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An Interview With Javed Jaffrey on the first ever Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA)

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by Shaheen Raaj

Javed Jaffrey, son of veteran funster Jagdeep, is an ace comedian cum versatile actor in his own right. The body of his work too, cannot just be recounted on one’s finger tips. Of late his most talked about film was the Malyalam flick named ‘Picket 43’. That apart he had also earned a lot of accolades in films like ‘Mr Joe B. Carvalho’, ‘Bang Bang’ to name just 2. And surprisingly he has just I film in his kitty namely ‘Total Dhamaal’. When asked the reason for this, he just brushed off the query in his own inimitable style, “Sir! We are here to celebrate the announcement of the 1st ever Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA). So let’s talk about it.” This conversation took place when I had recently bumped into him at the The Leela Hotel at the press conference of the Arab Indo Bollywood Awards (AIBA).

Okay! So tell us in a nutshell what is Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA) all about?

First things first. The Arab Indo Bollywood Award is entirely director Tigmanshu Dhulia’s baby. And myself, Arbaaz Khan, Goldie Behl, Shyam Shroff, Komal Nahta, Sridhar Raghavan & Anees Bazmi are just like the caretaker of this baby. But jokes apart and on a serious note I would like to state that all the above mentioned people including me are on the jury panel of the 1st ever Arab Indo Award (AIBA).

Go on!

So to continue I would like to add that the first ever Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA) event will be held on 10th Apr, 2015 at Dubai as Bollywood has millions of its fans in Gulf countries and with this award sincere efforts are being made to promote Indian films out there. To start off with, a jury panel of this out of the box award ceremony was formed and Tigmanshu Dhulia was appointed as the chairman of this jury. And as I mentioned earlier the other prominent members of this jury are myself, Arbaaz Khan, Goldie Behl, Shyam Shroff, Komal Nahta, Sridhar Raghavan & Anees Bazmi. These awards will have 3 categories and these are Main Awards, Technical Awards & Special Awards. The winners of the 1st 2 categories will be chosen by public voting while the jury members will select the winners of the Special Awards.

And what is so special about the Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA)?

The main highlight of the Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA) is that it will promote Indian films in Gulf countries, AIBA will also arrange the premiere of 1 Indian film every month there and the 1st film to be premiered is ‘Roy’. It’s premiere is being held on 12th Feb, 2015.

Would you like to add anything more?

As a parting shot we, that is the jury members, would like to add in unison that with this award Bollywood would come close to the people of the Gulf countries and we are happy that a proper platform is being offered to promote our films there. Besides UAE’s premiere event management, Entertainment Agency Benchmark Media & India’s Global Entertainment Agency have joined hands to make the Arab Indo Bollywood Award (AIBA) a big successful event. Amen!

Exclusive interview with writer-producer-director Mukhta Sundar of Paisa Ho Paisa

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“My Film ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ Is A Road Movie, A Romantic Comedy Imbibed With A Roller Coaster Joyride And A Jolly Good Movie.” – Muktha Sundar

ShaheenRaaj, MukthaSundar, JyothiVenkatesh, Vishwanathan, KanishkaSoni,IndermohanPannu, Shaami Irfan, Divya, Siraj Syedn Rohan

by Shaheen Raaj

Muktha Sundar, hailing from Chennai, is a reputed South Indian writer-director-producer having made almost half a dozen films out there including his latest comedy hit film ‘Pathayeram Kodi’, which means “10 Thousand Crores”. And now he is all set to make his bow into the Hindi film firmament with yet again a comedy film named ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’, whose impending release is just round the corner.

Tell us briefly about your film background

I hail from a filmic family of South India. Till this date my family production house has produced more than a golden jubilee films helmed by my father Muktha Srinivasan, who had a penchant for making comedy films. And as far as I m concerned I think even my forte is making comedy films. You see Mr. Shaheen Raaj even I was interested in cinema since I was that high. So after completing my academic qualifications and before venturing into filmmaking I took a formal training in filmmaking by doing my Masters from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Till this date I have written, produced & directed 7 films. ‘Pathayeram Kodi’ in Tamil is my latest hit film. And now I am all set to enter Bollywood with my latest film in Hindi namely ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ which I would describe as a semi sci-fi thriller comedy which is going to be released very soon.

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So what is your film ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ all about?

My latest film ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ in Hindi is all about an engineering college student named Ashwin who meets a beautiful girl named Bhoomika in the college campus. After a few playful encounters, they fall in love. Ashwin hails from a lower middle class family and all the time he thinks of making big money in a very short time. When Bhoomika stumbles upon something big, she consults Ashwin and his friends and together they strike it rich in a very big way by using an invisible chemical (A chemical when it is sprayed on anything or anyone the object or the person becomes invisible). However they are forced to be on the run after being chased by the cops. Now starts the wild goose chase with ruthless & buffoonery gangsters, comic cops, bungling CBI officer and the hero and his friends playing all kinds of pranks. The chase & the laugh riot continues all the way from Pondicherry to Sani Singhnapur crossing 4 state borders with innumerable comic situations.

