Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai’: The Winner In The Nominations List Of Apsara Awards

The nominations list of the Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards for this year has been announced and it is the 2010 Bollywood release Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai which is the clear winner, defeating blockbusters like Dabangg and My Name is Khan by a small margin. According to reports in the media, the Ekta Kapoor production starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut in lead roles has won nominations in 17 categories of film-making, while Karan Johar’s Shah Rukh Khan – Kajol starrer My Name Is Khan received a total of 14 nominations.

The surprise comes in the form of Dabangg, a film which was a record breaking hit in India, but failed to generate as many number of nominations at the Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards. While Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and My Name Is Khan led from the front, the Prakash Jha political story Raajneeti bagged the third spot in the list of nominations at the Apsara Awards.

The awards ceremony which is expected to bring a turnout of the who’s who of the Hindi film industry will be held in Mumbai during the coming week. Like any other awards event in the city, the Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards are also expected to be a star studded event and the organizers make it a point to reward the talents of not only film but also television stars. Some of the most popular television serials have been nominated in different categories, ‘Pavitra Rishta’, ‘Dill Mil Gaye’ and ‘Balika Vadhu’ being some of them.

Ajay Devgn To Enter Entertainment Portal Business

 Bollywood star Ajay Devgn has tried his hand in direction, production and even entered the real estate business and now he is going to launch an entertainment portal soon. The 41 year old actor had a great time in 2010 as he had six releases and also became father of a son.

Now, Ajay is starting the New Year with new business with this entertainment portal, which will sell tickets for movies, plays, sports events and concerts. A source close to the actor was quoted saying that Ajay is a partner of this portal called www.ticketplease.com.

This will make the ticket buying process easier for the entertainment and sports lovers, who need to stand in queue to get the ticket for their favorite movies or plays.

Apart from selling tickets, the portal will also offer expert movie reviews, interesting features, interesting trivia as well as celebrity news and gossips. It will also offer the option to buy movie CDs, DVDs and their merchandises. Devgn wanted exactly the same thing and the portal came with all those features.

The sources cleared that the portal would not be included in his personal website. However, the portal will offer a platform to the fans connect with their favorite stars through online chats, videos, blogs and photographs.

The fans can also take membership to get special discounts and loyalty benefits on their works through this web portal. The portal will be launched on January 10 and the actor will be the first buyer of the tickets of the upcoming film Yamla Pagla Deewana.

The source adds that Ajay chose the launch date as January 10 because he is very close to Bobby Deol, who is starring in Yamla Pagla Deewana along with his dad Dharmendra and Sunny Deol.

‘Band Baaja’ success gets Anushka entry in ‘Patiala House’ poster

Anushka Sharma couldn’t have asked for more. The petite actress, who was missing from the first poster of her next outing ‘Patiala House’, has now managed to get into a new one, thanks to the success of her last outing ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’.

A movie about father-son relationship, ‘Patiala House’ stars Akhsay Kumar in the male lead with Rishi Kapoor in a pivotal role. The movie has been inspired by England Cricket team’s first Sikh player Monty Panesar, where Akshay has been shown as a British citizen who

sacrifices his dream of being a pace bowler for his autocratic father’s ideals.

‘The filmmakers wanted to portray the same in their first key art poster for their audiences. So they finalized that the poster will feature Rishi Kapoor and Akshay Kumar in order to give an insight about the film and the relationship they share. The poster was all set to be launched but then ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ released and saw a huge success,’ said a statement from the film’s publicist.

‘So after the success of ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, the makers of ‘Patiala House’ wanted tofeature Anushka in the poster as well,’ it further read.

Director Nikhil Advani also echoed the same.

‘Anushka is a great actress and we are happy that she is part of ‘Patiala House’. She has proved her talent and charm in her recent hit as well… we were always planning on multiple posters which are out for the audiences,’ said Advani.

The movie hits the screens Feb 11.

'Jai Ho' Hitmaker A. R. Rahman Teases His First International Music Video

A. R. Rahman is going to release his first international music video sometime soon. In anticipation of the clip, the composer of "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack provides sneak peek in a short snippet. Opened with shots of beautiful scenery around the beach, it continues to follow a woman as she is being chased by a werewolf. 

The title of the song hasn't been unveiled, but rumor suggests it is the one featuring Dido who joined forces with Rahman in "If I Rise".
She was offered to jump into the "127 Hours" soundtrack when she was with him in the studio working on "something else." The secret project was quickly speculated as a material for his upcoming studio effort. 

"I was working with ar rahman on something else at his studio and he asked me if i'd like to collaborate on this song, for his soundtrack of the film," she revealed in last November. "I had read the book of the film (very inspiring) and am a big danny boyle fan who loves working with a r rahman, so i was really up for it. We wrote if i rise together, and we both sing on it." 

