Salman goes to Buckingham palace

By: Prithwish Ganguly - DNA 21st Dec

CONFUSED? But it’s true. Salman Khan’s forthcoming film Veer has received the rare distinction of becoming the first Bollywood movie to be shot in the premises of Buckingham Palace that is home to Queen Elizabeth II.

After Hrs has learnt that the makers of the movie had to cough up around 50,000 pounds (approx Rs 38 lakh) for just four hours of shoot as that was the maximum time the authorities there would allow a film crew. Before this, only a handful of Hollywood movies have managed permission to shoot at the Queen of England’s official residence. “It took us around three months of persistent follow-ups with UK officials to get the permission. Luckily for us, they accepted our request and since the Queen was out of the city on that day, things fell into place,” reveals producer Vijay Galani.

What created a little bit of history for the producers of this period film themselves was the fact that for the first time ever, all roads leading to Buckingham Palace were blocked to keep away traffic and onlookers.

“Never before have the roads near Buckingham Palace been cordoned off for a movie shoot,” adds Galani. “We wanted to show a period setting and recreate that look – people wearing clothes prevalent in the 19th century, horse carriages, etal. That was the difficult part. The London traffic controllers only allowed us time between 6 am to 10 am. Our crew reached as early as 3 in the morning to set up the shoot and thankfully everything was on schedule. We had to paint signboards near Buckingham and remove all modern fixtures within the frames to make it authentic. Of course we restored everything after the shoot.”

After Hrs managed to get in touch with the man himself to talk about the experience. “It felt great,” enthused Salman. “I have always been fascinated about shooting at real castles and places of heritage. I had earlier done a bit for Vipul Shah’s London Dreams. The England shoot for Veer was amazing. I did not believe we could do the things we managed to right in the heart of London. Unlike studio recreations, shooting at actual heritage locations completely lifts the scene – it looks rich!” indeed.

Finally, Sallu’s dream will come true

By: Afternoon 25th Nov
This dream has been a long time coming. When on January 22 the epic film VEER hits theatres, Bollywood actor Salman Khan would have fulfilled his dream of 20 years. The movie’s first look will be unveiled this Friday with De Dana Dan.

“Veer has been a 20-year dream of Salman Khan. His involvement in this particular project is tremendous especially because he lived with the script for so long. It’s like a dream come true for him,” said a source close to the actor in a press statement.

The much-talked about film is about the bravery of a Pindari soldier and speaks of bravery exemplifying the courage of every oppressed Indian fighting for justice and independence. Directed by Anil Sharma, the film features Salman in a never seen before avatar along with newcomer Zarine Khan. Former Miss UK Lisa Lazarus too plays an important role in the film that also stars Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff along with Sohail Khan and Bharat Dabholkar. “Salman has gone all out of this film. He has worked hard on his look for VEER – right from the styling to his toned physique. The film has turned out great much to everyone’s delight and is touted as Salman Khan’s greatest work,” said the source.

Produced by Vijay Galani, the film will be released worldwide by Eros International. Galani has roped in Sajid Wajid for the music and Oscar winner Gulzar for the lyrics.

Salman Khan on the film he started scripting 20 years ago

By: Indian Express - 4th Dec
IMAGES of Salman Khan in Mel Gibson inspired attire have started doing the rounds. After the huge success of Wanted and the cold response to Main Aur Mrs Khanna and London Dreams, everyone’s curious about the actor’s next big flick, which happens to be a period film. Set in the 19th century, the film is about an imaginary town called Pindhari that is fighting for independence from the British and other Indian rulers.

The bravest of the warriors in Pindhari is none other than Veer, played by Salman Khan. While everyone knows that this story has been penned by Khan himself, not everybody knows that he actually started to write this script 20 years ago. “The film needed to be made on a very large scale and at that time the film budgets were not so large so I just stored the script away,” Khan says. In fact, the script was written before he started acting and he wanted to direct this film, “But people told me to act and not direct, so here I am.”

