Saturday, August 27, 2011

Akshay Kumar's tribute to Punjabis

TNN | Aug 28, 2011, 12.00AM IST
After the roles that Akshay Kumar has played in recent films, he has created quite a strong Punjabi connection with his audience. Publish Post

The actor, who has Punjabi roots, has always wanted to pay a tribute to Singhs around the world for their sherdil. Akshay's latest song, where he is rapping, is a promotional one for his film Speedy Singhs
He shot this special song Shera Di Kaum Punjabi, withGrammy award winner Ludacris and RDB, a pop Punjabi trio. This rap number, composed by Ludacris and RDB, has recently released and is quite a hit with partygoers. 

On Akshay's experience of working with international artists, a source reveals, "It was an exciting experience for Akshay to collaborate with Ludacris for the music video. Akshay is always looking for opportunities to work with great artists from across the globe. He has made several films in the past, but this will be his first Hollywood film as a producer. He will not be acting in the film though."

Salman Khan flies to the US for treatment

August 2011
Seeing Salman Khan beat up a dozen goons at a time, one may feel that he is invincible. However, even superstars like him can suffer bouts of ill health. The star has been suffering from acute pain in his jaw area for the past three months. In fact, the dabangg Khan is scheduled to fly out to the United States of Americatomorrow, for further diagnosis and treatment. 

A week back, reports of Khan's ill health had surfaced in the media. However, his family had refused it claiming the star was fit and fine. But now, his health seems to have deteriorated. 

A source close to the actor revealed, "Salman had this problem about seven years back. He used to get spasms in his face. But the pain would go away. In fact, it vanished completely after a year or two. It suddenly came back about three months back. This time, it's more painful. he couldn't have neglected it further." 

Speaking about Salman's condition, the source explained, "Salman is in extreme pain. Every time he eats something extremely hot or cold, the pain intensifies. His jaw region hurts a lot." 

Last week, the actor was rushed to Lilavati hospital in Bandra for a medical opinion. "His pain was too acute. Salman, who is normally a very tough guy, was almost screaming. The doctors at Lilavati suggested that he visits Saifee hospital in Charni Road. At Saifee, he was advised to undergo angiography." 

Salman is suspected to be suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, a condition often described as 'the most terrible pain known to man'. When contacted, Dr Rahul Seth did not deny the possibility of Salman suffering from the condition. Dr Seth simply said, "No comments". Bound by the Hippocratic oath, the doctor couldn't divulge anything about his patient to the media. 

When contacted, Salman's brother Sohail said, "Trigeminal neuralgia bahut bada shabd hai. I don't know what you're saying. It's my brother's health. All I can say is that yes, he is going to the US on August 27 for a second opinion, diagnosis and treatment for his nerve problem." 

The actor whose film Bodyguard is ready to hit the theatres this Eid, will for the first time be absent for the release. In fact, this is the first time Salman will miss out on the famous Eid and Ganapati celebrations at his residence Galaxy Apartments. "Salman completed the planned promotions for Bodyguard yesterday. He did as much as he could. Health is his first priority right now," added the source. 

Trigeminal neuralgia 
Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes a stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in parts of the face. 

The condition usually affects older adults, but it may affect anyone at any age. Trigeminal neuralgia may be part of the normal aging process. Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include acute pain while brushing teeth, chewing, eating, drinking and even touching the face. 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

ECLUSIVE - Zarina Wahab

Zarina Wahab (Born 17 July 1959) is an Indian actress and former model, who was critically acclaimed for starring roles, such as in Chit Chor and Gopal Krishna in the 1970s.

Zarina Wahab met actor Aditya Pancholi on the sets of Kalan Ka Tika.[8] They married in 1986 and have a daughter, Sana and son Suraj. Her husband is younger than her. News of their turbulent marriage, her husband's temper and rumors of infidelity have been in the gossip columns.[9] Yet, they are still together.

Career
Zarina was born into a Muslim family in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. She is fluent in Telugu, Hindi and English. She was trained at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.[1] Zarina has three sisters and one brother.

