Homosexuality in Bollywood Industry

Homosexuality is everywhere in the world these days since it has set its feet in every society around the globe. In west, it got stronger when years back the marriage between the gays was given the legal status. Following it, many gays tied the knot.. Joining this bandwagon, the coveted singer Elton John (who is a gay as well) got married to his gay buddy too. This marriage was given huge coverage in the media.

I got much dumbfounded when I heard from some friends in Bollywood industry that there existed the homosexuality in this swanky world of Hindi filmdom. Following to this bitter truth, I read a few articles on this subject published in the popular Indian newspapers, which clearly depicted the whole picture of this nail-bitingly sour fact in front of my eyes.

Some famous faces of the biggies of this trade of movies, who are involved in this evil practice, hit my mind when a very good friend of mine, who is a coveted model turned actress, revealed this fact to me. This is what happened that she was seeking a lead role in a film under a big banner project because her debut Bollywood flick had been shelved due to some unknown reasons (I too asked many a times to the director of this venture as to why this film was not being released despite the fact that it was complete and passed by the censor board. But he did not mention the reasons). This she expressed to me and I gave her the contacts of those filmmakers who were looking for the talented actresses. Among those names, there was one name of a director who I praised hugely since he had churned out the blockbusters and carved his place amongst the big wheels of the Bollywood filmmakers in a short span of time. The moment she heard the name, started to rebuke him by exposing him from tip to toe as to how this popular director’s actual face was! The minute I learnt about that filmmaker that he had been involved in homosexuality, I got simply shocked at the bitter fact, which was very difficult to swallow. He himself told to her his involvement in the practice of homosexuality when she approached to him to have a chance to do the role of a leading gal in his movie. But he asked her to come for a drink at night at some private place. And when she turned down his offer, he told her … “in order to enter into the ritzy world of Bollywood, one has to sleep with someone so you have to bed with me. Even I had to sleep with someone to direct a film”. She refused him and as a result he gave the central character to the big actress.

The person, with whom he shared the bed to do the homosexual activities to have a chance to direct a movie, is running a well renowned production house in Bollywood. His production abode has chewed up a very long list of flicks since his film company has been in filmmaking for last many decades. His father, a popular producer-director, had started the business of making films decades ago. And since then they have been conferring the moviegoers with mega hits. Theirs is the production house amongst a few banners, which have long list of blockbusters to their credit.

Gossips have also been chomped in film circles and in the media about the involvement of a super star with his filmmaker friend (who has hosted a TV show) in gay activities. This saga does not end here rather it unzips more facts about homosexuality in Bollywood. Some months back, there were stories about a famous homosexual Indian showbiz journalist about his sexual harassment to Bollywood stars in all the leading Indian newspapers and on popular Bollywood websites across the world.

The days when Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’ had hit the theaters, I got e-mail from some unknown person (who did not disclose his identity) laced with a picture showing that journalist getting close to a famous male model at the premiere of ‘Saawariya’. The person also mentioned in the e-mail that Bhansali gave him the J-Class ticket to attend the premiere. What attracted to me to that e-mail was the first line, which said, “he came…he saw…he touched”. And this narration very aptly fits to the picture, he sent along.

Sonu Nigam, the celebrated Bollywood singer, has also been the victim of this journalist. This fact oozed out before the world when Sonu Nigam himself wrote a letter to the media and sent it across to all the Bollywood journalists around the globe through his PR Manager. One copy was sent to me as well. The letter described that the journalist had interest in Sonu Nigam and when Sonu did not respond to his sexual advancements, he began to throw mud on him by writing negatively on the songster. Sonu Nigam also presented the text of the sms’s sent by the journalist to him, which said, “I miss you and love you Sonu” and “I am sorry”. Nigam even revealed the names of the big wigs of Bollywood who were on his hate list. They included the King Khan (Shahrukh Khan), Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shiney Ahuja, Anu Malik, Adnan Sami, Ismail Darbar, Shilpa Shetty, Asha Bhonsle, Alka Yagnik and many more because they never allowed him to come to them.

Where there is homosexuality in Bollywood fraternity, there is another evil emerging rapidly in the industry called ‘casting couch’.

Despite being swathed with all of these evils, Bollywood is on high heels of success not only in India but also in each and every corner of the world because the people, associated with it, work really hard and their uphill struggle pays them in return.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly send us your valued thoughts on this story on the space below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

The Happily Married Intellectual Couple – Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi

Like all lovebirds, this decent-intellectual couple too underwent love affair and was spotted dating each other on various private places.. Both were seeking a strong bond of love, a real partner who could understand the nature, respect the feelings and above all shower the romance, which the two were looking desperately since they both were heart-broken – Javed Akhtar from his Ex-wife Honey Irani (a renowned script writer and film director) and Shabana from Shekhar Kapoor (a well famed filmmaker of international repute). Soon the two realized that they were made for each other. Prior to their love affair, Javed Akhtar used to come to Shabana’s house to meet her father Kaifi Azmi, a well-known Urdu poet and a film lyricist. Since both (Javed and Kaifi) were from the same field of Urdu literature (writing), they shared a good friendship with each other.

Stories of the Javed-Shabana’s romance had been in the air for quite some time. And even they both neither confirmed their romance nor denied it. This attitude of their gave confirmation that they were in love. When Honey Irani got to know about Javed’s affair with Shabana Azmi, she sent her spies to investigate the whole situation. She was told that Javed left the house freshly showered with the beautiful fragrance of aftershave and cologne and went straight to meet his love lady Shabana. Akhtar’s neighbors at Sea Spring, Bandstand in Bombay whispered to Honey about his late and early mornings arrivals. And then came the magical day, which put the full stop to all rumours. 10^th December 1984 , Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi tied the nuptial knot. It was a spellbinding afternoon swathed with their guests who came to congratulate and wish the couple good luck. Both had innumerable appointments, but neither was willing to budge. Javed Akhtar had an appointment with a producer whereas Shabana had a recoding with the music director Khayyam for a movie, ‘Anjuman’. Only a few very close guests were invited since the decision of marriage was taken in haste, on the day they got married. All happened in a jiffy. Shabana, Javed, Shabana’s friends and her mother’s friends all were sitting in the garden. Neither Kaifi Azmi nor Shoukat Azmi (Shabana’s mother) was present at the occasion. As dusk fell, some more close friends dropped by. Shabana’s cousin Rajjo came with her daughter Farha. Anu Kapoor (the coveted Bollywood actor and the famous host of Zee TV’s show Antakshri) and Farha went to hunt for a maoulvi for the Nikah. Shabana Azmi as usual was unable to locate her cupboard keys and sat motionless in her room. Soon she thought of something and then grabbed the saree lying outside, tied a rubber band around her hair and the bride was ready for the most happiest day of life. Much later after the wedding, Shabana regretted not wearing a gharara and not having a photographer on her very important day. “How sad that I have absolutely no memory of the precious moment. It was over before I knew it”, she told to the press.

For a long time after, everytime Shabana Azmi attended a wedding ceremony she missed the celebration she could never have. “We had no lights, no shehnai. It didn’t even feel like a wedding…!”, she further expressed to the media. The room for their suhaag raat was decorated with the traditional mograas and agarbatties.

The press condemned their marriage. They termed Javed Akhtar a cad and Shabana a hypocrite. From someone championing women’s issues, they expected something better. The media persons arrived at the sets of Shoukat Azmi’s Umraao Jaan at Mehboob Studios to have her statement on her daughter’s marriage where she and her husband were not present. The press did not stop here instead they went to Shabana’s father Kaifi Azmi with a newspaper cutting (carrying the story on Shabana-Javed’s marriage) in Mijwan, UP. MTNL was on strike those days, which is why the news of the wedding could not reach to him there. Shoukat Azmi broke down because her daughter had taken a major decision in her husband’s absence. Kaifi Azmi, on the other hand, was not much surprised at his daughter’s sudden marriage and felt relieved that the problem had now found a solution. He got happy that now there would be one more writer in his daughter’s life.

The whole media in the country was not going to let Shabana get away so easily. But she defended herself with dignity. Shabana and Javed maintained silence. They owed no one any explanations

In a poem written on his love Shabana, Javed Akhtar dashed off, ‘Woh Us Duniya Ki Aurat Hai Jis Duniya Mein Main Rehta Hoon’. Absolutely true, because she is intellectual like Javed. And they both respect each other’s intellects. Finding a partner up to your mind is difficult and very rarely, it happens. And he finds himself lucky that he has got the one, who is like him.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly let us have your thoughts on this story on the space provided below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

When a speeding car threw out Rekha onto the road…

This actress is a real dusky beauty swathed with the gifted talents, which made her presence felt in the toughest Hindi film industry and helped her stand amongst the biggies of this swanky trade. She has her own class and strapping standing in Bollywood that cannot be demolished. Which is why, she is still seen in the movies in this old age in power packed roles. Today, she looks as young as she was in her heydays though she has crossed 50.

Till date, Rekha has delivered award-winning performances in her long career. Even many flicks are still remembered with her name, as she appeared as the pivotal performer in them. The notables amongst them are: ‘Umrao Jaan’, ‘Utsav’, ‘Ijaazat’, ‘Khoon Bhari Mang’, ‘Phool Bane Angaray’ and to name a few.

Starting her film profession at very young age in 1966, Rekha has worked with all the leading actors of the industry from Amitabh Bachchan, Jateendra, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Rakesh Roshan, Vinod Mehra, Sashi Kapoor, Farooq Sheikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and many others.

The sizzling actress has undergone many love affairs, but the one, which she could not erase from her mind, is her affair with Lambo Ji (Amitabh Bachchan). She is deeply in love with the man with baritone voice.

Today when the hot actresses like Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are there to be in the news all the time, Rekha’s popularity graph is not behind rather it is so high that the world-renowned news channel ‘CNN’ interviewed her in its New York studio.

The incident, which I am going to describe you, took place during the 80s decade when Rekha and Raj Babbar were shooting on a long outdoor for T. Rama Rao’s ‘Sansar’ in Chennai. When they returned to the tinsel town, the stories about their romance were in the air. What actually spilled the beans was the midnight drama that unfolded on the streets of Juhu in Bombay. The newspapers’ phones began to ring with bizarre stories which seemed stranger than fiction. It all began when a speeding car threw out a woman onto the road in the very late hours of the night in Juhu. The woman clad with white sari collected herself, stood from the ground and started walking. Spotting a passing taxi on the road, she called it. The voice of the woman seemed familiar to the few sex workers who were out there and strolling by lazily. They recognized the actress. Even without the trace of the make-up, Rekha was too dazzling to go unnoticed. ‘It’s her. Rekha, the film actress’, they shouted. Within moments, she was surrounded by all of them – someone pulling her hair, someone her hand. It was her good fortune that a film unit member returning home stopped by. To his disbelief, he found Rekha sobbing, begging them to let her go. He hurriedly pushed his car right into the crowd, pulled Rekha from the mad crowd and then dropped her to her home in his car. To this day, nobody knows about that man, who saved the steamy damsel in distress.

The next morning, the whole of the Bombay city was buzzing with the news. The journalists phoned Rekha to find out if the story was true. She was not available for comments. It’s an utter fact in the industry that whenever a serious controversy crops up, the star is never available for clarifications.

