Kangana Ranaut to play Madhubala

Madhubala, the legendary beauty of Bollywood, has been the inspiration of many actresses and starlets till date. But the honour of playing the gorgeous actress has been bagged by the sultry Kangana Ranaut.

Directed by Milan Luthria, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, is a very tender romance between the yesteryear actress and underworld don Haji Mastan which is played by Ajay Devgan.

Kangana Ranaut fears that she may not look as ethereal as Madhubala.

However, Kangana is taking the role very seriously and has been watching Madhubala’s films. Let’s see whether Kangana manages to bring alive Madhubala on screen or not.

Ajay Devgan's bike seized by Revenue Intelligence

Ajay Devgan has been in the news lately for his upcoming films Rajneeti and All The Best. But this time he is in news for reasons other than films. The actor's imported bike is the cause for concern. It has drawn the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's attention towards the star.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has inquired the owners of imported bikes one of whom being Ajay. They are been suspected of evading the payment of duty by importing the bikes as parts. This evasion is visible as the bikes are clearly visible on the streets, but the reports fail to show any mention about them.

Ajay Devgan's bike is not the only bike in question. Also closely looked after is the bike of filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, though the filmmaker says that his papers were clear and that his bike hadn't been seized. As for Devgan he accepted the claims and has offered to pay the amount that is due.

Ajay Devgan faces complaint for smoking at public place

An NGO based at Chandigarh has filed a complaint against Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan for allegedly smoking at a public place.

“We have submitted a written complaint at the offices of senior superintendent of police and director of health services, Chandigarh. They have assured us of appropriate action against the actor after probe”, said Hemant Goswamy, chairperson of Burning Brain Society.

Devgan, who had come to Chandigarh for the shooting of a Bollywood film, was clicked by a photo journalist while smoking at the Chandigarh airport.

The city became the first smoke-free city of India as it was officially declared so on July 15, 2007. Smoking is banned at all the public places as well as any place where the public has any access.

London Dreams to be released on Independence Day

If I say there is a specific trend in bollywood for a movie to be released, then I won’t be 100% wrong. It is quite noticeable that most producers decided their releases around the two major festivals - Diwali and Idd. Then Christmas and Valentine's Day celebrations were included. Later, Republic Day and Independence Day are also being eyed by producers and distributors.

In 2008, Vipul Shah released his ambitious venture Singh Is Kinng on 8th August, a week before the Independence Day. This year, he is targeting the Independence Day weekend for his next mega venture London Dreams. The film has been confirmed for a 14th August release.

London Dreams stars Ajay Deogan, Salman Khan, Om Puri and the latest hot favourite of bollywood, Asin who made her bollywood debut with Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini.

Raveena Tandon refused to be Ajay Devgan's mom in Rajneeti

Prakash Jha's 'Rajneeti' was to be Raveena Tandon's dream comeback but the actress quit the project once she learnt that she would have to play Ajay Devgan's mother. 'You can't blame me for saying no to playing mother to an actor with whom I co-starred in so many films. But I had a bigger reason for my refusal. The film required me to leave Mumbai for two months at a stretch. Both my children are too young to be left behind for such a long time, especially since they don't even go to school yet,' told Raveena. Raveena was expected to play the role of an all-powerful politician in director Prakash Jha's 'Rajneeti', inspired by late prime minister Indira Gandhi's life and times. Raveena was to play Ranbir Kapoor's mother. And Ranbir's role resonated the life of Rajiv Gandhi.

Raveena, who had earlier played a politician in 'Satta', had several meetings with Jha and both of them were excited about it.

Raveena had to age from 20 to 60. Her makeup, saris and styling were all finalised. Until she realised the role required her to play not just Ranbir's mom but also Ajay's mother.

That's when the National Award winning actress decided to back out, thereby halting her spectacular comeback plans.

“Prakash Jha offered me the role in 'Rajneeti”. And what a role! I've the highest regards for Prakash. And when I met him for this part, I realised he's even bigger a visionary than I thought.

'He's meant to not just make films but be a national leader. He's absolutely the right person to direct a subject like 'Rajneeti'. I'd have given anything to return to cinema with this project, specially since he insisted I was his first and best choice,' the actress said.

