Jan 8: Pyaar Impossible

Pyaar Impossible is the title of the forthcoming Yash Raj Productions film directed by actor-turned-director Jugal Hansraj with Priyanka Chopra, Uday Chopra (writer & producer of the film) and Dino Morea in lead cast.

This movie is a romantic comedy depicting the love story between a beauty and a geek. Music by Salim Sulaimanwill be out on December 12th and the movie is slated for release early next year on January 8th. Check out the Pyaar impossible website for production news and video blogs of the movie -

http://www.yashrajfilms.com/microsites/pyaarimpossible/index.html

Review: De Dana Dan

Verdict: Okay /Timepass .
"K" Rating: 2.8 /5
Watch: DVD

When watching comedy flicks the rule of thumb is to leave your brains outside the theater and not to find logic. This rule is mandatory for De Dana Dan as it is pure mindless entertainment which promises plenty of laughs.Just enjoy the one-liners, slapstick comedy of the 27+ confused money crazed characters. It is no Hera Pheri by any standards but its a decent attempt by Priyadarshan. The music is good, especially"Paisa Paisa" by RDB.

The biggest stumbling block of the film is its storyline. The movie starts off with an Akshay track and 1hr into the movie he disappears (gets locked up in a closet) giving way to numerous other tracks which unleash chaos and confusion. It seems the director did not have time to tie up all the stories so he literally submerses them in water (the hotel where they are floods) with an Akshay story wrap up. No doubt the credits say "Filmed" by Priyadarshan and not "Directed".

The tagline "The greatest entertainers are back" and the poster are misleading as there is no comedy scene between Akshay, Sunit Shetty and Paresh Rawal together. However the chemistry of Akshay and Sunil Shetty as friends is great.De Dana Dan boasts casting nearly all the comedians that Bollywood has to offer so all hell had to break loose on screen. Akshay, Sunil Shetty, Archana Puran Singh and Rajpal Yadav are outstanding in the film. Chunky Pandey has a notable come back.

22nd Jan 2010: Veer

As we ready ourselves to ring in the new year - there is more to celebrate as the year 2010 starts of with a glittering line up of Bollywood flicks. First up is "Veer" -an epic film set in British India starring Salman Khan. Produced by Vijay Galani with direction by Anil Sharma (Gadar/Hero/Apne fame) and written/distributed by Salman Khan looks promising. Veer is the Indian adaptation of the Russian historical novel Taras Bulba by Nikolai Gogol which was called "one of the 10 greatest books" of all times by Ernest Hemingway. From the promo (which came out with De Dana Dan) is about 3:43 mins long, the movie appears to be a cross between Lagaan and Gladiator. With a budget of 75 crore and the media hype already building up this movie is sure to open to packed houses on Jan 22nd 2010. Read up more on thier Official Website

Shilpa & Raj Extravaganza

The Engagement: Shilpa looked radiant with her 14 Carat ring after the ceremony which took place at the Juhu residence of Kundra. Sister Shamita was missed at the ceremony as she was away in the Big Boss house and we are glad her producers let her exit the show for big sisters D-Day.

The Sangeet/Mehndi: This pre-wedding bash took place in Khandala to kickstart the celebrations. Complete with designer mehndi by Veena Nagda to dances choreographed by Ganesh Hagede set the mood right of the wedding party.

The Wedding: took place on 22nd November at amansion owned by Shilpa's business partner/friend Kiran Bawa in Khandala. Raj dressed in a Shantanu-Nikhil (designer for all outfits of the groom) Shervani rode a chariot to the wedding venue. Shilpa looked stunning in a traditional Manglorian trousseau by Tarun Tahiliani adorning jewelry of over 6 crs. Few Bollywood celebs were invited for the ceremony as the wedding party consisted manly of the Bhagnani's and family and friends of the couple.

The Reception: 24th November at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai definitely proved to be a grand

affair with who's who of Bollywood turning up. It seemed like a red carpet event as media camped outside and took messages from the invitees. RDB and Richi Rich entertained the guests while we're not sure if justice was done to the 80kg/9-tier wedding cake by the figure conscious celebs.Those who made the evening memorable by their presence were Shahrukh & Gauri Khan, Hrithik & Suzzane Roshan, Amitabh Bachhan with bahu Aishwarya, King of good times Vijay Mallya, Sahara Chairman Subrotto Das, Govinda, Javed Akhtar - the list is endless. The ones who were conspicuous by their absence were Salmaan Khan (said to be busy shooting Dabaang) and Akshay Kumar & Twinkle (supposedly not

invited), Saif, Aamir and the 3 actresses (Kareena-Shooting in Aussi

Land,Katrina-has Jaundice & Priyanka). Nonetheless it was a prodigious turnup of the celebs

biggies making it a Big Fat Bollywood Reception to remember.

