Prakash Jha's Aarakshan - First Look

Prakash Jha is back with another hard-hitting movie Aarakshan in which he has worked for the first time with the superstar Amitabh Bachchan, the versatile Saif Ali Khan and the gorgeous Deepika Padukone. As the name of the movie suggests, it’s based on the controversial issue of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

The movie is mostly shot in Bhopal. Aarakshan tells the story of Deepak, played by Saif, who is a Dalit, a bright person and a gifted teacher of a renowned college. Fate plays its role and he falls in love with Poorbie (Deepika Padukone) who is daughter of Dr.Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan). Prabhakar Anand is the legendary idealistic man who runs the college. Another important character in the film is of Prateik Babbar, who is Saif’s good friend and a rich fellow.

When the court passes an order of 50% Reservation in India, these people's lives take a complete new turn. The movie promises to be high on drama, conflict and rebellion, which will test their love and friendship for each other.

Saif Ali Khan is proud to be a part of Aarakshan. He has been busy with his own home productions, but was always on the lookout for a chance to work with a director like Prakash Jha.

Here is the first trailer of the film where you can see how Saif romances Deepika, and how things gradually change after the court order:

Ash gives IIFA a miss this year

They are no longer part of the IIFA event. Though the Bollywood’s smashing jodi Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai has given some outstanding and memorable dance performances on IIFA stage, they are not going to perform at the award function in Toronto this year. So, that entire buzz that Aishwarya will be at IIFA is nothing but hogwash.

Recently a Toronto magazine allegedly used Aishwarya Rai’s name in an IIFA related story. The magazine Toronto Life had Aishwarya’s photograph on the cover which said “Toronto is hosting the Bollywood’s Oscar with celebs like Aishwarya Rai.”

Abhishek Bachchan, much aware of the all the IIFA hype and hoopla, decided to clear the air. Bachchan Junior tweets, “Just to clarify….Neither Aishwarya nor I will be performing or attending IIFA Toronto, classic case of jumping the gun!”

However, it was recently said that though Amitabh Bachchan, the former IIFA ambassador, has dissociated himself from the awards, beta Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya will perform at the award function to be held at Toronto.

But now it seems that IIFA and the Bachchans, once almost synonymous, won’t go along for at least a few years.

Big B to play MF Hussain on screen

If things go as planned, Hindi filmmaker Prabhakar Shukla might be able to rope in Amitabh Bachchan to play Maqbool Fida Hussain in the film on the life of the deceased painter.

For one year Prabhakar Shukla has been working on a project called ‘Husain - The Painter’. But before he could discuss the film in detail with MF Husain, the painter passed away on Thursday in London this week.

Now, Shukla has two options - to shelve the project or to go ahead and make the film. He’s even got a producer to back the project.

Shukla has apparently decided to make the film. He hopes to sign Amitabh Bachchan to play the role of MF Husain. However, Shukla has still not approached the superstar and isn’t sure that Bachchan will indeed give his nod to the project. Shukla has to his credit a small-budget film titled Kahani Gudiya Ki and hasn’t yet directed a big budget Bollywood film.

Big B, by the way, was on very good terms with MF Husain. The latter had gifted him a painting of Lord Hanuman carrying the sanjivani booti when Bachchan was hospitalized during the ‘Coolie’ incident.

Will Amitabh Bachchan now play MF Husain on screen?

Raveena to dance to Big B's tunes

Bollywood actress Raveena Tondon is all geared up to hit the dance floor again. She will be seen grooving in a sizzling dance number from the movie - Bbuddah - Hoga Terra Baap.

Raveena tweeted: “Helllllooooo everybodyyy! Super super cool song I'm shooting for Buddahh Hoga tera baap! Chandigarh ki kudi-chandigarh ki star!! Super fun!”

Before we could call this track an item number, she coined a new term for it - a super dance track!! She tweeted: “Can't call it an ITEM number though as I'm fully clothed!!hahahhaah! But a super dance track by Vishal shekhar and sung by my fav!! Sunidhi! ” The song will be aired very shortly and is currently being shot at Filmistan.

None of us can forget her previous hit music numbers like Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast, Shehar Ki Ladki and Kisi Disco Mein Jaye. But will she be able to revive the same magic again? Well only time will tell that!

For now, we are sure she has just one message for all those who think that she is a bit old to perform a zippy dance number - Buddahh hoga terra baap!

