Bollywood Bites Plus

Top 10 Bollywood songs of 2009!

Bollywood churns out hundreds of films and many more songs year after year since music is an integral part of Indian cinema. The year gone by had chartbusters like 'Emosanal attyachaar' and 'Masakalli' that thoroughly entertained listeners.

IANS has picked 10 best songs of 2009 from various genres that created waves in the music industry and remained audiences' favourite once released. The list shows that Pritam Chakraborty and A.R. Rahman rule the chart this year!

 

♪ Emosanal Attyachaar ♫: Bollywood music got a boost in the very beginning of 2009 with hit, energetic and instantly likable number 'Emosanal Attyachaar'. Crooned by Bony Chakravarthy, the song from 'Dev D' that echoed the music of marriage bands, was composed by Amit Trivedi. The quirky number became a favourite of the younger generation and stood out among other songs released during that period.

♫ Masakalli ♪ : This expressive number from the film 'Delhi-6', sung by Mohit Chauhan, bowled people over. An A.R. Rahman composition, it's a free flowing, addictive, fun song. 'Masakalli' is still being played on music channels and radio and it's expected to stay with music buffs for some time to come owing to its mirthful mood.

♪ Hai Junoon ♫: The song from 'New York' caught the attention of young listeners for its hip and foot-tapping music. Sung by KK in his signature style and composed by Pritam Chakraborty, it topped the charts.

♫ Aahun Aahun ♪: One of the biggest hits of the year was from the film 'Love Aaj Kal'. It has an electrifying start with the strumming of the guitar and is an amalgamation of a hit Punjabi pop song by singer Jazzy B and Pritam Chakraborty's composition. Sung by Neeraj Shridhar, 'Aahun aahun' keeps juggling between the two genres and sets the mood.

♪ Dhan Te Nan ♫: Composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the song from 'Kaminey' is edgy and energetic. Sukhwinder Singh and Vishal Dadlani go behind the mike for the track and while Sukhwinder gives it a rustic flavour, Vishal adds the rock touch to the song. 'Dhan te nan' has a certain magic that is intriguing and holds the interest of the listener till the very end - the reason why it topped the music charts.

♪ Hadippa ♫: Mika Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan teamed up to sing 'Hadippa' that spells loads of energy. It's foot-tapping composition made it a hit dance number. The song from the film 'Dil Bole Hadippa' was composed by Pritam Chakraborty and it sort of reinvented Punjabi folk. It's perfect to play at any celebration.

♫ Chiggy Wiggy ♪ : Bollywood showcased its international connect with the song 'Chiggy wiggy' from not-so-hit film 'Blue' as it was sung by international pop star Kylie Minogue with ample support from Sonu Niigaam. The first part of the song is in English and thus completely western, but Sonu enters with the dhol and brings in the Hindi flavour. This one is also Rahman's composition and went on to register itself among the hits of the year.

♪ Tera Hone Laga Hoon ♫: Pakistani Singer Atif Aslam yet again proved his prowess with the song in the recently released film 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani'. One of the most romantic songs of the year, the duet also had Alisha Chinoi behind the mike. It's a beautiful, soothing love ballad that pulls on your heartstrings. Once again a Pritam's composition.

♫ Paisa Paisa ♪ : The track from 'De Dana Dan' has a Punjabi touch. The catchy number is again from Pritam's stable and is a huge hit at the DJ consoles.

♪ Aal Izz Well ♫: Last but not the least is 'Aal Izz Well' from forthcoming '3 Idiots' -- the track has raw energy and youthful spunk. It's a fun campus song that is filled with whistles in the background. Sung by Sonu Niigaam, Swanand Kirkire and Shaan and composed by Shantanu Moitra, it was lapped up by music lovers as soon as it came out.

- - Reeti A

Review: 'Paa'

For "Paa," veteran Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan submitted to four hours of makeup to turn him into a 12-year-old boy named Auro, who is afflicted with a rare genetic defect that accelerates the aging process so rapidly that he looks nearly 80. Although the makeup, involving a large prosthetic head, is pretty good, it wasn't worth the effort, for the film is no more than a tedious, over-long Bollywood soap opera.

