Sholay: The Greatest Film in the History of Indian Cinema

Sholay is a Hindi film produced by G.P. Sippy and directed by his son Ramesh Sippy. It is the bigget hit in the history of Bollywood. The story revolves around a village named "Ramgarh" which is situated near Chambal. Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) residing in the village is the ex-policeman. There is a decoit named Gabbar (Amjad Khan) who is always trying to harm the villagers. Thakur wants to bring an end to Gabbars story thats why he calls the two criminals named Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) to the village to help him. Thakur wants to take the revenge as his two sons, daughter, elder daughter-in-law and his only grandson were killed by Gabbar. Now Gabbar is in plans to attack Ramgarh on Holi. But fortunately Veeru and Jai manage to knock the decoit down after lot of difficulties. And finally Gabbar is taken by the police and arrested. But the other end of the film is Gabbar actually dies as he is kicked by the spiked shoes of Thakur. And this way Ramgarh gets free again. The most of the movie was shot in Ramanagaram, a small village near Bangalore. 

After this movie, this place was renamed as Sippynagar, and is one of the most frequented tourist spots for the "Sholay Rocks" where the movie was shot. It is on the Bangalore-Mysore highway. Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay has earned more than $200 million till now, and had run for more than 5 years in one Mumbai theatre: Minerva. With 60 Golden Jubilees across the country, this is the only movie in the history of Indian cinema to celebrate Silver Jubilee in over 500 theaters all over the country, at the same time. Sholay is definitely much more than a movie. It was a real blockbuster.

Release Date: August 15, 1975

Shilpa Agnihotri evicted from Bigg Boss - Saath 7

Shilpa Saklani Agnihotri

TV actress Shilpa Agnihotri had to leave her husband Apoorva Agnihotri alone in theBigg Boss Saath-7house as she was voted out of the reality show Saturday night.

The actress had entered the show with her actor husband when the show began on Colors channel Sep 15.

Shilpa became the fifth contestant to be ousted from the show last night.

While Shilpa was made to stay in the heaven part of the house, Apoorva spent his days in the hell side. It was just earlier this week that both the sides of the house were merged into one, and the couple was united.

But the eviction episode brought bad news for them.

Shilpa was nominated for eviction this week with VJ Andy, Tanishaa Mukerji, Kamya Punjabi and Armaan Kohli.

The 31-year-old is best known for her role as Ganga in the popular soap opera 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. She had earlier participated in reality shows like 'Nach Baliye', 'Pati Patni Aur Woh', 'Survivor India' and 'Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan-Nawaazi ki'.

Shilpa's husband Apurva Agnihotri, who has starred in Subhash Ghai's 1997 film "Pardes", is also one of the contestants in the house and just like her, he also does not indulge in the politics in the house.

"I just told him to take care. He is a good human being. I know he is a great contestant but not a great player. He can never be a player. He cannot change for the show. If he does then all the hard work he has done over the years will have no meaning," the actress said.

Shilpa also confirmed that there is a clear divide in the house as fellow housemates Tannisha Mukherji and Armaan Kohli have distanced themselves from the rest of the 11 members.

During her stay on the show, the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actress was seen to be very close to her husband. She had expressed anger when he readily accepted a challenge to get a mohawk haircut. She had an emotional breakdown following the incident.

Shilpa also became friends with Andy and Kamya. She even sorted out her differences with Tanishaa.

For now, the Bigg Boss Saath-7 house inmates include Gauhar Khan, Kushal Tandon, Tanishaa, Armaan, Asif Azim, Sangram Singh, Elli Avram, Pratyusha Banerjee and Viveik Mishra apart from Apoorva.

More than willing to return to Bigg Boss house: Shilpa Agnihotri

Television actress Shilpa Agnihotri, who was evicted from Bigg Boss - Saath 7 house, feels inmates fight too much and she feels her early eviction from controversial reality show 'Bigg Boss' was because of her inability to stir up controversies in the house. But given a chance she won't mind re-entering the house.
"It is too early to get evicted but I guess this was destined, so I cannot complain. The show is very content driven. You have to constantly give certain amount of content to the cameras otherwise it is not possible for you to survive on the show," Shilpa told press.

"You have to have a very strong personality, create chaos, instigate fights. I did not do any of it. I never created any problems. I did not ridicule people, put them down, I just reacted to situations. So, I think that is the main reason for my eviction," she said.

The actress, who had entered the house with her husband actor Apoorva Agnihotri, was evicted on Saturday. Bigg Boss Saath-7 airs on Colors.

"Everyone felt that my eviction was very unexpected. I feel that maybe I did not give enough content which was why I was evicted," Shilpa said in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

"The minute they ask me for a wild card entry, I am more than willing to go...at least till the time my husband is there.