Prakash Jha devilous acts

For a filmmaker each of his ventures is like his baby. So when it comes to shooting a movie he wouldn't compromise on anything, even if it means playing on his own life. Take this noted person of our B-town for instance....

On a typical film set where most directors are found sitting by the camera in their director's chair calling out action, Prakash Jha is always found in midst of the action.

Prakash Jha who is known to be one director who takes on challenging subjects with his films, seems to have taken a few during the shooting of his forthcoming multi-starrer film 'Aarakshan'. One would always find Jha with the film camera on an edge of a bridge without support, or on a crane 50 odd ft above the ground, amidst of a chaotic crowd or under a running bulldozer to get a shot just right.

Amitabh Bachchan who is working with Jha for the first time, rightly dubbed him as a "Khatron Ka Khiladi."

Being the daredevil director, Prakash Jha escapes a few almost accidents during the shoot. It happened twice during shooting, while taking a shot under the bulldozer, the driver didn't hear the command to "Stop" from the action director, almost running over Jha!

Second time, he wasn't as lucky as he takes off on a scooter by himself during a location shift, and gets into an accident. Unphased by the injury the "Khatron Ka Khiladi". Prakash Jha remarked to his crew jokingly, "You've made me fall, but don't think I have fallen from grace."

Our advice to you, Sirji play it safe..!!

Sonu Sood's "Harley" inspired by Big B

Sonu Sood's love for automobiles goes a long time back but when it comes to Harley Davidson, it was one beauty he always yearned to own. Recently while shooting for AB Corp's Bbuddha Hoga Tera Baap he got so inspired after watching Amitabh Bachchan (who plays an underworld don) ride a Harley Davidson that Sonu went and bought one for himself!

Sonu said, "I guess when I saw the bike on the sets and saw Mr Bachchan riding it, it spurred me into action as well. I got a Harley booked for myself without telling anyone in the family! It is a timeless classic. I've appreciated the bike for a long time and had wanted to buy one. I love the sound of the Harley revving up, its quintessential roar that's such a trademark of this dream machine." Sonu plays a cop in Bbuddha Hoga Tera Baap.

"My character is ACP Karan Malhotra, who is a very loyal police officer, committed to fighting against the underworld in Mumbai. But I didn't get to ride the bike in the film." It is not just Sonu who is excited about this new purchase, but his whole family. "I took my sons and wife on the bike, and they loved it. My son even made me promise that I would drop him to school on the bike, which I think I will also enjoy!"

Sonu is very close to Salman Khan but does Sallu knows of this new addition to his automobile collection? "Salman doesn't know yet, but I will definitely ride the bike to his sets." Sonu elaborated, "I had a Hero Honda in college and wanted to own a bigger bike. I didn't get a bike till now because being an actor, its tough to travel by it."

"I'm ready to quit!" says Aishwarya

Name, fame and success always go with some problems. Naturally, they become the center of attraction for the gossip columnists and celebrities always fall prey for such gossip mongers.

The victim on this news is the renowned Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who goes through unceasing problems being a part of some rumor or the other almost all the time.

Recently, one of the Hindi entertainment channels had aired the news "Aishwarya is all set to go bare for a film project."

Blown out in extreme shock, Aishwarya slammed down the channel saying "I hail from a well reputed family and shall not spoil the value of my in-laws. If this is the situation, I am ready to quit films. I am really shocked to hear such stories and I beg them to stop dishonoring me and my family.”

Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap.. !!

The legendary Big B revives his angry man avatar! Check out the first look of Amitabh Bachchan’s Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap trailer.

Bbuddah is an action thriller about a hot-headed old man who feels young, and has a knack of getting into trouble. The highlight of the film has to be the legendary Amitabh Bachchan reviving his angry man act and uttering dialogues for his cult films like Agneepath, Deewar, Don, Shahenshah, and Hum. Per sources, the film sees Bachchan play a retired hit-man settled in Paris, who returns to India for one last job.

'Bbuddah - Hoga Terra Baap' is being made jointly by Viacom 18 and AB Corp. It is written and directed by South director Puri Jagannath. The movie will release on 1st July.
Here is a first look of Bbuddah - Hoga Terra Baap trailer:

Delhi Belly's Contender

Aamir isn't worried about the release of Delhi Belly clashing with Big B's flick.

