SUBHASH GHAI... TUJHKO RETIREMENT KYUN NAHIN AYEE!

Whilst reading the various tabloid newspapers and websites, most fanatics would assume everything about the Indian film industry is public knowledge… however the truth is very different! Many shocking stories are never published because media organisations fear a backlash. I’m hardly an exception to the rule. I have decided to re-evaluate the situation following recent events in my life and the kind folks at Radio Sargam have now presented me with this exclusive column! I will discuss industry matters openly and frankly… some stories based on fact, some merely on unsubstantial rumours… what you choose to believe is completely your decision! You can contact me at the usual Radio Sargam email (radiosargam@hotmail.com) - I would love to hear your comments!

The recent marriage problems between Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh were actually known some time back. Previous rumours suggested Saif was having a homosexual affair (some time back) at least this time it’s a woman! The industry has been quietly talking about the actor hanging around with an Italian girl… some saying the mistress was some sort of supermodel, whilst others claimed her appeal was minimal! I am hoping to get some photos of her for my next column - just keep visiting... she is hot!

Saif was recently approached for a movie produced by Subhash Ghai… but should he really accept? The filmmaker, who gave himself the ‘showman’ title, hasn’t exactly faced many career highs lately! He unashamedly concentrated on promoting brands like Coca-Cola and ignored logic in the story of Yaadein, which became a massive disaster at the box office. More recently, his company Mukta Arts (named after his blood-daughter Mukta) has suffered a huge loss according to last year's financial results. The reason stated by the company officials is Ghai's Keyman Insurance policy from United India Assurance, which cost a lot of money. If such a small factor leads to massive losses, the showman has surely lost his Midas touch! On top of that Cdguru.com (which is run by his adopted daughter Meghna) is also on the ropes. Maybe sticking to filmmaking could be advisable!

Non-believers will be furiously shouting at their computer screens right now! “He has Kisna” I hear them yell! Yes he does - but who stars in the film? Vivek Oberoi! Filmmakers are currently turning their backs on Vivek after his debacle of a flick - Kyun Ho Gaya Na. The actor who made a huge impact in Company has himself to blame - and would you really spend your money to go out and see him (and only him) in a periodic piece? Not me! Maybe the whole Coca-Cola sponsorship is needed once again to combat more losses? I know it’s a period film, but filmmakers can defy logic when money is involved!

More on Mr Ghai! There is a small matter of producing films too, like the forthcoming Aitraaz. I was present at the music launch on this film, and strangely, it was one of the worst ever music launches seen in a long, long time. Held at one of the Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai (a Ganesh pandal is a place where the Hindu god Ganesh is kept for 11 days and worshipped, before being immersed into the sea), the music launch saw a lot of politicians in attendance. What happened to holding such events at five star hotels? Mr Ghai?

Finally lets discuss the Aitraaz music... have you heard it yet? There is a song titled something like 'I want to make love to you'. Urgh! Don't despair... Bal Thackarey and his Anti-Bollywood bandits will surely want a ban soon enough!

Until next time….

Tony!