"I feel so bad that I am here without him. I will probably cry when I go home...I will continue to watch the show at least till the time my husband is there," added the actress seen in shows likeLavanya and Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Talking about the Bigg Boss experience, she said that she was shocked to see how much people fight.

"Apoorva and I have been married for so many years. We hardly ever fight. Even if we start to argue, we stop within five minutes. But I realised how much people love to fight in the 'Bigg Boss' house," she said.

"I just detest fights," she added.

The house was initially divided into 'hell' and 'heaven' segments and while Shilpa was placed in the heaven side, Apoorva was in hell.

"We had imagined the two sides to be very different. We thought we will just not be able to see each other. But it was not so. We could talk, hug and kiss each other. Plus we knew if we performed well, there was a chance we could be together," she said.

Movie review 'Shahid': Gritty and powerful, remembers Indian lawyer Shahid Azmi as symbol of hope

Cast: Raj Kumar Yadav, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub, Prabhleen Sandhu, Kay Kay Menon, Tigmanshu Dhulia

Director: Hansal Mehta

NB Rating: ****

'Shahid' tells the story of a real-life person in a most life-like way. Those who know the story of Shahid Azmi, will be aware that the young lawyer was killed in 2010. He died in the line of duty, because he would not be dissuaded from doing the right thing. It is an important tale, and Hansal Mehta tells it straight, without any false flourishes.

If Mehta directs unsparingly, Raj Kumar Yadav acts unflinchingly. His Shahid is a man who grows in front of us, the audience. He does a course correction and changes direction. For a Hindi film protagonist, this kind of arc is rare. So is this story, which calls a spade a shovel, and names names.

"Agar iska naam Donald ya Suresh hota, toh kya yeh yahaan khada hota (If this man's name was Donald or Suresh, would he have been standing here)?" Shahid's question, in a Mumbai court room, addressing a judge, pointing to a man who has been in prison without any proof or evidence, other than his name, rings the changes. There have been so many incidents of false arrests and torture and custody deaths of innocents who were picked up and wrongly confined by the police just because they had the wrong name: if you were Muslim, and poor, and you were in the wrong place, or in the wrong eye, you were guilty of terrorism.

'Shahid' was also one of them. We see the degradation that he has to undergo in a lock-up, naked, stripped of his dignity. More than the marks of the beating, it is the way a fellow human talks to you and demeans you that kills the spirit. But the inspiring thing about Shahid's tale is that he overcame the torture and the beatings, and the shadow of his dark past, and became the man who wanted to protect and save others like him. Raj Kumar Yadav wears the character like skin, and becomes Shahid.

Other performances are finely pitched as well. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub, after his terrific turn in 'Raanjhana', plays Shahid's brother with as much subtlety. The girl who starts to like Shahid for what he does , and then begins to resent the others' claims on his time is done well by Sandhu. Shalini Vatsa is absolutely believable as the 'madam public prosecutor', pugilistic, chin sticking out. As the practical lawyer who teaches Shahid exactly what not to do, Tigmanshu Dhulia does a nice cameo. Only Kay Kay, as the noble jailed professor who is a deep influence on Shahid, is a trifle stagey, but it doesn't work against the grain of the film.

The film never becomes strident. Instead, Mehta quietly exposes the anti-Muslim stance so deeply entrenched at every level of the law-and-order system. Cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan snakes his camera through tenements, cafes, trains and buses to create a palpable sense of a permanently festering city. Ultimately, however, Shahid is Raj Kumar’s triumph. His Shahid has strength, anguish and a controlled anger, but also real charm. His smile lights up the frame. See Shahid for him.

Actor Sanjay Dutt seeks parole extension

Sunday, Oct 13, 2013

PUNE: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, currently out of jail on parole for a fortnight, has sought an extension of parole on medical grounds, official sources said Sunday. His parole period ends Monday. The application is under consideration and a decision is likely to be taken shortly, the sources said.

Dutt, 53, was granted parole from the Yerawada Central Jail Oct 1 to get medical treatment for certain unspecified illnesses.
His parole period ends Monday and he has sought another fortnight's extension. The application is under consideration and a decision is likely to be taken shortly, the sources said.
A parole is a conditional release of a prisoner for a limited period for a specific purpose and is strictly governed under Indian jail laws.
"It does not imply commutation of the sentence or amnesty and is purely decided as per individual cases at the discretion of the concerned authorities," criminal lawyer J.P. Mishra told IANS.
Dutt is serving a 42-month sentence for his role in the March 1993 Mumbai serial bombings of March 1993.
He was convicted by a Special TADA Court for illegal possession of a pistol and an AK-47 rifle.
In March, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction under the Arms Act and reduced his sentence from six years, awarded by a lower court, to five years.
He has already served one-and-a-half years behind bars during trial. He returned to Mumbai's Arthur Road Central Jail May 16 to serve the remaining 42 months in prison.
Later, on security grounds, he was shifted to Yerawada Central Jail here.