The Pujas: A trend set by the Bachchans to fly to different temples post-wedding is being continued by the Shetty gal. Shilpa & Raj leave for the Lord Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati and then to the Oneness University in Chennai to take the blessings of Shilpa's spiritual guru Sri Amma.

The Honeymoon: The newly weds are said to be spending a month long Honeymoon at the Atlantis in the Bahamas beginning December. This one sure does take the cake - considering the Hurricane season would be just getting over in the region.

Cosmo Fun Fearless Award: Shahrukh Khan

Every year Cosmopolitan Magazine which is universally known as the Bible for girls celebrates its true essence by hosting - The Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Awards. Keeping the spirit alive this year was a fun filled award ceremony hosted in Mumbai. Celebrating along were the biggest names in the industry Katrina, Deepika and yes how can any awards ceremony be complete without the King Khan Shahrukh Khan, who was the recipient of the Fun Fearless Male of all time. Check it out!

Review: Kurbaan

Verdict: Good.
"K" Rating: 3.5/5
Watch: Theater/DVD

Debutant director Rensil D'Silva's Kurbaan is a good watch for Theater or DVD.The movie foremost is a love thriller which is bound to send chills down your spine. The screenplay is gripping and keeps the audience on tenterhooks thought the 2.5 hours.

Kurbaan amalgamates both Fanna and New York (infiltrating a sleeper bunker & marriage to a terrorist),then takes it a step

further. Its journey of a girl finding love in India to uncovering the heinous truth of her south Asian (read Stepfordish from the Stepford Wives) neighbourhood in America.Kareena has given a fantastic performance of an unsuspecting Hindu wife Avantika trapped in a world of love, deceit, terrorism and orthodox Islam. Saif gives his usual flawless performance. Vivek has definitely grown as an actor - his American accent is fantastic as he doesn't go over board with it. Music of Kurbaan is great and already a favorite at the charts. Kareena's ankle length kurtas designed by Aki Narula are bound to become a fashion rage.

There are 3 flaws in the story of Kurbaan, two of which however can be written off as cinematic privileges.These include terrorists who induct a new recruit in their mission without doing any background check, a war journalist(Vivek) not notifying the FBI till the end and thus endangering innocent lives. Third and the most inexcusable one being when Avantika(Kareena) decides to call an individual rather then the cops when she uncovers a plot to blow up a plane. These faux pas eat away one point off the "K" rating.

Koffee with Kurbaan

Going with the successful theme of Koffee with Karan, Director Producter Karan Johar recently interviewed the stars of Kurbaan in "A Date with Kurbaan". Kurbaan is a much awaited Dharma Productions movie produced by Karan Johar and directed by Renzil D'siva starring the real live couple Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor. This promotional interview sheds light on Saif-Kareena relationship (No not the reel life one in Kurbaan!). Interestingly they talk very little about the movie in the show!

SRK's Next: Dulha Mil Gaya

Finally! the preview of Shahrukh Khan's much awaited film of the year is out - Dulha Mil Gaya. It stars Fardeen Khan, Sushmita Sen, Tara Sharma and an extended cameo of the King Khan (1 hours plus) directed my Muddasar Aziz (Sushmita's ex-beau). The film has seen quite a few delays and has been in production since 2007, its been shot mainly in Trinidad & Tabago.

"Humara zikr to hua har pal fasane mein,

to kya hua thode der hue aane mein"

A befitting diagolue from the movie for the release of the film we say!

Kareena's strife with Privacy

Privacy has always been a concern for public figures especially film stars. With the advancement of technology and communication the prying eyes of media are stronger then ever before. The fine line between gossip/good journalism/appropriate news is becoming obscure in the demand supply market of news media.Case in point - Kareena's private sms sent to boyfriend Saif being captured on camera. Kareena was attending a press conference for the upcoming film "Kurbaan" when a Marathi news channel (Star Majha) zoomed in on a sms conversation Kareena was engaged in, on her Blackberry. Kareena seemed to be responding to Saif's message "Sorry baby..was talking about your role only" with a "You were rude Saif! I am hurt". Sipping her Tea/Coffee Kareena seemed to be unaware of the voyeuristic eyes of the camera.The TV channels however claims it was an accident. Accident or not - Kareena's privacy seems to have been violated. Advice to our our film stars? Please be a little more conscious and aware of yourselves. After all its better to be safe then sorry! Especially to Kareena who has a history of a private mms leaking to the public (Shahid-Kareena mms) They have privacy screens for cellphones for a reason!

Bollywood(SRK) Tour of New York

New York has been immortalized in many Indian movies however it has been most exalted by filmmaker Karan Johar. The sights of the city make one reminisce the romance of Shahrukh Khan movies. So brace yourself for this King sized tour of New York as we unveil the locations where Kal Ho Na Ho and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK) were filmed.

Bethesda Terrace,Central Park: This place is immortalized by the song "Har ghadi roop badal rahi hai...Kal Ho Na Ho". Shahrukh is shown sitting on the terrace, walking around the fountain. If you like Bollywood movies or a SRK fan, this place is a must! Invariably you'd find yourself humming the song.The song "Kuch to Hua Hai" with Saif was also shot here.

