Filmfare 2011- Its a Joke

Filmfare lost it's value since it shifted to yash raj studios, I think it will be very proper to say yash raj awards rather than filmfare. Many choices were debatable.

Here is the list of winners - with my take. and yes, these are 'my' thoughts, feel free to disagree.

Deserving -

Best Actor Female (Critics)
Vidya Balan (Ishqiya)

Best Sensational Debut (Male)
Ranveer Singh - Band Bajaa Baaraat

Best Sensational Debut (Female)
Sonakshi Sinha - Dabangg

Best Debut Director
Maneesh Sharma (Band Baaja Baraat)

Best Playback Singer (Male)
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (Ishqiya)

Best Playback Singer (Female)
Mamta Sharma - Munni Badnaam Hui (Dabangg)
Sunidhi Chauhan - Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan)

Best Lyrics
Gulzar - Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (Ishqiya)

Best Dialogue
Habib Faisal - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Choreography
Farah Khan - Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan)

Best Action
Vijayan Master - Dabangg

Best Screenplay
Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap - Udaan

Best Background Score
Amit Trivedi - Udaan

Best Costumes
Varsha Shilpa - Do Dooni Chaar

Best Editing
Namrata Rao - Love Sex Aur Dhokha

Best Cinematography
Mahendra Shetty - Udaan

Best Sound Design
Pritam Das - Love Sex Aur Dhokha
Kunal Sharma - Udaan

Best Production Design
Mukund Gupta - Do Dooni Chaar

I Disagree with -

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male)
Shah Rukh Khan - My Name Is Khan

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female)
Kajol - My Name Is Khan

Best Film
Dabangg

Best Director
Karan Johar - My Name Is Khan

Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female)
Kareena Kapoor - We Are Family

Best Music
Sajid - Wajid & Lalit Pandit (Dabangg)

Sony Best Scene Of The Year
Golmaal 3

'We have to keep everyone happy' Awards -

R. D. Burman Music Award
Sneha Khanwalkar - Love Sex Aur Dhokha

Lifetime Achievement Award
Manna Dey

40 Years Of Greatness Award
Amitabh Bachchan

Listed below are the winners, for the films that I haven't seen. So, no comments.

Best Film (Critics)
Udaan

Best Actor Male (Critics)
Rishi Kapoor - Do Dooni Chaar

Best Actor In Supporting Role (Male)
Ronit Roy - Udaan

Best Story
Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane - Udaan

My Take-

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male)
Salman Khan - Dabngg

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female)
Vidya Balan - Ishqiya

Best Music
Pritam - Once Upon A Time In Mumbai

When Salman Khan became Aamir Khan’s guru!

To play his character in Dhobi Ghat, Aamir Khan became a shishya of Salman Khan for a few weeks and diligently learnt from him how to create paintings.

It’s no secret that Salman is a terrific painter, even though the star downplays that talent of his. So when Aamir bagged the role of a painter in wife Kiran Rao’s film Dhobi Ghat, he turned to his good friend Salman for help.

Being the perfectionist that he is, Aamir wasn’t going to settle for a tacky portrayal of a painter. He wanted to learn the fine points of painting. And Salman more than willingly helped Aamir with that. For a few weeks he was Aamir’s art guru and Aamir his diligent student.

We hear that as guru dakshina, Aamir gave Salman a painting made by him. It’s an abstract painting with imaginative use of colours.

Salman has reportedly loved Aamir’s painting and has hung it in his bar, even though he’s off the bottle nowadays.

Reliance BIG Pictures And Atul Agnihotri Announce The Launch of ´Bodyguard´

Reliance BIG Pictures and Reel Life Production Pvt Ltd’s 'Bodyguard' starring Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor is the official remake of the Malayalam hit Bodyguard directed by Siddique who also directed the Tamil orginal .

Clarifying the official title of the film says producer Atul Agnihotri “Several people in the media are referring to the film as 'My Love Story' when that isn't the title. As official producer I would like to clarify that the film is called 'Bodyguard'. Hope this puts an end to the confusion. For now the film is rolling with it's first schedule being shot in Pune."