Whether she clarifies this controversy or not, but one thing is certain that she is still there on the celluloid in the autumn of her life with her usual heart-hitting charms and mesmerizing beauty with much oomph. She has not lost her worth yet. She still looks young and fresh as she was decades back.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly let us hear your views on this story on the space provided below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

The much-talked about marriage of Mohsin Khan and Reena Roy

Theirs was without any doubt the much-talked about marriage (taken place in early eighties) since the guy was a very famous super cricketer of Pakistani cricket team and the gal a coveted mega actress of Hindi film industry. When their love affair oozed out and they started dating, the gossip mill had begun to buzz in the Bollywood fraternity, in the media around the globe, amongst the Pakistani cricket team and the masses. Whenever the Pakistani team went to India to play matches, the gorgeous dusky actress would go to stadium to see her dashing hero playing the shots. Even Reena did not miss any chance to see the live matches of Mohsin Khan in other corners of the world. The same happened with the Oval hero, as he was also found on the sets and on the roads of Bombay to meet his girlfriend. This was a mad love between the two, which took both to tie the knot finally without caring about the boundaries of the two countries (as they rightly say, ‘Love sees no boundaries’).

Nobody in the industry believed that Reena would eventually settle down. Prior to meeting Mohsin, she was madly in love with the Banarsi Babo Shatrughan Sinha. Besides, Roy was also on a constant see-saw, now-on and now-off relationships with other men. Reena wanted marriage but Shatru was unable to make up his mind since he was already married to his childhood sweetheart Poonam. He was dilly-dallying between the two ladies whom he met daily – one on the sets and the other at home. Sinha’s shaky mind dragged Reena to another man, Rajnesh from whom she did also not find any happiness, utter love and piece of mind. She was deeply in a low phase, when the charming Khan came into her life. The chocolate looking macho Bollywood hero Vinod Khanna helped her get out of this low phase and Jaya Bachchan encouraged Reena to say ‘yes’ to Mohsin Khan’s marriage proposal. The moment Reena decided to become Mohsin’s bride, she did not leave any stone unturned to play the perfect bahu begum of Pakistan. She started to support the Pakistani team. Every time there was an India-Pakistan match where Indian team did better, the whole film industry would tease Reena saying, ‘Jal Gayi Reena Roy’.

In May, 1980, in an interview to the media, Reena Roy expressed her desire to get married and leave the film fraternity (as her lover boy had stepped into her life by now, but it was too early to make up her mind for him). She said, “I don’t know why, but I am suddenly beginning to resent work these days. I think I’m tired. Half of my time goes in traveling to the studios and the other half in waiting endlessly for my shot. I am fed up with costumes, wigs, make up and all that. I think I need to settle down. I wish some Prince Charming would come galloping my way. The day he does, I will get married and go away like Mumtaz. Never to return to the archlights again.”

Three years later, when she was in London to attend the Amitabh Bachchan show, their love boomed and soared sky high. Mohsin Khan took the flight to London to spend the leisure time with his princess. Every evening, Mohsin Khan called her up at her hotel, where she was staying, and asked her to be ready. He picked her up in his car and took her for long drives. They talked for long hours. Mohsin told her about his game, his ambitions and his future. Reena listened him and enjoyed his talking thoroughly. She, on the other hand, expressed about her flagging interest in her profession, her dilemma and her growing insecurities. Both also discussed their parents, their families and friends. Slowly but surely, the strong love relationship was cemented between the two.

Back home, in India, Reena began to think often of Mohsin, started missing him a lot. She confessed to herself and then to her close friend Jaya Bachchan that she was deeply in love with the super Pakistani cricketing hero. But the problem was that she was unable to decide what to do..! Jaya, being a good friend, made Reena conscious of her own identity and the need to find real happiness for herself. She asked Reena to put aside her doubts about her family, her career, about Shatrughan Sinha and helped her make a decision for her prosperous future and happiness in life. Therefore Jaya gave the positive signal to wed to Mohsin Khan, as Reena was unable to live without the guy and her world was lying with the charming Moshin Hassan Khan. Reena knew Moshin for more than six years. Besides, he was talented, successful, much famous across the globe and very rich. Hence there appeared no problem at all for the beautiful renowned actress of Bollywood to spend the rest of her life with the popular dashing Khan. On the other hand, she too had played long innings in the film industry and earned pretty good fame and money, as she was there for the last ten years. But now she was tired of acting and the futile relationships, she had gone through earlier. There was a vacuum in her life and above all, the age for marriage was growing also. So, she decided to be the life partner of her dream man, Moshin Khan. Finally, the wedding took place on 1^st April, 1983 and Reena left for her new home in Karachi, Pakistan.

Years later, when Moshin Khan said good bye to the national cricket team due to his clashes with the cricket board, he settled with his wife Reena Roy in Bombay and tried his luck in Hindi cinema. But as the fact is crystal clear that the cricketers can hit sixes only in playgrounds not on celluloid, he too flopped at Bollywood front doing few films in a few years like his counterpart Sandeep Patel (the debonair batsman of Indian cricket team), who made his debut in films opposite with Poonam Dhillon in ‘Kabhi Ajnabi Thay’ and did some films after that and went back to home. Reena did not return to filmdom, though her hubby was doing movies, instead she preferred to be a housewife looking after her baby girl, Jannat.

All Reena and Mohsin want is a happy married life being lovers always. But destiny had something else in store for them. The clashes started to emerge between the lovers and some years later, they parted their ways. Mohsin gave divorce to Reena and returned to his home, Pakistan. Khan joined Lollywood (Pakistani film industry) and did many films but again he had to face bad luck on movies front.

Today he is a successful commentator of cricket and coaches the young aspiring cricketers. Reena Roy, after being divorced, returned to archlights but failed in both the entertaining worlds – films and television being the leading actress of the past. When they divorced, Mohsin Khan got the custody of the daughter but when he re-married, Reena Roy got her back with the help of the law. Today, Jannat lives with Reena Roy.

Once the mad lovers, today they both hesitate and do not like to talk about each other.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly send us your valued thoughts on this story on the space below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

The Broken Marriages of Vinod Mehra

Vinod Mehra, the sober looking fine actor of the 70s and 80s, who maintained his career steadily and made his place in the Hindi cinema with the dexterous skills he was swathed with. Not a super star, Mehra did not touch the heights of success in his entire phase of films, but always gave his best shot and kept a good status in the industry. Which was why, he was never out of the film abode. An average hero with marvelous dexterity of acting draped with the soft style of dialogue delivery, Vinod made his presence felt with his acting prowess amongst the mega stars of his time from Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Jateendra and others.

The polite actor did not find himself happy in his married life. He went through broken marriages till death. Mehra got married four times. And out of them, three marriages broke and only the last could survive.

The first woman to enter his life was none other than the epitome of beauty-the dusky Rekha, who became his life partner. It was a love marriage. Both had worked together in many films prior to their wedding. The marriage could not survive since Rekha gave her heart to Lambo Jee (the dashing man with rocket solid voice, the super star Amitabh Bachchan). But they both remained good friends till Mehra’s death.

The next lady to hit his home as his bride was Meena Broca, the girl his mother had chosen for him. Since it was an arrange marriage, Vinod was not happy at all. Thus the relationship could not develop between the two. After some days of his marriage, a journalist went to interview the newly-wed couple and found that the certain natural fragrance (which is normally attached to a happy occasion) was missing in the ambiance of his residence. Vinod was awkward and Meena nervous. Their answers to the questions of journalist were appearing rehearsed. And it was obvious that they were not comfortable in each other’s presence. Mehra suffered his first heart attack soon after his wedding to Meena. He could not take much time to compromise with the gal, his mother had selected for him. And three months later, one fine afternoon, he eloped with the co-star Bindya Goswami (the ravishing actress with innocent looks) while still being married to Meena Broca. It was Mehra’s third marriage and appeared in the media as a major scandal, which took an ugly turn when Meena’s brothers threatened him with dire consequences. Torn between his love for Goswami and his mother, Mehra was overridden with guilt. On the other hand, Bindya’s parents were pretty much upset with her for spoiling a promising career to settle down with an already married man. For a while, the two stayed in hotel rooms.

About his marriage with Meena, Vinod Mehra said to the media, “I don’t want to explain, but my marriage with her is not a marriage”. Certainly, it was a very sad break-up. The blushing bride, who had come to his home with abundant of dreams, had to pack her baggage a few weeks later.

The Goswami family was much sure that the marriage between Vinod and Bindya wouldn’t last since they knew that their daughter was irresponsible. Mrs. Mehra, Vinod’s mother was also not happy with his son’s marriage with the actress. She said to the journalists, “Ek bar jis larki ko madam bulvane ki aadat par jayee vo bahu ya bhabhi nahin ban sakti. Vo madam hi rahte hai”.

Call it destiny, but a few years later history repeated itself when Bindya left Vinod’s home to tie the knot with the noted filmmaker J.P Dutta, whilst still being married to Mehra. The lover (Vinod) went to plead to bring Bindya back, but she had made up her mind. A few years later, Mehra made up his mind too when he got married to Kiran. Again it was a love marriage. Vinod tied the nuptial knot for the fourth time and she (Kiran) for the second. The excited Mehra told to the reporters at the wedding ceremony, “This is the right one. You wait and watch, this will last forever”. And surely it did, only Vinod Mehra died too young due to the severe heart attack he suffered.

His death was as dramatic as his marriage. Covered in mystery till the very end, nobody was able to resolve why his body turned black during the last hours. He felt severe pain in his chest and asked his wife Kiran who rubbled balm. “Call the doctor. I think I am dying”, he said to better half. The frightened wife rushed to summon the doctor. He’d begun to turn pale by then. “I don’t want to die. I want to see our baby”. These were the last words he uttered to his wife again and again. The death did not let him see his baby and took him along. He died on 30^th October 1990.

The numerous marriages the actor (who acted in a long list of films) turned filmmaker went through his life, Rekha was his regular confidante. They continued to remain friends till the end day of Vinod’s life. Rekha was the first person to meet Meena to give her the customary saree and jewellery. And many years later, she did the same with Kiran. Today, Kiran wears the same locket Rekha had gifted her at the wedding.

Kiran gave birth to two kids – Soniya Mehra and Rohan Mehra. Soniya was two years old when Vinod died. Rohan took birth after his father’s death (whom he wanted to see). Soniya Mehra has recently made her debut in Bollywood with the flick, ‘Victora No. 203’, which is a remake of the 1972 classic of the same name. Such a fine-polite actor, Vinod Mehra will always be remembered in good words by his fans and the movie buffs of Hindi cinema.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly send us your valued thoughts on this story on the space below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

A journey of Pakistani artists to Bollywood

Mumbai, a city of dreams where the world’s mammoth entertainment industry is situated, welcomes every enthusiast who is laced with a talent to make a mark in the world of showbiz. A land of opportunities, the city sees people coming from every part of the country and the world to try their luck every day. Who get a chance to display their histrionics stay there and the rest whose luck does not support them pull the socks up to go back to their homes. The city certainly has power to help you become a star if you are passionate and determined enough to see the heights of success in life.

It’s not a new wave that Pakistani artists are making their presence felt in Indian entertainment industry rather they have been endowing them with their dexterity since quite long. In 80s, Reshma crooned the track, ‘Lambi Judaai’ in the legendary filmmaker Shubash Ghai’s blockbuster, ‘Hero’ and looted the music aficionados’ hearts not only in India and Pakistan but also across the world. The song proved to be the mega hit of that time. In that era, the ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali warbled the ghazal, ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din’ for the film, ‘Nikah’ and pocketed huge popularity in Hindi filmdom. After that, he released many albums there. And till date, the music lovers have been soothing their ears with his mellifluous voice. The gorgeous actress Salma Agha, who gained film education in an institution in Mumbai where bad man Gulshan Grover and angry man Anil Kapoor were her classmates, too made her Bollywood debut in the movie, ‘Nikah’ opposite Deepak. Ghulam Ali’s ghazal, ‘Chupke Chupke’ had been picturized on both of them (Salma and Deepak) so artistically and creatively that even today’s moviegoer loves to watch and extols the cinematography of the track. One cannot forget the luminous works of the brother-sister duo, Nazia and Zohaib Hassan in the field of singing, which they contributed to Hindi film industry in 80s. Just unlock the box of your memories, the golden epoch begins to boogie in front of your eyes where you see Nazia and Zohaib Hassan trilling the foot-tapping numbers like ‘Disco Deewane’, ‘Dil Bole Boom Boom’, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi Mere Zindagi Mein Aaye’ and many others in various Hindi flicks.

