Aishwarya rai and Rajnikanth on the sets of Enthiran (Robot)

Aishwarya rai and Rajnikanth on the sets of Enthiran (Robot)

Everyone's looking forward to Rajnikanth's new film, Enthiran, with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Directed by ace filmmaker Shankar, the film promises to entertain.

We bring you exclusive pictures of the film, during its shooting at the historical Inca civilisational site of Machu Picchu in Peru. The film was also shot in Brazil.

source

Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood's, Another Hit Arundhati

Sonu Sood Interview

Sonu Sood, a familiar face in Hindi movies, has become a huge hit in the Telugu film industry.

The tall and lean actor has had a good 2008 having done Hindi films like Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi.

He is also basking in the unprecedented success of the recently released Telugu film Arundhati, one of the runaway hits in the beginning of 2009.

Sonu was brilliant as Pashupati and especially as aghora (he plays a tantric) he sent shivers down our spine.

The unpretentious, friendly and warm actor talks about Arundhati, his role as Pashupati and acting in Telugu films.

Why Arundhati?

I was on the lookout for a new role. When I met the producer (Shyam Prasad Reddy) and director (Kodi Ramakrishna), the role was that of a bouncer. They wanted me to play an aghora and I did not know who an aghora was. The producer and director then showed me some sketches. The only thing I knew was that I would be working with a team which had done its homework. I signed the role purely on instinct.

Besides the script, weren't you influenced by big names like Shyam Prasad Reddy and Kodi Ramakrishna?

The script was the main reason to sign the film. The names were also important.

My make-up alone took 4-5 hours'
You've put in a high-voltage performance as Pashupati. Did you do any homework for it?

I saw photographs of aghoras given to me by the production unit. I didn't get much reading material on them, though. I was a bit confused on whether to underplay or overplay but the director knew what he wanted. In the end it was spontaneity on the sets.

A role on reincarnation, a tormented spirit wreaking vengeance -- did you think that such a role would work in today's age of science and rationality?

Yes, I did have some hesitation. I did have this question in my mind on how to convince people with the supernatural element. All the people who worked on the script were fully charged and they had the conviction that they could do it. So I believed in that conviction and the supernatural theme connected with the audience.

How challenging was it to play the character?

It was not easy. My make-up alone took 4-5 hours and it was tedious maintaining it too. In fact it was a challenge. At times we used to shoot continuously for many hours without a wink. Physically it was tiring. And I used to have rashes on the body because of the make-up. I suffered from backache as well. All this made me think of never doing something like this again. However after seeing the success of Arundhati, I have to rethink my decision.

I did Jodhaa Akbar and Arundhati simultaneously. And both the characters were totally different. When I returned to Jaipur (for Jodhaa Akbar) after shooting for Arundhati, I would tell Ashutosh Gowarikar (director Jodhaa Akbar) and his team about playing the aghora. I think it's some supernatural force which helped me do it.

'I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre!'
You were able to induce fear and terror. Your body language and expressions were so apt especially in the scenes as aghora. How did you manage that?

I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre! I think the word 'action' did the trick. I think it's destiny which made me play Pashupati in the film. My sister who would come to the sets to watch the shoot told me, 'I couldn't see you bhaiyya; I could see only the character.' In fact the character was so overpowering and strong that I couldn't see anything else.

Did the character haunt you later? Were you able to shed it easily from your mind and body?

It wasn't easy. The character stayed with me for quite some time.

Arundhati is faring very well. Did you anticipate its success?

I believed in the film and knew it would be appreciated. But what I didn't realise was that it would break records. It's been a great learning experience. It has also proved that if you believe in yourself, you can do wonders and create history.

'The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on'
You have been playing the baddie (Ashok) as well as essaying some good roles (Super, Athadu, Mr Medhavi). What challenges you as an artiste? Does playing roles with shades of grey give you more scope as an artiste?

I never wanted to be typecasted. That's why I do different roles. Every role is challenging. It is important for an actor to explore all phases and to learn.

How did you adapt yourself to Tamil and Telugu films? What about the language barrier?

When I started doing these films, there was no choice. I was an engineer who got into acting and the scripts were good. The technicians in the South were brilliant. I learnt the words, then the lines -- the whole process. It was like a new classroom with new teachers. The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on.

'People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me'
Are you working on any Telugu projects?

I have done a movie (Bangaru Babu) with Jagapathi Babu where I play a positive role. I am listening to scripts though I haven't signed any films yet.

Will you juggle Hindi and Telugu/Tamil films?