Raveena, who was last seen in the 2006 dud 'Sandwich', is ready to return to the big screen. But she will only do a film that requires her to shoot in and around Mumbai. The actress is best remembered for her hits like 'Mohra', 'Andaz Apna Apna' and 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'.

As for the role of the female politician in Rajneeti, Jha is now thinking of casting either Tisca Chopra or Mrinal Kulkarni.

Ajay Devgan in women dress in Golmaal Returns

Cross-dressing seems to have become popular in Bollywood. Govinda started it. Aamir Khan and Riteish Deshmukh followed it and now the latest followers of this trend are Shreyas, Tusshar Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Arshad Warsi.

The four leading actors of Golmaal Returns will now be seen cross-dressing as women folks. The reason? Well, there’s a scene in the film that required these guys to dress up like women only in order to gain an entry in an ‘only women’ mall, since the date was Women’s Day.

“I was quite taken aback when Ajay Devgan agreed to this scene in particular. He was very gung-ho to go ahead with the scene. In fact, none of the guys had any reservations, which made it one of the best scenes in the film,” says film director Rohit Shetty.

Ajay Devgan to play Don in Haji Mastan

Ajay Devgan with his brooding good looks, has been chosen to play the role of don Haji Mastan in an upcoming movie.

Ajay Devgan is fresh from playing doting husband in U Me Aur Hum and a loser in comic caper, Gol Maal Returns. He is not new to essaying the role of underworlds characters, having done Company and Omkara. But this is the first time he will essay the role of a real don.

Haji Mastan ruled over the film industry in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The film will also see, Emraan Hashmi playing the role of infamous underworld king Dawood Ibrahim.

A source said, “Both, director Milan Luthria and Suniel Shetty always wanted to cast Ajay as his physical characteristics perfectly match that of Haji Mastan. But, it was only last week that Milan went to Phuket to narrate the script to Ajay, where he is shooting for ‘Toonpur Ka Superhero’, and things fell into place. Ajay loved his role and immediately signed on the dotted line”.

Ajay Devgan honoured with Jasarat Award

Better known for chilled-out, down to earth, a great actor, and now a fabulous director, Ajay Devgan must have taken years of dedication and hard work to attain such a reputation. He has always been known more for his socially relevant films than his comic appearances. Finally, his noble work got appreciations.

The Urdu Press Club of India honored Ajay Devgan with the Jasarat Award at Kanpur. After doing socially relevant films like Zakhm, Legend of Bhagat Singh, Gangaajal, Apaharan, Halla Bol and his directorial debut film, U Me Aur Hum, he's finally being appreciated. Although Ajay was not present for the award ceremony, he gave his respects in a written statement stating the value of Urdu and its significance in the Indian film industry.

Along with Ajay Devgan, historian author Amaresh Misra was also honored with the Jasarat award.

Ajay is just unpredictable, says Kajol

It is one of the most eagerly anticipated comebacks in Bollywood. Husband and wife Ajay and Kajol Devgan are to appear together on the big screen for the first time in eight years, in U, Me Aur Hum. Hmmm, interesting! And that's not enough. It's Ajay Devgan's directorial debut. Too good! But will the film live up to the over hyped expectations? Well, Kajol has the answers to few of such exclusive questions...

Is Ajay going to rock the boat?
Can't say at the moment. But I am pretty confident that the film will do well and complete the journey comfortably. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Was the journey smooth throughout or were there any 'phool aur kaante' while filming?
(Laughs) Actually, there were few 'kaante's' but we jumped over it and completed our journey quite smoothly. Hopefully, the film will blossom like a flower after its release.

You and Ajay are coming back after a gap of 8 years. Wasn't it like you were working with a new comer?
No, not at all. And we are coming back together after 7 years. Working with Ajay is always a new experience because he is so unpredictable when it comes to sharing screen space with his co-stars and even the newcomers.

Having seen the promos, the film doesn't really speak about the plot. Don't you think people, now-a-days, see the film only if they like the promos?
If the trailer isn't giving much away, doesn't mean that the film is not worth watching. You throw in a song and some dialogues to make a promo. But that's not all. I think if the people want to go and watch the film, irrespective of the promos, they will go.

