Thursday, December 30, 2010

Amitabh Bachchan to narrate again for Aamir Khan

Big B to narrate again for Aamir  

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) He lent his voice for Aamir Khan's first production "Lagaan" and now taking forward his newly-found fondness for the Bollywood perfectionist, Amitabh Bachchan has loaned his rich baritone for the latter's "Delhi Belly".

Big B takes on the role of a narrator for the first trailer of "Delhi Belly", that comes attached with another Aamir production "Dhobhi Ghat" Jan 21.

"Couple of days ago, Aamir and Kiran (Rao) were seen visiting Amitabh Bachchan on sets. After a long closed door meeting and catching up, they left almost after two hours. And yesterday morning Amitabh Bachchan dubbed in a suburban studio for 'Delhi Belly'," read a statement from the movie's publicist.

"It's an introductory piece and what's interesting is that Aamir has written the piece."

Aamir couldn't stop raving about the megastar.

"Amitji is just too cool... He has once again been most generous and loving to me," he posted on his Facebook page.

Starring Aamir's nephew Imran Khan with Kunal Roy Kapur and comedian Vir Das, the movie has been directed by debutant Abhinay Deo.


--
Mahi

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Aamir Khan pays surprise visit to Big B

Aamir pays surprise visit to Big B

New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was reliving memories of shooting on floor number one of Mumbai's Film City when actor-producer Aamir Khan paid him a surprise visit.

"In the middle of the shoot Aamir Khan dropped by to have a chat and it was as always wonderful," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

Amitabh was nostalgic as he was shooting for an advertisement at the same place which he inaugurated almost 30 years back.

--
Mahi

Monday, December 27, 2010

Karan wants Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham sequel Big B

Karan wants 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' sequel: Big B  

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) He brought together the three biggies of Hindi cinema - Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan - in his blockbuster hit "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" in 2001 and filmmaker Karan Johar is now pitching for a sequel to the family saga, reveals Big B.

"Karan Johar and we talk of cinema and other lighter moments. His visit to Goa and the sudden impulse to do a sequel to 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', for he felt that all the relevant characters were still around and 'how'," Big B posted on his blog.

"It would be a story on the growth of the brothers and the problems that arise because of their independent understanding and working of the business empire of the father, a split within them and so on," he added.

Also starring Jaya Bachchan, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor, the movie was the highest grossing Indian film in the overseas market.

An active blogger, Amitabh has now left his decision for the Part II on the fans' discretion.

"I tell him I shall run a reaction to this on my blog and seek information on its feasibility. So what does everyone feel? Yes or no? (sic)... Tel me tell me tell me...no," he wrote.


--
Mahi

Jaya makes this Christmas special for Big B

Jaya makes this Christmas special for Big B  

New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) This Christmas was made special for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan as his wife Jaya decorated a Christmas tree with gifts for the family and their friends.

"For the first time ever in my remembrance, Jaya brought in a Christmas tree in the house and decorated it with the finest trappings of all that goes to make it look inviting and attractive," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

The Bachchan household was full of guests when the clock struck midnight, and Jaya not just arranged for gifts for the family but also for the guests.

The 68-year-old actor said his wife's gesture left him overwhelmed.

"She hung little gifts for us all and as the midnight hour struck, asked us over to look for our goodies. It was so sweet and generous and considerate to have done all that - and all done quietly, all by herself! Oh ! Such a wonderful moment," he wrote.

Jaya, a perfect homemaker, also treated everyone with some "special cooking".

Amitabh went down the memory lane and recollected how he used to celebrate Christmas in his earlier days.

"I am so nostalgic of the many Christmas eves celebrated throughout these 68 years! The midnight carol singing in the cold of northern India, the coffee breaks to keep us warm and awake, those visits to the neighbours and then the little gifts that we received when we went across," the actor wrote.

"The special cake and pastry for the occasion. The mid-night mass that we attended with all our friends in the nearby church and just such a feeling of warmth and happiness throughout," he said.