I forgive Vivek, says Salman

The battle between the two Khans is only getting worse. Adding fire to the Shah Rukh- Salman standoff, Sallu has spoken out against Shah Rukh’s ’apology’ to him on the TV chat show, Koffee with Karan,

saying that SRK should make an apology in person, and not on national TV, if he wants to patch up.SRK had said on the show, “Salman Khan is angry with me, it is 100% my fault.” In response, Salman told the magazine, Hello Delhi, “He passes my house around four times a day to get anywhere, and to return from wherever he goes. If he wanted a patch-up, why would he say it on a TV show?”

Salman added that he has forgiven actor Vivek Oberoi, with whom he had a bitter standoff following Oberoi’s press conference against him in 2003. “I forgave Vivek because you know whether someone is serious or not in wanting to apologise, and whether he seriously felt bad for his actions. I felt this (Shah Rukh’s) apology came only to increase TRPs of Karan’s show.”

When asked if he would forgive Shah Rukh if he came to him and said sorry, Salman said, “I would rather stay away from such people.”

Industry insiders say it’s time the two buried the hatchet. “It is a matter of ego for both — who will make the first move? But, it suits both of them because their rivalry is more newsworthy than their friendship,” says adman Prahlad Kakkar. Urging the actors to move on, trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “Things can certainly be worked out if both actors want to make peace, but no third party should get involved.”


Both Shah Rukh Khan and Vivek Oberoi refused to comment on the matter.
-With inputs by Navdeep Kaur Marwah

Salman Khan in Yash Raj clan?

The New York director Kabir Khan has approached Salman Khan for his next Yash Raj Films project. Shah Rukh has been the hot choice for YRF over the years. So, why Salman now?
"Dabangg's success is one of the main reasons for the banner pursuing Salman. Initially, the director was thinking of casting John Abraham as the main lead, but after Sallu's flick became a smash hit, he decided the Dabangg actor would be a better draw," a source told Mid Day.

Moreover, Aditya Chopra has also been sending feelers to the Dabangg actor to accept the film, reported the tabloid. This would be Salman's debut with Yash Raj Films if he agrees to be a part of it.

"The star has never worked with Aditya Chopra, a close friend of arch rival Shah Rukh Khan. Before signing the film, Sallu wants to be sure the team is all on the same page, creatively. Kabir has told the star that he can't see anyone else playing the part," added the source.

Is the Dabangg factor hampering the bond between the Chopras and SRK?

Winners of 6th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Salman Khan - Dabangg

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Vidya Balan - Ishqiya
Anushka Sharma - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Film
Arbaaz Khan Productions - Dabangg

Best Director
Karan Johar - My Name Is Khan

Best Debut Male
Ranveer Singh - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Debut Female
Sonakshi Sinha - Dabangg

Best Actor in a Comic Role (Male)
Paresh Rawal - Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?

Best Actor in Negative Role
Sonu Sood - Dabangg

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
Arjun Rampal - Raajneeti

Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Female)
Prachi Desai - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

Best Story
Anusha Rizvi - Peepli [LIVE]

Best Debutante Director
Manish Sharma - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Male Singer
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Tere Mast Mast Do Nain (Dabangg)

Best Female Singer
Sunidhi Chauhan - Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan)
Mamta Sharma - Munni Badnaam Hui (Dabangg)

Best Music
Sajid Wajid - Dabangg

Best Lyrics
Gulzaar - Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji (Ishqiya)

Best Dialogue
Abhinav Singh Kashyap & Dilip Shukla - Dabangg

Best Screenplay
Rajat Aroraa - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

Best Choreography
Farah Khan - Sheila Ki Jawani - Tees Maar Khan

Best Editing
Namrata Rao - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Cinematography
Sudeep Chatterji - Guzaarish
Santosh Sivan & V.Manikandan - Raavan

Best Art Director
T.P.Abid & Sonal Choudhry - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Sound Recording
Pritam Das - Love Sex Aur Dhokha

Best Costume Design
Niharika Khan - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Special Effects
Prime Focus - Guzaarish

Best Re-Recording
Tapan Nayak - Raavan

Lifetime Achievement Award
Dharmendra

Hindustan Times Reader's Choice Entertainer Of The Year Award (Male)
Shahrukh Khan