After winning Best Original Score at 2009 Golden Globe Awards for his "Slumdog Millionaire" music, A. R. Rahman is now vying for a prize in the same category at this year's Golden Globes. He is competing against the other composers of "The King's Speech", "Alice in Wonderland", "The Social Network" and "Inception". 

Real life characters renamed in ‘No One Killed Jessica’

It’s no secret that ‘No One Killed Jessica’ is inspired by the murder of Jessica Lall but the producers have kept the names fictional barring the model to avoid any kind of legal trouble.

Directed by Rajkumar Gupta and produced by UTV Motion Picures, the film starring Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji is releasing Friday.

The initial plan was to go whole hog and recreate the entire case in all its details, including the characters with their real names. In fact, say sources, director Rajkumar Gupta wanted to offer Shayan Munshi, the prime witness in the murder that took place in 1999, the chance to play himself.

However, according to legal advice, the original spelt trouble. So all the names of the main dramatis personae, including prime accused Manu Sharma and the key witnesses have been changed, to avoid legal and financial troubles.

When questioned about it, Gupta said:

‘You will have to see the film to see why we have done what we have with the characters. Beyond that I don’t want to comment on the names of the characters.’

Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV is more forthright about the hasty and hushed changes made to camouflage the real-life characters in ‘No One Killed Jessica’.

‘The film is Rajkumar Gupta’s creative interpretations of Sabrina’s journey, her trials, tribulations and finally vindication after Jessica’s demise. So, we felt Jessica’s was the only character that needed to be specifically indentifiable,’ said Kapoor.

A source sheds more light on the matter.

‘The film decided to backtrack on real names when eyewitnesses and other people associated with the Jessica Lal case began to make urgent and anxious inquiries about the film. The characters are still easily identifiable. Only their names have been disguised,’ a source said.

‘In our country any film based on real incidents immediately invites legal and financialtrouble. The makers of ‘No One Killed Jessica’ didn’t want to be stuck in dozens of legal snags and moral debates. That’s why all the names have been changed.’

Rahman to launch music video with Dido?

Double Oscar-award winning Indian music composer A.R. Rahman has revealed that he’s coming out with a music video. Speculations are rife that it’s the visual representation of his recent international collaboration with English sensation Dido for a number in Danny Boyle’s ‘127 Hours’.

‘Hey Guys, watch out for the world premiere of my new music video… coming soon,’ he tweeted.

The 44-year-old also linked a picture with the comment, that shows him wearing a suede jacket and goggles near a helicopter. He, however, leaves the viewers at the mercy of assumptions that it is the video of the popular song ‘If I Rise’.

The Mozart of Madras, as he is fondly called, has apparently also bagged a Golden Globe nomination for his soundtrack for ‘127 Hours’, which is his second stint at Hollywood’s second most prestigious annual movie prize after Boyle’s Mumbai-based underdog drama ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

The Chennai-based composer is competing in the Original Score for a motion picture category at the gala.

Starring ‘Spider-Man’ star James Franco, the movie is a biopic about mountaineer Aron Ralston, who was trapped in a canyon for five days by a boulder that fell on his arm and he freed himself by amputating the limb.

Aamir can’t have enough of Salman

It seems Aamir Khan is quite fascinated with the idea of using fellow actor Salman Khan’s style statements in his productions. Keeping up the trend, the Bollywood perfectionist has made visible references to the star in his upcoming movie ‘Dhobi Ghat’.

It’s believed that the hit song ‘Pappu can’t dance saala’ in Aamir’s 2008 hit production ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na’ was a dig at Salman and his lifestyle. Then Aamir’s small-budget satirical hit ‘Peepli Live’ last year had an actor sporting the star’s trademark bracelet with blue stone.

Now in his wife Kiran Rao’s directorial debut ‘Dhobi Ghat’, releasing Jan 14, Aamir strikes a hat-trick.

‘Prateik Babbar’s character in ‘Dhobi Ghat’ is shown to be a Salman Khan fan. Prateik is seen wearing the famous Salman Khan bracelet. He loves working out to build a body like Salman’s and he wants to become an actor like him,’ read a statement from the film’s publicist.

‘Prateik’s character hails from a different city and is a part-time dhobi, and a wannabe actor. He is into body-building and thinks Salman is a cool dude.’

Also starring Aamir, Monica Dogra, Kriti Malhotra, Kitu Gidwani and Nafisa Khan, the movie revolves around four characters from different classes of society and how their lives are intertwined with each other.