--
Mahi

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My sincerest thank you’s for your kind words BigB

Jalsa , Mumbai       Dec  22,  2010     Wed  10 : 36 PM
My sincerest thank you’s for your kind words and affection for my Mother, in remembrance. It was endearing loving and most family like, even if extended. To have knowledge of the fact that there are many among us that share their feelings is by itself such a huge force. One that gives strength and courage to face another day another moment, in a harsh world.
Most of the day was spent figuring out what might I do for the coming days. Which projects to begin, which to reject and which to accept. I must admit that the options are not too frightening - the numbers and the interests are waning, but yes, there is the odd one that inspires and excites. And one of such was officially launched this evening - ‘Aarakshan’. Its a film by Prakash Jha of ‘Rajneeti’ fame and has a host of very talented people working together. Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpai, Pratik and written by Anjum Rajabali and Prakash in collaboration.
Aarakshan or Reservation, is a burning topic in the country, dealing with reservation quotas for those that are under privileged, from backward classes and who because of social and cultural constraints have never had opportunity to mix mingle educate themselves with those that are more privileged. They have little provision or occasion or sufficient finances to pursue what those that can do, and so the government passed a law in parliament which now protects them by assuring them a certain percentage of presence in all such institutions. It being 33 %.
The passage of such norms in the country created revolt among the student community and others as well. Particularly from those that came from privileged backgrounds. They argued that merit should be the yardstick for admissions and not a designated quota. Because what was happening was that a merit of 80-90% was being denied a seat because there wasn’t sufficient percentage left. The quota of 33 % assured even someone with merits of say 50%, much lower than the 90 percentage, to surpass him. The film deals with both aspects. Yes the quota for lesser merit may be argued and at the same time what does one do for those that have never had an opportunity to or privilege to even attempt a position. It is dramatic, pertinent and I think intelligently crafted. We start in Bhopal next month and on a non stop schedule would be ready for release on the 12th of August 2011. God willing ! Inshallah !!
Finding myself alone at home in the evening - the others all at work in different parts of the city - I watched film. Was keen to remain in the Da Vinci ( got the spelling right this time ) mode and so drew up the sequel, Angels and Demons ! Fascinating. Edgy and more exciting than the previous. Pertinent messaging of religion and science needing to exist together and that next time in Rome the statues and churches and monuments and every corner of the city needs to be looked at with a great deal of respect and some element of intrigue !!
Science has continuously defied religion and religion has not relented. For, there are elements in both that have no justifiable explanation. There is belief in one and belief of another kind in the other. And one does not really know which belief needs to be believed. Science with its rules and laws and logic and equations challenges abstract belief. The edifices of religion have evolved through great perseverance and majesty. The edifices of science build structures every day. If it took billions of years for matter to take shape and bring us into the existence that we are privileged to be in today, then surely it cannot be overcome or explained or removed through a hundred years of human endeavor. There is no end to human endeavor and perhaps in a million years we too shall be able to have respectable answers to the many uncertainties of life. But till that happens we need to respect and honor and be astonished by those that had the foresight to realize its importance and potential. Each initiator of a particular religion, was God incarnate. Because for someone to have such deep knowledge and reckoning and understanding, so many many centuries ago, must surely be equated with the Almighty, or some unknown force that surpassed the beliefs of all.
Human beings needed answers. What was happening around him or her was beyond explanation. And that gave rise to the concept of religion and the unknown. Religion is a success story and one that shall never face failure. The day it does humans would be a different species. Faith and belief would be non existant terms, not just in prayer, but in other more metaphorical exigencies.
Ever imagined a world without religion, faith and belief ?? A tough call ! Though many atheists would have several potent answers to the question !!
I need to answer some questions that are more inviting at the moment - namely a short walk to my pillow !
May you all rest well and dream pleasant dreams … their fulfillment is the challenge for tomorrow !
My love in abundance ~
Amitabh Bachchan
PS There was another award ceremony last night ! Big Fm the radio station and Star combined to honor awardees with their decade old contributions to cinema. Yours truly got the actor of the decade, Aishwarya the actress .. many other fraternity present and partook in song and dance and camaraderie .. a happy feel !

