Happy Onam, with love from B’wood

As Onam is celebrated across the world, so it is in Bollywood. And here’s what the stars are saying about the special celebrations

Big B posted on his Twitter page: "ONAM GREETINGS to all my friends from Kerala and all over on this auspicious day..and a special one to Laletan and the crew of Kandahar."

Priyanka Chopra who is shooting for ‘Kahtron Ke Khiladi’ in Brazil, took time out to say: Happy Onam to all my fellow Keralites!!

Vivek Oberoi had a short history lesson in store with his greeting: “Hey tweeps! Today is the first day of Onam. Onam marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and the festival, which lasts 10 days, is grandly celebrated in Kerala. This beautiful celebration is a celebration of life and rises above all barriers of religion, caste, creed and financial status. Here's wishing all my Malayali friends a Happy Onam with beautiful new beginnings...hridayam niranja onashamsakal :)”

Bipasha Basu added: “Happy Onam :) Every good occassion should get happiness for all

Preity Zinta wrote: Happy Onam to all my friends from Kerala in India and all over the world :-)

Riteish Deshmukh said: Happy Onam tweeple!

B’wood says 'Jai Ho' on Independence Day

The spirit of Independence Day is running strong through Bollywood and here's what the stars are saying today:

Shah Rukh Khan had his own unique take on the day, "Freedom of the mind...freedom to make mistakes...freedom from being judged...& the courage to want these freedoms. Happy courage day to all.

Bipasha Basu: Today is an iconic day in the history of India. Let's spend a minute and salute the people who laid their lives to give us independence!

Lara Dutta: Wishing everyone a Happy Independence day!! Wave your flag and be a proud and responsible Indian! Jai Hind!

Preity Zinta: Happy Independence day India! Hope we can free ourselves from corruption & be d country Gandhi & all d freedom fighters aspired 4! JAI HIND!

Abhishek Bachchan: Swatantrata diwas ke shubh kamnaye. Sare jahan se achcha, hindustan hamara. Jai Hind! Today on our independence day a tribute to all who fought for our freedom. Vande Mataram!!!

Amitabh Bachchan: Happy Independence Day ..!! May India no longer be 'the third world country' or a 'developing nation' but FIRST WORLD and DEVELOPED !!

Arjun Rampal: Rahman's Vande Mataram playing at the airport, can't help but smile,feel proud to be Indian, can see it in the many faces around me too.

Riteish Deshmukh: SAARE JAHAN SE ACCHAA- HINDUSTAN HAMAARA -lets not take our independence for granted-lets do out bit to make INDIA a better place- JAI HIND

Ameesha Patel: Happy independence day. I'm proud of our country’s achievements

Sachin Tendulkar: I wish everyone a Happy Independence day.All of us in our small way should contribute to make our country a better place. Jai Hind

Arbaaz Khan: Good morning India ! Happy independence day :) Proud to be an Indian Jai ho !!!

Gul Panag: Happy Independence Day! May we have freedom OF opportunity, expresion & choice.And freedom FROM hunger, terrorism & corruption.

Anupam Kher: Happy Independence Day to every INDIAN all over the world. Thanks to all those known and unknown indians who helped us achieve it. :)

IIFA 2010 Charity Cricket Match - Photos

Bollywood mourns Air India plane crash

158 people died in the flight that started from Dubai and crashed at Mangalore in India

Bollywood celebrities went all out today (May 22) to pay homage to the victims of the Mangalore air crash that killed at least 158 people. The Air India Express Boeing 737, flying from Dubai, overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore aiport in Karnataka and crashed into the forest. There were only eight survivors.

Many celebrities expressed their grief by posting messages on Twitter.

Priyanka Chopra: "Please pray for the families that have lost the ones they love in this horrific crash. We can't even begin to imagine their pain and sorrow. Also pray for the souls of those who have been cruelly taken away from their families in such a tragic situation. R.I.P. (rest in peace)."

Shammi Kapoor: "The Air India crash is a very sad happening. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. Let us pray for the departed souls."

Amitabh Bachchan: "Feeling terrible. Plane crash! Air India flight from Dubai to Mangalore crashed on landing, overshot runway...so sad...so sad. I wrote about excess and balance on my blog last night.. Is the plane tragedy God's way of balancing ...? Sad and disturbed."

Karan Johar: "Too upsetting to hear all the news coming in about the crash...thoughts, prayers and strength to all the families...."

Deepika Padukone: "Just heard about the plane crash in Mangalore...shocking! very sad."