After some space of time, the dashing cricketer Mohsin Hassan Khan who married to Reena Roy (the big actress of Bollywood of that time) made his journey to the glittering world of Hindi films. He appeared in many movies with the coveted stars. The notable films in which he showcased his deftness are: ‘Batwara’ and ‘Saathi’. But unfortunately he had to return to Pakistan after his divorce with Reena Roy. The showman, Raj Kapoor introduced the heart-hitting beauty Zeeba Bukhtiyar in his film, ‘Heena’. Post Heena, she stayed there in Mumbai and enacted in many films but returned back to the country eventually to pursue her showbiz career in Pakistan. Dev Anand’s discovery Anita Ayub too gave her manifestation in his flick but could not survive in Bollywood.

The legendary qawwal late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan got popular with the Indian film industry when he was invited by Raj Kapoor to sing in a specially arranged mehfil at the marriage ceremony of his son Rishi Kapoor. After some hiatus in 90s, Ustad Nusrat made his way to Bollywood to show his talents and released albums there. The soundtrack, which touched to heights, was ‘Awargi’ that he did with the famous lyricist Javed Akhtar. Nusrat’s compositions for the films were hugely admired. Many other coveted vocalists of Pakistan turned the face to India to prove their mettle as well such as Ali Haider, Sajjad Ali, Komal Rizvi, Junoon band and others. And their works were appreciated.

Adnan Sami, the world’s fastest pianist who has the record of playing the Indian classical music on piano, too packed the baggage and took the flight to Mumbai to show his talents of music and singing. When his album titled ‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ was released (which he did with Asha Bhonsle) in year 2000, his popularity graph soared sky-high in a jiffy. After that, there has been no looking back for the songster cum musician. And now he is today’s hot singer-musician of Bollywood amongst the biggies of the trade.

In recent past, we have witnessed horde of Pakistani artists going to Mumbai to make their career. The question arises in mind as to why they prefer making their career in India to Pakistan? The answer is very simple. Since the entertainment industry of Pakistan is too small to venture into and besides there are no resources available to churn out projects of international standards and above all the cinema industry has collapsed, the stars’ preference turns to Bollywood because it has a wide international market and the people, associated with it, get international fame and they are paid handsome amount as well. Over the past few years, the large number of Pakistani artists who went to India are: Muamar Rana (Who Sashi Ranjan gave a small role in his film, ‘Dobara’), Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (who had sung in many film functions in India but it was Pooja Bhatt who introduced him in her movie, ‘Paap’ to croon the very humable track, ‘Laagi Tumse Man Ki Lagan’), Amjad Islam Amjad (who has been reciting his poetry at adbi mushairas in India since long but Pooja Bhat helped him write the song, ‘Laagi Tumse Man Ki Lagan’ for the film, ‘Paap’. Earlier the late poet Qateel Shafai had also been penning lyrics for the Indian movies), Atif Aslam (who was launched by none other than Mahesh Bhatt to warble the energetic spongy number, ‘Woh Lamhey’ in the movie, ‘Zeher’), Meera (she was also introduced by Mahesh Bhatt in his film, ‘Nazar’), Javed Shiekh (whose launch pad was the film titled ‘Shikar’), Strings (they had released their albums in India earlier but their entry to Bollywood was with the flick, ‘Zinda’ made by Sanjay Gupta and Sanjay Dutt. Since the legendary litterateur-humorist Anwar Maqsood is the lyricist behind String’s songs, his contribution is also counted to Hindi film industry), Ali Zafar (Frankflin music company launched him in India), Jal band (Home Records released their first album in India), Jawad Ahmad (who trilled ‘Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena’ in the film, ‘Woh Lamhey’), Zulfikar and Ainee (who sang the tracks ‘Tu Phir Aao’ and ‘Mahiya’ in Bhatt’s ‘Awarapan’), Sana (who was seen in ‘Kaafila’ opposite Sunny Deol) and many others made their appearance in Indian entertainment market. And also many are being seen currently venturing into the entertainment industry of India.

Did Pakistani artists succeed in Bollywood industry? Without any doubt, they have done brilliantly well over there. But of all the artists, it was the singers whom the people of Bollywood acknowledge and would like to continue work with. You have witnessed that Meera did only two movies there, Maumar Rana was offered nothing more after ‘Dobara’, Sana too has not been seen in any other film after ‘Kaafila’. It is only Javed Shiekh, who is still there in Hindi movies? But do you think, he is getting the kinds of roles, he deserves? No…absolutely not…! The superstar of Lollywood, who has rich experience to his credit and who is regarded colossally in the country, is not being given the status, he deserves. Although the Indian media name him ‘Pakistani Dilip Kumar’ but when it comes to cast him, they offer him small roles in the films. Look at the movies, he has done there such as ‘Shikar’, ‘Jaan-e-Man’, ‘Apne’, ‘Namaste London’ and ‘Om Shanti Om’ among others. His roles are of small importance. But the man is still standing there…don’t know what is in his mind?

Only the vocalists are gaining huge popularity, fan following, handsome amount and bright future in Bollywood. Atif Aslam has been signed exclusively by the music giant, ‘Tips Industries’. Tips Industries are also in talks with Ahmad Jahanzeb to sign a contract with him. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is singing in every second film. And the same is happening with all the singers of Pakistan. Music companies and the film production houses are after the Pakistani vocalists and they are ready to put the mammoth amount at stake for them since they have rock-hard confidence in their skills.

Now the question is…should all the Pakistani artists try their luck in Bollywood? The answer is… ‘Yes’ because if they succeed, the sky is the limit for the opportunities.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly send us your valued thoughts on this story on the space below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

The Importance of the Photo sessions of Stars

No star is complete without the photo sessions. From high profile stars to celebrated models to low profile artists, all prefer to shoot a special photo session with the dexterous famous photographers. The importance of photo sessions is undoubtedly very high because when the viewers see them, their popularity graph soars to heights. Every movie buff likes to see and have the pictures of his/her favourite star in collection. The power of the photo session is very strapping because when one’s acting or work does not play good, they ooze out to provide the benefit to star’s worth amongst the people. Sensing its mammoth value, the whopping amount is consumed on them. Finally it is the media, which is used to showcase the special photos of the stars for the viewing and the pleasures of the masses.

The trend of ‘special photo sessions’, where stars munch through exclusive time for a magazine or a private shoot and go through five to six costume changes (or as many they want or the photographer likes to), was first started by the widely circulated Indian magazine, ‘Super’ decades back probably in late the 70s and the beginning of the 80s. In those days, the sessions lasted for hours – sometimes an entire day (the same is happening on today’s scenario rather it takes more than one day sometimes when the shoots are so special).

Earlier, the photo shoots of the celebrities were done only for the films’ promotion or for themselves so that they could promote them amongst the people using their own ways like PR managers or promotional companies. Now this trend has taken a step ahead, the business tycoons are using the stars and models to promote their products and make special calendars with them. Every year, the biggies like King Fisher (A wine company run by Vijay Malliya – a very coveted liquor magnate of India), Bombay Dying (A Nes Wadia venture) and many others shoot the special photo sessions with the famous stars and the models on the eye-pleasing beaches and locales of the world to make the calendars for their organizations. A huge amount is spent on this since the charges of the popular stars/models are so high and besides they rope in the noted photographers to click the shoots who also sell their services on handsome amount. Above all, to do the shoots for days on different locations of the world costs too higher as well.

Today to do a photo shoot, every star wants a photographer who has a healthy profile to his credit. Even the newcomer or the budding artists, who like to enter the stardom or make it big in the ritzy world of entertainment, too make rounds to the offices of the high profile photographers in order to have a photo shoot with them. This has added values to the photographers’ worth and this has happened due to the dexterity in their works, their easy approach to the film production houses and their ability to convince the filmmakers through the portfolio (pictures) of the star. There is no doubt at all in this fact that a classy and attractive portfolio plays a major role to snatch a work in the industry. And a good portfolio is ofcourse made by some intelligent photographer. And if a portfolio has been done by some renowned photographer, the chances become so bright to have a good work instantly, which is why a colossal amount is offered to the coveted photographers. The high profile celebrities do the photo sessions with the photographers, they are comfortable with. And with whom, they think that their photo sessions can bring lucrative results. Above all, they do it not occasionally rather very often because they know to be every time with their fans can play big for them. The big brigade from Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) to King Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) to Salman Khan and the bandwagon of the popular actresses from Madhuri Dixit to Aishwariya Rai to Amisha Patel to Bipasha Basu to Preity Zinta, all are found in front of the clicks of the camera.

Since obscenity is very common in films and everywhere in the entertainment abode, it has entered in the photo shoots too. Many newcomers/low profile actresses-models and even the coveted models and actresses have been witnessed to do the topless and semi naked photo shoots to gain the rapid popularity. Without any doubt, the nudity gets one popular because it attracts the people instantly. Often I receive such pictures by the PR managers/companies to get them published but I do not go ahead with publishing them in any publication, I work with because I do not like this cheap way and shortcut to fame. I believe in abilities and I really appreciate those who get success with their skills and talents. On the other side of the coin, even there are some photographers as well who get the stars ready to practice this peccadillo getting them convinced that this way your popularity graph will shove to heights. This kind of incident had happened last year with a popular Bollywood actress who simply denied going topless before the photographer (who is a very well-known in his field). This incident got the main leads in all leading newspapers, tabloids and online publications across the globe. But getting semi-naked and showing the deep cleavage for the photo shoots before the photographers are very common with the famous actresses of the Hindi cinema and eminent models.

The photographers shoot the photo sessions and the stars then send the pictures to the media people by themselves or through their PRs so that they can upload them in the galleries or publish them in the newspapers. I am also sent the pictures of the stars by stars themselves and through their PRs. The ones I think need to be published, I send to the publications.

Photo sessions appear to be compulsory because they no doubt add values to your worth and star power. But the point is that they should not be obscene.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly let us hear your thoughts on this story on the space below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

Bollywood Babes’ Inclination to Dance in Marriage Ceremonies and Private Parties

In the swanky world of Bollywood, many things happen and anything can happen. Earlier we used to hear about stars performing live in concerts but now they have taken a step ahead and entertain their audiences live in marriages and private parties. In Pakistan, this trend is not new rather it has been going on for long as you have been witnessing it in almost every marriage ceremony and private party where the coveted babes of the film world and the other stars render their performances to entertain the guests. Across the border, this thing was not much active years back, they just used to hire the services of the popular vocalists to provide entertainment to their guests. But in today’s modern world, everything is changed and so is the Bollywood industry. Now the stars particularly the famous stunning babes of the filmdom and the entertainment world are roped in to perform live at the wedding ceremonies and the parties. And they love to show their dexterity at the occasions. From low profile gals of the ritzy world of showbiz to the high profile actresses and models, all seem to be fully geared up to shake the legs on the tunes of popular Hindi numbers at the events.

To perform live before the audiences at the private functions was not considered good for the famous and high status actresses till some years back. And they strictly refused these types of offers, if proffered. But now they are more than happy to dance at the parties of any type. And to accomplish this task, they have their business managers who settle the deals with the clients on behalf of the actresses. Besides, the Bollywood babes and the curvaceous lasses of the modeling and entertainment abode, the male stars of film, television and modeling world also do not leave any stone unturned to display their histrionics at the happenings. Except the big lot of the male Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and the likes (who give their live performances in concerts or film functions only), rest of the brigade like to deliver the goods in private gatherings.