with Veeru Dharam ji … always a joy to catch up with him ..
Anushka and Ranvir from their latest succes Band Baja Baraat .. my best to them


getting the award from Mrs Tina Ambani and Javed Saheb
old friend Jeetendra ..
the incessant media … love the looks of the two ladies in the centre … adorable
Chintu … buddy from so many films together, now in my relation through Shweta, she being married to his sisters son ..
Vidhu Vinod Chopra and discussions of another poetry recitation of my Fathers …
In the audience .. javed Saheb at his witty best …kept us in splits with his remarks on the proceedings .. at the far end and a bit out of focus the lovely Vidya Balan
Aishwarya with her decade award ..

Amitabh Bachchan at Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010

Smita had premonition about my Coolie' accident: Amitabh Bachchan



Smita had premonition about my 'Coolie' accident: Amitabh  


Mumbai, Dec 22 (IANS) Almost three decades after his near fatal injury during the filming of a fight scene for the film "Coolie", Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan Wednesday revealed that actress Smita Patil had a premonition about the accident a day before it took place.

"Smita was a unique lady and she had a premonition about my accident," Amitabh told reporters here.

"I was shooting for ‘Coolie' in Bangalore in 1982. One night at about 1 a.m. I got a call from Smita. She said, ‘I'm sorry to disturb you Amit-ji, but are you okay?'. I said yes I'm fine. Then she said, ‘I had a really bad dream and I just wanted to find out if you were okay'. Next morning, I had that accident on the sets of ‘Coolie'. It was just unbelievable," Amitabh said.

"Then, throughout my two-three months in the hospital, she was a regular visitor and even when I came back home, she used to come every evening to enquire if I was doing well. I can never forget that," he added.

The 68-year-old walked down memory lane and remembered the incident while talking about Smita's son Prateik, who will be working with the actor in Prakash Jha's forthcoming film "Aarakshan".

Amitabh said that working with Prateik will be an emotional experience for him.

"This film is going to be my first association with Prateik. Whenever I see him, I think about his mother. The resemblance, the attitude, is very much like her. I'm afraid that it's going to be a little emotional for me working with him because Smita was a very dear friend," he said.

The film, slated to go on floor Jan 15, also stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Manoj Bajpayee. It is based on caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. It will be shot in Bhopal and the makers are looking for an Aug 12, 2011 release.

Saif credits Amitabh Bachchan for his Bollywood foray

Saif credits Amitabh for his Bollywood foray  


Mumbai, Dec 22 (IANS) Even though Saif Ali Khan is veteran actress Sharmila Tagore's son, the actor says he joined the Indian film industry chiefly because of Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
The 40-year-old actor is all set to work with Amitabh in Prakash Jha's next "Aarakshan". This is the second time that both the actors will share screen space after the 2007 film "Eklavya: The Royal Guard"

"I joined films pretty much because of Amitji so it's always an absolute honour to work with him and I'm glad I got another opportunity to get associated with him," Saif told reporters here.

Big B too was elated to know about Saif's thoughts and revealed that he felt honoured after hearing what Saif had to say.

"I have worked with Saif in ‘Eklavya', that was my first association with him. I am really honoured and privileged to know that he feels that I was in someway responsible for his entry into this film industry. I'm delighted to work with him again," said the 68-year-old star.

Amitabh also remembered some of the moments that he spent with Saif.

"Today, I remember one of the very old moments. Saif was six-seven years old and he had visited my sets when I was shooting a song in Filmcity. Sharmila ji, his mother, said that he wanted to be with me and see the shooting.

"He was a very confused looking youngster then, who stood at the top of the hill, sitting on a rock all by himself and watching the shooting. From then on I have watched him grow so brilliantly to a fine actor with a lot of variety in every performance," revealed the actor.

"Aarakshan" also stars Deepika Padukone, Prateik and Manoj Bajpayee and will go on floor Jan 15. It is based on policies of caste based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. 