What are the highlights of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’?

The climax of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ has been shot inside Sani Singhnapur Temple. Besides it has also been shot in the exotic locations of Karwar, Goa, Mercara, Pune, Ahmednagar, Mahabaleshwar & Panchagani. The movie has a running time of 1 hour & 45 minutes with 4 songs. Close to 30 minutes of computer graphics work has also been done in the movie. It is a road movie, a romantic comedy imbibed with a roller coaster joyride and a jolly good movie without any boring moments. I shot the film in 65 days but its computergraphics work alone took us almost 85 days in India itself. And let me clear one point that it is certainly not based or inspired by a Bollywood film namely ‘Mr. India’.

Give us some info about the cast & crew of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’

‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ has been written, produced & directed by me under the banner of Maayaa Creation’s. Besides the other credits of the film are executive producer is V. Vishwanathan, cinematography by Rajkumar, art direction by Vijayanand & music by Manoj, G. D. Prasad & Nirojan. The starcast of the movie comprises of Dhruv Bhandari, Madalasa Shah, Kanishka Soni, Vivek, Antony et al.

It seems that your lead cast namely Dhruv Bhansari & Madalasa Shah played traunt during the promotions of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’. Comment.

You see making a film in Tamil is quite different from making a film in Hindi. Hindi films have wider reach of audiences all over and they are more colourful. Down South film industry is more organized & more disciplined which is sadly missing in Hindi film arena. And the actors are not much interested in promoting their own films. But of couse there are exceptions to the rule yey certainly not in case of the actors of my film.

So what are the next film on your agenda?

Close on the heels of the release of ‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ I will immediately announce my next Hindi film. That apart I am also busy in making my next Tamil film named ‘Sivappu’ starring Raj Kiran in the title role albeit this time I am making an artistic and not a commercial film.

‘Paisa Ho Paisa’ is all set to release on 13th Mar 2015. It has story, screenplay, dialogues & direction by Muktha Sunder. The other credits of the movie are executive producer is Vishwanathan, cinematography by Rajkumar, art direction by Vijayanand & music by Manoj, G. D. Prasad & Nirojan. The starcast of the movie comprises of Dhruv Bhandari, Madalasa Shah, Kanishka Soni, Vivek, Antony et al.

Sholay makes its Pakistan debut 40 years after its release

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“There has never been a more defining film on the Indian screen. Indian film history can be divided into Sholay BC and Sholay AD” – Shekhar Kapoor

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by Anum Rehman Chagani, Dawn

Sholay‘s release in 1975 proved to be a watershed event in the industry. The movie screened for five years at a landmark Mumbai theatre, the longest ever run in India at the time. It’s no wonder that owner and managing director of Mandviwalla Entertainment, Nadeem Mandviwalla is now bringing the cult classic to Pakistani cinema screens, over 40 years after its release.

Talking to Dawn.com, Mr. Mandviwalla shares: “Sholay is undoubtedly one of the most unique films of all time; it’s a classic that has never been released in the country. Many people have been deprived of the experience of watching it in a cinema so we feel the audience will want to come watch it, given the opportunity.”

The pioneering film is an action adventure circling around two petty thieves hired by a police officer to exact revenge on a ruthless bandit. The star-studded cast included Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri, among other Bollywood greats.

The movie was remastered last year in 2014 and released in 3D for the new generation of moviebuffs. It will be releasing in 2D and 3D in Pakistan.

Mandviwalla adds, “The movie will not have a wide release. It will be shown at more cinemas but less shows. It’s tentatively releasing on 20 March, as 23 March will be a public holiday (on account of Pakistan Day) so people will have a wide array of movies to watch such as Jalaibee and Insurgent, which are also releasing around the same time.”

Other movies that have been reworked and released in 3D in Pakistani cinemas such as The Lion King and Titanic didn’t garner much attention so it will be interesting to see if Sholay will meet the same fate. For what it’s worth, it seems highly unlikely!

Hindu Mahasabha's latest diktat: Bollywood’s Khans should convert to Hinduism

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Meerut: Since last year, there have been a series of controversies pertaining to attempts by hard-core Hindu outfits, which were involved in reconversion campaigns. Now, in order to glam up the issue, a Hindu outfit has targeted Bollywood Khans, who are married to Hindu women.

The Hindu Mahasabha has dared Shah Rukh Khan, Amir Khan and Saif Ali Khan to convert to Hinduism to prove their love for their wives.

The Hindu Mahasabha, in an editorial in its weekly publication Hindu Sabha Varta, has challenged Shahrukh, Amir and Saif to convert to Hinduism if they really love their wives, according to The Hindu.

The report added that the editor of the weekly described their wives as victims of “love jihad”.

While Shah Rukh is married to Gauri Khan, Amir Khan to Kiran Rao and Saif Ali Khan to Kareena Kapoor.

SC sets aside order staying Salman Khan's conviction in blackbuck case

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Salman Khan

New Delhi: In a setback to filmstar Salman Khan, Supreme Court Wednesday set aside the Rajasthan High Court order staying his conviction in the blackbuck hunting case.