Filmmaker Raj Kapoor was unimpressed with her look, when he met her at FTII. So Zarina worked on her appearance and attended film parties and events. She eventually got noticed and was cast in films.[2] She was usually cast as the middle-class, natural beauty. She had a major hit film in Basu Chatterjee's Chit Chor (1976). She earned a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress for her role in Gharonda (1977).[3] She has acted in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam films, and has become fluent in Malayalam.
She made a comeback to Malayalam films with Calendar, which released in 2009. She appeared in My Name Is Khan as the mother of Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan's character).[4]
She prefers Telugu films, and has encouraged her daughter Sana to start acting in a South Indian film, the way she had in a Telugu film Gajula Kistayya (1975) with Krishna.[5] Sana has tried her hand at acting in 2006.[6] Wahab currently plays older roles in television serials.[7]

Complete Filmography
  • RaktCharitra (2010)
  • Malik Ek (2010) .... Shanti - Pralhad's Mother
  • My Name Is Khan (2010) (uncredited)
  • Calendar (2009) .... Thankam Joseph
  • Kaisay Kahein... (2007) .... Mrs. Rao
  • Jaane Hoga Kya (2006) .... Mrs. Krishnan
  • Prateeksha (2006) .... Kunti
  • Kisna: The Warrior Poet (2005) .... Shanta
  • Dil Maange More!!! (2004) .... Shagun's mother
  • Mera Damad (1995) .... Kimi/Sunita Choudhry
  • Toofan (1989) .... Mrs. Laxmi Gopal Sharma
  • Maashuka (1987)
  • Mera Yaar Mera Dushman (1987)
  • Amrit (1986) .... Savitri Sharma
  • Adhikar (1986) .... Rita
  • Dahleez (1986) .... Jameela Ali
  • Hum Naujawan (1985) .... Meenakshi
  • Hanste Khelte (1984)
  • Manasariyathe (1984) .... Sindhu
  • Dard-E-Dil (1983) .... Reshma
  • Chor Police (1983)
  • Lal Chunariyaa (1983) .... Kamini
  • Barrister (1982)
  • Enthino Pookunna Pookal (1982) .... Savithri
  • Foot Ball (1982)
  • Maine Jeena Seekh Liya (1982) .... Reema
  • Sara Varsham (1982) .... Savitha
  • Shiv Charan (1982)
  • Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (1981)
  • Roohi (1981) .... Sajjo/Roohi
  • Aakhri Mujra (1981)
  • Palangal (1981) .... Usha
  • Sitara (1980) .... Dhaniya/Sarita
  • Aakhri Insaaf (1980)
  • Hema Hemeelu (1980)
  • Jazbaat (1980) .... Sapna/Sangeeta
  • Gopal Krishna (1979) .... Radha
  • Jeena Yahan (1979) .... Guest Appearance
  • Naiyya (1979) .... Geeta
  • Salaam Memsaab (1979) .... Radha
  • Sawan Ko Aane Do (1979) .... Chandrika
  • Anpadh (1978) .... Jyoti
  • Madanolsavam (1978) .... Elizabeth
  • Tumhare Liye (1978) .... Rajnartaki
  • Agar... If (1977) .... Anju A. Agarwal
  • Gharaonda (The Nest) (1977)
  • Chitchor (1976) .... Geeta P. Choudhry
  • Anokha (1975) .... Sudha Manchanda
  • Gajula Kishtayya (1975)
  • Ishq Ishq Ishq (1974) .... Prema
Television
  • Maayka (Zee TV soap) as Mohini Malhotra (the mother of Soni, Mahi, Raji and Prince)
  • Zaara – Pyaar Ki Saugat (Sahara One Soap) as Sana Khan Amir's stepmother
  • Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli as Pratibha (Karan's mother)
'Virrudh- Vasudha mother( Sony TV)

Awards & Nominations
  • Winner: The Global Indian Film And Television Honors for Best Actor In A Supporting Role - Female (2011)
Movie: My Name Is Khan
  • Nominated: Screen Award for Best Actress In A Supporting Role (2011)
Movie: Rakht Charitra - I
  • Nominated: Stardust Award for Best Actress In An Ensemble Cast (2011)
Movie: My Name Is Khan
  • Nominated: Stardust Award for Best Actress In An Ensemble Cast (2011)
Movie: Rakht Charitra - I
  • Nominated: Filmfare Award for Best Actress (1977)
Movie: Gharonda

