Work on hold for English debut

Vishal Bhardwaj to compose 11 songs for Mira Nair's play first

Finally, Vishal Bhardwaj is ready to kick start his first English composition. The filmmaker-composer will put all other assignments on hold next month to create 11 songs for the musical stage adaptation of Mira Nair's 2001 film Monsoon Wedding, a project that has been in the planning stage for a couple of years. He will start working with lyricist Jaideep Sahni and Nair in December for the Broadway-styled musical.

    A source close to the project told Mirror, "Converting Moonsoon Wedding into a Bollywood musical was a conscious decision taken by Mira and Vishal two years ago. But then Mira got busy with The Reluctant Fundmentalist and Vishal with Saat Khoon Maaf and Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. At least on three different occassions over the last two years, Mira was in Mumbai when Vishal was not. They just couldn't get their act together."
    But finally Mira and Vishal have worked out a schedule convenient to both of them.
    Confirming the plans to put together the music, Mira said, "I am in Delhi from Sunday. Then I will be at the closing ceremony of the film festival in Goa on December 30. Then yes, I'll be working on finishing the songs of Monsoon Wedding until mid- December." 
    Interestingly the stage version of Moonsoon Wedding won't repeat any of the cast from the film, though Randeep Hooda, Shefali Chhaya, Vijay Raaz and Lilette Dubey were keen to reprise their screen roles on stage. According to sources, Mira wants fresh faces.
    Also, the actors have to be fabulous dancers since they will be singing and dancing non-stop on stage for two hours.
   When contacted, Vishal Bhardwaj said, "It's a Broadway musical version of Moonsoon Wedding. And it's great fun. There are 11 songs in all. And I am getting to compose songs in English for the first time. The songs will be sung live by actors on stage." 

Zanjeer remake faces legal problems

Amit Mehra has failed to pay his brothers who have terminated the remake contract

The remake of late Prakash Mehra's 1973 blockbuster Zanjeer being produced by his son Amit Mehra has run into hot water.
   Amit, who had brought the remake rights from his brothers- the elder one Sumeet who stays in the US and the younger sibling Puneet who stays in Mumbai - has defaulted on payments. Consequently, Sumeet and Puneet have terminated the contract that gave Amit the remake rights in the first place.

   The Arbitrator upheld the termination on the contract, which is why Amit panicked and approached the Bombay High Court.
    As per the HC order (Mirror has a copy), Amit has been given a reprieve to shoot the film. However, he cannot release the remake until further orders from the HC.
    Amit maintains he is making the payments and releasing the film. Puneet said, "The matter is subjudice and I cannnot elaborate on it. "Rumour has it that Sumeet and Puneet are interested in upholiding the Arbitration Order, interalia, termination of the project.

RIOT CHOICE

A round-up of all the mad action at Mumbai Mirror Independence Rock

You know you are in for an epic evening when the first sounds to grab you by the collar are delicious swathes of loud distorted guitars and heart-pounding kick drums. At the Mumbai Mirror Independence Rock on Sunday, six city bands blew 5000-plus minds with a dizzying array of rock and metal goodness.

   Being the I-Rock competition's winner, the three-piece act, The Riot competition's winner, the three-piece art, The Riot Peddlers, opened the fest with a spitfire setlist that checked all the right boxes for a hardcore punk outfit. Thrash metal band Zygnema treated the headbangers to some killer grooves and mad moshing with tracks like Scarface and Shell Broken Hell Loose.