Recently I was provided the details of a marriage ceremony of an Indian business tycoon Sachiin Joshi by a renowned film-celeb’s PR Company (which also deals with the PR activities of the famous Bollywood and TV celebrities) to give coverage to the giant dazzling wedding of the town where the big wheel actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Sameera Reddy. Yana Gupta, Malaika Arora Khan, Amrita Arora and popular TV actresses Shama Skiandar and Sangeeta Ghosh shook the legs on popular Hindi tracks. In addition to the actresses, the male artists have also been witnessed giving performances there like singer-musician Shankar Mahadevan, Himesh Reshammiya, coveted drum maestro Sivamani with Rahul Sharma who set the event afire with their power packed acts. Javed Jaffery (the Boggie Woogie fame star) hosted the show. The marriage ceremony held in Udaipur.

Since Pakistan seems to be the biggest market for the Hindi movies to the Bollywood filmmakers (as they are so much determined to screen their flicks in Pakistan and are showing them also), a very well known music company cum production house approached me to have work for their clients (if anyone/any organization shows interest to showcase the stars’ performances in the concerts or private gatherings in Pakistan). The picture got clear more to me when I got to know the names of their clients that the biggies like them can perform in the private parties..? Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao, Malaika Arora Khan, Urvahsi Sharma (the movie Naqab fame) Alisha Chinoy and to name a few are on their clients’ list.

Last year, the ravishing women of the glittering world of Bollywood – Katrina Kaif, Malaika Arora Khan, Yana Gupta and Juhi Pramar (Star Plus’s show Kum Kum fame) were invited to deliver the dance performances in a marriage ceremony and birthday party by a business magnate in Lahore. They had been given the stay at a five star hotel in the city. Although the babes of the Hindi film industry and television fraternity have been bopping in concerts in Pakistan, but they are also being invited secretly in private functions in the country. The top Bollywood women like Shilpa Shetty, Sushmita Sen and many others have come to show their talents of dance in Pakistan.

It has emerged as a trend now to invite the gorgeous actresses of Bollywood to dance in the private parties and marriages. Whether it is good or bad, it is okay as long as they do not mind it.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Kindly send us your valued thoughts on this story on the space provided below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

The Stars Who Have Vanished from the Scene…

In and out of stars from the industry are the parts of Bollywood fraternity. Every day, many people come to the city of dreams to make their mark in this gigantic entertainment abode. Amongst them a few get a chance to enter the glam world, the rest of the lot has to return back disappointedly. Talent is what the industry always needs, which is why it welcomes anybody who is swathed with the ocean of talents no matter the artist is from the other part of the world. We have been observing from the outset that the stars often disappear from the scene…some of them vanish for forever and some make their comeback after some hiatus. It has been happening in the Hindi filmdom since the day the film industry has taken birth.

In recent past, a horde of coveted stars has evaporated from the big screen. This normally happens when the worth of the star falls flat. But the question is that when does the worth of an artist collapse? The answer is that when the sparks of acting and the talent appear zero on the judgment meter of a filmmaker. And how does the filmmaker judge it? It is simply through the audiences’ reaction and the box office value of the star. But wait…before you make it a point, there is another side of a coin as well and that is sometimes the stars themselves shrivel from the view for some lull in order to make the audiences feel their absence so that they can yearn to see their favourite stars on screen. And when they make their comeback, their arrival is highly acknowledged and adored as happened with Amitabh Bachchan. Amidst all of these facts, there is also another fact that it has also been witnessed that sometimes the comeback of stars harm their star power in the minds of the viewers since they have forgotten them and do not want to see them on screen. Anyway, in the midst of all, luck has its role too to play.

Lately, we saw the queen of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit (who had left the Bollywood after getting married to an NRI doctor many years back) making her comeback in the industry (which was hugely awaited) with the big banner film, ‘Aaja Nach Lay’ churned out by Yash Raj Films; with them she has delivered many hits earlier. The whole Bollywood fraternity was looking forward to her comeback very anxiously and every filmmaker wanted to rope in her in his movie. In short, the whole industry welcomed her colossally with big heart. But when the people do not approve of any star and do not like to see any star (who they have forgotten), how can a filmmaker then move forward to chew a film with that star (whether or not he/she is his/her favourite) because ultimately everyone wants to see his business boosting. The same case happened with the gorgeous yesteryears’ top actress, the dancing queen Madhuri Dixit. People did not come out to see her movie in theaters and eventually the turn out of the flick was average. The obvious reasons of people’s not coming to theaters might be so many but the main ones are:

· She took a very long period to return to movies.

· She is old now and has crossed the age of a heroine (since she is above forty years of age).

· No one would like to see an old woman dancing and acting like young heroines.

· The wrinkles on her face are apparent.

· The sparks, which she had in plenty in her time, look stumpy.

· She is married with two kids.

Another ravishing actress of the past, Sri Devi has hid herself from the movies since quite long. The actress left the film industry when she was on the peak of her career. Married to Bonny Kapoor (the famous filmmaker and the elder brother of Anil Kapoor), Devi has a baby girl and still has no plans to return to Bollywood. Although she has made many appearances on TV soaps but the actress likes to pursue her career in production side not on acting front. It is no doubt a very intelligent decision, the actress has made, as she knows that she has become older now and the people will not like to see her in a heroine’s get-up.

Bhagiya Shree, the very cute gal of ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ fame, has not been seen in films for last many years. Shree ruined her career by herself as she had laid the restriction that she would be working only in those movies in which the hero opposite her would be her husband. Soon after her decision, the filmmakers left working with her and later on she was seen on TV soaps only. But later she stopped appearing on the television as well. Recently we saw her dancing on the show, ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’.

Mamta Kulkarni, the sex symbol actress, is no more on Bollywood scene today. She got instant fame in the industry due to her bold attitude and beauty. But she could not survive due to her lack of acting.

Pooja Bhatt, the daughter of the popular filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has switched over to filmmaking and left the acting. She is also married and is doing well with her own production house, ‘Fish Eye Network’.

Manisha Koirala, the very stunningly gorgeous actress, who has marvelous dexterity of acting and was amongst the biggies of trade till some years back, has suddenly disappeared from the celluloid. Lastly she was seen in Akbar Khan’s magnum opus ‘Taj Mahal’ and in another low budget film, ‘Chahat Ek Nasha’. Probably, she knows the fact that she has grown older now and gained much weight.

Sonali Bandre, the dusky gal of the tinsel town, left the movies’ foxhole when she had married to the film director, Goldie Behl. She has no intention to join the actresses’ bandwagon again though she is still young to carry on the acting job. Lately she was seen judging a music show, ‘Indian Idol’. But for films, an utter ‘No’ from her side.

Karishma Kapoor, the blue-eyed curvaceously sexy lass of the Kapoor family, absconded from the films when she had tied the knot with a Delhi based industrialist some years ago. But she returned to the cinema with the movie, ‘Mere Jeevan Saathi’ opposite Akshay Kumar in 2005. The film flopped and so did the actress. Once the hot favourite of all the moviegoers, she could not carve a space in her fans’ hearts again.

Twinkle Khanna, the gorgeous elder daughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapdia, left Bollywood after getting married to super star Akshay Kumar some years ago. Today she is a housewife and has a baby boy.

Rinkie Khanna, the younger sister of Twinkle Khanna, disappeared as well from the movies’ scene after she had married to an NRI. She is currently in USA with her hubby.

Ravina Tandon too said good-bye to the filmdom after getting married. Today she is a mother of kids. Recently it has been learnt that she will make her comeback soon.

Mahima Choudhary, the gal with sparkling smile, got married a few years back with her boyfriend (a famous architect of Mumbai) and is currently enacting as a housewife with her baby girl.

Perizaad Zorabian, the ‘Joggers Park’ fame gal, tied the nuptial knot with her longtime boyfriend Boman Irani (no…no…he is not the famous actor rather he is a leading constructor of Mumbai) and is maintaining silence on film front.

In addition to the above noted actresses, there are many other low-profile actresses who have vanished from the movies’ canvas like Pooja Batra, Ashwini Bawane, Reema Lago, Reema Sen and Deepa Sahi.

Not only are the actresses who have evaporated from the film abode but also there are many actors who have not been seen on the celluloid.

Jackie Shroff, the legendry star of Bollywood, is vanished altogether these days and is being seen in the bashes only. What happened to the maestro of acting is a riddle to solve!

Jugal Hansraj, the Masoom movie fame child star, was seen in only a few films. The actor could not carve a niche in filmmakers and viewers’ hearts. And this is because he still has to learn the acting.

Sharad Kapoor (who made his debut with Sushmita Sen in ‘Dastak’), the actor with impeccable skills of acting, could not float on the movies’ waves. With him, it is his bad luck that he is not being offered roles these days otherwise the actor is of class.

Chandar Choor Singh, who was introduced by Gulzar in ‘Maachis’, is far away from the films though he is potentially a good actor.

In the vast sparklingly mesmerizing world of Bollywood, the in – out of the stars is the part of this game and this practice will continue forever and cannot pop off.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

We surely like you to place your thoughts on this story.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

Indian Beauty Queens’ Fascination for the Film Industry

The relation between the beauty queens and the Hindi film industry is indissoluble and has been strolling from the outset. Since the glamour is the key element in both the fields, the lasses of the beauty pageants get instantly attracted to the silver screen. And once they are geared up to enter the filmdom, all the big banners appear fervent in casting them in the leading roles. Not only do they get the mammoth projects to work in but also are paid huge amount to act in a film because of the significance of their winning crown. With no background of acting at all in their kitty, these beauty queens nonetheless make their mark in the movie trade and create ripples in the business. Which is why they are successful actresses and stay on the top position. Some, after winning the circlet, turn to the other genres of glamour world like modeling, television, fashion designing, fashion journalism and emerge as the triumphant in the fields. Very few become the housewives and spend the low profile life. Since the taste of popularity does not spare them to sit idle, most of them get themselves associated with some glamorous projects to shove their fame graph to the heights.

Meher Mistry, the first to get the crown of Femina Miss India in the year 1964, did not go to join the Hindi film industry instead she opted fashion writing and modeling to make her career. Although the crowned queens had been proving their mettles in the fields of television, modeling, journalism and so on. But as far as joining the film industry was concerned, there were the three stunning gals, who followed their pageant careers with acting in Bollywood – innocent beauty Poonam Dhillon (who won the title of Miss Young India in the seventies at the age of 16 and then joined the Bollywood bandwagon. She gave numerous hits in her career), sex symbol Zeenat Aman (who first started her career as a journalist at Femina magazine in Mumbai after completing her studies from Los Angles then moved on to modeling and later on was crowned the Miss Asia Pacific in 1970. She stepped in Bollywood with the flick, ‘Roti Kapra Aur Makaan’ opposite Manoj Kumar but it was Dev Anand who gave her the taste of success with his critically acclaimed film, ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ in 1972) and the ravishing Tina Munim who got the tiara of the ‘International Teen Princess’ way back in the seventies. The evergreen legendary actor-filmmaker Dev Anand launched her in his blockbuster, ‘Des Pardes’. The trio really did big in the films.