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Midweek: 'Aarakshan' collects Rs 26 cr nett in opng wknd

Bollywood celebs condemn Anna Hazare's arrest

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, August 16, 2011 - 17:24 IST
Hours before he was to launch his fast against corruption, Anna Hazare was arrested on Tuesday by the Delhi Police, preventing him from going ahead with his proposed protest. Other prominent activists in the Lokpal Bill campaign - Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Shanti Bhushan - were also arrested.

People across India took to the streets to protest against the detention of the social activist and his supporters. Our B-town celebs too have expressed their opinions regarding Anna Hazare's arrest on micro blogging website Twitter.

Bipasha Basu: Anna Hazare needs to be supported to kill the 'Demon' called 'Corruption' that is eating up our Country!

Shekhar Kapoor: If #Annahazare is not allowed peaceful Satyagraha then we r not a tru Democracy #AnnaHazare has been detained by Delhi Police. I am reminded of the days of the Raj. Indian 'sarkar' turns it back on democracy.
Millions support #Anna bec dey lost faith in system. If Govt represents ppl they must allow them 2 demonstrate peacefully. Ppl of India r supporting a leader they trust, for they no longer trust the State. This is a crisis of leadership #Anna .

Javed Akhtar: I have had certain reservations about Anna's method but his arrest can not be condoned. It is undemocratic, unacceptable.

Atul Kasbekar: U may not agree wt Anna's ideology or his methods. That's fine. BUT U CANNOT TAKE AWAY HIS RIGHT TO PEACEFUL PROTEST! #isupportAnnaHazare

Vishal Dadlani: They've arrested Anna Hazare. Bad move, Government. BIG mistake! You've made yourselves look dictatorial, and Anna, even more of a martyr! Whoever wins this battle, WE get an imperfect law! Either a draconian law, prone to misuse(Anna's draft), OR a toothless one(Govt.'s draft)..
Presenting Anna's draft to parliament is the right course forward, and his arrest is very wrong. Joining the protest at Azad Maidan today.

Minissha Lamba: Happy I-Day India! Gr8 goin by ARRESTING #AnnaHazare.. Show d world how ready we r 2be a superpower! India NOT Shining.

Shabana Azmi: We condemn the arrest of Anna Hazare and his team and the ban on the proposed fast. Right to protest peacefully is a democratic right

Punit Malhotra: Meanwhile Anna's gotten arrested! Don't know if its right or wrong but 1 things for sure... The Gov is making themselves out to be villains. For the record... I am all for Anna and support his movement and think the arrest is unconstitutional and incorrect. Its just that I am unaware on the laws and don't know if its technically against the law for him to protest.

Anna Singh: “Ann as" arrest is anti democratic and un constitutional..... A slap on the face of democracy. The got has chickened out....

Farhan Akhtar: The Indian citizen has the right to protest peacefully. Anna's arrest is unconstitutional and shows symptoms of an authoritarian mindset.

Farhan Akhtar: Its clear the government today has made Anna Hazare a bigger hero than he already was. #isupportAnnaHazare #indiaagainstcorruption

R Madhavan: This move and method of preventing AnnaHazare is in my opinion most foolish and silly high handed act by the authorities. Big Mistake. Why is the Supreme court quite on this blatant breech of Anna Hazare's right to peaceful protest. Is the Govt afraid, that like the right to Info bill, passing the Lok Pal too may come back to bite them in their posterior.

Anupam Kher: Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal arrested even before they reach JP park. Saddest day for Indian Democracy. The MOST important thing for all of us to remember is to keep this protest absolutely PEACEFUL. That is what ANNA wishes.

Purab Kohli: The Day Democracy Died...! Come out and let's peacefully and lovingly restore it. Im going to go to peacefully protest the arrest of Anna Sahib Hazare. Someone who is fighting peacefully day and night for ME. Im going to be at Azad Maidan in Mumbai Post lunch. join me and lets spread some love. Gandhian style!!I feel a fear of being arrested but I'm not going to be an arrested state of being anymore. Ill be at Azad Maidan at 3pm.