Handsome Amol (Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh's son) and beautiful Vidya (Vidya Balan) meet at Oxford -- or Cambridge, since settings at both universities are used. Amol pursues Vidya, even though he plans to concentrate solely on becoming a reforming politician back in India. In any event, Vidya becomes pregnant, the couple break up -- but Vidya does not have the abortion Amol thinks she has had. Vidya becomes a gynecologist in Lucknow and raises Auro with the help of her mother (Arundhati Naag.) while Amol, also living in Lucknow, becomes a crusading member of Parliament.

With a loving mother and grandmother and attending a posh private school, where he is treated kindly, Auro, who is precocious and witty, is happy. It is there, at an awards ceremony, that father and son cross paths and the politician takes an interest in Auro, unaware that he is actually his son.

All of this happens early on in the film but writer-director R. Balki stretches out "Paa," which is "Pa" in Hindi, to an unconscionable 145 minutes that seems all the longer since it's clear that father and son will eventually learn of their relationship. Meanwhile, time is running out for Auro, who is approaching 13, an age beyond which few with his condition live. Bachchan's Auro is fairly convincing; his costars are as effective as the genre permits. The film abounds with lush music, scenery and fancy editing flourishes in the elaborate Bollywood tradition.

- - Reeti A

This article first appeared HERE

Bollywood stars won't forget 26/11

Have the wounds healed already? Have we forgotten the terror, the shock, the pain and the enormity of the loss borne by each and every Indian at some level? It is the first anniversary of the 26/11 tragedy, but the question remains if the attacks left us any wiser. The resilient spirit of Mumbai - one that is boasted of time and again - come bomb blasts, floods or terrorist attacks, are we still just as proud of it? We bring to you the film fraternity's message to every Mumbaikar and Indian who is still reeling from the scars of the ghastly event, and what the celebrities think about the ever praised spirit of Mumbai.

Anupam Kher:

"I only hope that as a nation we are better prepared for the future. This tragedy should be a reality  check for us. Anger and depression is fair but we need to take a moment and think about all those who have lost their life in the face of the terror attack. Resilience is our need. It's a natural reaction. A common man has to go out and earn his living. But at the same time it's important to remember the wounds."

Anjana Sukhani:

"A lot has been said and heard, mostly said. I hope the people who have lost their lives, may their souls rest in peace. I think resilient nature of Mumbai is pathetic. It's time to step up and take action. Enough of being quiet about it. I don't respect resilience, it's time to kick a$"

Chitrangda Singh:

"I think we should not forget what happened, it's good to remember, but importantly we shouldn't  remember what happened, but why it happened. Instead of blaming the government and authorities, we as people should be aware of our surroundings and not be consumed in ourselves. I think it's good that Mumbai is resilient. I am not from Mumbai and I can feel the difference the minute I step into this city. I think its ability to bounce back shows how brave it is."

Zayed Khan:

"People of Mumbai should bring about a resolve to not be so lax and unprepared. It's important that a lesson is learnt from this experience, and going forward every Mumbaikar does his duty in whatever way possible. It doesn't have to be much just that when you see something or someone suspicious, inform the authorities. In a way play your part and be aware, it doesn't take anything from your pocket. Everyone can be a moral police.

Resilience makes sense when there is a natural calamity but it doesn't when it's a premeditated attack. I am not discounting the spirit of Mumbai, our country itself has an amazing spirit but to call getting back to life as resilience in the wake of a terror attack is an excuse. We shouldn't just move on instead but be intelligent about it. Terrorism is global in nature and we should constantly be aware."

Tusshar Kapoor:

"The people of the city must remember that ups and downs have the potential to crush you, but we  need to be strong. Like they say tough times don't last but tough people do. There is a lesson that we can learn here and make sure that we take some measures. It's true as a country we don't invest enough on security. We ape the West in most things, I wonder why we don't when it comes to governance?

It's good that we have the ability to get back on our feet. No point in sulking and crying. But at the same time we need to fight for our rights. Forget what happened but don't forget the lesson. You can't bring the Titanic back but you can learn something from its sinking. Peace marches isn't a solution. I don't know what is, but some concrete measure needs to be taken."