Hindustan Times Reader's Choice Entertainer Of The Year Award (Female)
Katrina Kaif

Cinematic Exellence (Director)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali - Guzaarish

Cinematic Exellence (Male)
Hrithik Roshan - Guzaarish

Cinematic Exellence (Female)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Guzaarish

Special Honour For Films of 2009 - Best Actor
Amitabh Bachchan - Paa

Special Honour For Films of 2009 - Best Actress
Vidya Balan - Paa

Special Honour For Films of 2009 - Best Film
Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 3 Idiots

Special Honour For Films of 2009 - Best Director
Raju Hirani - 3 Idiots

Hrithik v/s Salman face-off is inevitable

Seems like fireworks will happen after all in the month of May next year with Hrithik Roshan's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara readying to face the challenge from Salman Khan's Ready. Though there were murmurs in the industry that Zindagi Na.... had decided to move away from the competition and arrive on a different day, film's producer Ritesh Sidhwani has denied any such plans.

"Why would Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara not release on 27th May", questions back Ritesh who is caught by surprise when asked about the change in plans for the film.

There is a small history behind the Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan face off. Release date of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was announced a few weeks back and the film was all set to arrive on 27th May. A multi starrer which also stars Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol, Zindagi.... is now well into post production.

However Ready, which is a Salman Khan and Asin starrer, is still into shooting with some of the songs left to be picturised. However, its sudden announcement on arriving on the same day as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara caught everyone was surprise. It was being widely suspected that the film would now lead to Salman v/s Hrithik clash.

"In days to follow, many in the industry speculated if it was a wise decision after all for two big films like these to clash", says an industry insider, "Though Salman has made a late entry, there was no room for ego for anyone involved. Yes, Zindagi... was announced a few weeks ago but since May is quite far away, either of the films could at least contemplate an arrival on a different date."

This was the time when rumours started making the rounds that the makers of Zindagi Na... had decided to take the first step and arrive on a different date. This also meant that 27th May was now the battle ground for Ready and Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar which is also sighting the same date.

Ritesh Sidhwani though is sure that there won't be any change in release plans and quashes all the speculations. Maintaining that 27th May is indeed the D day for this Zoya Akhtar directed film, he states, "We have not changed our date. We are definitely arriving as per the original plans."

Well, seems there are indeed interesting days ahead. Will there now be a three way clash between Salman, Hrithik and Ranbir? Sounds interesting for sure!

Star Screen Awards 2011: Salman Khan, Vidya Balan win top honours

MUMBAI: Salman Khan not only rocked the box office with his blockbuster "Dabangg" but also triumphed at the 17th Annual Star Screen Awards by bagging the best actor trophy for the action-comedy. Vidya Balan walked away with best actress award for her bold and critically appreciated performance in Vishal Bhardwaj's "Ishqiya".

Overall, "Dabangg" bagged six awards, including best music (Sajid-Wajid), best new talent in music (Mamta Sharma), most promising newcomer (Sonakshi Sinha), best choreography ( Farah Khan )), and best action (Master Vijayan) and emerged as the most awarded film of the evening.

However, the surprise element was the tie between "Ishqiya", "Band Baaja Baraat" and small budget film "Udaan" - all three received four awards each.

"Ishqiya" also won best supporting actor for Arshad Warsi, best male playback singer for Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and best lyricist for Gulzar. "Udaan" was the winner in categories like best film, best director for Vikramaditya Motwane and best actor in negative role for Ronit Roy and best child artiste for Ayaan Barodia.

"Band Baaja Baraat" grabbed most promising male newcomer for Ranveer Singh, most promising debut director for Maneesh Sharma, best dialogue for Habib Faisal and best editing for Namrata Rao.

Apart from this, the popular choices awards were bagged by Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif for best actor and best actress respectively.

Ramnath Goenka Memorial Award was bestowed upon "My Name Is Khan" and a special jury award for spectacular cutting-edge technology was given to "Robot" at the gala event Friday evening.