An apex court bench headed by Justice S.J. Mukhopadhyay remanded the matter back to the high court for fresh consideration.

Pronouncing the verdict, Justice Mukhopadhyay said the filmstar could tell the court that he would suffer irreversible damage if his conviction is not stayed and he is eventually acquitted.

The court said that the Rajasthan government at the same time could argue that no irreversible damage which cannot be undone would be caused if his conviction is not stayed.

The Rajasthan High Court had stayed Salman’s conviction on his plea that it was coming in his way to get visa to travel to England.

Salman’s sentence has already been stayed by the high court.

Nothing wrong in 'PK', says Delhi HC, dismisses plea

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New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL filed against Raj Kumar Hirani directed and Aamir Khan starrer film “PK”, saying “the film was not offensive”.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw refused to entertain the plea which sought ban on the film for alleged derogatory remarks against Hindu gods, Hindu beliefs, faith and worship in the movie.

The bench said: “What was wrong in the movie? We don’t find anything offensive in it. We don’t find any substance in the plea.”

The court said it will pass a detailed order on the plea later.

The PIL, filed by Gautam, argued that the film made mockery of Hindu god and Lord Shiva was shown in bad light.

“The Hindu way of worship has also been criticised in a most unwarranted manner,” he alleged.

Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain appearing for the Centre opposed the plea, saying similar matter came before the Supreme Court which had rejected it.

Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer “PK” may have impressed critics and audiences but the portrayal of Hindu sentiments in the film has drawn the ire of right-wing organisations which say the movie disrespects Hindu religion.

(IANS)

'PK' becomes Bollywood's highest grossing film

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Mumbai: As protests against the film continued, the producers of Aamir Khan-starrer ‘PK’ today said the film has broken ‘Dhoom 3’ record to become the biggest earner in Bollywood by collecting Rs 278.52 crores since its release on December 19.

The film has faced criticism by right-wing organisations who said the Rajkumar Hirani-directed film disrespects Hindu religion, an allegation rejected by its makers.

Hirani, 52, said the film’s word-of-mouth performance has been overwhelming.

“I had never in my wildest dreams thought this film will cross these numbers. It reinforces faith that content is king. We can continue making films we believe in. The messages I get are overwhelming. People are watching the film over and over again. It’s humbling,” the director said in a statement.

‘PK’ with its Rs 278.52 crores at the box office is the second film by both Aamir and Hirani after ‘3 Idiots’ (Rs 202 crores) to be a part of the highest earning films’ club.

Aamir-starrer ‘Dhoom 3’ is second biggest earner with Rs 271.82 crores followed by Salman Khan starrer ‘Kick’ (Rs 244 crores) and Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Chennai Express’ (Rs 228 crores).

The film has done well in overseas markets as well by contributing Rs 124 crores at the box office.

(IANS)

Make Aamir Khan's 'PK' tax free, says Swami Agnivesh

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PK

New Delhi: Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh on Tuesday advocated tax exemption for Aamir Khan-starrer ‘PK’ in view of the movie’s “new message” that would encourage scientific temperament among students across India.

Agnivesh welcomed “the film which takes a swipe at superstitious beliefs and false idol worship practiced by some people in the name of religion, said a statement released by his organisation Bandhua Mukti Morcha.

As the film’s storyline questions exploitation of devotees and followers in the name of religion, Agnivesh urged people to “ignore the hue and cry made by some of the so-called religious leaders like Swami Ramdev and other religious outfits like Vishva Hindu Parishad or Jamaat-e-Islami Hind”.

“It is natural that such religious leaders and institutions are bound to get threatened for their survival as the movie hits out at the blind faith,” he said, in the statement.

He congratulated Central Board of Film Certification chairperson Leela Samson for rejecting a review of the screening certificate to the film despite pressure from religious fundamentalists.

Salman Khan turns 49

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Salman Khan

Mumbai: Salman Khan is celebrating his 49th birthday today. The film fraternity took to Twitter to wish the ‘Dabangg’ star.

Om Puri to get lifetime achievement award at IFFP

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Om Puri

New Delhi: Veteran actor Om Puri will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the debut edition of International FIlm Festival Of Prayag, Allahabad (IFFP).

‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’ star will be honoured with the award on Februray 28, 2015 at the function. Festival Director Abhishek Arun said it’s an honour for them to welcome Puri for their debut edition. “We are very fortunate to get Om Puri’s support. We will honour him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this event as our respect towards him. I know we are just about to begin our journey and he is a legend, the whole world knows about his contribution to the cinema,” Arun said in a statement.

The founder of the festival Hasan Haider said the 64-year-old actor’s films continue to find relevance.

“Filmmaking professionals and students belonging to the northern region of our country will have a new platform. I am sure it will be a great opportunity for the students and professional filmmakers to get interact with Puriji during this festival,” Haider said.

The Patiala-born actor appeared in many mainstream commercial and independent films besides his appearances in British and American film in a career spanning over three decades.

(PTI)

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