   Next, metalcore mayhem ensured as Bhayanak Maut set off mass chaos with a bunch of brutal numbers like Chakra for Church, Tit For Twat, and a violent sweep of Ranti Nasha to top.
   With a fender strat slung irreverently around his shoulders, Warren Mendonsa clearly made the most of Andheri's open-air Chitrakoot Grounds by apportioning delightful doses of classic rock and blues with the softest of licks, the smooothest of bends. Joined by wizards Karsh Kale and uncle Loy (of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy) for a couple of jams, Warren sounds sublime when he melted into blues and rousing when he hammered out crunchy, funky riffs. At one point, he chucked, "Are you guys too young to know who The Beatles were?" He then glided into Norwegian Wood, before drifting onto Two Sides Of The Same Coin and of course, the bright, breezy Ode To A Sunny Day.
   The night soaked in more metal as Old schoolers Brahma dished out authentic thrash metal with tracks like You Must Die and Bomb. Agnee's lead guitarist Koko joined in for an anything-goes spin on Knockin' On Heaven's Door.
   The 27th edition was meant to close on a feistier bang though. Vishal Dadlani harnessed his electro-rock group Pentagram's mad energy to its grooviest potential with crackers like Drive and lovedrug Climdown. Sporting a Superman tee and rockstar shades, Vishali lit up the ground. To mess around with the time-honoured BC-MC chants, he even suggested they switch to Banjo-Mandolin. That may have been silly, but his sign off was anything but. "Thanks for showing up guys. The scene deserves this. It's not easy to keep doing this for 27 years," he sais, cupping his crotch, "It takes balls man."  

BARE-LY THERE

First, the facial fuzz. And now, Ranveer Singh has cultivated six-packs abs for his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram Leela. As is evident from pictures from the set. Ranveer's beefed-up look, especially his toned abs, hasn't gonr unnoticed by his fans. The actor is undergoing rigorous exercise for his new avatar. A makeshift gym has been set up in Film City so that he can pump iron during breaks and right through the schedule. A trainer has been flowing in from London. Ranveer's dare-bare act is reportedly for the introductory song, a staple of Bhansali's films.

Is Kaka's last film a take on Sarkaar?

After Rajesh Khanna died on July 18, among the first ones to join the massive funeral procession was Amitabh Bachchan. The complex relationship between the two stars has been stuff of film lore.
   For the original superstar, whose descent was perhaps brought about by the ascent of Bachchan, there were wounds he nursed till his last breath. And while one would think that with time and age, he would have moved on, turns out, his last film Riyasat - which release on his birthay next month - is not a story of just any underworld don. It bears uncanny similarities with Amitabh's character in Sarkaar.

   A source close to the project told Mirror, "Rajesh Khanna was deeply disappointed with the kind of roles that were coming his way. He was not the kind of person who was comfortable doing something like Wafaa, which had no scope for him to display his acting skills. When Ashok Tyagi, the director of Riyasat was discussing the possibility of doing a film with him, Khanna happened to come across a DVD of Sarkaar." Apparently, Bachchan's performance left serious impression on the star.

   When contacted, Tyagi told Mirror, "I had already seen Sarkaar by then. My story is different, but yes, the main characters are very similar." We hear the way his character dresses, speaks, carries himself and thinks is very similar to Amitabh's in the RGV film. According to sources, the Kaka wanted to use the film as an opportunity to regain his crown.
   "That's right," said Tyagi, "In fact, Kakaji told me this. We used to spend long hours at Ashirwad and Kaka's anguish over his unrealised potential was palpable." The two watched Sarkaar several times, say sources, and if viewers find a lot in common between the two characters, it should not come as a surprise.
    "Kaka kept saying that destiny and the industry were not kind to him. Unlike Bachchan, whose career got several boosts, he was never given a fair chance to reclaim lost ground," says Tyagi, adding, "We did whatever we could. This is his last film. I have even retained his voice, doing away with a dubbing artiste. After his death, I have tried to use the best technology and clear the background noise whenever he speaks in the film. He has a special timbre in his voice.Nobody can reproduce that."

'I don't need to resort to gimmicks to survive'

Talaash producer Ritesh Sidhwani gets talking to Mirror about his so-called fall out with Farhan, his rapport with Aamir Khan and the company's roadmap for the future

Q) Was it mandatory for Excel Entertainment to co-produce Talaash with Aamir Khan and Don 2 with Shah Rukh Khan as both actors are known towork only on profit-sharing basis?
A) While Don 2 wasn't a co-production with Red Chillies, we have co-produced Talaash with Aamir. Think of it, why not? Yes, Shah Rukh and Aamir do work on a profit-sharing basis and don't charge a fee. But we are not going to follow the same working model with every person. It would depend on what the person brings to the table.

