Posts Tagged ‘february 2010’
Director Rajkumar Gupta, who earlier made the intense thriller, Aamir, has been planning a film on the Jessica Lal murder titled No One Killed Jessica. The crucial casting of Sabrina Lal was keeping the project from taking off. He has zeroed in on Vidya Balan for the powerful role.
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| Sabrina Lal |
Vidya’s earlier stint as a strong, assertive woman in Parineeta and Halla Bol, (which incidentally had shades of Jessica’s life) and Paa has helped her land the critical role of Sabrina.
Sabrina fought a relentless battle to get her sister’s killers nabbed after Jessica was gunned down in a crowded bar on April 29, 1999, in front of several eyewitnesses.
Recently, the sensational case was in the news again when Jessica’s convicted killer, Manu Sharma, was out on parole, making merry in the nightspots of Delhi.
Vidya confirmed the news. She says. “Yes, I am playing Sabrina Lal in Rajkumar Gupta’s film. The minute I heard the role, I wanted to do it. It’s my first biographical role and a big challenge. I’ll be meeting Sabrina shortly. After Paa and Ishqiya, I need to move forward.”
Commenting on the film, Rajkumar says, “I start the film in February 2010. Vidya Balan seemed like the right choice from the start. Now that I have got her for the role, the rest of the casting will be easy.”
Although My Name Is Khan will premiere at the 60th Berlin Film Festival, distributor Fox Star Studios, has prevented it from competing with other films in the Competition section
With the good news comes the bad news as well. The good news is that Fox Star Studios, international partners on My Name Is Khan, has decided to premiere the film at the 60th Berlin Film Festival in February 2010, in the most prestigious Competition section. However, the bad news is that they have not allowed the film to compete with other films in the section. The reason for the same is unknown.
Karan doesn’t deny the news but pooh-poohs the belief that the global corporates are trying to bully him into submission. He says, “Yes, the decision to place our film in the Competition section without competing was taken entirely by Fox Star. Shah Rukh and I are completely one with it. We are just happy to be in the same section as the new films by Martin Scorsese and Roman Polanski. Fox Star has been on the same page as me from the start. Shah Rukh, Kajol and I are getting ready for Berlin. It will be the first full-fledged screening of our film. We are anxious to see how the global audience at Berlin reacts to it.”
According to sources, Fox Star has grown progressively wary of the 9/11 angle in cinema and has asked Karan to tone it down as far as possible. Apparently, the filmmaker was asked to change the trailer for the premiere of My Name Is Khan (unveiled last week) so that overt references to terrorism are done away with. Karan was also asked to stress on the fact that the film is not about 9/11 and terrorism. Karan dismisses the news. He says, “Fox Star knew exactly what My Name Is Khan is about. It’s a fact that the film is not about terrorism. Yes, 9/11 does form a background to the tale, but the film is a love story and a story of humanism under pressure.”
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| (L): My Name Is Khan, (R) :Karan Johar |
Apparently, there is also a fear that Shah Rukh Khan’s smaller-than-life role as an autistic Muslim, fighting injustice in the US may not go down well with his fans. Karan laughs at the rumours. He says, “That is such an erroneous interpretation of Shah Rukh’s character. He plays a man with a disability who can see the world around him far more clearly than the so-called normal people. He is a superman with a soul pure enough to fly. No, I don’t think his fans would be disappointed just because he isn’t larger-than-life in Khan. Shah Rukh’s fans all over the world want to see him in roles that connect the reality of cinema with the reality of the world outside the theatre.”
Vijay Singh, CEO, Star Fox Studios, also insists that the film is not about terrorism. He says, “My Name Is Khan is a love story and Shah Rukh Khan’s character’s journey to win back his love. It has nothing to do with terrorism.”
MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; November 4, 2009)
Physically, I feel 25-26. But I have no problems in accepting that I’m 44. In fact, if I look good, then the media writes that I’ve done plastic surgery. Honestly, if I sleep well, then I look good. Last night I slept well.
I enjoyed Season II with my cricket team. I was a bit disappointed when we didn’t fare well, but I know we’ll bounce back. I didn’t have film releases with the exception of Billu which was special for me. I got a honorary doctorate from the University of Bedfordshire, won a couple of other honours. My Name is Khan will come in February 2010. I had my shoulder surgery that kept me out of action now I’m on the road to recovery. I spent quality time with my kids. I’m finishing my book 20 Years Of A Decade. It was an unfortunate physical year but a good emotional one.
Yes, I have been constantly thinking about what I can give back to people, to society. Allah has been kind to me, He has given me so much. I have just six to seven good friends in the industry. But the media is my friend. You are the ones who remind me of my birthday at least four-five days in advance. You have given me so much love, so has my audience. Now I want to do something in return. I want to bring a smile to the faces of youngsters. I don’t want to start an NGO, but I do wish to do something for the cause of the girl child… The feeling of wanting to give is stronger now than it has been. I think of life as work. I want to introspect as to which direction I should take my life in. I want to do something to save the environment. Honestly, I haven’t done my bit yet but I will start now.
RA1. It is something I’m kicked about. It’s a film that children are going to love. It will have action, special effects and a super hero.
Yeah, Karan Johar gave me a lap top bag and a pair of very expensive shoes. My children are making something for me that will come over the weekend. Parmeshwar Godrej sent me a gift. She does that each year. One of my fans has bought me a piece of land on the moon, one has bought me land in Scotland. I’m accepting gifts till this weekend, so all of you who wish to give me something can do so till Sunday.
Kim dating Abhishek Kapoor?
Posted on: October 9, 2009
The latest couple in Bollywood is Rock On!! director Abhishek Kapoor and actress Kim Sharma. Kim, who has dumped all plans to marry her Spanish boyfriend, singer Carlos Marin, said, “I’m definitely not getting married in February 2010 (as reported earlier).” In the last two weeks, Abhishek and Kim have been spotted painting the town red at several restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs. They first met through a common friend and instantly clicked. Abhishek’s fling with Kamal Haasan’s daughter, Shruti Haasan is over. “He was close to Shruti till the last month but their relationship has fizzled out,” said a source. “Now, Abhishek is totally smitten with Kim. And yes, Kim likes him a lot too. They are spending a lot of time together these days. Even when they aren’t together, they are either talking on the phone or texting each other,” added the source. Both Abhishek and Kim have had their share of affairs. Kim had a torrid relationship with cricketer Yuvraj Singh for four years and after their break-up has seldom been single. Meanwhile, Abhishek has been linked with several actresses in the past. Although Kim refused to comment on her current relationship, Abhishek said, “I know this is a cliché but Kim and I are just good friends.” |
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Item girl Meghna Naidu got engaged to boyfriend Kushal Punjabi in true filmi style recently and will tie the knot in February 2010. Meghna, who was abroad for a show, had no idea that the show was going to be one of her most memorable. Letting us in on the story, our source said, “After Meghna’s performance, Kushal went down on one knee and proposed to her. They have been dating each other for a long time now and make a cute couple. Meghna and Kushal both love dancing and that’s what keeps them connected. Their wedding is scheduled for February.” |