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Big B at Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010 Videos





Amitabh Bachchan at Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010

Amitabh Bachchan at Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010

Amitabh Bachchan Aishwarya Rai at Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010
Javed Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan, Tina Ambani, Aishwarya Rai at Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010


Amitabh Bachchan Akshay Kumar Big Star Entertainment Awards 2010

आज पूजनीय माँ की पूर्ण तिथि आज तीन वर्ष पूर्व उनका देहांत हुआ Amitabhi Bachchan


Jalsa , Mumbai       Dec  21,  2010    Tue  11 : 27 PM

आज पूजनीय माँ की पूर्ण तिथि . आज तीन वर्ष पूर्व उनका देहांत हुआ और विश्व की सबसे सुंदर माँ हमें हमेशा के लिया छोड़ के चली गयीं .

सुबह से ही उनके ख्याल, उनकी यादें मेरे साथ रहीं . हनुमान जी की उपासक , और गुरु ग्रन्थ साहेब की श्रधा भक्ति में डूबी रहेने वाली , माँ आज हमारे साथ नहीं हैं .

बाबूजी के प्रति , संतान के प्रति , और अपने मित्रों के प्रति उनका बस एक ही धेय था . समर्पण .

और इन सब के लिए दिलो जान से लड़ जाना बिना झिझक के उनका लक्ष होता था .

माँ ! आज हम सब आपको याद करते हैं , और श्रधांजलि अर्पित करते हैं .


21 st December, today, I lost my Mother after a long battle with medicines and hospitals and doctors. A strong lady, full of the enthusiasm of life, never a defeatist, bright and confident in every circumstance, encouraging even in the most trying conditions, a tigress when protecting her family and understanding beyond all else.
I stood in front of her portrait as I do every morning seeking her blessings and recited a few strains of the Hanuman Chalisa, a favorite with her. A few well wishers and family called and smsed their thoughts. I expressed my gratitude. And another day in the life of mine moved along. That is the way it shall be. Nothing special done, nothing special spoken, nothing special reacted to. In the end it is just us and our thoughts. Committed and without any compromise.
There was lunar eclipse today at 1:47 PM IST. It came after 372 years ! The last being on 21 st December 1638, when the sun the moon and the earth were in the same line. A unique phenomena ! Some say it brings good tidings, some the other. For me it seemed an indication of what had gone by. It was around this time 3 years ago that Mother passed away and our lives were eclipsed forever !
I have not much to say this evening, except what I have already said. It does not seem fair to me to involve others into a personal feeling, even though you are all my extended family. I share with you your generous thoughts for today and thank you for them. And I do know that this is not any vacant expression. It is genuine and meaningful.
Love
Amitabh Bachchan