Riteish Deshmukh: "Shocking and tragic news...my prayers with the families, who have lost loved ones. May god give them strength. R.I.P."

Neha Dhupia: "Really sad to hear about the plane crash. My prayers with the ones who lost their lives and lots of energy to their family and friends."

Sunidhi Chauhan: "Just landed in Dhaka and heard about the plane crash...its shocking...God have mercy please."

Amrita Arora: "Absolutely terrible news about the plane crash... devastating! Let's all pray for the families of the deceased."

Shreya Ghoshal: "A devastating news. I am in shock. My prayers to the lives lost in this unfortunate plane crash."

Neelam Kothari: "So tragic and sad! Heart goes out to the ones who lost their loved and dear ones. The people who lost their lives, may their souls rest in peace."

Arbaaz Khan: "Extremely tragic news of the Mangalore plane crash. My heartfelt condolences to families of the deceased.

Mandira Bedi: "Shattering news. Very few survivors. My thoughts and prayers for the passengers who have passed away and their family members."

Vishal Dadlani: "What terrible news to wake up to! I pray that God gives the families, strength and fortitude."

Sonu Niigaam: "Prayers for the departed souls in the Mangalore air crash. May God give power to their families. Very unfortunate accident."

Vivek Oberoi: "So sad and heartbreaking to see the news of the Air India plane crash...please take a moment off to pray for those in this tragedy...."

Madhur Bhandarkar: "R.I.P. People who lost their lives in the air crash today...Very sad and horrible condition...may God give strength to their near and dear ones."

Uday Chopra: "Really sad about the Air India plane crash in Mangalore."

Sonam Kapoor: "It's really really devastatingly sad..its shocking and heart wrenching... please pray for the lives lost."

Amrita Rao: "Sad and shocked...let's pray for the Air India express flight passengers who didn't make it..R.I.P."

Arshad Warsi: "An Air India plane coming from Dubai to Mangalore has crashed at 6:30 a.m....god bless their souls."

Sussanne Roshan: "Sending strength and love to all those who have lost their beloved ones, time will heal. Keep the faith.

B.O. update: Excellent start of 'Prince' takes industry by surprise

I've always said, box-office is most unpredictable and that's the beauty of this business. The industry was confident that Kumar Taurani's PRINCE, starring Vivek Oberoi and directed by debutante Kookie Gulati, would embark on a thanda start at the ticket window, but its excellent start caught the industry completely unaware. The opening shows were in 50% to 70% range and at places, even better [packed to capacity].

After MY NAME IS KHAN, not a single film had registered a bountiful start at the ticket window. But Kumar Taurani's superb promotional strategy and Vivek Oberoi's perseverance seem to have paid off.

The second release, JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI, had a tepid start. However, the reports are decent and the film should gather momentum from Friday evening onwards.

MOVIE REVIEW: Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai

Love stories seem to be the fav genre of dream merchants here. I've a hunch, if we ever do a count of romantic films made in Bollywood, it would easily score over other genres. The question is, how innovative can a love story get in today's times? Milap Zaveri provides the answer: Man from Earth, woman from Venus.

Having penned some likable comic capers in the past [MASTI, HEYY BABYY], Milap's directorial debut JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI has liberal doses of light moments dominating the first half of the film and heartache and reunion following soon after, in its post-interval portions.

JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI works for its light moments mainly. It's bizarre to think of a love story between a human and an alien, but Milap garnishes it well with assorted characters, sets the story in the film industry and has several laugh-inducing moments. Resultantly, the first half is paisa vasool in filmi lingo.

But the problem arises when the focus shifts to the prem kahani in its second half. For, the story follows the trodden path [it becomes a love triangle] and embarks on the same old route that all love stories usually embark upon. If Milap had the courage to think out of the box, he should've ensured that the film remained true to its essence. Why didn't he think of an equally wacky second hour?

Notwithstanding its predictable second half, JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI is a decent watch that provides ample laughs.

JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI is the story of Rajesh [Riteish Deshmukh], a simple Gujarati boy who's been looking for love since he was a baby. Thoroughly unsuccessful in his endeavours, he nearly gives up till he meets Natasha [Sonal Sehgal].

Desh [Ruslaan Mumtaz] is the youngest superstar in the country. Mothers want to adopt him and their daughters want to marry him. But when will he find the girl of his dreams? Their worlds turn upside down when Tara [Jacqueline Fernandez], an alien from Venus, lands on Earth in the search of true love.