After digging out and dusting the script two decades later, Khan made minor changes but was still tempted to direct it. “Katrina Kaif convinced me that Anil Sharma would be perfect to direct this script and I too realized that he would be the perfect person. The only thing that scared me was that he’s known to take 200 days to finish shooting,” laughs the actor. So when Khan went to him with the script, Sharma promised to shoot in less than 60 days. (The shoot went on for 140 days.)
Was this the reason that we hear of the numerous fights between the actor and the director during the shoot? “Of course we had fights. We had a lot of arguments but that was only because of creative differences and that’s healthy. It was nothing personal,” clarifies the actor.

The film will also introduce a new heroine, Zarine Khan, and her striking resemblance to Katrina is extremely obvious in the promos. Khan rubbishes this right away: “If she looked like Katrina then I would be the first person to notice,” But why not take Kaif or another well known face instead of a new one? “Katrina and I have done Yuvvraaj together and you saw what a success that was. She was also very busy around the time that we were shooting. We had no heroine two weeks before the shooting. We spotted Zarine Khan and felt that she was perfect for the part,” explains Khan.

Period films are not a new concept to cinegoers so what is it about the film that will set it apart from the usual grandeur and blood shedding that goes with the rest of them?

“Trust me,” says the charismatic actor, “The most important difference is that this film is in a simple language that everyone will understand. There is no fancy ancient language and unnecessary gestures. This is a comedy, romantic and emotional film set in that time. It is a film about the relationship between a father and a son and about fighting for one’s land. It also has a love story in it because if there was no woman then whatever could have been the reason for so much enmity?” he smiles.

The music of Veer.....by Salman khan

by Salman khan

Hi Guys,
Great to see all that wonderful feedback, thanks all of you....many of you have been asking about the music of Veer, so this blog is dedicated to just that... The music is all set to release this week, you all must have already seen the Salaam aaya promo on air, am glad a lot of you have liked it..

Not compromising on the music, we have roped in the unusual combination of musical duo Sajid Wajid for the music and Oscar winner Gulzar saab for the lyrics. I had heard rumors of A.R Rahman being roped in for Veer’s music, but that’s not true, in fact I had wanted Viju Shah at that time and we finally decided on Sajid-Wajid who have done a fab job. So many of you have suggested Pritam, I’ll surely consider that in future projects.

Every night we would jam up and all of us (Anil Sharma, Vijay Galani, Sajid Wajid and I) would work with dummy lyrics. Once we got the tunes, we didn’t know how to get the lyrics. They had to be simple. Anil Sharma mentioned Gulzar saab and I asked my father and he said no one is better than Gulzar saab for the lyrics. For all these years my dad has been a big fan of Gulzar saab. And in Veer, he has given an excellent lyrical value to the music of Sajid-Wajid.

The beauty of this film is that the music had to be set in the 19th century and be heard in the 21st century. And when you heard the music, it should blow your mind away. The important factor was that there had to be a line that should immediately catch on. Anyone who can’t sing should be able to hum that tune and the world’s worst dancer should be able to tap his feet! The first time you heard the tune, you had to like it.. songs like O O Jaane Jana, Love Me Love Me Love Me, Partner, Just Chill etc.. Keeping all this in mind, the music of Veer was thought of...To have the same thing in a period film was very difficult but nothing is unattainable if you put your heart and mind to it with talented people.

So check the music out when it hits stores and keep your feedback coming in

Love,

Salman

Salman khan start a Veer blog on his 44th birthday

Mumbai, December 28 -- Salman Khan celebrated his birthday with two big bashes.

On Saturday at his Panvel farmhouse, the star celebrated his 44th birthday with family members, including his parents Salim and Salma, Helen, brothers Arbaaz and Sohail with their wives, Malaika and Seema.

However, two of his best friends, Katrina and Sajid Nadiadwala, weren’t present on the occasion since Sajid is holidaying in the U.S. and Katrina is in London where she plans to ring in the New Year with her family.

Salman Khan launched an initiative on his blog
The actor was eager to do something different on his birthday so he came up with a novel idea to promote his upcoming film ‘Veer’.