After Poonam, Zeenat and Tina, the gorgeous lasses of the beauty pageants started to flow into the Hindi film industry. Sangeeta Bijlani (wife of the famous cricketer Mohammad Azhar ud Din), a name to reckon with on the ramp, won the title of Miss India in 1980. Soon after, she was seen on the silver screen enacting with the giant male costars like Vinod Khanna, Jackie Shroff, Naseeruddin Shah and many others. ‘Tridev’ is the enterprise, which still reminds of her good acting prowess. The finest model turned actress Juhi Chawla got her crown of Miss India in 1984 and after a few years’ hiatus, she made her Bollywood debut with Aamir Khan in ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. Today she leads a happy married life with the millionaire Jay Mehta and runs a film production company ‘Dreams Unlimited’ with Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Aziz Mirza. Sonu Walia, a psychology graduate and a student of journalism, was conferred with the title of Miss India in 1985. After winning the crown, she embarked on a career in film acting and won accolades for her performance in her very first film. Miss India 1992, the leggy gal Madu Sapre’s entry into Bollywood was with the film, ‘Boom’ with Amitabh Bachchan and Jackie Shroff. She still is the hot favorite ramp model.

Namarta Shirodker, Miss India 1993 was launched in Bollywood opposite with the macho man Salman Khan in ‘Jab Pyar Kissi Se Hota Hai’. Today she is married but still has sparks for the movies. The long-legged Pooja Batra, Miss India Second Runner-Up 1993 was introduced in a film, ‘Virasat’ opposite Anil Kapoor.

The very gorgeous Sushmita Sen (nicknamed Sush in the industry) won the title of Miss India in 1994 and the same year she got the Miss Universe crown in Manila. The coveted filmmaker Vikram Bhatt gave her the launching pad with his venture, ‘Dastak’ opposite Mukel Dev. During the shooting, both Vikram and Sushmita fell in love with each other but finally after some years they broke-up the relationship. The same year (1994), Aishwariya Rai (nicknamed Ash) Miss India First Runner-Up was crowned Miss World in South Africa. Soon after winning the title, the offers started to pour on to her. And she made her debut in movies with the film, ‘Aur Pyar Hogaya’ opposite Bobby Deol. Today she is married to Abhishek Bachchan and called the world’s most beautiful woman.

Diana Hayden, Miss India First Runner-Up 1997 (who won the Miss World title in Seychelles) and Miss India First Runner-Up 1999 Yukta Mookhey (The 5’11” tall brunette who became Miss World in 1999 at London’s Olympia Theater) too joined Bollywood but unfortunately could not make better in films. Gul Pang, Miss India 1999 did handsome jobs on the celluloid in the movies such as ‘Jurm’ and ‘Dor’. She is still in good demands by the filmmakers.

The year 2000 proved to be magically precious for India when the three beautiful ladies – the stunning Lara Dutta (Miss India 2000 who wore the crown of Miss Universe in Cyprus), the dusky beauty Priyanka Chopra (Miss India First Runner-Up 2000 who won the Miss World crown in London) and the elegant Diya Mirza (who got the title of Miss Asia Pacific in Manila) brought all the three titles of beauty pageant in the country. Lara and Priyanka both were launched together opposite Akshay Kumar in ‘Andaaz’ and Diya was introduced in ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’. Today all the three gorgeous women are doing pretty well in the films and rated the big actresses of Bollywood. Celina Jaitley (Miss India 2001), a real crowd puller gal due to her curvaceous body is doing great in movies. Neha Dhupia, the dark brown-eyed girl (Miss India 2002) and Tanushree Dutta (Miss India 2004) are proving their skills of acting impeccably in Bollywood.

Without any doubt, the contribution of beauty queens to the silver screen is remarkable and this trend must go on.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Please pen down your thoughts on this story on the space provided below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

A new wave of different versions of songs in Hindi Film albums

Where Hindi movie is changing and improving every coming day, the music of the film soundtracks is not behind as well. It very aptly follows and hoofs it with the international pattern of the ongoing music scene. There is absolutely no doubt in saying that the actual life of a Bollywood flick is its music. And Bollywood industry is also widely known around the globe due to its mellifluous songs swathed with the astounding ear pleasing-catchy tunes, silken voices of the vocalists, eye candy picturization and breathtaking choreography. The music is what helps the Hindi film industry stands tall amongst the other film industries of the world. Even every Bollywood star from Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) to King Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) to all are found chipping in that our industry is known in the world because of our music (songs in films). Since the popularity of the tracks is very high, the whopping amount is consumed on the making of the songs. The filmmakers specially go to different countries to select the breath-arrestingly gorgeous locales for their films’ songs. And most of the time, one song is picturized on various locations of the world. Since the whole unit is there with the leading stars in outdoor locations, one can imagine the big amount, which is consumed on the making of a number. The big banners’ movies are always laced with the tracks, which are churned out with the huge money ranging from one crore to two crores rupees like Dharma Productions’ films and Yash Raj Films, etc. Lately a song in the film, ‘Bhaagam Bhaag’ (A Shree Astavnaik Films) had been made with the colossal amount of rupees one crore. Thus this does not mean that only the big banners chew up the tracks with big budget, there are other film companies as well that also go to gobble up mammoth money to make a song for their movie. The filmmakers put the massive amount at stake on the songs’ making without any hesitation because they know if the tracks get popular with the listeners, the movie will be a hit automatically. And it’s a fact that the blockbusters are always boot-laced with the hit numbers.

Till some years back, a film album used to carry only five to six songs and sometimes a song used to be repeated on the play list with a different voice (like if a songster sang the original number, the repeat version had been sung by some other singer). This was enough to give the album a distinctive impact on the listener and he was more than happy to buy and listen it with much oomph and pleasure. The rapid progress of the society has an effect on the entertainment world. So has on the Bollywood music. For last few years, Hindi music has changed a lot. Now a film album seems to be incomplete if it does not carry ten or above ten songs. Very rarely, it is seen that a film soundtrack is draped with less than ten tracks. A new wave of carrying different versions of songs has been introduced on Bollywood scene some years back probably after year 2000. But it actually got introduced after the “Remix” was launched in Hindi music. The credit of launching remix in Bollywood goes to the Remix King, Bally Sagoo who brought the remix in Hindi music by the end of last decade (1998/1999). His remixes of old popular numbers got much popular amongst the listeners of all age groups particularly the youth loved to stay with the maestro’s works. Sagoo became more famous when he did albums with the legendary world-renowned Pakistani qawwal late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. His popularity graph soared sky high when he remixed the very hummable number, ‘Noorie’. The video really caught the viewers’ attention in which the girl (the coveted super model turned actress Maushmi Udeshi who was shown as a ghost) fully clad with white sari walked on the roads holding a candle in hands. After that the music companies reached at the listeners’ pulse as to where their likings exist. The innovations in music were liked by the Hindi music lovers and this helped the music companies and filmmakers to start launching further new items in music. And finally they began to feature the different versions of an original number in a film soundtrack. Today, you may find many versions of an original track such as ‘Remix Version’, ‘Lounge Version’, Repeat Version’, ‘Club Version’, ‘Sad Version of a Romantic Track’ and the likes. As the youth is the big target to sell the album, they simply adore and like to stay with these kinds of versions. So the music and film companies have absolutely no hesitation at all to masticate these kinds of mixes in the soundtracks. Even the mixes are being produced in private albums as well. These mixes (except sad versions) have blood-boiling effect and appear as foot-tapping, fast and peppy, so today’s listener finds them mesmerizing while playing them in the parties to shake the bodies on and while driving to have a joyous journey along. Since the ‘Rap’ portion is added to the mixes mostly, it sends chill through the listener’s body. This all helps the music aficionados become passionate about going for buying these albums. And as a result, a massive sale is witnessed at the music stands.

Although today’s soundtrack is laced with abundant of songs, it does not matter at all whether or not all the tracks on the play list are featured in the movie. You must have observed it that the soundtrack you buy of a Bollywood film carries a long list of songs whereas when you watch the same movie, you do not find all the songs on the movie’s runtime. It is not because of the censor’s scissor rather it is only due to the songs’ different versions churned out to make a full-length album to sell to the listener, which he/she likes a lot.

Does this new trend in today’s music scene fill the bill utterly? Yes, it does! Because eventually the customer is the king and here the customer is a music listener. And he likes this new wave on Hindi music industry, which is not spoiling the music at all rather giving it innovations and innovations are always welcomed.

Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Please share your thoughts on this story on the space below. How did you find this piece of writing?

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

The dazzling beauty, Parizad Kolah

She is the beauty, the poets always think of while knitting the ideas in mind…she is the vivacious gal of the tele world, everybody loves to be with…she has got the sexy figure that makes her more attractive…she has the cute dimples on cheeks that add more spices to her exquisiteness…she is laced with the talents, which give her boost in the entertainment industry…she is swathed with the whopping amount of knowledge about films, which lets her sailing smoothly on the waves of movie based shows…she is the center of attraction of every show, she is associated with….she is the ravishing lass of showbiz world, who has stupendous class…once she arrives on the show, the viewers’ eyes gets fixed on the screen…she is the life of any program, where her presence is there…yes, she is Parizad Kolah, the model turned TV anchor turned Bollywood actress. Last she was seen anchoring the much-loved and watched comedy television show, ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Season 4’. She has been hosting this program since the outset. But she could not anchor the season 4 initially as she was busy with her newly born baby girl. The gorgeous sizzling model turned actress Shehnaz did hosting but later Kolah, on heavy public demand, returned to the show and took her seat back. 

The quintessential Bombay girl, Parizad has all the verve of the city that she was born and grew up in. Hailing from the Parsi locality of Cursow Baug, Kolah is easily one of the most recognized faces on television. The milky beauty kick started her showbiz career while she was in college doing a number of ad campaigns. Till date, she has dolled up a long list of ad campaigns endorsing almost every renowned brand in the country and across the globe. She has even done many ads for famed Pakistani brands as well. She smartened up the smooth transition from modeling to the music videos, as she adds many popular songs to her repertoire. Amongst them, the coveted remix king DJ Aqeel’s ‘Kehdo Tumhein’ (the remix of Kishore Kumar’s very hummable mellifluous number). Once she stepped into the world of anchoring, her heart-hitting beauty, care-free style of hosting, her breath-arresting smile and talents started to be acknowledged and talked about in the entertainment circles. This helped Sooraj Bharjatya (the ace Bollywood director having many hits to his credit like ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kon’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ and many others) sign her in his film, ‘Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon’ in which she enacted the role of Kareena Kapoor’s friend. Her character was adored since she was not interested in continuing with films, she preferred television and modeling to Bollywood. Thus she did not do any film later.

Apart from Star One’s show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, Zoom TV’s program, ‘Filmi Fever’ was another feather to her popularity amongst the viewers. The show was aimed at those who needed the extra doze of film tittle-tattles. ‘Filmi Fever’ gave the viewer all the highs, lows and behind the scenes action of every Bollywood release. This Bollywood-centric show simply had to be helmed by someone who thoroughly knew the intricacies of Bollywood and those of the city that cradled it. Parizad fitted the role perfectly.

My first brush with this gorgeous lass happened in year 2005 when I was covering the shows of Zoom TV. Although I knew her already and have seen her anchoring the shows on TV, but what impressed me most was her skills of handling the film based show ‘Filmi Fever’ with so much dexterity and aplomb. This took me to contact her as the desire of penning down on her talents arouse in me. I sent her sms describing my purpose and the next morning, she replied back in positive. After some days, I got a call from her but unfortunately we both could not hear each other due to mobile network problems. The following day, I called her and then the things managed. And then, I succeeded to get details from her and finally I was on way to dash off stuff on her works. A very soft human being, the tender natured lass told me that she was never interested in doing Bollywood films (when I asked her that why don’t you join Bollywood properly as you are gorgeous and have all an actress needs to step into filmdom). “Goher, I’m not really interested in Bollywood rather I am interested in anchoring TV shows and live shows. And I am doing pretty good on modeling front in India and abroad”, Parizad told me.