Best Actor (Male)
Salman Khan - Dabangg

Best Actor (Female)
Vidya Balan - Ishqiya

Best Film
Udaan

Best Director
Vikramaditya Motwane - Udaan

Best Actor Popular Choice (Male)
Shahrukh Khan - My Name Is Khan

Best Actor Popular Choice (Female)
Katrina Kaif - (Raajneeti - Tees Maar Khan)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
Arshad Warsi - Ishqiya

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
Shernaz Patel - Guzaarish

Best Actor in a Comic Role (Male/Female)
Sanjay Mishra - Phas Gaye Re Obama

Best Actor in a Negative Role (Male/Female)
Ronit Roy - Udaan

Best Performer
Ajay Devgn - Golmaal 3

Best Music
Sajid Wajid - Dabangg
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy - My Name Is Khan

Best Playback Singer (Male)
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji - Ishqiya

Best Playback Singer (Female)
Shreya Ghoshal - Bahara - I Hate Luv Storys

Best New Talent In Music
Mamta Sharma - Munni Badnaam - Dabangg

Best Lyrics
Gulzar - Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji - Ishqiya

Most Promising Newcomer (Male)
Ranveer Singh - Band Baaja Baaraat

Most Promising Newcomer (Female)
Sonakshi Sinha - Dabangg

Most Promising Debut Director
Maneesh Sharma - Band Baaja Baaraat

Best Story
Amit Rai - Road To Sangam

Best Choreography
Farah Khan - Munni Badnaam - Dabangg

Most Popular Music
Pritam - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

Best Ensemble Cast
Peepli [Live]

Best Art Direction
Mukund Gupta - Do Dooni Chaar

Best Action
Master Vijayan - Dabangg

Best Dialogue
Habib Faisal - Band Baaja Baraat

Best Screenplay
Anjum Rajabali, Prakash Jha - Raajneeti

Best Child Artiste
Ayaan Barodia - Udaan

Best Editing
Namrata Rao - Band Baaja Baraat

Best Background Score
Wayne Sharp - Raajneeti

Best Special Effects
Srinivas Mohan - Robot

Best Sound
Vikram Joglekar - Road Movie

Best Cinematography
Sudeep Chatterji - Guzaarish

Ramnath Goenka Memorial Awards
My Name Is Khan

Special Jury Awards For Spectacular Cutting Of Age Technology
Robot

Mountain Dew signs Salman Khan as first brand ambassador

NEW DELHI: Pepsico’s soft drink brand Mountain Dew has signed Salman Khan for an annual fee estimated at Rs 5 crore, placing the Dabangg superstar at par with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Riding high on the success of his film Dabangg, one of the biggest hits of this year, Salman becomes Mountain Dew’s first brand ambassador. So far, the lemon-based drink had opted for high-energy commercials featuring high-octane stunts.

The deal places Salman ahead of other film stars such as Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan , said two executives from the celebrity management space. “This is the first time a brand ambassador has been signed for Mountain Dew in India,” a PepsiCo spokesman said. He declined to comment on the deal size.

When contacted, Matrix India Entertainment Consultants founder director Vivek Kamath did not comment on the development. The agency manages Salman’s endorsements. PepsiCo has positioned Mountain Dew as a macho drink with the tagline,‘darr ke aage jeet hai’.

The company spokesman said Salman identifies with the philosophy of the brand and has a strong national appeal. The beverage maker has chosen the 45-year-old Salman Khan when its flagship brand Pepsi promotes itself as a youth-centric brand in line with its ‘youngistan’ theme.

In fact, brand Pepsi dropped actor Shah Rukh Khan and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in the last two years, justifying that the two stars did not fit in with the brand’s ‘young’ image.

This year, Salman has been a sort of saviour to Bollywood. While some of the most hyped films like Hrithik Roshan’s Guzarish and Abhishek Bachchan’s Raavan flopped, Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan was an average grosser. In fact, even before Dabangg became the hit that it has, general entertainment channel Colors had roped in Salman as host of its popular show Bigg Boss’ fourth season.

The actor is reportedly being paid Rs 3-3.5 crore per episode, though this could not be confirmed. Dabangg is said to be the highest grosser for 2010.

Salman with Katrina Kaif in Bigg Boss 4

Farah's next with Salman?