Hrithik Roshan Rules Magazine Covers In January 2011

 Bollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan has got a grand start of New Year as he is appearing in all the three filmy magazine covers of January 2011 issue. It seems that he has left behind the debacle of 2010 like Kites and Guzaarish and is starting afresh with new hopes and aspirations.

The poster boy Hrithik Roshan has given a very hot pose for the Filmfare cover of the January issue!

He has gone shirtless and the female fans cannot take their eyes away from it. He has given quite a tough competition to the hot hunks like John Abraham.

The 36 year also looks equally amazing in the cover page of Cine Blitz magazine. The Greek God of Bollywood looks cool on a casual jacket and white T-shirt.

Hrithik has yet another different look on the cover page of January 2011 issue of Stardust magazine. He is seen wearing only a black vest. He has given a very serious look on the cover page showing his muscles.

Hrithik along with his mother Pinky has proved in one of a magazine’s cover page that he is very close to his family and they have promised that they will reveal his childhood memories and many more things that readers wants to know about this star.

It seems Hrithik is yet favorite choice of the magazines, despite his not so successful career in 2010. We hope this makes an impact in his films at the Box Office in this year!

It was intimidating to be around Aamir: Monica Dogra

 Newcomer Monica Dogra, who is making her debut with ‘Dhobi Ghat’, says though her co-star Aamir Khan is a very down to earth person, she was intimidated by his presence on the sets the movie.

‘I was very nervous when I met Aamir. But I knew that I have to get over this quickly because I wanted to do a good job.

It was intimidating to be around Aamir but he is so down to earth that after a while it becomes fine,’ Monica, who plays Shai in ‘Dhobi Ghat’, told reporters here.

Kriti Malhotra, who essays the role of Yasmin in the film which is Aamir’s wife Kiran Rao’s directorial debut, shares a similar sentiment. It is releasing Jan 21.

‘When I got this film and we went to Aamir’s place for readings and rehearsals, I was so nervous initially because I have seen almost all his films and have been such a great fan. But I got to learn a lot from him,’ she said.

Not just this, the actresses share another similarity – both of them never intended to get into acting.

While Monica is a professional singer, Kriti worked as a costume assistant for films. Both were selected by Kiran through unusual mediums.

‘I selected Monica when I saw her pictures in a magazine and Kriti from Facebook. It was then that both were called for auditions and they were outstanding,’ said Kiran.

–Indo-Asian news Service

Imran Khan invites all his leading ladies to pre-wedding bash

 

Bollywood hearthrob Imran Khan is making sure all his female co-stars from Genelia D’Souza to Kareena Kapoor are present at his pre-wedding party Saturday in Mumbai.

Imran, who is tying the knot with his childhood sweetheart Avantika Malik Jan 10, is hosting a mehendi-cum-reception before his D-day and has invited all his friends from the industry to join the celebration.

The 27-year-old has especially wished the presence of his co-stars Genelia, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Kareena from the movies ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’, ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, ‘Break Ke Baad’, and the upcoming ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ and ‘Short Term Shaadi’ respectively.

‘Imran wanted to invite all the actresses who starred with him to join in on the most important day of his life. And the actresses are making extra efforts to be part of his big day. The women are really going out of their way to be a part of it,’ said a statement by his publicist.

Kareena, who is currently on a vacation with beau Saif Ali Khan, will cut short her trip to attend the bash. So will Deepika, who is on a backpacking tour in Britain but will cut short her vacation to attend the gala. Genelia is in the city and is going to grace the event.

Katrina and Sonam, however, will be skipping the bash due to work commitments.

While Katrina is shooting with Imran for ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ till Jan 6, Sonam is flying out to start shooting for ‘Thank You’.

Sherlyn Chopra Aka Mona Chopra Recent Breast Show

Deepika Padukone at Kingfisher Calendar Event 2010

Deepika Padukone and Siddharth Mallya At Kingfisher Calendar Event Milind Soman, Deepika Padukone, Siddharth Mallya, Atul Kasbekar.

Trisha Pothys Saree Ad Stills Photos

Kollywood and Tollwood cute actress Trisha Kollywood new upcoming movie Manmadhan Ambu Movie The crew of the film comprising Kamal Haasan, Madhavan, Trisha, Sangeetha, director KS Ravikumar and music director Devi Sri Prasad.

Lekha Washington latest photoshoot stills

Bhumika Chawla hot photoshoot stills

her upcomming projects are:
Sinam(tamil)
Collector Gaari Bharya(telugu)
Kalavadiya Pozhudugal (Tamil)
Bheeshma(telugu)
Alivelu Manga(telugu)
Rathrimazha(malayalam)

Freida Pinto and Mallika Sherawat in Doha Tribeca Film Festival