She has also hosted many sports shows also like on Ten Sports channel. Besides, a well-known television figure, Kolah is also a computer whiz. Her fans are dying to see her acting in films, as I often get responses from them. Lets wish that one day she will change her mind and enter Bollywood.

- Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

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- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

Shahid Kapoor is a committed to his work actor. He is known for being particular when it comes to endorsing the products. Since he is considered to be a true fit for the products’ endorsements and every company wants to hire his services due to his popularity graph and dashing looks, he is very choosy on his side and decides to go for those, he strongly believes in! His recent ad is of Pioneer where he displays his dancing histrionics very aptly.

A close source reveals about this advertisement, “Shahid was busy mastering his dance steps for the ad. But he just could not get it right. He felt that there was something amiss in the background score of the ad. To get things right, Shahid asked the director to create a hook in the background score impromptu. Hook is a kind of snappy jingle or music that makes a person instantly associate himself to the song. It’s a melody through which the song is remembered. Kiran Deohans, the ad filmmaker, was mighty impressed with Shahid’s instant creation.”

Kiran Deohans, the director of the ad, chips in, “Shahid has an eye for detail just like his father. Shahid took an active part in everything and that was quite impressive. The music was ready and when Shahid was listening to it he felt something was missing in the music, as there was no hook at the start. He wanted it to be added soon as then he could practice the steps accordingly and go ahead and finish the shoot comfortably. Besides being a great actor and a superb dancer, he is a very friendly person too.”

Kiran Deohans is the one artist who has worked as a cinematographer for many hit films like ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Love Story 2050’, ‘Aks’ and to name a few.

Since he is a creative person like his father, Shahid took part in the other departments of the advertisement as well by giving inputs.

Written By: Goher Iqbal Punn

Please send us your valued comments on the space below.

- The writer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both of these fraternities and the people associated with these entertainment worlds. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these swanky industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, goher.punn@yahoo.com and goher.punn@gmail.com

Producer: Allu Arvind, Madhu Varma
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Cast: Aamir Khan, Asin, Jiah Khan, Pradeep Rawat, Khalid Siddiqui

The man of blockbusters Aamir Khan has come out to deliver another blockbuster. Last year, it was �Taare Zameen Par�, which scored very high at the box office. And now, it will be �Ghajini� for sure to hit the viewers� hearts. The movie is certainly a gift for Christmas and it will undoubtedly inject sugary pleasures in the audience�s hearts. The flick would without any doubt be the best performance of Aamir Khan. The Tamil version of this enterprise was a massive hit but if you look at the Hindi remake, it is also laced with the sparks to be a blockbuster. And the box office results will surely be displaying the same. Ghajini, a revenge saga, has a riveting storyline but adding to the plot is powerful treatment, mind-blowing performances and superb music.

While you stay with the movie, you come to know that it is Asin (the leading gal) who talks more than Aamir (he speaks very less in the film) but what impresses you the most is his body language that does all to attract the movie buffs. This outing is very impressive and swathed with an attention-grabbing storyline. Every department of this venture looks flawless. Admit, the length of the film is long and that you might point out as a flaw. But the gripping story erases this flaw. Agreed that the film is full of violence but the violence is justified and one feels elated when Aamir�s character is avenged. Director AR Murugadoss, surpasses his earlier work – the Tamil version of the film. He is superb in his work, as he moulds the movie sequences with a class and finesse that the audience cannot help holding their breaths.

The film talks about Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan) who has a sad past and a violent present. In the past, he was a rich, famous and successful man, who loved Kalpana (Asin). But an incident occurred in his life that ruined all, as he lost her girlfriend and underwent a break-down. He forgets everything but the violent incident, he cannot�! Here begins his journey of brutal vendetta against the killers. Sanjay seeks revenge through pictures and memos and tattoos on his chiseled body. Amidst all, he bumps into Sunita (Jiah Khan), who gets afraid of initially but when she learns the truth, wants to help him out.

The director AR Murugadoss impress with his work. He shows it all on the screen, as he succeeds to build the suspense throughout the film. Cinematography is mind-blowing. The camera treatment is very stylish. The music by A R Rahman is spongy and hummable.

Aamir Khan rules once again. Whenever he appears, he loots the hearts with his performance. Asin, the new discovery, attracts with her acting and looks gorgeous. The actress has the potential to stand amongst the biggies of the trade. Jiah Khan is great to watch. The rest of the cast impresses as well.

On the whole, �Ghajini� is magnum opus in every sense of the word. A precious gift for Christmas.

RS Rating: 4/5

- The reviewer is a popular and experienced Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with both the fraternities and the people associated with these swanky trades. He also shares a good rapport with the celebs of these industries. You may contact him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk and goher.punn@yahoo.com

He is really a very talented singer, Bollywood has seen so far. He is today amongst the top notch vocalists of the industry. Goher Iqbal Punn catches him in a casual mood and finds him chatting about his new album, playback singing and his acting and his show.

Your third music album, ‘Untitled’ has just come out in the market with much oomph. What’s the response so far?

I am very inspired with the kind of response it has received, especially from my music industry colleagues. Although in my pre-releases interviews I refrained from making the cliché “statement” that I tried something different. The truth is that like any other artist, I too tried a few different things with my voice and the compositions! It feels great when my listeners tell me that it’s very different…Babul. That’s all a playback singer loves to achieve with a non-film album.

Which are your most favourite numbers on the album?

‘Sunoh’, ‘Tu Aa Bhi Ja’ , ‘Gungunade’ and ‘Khushnuma’.

You are still remembered with the spongy romantic number, ‘HUM TUM’ (the title song of ‘HUM TUM’) amongst the listeners. Although, prior to crooning this track, you had already been doing playback singing, but this song became your recognition. Don’t you want to erase this impression from people’s minds?

I have had a couple of hits after that namely ‘Lamha Har Lamha’ (Ankahee), ‘Dil Mein Baji Guitar’ (Apna Sapna Money Money), ‘Chanda Chamke’ (Fanaa), ‘Zara Gungunalein Chalo’ (Lagaa Chnri Mein Daag), etc. But ‘HUM TUM’ will remain a milestone in my career and people will always associate me with that. It is a double century in my career and no matter how many centuries I score in the long run, they will always stand out like ‘Kaho Na Pyar Hai’ (the title song of ‘Kaho Na Pyar Hai’), ‘Sochta Hun’ and ‘Aate Aate’.

In this industry, work fetches you work and though people do tend to type-cast you, I don’t see that as a problem because HUM TUM fetched me a lot of very good songs; it’s a different thing that most of them got lost in the deluge of fast paced numbers that suddenly seemed to dominate all film music albums. But ‘change is the only constant’; everything changes with time, so do I and my music.

Earlier you were a banker by profession. What made you switch over to singing for films?

One life one chance… My musical qualities are a free gift from God. It demanded me to take up this challenge than sitting relaxed in a secure bank job.

Have you received any training before stepping into the world of music?

‘Yes’…I come from a very prestigious musical family in West Bengal and am a grandson of noted composer Banikantha N. C. Baral. I got extensive training from my grandfather since early childhood. And I’ve won several inter-school musical accolades while studying in Don Bosco School. I was “All India Don Bosco Music Champion” in 1983 and was awarded “The Most Enriching Talent” title in 1985 as well. While in college in Calcutta, I won almost 45 inter-college music competitions in different categories and was also a regular performer of AIR and Doordarshan since childhood.

You have sung for almost all the leading musicians. Who are the ones, you feel comfortable with while recording the songs?

It will be politically incorrect to answer this question…
I LOVE ALL my music directors!!!!!

Who are your favourite singers from yesteryear’s time and among current bandwagon?

Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Manna Dey (from yesteryears). Shaan and KK (from the present time).

Which singers do you often think about … had you rendered a duet with, you would have found yourself lucky?

Obviously… Lata Ji. Although, I have had the privilege to work with the legendary Asha Bhonsle Ji.

Music critics term you brilliant, versatile, classy and virtuoso. How does it sound to you? Do these praises make you proud or do they help you learn more?

Like a cricketer improves by playing, a painter improves by painting. I too have learned my art by singing and singing. I think, I am gaining experience every single day and you learn and grow only from experience. I have not been an overnight star and therefore I am not afraid of fading away soon. I am not a visitor in the industry. I am and will remain permanent resident of this industry.

You are handsome and have got dashing personality, debonair and charming look, you must’ve got acting offer from filmmakers.

So much praise to handle at one time… . ‘Yes’, I have worked in a Bengali film, ‘Chander Bari’ directed by the legendary Bengali filmmaker Tarun Mazumdet. I loved my experience with acting.

You know that the singers, turning to actors, fall flat on acting front. What do you say about it?

All I say is that, though apart from the great Kishore Kumar, history has not been in the favour of a singer trying to act. As for me, I like to say because I loved the experience of acting, so if I am offered a good role, I would love to do.

You have warbled the lines for TV soaps also. What’s the difference between singing for films and television?

I don’t differentiate it… They all require me to perform at my best and that’s what I try all the time. I succeed in some and fail in a few.

Recently we saw you anchoring a musical show, ‘K for Kishore’ on a TV channel. Would you share your experience with us?

It was great…! Besides it was superb working with Asha Ji once again. I always had a feeling of hosting a show and several people told me that I will do well as a host… I am very happy with the good response from my fans and the film fraternity, and I am doing more of it too. I have a long way to go in that direction and I am working hard to be very good at it.

So you support this ongoing trend of the vocalists turning hosts?

Since I myself did the same, I will have to support it by hook or by crook. People, who stay in the glass houses, should not throw stones at others…(he.he.he.) Jokes apart, a responsible artist knows if he is good or bad in an art and whether or not he should pursue it.

Many of your contemporaries have rendered songs for Pakistani flicks. If you are offered any assignment from across the border, would you go ahead with that?

‘Yes’… surely. And though I don’t remember the names of the films, I have already sung quite a few songs in Pakistani films. Not aware of … whether they were hits or not.

Many Pakistani vocalists are trying their luck in Bollywood and some have succeeded to get their standing. In your view, who have potential to stay? And have you sung with any yet?

There are rarely any male duets in Bollywood so I have not sung with them , but ‘yes’, Shafqat Amanant Ali Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan are very good and will continue to do well. Unfortunately, like a few Indian singers out here, some Pakistani singers are also very bad and are just riding their luck presently. They will fade away with time.

You are among the top Bollywood singers today. Where do you see yourself after five years?

Taller, Darker. Handsome (he..he), Richer and the story goes on …

When we might expect your next music album?

A cricketer should retire when he is asked ‘why’ and not ‘why not’…. A singer should come out with an album when his listeners repeatedly ask him “When is the next..?”

It’s really nice chipping in words with you.

Same here…

- The interviewer is a coveted and experienced Bollywood & Indian TV Analyst and swathed with good rapport with the swanky worlds of Bollywood and Indian television fraternities. You may write to him at the E-mails: goher.punn@yahoo.com, bollywood.tv.analyst@gmail.com and goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk

Yes, very much… because this is just my second Hindi film.. And it’s the first time I’m doing a comedy film so I’m hoping for the best!

What’s the film all about and what is your character?

It’s about the TV industry’s biggest bahu and how she wants to get into Bollywood and how she gets the money and how she dreams of producing her own film with a huge starcast.

The leading man opposite you is none other than the leading mega star Govinda. Did you get nervous standing face to face during the shootings?

Not at all. Govinda is a gem of a person and makes his co-artist feel very comfortable.

Since Govinda is the maestro of dancing, was it difficult to shake legs with him?

As I said, Govinda not only helps his co-stars to feel comfortable but also helps the artist to become a better performer.