Sachin and his 50 test hundreds


Sachin and his 50 test hundreds
Jalsa , Mumbai       Dec  20 , 2010      Mon  11 : 40 PM
The entire day has been spent in trying to attend to millions of sms on the mobile asking me to join in at a discussion cum debate on the television, for the reaction to Sachin and his 50 test hundreds ! And I have deliberately and I feel judiciously remained away from it and not responded.
There are as always, many reasons for this. Firstly, I am amused by the thought that every time there is a topic that comes up in which the media shows interest, they seek reactions from us common folk. And I have often wondered, why would they believe that we in the film industry would ever be in possession of such wisdom, which would give inputs of any value. We are the ‘film industry’ as we all know ! We are ‘filmy’ - an almost derogatory terminology used by the media often - and therefore less possessed of any semblance of what is right, what is fashionable, what is politically correct, what ails society, what compromises our morals, and a host of other similar issues that plague our systems. So why come to us ?
And secondly, why must there be a debate or even a discussion on whether Sachin is greater than Don Bradman or not ? Sachin is greater, period ! By bringing the topic up for debate you are somewhere unsure whether he really is deserving of being great or not ! And this is objectionable to me. How much more does one have to do to prove one’s credentials. And who are the media to concur who is great or not ? We know he is. Matter over. Do not, I plead bring down the stature of this great son of the land by continuously comparing him to others. Let others compare themselves to him. Why do we always play it the other way around ? Why are we so complexed ! Why do we always want to describe our achievement or subject with a comparison from the West. Alright, the West is far developed than us, is richer materially, advanced and secure. So how does this give us the need to comment that they are superior. Or that the best comes from there and not here.
Yes, thousands of years of slavery under foreign invaders and rulers, has made us submissive and servile. But being servile does in no manner display the fact that there are some regions where we have excelled too. And in such a short time span. Ridding ourselves of dependence and coming out in this hugely competitive world through great individual enterprise, indigenous and unique.
Under these circumstances, under a suppressed environment, under the constant shadow of being made to feel inferior, when we do excel, do not compare us with others. It diminishes our own most deserving value and strength and status.
I do not for a moment wish to demean the accomplishments of others. They are hugely impressive and of immense value. They are great, but we are greater ! At least in this most pertinent yardstick set by our own Sachin Tendulkar. And I have this to add. Had this achievement come from one in the United Kingdom or the US of A, you would have seen how fantastically proud and poised they would have been towards their hero. Their love appreciation and acknowledgement towards their fellow countryman would never have permitted the mention even of anyone from another state or region. This I shall hand to them. When it comes to propagating their own cause they are far far superior than us.
We are, I believe in a state of deep complex. We think so little of ourselves that we allow and permit other lesser achievers to make us look small and worthless. We are not ! Its just that we have no concept of how we need to market ourselves. How to take pride in ourselves and in what we achieve.
‘When will you be working in a Hollywood film, Mr Bachchan ?’ , is often asked of us. ‘We want to see you win an Oscar’ .. or ‘when will this film go to the Oscars ?’ See we have already accepted defeat. We have concluded beyond any argument that the Oscars and Hollywood are superior than us. That that is a title that marks the highest honor. I have no qualms in accepting that Hollywood is far advanced, but that does not still make it the final destination. Why should it. Take pride in our own system. Why … oh  this is the Tom Cruise of the Hindi Film Industry, or so and so is the Brad Pitt of … when we go to introduce a subject or issue or character. Why can it not be that Tom Cruise is the ShahRukh Khan, or Brad is the Salman of … !!!
When we shall take pride in our own heroes without any comparison to others, we will find others complimenting our sentiments, looking up to us, and putting us on that pedestal where we belong.
I visit the UK often and I observe that every time there is a British defeat or an unsuccessful venture, they will always put up for public broadcast a previous achievement of the country, almost immediately. It shows the character of a nation. On our ‘Face the Nations’ and ‘We the people’ all we do is take immense pleasure in tearing down and making our own system look false and down.
Unless we learn to acknowledge our own achievements how on earth can we expect others to.
So stop this debate on whether Sachin is superior or not ! He is ! And the entire world needs to honor it !
Love good night and may you have a pleasant sleep !!
Amitabh Bachchan

Sachin Tendulkar scores his 50 th test century Big B

Sachin Tendulkar scores his 50 th test century Big B
Jalsa , Mumbai       Dec 19 , 2010        Sun  11 : 54 PM
Sachin Tendulkar scores his 50 th test century and this is an unbelievable landmark in the history of the game ! There is no doubt that this record will perhaps remain for eternity. No other cricketer is any where near this phenomenal achievement, and shall perhaps never be. The media the lovers of the game, friends well wishers and his own countrymen have run out of adjectives to describe this feat. This is shear genius and nothing less !
Well done Sachin ! You are the pride of the nation and shall ever be so. Salutations !
I sent him an sms a soon as I heard the news and I await his response. He has always very graciously acknowledged my messages and I shall wait for this to be reciprocated as well.
The Mumbai Police Force every year celebrates an evening for the families of their officers and constables. This year it was tonight. It is called UMANG and the entire film industry gathers together along with the important force and political members in a large facility to entertain these brave and committed soldiers of Mumbai.
I have lived 41 years of my life in this sacred soil of Maharashtra and Mumbai. This soil gave me all that I have today - name, fame, family, children, everything. But if I have lived peacefully, with dignity respect and in secure circumstances, it is undoubtedly because of the efficiency of this celebrated force, that has never shied away from protecting me and my dependents and indeed all of the city. Today we exist because we were so well protected, that we could pursue our existence in peace. Our deepest regard and respect for the forces then and may this celebration continue year after year, acknowledging the unselfish contribution of the men in khaki.
It has been another day spent in front of the television watching films hitherto unseen, but of great value and quality. And I am so excited to be in the company of those that follow similar trait - that of an uninhibited desire to just be doing nothing. Imbibing the good from the present and leaving the bad out is also an achievement of sorts and when you watch or are in the company of superior quality, there is an instant call to be able to take in and learn from them. They remain etched in our sub-conscious and when the time arises, emerge as an independent creative thought. Exciting moments these !!
The Sunday crowds came in large numbers to day. They had to be met on two different occasions, which I did, wondering desperately why they would want to still keep coming. I have actually stopped entertaining such thoughts and have dutifully gone ahead with the pushing and shoving, that but happens on just a sunday, to meet the fans. But I do feel a sense of emotion when I address such matters and feel that I should be a little more careful. Perhaps follow by example. Maybe not talk about this at all and attend wholeheartedly to some semblance of respectability by getting back to the great master !! A master that has deep understanding of situations. Particularly these.
I have the pictures for the day, but am getting restless to sleep in for longer hours, in order that tomorrow may be a better day …
Love to all ….
Amitabh Bachchan