Have Salman Khan and Farah Khan joined hands for a project? Is Farah directing Salman in a film that will be jointly produced by Farah and Salman's production companies? That's the latest gupshup in tinsel town. The news gains credence because Salman and Farah have been bonding like never before. Of course, they have always been thick friends, but their friendship has only cemented since the past few months.

"Yes, I've heard this one, but the truth is, I am still undecided about my next project. I want to go on a vacation once TEES MAAR KHAN releases. The script I am working on is partly ready, but the question of casting anyone doesn't arise till the writing is complete," Farah clarifies. It would be interesting to see the Queen of Masses directing the King of Masses, wot say?

People declares Salman as Sexiest man Alive

While SRK said 'OK!' To be declared as the Most Sexiest Dad, People went on step ahead and declared Salman as the Sexiest man Alive! We are referring to the People's magazine that has just hit the stands with Salman showing off in his trademark smile and bod to match!

Salman, in his true Salman-style speaks all about his looks, physique and much, much more. He says "I was never aware of how I look. People still don't compliment me". And for those who feel that Salman is tad comfortable in his 'tee-off' avatar, here is your fitting replay, by the man himself! He says "I am comfortable in worn-out, torn jeans and tees. Only the underwear shouldn't be torn!" He also adds (read 'confesses') that "I hate working out in a gym. But considering the work that I do, I have to work out".

This is one issue that you wouldn't want to miss, for it's not everyday that you hear Salman say "Now, I don't think that I'd wear a bikini"

ढाई करोड़ में दिखाएंगे दम

कुछ दिन पहले खबर आई थी कि सलमान खान ‘दस का दम’ के तीसरे सीजन में वापसी कर रहे हैं। इस सिलसिले में अब ताजा खबर यह है कि सलमान उसी सूरत में इस शो में वापसी करेंगे, जबकि उन्हें प्रति एपिसोड ढाई करोड़ रुपए दिए जाएं। बताया जाता है कि चैनल वाले भी सलमान की यह शर्त मानने के लिए तैयार हैं। सूत्रों के मुताबिक यह राशि उन्हें पिछले सीजन में दिए गए मेहनताने से 51 फीसदी ज्यादा है।

एक सूत्र के अनुसार सलमान को पहले सीजन के लिए 1.65 करोड़ प्रति एपिसोड दिए गए। शो के दूसरे सीजन के लिए सलमान ने 44 करोड़ की बढ़त की मांग की, लेकिन चैनल ने मंदी का हवाला देते हुए उन्हें अपना पारिश्रमिक घटाने के लिए मजबूर कर दिया।’

अब ‘दबंग’ की धांसू सफलता के बाद सलमान की लोकप्रियता भी आसमान छू रही है। यही वजह है कि चैनल्स भी उन्हें इस वक्त मुंहमांगे दाम देने के लिए तैयार हैं। सूत्रों की मानें तो ‘दस का दम’ के तीसरे सीजन के लिए सलमान को ‘बिग बॉस 4’ से भी ज्यादा पारिश्रमिक दिया जाएगा। सूत्रों के मुताबिक सल्लू मियां को ‘बिग बॉस 4’ के एक एपिसोड के लिए तकरीबन दो करोड़ रुपए दिए जा रहे हैं।

यह पैकेज डील है, जिसमें इससे जुड़ी कुछ और बातें भी शामिल हैं। खबर तो यह भी है कि ‘दस का दम’ के लिए सलमान खान का सही विकल्प तलाशने की बहुत कोशिश की गई लेकिन बात नहीं बनी। हारकर चैनल वालों को वापस सलमान के पास ही लौटना पड़ा। इससे यह बात तो साफ हो जाती है कि कि सल्लू मियां का दर्शकों से बहुत ही बढ़िया कनेक्शन है और जिस शो के साथ वह जुड़ जाएं, उसकी टीआरपी अपने-आप बढ़ जाती है।

Salman Khan signed for Ramesh Taurani's next

Post the success of Dabangg, Salman Khan has become a hot property in Bollywood. No wonder then that all the directors and producers are lining up to sign the star for their films.