Kajol will always be remembered as a bubbly and a chirpy actress on screen. So what's so different about you in U, Me Aur Hum?
Everything is. I am bubbly, chirpy and a lot more. But the lot more, you will only come to know after the film comes out. What more?

Don't you worry. There is still more. Why Vishal Bharadwaj, an unconventional music director for a fun loving film like U, Me Aur Hum?
We took Vishal for the simple reason that he is a good music director and more importantly also a director of many films. You will love the music of the film, which you are right, is not the typical Vishal Bharadwaj music, but that's why you'll like it.

And what have you got to say about your experience working with a new director?
The director is new. Not the person. Working with Ajay the director is to learn many things, which I haven't, learn before from my directors. He has a different take, belief, and style of working. U, Me Aur Hum is the trump card and not Ajay Devgan or Kajol. The film is the real hero.

I was sure Aamir will make a Good Film, says Ajay Devgan

“We weren’t taking a dig on anybody. The people concerned have no issues, then, whose issue is it! And why should I answer this question,” said an angry Ajay Devgan replying to a question based on a news report in a tabloid stating that Devgan’s character in Halla Bol had taken digs at Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Known for stellar performances in films like Zakhm, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Company and Legend of Bhagat Singh, Ajay Devgan is a star who is an actor first for he always shines irrespective of the fate of his films at the Box Office. In a no holds barred interview with Bollywood Hungama, Ajay opens up about his forthcoming film, Sunday, first directorial venture U Me Aur Hum, how it was to direct wife, Kajol, and what makes him tick in spite of all odds.

How different is Sunday as compared to your other films?
I really don’t know. Sunday is a film on its own. I wouldn’t want to compare it with other films. It’s a comedy where as the title suggests that a day goes missing in Ayesha’s life and it happens to be a Sunday and we are all looking for it. On a concept level it’s different and the whole film has been treated on a lighter note.

You and Rohit Shetty share a similar family background as your respective fathers were prominent Action directors, he has assisted many of your films and then directed you in all his films so far…There seems to be a mutual admiration society between the two of you…When do we see you doing an action film together?
I know him for 15-16 years. We are like a family. What more can I say. If we get the right kind of script then both of us should do an action film.

Certain action sequences in Sunday have been shot in the congested streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. It’s an unusual choice for filming action sequences….
We did shoot there and it was managed very well. It was very well organized. There were more than 50, 000 people. Nobody really troubled us. They were very cooperative.

This is your first film with Ayesha Takia. How was the experience?
I think it was great. It’s always a pleasure to work with good actors. And she did very well.

Your male co-stars have always said good things about you. You are never accused of cutting other people’s roles. Why?
It’s the film. A film always works well when everybody in it works well and not just one person. If tomorrow I think that a scene should go from the film be it mine or somebody else’s, its not as if I want to increase my role or decrease anybody’s role. It is what works for the film.

Music of Sunday is catchy. What’s your favourite track?
Nice music. Title song is working well. In fact my favourite is Pyaar To Hona Hi Hai.

How different is it to Being Directed and Directing yourself?
Two different things altogether. Here every decision is yours. It’s your concept, it’s the way you want to make and the way you see it. The way you see your actors performing, including yourself, it is entirely the director’s vision. Filmmaking is one man’s vision and that’s always the director. You can question the director but you shouldn’t divert his vision.

The first promo of your directorial debut U Me Aur Hum was featured on Bollywood Hungama recently and the response was fantastic. It’s a very appealing video starting with flying birds, the beautiful sea, nice soothing music….
(Interrupts) That’s how the film has been shot also. Nothing extra has been taken out for the sake of the promo. People usually do that. They make some shots for the promotion of the film but what you see in our promo is all part of the film.

Kajol is looking mint fresh and your chemistry seems to be razor sharp as if it’s your first film together…
When things work, everything works. I think it’s in coordination with the whole script and it’s the way the director sees it. And, then the presentation. If these things work then everything works. If the film on a whole doesn’t work then nothing works. I don’t think there’s anything such as chemistry. If the characters are working then the chemistry is there. If the characters are not working then there’s no chemistry.