Wajid Ali:
"We need to understand that we shouldn't be looking outside for help, but each one us should be strong from within. Instead of constantly giving into things we are becoming weak. Each one of us is busy in our own lives, filling up our pockets and being selfish. Authorities are doing what they should and I am sure they have learnt a lesson, but even as individuals we should be equally involved. Like they say khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle, khuda bande se khud poochhe bata teri raza kya hai.

People move on because they have no option. It's not because we are a strong city. To be honest we are all cowards, or else we all would've done something after this tragedy. People ask me how I feel. I don't know how to answer that. Maybe someone from my family didn't die in the tragedy but the people who lost their lives were mine. We are getting used to this, which is wrong. Don't get used to this. I hope this is a new beginning for all of us."

Aarti Chhabria:

"Slowly and steadily change is coming. People are serious about the issues and about how we need to feel safe. People are becoming more patriotic. The light at the end of the tunnel is not too far, so instead of complaining we need to be more positive and learn to be more forgiving. It doesn't help to be adamant but we should welcome peace, since we are a peace loving country. I salute those who have lost their lives but do believe that authorities are doing their bit.

We can never move on and forget the loss. After all not just Mumbai but the whole country felt the pain. It's ok to move on but the pain will always be there."

Madhur Bhandarkar:

"We, the people of Mumbai have always seen calamity, but we always have maintained a fighting spirit.  We can only hope that such a tragedy is never repeated, as many a life and property is lost. The only thing we can do is be prepared and fight. My heart goes out to all those who lost their precious lives, and hope that such an experience is never repeated.

We always say Mumbai doesn't stop. But I do hope there is much more awareness now. I can see there are better security measures being taken and as common people I suggest that moving on we are more alert and keep that hope alive"

- - Reeti A

1999 - The Movie

1999 is a well-researched, realistic portrayal of the struggles the first generation Tamil immigrants, in particular the youth, faced in Canada as they tried adjusting to the new life in the adopted land while trying to put the scars of the war behind them.

It peers into the core challenges that were faced by the youth who were torn between two different cultures. Some of them did not have their parents and often lived with their relatives or friends. They lacked good role models and proper guidance, often having to balance school and work. Inevitably, the loneliness and the absence of a closely-knit family support system drove some of them towards the gangs as they often provided them a renewed purpose, brotherhood and in some instances protection. For most of these youth, leaving the gang life did not prove to be as easy as joining one.

Set against the city of Toronto in the year 1999, director Lenin M. Sivam chronicles the trials and tribulations of three young Tamil men. A bright underachiever, the impressionable 23-year old Anpu, who lives with his no-nonsense disciplinarian father. Trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle of isolation, Anpu finds salvation with a local gang. A charismatic gang leader Kumar, who maintains a strong sense of comradely and a code of honour among his members. Gang life is not something he enjoys nor he chose, but circumstances forced him into it and he is waiting for an opportune time to get out. And, far removed from them is an ambitious student Ahilan, who has managed to surmount enormous challenges in life through his positive outlook and determination. They have treaded very different paths in their lives, yet their fates become inexorably tied to each other’s. Anpu’s involvement in Kumar’s gang blossoms into a strong friendship between the two, based on trust and respect. Former classmates and friends, Ahilan and Anpu have grown distant over time due to a girl in their lives.

These young men’s stories couldn’t be more different, yet one thread links them all. All of them are victims of the brutal civil war in Sri Lanka. That fateful bright Saturday starts like any other, and no one could have predicted the chain of events that are about to unfold that will change their lives forever.

1999 has been selected as one of the Official Selection at the Vancouver International Film Festival 2009 and is holding special screenings everyday from November 13-22, 2009 at the Woodside Cinemas, 1571 Sandhurst Circle Scarborough. The show times are at 7:30pm and 10:30 pm.

Do catch a show!!

Preity Zinta to study at Harvard!

The beautiful and intelligent actress, Preity Zinta, has enrolled at the prestigious Harvard University to pursue a short executive course in negotiating and deal making.