If granted, he is likely to extend his stay at home by 14 days.   

Rekha: A life of an enigma

The evergreen actress Rekha's birthday today

She is a renowned actor and a fashion icon, what with legions of fans aping her style statements. Today, October 10, as Rekha celebrates her 59th birthday, she still looks as stunning as ever and manages to make heads turn. We speak to actors from the industry and ask them to share their thoughts about the star.

Rekhaji was always much ahead of her times, as an actor and a person. She lives her life on her own terms and is a true superstar. From Khoobsurat (1980) to Umrao Jaan (1981) you can gauge her range as an actor. She has romanced superstars from Dharamji (Dharmendra, actor) to Akshay Kumaron-screen, and that shows how timeless a beauty she is.

About Rekha

Bollywood actress Rekha was born on 10 October 1954. Daughter of Telugu actress Pushpavalli and Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan, Rekha didn't have an easy early life particularly because her parents were not married and her father didn't acknowledge her for some time.

Rekha started her career in 1966 as a child artiste in the Telugu movie 'Rangula Ratnam'. Her debut as a led actress was four years later in 1970, with 'Sawan Bhadon'.

The going was never easy for Rekha. Despite many of her earlier films being hits, Rekha was not appreciated so much in Bollywood because of her dark skin and South Indian features so  Rekha went ahead under a major physical transformation - from a dusky village girl to a glamourous diva. 

Apart from paying attention to her make-up, attire and working on her acting technique, the actress also started chosing her roles more carefully. It was during this time that she  perfected her Hindi language skills. The results were stunningly obvious and in the late 70s, she finally got the attention of all the actors and directors.

Throughout her career, she has often played strong female characters and was one of the few actresses of her time who dared to take up roles in films that were considered a part of parallel cinema.

Rekha has acted in over 180 films in a career spanning over 40 years and has won three Filmfare Awards, two for Best Actress and one for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in 'Khubsoorat' (1980), 'Khoon Bhari Maang' (1988) and 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' (1996), respectively.

The most significant turning point in her life came in 1978 with her portrayal of a rape victim in the movie 'Ghar'. Her performance was appreciated by audiences and critics and filmmakers sat up and took notice. 'Ghar'making the arrival of a mature Rekha. and she received her first nomination for Best Actress at the Filmfare Awards.

By dint of hard work and dedication, Rekha has achieved a position in Bollywood which is exceptional. Actors look upon her to be like Rekha. She has created a separate zone for her. She has many successful movies under her name.

Rekha's long open secret relationship with Amitabh Bachchan has been an interesting subject for the media even today.

Her role in 'Umrao Jaan' (1981) won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. Rekha made a comeback this year when she took an oath as Rajya Sabha MP. She made her first appearance in the Parliament during the Budget Session.

In 2010, she was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Rekha is one of the finest actors Hindi Cinema has and she is a role model for many of the upcoming actresses.

Brand Rekha is a classic example of a self-created personality. 

NRI Bollywood wishes the evergreen actress a very happy birthday!

Selected filmography

Rekha has acted in over 180 films in a career spanning over 40 years. Throughout her career, she has often played strong female characters and, apart from mainstream cinema, appeared in arthouse films, known in India as parallel cinema. She has won three Filmfare Awards, two for Best Actress and one for Best Supporting Actress, for her roles in Khubsoorat (1980), Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), respectively. Her portrayal of a classical courtesan in Umrao Jaan (1981) won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. Though her career has gone through certain periods of decline, she has reinvented herself numerous times and has been credited for her ability to sustain her status. 