Any tips, he rendered to you?

Many..he made me bring out the best in me.

On how many songs, you have danced with Govinda?

One song

The captain of the ship (director) is himself a renowned choreographer, how far it helped you in any way?

Actually the songs were all choreographed by Vishnu Deva sir who has assisted Ganeshji for more than 5 years and choreographed many films down south.

He is new in the field of direction. Did you find him lacking in the art on any occasion?

Not really, because he has also made the film ‘Swami’ before. This is a totally different film and it’s made in a totally different light.

You have just completed a sizzling Punjabi song where Ganesh has been featured along with you. And you are carrying a 60 meter long gown in the track. Tell us about your experience.

The gown was very long a little difficult to handle. But it was fun shooting for the song, and a great experience to be featured with Ganesh Acharyaji in the same song. Though both of us are dancing in the song, we will not be seen together.

How was the rapport with the co-stars?

It was superb. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting with them. They were perfect co-stars.

What about the music of the film? And which are your favourite numbers?

It would undoubtedly be my soundtrack ‘Chal Jaaye churiyaan’.

Prior to debuting as a heroine on big screen, you have enacted in films as a child star. How does it feel working as a child star and then turning a leading lady?

It’s a totally different chapter. It was much easier earlier. Now as an actress, I have to live upto others expectations. But I love my profession and I’m here to entertain people.

According to you, the difference between working for TV (as you’ve done already) and films?

TV is on a day-to-day basis. Its fast work. Films take a lot of time and small things can also be undertaken.

How was working opposite with the music icon Himesh Reshammiya (today’s hot singer-musician) in your debut vehicle, ‘Aap Ka Suroor’?

I thoroughly enjoyed my first film.

Himesh fetched all applauds and was the pivotal character in the movie. What made you decide signing the debut flick, which entirely revolved around him?

I got whatever I wanted and I’m very happy with the outcome.

You are just one year old on Bollywood scene with one release to your credit. The competition, you know, is very tough out there. What have you planned to win the battle and survive in the industry?

Frankly, I don’t think of it in terms of competition. It all depends on my destiny. I’m here to do quality work and to entertain the people.

Currently, you are shooting in Hyderabad for two upcoming films. Could you tell us cursorily about them?

One of the films is produced by M S Raju for Suman Arts Productions where I’m cast opposite the actor Ram. The film is directed by B. Gopal.
Another film is Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Pulli’, a telugu film which is being Directed by Surya.

We learnt that you have acted in a South film, ‘Pulli’, which is due to release as well. It depicts that your focus is not only on Bollywood but also on other regional movies.

Bollywood is definitely my main priority. But Tollywood has been very supportive.

As you are probably the youngest heroine on Bollywood front, what’s the behaviour of the fellow stars and industry people towards you?

I’m proud to be the youngest and am treated very well by all others.

How do you define Hansika Motwani?

Happy-go-lucky!

Thanks a lot Hansika for giving us time for the interview.

You are welcome!

Interviewed By: Goher Iqbal Punn

- The writer is a coveted Bollywood & Indian TV Analyst and has good rapport with the swanky worlds of Bollywood and TV and the celebs of both the film and television fraternities. Feel free to write to him at goher.punn@gmail.com and goher.punn@yahoo.com

Udit Narayan who was among the panel of judges in Indian Idol 3, has been roped in by Sony’s music reality show Waar Parriwar. Kumar Sanu also accompanies Udit Narayan on the show. Earlier the concept of the show required different celebrity guests every week to judge the show. Though now since the show has selected the top 6 families’, Gajendrra Siingh planned to rope in the most experienced artists. Waar Parriwar now has a panel of judge comprising Jatin Pandit, Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan.

Kumar Sanu known for his evergreen, mesmerizing voice said “This is the first time I am part of a reality show. The main reason to accept this offer was because of the concept of the show. No matter how experienced one is, we still get to learn a lot from each other. I am learning different techniques from each contestant of the show.”

Udit Narayan said “Music is eternal. The feeling of peace that one gets from music cannot be compared with anything. Gajendrra Siingh is the brainchild behind the concept of Waar Parriwar, and I love it. The concept of families participating is truly wonderful and sharing the space with Jatin Pandit and Kumar Sanu is amazing. We have worked together for years and through Waar Parriwar we get to spend some melodious time together.”

One actor who is completely dependable is Shah Rukh Khan. The moment the superstar learnt that Aziz Mirza wanted him to do the voiceover for Tips Films Kismat Konnection, Khan, who had just returned from the UK, not only instantly met the director but also completed the dubbing in a matter of few hours.

“Shah Rukh is amazingly energetic,” said Aziz Mirza. He added, “He had just returned from London. Any actor in his place would have made an excuse of jetlag and said “I want to go home.” But not Shah Rukh! His car took the road that led to the dubbing studio. That too at 1.30 in the night. He saw to it that he completes the voice over for my film that very night.”

Interestingly it was Juhi who was to do the voice over initially. Aziz Mirza said, “Juhi plays a crystal ball reader in my film and since her character talks about life and relationships I thought she was apt to do the voiceover for the film. But Juhi felt that the content of my film was too strong and female’s voice in the background would not be able to do justice to it.”

Aziz Mirza said with Shah Rukh now having lent his voice to the film, the circle was complete. “I am glad that Shah Rukh is a part of my film. I can always depend on him. When I told him about the voice over he immediately agreed. Shah Rukh did not question me even once about it.”

Sunayana, who essays the character of Namrata in Santaan, does not mind mixing pleasure with work as she strongly believes in all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl! The actors do not experience phone-fatigue as the place where they shoot is quite inaccessible-the network goes for a toss! So, to kill the work related stress, Sunayana and her co-stars let their hair down – eat, drink and play games whenever they have some time-off during the shoots.

Sunayana says, “All my co- stars are very lively and fun loving people and they can’t sit idle in between the shoots. We don’t keep to ourselves – unless someone is having severe mood swings, laughs the feisty gal. At times when we have some sphere time whilst shooting, we rejuvenate ourselves by chilling out and then we don’t find our job to be a bother.”

Thoda work Thoda chill is Sunayana’s mantra!

Hansika who has shot a special song sequence yesterday for her upcoming film ‘Money Hai To Honey Hai’ on the last day of the shoot, is all set to show off her dance moves! The sizzling Punjabi number appears in the film when she dreams of making it big in Bollywood and becoming the top heroine!

The song will feature Hansika and Ganesh Acharya and we can expect to see some very sexy shimmying from Hansika as she’ll be belly dancing in the song!!! And most amazing of all, Hansika will be seen carrying off a 60 meter gown in the same song alternating with some very cool hip-hop costumes too!!

Whoa! This one song sure seems to have all the right ingredients to set the dance floor on fire!

This is an episode to watch out for! After 13 years the 2 Khans, comeback together on screen, if one is charismatic the other is bindaas. Watch them this July 4 at 9.00 pm on 10 Ka Dum only on Sony Entertainment Television.

We all know of Salman’s cycling fetish… now you can catch Aamir addicted to it too! The episode starts with Aamir and Salman cycling to the 10 Ka Dum sets on the song “Do mastana chale zindagi banana”! This was like replaying the scene from their hit film Andaz Apna Apna where the duo was last seen. Their entry was dhamakedaar… the loud cheer and claps of the audience on seeing their favourite stars was electrifying.

Salman mischievously introduced Aamir as the man who needed no introduction. Said he: “Yeh to purush hi nahin hain… Yeh Mahapurush hain!

Salman and Aamir are a riot on the show bringing back memories of their comic capers in Andaz Apna Apna!

Stay glued to your television sets to watch the Khans in action this July 4 from 9.00 – 10.00 pm on Sony to catch the most exciting episode of 10 Ka Dum.

Some people are born with the astonishingly dexterous skills to rule the world. And when they step inside their field, they display their histrionics and prowess in such a way that they instantly trounce the globe and create a special niche in people’s hearts. These are the performers, whom no one likes to forget. Their creations are hugely adored and loved to stay with forever. Babul Supriyo, the smart-suave songster of Bollywood, is the one on whom all the above praises fit immaculately well. Supriyo has engendered his strapping standing in Hindi music industry by his own with his powerful, ear pleasing and tour de force catchy style of singing. He came and won the singing world. Such artists are not born everyday. They are called the precious assets and the assets are always preserved with care.

Lately we saw this mainstream versatile laced with the spongy voice vocalist anchoring the very popular show, ‘K for Kishore’ on Sony TV. To continue his passion for singing, Babul has come up with his brand new music album titled, ‘Untitled’ released by Universal Music. The soundtrack contains 10 tracks in total. The video of the track, ‘Sunoh’ is already making waves on all the TV channels and this number has been scribbled down by Samrat Das. Three tracks, ‘Sanwariya’, ‘Khushnuma’ and Yaadein’ have been written by none other than Nusrat Badr, who is the poet behind the film songs of the movies: ‘Saawariya’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Deewar’ and to name a few. The gorgeous singer cum actress Vasundra Das has also been featured on one of the tracks, ‘Sanwariya’. ‘Untitled’ is clearly one of Babul’s most heartfelt albums and is a neat mix of ballads, folk melodies and up-tempo foot-tapping tunes.

On his album’s release the excited singer says, “While it’s customary to talk about one’s new album, all I feel like saying right now is if you have ever loved babul for even one song, do give “Untitled” a patient listening, this is me at my very best’ That’s it. Time for music to take over because I am confident that the songs will speak rather sing for themselves”

His debut music album was, ‘Sochta Hun’, which proved to be a huge success and that had shoved the singer to release more soundtracks. ‘Kuch Aisa Lagta Hai’ then followed and now he is geared up with the latest offering, ‘Untitled’.

Supriyo has also bagged a hit Bengali flick Taran Mazumdar’s ‘Chandni Bar’ to his credit that stars the Bengali beauty queen Rituparna Sen Gupta opposite him. The mellifluous vocalist, who’s the virtuoso in his field, has rendered a long list of hit tracks as a playback singer in popular Bollywood films like ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Fanaa’, ‘Vivaah’, ‘Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya’, ‘Hungama’, ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’, ‘Maine Koi Jadoo Nahin Kiya’, ‘Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai’, ‘Dhai Akshar Prem Ke’, ‘Chori Chori’, ‘Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya’, ‘Apna Sapna Money Money’ and to name a few.

Babul comes from a very prestigious musical family in West Bengal, grandson of noted composer Banikantha N. C. Baral, from who Babul inherited his musical talent. On completion of his Honours graduation in Commerce in 1991 from the Calcutta University, he got a coveted job in Standard Chartered Bank in Calcutta, which he bravely left to move to Mumbai to pursue his dream of becoming a playback singer. It was during the era of mid-nineties when the singer let the Bollywood fraternity and the music afficanodos know about his ocean of talent by delivering the hit numbers like ‘Aaj Meri Zindagi Mein’ (Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi), ‘O Priya Priya’ (Agnisakshi), ‘Hata Sawan Ki Ghata’ (Hello Brother) and many others. But when he crooned the big time hit track, ‘Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara’ for the blockbuster movie, ‘Kaho Na Payaar Hai’ picturised on the heartthrob dashing actor Hrithik Roshan, there emerged huge success for him and since then there has been no looking back. And from then, he has been touring the world for his musical concerts and one of the concerts, he has done with none other than the Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) in May 1993.

Superb singer of class….Babul is the real gem of the industry.

Shahid Kapur’s Mercedes Benz got severely damaged when a mob of fans gheraoed the actor for autographs and photographs.

Shahid was in Pune to attend an event organized for the police.

When his fans saw Shahid leaving the venue, they all rushed towards him, eagerly looking forward to closely watch him. After it was once in a life time opportunity for them!