Milap tickles your funny bone at the very outset. The story of a loser, his search for true love, his 'naughty' father, his 'oversexed' friend and his experiences at his work place [on a film set] bring a constant smile on your face. In fact, one of the key factors why the first half works is because the casting is just right and the actors carry off the assigned roles so well.

But the second half fumbles because the story gets very old-fashioned. If the alien could travel all the way to earth to find love, why couldn't she profess love to the man she loves the most? Why develop human emotions all of a sudden?

This is Milap's directorial debut and he clearly shows a flair for comic entertainers. Sajid-Wajid's music is pleasant, with the title track standing out. Attar Singh Saini's cinematography is perfect.

Riteish enacts his part efficiently. That he's at home in comedy is well-known by now, but the actor is equally at ease in emotional moments and also romantic sequences. Jacqueline is easy on the eyes. In fact, she seems more comfortable this time. Vishal Malhotra is superb and contributes enormously in making the proceedings lively. Ruslaan carries the teen heart-throb look very well. Sonal Sehgal is competent.

Farah Khan is a complete natural. Satish Shah is excellent. Supriya Pilgaonkar does well too. Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Sajid Khan and Amrita Rao make special appearances in the film.

On the whole, JAANE KAHAN SE AAYI HAI is a light-hearted entertainer targeted at the youth. It has a thoroughly entertaining first half, but a routine second half. A decent watch!

RATING: 2.5/5

IN PICS: Riteish Deshmukh and Jacqueline Fernandez at the "Clash of the Titans" Premiere

FIRST LOOK: Housefull

London Dreams vs. Aladin

Two big budget films are releasing this weekend. Whose wish to be successful will come true? Celebrity astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi helps us decode the answers.

“The title LONDON DREAMS adds up to Number 41 (5) – the symbol of this number is controlled power and success. So, going by this description, it seems the film would sail safely,” predicts Bhavikk.

He continues, “Of the cast, Salman is in his 44th year and the title, adding up to Number 5, does not really work in his favour. He might receive extreme reactions for his work. Like the year 2009, Ajay is also a Number 2 person, but he being in his 41st year will receive mixed reactions too. On the other hand, Asin also has just entered her 25th year (26th October, 1985), which is not great news either.”

“It seems the film’s run may be short-lived, but it will not be a losing venture,” is Bhavikk’s last word on London Dreams.

“The title ALADIN adds up to Number 15 (6) – this octave of Number 6 is fine, but does not support Number 4 and Number 8 people. The title role is being played by Riteish Deshmukh, who was born on December 17 – that makes him a Number 8 person. So, the vibration of the title does not go in sync with its main lead. And that’s bad news,” predicts Bhavikk.

He continues “Even Mr. Bachchan is a Libran partially ruled by Number 8 ( Saturn ) and hence, his role and enactment may also come under fire. Even otherwise, the year 2009 does not support people, things or work associated with Number 8. So, the chances are still bleak.”

Bhavikk concludes, “It seems Bollywood will have to churn out some more ideas from its dream factory to ‘fantasize’ the audiences. Unfortunately, Aladin isn’t the winning idea!”

The London Dreams cast is no less than neck-deep in promoting the film, though only Friday will tell if it has been able to entice crowds. London Dreams has a Dubai premiere, and Aladin could have done the same, but chose to stay put on home ground, perhaps because it has a more 'Indian dream' of conquering the nation's box office, unlike London Dreams, which has international aspirations.

In Pics: Baskin Robbins 'Aladin' Ice Cream

In Pics: Premiere of 'Do Knot Disturb'

Sush is ga-ga over Riteish

Smart and sexy Sushmita Sen talks about Do Knot Disturb, her equation with Govinda and Chi Chi and why she is Riteish Deshmukh’s latest fan

“Every film is different. David and I have worked together before but we have evolved with each new script. Earlier when I worked with David and Chi Chi, I played a gharelu wife but now she is a 21st century wife, so there is an evolution. David is sorted that way; he moves with time,” she says in praise of her director.

“I am looking very nice and thin in the movie. I put on weight and lost it. Though it sounds easy, it was difficult,” smiles Sush.

“There are all sorts of people in the world. Some listen to music in the car while others like listening to music in the disco. Instead of other people doing a cheap remix of it, we did it ourselves. It isn’t just a promotional video; it is a song in the movie and I love it,” she says about the remix of Bebo featuring her.

“The pace of the film is fast and there is confusion. So you cannot take a break and go to the washroom or buy popcorn as you will get even more confused and then you have to come back to watch the film, which is excellent for our business!” jokes the beauty with brains.