Q) Do you miss Farhan as a director? There were rumours the two of you were on the verge of parting ways?
A) Farhan and I are very much together, and we love working together. Our sensibilities amtch, so much so we haven't defined our roles in the company. We know our strengths and give space to each other. And there are people who are unhappy to see we have figured out a way to work together. The day we decide to part ways, everybody will know. Farhan will be back as a director in 2013. He has zeroed down on two stories from two different genres. He will start writing one of them by December as soon as he is done with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Q) Can you tell us who will direct and star in Fukrey? And what happned to the subsequent installments of Don and Rock On!?
A) Mrig Lamba, the Assistant Director on Don 2, is directing Fukrey. Among others, Pulkit Samrat, Richa Chaddha and Priya Anand will be in the lead. As for the next Don outing, we don't have script yet. If we get it, we'll go ahead. However, we are ready with the Rock On! sequel where we retain most of the cast of the original. Again, Abhishek Kapoor will helm the project.

Q) You stood up against the Censor Board when it objected to smoking scenes in Don 2. But this time round, you seemed to have relented.
A) In Talaash, we had no choice. The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has made it compulsory to use tickers for the smoking scenes. However, as an industry, together, we will soon fight this issue. We've been asked not to glorify smoking but what about rapes and murders? Why are those scenes going scot-free?

Q) There seem to be too many controversies around Talaash. Is this part of a strategy to create hype around the film?
A) Am I so stupid to create controversies? I can say I am far too intelligent to resort to gimmicks to survive in the industry. I can create a good content to draw people to the theatres. Talaash has a wonderful script. It is the second one I read after becoming producer with Dil Chahta Hai. And it has been great working with Aamir after 11 years. He is so involved with the film throughout. And we both have matured a lot since (laughs).

Hyderabad's big fat wedding

Rana Daggubati's sister Malavika will get married on December 5 with the Bachchans and Khans in attendance

Rana Gaggubati may have earned the reputation of being quite the Casanova, but things are quite different in his family. On December 5, his younger sister Malavika is tying a knot with industrialist Bharat at a traditional ceremony in Hyderabad. Considering Rana's family ties - he is D Ramanaidu's grandson - almost the entire Telugu film industry and several A-listers from Bollywood are excepted to grace the ceremony.

    Rana's spokesperson told Mirror, "The rituals will being on December 3 and the wedding will be held on December 5 at Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad." The couple got engaged on August 12 this year at a private function, the spokesperson revealed.

    Film producer Suresh Babu is Rana's father while the actor's grandfather is the legendary Ramanaidu Daggubati, after whom the family studio is named. Telugu stars Venkatesh and Nagarjuna are Rana's uncles with his cousin and Nagarjuna's son Naga Chaitanya is an upcoming star. A source revealed, "Rana and his uncles have personally invited all their friends in Bollywood. Invites have reached the Bachchans, the Khans, and we are excepting a huge turnout from the Hindi film industry as well." Malavika was working in a consultancy in Bangalore. Sources say the marriage proposal was fixed by Venkatesh's wife Neeraja's uncle. "We are also expecting a lot of politicians and industrialists. The family of the groom hails from Chittor and they have their family business there. The total guest list is around 2000, of which, at least 450 are VVIPS," the source added.

Salman takes his unit on a shopping spree

The shooting of Arbaaz Khan's Dabangg 2, after its last schedule in Dubai, was finally wrapped up. But unlike other film units, the crew celebrated this completion in a unique way. Letting go of the usual party routine, the film's crew went shopping in the mall capital of the Middle East. What's more, lead actor Salman Khan, on learning about the plan, decided to join them. This is what followed....

   "Bhai had just finished shooting for the song Saanson Se sung by Sonu Nigam. The next morning everybody went for shopping. He called the crew and told them that it would be his treat," a source told Mumbai Mirror .
   So Salman along with his team of bodyguards accompained the rest of the crew to the mall. On reaching their destination, Salman declared: "You shop, I'll pay."
   The crew was however, not too suprised by their hero's generous offer. "Salman is known for doing these little things everybody around him. On the sets, he even ensures that everybody has eaten properly," said our source.