I will juggle between Hindi and Telugu films. I enjoy working in the Telugu film industry. I plan to work in two Telugu releases in a year.

How selective are you in choosing scripts?

People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me. It has to be a character which makes me get up without an alarm.

Can we know something about Sonu, the man in real life...?

Well I am from a small town Moga (Punjab). I never thought I would get into acting. Thanks to my family's support, I am where I am today in the film world. I am a shy person, I don't party. I play the guitar, watch movies, play with my six-year old son, spend time with my family and also play cricket.

source:rediff.com

SlumDog Millionaire Premiere Photo Gallery

A.R. Rahman has bagged three Oscar nominations on Thursday, one for original score and two in the original song category — ‘Jai Ho,’ with lyricist Gulzar and ‘O saya’ with lyricist Maya Arulpragasam — it is a dream come true for India.

Kareema Begum, Rahman`s mother, said, “ Its all God’s blessings. I feel on top of the world, I am so elated.”

Gibran, a friend, Craig and Pooja

Simbu, Dharan, Vijay and Darsana

Cinematographer PC Sreeram

Madhavan`s wife, Sarita, at the premiere

Narain with wife, Manju

Silambarasan said that he was determined not to reveal his new look for his next film but could not help but make an appearance as he couldn`t afford to miss watching this film

N Ram, Editor, The Hindu, at the premiere

Sundar C with wife, Kushboo

Suhasini and Kushboo were all smiles at the premiere

Rahman’s sister Raihana

Kadhija, the pretty little daughter of Rahman, was shy to talk but told Sify.com that she is proud of her dad and is 90 per cent sure that he will win the first Oscar for India.

Rahman who is busy at his studio in Chennai was conspicuous by his absence at the premiere. He is currently mixing the music of Delhi 6.

Rahman’s mother Kareema Begum was the cynosure of all eyes on the red carpet at the Chennai premiere of Slumdog Millionaire held at Sathyam Cinemas on Thursday night. She came with her two daughters and Rahman’s daughter Kadhija.

source:sify.com

Bollywood Actress Rakhi Sawant Photo Gallery

Rahman, Anil Kapoor sued for calling Indians names

Cast of Slumdog Millionaire during a press conference in New Delhi.

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor and music director A R Rahman have been sued in a Patna court for allegedly calling slum dwellers names in Slumdog Millionaire.

their award-winning movie, 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

One Tapeshwar Vishwakarma, general secretary of Slum Dwellers' Joint Action Committee, on Tuesday filed a complaint case in the court of chief judicial magistrate Raghavendra Kumar Singh, charging the duo with defaming slum dwellers by calling them "slumdogs" and Indians "dogs" in the movie. They, thus, violated the slum dwellers' rights to live a dignified life, the complaint said.

Though the court has fixed February 5 as the next date of hearing, it has not taken cognizance in the case and, instead, asked the complainant to produce evidence in support of his allegations.

Vishwakarma on Wednesday told TOI he has also approached the National Human Rights' Commission for action against the two film personalities. He admitted he has not watched the movie. "But I have seen the movie's promos on TV," he said, adding he has named only Kapoor and Rahman because they are "better- known Indians associated with the movie".

EXCLUSIVE OBAMA's INAUGURATION DAY - "SO HELP ME GOD" (AVAILABLE ON ITUNES)

The inauguration usually takes place at noon on the steps of the west front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., an appointee of outgoing President Bush, will oversee the changing of the guard by administering the oath, which traditionally is done on a Bible. Also present will be members of the U.S. armed forces, since the president is also commander-in-chief.

Joe Biden, the vice president-elect, will take his oath first, in the same ceremony. A band will play "Hail to the Chief," the infantry guard will give a 21-gun salute, and then Obama will make his inaugural address — his first speech to the country as president.

The United States Congress then will invite Obama and Biden to lunch, after which Obama will parade down from the Capitol to the White House.

And after all this pomp and circumstance, it's party time. Inaugural celebrations can last up to five days after the initial ceremony, but the most anticipated one is the Inaugural Ball — tickets, which are available on various ticket Web sites at exorbitant prices, are going fast. The official inauguration Web site unhelpfully says: "Tickets for the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony will be distributed to constituents in January 2009 by both Senators and Representatives of Congress of the 111th Congress."

It seems likely that the events surrounding the inauguration will be the kind of star-studded affair that Obama's victory celebration Tuesday night was not. The day before the election, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Obama campaign had asked some of its famous supporters to stay away from Tuesday's rally. Although the campaign is reportedly grateful for the high-profile support, several prominent celebs had reportedly been asked "politely but very firmly" to skip the rally — and focus on attending the Obama inauguration.