“Riteish is fantastic. He is a superb actor. I have seen his films but I hadn’t worked with him before this. His timing (comic) is mind-blowing. He is a grounded person and a fabulous dancer. Govinda and Riteish cannot be compared. They are both individuals who are fantastic in their places. Riteish can do any role. What is dangerous these days is that boys have better chemistry with each other than girls have with boys so we need to watch out. Riteish and Chi Chi are fantastic,” Ms. Sen exclaims.

“People should watch the film because there isn’t a better film to spend your hard earned money on. What does one want from a film? Fantastic entertainment along with the illusion of leaving your life behind. David Dhawan’s DKD is a shiny example of the above elements,” she signs off.

Do Knot Disturb - Movie Review

David Dhawan has always made wacky and bizarre films and his new baby DO KNOT DISTURB doesn't push the envelope either. His critics may term his cinema outlandish and outrageous, but the fact is that his films cater to the aam junta. His mantra is simple: Haso aur hasao.

Now let's analyse DO KNOT DISTURB, inspired by the French film LA DOUBLURE aka THE VALET [2006]. David has tackled extra-marital affairs in his earlier films like SAAJAN CHALE SASURAL, GHARWALI BAHARWALI and BIWI NO. 1. DO KNOT DISTURB also talks of a married man having a torrid affair with a supermodel, but it's not remotely similar to his past endeavours.

Actually, DO KNOT DISTURB rests on a thin plot and David relies on gags and jokes to keep you hooked for those 2 + hours. Even though you realise that there's not much meat in the story, even though the situations are silly, you remain glued to the proceedings because it keeps you in splits thanks to the funny jokes and the weird characters.

So what's the verdict? DO KNOT DISTURB is sure to keep you smiling from start to end. A few portions may even prompt you to laugh aloud or break into a guffaw. If non-stop mindless entertainment is on your mind, this recipe is just for you. Do Knot miss this one!

A filthy rich businessman [Govinda], married to a beautiful and sophisticated woman [Sushmita Sen], tries to hide his extra-marital affair with a supermodel [Lara Dutta]. To save his skin, he bribes a waiter [Ritesh Deshmukh] into pretending to be the supermodel's boyfriend. What follows is a series of mistaken identities and misunderstandings.

David Dhawan opens his cards at the very outset. The emphasis is on comic situations, while the story goes out of the window after a point. You don't mind it purely because the motive, like always, is to keep you in splits and DO KNOT DISTURB succeeds to a large extent.

At the same time, writer Yunus Sajawal takes a long route to reach the culmination. The Ranvir Shorey dual role sequence, for instance, seems unwarranted. Also, Sohail Khan's portions looks forced in the narrative. Even otherwise, the post-interval portions are very lengthy, although the comic scenes compensate for the deficiencies in the writing.

David Dhawan is the Big Boss of laughathons and DO KNOT DISTURB proves his supremacy yet again. You may argue that the goings-on are plain ridiculous and ludicrous, but the entertainment quotient is so high that you ignore the weak plot gradually. Nadeem-Shravan's music is pleasant. The songs are well filmed too. Vijay Arora's cinematography is excellent. Dialogues [Amit Aryan] are first-rate. In fact, a few one-liners actually bring the house down.

Govinda is matchless in a David Dhawan film and DO KNOT DISTURB confirms this fact yet again. In fact, there are certain parts that only he can portray and David taps that potential to the fullest. Watch Govinda when he suddenly starts speaking in a female voice during the Ranvir Shorey episode. It's howlarious!

Ritesh Deshmukh is superb. Matching Govinda in scene after scene is next to impossible, but Ritesh stands on his feet all through. His scenes with Lara also are thoroughly enjoyable. Lara Dutta springs a pleasant surprise. Known for glamorous roles uptil now, she handles the comic act extremely well. Also, she looks sensuous in several scenes. Sushmita Sen is wonderful, though she gets limited scope to prove her mettle.

Sohail Khan's role is sketchy, hence it doesn't make an impact. Ranvir Shorey is excellent. Manoj Pahwa and Rajpal Yadav are amazing in their respective parts. Himani Shivpuri is alright. Rituparna Sengupta is hardly there.

On the whole, DO KNOT DISTURB is a mass entertainer that keeps you entertained and smiling/laughing in most parts. At the box-office, this one lives up to the hype and expectations and that in turn should reflect very strongly in its business.

In Pics: Audio release of Aladin