Sonu Nigam: With Anna's and Kiran Bedi's arrest, we are witnessing History being written. Interesting times. God Bless our Nation.

Mahesh Bhatt: I do not support Anna. But i support his right to protest peacefully. The Govt has failed to handle this issue with vision. Sad!

Sapna Bhavnani: Just watching tv is not gonna solve anything nor is talking or tweeting..get up, rise and go to the nearest rally! #annahazare

Sophie Choudry: Am in London so cant b part of the protests 4 #Anna's arrest today. Request u all 2 only be part of peaceful protests! Be heard but stay safe.

Shammi Kapoor is no more


Mumbai, August 14
Actor Shammi Kapoor, who ruled the film industry in the 1950s and 1960s with his flamboyant, charismatic personality, is no more. He was 79. A prominent member of the Kapoor clan and the brother of Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, the actor died of kidney failure at the Breach Candy Hospital at 5.15 am today, his son Aditya Raj Kapoor said.
“He was a very happy and lively person. He was unwell for sometime... he was on dialysis. He died of kidney failure,” Aditya said.
His funeral will take place tomorrow in south Mumbai, after his grandson returns from the US.
“The funeral will take place tomorrow around 9 am at the Ban Ganga funeral ground,” Aditya said.
Family members, friends and several Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan and industrialist Anil Ambani, visited Kapoor's residence Blue Heaven at Malabar Hill after learning of his demise.
Shammi, whose real name was Shamsher Raj Kapoor, was born on October 21, 1931, to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Mehra. With the demise of Shammi, only Shashi is left of the famous brother trio.
Shammi is survived by his wife Neela Devi, son Aditya Raj and daughter Kanchan Desai. Shammi entered the film industry as a junior artiste in 1948 and debuted as an actor in 1953 with film “Jeevan Jyoti”.
He carved a niche for himself with his rock ‘n’ roll dancing style in films like Nasir Hussain's “Tumsa Nahin Dekha” and “Dil Deke Dekho”. But it was the 1961 film “Junglee”, directed by Subodh Mukherjee, which gave him the image of “the yahoo yuppie”.
The Nasir-Shammi combination struck gold at the box-office with murder mystery “Teesri Manzil”, one of the unforgettable films in the actor's career.
Shammi never really bid adieu to the big screen, appearing in films time and again. He starred with Shah Rukh Khan in “Chamatkar” (1992) and played Salman Khan's grandfather in “Janam Samjha Karo” (1999).
His latest onscreen stint was a cameo in grand nephew Ranbir Kapoor's yet-to-be-released film “Rockstar”, directed by Imtiaz Ali.
A great computer buff, Shammi was one of the earliest stars from Bollywood to join micro-blogging website Twitter.
His last tweet was to Priyanka Chopra in November last year.
President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a host of leaders of different political parties also condoled the death of the veteran actor and said the film industry had "lost a creative talent" in his demise.
“Shri Kapoor was one of the veteran actors, who adorned Hindi cinema. He delighted Hindi cinema fans with his vivacious acting. He shall always be remembered by a generation of film watchers,” Patil said.
The Prime Minister described Kapoor as an accomplished artiste who entertained millions of fans.
“I am sad to learn of Shammi Kapoor's demise. He was an accomplished actor who entertained millions and millions of fans in India and abroad. I share his family's grief,” Singh said in his message.
Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan said Kapoor would remain a hero for his generation. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said the industry had lost an “iconic figure” in the actor's death.
Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said, “Shammi Kapoor was a superstar of our era. His dance style was a rage in our times. He was a fatherly figure for the film industry. This is a big loss to the film fraternity.”