After having produced five hit films under his banner, Aamir Khan is extremely confident about his sixth home production 'Delhi Belly' that is touted to be a sex comedy. Aamir is busy promoting 'Delhi Belly' and is aware of the fact that his film has a strong contender.

Amitabh Bachchan's much awaited flick 'Bbuddah - Hoga Tera Baap' will also be releasing along side Delhi Belly and the film will see Big B once again returning as an angry man but this time, an old man. Directed by South India's renowned filmmaker Puri Jagannath, Bbuddah... has a strong buzz in the industry.

Unprofessional Attitude

One of the most successful associations in the history of Bollywood Box Office - Ram Gopal Varma and the Bacchan’s are no more.

The Duo has worked together in films that turned to be Blockbusters like Sarkar, Sarkar raj, Rann, RGV Ki Aag and Nishabdh.

As reported Abhishek Bacchan was dropped out from RGV’s ongoing project titled 'Department' and the reason behind it was said to be the poor performance of Abhishek in Dum Maro Dum.

Though in the initial stage, Abhishek by himself politely said ‘NO’ to RGV’s project that started rolling last month, by acting promptly the angered first family of Bollywood to the ‘unprofessional attitude’ towards Dum Maro Dum, Amitabh decided not to be a part of RGV's project.

According to the sources “RGV started making uncharitable remarks on Dum Maro Dum and Amitabh Bachchan is no longer interested in working with a filmmaker who has meted out such worst treatment to his son”

Big B excited about hosting KBC 5 !!

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan is once again ready to take on the role of the host of the television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

The coming months would see the superstar hosting the fifth season of the popular and hit reality game show that first aired in 2000.

“Preparing now for KBC's next season starting I think in a few months... creative and promo discussions today ... very interesting,” Bachchan revealed on Twitter.

KBC is based on the UK game show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’

In the four seasons of KBC since 2000, Big B has hosted the show three times. The third season of the show was hosted by Shahrukh Khan but wasn’t as big a hit as was expected. Big B returned for the fourth season and took the show to a greater height.

When Big B appreciated Rana !!

Compliments have been flowing in for actor Rana Daggubati, who debuted in Bollywood with Dum Maaro Dum.

However, praises from a megastar has put a smile on Rana's lips. The young heartthrob is on a high after the feedback his first Bollywood film has received. But the actor's happiness and excitement knew no bounds when he got an sms from Amitabh Bachchan praising his acting.

In a recent interview Rana revealed, "I got an sms from Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and he said he liked my work in Dum Maaro Dum. He was one of the first people to give the feedback after watching the film. Coming from him, the sms has now become my most priced possession."

Now, who won't be on a high after getting a compliment by the Shahenshah of Bollywood?

Shatrughan Sinha to anchor Bhojpuri "KBC"

Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha is all set to give popularity challenge to Amitabh Bachchan by hosting 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' in Bhojpuri.

Siddarth Basu, the maker of Kaun Banega Crorepati, the programme that revolutionized Indian television as well as Amitabh Bachchan's sagging career, has succeeded in roping in Sinha for the Bhojpuri version of the show.

Sinha popularly known as "Bihari Babu" would step into Amitabh's shoes as the Bhojpuri host for the show, which would be telecast on Mahua Channel.

Shooting is expected to start from May next and the programme would run for over a year.

Sinha, BJP MP from Patna Saheb, was not available for comments but sources close to him said he agreed to do the show to promote and project Bhojpuri language spoken by a large number of people in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Outside India, Bhojpuri is spoken in Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago and Mauritius.

Shraddha Kapoor of "Teen Patti" fame

Shraddha Kapoor reveals how she was asked to make the trademark Shakti Kapoor 'aaoon' sound and dance with naada hanging out of her shorts.

Shakti Kapoor's daughter Shraddha Kapoor's debut film Teen Patti might have gone unnoticed but the actress makes a refreshing comeback this year and is here to stay. "To be honest, I was extremely bummed out with the failure of Teen Patti ", admits Shraddha. "People didn't like the film and they are entirely entitled to their opinion. But such is life!"

"Since my first film didn't work, people were wary of casting me. Also I didn't have a fleshed out role in Teen Patti wherein people could judge me on the scale of my performance", confesses Shraddha who had hard time post Teen Patti . "Then I auditioned for this role in Y-Films and Luv Ka The End happened. It is a huge opportunity for me". Shraddha has now signed a 3-film deal with Y-Films though it's a non-exclusive agreement, meaning she can do films outside the banner as well.