    And thus, with Salman by their side, the crewmember went on a shopping spree. And as per Salman's orders, noone thought about the bill before picking up what they want.
   "There were 15-20 crewmembers. They picked up a lot of stuff-clothes, shoes, belts, watches and more. After a point in time, Bhai joined in as well. He picked up a few things for himself too. The bill, when it appeared, ran up to a few lakh. But Bhai did not even blink before playing," the source added.
   As for the onlookers at the mall, it was treat as well. "The other shoppers were excited to see their favourite Khan shopping at the mall. Salman is very popular in Dubai, more so after Dabangg, in which one song was shot in the city. A lot people asked him for autographs and also to pose for pictures with them. Bhai was in a very good mood and readily posed for pictures with his fans," said the source.

Anaamika: An unusual love saga

Anaamika narrates the story of Jeet (played by Mudit Nayar) and Rano (played by Annie Gill); childhood friends who are on the threshold of entering wedded bliss. Just when the world is about to get picture perfect for Rano, Anaamika enter's Jeet's life and charms him threatening the very foundations of their love.

   Jeet, being the 'laadla beta' of Pratap Singh and the youngest in the family is pampered rotten. His sole dream is to become a professional boxer. This is his way of proving his capabilities to the world and his father above all. Everyone has a moral support system in their lives. Rano, the 'chail-chabili' of not just her own house but Jeet's as well, was raised single handedly by her mother after the demise of her father. They share a brilliant chemistry. And though there have been quarrels and fights, those have never lasted long enough.
   Fabricated on a factual instance the show explores an intriguing world where a life filled with happiness, togetherness and true love is subject to uncanny circumstances. Will their love survive the test of time? Who is Anaamika?
   Tune-in to watch this mystical love story Anaamika from November 26, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Every Monday to Friday, only on Sony Entertainment Television.

No leaks for this one

For the past couple of years, it's almost become a practice to send spoilers before the release of any big film. With Aamir Khan-starter Talaash about to hit theatres later this week, the same predicament has befallen the film.

   A text message has been doing the rounds since last week, leaking the plot of the film. Reportedly, the sms reads some what like this: "A year ago, he had murdered his wife in a rage, drowned her, almost died in an accident himself and then lost his memory. Aamir Khan is back searching for the killer, who, in fact, is none other than himself in the film Talaash". 
  The film's maker are angry. And unlike others who've let such leaks, whether correct or incorrect, spoil the audience' interest and impact the business done by their films, the makers of Talaash are planning to take legal action against the person sending such messages. An insider revealed, "They are quite miffied and want to take legal action and put an end to such wrong practices." The Talaash! spokesperson said, "Talaash is the most anticipated film of the season. And to reveal the suspense is playing spoil sport." Another source said, "The makers have already initiated action.

SRK-Arjun friends no more?

With the industry buzzing about the cracks in their relatioship, Rampal's birthday bash becomes the litmus test

We told you how Mehr Jessia had been planning a birthday bash for her husband Arjun Rampal's 40th birthday at Marrakech. Interestingly, thought the guest list boasts of quite a few A-list names from the industry, the couple's close friend Shah Rukh Khan is conspicuous by his absence. And according to insiders the omission has nothing to do with Khan's choc-a-bloc calendar. Apparently, SRK and Arjun are no more on talking terms. So much so, that Khan who is scheduled to visit the film fetival two days later on December 1, has reportedly, decided to give Arjun's birthday a pass. The cracks in the relationship, say insiders, had started appearing some time back. And now the awning gap has become too big for either friend to bridge.
    Interrestingly, though their husbands have drifted apart, Mehr and Gauri Khan remain the best of friends. In fact, our source said that Mrs Khan is on the top of Mehr's guest list for the party. But friends of the two actors are now divided over an awkward loyalty issue. Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan, for instance, are apparently not attending the birthday party. On the other hand Hrithik and Susanne Roshan who are a part of the SRK-Arjun gang will be present for the bash.

    Arjun Rampal who will celebrate a working birthday on November 27 in Kutch on location for Nikhil Advani's D Day told us that he's aware of the birthday bash but not the guest list. "I know Mehr is planning this party for me at Marrakech, which I am not supposed to know about. Who all are coming, I've no clue. I know my wife and daughters will be there," he told us.