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Amitabh Bachchan grace Umang Police show Photos And Video

Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan

Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar




Amitabh Bachchan grace Umang Police show Photos And Video

    

Don't compare Sachin with others: Amitabh Bachchan

 


Don't compare Sachin with others: Amitabh Bachchan  

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is very proud of Sachin Tendulkar for being the first cricketer to score 50 Test centuries, but is miffed at constant attempts by the media to compare him with legends like Don Bradman.


"Why must there be a debate or even a discussion on whether Sachin is greater than Don Bradman or not? Sachin is greater, period! By bringing the topic up for debate you are somewhere unsure whether he really is deserving of being great or not. And this is objectionable to me," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com after being constantly asked to comment on Tendulkar's achievements.

"How much more does one have to do to prove one's credentials? And who are the media to concur who is great or not? We know he is. Matter over. Do not, I plead, bring down the stature of this great son of the land by continuously comparing him to others. Let others compare themselves to him. Why do we always play it the other way around?

"Why do we always want to describe our achievement or subject with a comparison from the West. Alright, the West is far developed than us, is richer materially, advanced and secure. So how does this give us the need to comment that they are superior. Or that the best comes from there and not here," he wrote.

Amitabh says he is also disturbed about how the media always asks him about his Hollywood ventures and feels it is time that Indians start taking pride in their own talent.

"'When will you be working in a Hollywood film, Mr Bachchan?', is often asked of us. ‘We want to see you win an Oscar' .. or ‘When will this film go to the Oscars?' See we have already accepted defeat. We have concluded beyond any argument that the Oscars and Hollywood are superior than us. That that is a title that marks the highest honor. I have no qualms in accepting that Hollywood is far advanced, but that does not still make it the final destination.

"Why should it? Take pride in our own system. Why … oh this is the Tom Cruise of the Hindi film industry, or so and so is the Brad Pitt of…when we go to introduce a subject or issue or character. Why can it not be that Tom Cruise is the Shah Rukh Khan, or Brad is the Salman of...! When we shall take pride in our own heroes without any comparison to others, we will find others complimenting our sentiments, looking up to us, and putting us on that pedestal where we belong," posted Amitabh.

He also hoped that all Indians "learn to acknowledge our own achievements".