The actress already holds a master’s degree in criminal psychology. Acknowledged as an actress with brains and grit, Zinta is said to be all excited about her new study break.

When asked about her new-found interest, the actress stated that since she spends most of her time in the U.S., she has decided to put that time to a more productive use. Quite kicked about going there next month, Preity Zinta had applied on a whim and was surprisingly offered a seat, which she is more than happy to make good use of.

The striking lady has an ambition and drive to succeed in business, but had certainly expressed her desire to balance her acting and business. The actress has got a stack of film scripts in hand but hasn’t given the go-ahead to any since she’s still waiting to find that elusive role that she has never done before.

The 34-year-old actress is preparing for major changes in her life and is also seen working hard for her television show “Behind the Seams”. The actress confessed that of late she has not been watching any TV serials because it really scares her to death when watching characters in close up with dark black kohl.

When asked her about reality shows, the actress cleverly remarked that they are also staged and there is nothing real in them. However she did talk about her TV show “Behind the Seams” stating that it is a kind of realty show that showcases the cricketers of the Kings XI Punjab team.

Zinta draws a laugh by expressing that “It’s a reality show but there’s no acting involved. It’s about cricketers and you really can’t expect cricketers to start acting.”

Amongst the most popular actresses in the industry, it were the roles that she chose to play in movies like Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Koi Mil Gaya and Kal Ho Naa Ho that had made her a household name. These three films were mega-blockbuster, grossing the highest earnings in 2003.

- - Reeti A

Shah Rukh Khan celebrates 44th birthday!

Shah Rukh Khan, the badshah of bollywood who turned 44 on Nov 2, celebrated his special day not at his own house ‘Mannat’ but at close friend Sanjay Kapoor’s house in Juhu.

Shah Rukh Khan’s close friends were present on the occasion to greet the reigning Khan of tinsel town at the party. Some of his close friends who were present at Sanjay Kapoor’s house included sizzling hot bollywood babe Kareena Kapoor with beau Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor(who is pregnant) with hubby Sanjay Kapur, ace directors Karan Johar and Farah Khan.

Aryan, Shah Rukh Khan’s young son, was also seen on the occasion wearing a trendy T shirt and a short. The talk of the town is that Karan Johar gifted King Khan a laptop bag and an expensive pair of shoes, while socialite Parmeshwar Goderj sent him a beautiful gift.

Shah Rukh Khan’s party at Sanjay Kapoor’s house was a very intimate and private affair and did not have the usual party goers from the tinsel town. Those present at the party included only close pals of Shah Rukh Khan, whom he trusted completely, perhaps showing his not-so-pleasant equation with many others in bollywood.

It may be recalled that Shah Rukh Khan recently admitted that he had only six-seven close friends in bollywood, and that he was not very good at making close friends. And perhaps this party was true reflection of that fact.

Whatever, but this friendlessness does not affect Shah Rukh Khan’s fan following the world over. After an Australian fan bought a piece of moon for King Khan in space on his birthday, now a fan has bought land in SRK’s name in Scotland.

While King Khan’s fans and well wishers are showering him with gifts, Shah Rukh Khan is himself well aware of his dismal outing in year 2009, and hopes to turn it around in the coming year with some of his biggest films like ‘My Name Is Khan’ and ‘Ra 1’.

Shah Rukh Khan is especially excited about Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Ra 1’, wherein he plays the part of a superhero. In fact, King Khan promises the film to be a treat for children and those fans who love to grand special effects and superman movies.

King Khan is also working on his book ’20 Years of a Decade’ and hopes to complete it very soon.

- - Reeti A

This article first appeared HERE

It’s a diamond ring from Raj to Shilpa!

Shilpa Shetty finally got engaged to her beau Raj Kundra in the witness of close friends and relatives in Raj’s posh apartment in Mumbai. The engagement ring from Raj to Shilpa is a huge diamond that will nearly costs the size of a posh flat in South Mumbai!

After the mangni, now the duo is planning for their wedding which is going to take place at Raj’s friend’s farm house in Khandala and Raj had already ordered for gorgeous designer outfits for Shilpa’s assistants from Manish Malhotra. In the engagement also, Shilpa wore bright pink saree designed by Manish.