Luv Ka The End , the first film coming from Y-Films, the new division of Yash Raj Films, claims to be an anti romantic-comedy film. That sounds unusual coming from the Yash Raj stable who are known for their sugar-coated love stories. Shraddha clarifies, "To begin with Luv Ka The End has lots of romance but as it progresses it has a violent twist after which it becomes an anti rom-com. I play the character of Riya Dayal who is feminine, quirky but at the same time determined. When she learns that her boyfriend is cheating on her, initially she is heartbroken and shattered. But she gets over the rona-dhona and picks up the baseball bat to get even with him".

So does her character have shades of Kill Bill ? "Well I never thought of it that way but now that you mention, I can actually see some common shades of violence and revenge between the two films", laughs the pretty Kapoor girl.

Talking about her costar Taaha Shah, Shraddha says, "I enjoyed getting even with him. This being his first film, he used to bombard me with questions from shot-takings to acting to anything and everything. He was like this curious cat who had no idea about things and I was an information bank to him".

But at the same time she learnt a lot from Taasha. "It was the climax sequence where I had trouble with this long monologue. Our film was made in a very short span of time and we didn't get enough time for rehearsals to perfect our acts. At that time Taasha helped me a lot with my lines and guided me through the entire sequence".

Any tips that came handy from father Shakti Kapoor since she is playing a role with grey shades? "Mine is not a negative character", she is quick to defend. "The only thing that my father taught me was to be honest with my performance. But more than my father it was director Bumpy who wanted me to be real wicked while swinging the baseball bat. He always complained that I was holding the bat in a girly way".

On a funny note Shradha adds that through the filming, she was asked to make the trademark Shakti Kapoor 'aaoon' sound a hundred times and dance with naada hanging out of her shorts. "But jokes apart I do not want my father to watch the film. Actually I haven't watched the film myself. Once I see the final film and am happy with it would I want my parents to watch it", says Shraddha.

Is she confident enough to cut through the competition in Bollywood? "I have heard good things about the industry and I have heard bad things. But, I believe, in times when we have banners like Y-Films that are supporting new talents, there are opportunities galore for youth and the industry can accommodate everyone. So no worries!", signs off Shraddha on a positive note.

Sachin's guest list: Who will make it?

Ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar who is basking in joy with World Cup victory has invited Bollywood top-notch couple, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan to join in the celebration of the memorable victory. Sachin Tendulkar has thrown a grand bash to mark the win and invited Ash-Abhi.

Revealing the news, Amitabh Bachchan tweets, “Abhishek and Aishwarya been invited by Sachin for a celebration ..guess I shall have to wait till the morning for the excitement!”

After the win, Big B along with his son and daughter-in-law went out in the street and joined in the celebration with their fans. While Big B drove the car, Ash and Abhi danced all the way out on the roof top of the car, shouting and waving the flag of India.

Apart from Ash and Abhi who else in Sachin’s guests list is yet to be known.

Congrats to Sachin and his team! What a great achievement, Waoh!

Amitabh overcomes his superstition

His long cherished dream of winning the world cup for India having come true, Sachin Tendulkar is now in the mood to celebrate.

The Little Master has apparently sent invites to some Bollywood folks as well, we hear. In fact, Amitabh Bachchan has confirmed on his blog that Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai have been invited by Sachin.

“I messaged Sachin and Harbhajan on their marvelous victory and true to their spirit they responded, as always. Abhishek and Aishwarya have been invited tonight to a celebration by Sachin. The joyous mood retains its vigor,” Big B wrote on his blog.

The mega star went on to add that sports and entertainment are two unifiers of people.

“A prominent author and thinker on a public platform admitted that sport and film were the two most fertile ingredients in bringing a nation together. Nothing could be truer. They always were and shall always be, a unifier!” Big B wrote.

Normally, the Bachchans used to avoid watching the cricket matches live because they harboured a superstition that watching the match would lead to India’s defeat. But they watched the final match on Saturday and after India’s win the trio of Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya took to streets to celebrate the win with aam aadmi.