The new section veerblogs.erosentertainment.com on his blog is now a platform for Salman’s fans to share their acts of courage and bravery. The idea is to make people across the country send real stories of their acts of valor, which will be there for all to see. The blog will go online from today.

Salman plans to felicitate real life heroes
This new initiative is for the real heroes who have a story to share with everyone. Salman has already decided to felicitate the brave heroes who share their stories of bravery on his blog.

The producer of Veer conveyed that "All the stories have to be connected to a brave feat in real life. We will hold a contest on bravery or veerta. We are still working out the details."

Yesterday Salman Khan threw a huge bash at his Panvel farmhouse to celebrate his birthday in a big way. The star’s closest friends were present at the party and so were the producer and director of ‘Veer’.

Veer-an epic love story of a warrior

* Release Date: 2010
* Runtime: N/A
* Genre: Romance
* Starring: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Jackie Shroff ... See all
* Director: Anil Sharma

Plot 1
Characters:

Salman Khan: Veer
Impetuous in action, emotional in love, a tiger in battle... Veer encompasses all that is brave, heroic and true. When asked to make the toughest decision of his life - what will he choose his true love or his call of duty?

Mithun Chakroborty: Prithvi Singh
The proud head of the Pindaris, he has vowed to avenge the deception that cost his tribe their land and their reputation, forcing them to be on the run forever.

Jackie Shroff: Raja of Madhavgarh
He cheated the Pindaris to please the British but lost his arm. Thirsting for revenge he has sworn to hunt the Pindaris down, little realizing that his daughter is in love with the bravest of them all.

Sohail Khan: Punya
Loyal to the core, he is Veer's shadow and like Laxman he will follow his elder brother Veer to the ends of the earth if need be. He loves to flirt, but he loves to fight even more.

Zarine Khan: Princess Yashodhara
Head over heels in love with Veer, she must now make a solemn vow to destroy Madhavgarh's deadliest enemy - who happens to be, none other than Veer!

Synopsis

From the misty pages of history comes a story of extreme valour, fierce pride and poignant love.

As the British enslave India with their devious Divide and Rule policy, kings and nawabs fall to their guile and cunning, and entrust their precious kingdom to the foreigners.

Except for the brave Pindaris, who prefer death to dishonour and will fight to their last breath to save their land...their mother.

The bravest, the toughest, the strongest of the Pindaris is Veer. As Veer takes on the might of the British Empire, he also has to fight the conniving King of Madavgarh as well his own jealous tribesmen.

But then the stakes are high...

At stake is his love for princess Yashodhara, daughter of his sworn enemy...

At stake is his thirst to avenge his father's dishonour...

At stake is his very existence itself....

Cannons roar, swords clash in fierce battle, the dead pile up... And when the dust settles down on the blood soaked land...one valiant warrior stands head and shoulders above them all - Veer!
Veer - an epic saga of bravery and drama, treachery and love...
Plot 2
Veer is a 2009 Hindi film directed by Anil Sharma, and starring Salman Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Sohail Khan and Jackie Shroff. The film was also written by Salman Khan.

Veer - Theatrical Trailer

Sallu’s dad left speechless after watching VEER

By: Shama Bhagat - Asian Age 25th Nov
Salman Khan’s biggest critic and fan to this day remains his father Salim Khan.
So once his film Veer was ready, the actor arranged a special screening for his father. Reveals a source, “Salim uncle watched the entire film and when it ended, he just left the venue without saying a word!” But later in the night, he went up to Salman and told him that Veer was his best movie after Maine Pyar Kiya.”

“My biggest fear for Veer was that my father would not approve the film since he had asked me not to make it. But after he finally saw the film, he came and told me it was outstanding and that meant the world to me,” Salman told us.

Salim has done something similar years ago when Maine Pyar Kiya was set to be released. After showing Maine Pyar Kiya to my father, he didn’t react at all. Finally, at two o’clock in the morning he called me and said, ‘You are going to be a star, a cult figure with this film. And after this, if anybody can mess it up, it’s you alone!” said Salman.

The film went on to become the biggest hit in 1989 and one of the most successful Bollywood movies of all time, establishing Salman’s status in the industry.