The latest news is that Salman Khan has been signed up by Ramesh Taurani for his next venture. However, Taurani states, "Actually, we had signed Salman much before Dabangg, for the remake of Amar Akbar Anthony."

However, the plans to remake Amar Akbar Anthony have been dropped and now Taurani wants to start a new project with the star. Says Ramesh Taurani, "Since we already have Salman on board, we have decided to make a totally different film. The film will be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and we have already locked the script."

As for the details regarding the cast and of the yet untitled venture, Taurani says, "Though we have already locked the script, we are yet to finalise on the rest of the cast. The film will go floor only next year. Apart from this, I cannot say much now as it's still too early."

Well, let's hope that Sallu who is currently enjoying a high phase in his career continues with it through next year as well.

David Dhawan to bring Salman-Govinda together for Partner 2

By Subhash K. Jha, October 28, 2010 - 11:52 IST

If there is one guy out there in the entertainment industry who can put an end to all the speculation on the status of the Salman-Govinda relationship, it is David Dhawan.

David who has been closely associated with both Salman and Govinda, has done the maximum number of films with the two stars. He's now in the process of bringing them together for the sequel to Partner.

But the problem is with the stories about the Partners' real-life rift. They are taking a toll on David. And he has decided to do something about the crisis. He is toying with the idea of hosting a party to celebrate the Salman-Govinda friendship.

"And why just the Salman-Govinda friendship? It will be to celebrate the Salman-Govinda-David friendship. I get very disturbed when I hear about their so-called rift. Arrey yaar, both are far above such bickering. Look at Govinda's track-record. He has been at the top for decades. As for Salman, with Dabangg he has proved he is beyond all competition. I hate to see people talking about two of my closest friends in this negative way. So yes a party celebrating Salman and Govinda's friendship and my friendship with them seems a good idea," says David emotionally.

Says David, "I'm committed to direct a film Rascals for Sanjay Dutt Productions from next month. Dutt is one of my oldest and closest friends. The first film I directed had Sanju in it. Then I'm committed to directing Partner 2 for Salman Khan and Govinda. So my career is devoted to friends."

Family would naturally have to look elsewhere. David's younger son Varun is being launched as a leading man by Karan Johar.

Says David, "All I can tell you at the moment is that my elder son Rohit is directing his first film Desi Boyz and my younger son Varun is going to be an actor. I'd have liked to launch both in their respective careers. But I am committed to making films with my friends."

Rascals will feature Dutt, who is one of David's oldest and dearest friends, with Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut. It will be a typical David Dhawan comedy.

Argues David, "Why not? Why open the car bonnet to check the motor when the vehicle is running just fine? When others are copying my style why should I move away from it?"

Dabangg DVD Review

By Joginder Tuteja, October 25, 2010 - 16:20 IST


MOVIE DETAILS

Cast: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood, Arbaaz Khan
Director: Abhinav Singh Kashyap
Producer: Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora Khan, Dhilin Mehta
Music: Sajid-Wajid, Lalit Pandit
Lyrics: Faiz Anwar, Jalees Sherwani, Lalit Pandit

THE FILM

If one starts scratching the surface, there is an utter lack of storyline in Dabangg. All you get to see is one item sequence tied with another, sometimes not so successfully and at number of times successfully. And when it does tie up well eventually, there is no stopping back. You can't get your eyes off Salman and this is what makes Dabangg stand out as a quintessential masala film that has audience asking for more.

Salman Khan is our very own Robinhood Pandey who loots from the goons and discreetly distributes it amongst the needy. However, this Robinhood act of his just remains at the surface without taking over the proceedings. In fact to think of it, there is absolutely nothing that takes over the proceedings even once despite a dozen odd characters spread all over the narrative.

A mother (Dimple Kapadia) who loves her elder son but can't side with him since he has her feelings intact for her second husband (Vinod Khanna) and their child (Arbaaz Khan). A quiet young woman (Sonakshi Sinha) who gets to know the name of her hubby only after getting married to him. A politician (Anupam Kher) who never quite comes on his own. A goon (Romeo) whose only job is to get beaten up whenever he establishes an eye contact with Salman. A cop (Om Puri) who comes across as a mere sidekick. Most of these characters barely stay on as peripherals even as Salman dominates the show.