 
the YAHOO !!! man
 
Shammi Kapoor: 1931-2011More than K-factor
Major films
n Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
n Dil Deke Dekho (1959)
n Junglee (1961)
n Teesri Manzil (1966)
n Professor (1962)
n Brahmchari (1968)
n Dil Tera Diwana (1962)
n China Town (1962)
n Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
n An evening in Paris (1967)
n Janwar (1965)
n Rajkumar (1964)
n Andaz (1971)
He kept company with his irrepressible boisterousness long after bidding adieu to the strapping lover- boy image of the silver screen, people knew as Shammi Kapoor . The boy- who could dance his way to the most beautiful damsels’ hearts of his times (Junglee –Saira Bano, Tumsa Nahin dekha- Ameeta, Dil Deke dekho- Asha Parekh, Kashmir Ki Kali- Sharmila Tagore ), was just a fraction of his persona. The handsome, restless, romantic young hero had to struggle and persevere patiently to create a place for himself in the film industry dominated by stalwarts like his older brother Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand in the 50s and 60s.
It was his never- say- die spirit that shaped the ‘yahoo’ and ‘sukku sukku’ phenomenon that was filled with rebellion for the way life was portrayed on the screen. No hero of his times could think of breaking into a maddeningly back- breaking dance on music that would have some juvenile gibberish to tickle but lacked the established seriousness of his times. In the times of highly successful tear- jerker family dramas he introduced the stiff Hindi film goers a thing about ‘letting go’ and boy, what a success he made of this rebellious- self.
Time gave way to a man growing bald with a mid-riff and double chin. Yet, his charm and energy and the glint of his blue eyes remained in-tact. Shammi Kapoor alone could say that he loved the remaining four days of a week - after three days of being on dialysis.
It was this attitude that shaped the phenomenon called Shammi of the famous Kapoor clan. Born into a family where fame and glory was not unknown, he had to carve a niche for himself through hard work and a series of failures. As such he was overshadowed by his father Prithviraj Kapoor’s towering personality, and the success of the showmanship of Raj Kapoor. After successive failures of films like Rail Ka Dibba, Chor Bazaar, Shama Parvana, Hum Sab Chor Hain, Memsaheb and Miss Coca Cola, where he tied to get into the shoes of his older brother, realisation dawned that he had to be ‘different’ to be taken notice of.  
And so was born the rebel. Nasir Hussain’s Tumsa Nahin Dekha in 1957 metamorphosed Shammi Kapoor into a kind of hero
nobody could hate despite his boisterous playfulness which often turned rowdy, to elicit just a ‘ja’ ‘ja’ from the nubile damsel he chased rolling over mountains and plains, shaking his handsome head, followed by the rest of the body. He was so easy with his body one would think he did not own it. Nor could anyone imitate him. He was funny and he was unique. Films were specially written for this fun-loving uniquely creative persona of his, and they all turned out to be great hits. China Town, Dil Tera Deewana, Professor and the unforgettable Teesri Manzil, which had added charm of young R D Burman’s foot- tapping music. Brahmchari earned him the Best Actor Filmfare Award.
His personal life too was filled with challenges. He married Geeta Bali, against the wishes of their parents, unfortunately she passed away soon due to small pox, leaving two young children behind. His film career too suffered a different kind of challenge, when obesity struck he had to move to character roles, but he essayed each on of these with the same energy and passion he would put in for his ‘junglee’ song.
It was this rebellion that stayed with him, the way he fought his failed kidneys — refusing to be bowed down by betrayal of the body. He lived every moment of life to the hilt. This made Shammi Kapoor an adorable person, who inspired patients suffering from fatal diseases to love life as it comes and never- say- die.
Internet Pioneer
Shammi Kapoor was the founder and chairman of Internet Users Community of India (IUCI). He had also played a major role in setting up internet organisations like the Ethical Hackers Association. Kapoor also maintained a website dedicated to the 'Kapoor family'.

Aarakshan

Movie Review by Taran Adarsh, August 11, 2011 - 11:43 IST


A Prakash Jha film is talked about for more reasons than one. It provides food for thought. It sets you thinking. Be it DAMUL, MRITYUDAND, GANGAAJAL, APAHARAN or RAAJNEETI, there was enough fodder in each of those films. Besides, each of those films left an indelible impression on the minds of the viewer. So, quite naturally, the expectations from his new release AARAKSHAN are enormous. This one also tackles a rather serious social issue -- caste-based reservation. However, AARAKSHAN not only talks about reservation, but also about the commercialization of educational institutions.

