Spotted: Emraan Hashmi, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

Shilpa Shetty with hubby Raj Kundra and parents, Sunanda and Surendra Shetty, at the Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal.

Emraan Hashmi on the sets of Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega for the promotions of his film Crook It's Good To Be Bad.

Spotted: Vivek Oberoi, Celina Jaitley, Emraan Hashmi

Ram Gopal Varma and Vivek Oberoi at the wrap-up party of their film Rakta Charitra held over the weekend.

Celina Jaitly released the music of Madholal Keep Walking which has bagged several awards on the festival circuit.

Emraan Hashmi visited a theatre in Bandra to judge the audience's reaction to his film Once Upon A Time in Mumbai.

MOVIE REVIEW: Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai

The fascination with gangster movies has been immense worldwide. On this side of the Atlantic, several gangster films have left giant footprints on the sands of time. Films like DEEWAAR [Yash Chopra], DHARMATMA [Feroz Khan], NAYAKAN [Mani Ratnam], ANGAAR [Shashilal Nair], PARINDA [Vidhu Vinod Chopra], AGNEEPATH [Mukul Anand], SATYA and COMPANY [Ramgopal Varma], VAASTAV [Mahesh Manjrekar], GANGSTER [Anurag Basu], D [Vishram Sawant] and SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA [Apoorva Lakhia] have tremendous recall value to this day.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI recreates an era that so many of us have left behind and for those who arrived on this planet post 80s, I am sure, they must have visited the era through some medium or the other, mainly movies and internet or during their academic careers.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is not part of history, but it attempts to portray on celluloid tales that are now considered legendary, that continue to make news to this date. Of course, the disclaimer claims that it bears no resemblance to a particular person, but you can't help but draw parallels with real-life characters. It could be a coincidence, though!

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is a fascinating story that talks of how the mafia came into force for the first time in Mumbai. A thriller that depicts the crime scenario in Mumbai during the 70s and 80s. The rise to power of two young boys, in different age-groups, who grew up to 'rule' the streets of Mumbai.

Since there's tremendous speculation in the media that ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI chronicles the lives of Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, the curiosity to watch the film increases manifold. Of course, I am no one to comment if it's actually based on their lives or merely borrows a few incidents from their lives or is pure fiction, but as a cinematic experience, I couldn't help getting transported to the bygone era, getting sucked into a world I had no clue of.

Besides the gangster chapter, one enjoys this film also because of its riveting drama and the power play. It could've been set anywhere, in the corporate world, in politics, in the film industry. Anywhere. The rise and subsequent fall of the King and the emergence of the Prince as the super power is what makes this film a compelling watch. The icing on the cake is the magical and lilting song compositions that are juxtaposed so beautifully in the goings-on. On the sidelines of the power play, a game of hearts is being played and that's what makes ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI a wholesome movie experience.

Final word? ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is not to be missed. Set everything aside this coming weekend and watch this one. Strongly recommended!

The film, set primarily in 1970s Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan Mirza [Ajay Devgn] and the conflict that ensues, when his protégé Shoaib Khan [Emraan Hashmi] challenges his supremacy and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is a power-packed drama that makes you thirst for more. You rewind to an era of romance, smuggling, cabaret and mafia, but director Milan Luthria and writer Rajat Aroraa ensure that there's no sleaze or bloodshed-n-gore. In fact, there's hardly any violent sequence in the movie, except for one when Ajay hammers a cop during a naaka-bandi.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is not a biopic, but narrates the story through the eyes of a police officer [Randeep Hooda], who traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The screenplay encompasses several moments that may compel you to draw parallels with real life, but talking strictly from the movie-going point of view, it satiates you completely. In fact, the writing is cohesive, smart and watertight and there's never a dull moment. Besides, there's no time to think whether it's factual or loosely based on someone's life or a work of fiction.