Thankfully, the man who actually turns out to have a good screen time as well as screen presence is Sonu Sood who makes use of the opportunity that came his way with Dabangg. As a villain (who by the way loves to be addressed as a hero), he has a well defined character that basically comes on his own in the second half of the film and actually contributes to the overall plot.

Now that's actually a big relief because honestly, the first half of the film is just a set of pieces that come together by coincidence and not intent. In fact it won't be wrong to say that for the first 45 minutes at least, you end up wondering whether Dabangg was actually the case of promos misleading audience into expecting something really phenomenal. Yes, there are some clap worthy sequences but still, an absence of a concrete plot means that you do tend to get a little flustered and also impatient. You do expect some drama to build up to a cause but all you get to see is Salman's histrionics put on display.

However, things do take a turn for much better in the second half and as the plot thickens (to whatever extent possible in an out and out Salman show that Dabangg is), the film begins to engross the audience. The game of tricks being played to make the two brothers (Salman and Arbaaz clash), the flashback sequence involving Dimple, the anti climax at Arbaaz's wedding - just about everything ends up making Dabangg a much enjoyable affair.

To add to that, music plays a big part in ensuring that Dabangg stays on to be a lively affair. Short and sweet, each of the numbers come at just the right time and never cause an interruption in the narrative. The cherry on the top is the item song (Munni Badnaam) which is anyways the talk of the season.

Moreover, the best is reserved for the finale that makes Dabangg an absolute enthralling affair for the masses. The extra long fight sequence involving Salman, first with a bunch of goons where his entire police force supports him and later hand to hand combat with Sonu Sood makes Dabangg a thrilling affair. Really, this is a complete 'seeti maar' affair. As the film turned out to be the biggest ever success of Salman Khan in his two decade career, it also ensured that 'masala' movies won't die in near future with more and more projects conceived on the same lines.

PACKAGING

Dabangg comes in an attractive paper and plastic packaging that has only one face dominating an entire space - Salman Khan

DURATION

The film's duration is 120 minutes.

SPECIAL FEATURES

- Making of the film and songs

The making segment of the DVD follows the tried and tested lines. A few behind the scenes shots, a few moments shared with the cast members who talk about the film in as routine a manner as giving just another interview, a few anecdotes shared - some interesting and some rehearsed - and voila, the making segment is ready.

When Shatrughan Sinha joins the principal cast of the film along with the director to take audience through Dabangg, one does tend to believe that the conversation could be a little different; a little detached from what one has already heard before and somehow turns into lot more interesting. However, when the conversation ends up being on the same lines as 'What made the team opt for Sonakshi to play a leading lady in the film? or 'How was Malaika roped in for 'Munni Badnaam', you know that if you have followed the pre-release campaign of Dabangg judiciously, you know it all.

What is not quite surprising is to see director Abhinav Kashyap again being relegated to the back seat even in the 'making' segment. With Salman and to a good extent Sonakshi dominating the making and the music segment here, it ultimately turns out to be just an average affair.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
- Subtitles - English
- Dolby Digital 5.1 and Stereo

PRICE

Rs. 299/=

CONCLUSION

Issme action bhi hai, emotion bhi hai, romance bhi hai, drama bhi hai. Issme Salman Hai. Yeh Dabangg Hai. That's right, before the first decade of the current Millennium comes to an end, Dabangg has to be the first ever masala film after a long time that turns out to be the most unabashed display of star power. Really, all that you remember once the show of Dabangg ends is Salman Khan. And this is what makes you play it on.......again!

Bigg Boss 4- Salman & The Great Khaali

Salman’s girlfriends use him for fame, says dad

Why is Salman Khan still single? Dad Salim Khan has the answer to the question that has vexed so many of his fans — ‘mama’s boy’ Salman, he says, can’t fix on a girl because he mostly falls for actresses who can’t pamper him like his mother.

“There’s a contradiction in Salman’s character. He gets attracted to women from his industry only… his co-stars become his love interests. Once a relationship is established, he starts looking for his mom in them. Now that is not possible,” Salim told trade analyst Komal Nahta on ETC’s show Bollywood Business.