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Amazing is it not !! The sharks as well And they face the front of my bed Big B

The Atlantis, Dubai    Dec  17/18,  2010     Fri/Sat  12 : 40 AM
We are prone to recognition. Recognition of any kind - material, physical, metaphorical, abstract, finite, infinite. And when there comes an opportunity to receive it or be recognized for it, we seldom refuse it.
I am in Dubai for just that and more …
Masala ! a publication belonging to the ITP group, a large and important media conglomerate has conducted their award ceremony at this rather large and picturesque Hotel, situated on the fringe of the man made island into the sea off Dubai, called The Palms. And I have just received another Life Time Achievement for my contribution to cinema.
But before this, there has been another event, the Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards or MIFTA at the Palladium where I had the great pleasure of receiving the best film award for ‘Vihir’, our Marathi film produced by AB Corp, which incidentally has won several international awards as well - Korea, Rome, London, Germany, NewYork …
But coming back to the achievement recognition, it does seem a bit stretched when year after year the award keeps coming for the same category. And I am reminded of another award function in Mumbai, for achievements, and the host giving it to the very distinguished Dr Udwadia of Breach Candy who was responsible for saving my life during the 1982 accident of ‘Coolie’, and he stating during his acceptance speech that his life in the sphere of his work was not yet over, so to give him recognition seemed out of place. I feel a bit like Dr Udwadia tonight. I feel inclined to do more work and do sincerely hope that the award does not signify or indicate that I should perhaps stop working !
Dubai remains expansive and modern and full of rapid development, though for the past few years the state of the economy has brought activity down considerably. The hustle and bustle of construction and the up beat nature of the atmosphere seems diminished, though still pertinent. People starved of entertainment and celebrity have reason to be excited about events that bring and promise such goodies on the plate, as it were. And why not. We in turn being used to our status are never able to understand what it means to them that idolize us when they are in close proximity of their star. And I do believe that even though the situation may seem to be getting out of hand at times, a certain amount of restraint and patience on our part does go along way in building gratitude to those that clamor for our attention. Certainly a great deal of it was experienced and complied with tonight !
And for those of you that show allegiance to living creatures and animals and pets and other such kind, may I now present to you, my bedroom in this exciting manor ; my Hotel. The room is a triplex, which is a floor more than a duplex … ha ha … and the bedroom which is the lowest part of the trip, is submerged inside a lake full of 63,000 fishes. And they having all kinds of variety and species float and swim about along the very large glass walls that extend from the bathroom to the bedroom and beyond. Have a look -
du-1
du-2
du-3
du-4
du-5
du-7
Amazing is it not !! The sharks as well .. And they face the front of my bed .. ! happy dreams of fish devouring poor me before the day is out …
And they have not fallen asleep as yet .. it is late ! Do they fall asleep ? Fish ? This lot has been in motion ever since I checked in .. non stop !!
Love and more and good night !!!
Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan at the Tiger Telethon

Amitabh Bachchan at the Tiger Telethon





Darshan Doshi Performing With SEL & Amitabh Bachchan at the Tiger Telethon.mp4

Friday, December 17, 2010

Big B's Save Tiger programme in controversy

Big B's Save Tiger programme in controversy  


Bhopal, Dec 17 (IANS) The 'Save Tiger' programme, hosted by superstar Amitabh Bachchan for a TV channel in Madhya Pradesh's Pench Tiger Reserve, has sparked off controversy with a NGO claiming the event had violated wildlife laws.
NGO Uday has complained to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the central environment and forest ministry and the state's chief wildlife warden that the 12-hour telethon Dec 12 committed gross violations of various sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for violating sound limits in the tiger reserve.

"The campaign targeted profits and more TRPs regardless of the ill effect on wildlife... although it's a good move to start awareness among people and unite them for a global cause... but pros and cons should be kept in mind before organising such an event," Shehla Masood of Uday told IANS.

The programme had generated about Rs.5 crore for tiger projects in India.

Masood also said that the NTCA has informed her that they have forwarded the complaints to authorities concerned for further action.

State Chief Wildlife Warden H.S. Pabla told IANS that the complaint was "not much of a serious issue".

"The programme had been organised outside the park, so we have to see the legalities of the jurisdiction," he said.

My dream to make Agneepath a hit: Karan Johar

My dream to make 'Agneepath' a hit: Karan Johar  

By Dibyojyoti Baksi

Dubai, Dec 16 (IANS) Karan Johar, who is remaking his father Yash Johar's production "Agneepath", says it's his dream to make it a commercial hit this time around.
"My decision to remake 'Agneepath' is purely an emotional one. And I am glad that I am as passionate about the film as my father was. I want to make this film again in memory of my father and I will make sure I get it right commercially," Karan told IANS at the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival, where he was invited for a panel discussion.