Veer hits theatres on January 22 2010. The much-talked about movie is about a Pindari soldier. It speaks of his bravery exemplifying the courage of every oppressed Indian fighting for justice and independence. Directed by Anil Sharma along with newcomer Zarine Khan. The movie’s first look will be unveiled on Friday with De Dana Dan.

Veer Music Review

Music Directors: Sajid-Wajid
Lyricist: Gulzar
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Niigaam, Wajid, Neuman Pinto, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Suzanne D’Mello, Roop Kumar Rathod, Shreya Ghoshal, Rekha Bhardwaj, Sharib Sabri, Toshi Sabri, Shabaab Sabri and Sunidhi Chauhan
Rating: ****

Composer brothers Sajid-Wajid have come up with one of their best works in Salman Khan’s period drama “Veer”. The soundtrack boasts of eight songs and the music is melodious, hummable and is an interesting bouquet of various genres.

It starts with “Taali”, a song brilliantly crooned by Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Niigaam, Wajid and Neuman Pinto. The power-packed track gives the album an edge and a positive start. It is hard-hitting and makes the listener sit up and take notice.

The song also has a solo version by Sukhwinder and it has been sung with a lot of punch.

Up next is a total contrast to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s mushy track “Surili akhiyon wale”. It is melodious and extremely pleasing to the ears. It also has English verses by Suzanne D’Mello, something similar to the song “O ri chhori” in “Lagaan”. It’s surely a likeable number and will make an impact.

It also has an extended version with Sunidhi Chauhan, who sings it in a way unlike her original style.

Then there is “Salaam aaya”, currently doing the rounds of television channels. The romantic song, which has Roop Kumar Rathod, Shreya Ghoshal and Suzanne D’Mello behind the mike, is a soft, light and pleasing number. It is worth a hear.

Next in line is Sonu Niigaam’s “Meherbaniyaan”. It starts with a long prelude and orchestration powers over the vocals. The fast-paced number is average and offers nothing great.

Then we have a very likeable track in “Kanha”, a thumri sung by Rekha Bhardwaj with ample support from Shahab, Toshi and Sharib Sabri. This is one of the best tracks in the album. A song of this genre has been incorporated in a film after a long time. A must hear.

Finally, there is an instrumental piece called the “Spirit of Veer”.

On the whole, Sajid-Wajid have made an effort to make the album different and they have succeeded in doing so.....

Veer Music Review-II

Reviewed by: Ankit Ojha
Producer: Sunil Sharma, Pratik Galani, Kamlesh Kumar
Director: Anil Sharma
Starring: Salman Khan , Mithun Chakraborty , Sohail Khan , Jackie Shroff , Bharat Dhabholkar , Zarine Khan , Neena Gupta
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Nigam, Roop Kumar Rathod, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Rekha Bharadwaj, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Suzanne, Wajid, Neuman Pinto, Shabab Sabri, Toshi & Sharib
Audio On: Eros Music Number of Songs: 8
Album Released on: 17 December 2009

The soundtrack of Veer doesn’t need my review. Hell, it doesn’t need anyone’s review. Why, you question. The answer is simple – there are so many Salman Khan fans out there that even if the music was disappointing, it would be hailed as good by many of the clan, that’s fan power for you!

But then again, given that Sajid Wajid’s reputation for providing solid music (save for Salman starring movies) has not been too great in the past, it’s apt that expectations have been curtailed somewhat. Having said that, the duo have improved this year with the music for Wanted and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, unsurprisingly both of which starred Salman Khan. What’s more, for the music of Veer, they have another catalyst for success and for potential listeners to sit upright with curiosity. And that catalyst and inspiration is non other than the award winning lyricist Gulzar, whose recent hits include his poetry inYuvvraaj, Slumdog Millionaire’s "Jai Ho", and Kaminey. His collaboration with Sajid and Wajid for the music of Veer is his first and the end result is simply one of the duo’s most accomplished works to date…