“A woman who has just started her career can’t be doing stuff like preparing meals, washing clothes, preparing kids and yet lead the hectic life of a movie star! This expectation can’t be met by a woman who has just started her film career…not even if she tries,” reasoned the 74-year-old, who made a rocking scriptwriting team with Javed Akhtar.

Salman, 44, who is Salim’s eldest son, has been involved with actresses like Somy Ali, Sangeeta Bijlani and Aishwarya Rai.

The 44-year-old is said to have split from his latest girlfriend, actress Katrina Kaif.

Salim dodged the question, saying: “I can’t say if Katrina is in Salman’s life… If a marriage decision stretches for so long, it usually does not happen. It means that the person is not 100 percent sure to get into it…that’s why the delay.”

According to Salim, who is credited for scripting films like Seeta aur Geeta, Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay and Trishul, Salman suffers heartbreaks because for most of his girls the prime motive is stardom.

“Whenever girls have come into Salman’s life, they are looking to be a movie star. So settling down is the last thing on their minds. So the relationships reach a saturation point and then fizzle out.”

Salim has two other sons – Arbaaz and Sohail, and a daughter, Alvira, from his first wife Salma. He later married Bollywood’s cabaret queen Helen and adopted a daughter named Arpita

Bigg Boss Season 4 [ Episode 1] - 3rd October 2010

‘I am greedy for success’

With her allure intact and a newfound confidence Asin manages to articulate her love for the city. “I miss this place so much. It is my favourite city.” This ace Bharatnatyam dancer who was in Chennai recently says, “The vibe of the people here, the culture and the wonderful blend of tradition and modernity here is simply wonderful.”

Talking about her Kollywood projects she says, “I’m working with Vijay in Kaavalan, which is a remake of the Malayalam film Body Guard. This is my third film with him. Our first two movies, in which we acted together, were blockbusters so I’m hoping for a hat trick. Fingers crossed.”

And by acting in Kaavalan, the actress has kept up her word. She says, “The story behind Kaavalan is that I was offered the role in Malayalam three years back but unfortunately I couldn’t take it up, but I had promised the director that I’ll be a part of the remake. This is a very cute love story and I play a strong role in it.”

The Ghajini actress, who was in Mettupalayam recently got entangled in a black flag protest rally as she was shooting in Sri Lanka earlier for her upcoming Bollywood movie Ready. When asked about the controversy, she says, “I don’t want to rake up an issue now. I’ve clarified myself many times about it and I don’t want to comment on this and invite trouble.”

Asin is now excited about Ready. She says, “It is a commercial comedy, directed by Anees Bazmee and I’m acting with Salman Khan. This is our second film together. It is a fun masala flick.”

Asin has a good rapport with Salman Khan and Vijay. “I’ve been fortunate to have a great rapport with all my co-stars. Both Salman and Anees are fun-loving and very supportive. I’m very close to their families too. Vijay and I are good friends and I’m close to his wife, kids and mother too, both Suriya and Jyotika are great buddies and I know Salman’s family really well,” says Asin who is busy with back-to-back shoots.

Quiz her about her love life and she declares, “Well there is a technical glitch here - I still haven’t found the right guy. So there is no one in my life. I’m waiting to be surprised.”

Speaking about her Hindi film Silence she diplomatically answers, “Who said I’m a part of the film? I would like to maintain my silence about Silence.”

Asin, who is talked of as the queen of endorsements and has won many laurels for her acting doesn’t want to sit back and relax. She candidly says, “I’m a very greedy person when it comes to success. I want to achieve a lot more and hopefully if things shape up the right way in the future, I hope to make a mark globally too. And about endorsements, I’m lucky that my audiences have a good connect with me.”

Singing and reading are this bombshell’s favourite hobbies. “I love singing and in fact I was offered to sing for the Tamil Ghajini and even for the song, Aye Bachu, its Hindi remake, but I turned it down. I hope to sing for a film someday. I also read a lot. At the airports, you will find me only in bookstores. I enjoy a lot of fiction. I have a big library at home. I love to travel and my work is pleasure as it involves a lot of travel and excitement,” concludes Asin.