Not many storytellers have repeatedly succeeded in creating pragmatic films on societal matters, but Jha holds the distinction of doing so in film after film. Be it DAMUL [on bonded labor], MRITYUDAND [on gender inequity], GANGAAJAL [also about the contentious blinding episode at Bhagalpur], APAHARAN [on the abduction situation in Bihar] or RAAJNEETI [on the political state of affairs], Jha's cinema has always illustrated harsh realism in a transfixing and riveting manner.

We believe in equal rights for all and yet, we continue to be a caste-based society. Through AARAKSHAN, Jha portrays the agony that the youth goes through. The film-maker wants the spectator to comprehend matters around one of the most controversial policies of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions, a hitherto untouched theme for Hindi cinema.

Like Jha's earlier attempts, AARAKSHAN is, without doubt, a high-voltage socio-political drama. But, most importantly, it takes on issues head-on, without mincing words. However, the storyteller ensures that the film, at no point, gets preachy or drifts into the sermonizing mode. Like Jha's films, AARAKSHAN has a story to tell and several super dramatic moments. Sure, it takes time to comprehend what's going on initially, due to the fact that the film has multiple characters and too much seems to be happening from the start itself, but things fall in place as the story moves forward and the tension starts escalating. While the first hour leaves a hammer-strong impact and is captivating in most parts, it's the second hour that comes across as a mixed bag. More on that later!

AARAKSHAN tells the story of Prabhakar Anand [Amitabh Bachchan], the idealistic principal of a college that he has single-handedly turned into the state's best. It is the story of his loyal disciple, Deepak Kumar [Saif Ali Khan], who will do anything for his Sir. Of Deepak's love for Prabhakar's daughter Poorbi [Deepika Padukone], of his friendship with Sushant [Prateik].

Centered on one of the most controversial issues of recent years, the story suddenly becomes a rollercoaster ride of high drama, conflict and rebellion, which tests their love and friendship for one another and their loyalty to Prabhakar Anand.

Gender bias and caste-based politics are two paramount problems plaguing our society and it's not easy to depict these two issues with accuracy on screen. I am no one to comment whether AARAKSHAN would be able to throw up any enduring solution to the problem, but I am sure that the film would seize your mind and make you deliberate on the issues facing the nation. And that, to me, is akin to accomplishing what Jha must've set out when he green-lit AARAKSHAN. One also relates to the subject instantly because it mirrors the thoughts of a common man, since every family is genuinely concerned about the education and job their child will get.

At the cost of repeating myself, I'd like to say that the dramatic moments in AARAKSHAN make it a riveting experience. The conflict between Amitabh and Manoj Bajpayee in particular and the turn of events during the post-interval portions leave a solid impression, but the narrative tends to get lengthy and a tad uninteresting and repetitive towards the second hour specifically. The conflict between Amitabh and Manoj is well presented and moves to the next level in the second hour, but the sequences thereafter, when Amitabh, Deepika, Saif and even Prateik start conducting classes and educating the students, dilute the impact generated by the first hour. Also, the culmination to the story, when a full-blown confrontation between the government officials and commoners takes place, though well executed, could've been more impactful. In short, the excessive length of the film, more specifically towards the second hour, acts as a deterrent.

An issue-based film rarely has scope for music [Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy] and AARAKSHAN is no different. Nonetheless, Jha weaves the songs smartly in the narrative, which doesn't really hamper the flow of the story. Like every Jha movie, AARAKSHAN is embellished with hard-hitting dialogue and Anjum Rajabali comes up with lines that are sure to be talked-about while thrashing out the merits of the film. Sachin Krishn's cinematography is top class.

The Principal's role is tailor-made for Amitabh Bachchan. Though the actor has portrayed an unsympathetic Principal of an educational institution in MOHABBATEIN earlier, his role is different this time around. In MOHABBATEIN, a delicate episode toughened his character. In AARAKSHAN, his persona begins to suffer when Manoj Bajpayee and the coterie begin to show aggression and debase him. He doesn't strike back initially, but retaliates later, when he starts teaching all over again. The actor gives a completely new dimension to this character.