How easy or difficult is it to direct a fantastic actor like Kajol?
I think it is always a pleasure to direct great actors, good actors. She is a good actress. So, I had the leeway to push my buttons while writing the scenes because I know my actor can perform it.
U Me Aur Hum is your first film. Obviously there’s a lot of curiosity. What’s the film all about?
I think it’s too early to talk about the film. It’s a romantic film. It’s a film about relationships. It has its dose of humour and drama. I’ve just tried to say something that I believe in my heart. It’s a film that talks about positivity in life and in relationships. There’s so much of negativity around, I thought issues are there in everybody’s life and how to tackle them is the positivity. Tackle them with a smile. That’s what I believe in.

Who has done the music of U Me Aur Hum…it seems different and very nice?
Vishal Bharadwaj. I think he has done a fabulous job.

Apparently you’ve taken digs at Shahrukh and Aamir Khan in your film Halla Bol…
(Interrupts) Spoken by whom?

There are certain scenes in the film…
(Interrupts again) But spoken by whom?

There was a news report in a tabloid regarding the same…
But who created that report

The journalist who wrote the story…
Exactly…people concerned didn’t speak about it or even know about it. When we shot the film we didn’t have anyone in mind, we weren’t taking a dig on anybody. The people concerned have no issues, then, whose issue is it! And why should I answer this question.

Alright, let’s shift to greener pastures. You won a National Award for Zakhm and Bhagat Singh. You are one actor who talks with his eyes, whose silence speaks for itself! How do you internalize so beautifully?
If you ask me how I do it, I’d say I don’t know. I think I’ve been lucky enough to get the right kind of roles with the right kind of directors. I’m honestly there without any insecurities that I should do a little more than what I do, will expressions show on screen or should I overact. I just do it with honesty.

Amongst your own films, which are the ones that have been most satisfying?
I really don’t know. I think you work hard on all films. Some work, some don’t. But you’ve worked hard on all so you can’t say which is more satisfying.

But still if you have to choose say four five most satisfying works of yours, which one will they be?
You took a few names, like Zakhm, Legend of Bhagat Singh then Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Gangajal, Aparahan…and even Halla Bol where people have really appreciated the performance.

There are times when your films work and then there are times when they don’t. How do you deal with such phases?
Those phases come and go because you know it’s the right kind of films that work. And then you need to sit and think that what worked and what didn’t work. Then try not to make the same mistakes again. It’s better to make new mistakes.

Apart from you, one of your colleagues Aamir Khan also turned a director with Taare Zameen Par….
Whatever I’ve heard about the film, I think he has made a fantastic film. I think it’s great. He is a good actor. He is a sensible guy so I was always sure he’ll make a good film.

You guys gelled beautifully in Ishq. Any chances of doing another film together?
We should get the right kind of script that both of us should like and want to do. We would love to work.

What are your forthcoming films?
There’s Sunday, then U Me Aur Hum and then Golmaal Returns.

Ajay Devgan will become a Valued Character Actor, says Rajkumar Santoshi

Rajkumar Santoshi's Halla Bol, which releases on January 11, looks quite interesting. The film has Ajay Devgan play a struggling actor, who soon becomes a star. His humbleness is swiftly replaced by arrogance, as he basks in his success. Halla Bol also has shades of the Jessica Lal murder as Devgan's character witnesses a murder.

The film also stars Pankaj Kapur and Vidya Balan.

Santoshi talks to Arthur J Pais about his upcoming film, and also his new projects -- Ashoka and Ramayan, both of which will star Devgan.

How did Halla Bol come about?
For more than a decade, I have been thinking of making a film about how many of us shirk our responsibilities and claim we are neutral. But just because we are silent, we are not really neutral. I thought of taking up the film now and then, in the past decade. But other projects came up. However, the idea would not go away.

Why did the idea persist?
Because we are confronted by situations where we are expected to take a stand, all the time. But many of us turn away. I have been guilty of it too. It has been becoming increasingly clear to me that if I do not stand up to the person next to me, I am guilty of joining hands with those who are oppressing that person. And a time may come that I would be the only person standing, and there would br no one to defend me.

What would you say -- in a sentence or two -- is the theme of the film?
Raise your voice. That is the proof that you are truly alive.

What happens to Ajay Devgan's character in the film?
His soul slowly becomes corrupt as he becomes more and more successful in life. He loses his humanity. But the day of reckoning surely must be coming.