Amitabh Bachchan celebrates India's victory

Amitabh Bachchan believes that if he watches a cricket match, India will lose. But he not only sat in front of the TV to see the India-Sri Lanka World Cup final here Saturday, also hit the road in open car to celebrate with others when the home team won.

"Me superstitious about watching match coz' we lose... but after 33 for 2 (sic), don't know why, sat in front of TV till the six from (M.S.) Dhoni," he tweeted after India's six wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Diya ghuma ke, ghuma ke, ghuma ke!!," he wrote, very excited.

The 68-year-old says he hadn't previously witnessed the kind of euphoria in the city that followed India's victory.

"No one is saying anything...just screaming!! It is bizarre!!! Roads lanes everywhere jammed with people and screams!! Never before!"

"Anhonee ko hooni kar de, honi ko anhonee ! Ek jagah jab jama hon tinoh - Rajni, Gajni aur Dhoni!!!" he tweeted.

The megastar's excitment was evident from the fact that he was simultaneoulsy updating his Twitter page and his blog.

"We won ! We are the World Champions! Yeeeehhhhh!!," he posted on his blog.

Amitabh, too, joined the jubilant crowds with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

"It is madness outside!! Abhishek, Aishwarya and me on top of the roof of a car, waving tricolor and just screaming!! Hundreds with us."

"We are the world!! Just back from...sitting on top of the roof, waving the tricolor and just screaming!!"

Abhi-Kangana in RGV's next

The maverick filmmaker is all set to present two distinct actors together on screens. In his forthcoming dark action drama ‘Department’, Ram Gopal Varma has signed in Kangna Ranaut, who will play the character of Abhishek Bachchan's wife in the film.

Speaking on why he chose the actress, RGV said that in fact he was smitten by her work in films like ‘Gangster’ and ‘Woh Lamhe’ where she played intense roles. Since then the director wanted to work with Kangna, but he was waiting for the right opportunity and apt film for her. “I didn't want to cast her in anything insignificant. The role had to justify her presence," stated RGV to sources.

‘Department’ features Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, besides Abhishek and Kangna in the lead. According to Varma the film is very much a guys' film, with only one major female character. “The story is about three cops and the extra-constitutional activities they engage in to maintain a civil society. Kangna is the only person in the world that Abhishek's character can share his agony with. She plays a very intense role in this dark, gritty and real drama," he added further.

Abhishek and Kangna are already a team in forthcoming film ‘Game’. But getting them paired is something that is interesting. Well, we are waiting to see the jodi on screen… What about you?

Big B turns comedian for Rana

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be seen working with South demi God Rajnikanth in “Rana”. Big B will be acting a comic role in the movie.

As readers know that the two are good friends from a long time and have worked together in films like “Hum”, “Andha Kanoon” and “Giraftaar”.

Following the blockbuster success of “Robot”, Rajni is keeping no stone unturned for “Rana”, in which he is going to play triple role. Two of them are full-fledged parts, while the third is a cameo.

In the film, Rajni will be seen romancing Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan as well as Rekha.

According to the reports, Rekha will co-star opposite the older Rajnikanth, Vidya will be with the middle-aged character and Deepika opposite the youngest.

Co-incidentally, all the three actresses come from South Indian background. The film will also be made in Telugu and Tamil and Rekha is said to be excited about her role.

Rajni and Rekha earlier worked together in films like “Bhrashtachar”, “Phool Bane Angaaray” and “Bulandi”.

In the movie, Sonu Sood will be seen playing role of a bad man. The film will be directed by KS Ravi Kumar and will be jointly produced by Eros International and Soundarya Rajinikanth’s Ocher Studios Pvt Ltd. “Rana” will hit floors this April.

“Rana” is a very special film for music maestro A R Rahman as he will be working with filmmaker K.S. Ravi Kumar after a decade.

Sonu Sood of Dabangg fame rocks Southern Cinema

Sonu Sood currently has a lot happening in the south film industries.

The NTR Jr-Ileana flick Shakti, in which he also stars, is due for release soon, and he has just signed the Rajinikanth film Raana, for which he will start shooting next month.

But that doesn't mean he doesn't have Bollywood projects —there's the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Buddah. And he considers himself lucky to be working with stalwarts in each industry.

"You spend 10 days with Mr Bachchan, and the next 10 days with Mr Rajinikanth, who are both legends. It's a great learning experience," says the actor, adding that all he needs to round things off is a Malayalam film, which he's sure will happen soon.