As I look back and recall the movie, a number of sequences flash across my mind. Note the sequence when Ajay divides the city amongst gangsters... The train sequence at the very start... The introduction of Emraan Hashmi's character... Randeep Hooda's landing on a film set and confiscating the equipment... The subsequent sequence, when Randeep is framed for accepting bribe... The romantic moments between Emraan and Prachi in the jewellery shop... Emraan starting his business and the confrontation that ensues between Ajay and Randeep... The showdown between Ajay and Emraan, with Ajay slapping Emraan in full public view... The conclusion to the story is equally novel. It stays in your memory and sets you thinking.

On the flipside, the story begins with Randeep attempting suicide, but the writer should've cited the reason that prompted him to take that drastic step. Sure, there's a mention at the start, but it doesn't register well. Also, you are keen to know the chain of events that drove Randeep to suicide. Also, the pace slackens in the middle of the second hour, but picks up dramatically when Ajay returns from Delhi and confronts Emraan. Besides, how I wish the film had a shorter, mass appealing Hindi title to attract more eyeballs and a big jump in footfalls [at single screens and smaller centres mainly] for a mass appealing subject like this.

This is director Milan Luthria's best work to date, no two opinions on that. Recreating the bygone era is tough and the director, the writer and the art director [Nitin Chandrakant Desai] deserve brownie points for giving the film that authentic feel. In fact, the film wears a chic retro look throughout. Even otherwise, Milan's handling of the subject material is exemplary. This film is sure to catapult him to the top league. Rajat Aroraa's screenplay is powerful and engaging. The writer marries heavy-duty drama and subtle and delicate emotions beautifully. I would like to make a special note of the dialogue, also penned by Rajat Aroraa, which are simply fantastic. In fact, the dialogue writing is such it elevates even an ordinary sequence to great levels. One rarely comes across such potent dialogue in today's times.

Pritam's music is another ace. Injecting songs and that too a terrific soundtrack in a gangster film is tough. He did it in GANGSTER. He does it again in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. 'Pee Loon', 'Tum Jo Aaye' and the remix of APNA DESH track are super compositions, which are also placed appropriately in the plotline. Cinematography [Aseem Mishra] captures the look to perfection. Akiv Ali's editing is sharp.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is embellished with fantastic performances. Ajay Devgn is splendid as Sultan. The actor had enacted a similar role in COMPANY, but it must be said that his interpretation is so different in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI. He adds so much depth to the character, which only goes to prove his range and versatility. This is, without a trace of doubt, Ajay's finest work so far. Emraan Hashmi is brilliant as the power greedy, wildly ambitious rebel. He plays the dark character to perfection. He's incredible in the penultimate moments of the film in particular. Besides carrying the look to perfection, Emraan is sure to break-free from the lover boy, serial kisser image with this film.

Kangna Ranaut is extremely natural and performs very well. Also, she brings so much of sensuality and glamour to her character [an actress of the 70s]. In fact, Ajay and Kangna make a wonderful on-screen pair. Prachi Desai is a bundle of talent who proves her mettle yet again. She's proficient in emotional scenes and sizzles in the BOBBY song-sequence. Besides, the chemistry between Emraan and Prachi is exciting. Randeep Hooda is top notch. Even though the film belongs to Ajay and Emraan, Randeep makes his presence felt with a powerful performance. This film should prove to be the turning point in his career.

Avtar Gill [as Home Minister] is good. Naved Aslam [as Patrick, Ajay's trusted lieutenant] is perfect. Mehul Bhojak [as Emraan's friend Javed] is competent. Ravi Khanwilkar [as Vardhan] is satisfactory. Gauhar Khan sizzles in the remix track.

On the whole, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI is an extremely well-made film that lingers in your memory. The realism coupled with stellar direction, power-packed writing, exceptional performances and ear-pleasing tunes are its trump cards. An outstanding cinematic experience!

RATING: 4/5

Don't call my toned muscles six-pack abs: Emraan Hashmi

When many actors would take pride in tomtoming their six-pack abs, Emraan Hashmi would take offence. He would much rather call his newly-acquired chiseled torso for forthcoming movie Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai toned and fit.

