Kajol who has signed just one film in the last four-odd years: Kunal Kohli’s Fanaa co-starring Aamir Khan that is releasing this May says she will only work for fun.

Says Kajol, “I’ve always been picky and choosy. Now I’ll be even more picky and choosy”. She says she agreed to do Fanaa since the script and the schedule matched her specifications. “I won’t do four films a year, neither am I game for a grueling shooting schedule. The script of Fanaa makes for interesting cinema.”

When she was asked, is she wary about possible comparisons pre and post motherhood, she said, “It is bound to happen. But good work is good work and will always be recognised as good work.” (more…)

Writer-producer Lal Chand Singh of ‘Banaras - A Mystic Love Story’ wants to give tribute to Banaras by this film. He has demanded a tax free status for the film across Uttar Pradesh. The film is also an attempt to re-discover unrivalled Banaras from the present Varanasi.

Singh, CEO of Pune-based IT company, was in Lucknow to promote the film. He said, “Banaras has been the center of spirituality for over 600 years. Every Indian spiritual leader from Buddha and Kabir to Adi Shankaracharya has lived here in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This film also attempts to extract the lost character of Banaras from the modern Varanasi and establish the abode of Shiva on the world film map”.

Singh, also demanded that his spiritually romantic film be awarded tax free status in UP, as 90 per cent of it has been shot at various locations in Varanasi including BHU campus, Ganga ghats and the famous Chunar Fort. “I have put my best and it is now up to the UP government to grant a tax-free status to the film to link the mystic charm of the cultural capital to every commoner,” He said. (more…)

Being Cyrus

Directed by: Homi Adajania

Character sketch:
Saif Ali Khan - Cyrus Mistry
Naseeruddin Shah - Dinshaw Sethna
Dimple Kapadia - Katy Sethna
Boman Irani - Farokh Sethna
Simone Singh - Tina Sethna
Honey Chhaya - Fardounjee Sethna
Manoj Pahwa - Inspector Lovely

If you call, stinking-rotten Parsi language thrown at you on every interval, characters screaming your head off, patchy scenes here-there, people hallucinating and trying to plot against each other - dark and unsettling then this is what Being Cyrus is. There are some mystery movies that leave you satisfied or in awe but believe me Being Cyrus leaves you feeling hollow. The movie has no particular starting and no better ending. And talk about humor - there is none - not dark nor light.

Going by the hype and preview of the movie I was excited to see this twisted movie. The first half finished soon, mostly introducing the characters of the film. But I thought; now the real fun will start and we will get to see something electrifying which will thrill and excite. I was wrong. I was left frustrated. (more…)

Times Infotainment’s debut venture, directed by Homi Adajania - ‘Being Cyrus’ was premiered at the Cinemax Infinity Mall multiplex yesterday.

The who’s who of the film industry was present on the occasion. The films star cast Saif Ali Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Boman Irani and Simone Singh were present their too except Dimple Kapadia.

Aamir Khan arrived with wife Kiran Rao. Saif had come with his sister Soha. “I’ve tried out a new genre here,” he told media persons. Bollywood celebrities like Zayed Khan, Yukta Mookhey, Karan Johar, Kiron Kher, Javed Akhtar, Bobby Darling, Rohan Sippy, Neha Dhupia, Dino Morea were also present.

After her power packed performance in ‘Pingar’, Urmila Matondkar is back to show her acting genius in forthcoming film ‘Banaras’ where she plays a role of hermit.

Do you play the role of a hermit in this film?

Yes, that’s partly true. I play a physics student studying at the Banaras Hindu University who undergoes some turmoil in her life and meets, in the course of time, various people who inspire her to lead the life of a recluse. It was certainly challenging for me as an actor because I have never played such roles and I don’t think any other Indian woman has played such shades of character in our film industry. But I would like to clearly state that this film is not a period drama and it is truly contemporary in its presentation and content. My role hardly involves any melodrama. I have realised that melodrama is considered to be ‘good’ acting in our country, but I think playing a subtle character is more difficult.

How would people react to see you as Sanyasin after your glamorous image in item numbers like 'Chamma chamma' and 'Kambaqt ishq'?

I am an actor, and accepting any kind role is my forte. I have no qualms about playing an unusual role, if I am sure that I can carry it off capably. Banaras is an exciting subject. (more…)

Dimple Kapadia wants to play different kind of roles (Dil Chahta Hai, Leela) and now she will be seen as Katy - a Parsi woman romancing a young man (Saif Ali Khan) in her forthcoming film ‘Being Cyrus’ made by debutant director Homi Adajania.

Being Cyrus has also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Saif Ali Khan and Boman Irani. Talking about the film she also says she is not averse to play a role opposite her ex husband Rajesh Khanna.

Is Being Cyrus on relationships?
It is not on complications in relationships. It is not on dysfunctional marriage either. How would I describe the film? I would say it has a lot of black humour in it. (more…)

Rishi Kapoor just received Lifetime Achievement award at the Zee function in Mauritius and will be seen in Yash Raj Films ‘Fanaa’. The veteran actor is on a new high these days.

How do you feel about receiving the Lifetime Achievement award?
It’s a great feeling. When I was coming back, I met two guys at the airport who said I still looked young. So please let me clarify that I haven’t been conferred this honour because I have become old; it’s just that I have been appreciated for the body of work I have done in the last 34 years, and I have accepted it. I have not closed shop.

Yes, I have shut the door on singing songs and romancing girls. Now, the real Rishi Kapoor will emerge. I am as much in love with my work as I was when I first faced the camera. (more…)