• Goa dalli C.I.D 999 (1969)
• Sawan Bhadon (1970) ... Chanda
• Double Cross (1972) ... Rekha
• Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972)
• Ek Bechara (1972)
• Gora Aur Kala (1972) ... Phoolwa
• Dharma (1973)
• Kahani Kismat Ki (1973) ... Rekha
• Namak Haraam (1973) ... Shyama
• Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974) ... Janniya
• Dharam Karam (1975) ... Basanti
• Dharmatma (1975) ... Anu
• Aakraman (1975)
• Do Anjaane (1976) ... Rekha/Sunita Devi
• Santan (1976)
• Kabeela (1976)
• Alaap (1977) ... Radhiya
• Khoon Pasina (1977)
• Aap Ki Khatir (1977)
• Immaan Dharam (1977)
• Kachcha Chor (1977)
• Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978) ... Dhaniya
• Ghar (1978) ... Aarti Chandra
• Muqaddar Ka Sikander (1978) ... Zohrabai
• Prem Bandhan (1979)
• Kartavya (1979) ... Nita
• Suhaag (1979) ... Basanti
• Mr. Natwarlal (1979)
• Jaani Dushman (1979)
• Aanchal (1980)
• Judaai (1980) ... Gauri
• Kali Ghata (1980) ... Rekha/Rashmi
• Jal Mahal (1980)
• Khubsoorat (1980)
• Agreement (1980) ... Mala Mathur
• Kalyug (1980) ... Supriya
• Silsila (1981) ... Chandni

Umrao Jaan (1981) ... Amiran/Umrao Jaan Baseraa (1981) ... Poornima "Nima" Kohli Ek Hi Bhool (1981) ... Sadhana Srivastav Vijeta (1982) ... Neelima Jeevan Dhaara (1982) ... Sangeeta Shrivastav Nishaan (1983) Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye (1983) Agar Tum Na Hote (1983) ... Mrs. Neena Mehra/Mrs. Radha Bedi Bindiya Chamkegi (1984) ... Bindiya Utsav (1984) ... Vasantsena Baazi (1984) Faasle (1985) ... Maya Musafir (1986) Locket (1986) ... Shalu Jaal(1986) Pyar Ki Jeet (1987) ... Soni Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) ... Aarti Verma/Jyoti Ijaazat (1988) ... Sudha Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988) ... Shalu Mehra Bhrashtachar (1989) ... Bhavani Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (1990);... Sharda Phool Bane Angaray (1991) ... Namrata Madame X (1994) ... Sonu X /Madam X Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) ... Maya Udaan (1997) Aastha (1997) ... Mansi Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996) ... Rasa Devi Bulandi (2000) ... Lakshmi Zubeidaa (2001) ... Maharani Mandira Devi Lajja (2001) ... Ramdulaari Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao (2001) ... Kamini Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002) ... Saritaji Bhoot (2003) ... Sarita Koi... Mil Gaya (2003) ... Sonia Mehra Bachke Rehna Re Baba (2005) ... Rukmini / Richa / Gurpreet Krrish (2006)  ... Sonia Mehra Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana (2006) ... Mayuri Yatra (2007) ... Lajwanti Sadiyaan (2010) ... Krrish 3 (2013)

Ranbir Kapoor's Besharam Has Superb Opening At Box Office

This week's new Hindi release Besharam, starring Ranbir Kapoor , Rishi Kapoor , Neetu Singh and Pallavi Sharda in the lead has opened to an overwhelming response at the Indian Box Office . As per its early trends, the romantic action comedy film would beat the first day collection record of Shahrukh Khan's Chennai Express. It will also become the biggest opener for the Rockstar actor. The makers of Besharam have done extensive promotion for it and Ranbir Kapoor appeared on popular TV shows for its publicity. Its promos have soared up the viewers' curiosity to the sky high. In addition, Wednesday is a National holiday due to Gandhi Jayanti and that is why the film had huge amount of advance ticket booking in both single screens and multiplexes. Besharam, which has set a record by releasing in 3600 screens, has registered an average of 90% to 95% occupancy in the morning and matinee shows in the circuits like Mumbai, Delhi, Mysore and East Punjab. The Ranbir Kapoor and Pallavi Sharda movie, which has also got good occupancy in other circuits, has very good amount of footfalls at multiplexes in metros, when compared to single screens. As per early trends, it will do record breaking collection at the Indian Box Office on its first day. However, the buzz in social media is not very good for Besharam. Most of the viewers, who watched the film in the first show, did not like what they saw and they are busy spreading bad word of mouth on Twitter. We bring you some tweets of the film goers.

Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BAd2zeAN78

Happy Birthday Ranbir Kapoor: Bollywood's 'Rockstar' is 31

Ranbir Kapoor was born to actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh on September 28 in Mumbai. He is the great-grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor and the grandson of actor-director Raj Kapoor. His elder sister, Riddhima Kapoor (born 1980) is an interior and fashion designer. His paternal cousins Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor are both actresses. 

Nusrat Fateh Ai Khan’s widow passes away in Canada

OTTAWA: Legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ai Khan’s widow, Naheed Nusrat,  succumbed to illness on September 13 at the Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario. According to reports, she had been suffering from cancer for the last month.