"I actually have an aversion to calling it a six-pack. I was told to be physically fit for the film. So I put on some muscles and gained some weight as the role demanded that. But I would still say instead of six pack, it was a slightly more toned physique that was required for the role," Emraan said.

"It was kind of an unreasonable task that I set for my trainer. I asked him to help me tone down in two to three months which was a very small time. The film was shot over a year and for the entire year, I kept training. In fact I am still training. I continued that," he added.

Considering that the movie is set primarily in the 1970s, toned bodies were not a regular at that time.

Asked about this, he said: "You had body building as a sport since in the 1930s. They might not have the gym and the equipments like today but they still did push ups and crunches the athletic way."

Directed by Milan Luthri, the movie releases July 30. It also stars Ajay Devgn, Kangna Ranaut and Prachi Desai.

Emraan will make love in the afternoon

Emraan Hashmi will star in the remake of Warner Bros’ Love in the Afternoon which starred Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn. Coincidentally, the remake will also be produced by Warner Brothers.

Mohit Suri will direct the film which revolves around a man falling in love with a woman he has been hired to spy on. The Bhatts decided to use their in-house hero because he does the lover boy act pretty well. The heroine has not been decided but don’t be surprises if she is first-timer: a former model or beauty queen who has no qualms about revealing outfits and intimate scenes.

A source told us, ‘Mohit Suri wanted to make the film and took his idea to Warner Brothers in India. They liked the idea but soon realised that it was very similar to their 1957 film Love in the Afternoon. So they offered to produce it instead of just presenting it. They suggested that Vishesh Films could be the line producer. Mohit spoke to Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt who agreed with the change of plan.’

Mohit Suri said that Vishesh Films was in talks with Warner to official acquire the rights to the title, Love in the Afternoon. He said that Mukesh Bhatt would have all the details on the latest developments surrounding the film.

His next film is based on the racial attacks against Indians in Australia. It will also star Emraan Hashmi. Suri is flying to Australia to finalize the Australian actors in his film. Shooting for the film will return in November while the official remake will begin next year.

First Look: Tum Mile

Emran Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan find love whilst trapped in the 2006 Mumbai flood deluge in Mahesh Bhatt’s next offering Tum Mile.

Directed by Kunal Deshmukh of Jannat fame, the film boasts of some gripping flood sequences, trademark soulful Bhatt music but sadly Emran doesn’t get to pucker up in this flick. Yes, its true Soha refused to kiss the serial kisser himself and news were rife that Immi didn’t take it too well.

Rest assured, insiders can’t stop raving about the canvas of the film since the floods on the streets of Mumbai have been fantastically re-created.

Emran Hashmi confirmed to the press, ‘You should have been on the sets to believe it, Water level there was scary enough to actually drown people. Kunal (Deshmukh) wanted the situation to be an exact replica of the horrific flood situation that the city faced that fateful night. It was difficult to even imagine how commuters would have struggled with no support whatsoever.’

Tum Mile however isn’t the first film to be made on the deluge, a small budget film called 26th July at Barista starring newbies Kabier Sawhney and Simran Vaid was also made on the same issue. But the floods washed away the memories of the film and here's hoping Tum Mile doesn’t suffer the same fate too.

Tum Mile - First Look

In Pics: Stars at Climate Rescue Station launch

In Pics: Emraan Hashmi at a Fashion Event

“No 8 packs for me!” - Emraan Hashmi

For a change Emraan Hashmi is not making news for a smooching scene from his film but for the robust look he will be sporting for the character of a young underworld don from 70s for Milan Lutharia’s film Once Upon A Time in Mumbai .

Emraan says, “Yes, I am mounting a new look for this movie as stipulated by Milan because the movie is set in early 70’s and the character what am playing has not only to be sturdy but also robust and look healthy. He adds that am very excited about this gym whim as I am not at all a physique freak. I love to be simple and not work out routinely but as per my comfort. But Milan has given me only 2 months to get the mandatory look as the movie is programmed to start somewhere in June.”