The haunting pad to the opening track “Taali” sets the perfect mood for the rest of the song, and though some will point out that the tune has a distinct similarity to Mangal Pandey’s “Takey Takey”, strangely this one has its own distinct charm as well. Of course, it goes without saying that Sukhwinder Singh brings his own style and groove to this very Indian rooted song. Sound arrangements are fantastic from Sajid and Wajid. Sonu Nigam combines his vocals with Singh’s to make an eclectic vocal combination. They are supported by backing vocals of Wajid and Neuman Pinto. The sheer energy is supported by the mind-blowing beats that have a slight Middle-Eastern flavor in the middle of the song. The synthesizer samples hold a distinct earthy flavor to it that will give immense appeal to the listener. As for Gulzar’s lyrics, they are flawless. He truly is a master with earthy lyrics, they are poetry in motion and the best part about them here is that you can actually visualize the events through your own imagination (through his lyrics) that completes the package. A rocking start to the album!

The second version of the song called “Taali (Solo)” appears later on (Track 6) and as per the title is a solo by Sukhwinder Singh- whilst it is just as powerful as the original I guess the impact is greater with the original duet of Sukhwinder Singh and Sonu Nigam. Still a nice alternative.

If you thought Veer was all about power-packed songs, then Track 2 will completely change your mind. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan soothes you with a very romantic track called "Surili Akhiyon Wale". The beauty of this song is that one can literally feel it – so much so that you are at risk of being transported to another world! Suzanne has become a regular backing vocalist for uttering mundane English lyrics in many Sajid Wajid songs, but thanks to Gulzar she has some decent English lyrics here to work with. Starting with some soothing guitar strums and a cosmic sound effect in the background, the arrangements are later accompanied by the harmonica and Suzanne’s vocals. The beats are very Indian, and the percussions, bass and the pads give it a totally pleasant and romantic aura with a periodic feel to it! Gulzar’s lyrics yet again hit the bulls eye, and how. The subtlety of the lyrics make you smile, and (for those in love) think about your loved one or (for those not in love) want to fall in love with someone. Another fine song in the making this should deservedly rise to the top of the charts – this one will floor the lovers of romantic tracks.

Those who enjoyed the song will welcome “Surili Akhiyon Wale (Duet)” which adds Sunidhi Chauhan to the equation and she does what she does best – sing in that sweet, fluffy and perfectly restrained manner. While some listeners will be divided on which version is better, most will accept both the versions with open arms. Personally, I wonder which of the versions will be used on screen?

The whole romantic feeling continues with the next track called “Salaam Aaya”, which marks the return of a hugely talented (but underrated and underused) singer in the form of Roop kumar Rathod who teams up with Shreya Ghoshal to provide another superb duet. The sound arrangements are so sweet and romantic, the song actually feels like it is dipped in honey. Roop Kumar Rathod’s vocals are perfectly suited for such songs and he croons his lines amazingly well. Shreya Ghoshal must be the most reliable singer in Bollywood – she rarely disappoints and here she croons her coy lines with semi-classical perfection. Is it any wonder that she has so many admirers worldwide? The music, in keeping with the theme of the movie, is very much rooted to semi-classical Indian with the dhol, sitar and flute pivotal to the arrangements. The feeling after listening to the song will be something that dangles between exhilaration and love. Suzanne gives the perfect backing vocals yet again in the right places, and the music at that point compliments her croons with heightened verbs. Lyrics are good again. Wow by the end of it I’m asking myself if this is really a Sajid Wajid track I’m reviewing?!

The beats return with Track 4,“Meherbaniyan”, but of a totally different kind. A complete 70s touch is met with this one bringing a Western old-world feel to it’s core provided by the synthesizer samples and the beats. And those claps! They make you feel like you’re back there when the people were more interested in tap-dancing in the open air. Sonu Nigam’s vocals perfectly suit the bill – something that requires him to be on a typical modern Western tinge, and yet sounding classic at the same time. That’s his trademark – a versatile singer who knows his melody and can fit into the bill of any song. Gulzar’s lyrics are really imaginative, and easy to decipher. If promoted well this song should become a favorite amongst the masses. Sajid Wajid have already scored a hat trick of winners with the first three songs of the album. This one whilst not as good, should promote the album well.