"It was a film my father was most proud of. When we were making the film, we all believed it's a film that would redefine our company (Dharma Productions)...It was a commercial failure and it broke my father completely. I don't think he recovered from it ever," the filmmaker said.

In the remake, Hrithik Roshan is playing the iconic Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, played by megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the original version. The role fetched Bachchan a National Award but the film tanked at the box office.

Karan Johar maintains that his sole aim is to attach the 'hit' tag to "Agneepath" this time.

"We will never match the brilliance of Mukul Anand, we will never ever match the brilliance of Mr.Bachchan. We cannot compare to that kind of a genius combination. I hope we will come up with a film 'Agneepath' that at least will have a hit tag attached to it. It's my dream, my endeavour," Karan said. 

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Malayalam film Kandahar Movie 2010 Cast and crew Photos




Kandahar Movie 2010

Kandahar
Directed byMajor Ravi
Produced bySunil C. Nair (under Zoe Estebe Moviez) andMohanlal (underPranavam Arts International)
Written byMajor Ravi
StarringMohanlal
Amitabh Bachchan
Ganesh Venkatraman
Sumalatha
Parvathy Omanakuttan
Kaveri Jha
Ananya
Music byShamir Tandon
CinematographyRavi Varman, Velraj
Editing byDon Max
Distributed byAashirvad Release
through Maaxlab
Release date(s)16 December 2010
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam(Original),
Tamil(Dubbed),
Telugu (Dubbed),
Hindi (Dubbed)
Preceded byKurukshetra



Kandahar
Soundtrack by Shamir Tandon
Released27 November 2010
GenreFilm soundtrack
LabelSatyam Audios
ProducerSunil C. Nair (under Zoe Estebe Moviez) and Mohanlal (underPranavam Arts International
Cast 




Kandahar is an upcoming Malayalam film directed by Major Ravi and starring Mohanlal, reprising his role from the sequels as Major Mahadevan. Amitabh Bachchan and Ganesh Venkatraman also play roles in the project. The film is expected to be dubbed and released in Tamil and Hindi. The film is said to be based on the hijacking incident of the Indian Airlines Flight 814.[1][2] The sound design of this movie is done by Baylon Fonseca. This movie is marketed by Shaz Shabeer of Strikers & Crew Films. This movie is produced by Sunil Nair under the banner Zoe Estebe Moviez Pvt. Ltd. and Mohanlal under Pranavam Arts International.


Casting
Mohanlal plays the lead role and is serving as the film's producer. Several other artists from Tamil cinema were initially approached to play secondary lead roles as well, including Surya Sivakumar and Arun Vijay, who all cited date conflicts. Later, Ganesh Venkatraman was finalized for a role. Amitabh Bachchan was also approached for a major role in the film, to which he immediately agreed. According to his blog, he did not ask for any compensation for his appearance in the film, eventhough he was offered a whopping 8 Crores. His son in the film is played by Ganesh Venkatraman.Later, models Parvathy Omanakuttan and Ragini Dwivedi were signed up to play supporting roles.

Locations
At a press conference, Major Ravi reported that the aeroplane sequences of the film would be shot in Russia. Other locations include Ooty and New Delhi.

Release
The film is scheduled to release on 16 December 2010 in 111 theatres in Kerala alone. 9 theaters in Bengaluru, 5 theaters in Chennai, around 18 theaters in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad. Kandahar has collected  6.25 crores revenue from its total cost  6.50 crores before releasing as satellite + overseas + theatre advances + audio + video rights.

Major Mahadevan series
Previous films of the series were successes all over Kerala, playing in Kirtichakra for 125 days and in Kurukshetra 75 days.
Jeeva played a supporting role in Kirtichakra and Siddique in Kurukshetra. This time Ganesh Venkatraman is playing the supporting role.


Amitabh Bachchan Mohanlal Press meet of Kandahar Movie



Malayalam Kandahar Movie Trailer Film