You love working with him, don't you?
He is a trusted friend. And I feel that I will continue working with him for many years. I never get tired of working with Ajay. He will be playing the lead in Ashoka and then in the Ramayan. Both will be made within two years. I am sure people will be astounded how he will interpret the two compellingly fascinating characters. Ajay is one of the few leading men in the industry today who will some day become a very valued character actor.

What do you feel most appealing in him?
He has never been a chocolate face actor. Though he has received a lot of praise for his performances and awards, I feel every time I work with him, there is so much more talent in him that is waiting to be exploited. Ajay surprises me every time we are doing a new film.

What kind of Ashoka would he make?
I am sure he will bring out well all the contradictions, weaknesses and strengths in Ashoka. I love history and I read extensively about historical people. I have been thinking of this film for many years, and Ajay was always there in my mind as Ashoka.

Some filmmakers would have been tempted to cast 'handsome' actor as Ashoka.

(Chuckles) That is the point. From my reading, I know that Ashoka was not a handsome person in the traditional sense. He was also a dark skinned person. One of Ajay's strengths is that he can get under the skin of any well-written role and make it his own. He has sharp, expressive eyes. And he appears to be very natural in all the challenging characters he has played so far.

People surely have asked this question before. There is already a film on Ashoka, starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Santosh Sivan. The film got mixed reviews and did not perform well.

What made you decide on another film on the emperor?
The answer lies in your question. It is not that I did not like the previous film. But I found it ended at a very important juncture, the Battle of Kalinga, that led to Ashoka getting horrified with the carnage on the battlefield and renouncing warfare.

My film starts where Santosh Sivan's film ended. I am fascinated by the life and times of Ashoka. I remember reading H G Wells, who considered Ashoka to be the most powerful emperor because of the moral strength he had in renouncing violence and seeking an ethical life for himself and his people. Wells considered Ashoka to be even greater than Alexander and Julius Caesar. It would not have surprised me to read an Indian historian calling Ashoka great. But a British historian recognising Ashoka's greatness? How can I resist the idea of making a film on Ashoka?

There surely some people in the film business who think it is a risky subject?
I am sure. But the fact that I am all ready to make the film --- we plan to start shooting it in February --- shows my confidence in the subject.
What did you find most interesting about Ashoka's life?
I am tempted to look at what might have happened after he renounced war and he actually begin to believe in the renunciation. I don't think the transition was easy. I don't think he stopped fighting the demons within himself once he took that decision. I am often intrigued by, whether I read a novel or study history, the transitional period.

What made you choose Bipasha Basu for Ashoka?
I think Ajay and Bipasha have excellent screen chemistry. She plays the role of Kaurwaki. She has to be sensuous and also a person of determination. This could be one of the most challenging roles of her career.

There surely are people who will remind you about The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Did that film eventually make the money?
The producers of the film say they haven't recovered the investment. And yet, TIPS is so proud of the film, it is mentioned as their proudest achievement. Though the film was not a runaway hit, thousands liked it. It won many awards. Many people in India consider it to be one of the finest historical films made by an Indian filmmaker. source

Halla Bol could be Worthy to Watch Out for

Once again Ajay Devgan and Rajkumar Santoshi are back together with their forthcoming movie Halla Bol. This combination has given us Khakee (2004), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) and Lajja (2001) in the past so this time again the expectations are high.

Halla Bol stars Vidya Balan opposite Ajay Devgan. Pankaj Kapoor and newcomer Ishteyak also find pivotal roles.

Earlier the movie was scheduled to be released by the end of the year. On 21st of December, the movies from three Big A’s were likely to hit the silver screen. “Taare Zameen Par” from Aamir, “Welcome” from Akshay and “Halla Bol” from Ajay.

So, in order to avoid the loss of business… “Halla Bol” got shifted to a new releasing date and now it will hit the silver screen on 11th Jan.

Rumor zone says that the movie has a touch of the infamous Jessica Lal murder case. Ajay Devgan plays an unprincipled actor, who is a prime witness to this high profile murder. The witnesses turn hostile but ultimately it is Sameer Khan (Ajay Devgan), who finds his conscience and decides to reveal the truth in the court, against all odds.

Halla Bol seems promising – could be worthy to watch out for.

Movie Stills from Halla Bol

Movie Stills from Halla Bol