But things got out of hand when his fans wanted to touch and feel the actor. And in the minor stampede Shahid’s Mercedes Benz got damaged.

Success comes with a price! And here Shahid had to pay a price with his Benz!

The dazzling demigods of the Hindi film industry descended at the MMRDA grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai and graced the Max Stardust Awards ceremony with their esteemed presence. The program was not restricted to just the handing over and receiving of awards but provided entertainment galore, including song and dance performances by leading stars like Kareena Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Saif Ali Khan, Govinda and Neha Dhupia.

The Max Stardust Awards stands out in the clutter of countless film awards as it showcases and recognises the relatively fresh talent with the promise to emerge as the superstars of tomorrow. The awards ceremony, this year, transformed the banal terra firma of the Bandra Kurla Complex into a spectacle of glitz and razzmatazz. Talented film director Kunal Kohli and the gorgeous diva Neha Dhupia were the perfect hosts for this special evening and kept the audience glued to their seats.

The glorious award ceremony, witnessed dazzling Lara Dutta perform on chartbusters such as ‘Move your body’ from Johnny Gaddar, ‘Deewangi’ from OSO among others while beautiful Kareena Kapoor enthralled the audience with ‘Nagada’ and ‘Its rocking’ form Jab we met and Kya Love Story Hai. The rockstar Saif Ali Khan performed on medley of hits from OSO, Salaam-e-Ishq, Hey Baby and Race – his upcoming movie. Govinda entertained the audience with his numbers from the movie Partner and Bhagam Bhaag. Neha Dhupia apart from her co-hosting the award ceremony moved danced on popular songs like ‘Namak Ishq Ka’, ‘Saiya re’, ‘Mayya Mayya’, ‘Kiya Kiya’ and ‘Naughty Naughty’.

Among the people who attended the event were the who’s who of the tinsel town. Aadesh Shrivastav, Bappi Lahri, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Saran, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Bipasha Basu, Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Suresh Oberoi, Irfan Khan, Gul Panag, Celina Jaitley, Dino Moreo, Madhur Bhandarkar, Raveena Tandon, and a host of others. The event had extravagant sets coupled with lasers, special effects, lighting and acoustics to create a magnificent audio and visual impact.

The MAX Stardust Awards are a salute to the young and dynamic Gen Next oozing with creative energy and passion in equal measure. MAX will telecast the MAX Stardust Awards on 16 February, 2008 at 8.00 pm.

THE WINNERS OF MAX STARDUST AWARDS

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW —MALE
Ranbir Kapoor (Saawariya)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW— FEMALE
Sonam Kapoor (Saawariya)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Shreyas Talpade (Om Shanti Om)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
Kangana Ranaut (Life… In a Metro)

THE NEW MENACE
Shilpa Shukla (Chak De India)

HOTTEST FILM — PRODUCERS

Gandhi My Father (Anil Kapoor)

HOTTEST YOUNG FILM MAKER
Shimit Amin (Chak De India)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY LYRICIST
Sandeep Nath – Saawariya (‘Yoon Shabnami Pehle Nahi Thi Chandni’)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – FEMALE
Anoushka Manchanda – Cash (Aye Chori)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – MALE
Krishna & Salim Merchant – Chak De India (Maula Mere)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Tisca Chopra (‘Taare Zameen Par’)

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Irrfaan Khan (‘Life… In A Metro’ / The Namesake)

BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE
Arjun Rampal (‘Om Shanti Om’)

STAR OF THE YEAR – MALE
Akshay Kumar (‘Namastey London’ / ‘Heyy Babyy’)

ACTOR PAR EXCELLANCE
Viveik Oberoi (Shootout at Lokhandwala)

BEST ACTOR – MALE
Shahid Kapoor- Jab We Met

BEST ACTOR – FEMALE
Kareena Kapoor – Jab We Met

THE DREAM DIRECTOR AWARD
Farah Khan (‘Om Shanti Om’)

BEST FILM AWARD
‘Jab We Met’

LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dharmendra

The Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) felicitated Shri Shakti Samanta, Shri Lekh Tandon and BP Singh with the IFTDA Lifetime Achievement award yesterday at a star studded award ceremony at Bhavan’s college ground, Andheri west

IFTDA also honoured National Award winners such as Rahul Dholakia for Parzania, Pradeep Sarkar for Parineeta, Shujminder Dhanjal for Punjabi film Bagi, Anand Ghatraj for bhojpuri film, Nishikant Kamat for marathi film Dombivali Fast and many more

Special guests present included Sharmila Tagore, Shatrughan Sinha, Jagdeep, Gulzar,Raman Kumar, Deepti Naval, Aseem Samanta, Ashok Pandit,Vinod Pandey, Dharmesh Tiwar and many other prominent film personalities.

This was definitely a grand affair celebrating the best of the Indian cinema!

The year 2007 has ended with huge hits for Bollywood and the coming year seems even more promising. The first mega release of the year 2008, MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES, produced by Sahara One Motion Pictures will herald the birth of a new star in the Bollywood firmament, Nikhil Dwivedi, already being acknowledged as the 1 crore star. The film directed by national award winner E NIWAS, boasts of 3 other national award winners in Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher and Pawan Malhotra, also riding high on the stupendous success of Vivaah’, Dadasaheb Phalke winner, Amrita Rao, as the leading lady.

MNIAG will be followed by the biggest and the slickest thriller RACE, produced by TIPS FILMS, that boasts of an ensemble of stars, Saif Ali Khan, Akhshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy. RACE is directed by the master craftsmen in the thriller genre, duo Abbas-Mustan.

TIPS FILMS will also release their next super hit starrer, KISMAT KONNECTION, starring Shahid Kapur & Vidya Balan, directed by Aziz Mirza.

The year 2008 will also kick-start VENUS RECORDS & TAPES PVT. LTD unleashing a juggernaut of films starting with MAAN GAYE MUGHALL E AZAM,directed by Sanjay Chhel, starring the success pairing of Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose again. The irrepressible Paresh Rawal and will lead the cast, which will also feature huge talents like Kay Kay and Pawan Malhotra.

After giving one of the most talked about film spiced with realism in SHOOTOUT IN LOKHANDWALA, and the innovative DUS KAHANIYAN, Sanjay Gupta’s WHITE FEATHER FILMS will continue to tread the uncharted path breaking cinema in PANKH, starring Bipasha Basu, introducing Maradona Rebello, Sudipto Chattopadhyay.

Besides, White Feather films will also release WOODSTOCK VILLA, that will introduce, the next big star in the making, Sikandar Kher.

The year 2008 will also see the launch of KAMBAKTH ISHQ,directed by Sabir Khan, from the successful team of Sajid Nadiadwala and Akshay Kumar, post the humongous hit HEYY BABYY. Kareena Kapoor, who is the highest paid actress in Bollywood, will be cast opposite the ‘HIT MACHINE’ Akshay Kumar, which promises to be a surefire blockbuster in the making.

The first half of 2008 already seems exciting with a variety of films which will scorch the silver screen in the new year!!

Akshaye Khanna is presently shooting in Alleppey, Kerala with one of his favorite directors Priyadarshan for his forthcoming ‘Untitled’ film.

Akshaye and Priyadarshan, as a team have been consistently delivering hits like HULCHUL, HUNGAMA , and with their latest venture, are sure on a hit track record again.

But besides shooting with his favorite director, Akshaye seems to be enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Kerala. It is Akshaye’s first visit to Kerala, and is amazed at the beauty of God’s Own country. He is virtually living it out in a plush Houseboat, in the backwaters of Kerala.

The locals have told him on how The Houseboats of today have evolved from the traditional kettuvallams and are equipped with all modern amenities like plush carpets, bedrooms with attached bath and on board food.

And surely Akshaye seems to be enjoying every bit of the shoot in this land of lagoon, beaches and the unspoilt backwaters.

Says Akshaye, “I am enjoying my stay in a houseboat out here. It’s a different experience altogether. Kerala is such a beautiful place, I am charmed by its beauty. There is so much of tranquil calm in the backwaters of Kerala”.

Carving Dreams Motion Pictures , a division of Carving Dreams Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading talent agency and Eros International, the London listed leading player in the Indian film and entertainment sector, have signed Bollywood Superstar Hrithik Roshan as the main lead for their debut co-production venture.

Announcing the deal, Mr. Bunty Bahl, Director, Carving Dreams Motion Pictures said, “We are very pleased to be collaborating with Eros International, who are clearly the market leaders in film production and global distribution today. Having worked closely with Hrithik Roshan as his business mangers for over two years now, we hope to be sensitive to his creative needs and expect him to be involved in our film beyond the boundaries of an actor. As we foray into film production, Hrithik was the most natural choice for us to fortify our relationship further. The Hrithik-Carving Dream-Eros combo is sure to create waves.”

Mr. Kishore Lulla, CHAIRMAN & CEO, Eros Multimedia further added, “We are happy to be working with Carving Dreams, one of the best outfits in the business of celebrity and entertainment marketing. I am delighted that Hrithik Roshan will be playing the lead role. That has elevated out first project together to an entirely different level. We are looking forward to a wonderful relationship & many more such ventures and specifically giving this particular film a great global distribution and marketing platform pulling our entire group’s resources together.”

Hrithik Roshan confirmed the news and said, “Yes! It’s very exciting. Carving Dreams entertainment p ltd has been managing my business profile in terms of endorsements, appearances etc…, this is definitely a step towards strengthening our existing relationship. ”

She’s the epitome of beauty draped with the heart-hitting personality and curvaceous blood-boiling sexy figure to die for…! Not only she is a classy actress but also a luminous dancer. You have seen her igniting the big screen and small screen with her astonishing acting skills and also you have watched her shaking the hips on a dance show ‘Jhalak Dikhla Ja’. Yes, she is none other than the most gorgeous sexy beauty Sudha Chandran who has now joined the brigade of Star Plus’s most popular prime time show, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ playing an utterly different character this time around.

Sudha is enacting the role of an austere police officer (ACP) investigating Trupti’s murder mystery. This case becomes more complicated as the whole Virani family is a suspect. There will be twists and turns now on this show with Sudha’s entry so don’t go away just stay tuned to Star Plus to watch Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Monday to Thursady at 10 p.m.

He is a coveted artiste due to his chocolate heart-hitting personality, charm to impress people, luminous acting to talk about and flashing smile to die for. Anuj Saxena, the TV hottie, is once again laced up to sit on the jury seat for the second time in International Emmy Awards to be held in New York on 19th November.

It’s not hidden now that the multi-faceted Anuj Saxena is not an actor only rather is a doctor, businessman (MD Elder Health Care Ltd.), restauranteur (Blue Watters in Mumbai), brand ambassador of Fair-One Men’s Fairness Cream and a CEO of his production house Maverick Productions Pvt. Ltd.

He has been invited by The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to participate as a juror. His job there would be to judge the category of the Best Performance by an Actor in the Final Round of judging of the 2007 International Emmy Awards. Saxena had also given his manifestation as a jury member on the Emmy Awards of last year. To honor the best in international Television, the jury panel is swathed with the best brains of Television, producers, directors, performers and executives from around the globe.

The legendary filmmaker and the showman of Bollywood Subhash Ghai was also the jury member last year along with Anuj Saxena. It’s an honor to Indian entertainment industry that the people associated with it are acknowledged highly in the world and on the mega occasions internationnaly.

Being the jury member for the second time on Emmies Anuj feeds the kitty excitedly, “It’s a great honour to be invited as a juror for the second time on Emmies. I am looking forward to attending the event in New York which is known for its high standards across the world and provides a good platform to showcase the best of the entertainment industry”