say the film will travel into the sensitive areas of Indian history including Operation Bluestar and the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
A source very close to the project informs this writer, “The whole point of doing Forrest Gump in Hindi is to transpose the original into Indian soil. Brutal aspects of Indian history cannot be swept under the carpet. They would have to be carefully probed.”
Keenly particular about getting the facts right, Aamir and the film’s producers Viacom 18 will invite eminent historians as consultants on the screenplay. “We want to get this completely right,” says a source in the know.
Also Read: Aamir Khan to meet Tom Hanks?
There are reports in some sections of the press that Salman Khan is moving out from his family home Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai to build a larger home.
However, a source close to the Superstar shuts down these rumours firmly. “Salman isn’t going anywhere. These rumours (of him shifting out) keep recurring once in a while. But as always there’s no truth to it. Salman will never leave Galaxy Apartments. It is where he grew up and it is his home. Never mind if there isn’t enough space for him in the apartment. He is way too attached to his current home to contemplate a move,” says the source.
The source says Salman’s parents keep asking him to move to a bigger place. “Bhai insists on staying with his family. He won’t go anywhere without his parents. And his parents are not willing to budge. Thankfully Bhai isn’t getting married anywhere in the near future. Imagine if his wife had to be accommodated in that small apartment,” says a close friend of the Superstar.
Also Read: Salman Khan’s DABANGG 3 trailer to be launched on October 23; EXCITING details inside!
More and more filmmakers, who can’t afford Akshay Kumar, are inclined to opt for Kartik Aaryan. After all, they do have similar (non-filmi) backgrounds. Both are clean-cut health-conscious unassuming affable handsome North Indians with a huge following among women and children.
No wonder Kartik is seen as the ideal replacement for Akshay. Recently Kartik was signed for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The original hit in 2007 had featured Akshay Kumar. Now comes the news that Kartik Aryan will play Akshay’s part in the third film of the Hera Pheri franchise.
According to sources, Kartik will step into Akshay’s shoes while Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty will be retained in Hera Pheri 3, playing their original parts.
This should be interesting.
Also Read: Dostana 2: Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor and Lakshya goof around during the prep time
Some over-imaginative portals are doing a great job of assuming scandal where none exist. A section of the media reported last week that Sajid Khan who directed Housefull 4 until he was sacked for sexual harassment, has sent a legal notice to the producers asking for his rightful credits.
However, when I contacted producer Sajid Nadiadwala, he said, “There is no truth this. We haven’t received any notice.” Sajid Khan was the director of the first two Housefull films. He was on board to direct the fourth film in the franchise when he was trapped in the MeToo net and had to leave the project. It was taken over by Farhad Samji.
The reports of Sajid Khan demanding his credits for direction cropped up recently. But the fact is, Sajid Khan is lying very low while his namesake Nadiadwala is looking forward to the release.
Says Nadiadwala, “This is our feel-good don’t-mind franchise, just loads of fun with no social message. We don’t want any negativity attached to it.”
Also Read: Ranveer Singh and Sajid Nadiadwala take The Bala Challenge and team ’83 sets the dance floor on fire!
The much-anticipated Friday release Saand Ki Aankh went to the prestigious Pingyao film festival in Pingyao, China this week on October 17, where it was greeted by a standing ovation by approving crowds of audiences and critics from all across the world.
Director Tushar Hiranandani who is just back from the exhilarating experience says it is all unreal for him. “The audience at the Pingyao festival loved my film. They gave it a standing ovation. There were so many parties coming forward to buy the film, I was overwhelmed. It is hard for me to believe all this is happening to me.”
China has become a huge and open market for Indian cinema. Says Tushar, “They are keenly interested in our cinema. Saand Ki Aankh is my first film as a director. And to have it receive so much love on such an important platform comprising truly cinema-literate audiences was a big thing for me.”
Also Read: Saand Ki Aankh: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar’s film gets tax exemption in Rajasthan
The ghoulish pleasure that the yellow sections of entertainment journalism get in spotting a celebrity at a hospital is a theme worthy of deep psycho-analysis. The number of times Amitabh Bachchan has been put into hospital, rightly or wrongly, can fill up an entire ledger book of visitors.
But this time the certainty with which the scandal-mongers are probing into Mr Bachchan’s medical history to conclude that he is in hospital for a liver condition, is symptomatic of an illness that plagues entertainment journalism today.
For those who are anxious about the mega-star’s health I have it from a family member that he is well. “He’s fine. He is just in (the hospital) for routine check-ups, so no need for any alarm,” says the family member adding that he will be home very shortly.
While the mega-star’s legions of fan may sigh in relief a question that the media needs to ask is, are sensational headlines more important than the truth about the health of India’s most beloved actor?
Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan donates Rs. 51 lakhs to Bihar CM relief fund
On October 19, Indian music and Indian cinema will be honoured in an unprecedented manner. SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali will be screened on that historic day at prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London and the screening will be accompanied by an elaborate live symphonic orchestra performing composer M M Keeravani’s score as the film plays.
This is an unheard of honour for an Indian film, one that Keeravani and the entire Baahubali team are rightly proud of. Says Keeravani, “I can’t wait for this historic event. I feel privileged. The Royal Albert Hall is playing my score live to the accompaniment of the film. It’s a huge honour and I’m proud to make my country proud.”
Keeravani’s sense of euphoria is shared by his colleagues from the Baahubali team. The film’s leading man Prabhas and director S S Rajamouli have flown to London to share this historic moment with M M Keeravani.