India Prime Minister Undergoes Angiopgraphy

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday underwent angiography as part of a series of heart-related tests at the All India Institute
of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, officials said.

"We cannot comment on any surgical procedure but the prime minister did undergo angiography," said his personal physician
K S Reddy, who is heading a multi-disciplinary team treating Manmohan Singh.

The prime minister's media press adviser Deepak Sandhu said he would spend the night at the AIIMS and return home Thursday morning.

The prime minister had reportedly complained of chest pain
after which a decision to carry out the tests was taken, according to hospital officials.

A day earlier, the prime minister visited AIIMS for an overall medical check-up and returned home.

AIIMS Medical Superintendent D K Sharma then said the prime minister had come for a "check-up" which was conducted by a team of doctors from various disciplines.

He had cancelled his visit to Kolkata, scheduled for Wednesday, to attend the Asiatic Society's post-bicentennial silver jubilee celebrations and inaugurate the 150th foundation day of St Xavier's College and Collegiate School.

"He is alright and will be joining work," Deepak Sandhu said earlier.

In October 2005 the prime minister underwent a minor surgical procedure to ease the pressure on a nerve in his right wrist.

Then in September 2007, he underwent surgery for benign enlargement of the prostate gland.

Actor Sanjay Dutt's Comments On His Sister

Constitution gives women right to choose surname: Chowdhry

Actor Sanjay Dutt's comments on his sister using her maiden name as "very very sad", Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhry on Monday said the Constitution has given the right to any woman to choose her surname.

"It is very very sad. The Constitution has given a right to women. They can choose any name they want," Chowdhry told reporters here.

Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Girija Vyas was, however, a little careful while commenting on the issue saying, "we have to also understand the context in which he (Dutt) has said it".

"Media should not interfere in their private life. But in modern times as well as ancient times, a woman has a right to take whichever surname she wants," she added.

Dutt has said on Sunday that his sister Priya was no longer a part of the family. He also said girls should retain their husband's surname after marriage, thus Priya is no longer a Dutt.

Priya, who is a Congress MP from her late father Sunil Dutt's constituency, had expressed her discontent a few days back over Sanjay's decision to contest from Lucknow on a Samajwadi Party ticket.

A R Rahman wins Golden Globe Award 2009 for Slumdog Millionaire

A R Rahman has made India Proud by winning golden globe for Slumdog Millionaire for best music

Cast and Crew of 'Slumdog Millionaire'

The cast and crew of 'Slumdog Millionaire' arrive at the Golden Globe awards in Beverly Hills, California.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan at the Golden Globe Awards

SRK at the Golden Globe Awards

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan spoke to NDTV at Universal city in Hollywood just as he was stepping out for the Golden globe awards.

He spoke about the honor of being called on to present an award at the Golden Globes and of the darling of the event the film 'Slumdog Millionaire' thats based in India.

NDTV: Shah Rukh Khan you are usually at the receiving end at such events, today you are giving away the prize, the first time for an Indian actor at the Golden Globes- Hollywood's biggest award night, second only to the Oscars. What does this mean for SRK and for Indian cinema?

Shah Rukh Khan: Now you are making me nervous. I am not being humble, but I truly believe that the Western audience is now looking at Indian cinema. I am one of the faces of Indian cinema at this point of time, and they picked on me and asked me to come and represent the country. It is a great honor. A lot of graciousness on the part of the Golden Globes. I am representing the country. Great honor. I get to present Slumdog Millionaire. It's even more heartening because A R Rehman is there, it is shot in India. I have presented KBC. I would take it as a rehearsals for Indians to present awards here to start with and inshahallah in the future bring some films here and at the Oscars and win some of them during my time so I can come and attend some ceremonies and clap for our own films.

NDTV: What does this mean for SRK the brand after all the golden globes is watched in over 160 countries the world over.

Shah Rukh Khan: I have never understood this SRK brand Every body always asks me that. I am just an actor trying to get some emotions right. I have been working 20 years now. These big events always make me realize how long I have been working It's a good thing. I believe that I can represent the country. I believe in hope, happiness, goodness smiles entertainment, and freedom. If somewhere along my line of work I have to represent my country then I believe my country stand for all that. And I hope I do not let it down. I do not know about my own brand, I am not too much of a net worker a socialize. To be honest, I get I get embarrassed about wearing a suit and going on the red carpet. That is the simplicity that I have always maintained in life. I am just going to go there and do what they tell me to. Personally, I do not know what happenings to SRK brand but the brand of India I think is going to make waves in creativity and the film fraternity as the years go by.