Emraan is very solemn and stanch to all his characters as to what the script demands. It’s been proved from the fact that he had learned painting for Raaz the Mystery Continues and will now encompass this erudition in his new flick “ Tum Mile ” by Kunal Deshmukh. He is fretting his blood high to get the new-fangled look for which both he and his personal trainer is wearisome stiff.

Where other Bollywood biggies, especially the ruling Khans are incorporating 6 and 8 packs, why Emraan is just pounding for his sleek look in this movie, when even he could have gone for 6 or 8 packs. Emraan says, “I don’t like to be the fraction of throng. I have always alleged in hauling my best rather than replicating or following the ensemble. I don’t want to be the part of crowd...... so no 8 packs for me!”

He further adds “Though I am struggling hard to get this look but all thanks to my trainer that I am not at all on diet or starving. Instead I am eating 6 times with no fried food, that’s it. So am happy that at least am not barged from eating because it’s really hard-hitting for a person like me who is such a foodie to stay away from cuisine that I really find irresistible.”

His personal trainer is very impressed with the efforts being put by Emraan and have stated that Emraan by now can cart more than 90 kgs of weight and will conquer the look demanded very soon.

What's happening in Bollywood!

The electronic media disgusts Amitabh Bachchan, Emraan Hashmi turns painter, Tanushree Dutta has a new haircut and more

Angry

On his blog, Big B has said that the electronic media behaved irresponsibly at Prakash Mehra’s funeral.
He wrote, “Abhishek and I attended it, but the behavior of the electronic media at the crematorium was just disgusting. No respect shown for the sensitivity of the occasion. No regard for the moment, and no ethics at all in maintaining some decorum for this very private and sombre ritual. All they were interested in was in getting that ‘bite’ or shoving their cameras inches away from your nose, at a moment when one desired peace and quiet. Shameful. But what of some of the mourners, if they can be called that ! They were no less. Pushing and shoving to get a position behind or near about the celebrity, so the cameras can catch them.
I shall not dwell on this anymore ; I may just burst a blood vessel.”

Kisser and Painter

After pretending to paint in his movie Raaz - The Mystery Continues, actor Emraan Hashmi has decided to paint for real in his next venture, Tum Mile. In the movie directed by Kunal Deshmukh, Hashmi is playing the role of an artist painter. He reveals that while he first started painting a little during Raaz, he has taken it to a higher level in Tum Mile.
Fans can see Hashmi wielding the brush as well as charcoal and churning out authentic creations. Apparently, the actor is so in love with painting that he intends to take it up seriously. Tum Mile will be Hashmi’s first movie with Soha Ali Khan and is based on the 26 July, 2005 Mumbai floods. Soha and Emraan have a few kissing scenes in the
movie

New Look

Like Rihanna and Bipasha, Tanushree Dutta has also opted for a bob now. She recently got a new hairdo from hairstylist Guy Kremer in Calcutta, and the reason behind this is to beat the scorching heat in her own way. “I like experimenting with my hair, and after getting this haircut, I am getting lots of compliments from near and dear ones. Hope my
fans like it as well,” says Tanushree. We like her new chic hairstyle!

Almost Famous

Newlyweds Amrita Arora and Shakeel recently got back from their honeymoon in Europe. Just when the lovely couple thought that they could enjoy their holiday without revealing their identity, they were overwhelmed by a huge group of Indians in transit at Venice airport. It didn’t stop there! To Amu’s surprise, she ended up encountering some great Hindi film buffs among her hotel staff as well. When contacted, Amrita said, “It was a pleasant to see my fans in European cities. My work and dedication towards my career is being recognized and benefited me with a fan following all over the world.” Exactly what dedication and career is she talking about? She is known as Bebo’s best friend and Malaika’s baby sis.

Happy Mommy

Tara Sharma has managed to stay slim and trim even at 7 months' pregnant. Take a look at the smiling and glowing mommy-to-be.