Location: Mid-park at 72nd Steet

How to get there: Take a ricksaw to the Terrace, or taxi on weekdays unless you really like walking! (Bikes are available for rent aswell)

Columbia Steps: The song "Tumhi Dekho Na" on SRK & Rani from KANK.

Location: Outside Lower Library ,116 & Broadway

How to get here: Take the Metro (116)

Charging Bull: This is home to two scenes from Kal Ho Na Ho- SRK & Preity (Meeting after work in the title track) and other with Saif & Preity (Saif invites Preity to join Salsa Classes.."not maroing chance, just asking for a dance")

Location: Broadway

How to get there: Take the Metro to Wall Street or Bowling Green Station and walk!

Times Square: How can any movie shot in NYC be complete without a shot or two at Times

Square! Seen in both movies.

Location: Times Square

How to get there: Metro

South Sea Port/Pier 17: Has been seen in

many Bollywood flicks. Take a walk on the Pier

where the the famous scene "Mere Shaadi toot rahi hai Dev" from KANK with Rani and Shahrukh was shot. You can also enjoy a good meal at the UNO Restaurant.

Location:East River Drive & Fulton Street

How to get there: Take a Taxi

Brooklyn Bridge: Synonymous with Kal Ho Na Ho Song with Shahrukh walking across the bridge. It appears the shots are taken when Shahrukh is walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan side on the bridge in the movie.

Location: Brooklyn Bridge

How to get here: Taxi/ Metro (Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Station)

Deck: This deck in Brooklyn overlooking the Manhattan skyline has been the

backdrop of many crucial scenes of SRK movies.

Kal Ho Na Ho and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna have beenshot here with Rani, Preity, Saif, Shahrukh Khan respectively. "Lakh sambhalo dil ko...kal ho na ho" with SRK & Priety.

Location: cross of Water St & Old Fulton on Brooklyn side

How to get there: Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge/

take a taxi

Grand Central Station: Has been in seen in KANK. However some scenes were shot in Philadelphia Station and passed off as Grand Central. Nonetheless a trip here will definitely bring back memories of the movie.

Location: 42nd Street & Park Avenue

How to get there: Metro to Grand Central Station

Houses: A few scenes from KANK were shot on

this street, with Rani Mukherjee, Shahrukh and Abhishek Bachchan.

Location: 62nd Street between Park Avenue & Lexington Avenue. House across from 1871

How to get there: Taxi or Metro (Lexington Ave/63rd Street)

Waters Edge Restaurant: Remember thet scene from Kal Ho Na Ho where Saif invites Priety to tell her he loves her? (Red Tie/Red Dress scene) Or the one when Saif goes to meet Camilla is joined by Shahrukh? well both of these scenes were shot here!

Location:401 44th Dr, Long Island City, NY 11101, Ph: 718-482-0033

How to get there: Taxi (Its a classy restaurant, so you may want to pay attention to your attire)

View Bollywood/SRK Tour of NY in a larger map

Review: Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Verdict: Good Timepass
"K" Rating: 3
Watch: DVD/Theater

Ajab Prem Ki..is a sweet romantic comedy. Its fresh in its casting,styling and treatment. Don't try and find logic in the movie, sit back laugh and enjoy the lead pair. Its no Garam Masala or Golmaal nevertheless Rajkumar Santoshi does a good job with the comedy. To save from reading, here is a list of pros and cons:

Pros:
*Ranbir & Katrina look fresh and sizzle onscreen
*Ranbir! He portrays myriad of emotions
successfully.One instantly falls for his character.
*Good Comedy
*Fab styling of the actors

Cons:
*At times the comedy looks forced and repetitive
*Could have been shorter, seems a little stretched
Music of the film is great and rapidly climbing the charts. Two songs sung by Atif Aslam are highlights of the film which take one's breath away in terms of picturization aswell the music.

Fox STAR Studios

Hollywood giant Twentieth Century Fox recently has partnered with Asian firm STAR to create Fox STAR Studios as it forays into the Asian Film market. They aim to produce south Asian films and distribute them world wide under the banner of Twentieth Century Fox and Fox Searchlight. Fox Star Studios hopes to penetrate the markets of China, Hong Kong and India. Fox is the last one to join the bandwagon of foreign production houses such as Columbia Pictures, Walt Disney and Sony coming to India. Let's hope Fox has better luck then the others. Here is an interesting interview of Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios by Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh.

Happy Birthday: SRK on turning 44

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAHRUKH! from Bollywoodish! Still going strong at 44 but the actor says he still feels 25 (and he sure looks it!).
Shahrukh at an exclusive press conference describes his birthday presents which range form piece of land on the moon to LV. He tells us how he celebrates his birthday and reflects on the year gone by. Also watch how 100s of fans throng outside his residence in Mumbai to wish him.