Born in Faisalabad, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was an internationally acclaimed Pakistani qawwali singer who possessed an extraordinary range of vocal abilities. He contributed to and performed in several Pakistani films and later did playback singing for Bollywood. He fell ill in 1997 and passed away in London, England. 

The wife of the late musical maestro had moved to Canada after the demise of her husband and had taken ill since the past one month. She is survived by a daughter.

According to a family source, arrangements have been made to fly her body back to Pakistan. She is likely to be laid to rest in Faisalabad. staff report

Legendary Actor admitted to Hospital

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar (90) was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after he complained of uneasiness in the chest. He is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and his condition is stable. The legendary personality was kept under observation and a team of doctors have been monitoring his condition.

Dilip Kumar is known as the 'King of Tragedy' in Bollywood. He was seen in iconic roles in the classic like Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jamuna and Madhumati.Dilip Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan on December 11, 1922, in Peshawar (now in Pakistan) and his acting career spanned six decades and over 60 films. He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 191 and Dadasaheb Phalke in 1994. He was the first person to receive Filmfare Best Actor honour when the awards was launched in 1954. Dilip Kumar and Shahrukh Khan stands on top with most number of Filmfare awards (8 each) won in the Best Actor category.

He was also nominated to Rajya Sabha for a term from 2000 to 2006.

In 1998, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award conferred by the government of Pakistan.

Hope Dilip Kumar recover soon to bring back smiles on the faces of millions of his fans. Get well soon DK

‘Grand Masti’ leading lady Karishma Tanna pairs with Sunny Leone for 'Tina And Lolo'

After Minissha Lamba opted out of Devang Dholakia's Tina And Lolo, as she was not comfortable doing a lip-lock scene with Sunny Leone, Karishma Tanna has been signed to play her role. Tanna who is busy working on her fitness regime for the action thriller, confirms stating, "Yes I am doing the film along with Sunny Leone and we have already shot for 10 days. I am working on my fitness, since the character requires me to do hardcore action sequences like riding bikes, jumping from heights, flying in the air with the help of ropes etc. Although, I am enjoying the shoot, I have hurt myself and have a bad backache and multiple bruises on the body." Describing the film as a Charlie's Angels kind of a movie, Tanna reveals that the film will be shot in Mumbai and Georgia and will be completed by November. The makers are looking for a January 2014 release.

Pic of the Week

Veena Malik seeks blessing for someone special at Lalbaugcha Raja

Mumbai - Ganapti Celebrations are celebrating grandly all over the country. During the Festival Lord Ganesh was visible in full Splendour in different Avatars, mood and Images. Mumbai is famous for Ganesh celebrations.

Lalbaugcha Raja is the most famous Savrvajanik Ganapati in Mumbai. Every year many Bollywood celebrities visit Lalbaugcha Raja to seek blessing, Bollywood actress Veena Malik also visited Lalbaugcha Raja where she offered prayers for someone special and success of her upcoming movie “Supermodel” which is going to release on 27th September.

Veena’s looking gorgeous in full Indian traditional Pink Sari and was seen touching feet of Ganpati Bappa. Veena Malik said, “I feel very happy to visit Lalbaugcha Raja which is known as a Navsacha Ganpati (which means the fulfiller of all wishes).

I offered Prayer to seek blessing for one who is very special for me and the success of my upcoming movie.” Lalbaugcha Raja has always been a major attraction because of its iconic Ganpati idol.

Madhuri Dixit’s father passes away at 91

Mumbai - Shankar R Dixit, who is the father of Bollywood megastar Madhuri Dixit sadly died on Friday morning at the age of 91. Mr. Dixit died in his sleep whilst his family was by his side. In a statement to the Indian media, Madhuri mentioned the following about her father’s passing. “We’ll miss him but we know he lived a full life. We thank all those who have offered their condolences and prayers.”

Reportedly, Madhuri’s family had been informed by the doctors about Mr Dixit’s deteriorating health, and Madhuri was going to leave from the shoot of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 finale. Priyanka Chopra was to perform a medley of Madhuri’s numbers as a tribute to her. But Madhuri made it for the shoot on Thursday.

A source told us, “Madhuri will not be shooting for the rest half of the finale episode. Her performance has also been called off.”

Madhuri also took to Twitter to thank her fans for their support during this difficult time for her and the rest of her family. “Wanted to thank everyone for all your support at this difficult time. My dad was amazing and we will miss him.” In another tweet, she stated, “his memory will live on in the hearts of his 4 kids and 7 grand kids. And our successes are his successes.”

The Dixit family have organised a prayer meet in memory of Shankar Dixit in Juhu  for family and close friends.

NRI Bollywood offer our deepest condolences and strength to the actress and her family.