Shilpa and Raj’s wedding date has been finalized and it is learnt that as soon as Shamita gets out of the Bigg Boss house, she will directly head to the wedding venue.

- - Reeti A

SRK, Gauri sizzle on the ramp

Badshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan and his real Begum Gauri Khan scorch the ramp as they walked together for the first time. They walked the ramp for their best friend Karan Johar at the HDIL India Couture Week. Karan launched his chain of exquisite collection in collaboration with designer Varun Bahl. 

Deepika commented on looking at the dynamic couple, "Oh, they looked wonderful together. It didn't look like Gauri was walking the ramp for the first time, as she was walking with confidence. It was a great show."

Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor also rocked the evening dressed in an elegant black outfit. The front row was occupied by Bollywood bigwigs cheering for the couple and they were Hrithik Roshan and Suzanne, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Kajol, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, Yash Chopra, Jaya Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Uday Chopra.

KJo's collection basically targeted to the young generation. "The line is basically formal but has a rock star feel to it. But it is completely wearable," said Johar. His collection consists of every range of clothes from stylish shirts, sherwanis, coats to hot-pants, slim fit trousers and waistcoats.

- - Reeti A

This article first appeared HERE

Amitabh Bachchan Celebrates 67th Birthday!

The Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his 67th birthday on October 11, 2009. The birthday celebrations were made incredible by his ardent fans in Mumbai. They gathered outside his residence 'Pratiksha' and prayed for his happiness and future success.

Bachchan celebrated on the eve of his birthday by attending a promotion of his ensuing movie 'Rann'.
The actor in a span of his 40 years career in the film industry has performed some brilliant roles. Bachchan once again came face to face with these very characters played in movies like 'Zanjeer', 'Coolie', 'Shahanshah', 'Namak Halal', which were portrayed through dummies.

The movie 'Rann' deals with the prevailing ethos in the world of journalism. It has taken its inspiration from the bourgeoning Indian media. The movie has delved in various issues involving journalistic integrity, dilemma and professional ethics confronting the business aspect of a media house.

The movie “Rann” has a critical projection of the fourth estate. However Bachchan said that he has deep respect for the ideal journalism, which happens to be the 'eyes and ears of the nation'. But within the way the media functions, there can be developed a story which can have great human value.

The media is the conscience of the nation. What the film deals with is that it’s also a business. Do we
compromise conscience for our business? Do we compromise our business for our conscience?
In the film, Bachchan plays role of a hardcore professional journalist, who runs a private TV news channel. Bachchan added the artiste within him continues to aspire for diverse and demanding roles.

- - Reeti A

This article first appeared HERE

Bollywood Love Story on Oprah

Indian actors, hailing from the Bollywood film industry, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are the most talked about couple in India, and indeed, the world. Their interview with Oprah aired on the “Meet the Most Famous People in the World” episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Aishwarya Rai, who was crowned Miss World in 1994, went on to become one of Bollywood’s most coveted leading ladies, and has done over 40 films to date, including Pink Panther 2. Abhishek Bachchan is son of Bollywood’s beloved and legendary actors - Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, and has himself achieved superstar status and starred in over 40 films so far.




Abhi and Ash (as they are referred to in India) have over 5 billion fans around the globe. That definitely makes them the world’s most famous couple! In their interview with Oprah, they discussed their relationship, being the most sought after couple in India, and their family values and customs.

It is the norm for Indian couples to live with the husband’s parents in their home, and Oprah didn’t fail to ask the famous couple about their living arrangements with Abhi’s parents.

"It's normal," Ash says. "It's absolutely natural to us. … I lived with my parents before we got married, so it's a natural thing." Abhi added that his grandparents also lived with them before they passed away.

What’s interesting to note are the cultural differences that exist in Indian films as opposed to films in other parts of the world.

"For example, boy meets girl, they fall in love, they want to express their love for each other. So in the West, they would kiss, and they're in love. In India, we have a song," Abhi says. "You have this intimate moment, and suddenly—snap, cut—you're in the mountains singing and dancing!" "It’s fun!" Aishwarya added.

- - Reeti A

This article first appeared HERE