NDTV: And your thoughts on the contenders for best film? On one hand you have the big studio products with big names like Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button, and on the other the underdogs, the small budget indie productions featuring actors many may not have heard of like Slumdog.

Shah Rukh Khan: It's nice to have a mix I think, I've seen Benjamin Button, I love Brad Pitt, for an actor of his caliber to start doing the kind of stuff he's doing now, certainly so different from what you know Brad Pitt for, also the film with the Coen brothers, I think that was really good, he acted fantastically in that, it's very heartening to see stars like him, and on the other hand I think Slumdog Millionaire is a brilliant film itself, it's set in India. So I feel really closer to it, it's got Anil Kapoor, it's got AR Raman, and I think if anyone deserves an award it's AR Raman from our country, so I hope I'm not the only the first Indian on stage for Golden Globes, the second one joins me soon and wins an award inshallah. But yeah, it's always nice to have this mix, and perhaps this is the kind of stuff, which should happen for the awards in India too. You have an interesting mix of cinema and films, and you don't know which one is going to take off that night. Because it keeps you on your toes and also it keeps variety alive. So it's really nice that you have big names, like you mentioned, and you have relatively unknown people who won't be unknown, I think Dev Patel is really good in the film, Danny Boyle is not unknown, I'm a big fan of Danny Boyle, so all that put together is exciting because there's variety and you don't know who's gonna win till the last minute. Something like this should happen in the Indian awards also. The Indian awards I feel run on one level. They become predictable. Thought I win most of them that is the only predictability I do not want to change.

NDTV: the last few moths the world has seen 2 images of Mumbai. One the terror attacks and two at the box office with slumdog millionaire.What do you think of the portrayal of your city/Mumbai in the film?

Shah Rukh Khan: We cannot isolate the attacks only on Mumbai there are attacks taking place all over the world. Different cities get targeted unfortunately at different times. It has happened in Delhi, Gujarat we have suffered everywhere. It is a reality we have to live with and fight. On the other hand cinema gives you hope. Films like slum dog millionaire, within all the grime and the dust and hardships of India and Mumbai there is a lot of hope and love. It seems like a Hindi film to me when I see Slumdog Millionaire and that is what we stand for. The country stands for that despite all the stress and hardship, problems the cash registers will flow because we are warm and loving people .If you want a comparison, Indian cinema stand for just that. Slum dog millionaire stand for that. It leaves you with the thought that what ever happens in any part of the world it is happening all over the world and what we do not let go of is hope and happiness.

NDTV: A R Rehman has been called the Mozart of India but now he has been nominated for a Golden Globe. Is Rehman putting us on the map, finding global acceptance that was long over due?

Shah Rukh Khan: Absolutely, I think some of the miss worlds and universes- Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen, I am talking only in terms of the media, creative world and the modeling
world . We got very far on the world map because of the presence of these two ladies and then further on lots of girls have done very well for us. I think Rehman is a true genius. He has been working hard for years and has been going some really different kind of music. I have been working with him and am very fond of him. I think that is time that some one like Rehman, if he is recogonised internationally it would be rightly so, deservingly so. If there is some one who has to get a golden globe from India for the first time then there is no one better than Rehman to get it so inshahallah. Even if he does not get I think he is the Mozart of the world not just of India.

NDTV: Shahrukh, you mentioned being nervous about going on to the red carpet. The last time Aishwarya Rai was on such an international stage she got a lot of flak for what she was wearing, what designer she chooses etc, is that the same with men?

Shah Rukh Khan:I am going naked, I have decided not to wear any clothes because no clothes means no criticism. I do not know what to wear. I have spoken to Karan. I have a black suit that I have been wearing for the past 7 years. I take it out, get it dusted and ironed and I wear that. It is the safest. There are many wonderful people at the golden globes who are telling me that I should wear Indian clothes but my son does not like me wearing Indian clothes. So I am just going to wear a black suit and a black tie and hope I do not look like a waiter there. I hope that they will recogonise me and I pass off normally. It is the safest thing to do when y0ou are in America and Europe.

source:ndtv.com

AR Rahman wins Golden Globe Award for Slumdog

Indian music maestro AR Rahman created history on Sunday night by winning the Golden Globe Award. At a glittering ceremony in Los Angeles, Rahman bagged the Golden Globe for Best Original Music Score for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. The film also won the award for Best Screenplay at the 66th Golden Globe Awards ceremony.