The penultimate track arguably highlights the most intense and powerful track of the entire album called “Kanha (Thumri)” that is very much rooted in the Indian classical genre. Though semi-classical in nature, it tilts very much towards almost classical thanks in main to the superb singing and the intense but meaningful lyrics. In fact, it is due to these lyrics that the song becomes a really difficult one to compose but Sajid Wajid have proved here that they know their melody to the core, and they haven’t taken the easy way out through gimmicking- instead they have created a solid rustic song that give justice to the lyrics. Then we have Rekha Bharadwaj’s rendition which encapsulates a superb combination of rustic edges with intensity, vulnerability and emotion that totally touches your heart. Listen out for the final minute of the song which is the complete highpoint where the combination of music, mixing, arrangements, lyrics and vocals elevates the song to dizzying heights. Rekha is supported by backing vocals from Shabab Sabri, Toshi & Sharib. Overall this is an excellent track from the stables of a music directing duo that has been churning out nothing but commercial masala songs. While there will be many people thumbing down the song because of the lack of universal appeal, I personally feel that the song is one of the best from Sajid Wajid, and also arguably the best track of the album. This one is for the connoisseurs of music. Highly recommended.

The album ends with an instrumental called“Spirit of Veer”. Whilst it is a cool and peppy theme song , at only 58 seconds long it is far too short to make a lasting impression!

For an album with limited expectations this has been a rewarding experience. The surprisingly good score boasts of very good sound design coupled with the amazing choice of singers and a masterful lyricist. And considering Sajid Wajid’s only other credible work in the last two years has been for the previously released soundtrack of Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, this one actually sets a benchmark for themselves as composers. Non-Salman fans will be equally enthralled by the versatility of the music director duo, and will now expect better things in the future. Thankfully, this is also Anil Sharma’s first film in a long time that has very good music – and this can only be good news for the movie at the box office!

Music Release of "Veer"

By: Eros Entertainment

Veer Music Release

Daddy’s silence worries Salman

By: Hindustan Times - 26th Nov
Accha listen… a birdy from Bandra has dropped by to tell me that Salman Khan hosted a trial of Veer for his father, Salim saab the other night. So? So he was surprised when Salim saab walked out ekdum chup-chaap after the film ended. More so, since the senior Khan has never left the trial theatre without saying anything after the screening. So Sallu thought that maybe his father didn’t like the film and was overcome with worry. But he couldn’t contain his joy when Salim saab called him at 2 am and told him that not just the film, but even he was ‘simply outstanding’. Apparently, that’s when Sallu remembered his father’s reaction after seeing Maine Pyaar Kiya.

I’m told that Salim saab didn’t say a word after the trial back then, but later at home, asserted to Sallu that he would be “a star… a cult figure after Maine Pyaar Kiya… and if anybody can mess it up, it is You.”

No wonder, Sallu doesn’t want to take any chances and mess things up this time round either.

Sallu: Papa kehte hain

By: Hindustan Times - 15th Dec
Guess who recommended Gulzar saab’s name to pen the lyrics of Salman Khan’s Veer, wonders Rapchik Rajni as she barges into my penthouse. Don’t bujhao pahelis and get straight to the point, I tell her and she responds that it was Salim Khan saab.

Seems Sallu, who had heard that A R Rahman was being roped in to compose the soundtrack of his magnum opus, wanted Viju Shah to create the music. But he finally settled for his in-house faithful duo Sajid-Wajid. Sallu was still discussing the names for lyricists, when director Anil Sharma mentioned Gulzar saab’s name, recalls Rajni. Thank god for small mercies, he didn’t mention Javed Akhtar. Else Sallu would have brought out his sword from his period epic.

Anyway, unsure of his director’s suggestion, Sallu consulted his Salim saab. The veteran script-writer asserted that no one comes close to Gulzar saab for lyrics and he was himself was his fan. That’s when Sallu decided to get Gulzar saab on board to pen the songs for his brave historical flick. Kewl!