It requires great courage to cast Saif Ali Khan in the role, but he comes across as very persuasive. In fact, the film offers him several difficult sequences, which the actor carries off with flourish. His diction, while delivering shudh Hindi, is perfect. This role must have been a challenge for Deepika Padukone as well and she surprises you with a confident portrayal. In fact, she has an equally challenging part to play in the story and it must be said that she handles her scenes, even when she's pitted against experienced actors, with complete understanding.

Manoj Bajpayee was remarkable in RAAJNEETI; he played a devious and manipulative politician with gusto. In AARAKSHAN, his character is negative as well; he treats education as a business. And Manoj is incredible this time as well. Prateik is impassive in a few scenes. Also, he needs to loosen up a bit.

Tanvi Azmi is first-rate. Mukesh Tiwari is, as always, top notch. Yashpal Sharma is exceptional. Darshan Jariwala is very good. Saurabh Shukla is wonderful. Chetan Pandit is adequate. Vinay Apte is perfect. Anita Kanwar and S.M. Zaheer are alright. Hema Malini appears towards the end of the film.

On the whole, AARAKSHAN communicates an engaging story with very relatable characters. It's a movie that is truly inspiring and thought-provoking, but at the same time, its running time [almost 2.45 hours] is a deterrent. The film is mired in controversies ever since Prakash Jha announced the project, but the controversies will only enhance the curiosity-value for this film. AARAKSHAN not only works as a film, but also as a tool to drive home a forceful message. It's a daring, heroic, commanding and an engaging film that shouldn't be missed!

 

Aarakshan

Lyricist
Prasoon Joshi
Music Director
Shankar Mahadevan
Ehsaan Noorani
Loy Mendonca
Background Music
Wayne Sharp
Cinematography
Sachin Kumar Krishnan
Choreography
Jayesh Pradhan
Action
Prem Sharma

Characters:

Aarakshan Amitabh Bachchan: Dr. Prabhakar Anand
The inflexible idealist - he stood tall as the most revered teacher in the state. Until one day, when he finds himself in the eye of the storm he set off. Which now threatens to destroy him... and everything he has stood for?

Saif Ali Khan: Deepak Kumar
The rebellious underdog, who found a guardian angel in Prabhakar Anand. And love, with his daughter. But, when fate took a dramatic turn, it was he who struck the first blow against his own mentor.

Deepika Padukone: Poorbi Anand
The devoted daughter, who stoically suffered every hurt that Prabhakar's brittle idealism, threw her way. Until one day, when the dam of her frustration burst and even she walked out on him.

Prateik Babbar: Sushant Seth
The spoilt brat, whose lively friendship with Deepak and Poorbi cut across all social barriers. But, when the caste-storm struck, best friends turned into bitter foes.

Manoj Bajpayee: Mithilesh Singh
The malicious adversary, who is a brilliant teacher himself. And a man without scruples. He waits patiently like a coiled rattlesnake until Prabhakar is off-guard. Then strikes - hard. With a low blow.

Synopsis

Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande is the story of a gang comprised of four friends-Rajbir (Parvin Dabas), Sexy (Vansh Bharadwaj), Ambani (Ashish Nayyar) and Doctor (Kuldip Ruhil) who are given a job which will give them enough money to make all their dreams come true, but to achieve the same they will have to go against their conscience and the village, Kanjhawla, to which they belong. Goading them on to make this job successful is their boss, Fauji (Sharat Saxena), who stands to gain the most from the job's success and realize his dreams of becoming a politician.

Aarakshan Aarakshan is the story of Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), the legendary idealistic principal of a college that he has single-handedly turned into the state's best. It is the story of his loyal disciple, Deepak Kumar (Saif Ali Khan) who will do anything for his Sir. Of Deepak's love for Prabhakar's daughter, Poorbi (Deepika Padukone), of his friendship with Sushant (Prateik). It is the story of their love, their lively friendship, their zest for life, and of their dreams for the future.

Centered on one of the most controversial issues of recent years, with the Supreme Court's order on reservations, the story suddenly becomes a rollercoaster ride of high drama, conflict, and rebellion, which tests their love and friendship for one another, and their loyalty to Prabhakar Anand.