Rahman bagged the Golden Globe for his song ‘Jai Ho’, penned by lyricist Gulzar.

The Golden Globe Awards have now set the countdown for next month's Academy awards.

The film, which is the story of a Mumbai underdog's rags-to-riches run, had earned four nominations, including for Best Picture-Drama, Best Director for Boyle and Best Screenplay for Simon Beaufoy.

‘Slumdog…’ is based on a novel by Indian diplomat Vikash Swarup and stars actors Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan in the lead among others.

The film has been shot at various locations in Mumbai including Victoria Terminus railway station, which was targeted by terrorists on November 26, last year.

Boyle's feel-good film depicts the moving story of a slumdweller Jamal, who goes on to win USD 20 million on Indian reality show 'Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?' in a bid to win his love back.

Bollywood Actress Anushka Sharma Profile Biography

Anushka Sharma Profile Biography
Name : Anushka Sharma
Height : 5'9"
Debut Film : Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Birth Date: May 1, 1988
Birth Place: Bangalore, Karnataka, India


Anushka Sharma a 5'9" tall Bengaluru based elite model is the heroine of the forthcoming Indian Bollywood film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi that stars Shahrukh Khan in the pivotal role. Directed by Aditya Chopra, who earlier directed hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Mohabbatein (2000), the film is currently in its filming stage and is expected to release on December 12, 2008.

That Anushka Sharma is a model from Bangalore is a fact well known to one and all, but as always we bring you exclusive inside details about Anushka Sharma, the hottest new find (after Deepika Padukone) in Bollywood.


Anushka comes from a very disciplined army family background. Her father is an army officer and mother a housewife. She was an intelligent and hardworking student during her army school days and completed her higher studies from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. She was an all–rounder and was brilliant in athletics too. She had a great personality with good looks, a super figure and confidence!

Anushka's parents were always very supportive of her joining modeling and taking it up as a career option. She joined a Bangalore based modeling agency and the style and image consultant Prasad Bidapa was one of the few people who had groomed her. He remembers meeting her at the tender age of thirteen and was taken in by her innocent and beautiful looks. Bidapa discloses that Anushka always had the makings of a superstar. At the age of thirteen she used to walk the ramp like a seasoned model. Her cool confidence and attitude made her shine during her modeling days. Her portfolio pictures and catalogue was sent by the Bangalore based modeling agency to the Yash Raj Studio and was instrumental in Aditya Chopra selecting her for the coveted role of Taani, Shah Rukh's love interest in RAB NE BANA DI JODI. Keep tuned to your favourite portal for more inside news about Anushka and RAB NE BANA DI JODI!


Anushka Sharma a 5'9" tall Bengaluru based elite model is the heroine of the forthcoming Indian Bollywood film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi that stars Shahrukh Khan in the pivotal role. Directed by Aditya Chopra, who earlier directed hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Mohabbatein (2000), the film is currently in its filming stage and is expected to release on December 12, 2008.


Anushka was picked to be Wendell Rodrick's finale model at the last Fashion Week. Since then the demure looking model has done campaigns for Silk & Shine, Whisper and Fiat Palio. With a set of expressive eyes, this 21-year old Bangalorean has always wanted to be a model. "I can't see myself doing anything else," she was once quoted as saying. At the moment she is studying for a degree in economics.


Yash Raj films had created much mystery and speculations about the girl who would be cast opposite SRK in their next mega venture ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’. The suspense now comes to an end with the announcement of Anushka Sharma’s name as the female lead for the film.

Anushka, 19 year old teenager, is a small time model from Bangalore. During the last Fashion Week, Anushka was one of the models picked for Wendell Roderick’s finale. Since then she has been doing product endorsements.

Right from the beginning, Anushka wanted to make it big in the glamour world. She studied in Army School and then went ahead to do graduation in arts from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.


With moral support from her parents, a confident Anushka got herself enrolled in Elite Modelling Agency. She was groomed by renowned style consultant Prasad Bidapa, who met her when she was just 13. Bidapa admits that Anushka always had the quality to be a star.

Designer Wendell Rodricks selected her for his finale show in 2007 at Fashion week. Later, Anushka did few ad-campaigns for Whisper, Silk & Shine and Fiat Palio. She bagged her dream debut in Aditya Chopra’s film ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ through Elite Modelling Agency.

Talking about the choice, Yash Chopra said, “We were looking first and foremost for someone who could truly embody the spirit of small town Punjab and we know we have found her in Anushka Sharma. And while she has no previous acting experience, we have seen that unique spark in her that makes us confident that she will be a standout even opposite Shah Rukh.