"It's easy to criticize a film like Kambakkht Ishq" - Kareena Kapoor

By Joginder Tuteja, July 28, 2009 - 14:27 IST

Kambakkht Ishq arrived, got ripped apart by critics, made it's crores, enjoyed it's celebrations and is now being followed by the release of other big films like Love Aaj Kal and Kaminey. With the euphoria surrounding the release of the film dying down over last few weeks and an all around stability coming in, Kareena Kapoor comes out smiling."Whatever I have would have said earlier would have seemed as if I was defending the movie. But then that was never the case. Why would I have done that when box office was the biggest defender of all? Audiences came in dozens to watch the film and they made the movie a success.
Even though it may not be the quintessential super-duper blockbuster Bollywood hit but a very good success it certainly is and collections pretty much prove that", says Kareena who is now looking forward to the release of Saif Ali Khan's Love Aaj Kal which releases this Friday. In retrospection, doesn't she feel surprised with the way media came down heavily on the film? Sighs Kareena, "But then isn't a film like Kambakkht Ishq an easy movie to criticize? If one looks in the recent past, most Akshay (Kumar) films have seen a similar response from critics as well as box office. Look at Welcome or Singh Is Kinng; critics disliked them both but audiences had their own mind." "Akshay is perhaps one of the only stars who has been party to such a consistent run with critics as well his audiences, both of whom seem to be on different sides of the fence", she smiles.
Even for Kareena, this is not the first time though that one of her films went on to become a big money spinner in spite of coming under the hammer. Last year, there was not a single critic who stood up to Rohit Shetty directed Golmaal Returns but the film made mega bucks after taking a thunderous initial. "I guess by working in films like Omkara or Jab We Met and a Golmaal Returns or Kambakkht Ishq, I am striking just the right balance.
It's okay when critics do not like Kambakkht Ishq or Golmaal Returns; there are some films that are made purely for the audiences and they succeed there. Critics may be having an individualistic opinion while audiences always come together with a collective verdict. It's a matter of choice at the end of the day, so it's all fine", she reasons. Coming months should be indeed exciting for her as it would be there for all to see if critics as well as audiences warm up to her performance. Starting with Qurbaan, she would also be seen in Main Aur Mrs. Khanna as well as 3 Idiots.

Saif's beard in Love Aaj Kal stirs religious sentiments

Saif Ali Khan's Love Aaj Kal has been in news for all the right reasons. The film has a hot onscreen pair of Saif and Deepika, the music of the film is top of the charts and the promos of the film are definitely hinting that Imtiaz Ali has got a winner this time as well. However, the film has hit the troubled waters due to Saif's 'Sardar' look in the film.

Charan Singh Sapra, the President of Punjabi Cultural And Heritage Board has objected on Saif's beard look in the film, reasoning it that Sardars do not sport a trimmed beard (as carried by Saif Ali Khan in the film). Sapra has also sent a memorandum to Saif Ali Khan, Imtiaz Ali and Dinesh Vijan regarding the same. Not just that, he also added that if the said look was not corrected, then, they (members of the Punjabi Cultural And Heritage Board) will be writing to all the major Sikh organizations to protest and stall the release of the film all over the country.

The co-producer of the film Dinesh Vijan and director Imtiaz Ali refused to comment on the issue.

Kamal Haasan watches Luck with Shruti

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, July 20, 2009 - 17:33 IST
On Friday night, Kamal Haasan watched his beautiful young daughter, Shruti, set the screen on fire in the forthcoming film Luck. Shruti has already earned rave reviews for Luck song promos 'Jee Le' and 'Aazma' that are playing on television.The special preview of the multi-starrer was held in Chennai at director Priyadarshan's studio. It was also attended by Shruti, younger sister Akshara and noted south-Indian actress and Haasan's girlfriend, Gautami, among others. Shruti's mother and veteran actress, Sarika, who is based out of Mumbai, was not present at the trial show. Much to the joy of director Soham Shah, Priyadarshan was seen cheering for Shruti all through. On Saturday, another special preview of the thriller was held at Film City in Mumbai. Bipasha Basu, Arshad Warsi, Celina Jaitly, Rohit Shetty and Mimoh Chakraborty were among those who watched the film. Luck, releasing on Friday 24th July, is an Indian Films - Studio 18 release which also marks Shruti's debut in Bollywood.

Genelia's acting dumb, and she hates it

By Subhash K. Jha, July 18, 2009 - 14:57 IST

So far Genelia D'Souza has played girls who have got their acts together and their heads screwed firmly to their shoulders. But that's about to change.In her next film Life Partner Genelia is cast as a super-dumb broad. And the actress is cringing.''This chick thinks she knows it all when she's clueless. She doesn't know how dumb she is. She's got loads of money and time and she keeps trying different vocations. For starters she attempts a career in singing and she's a disaster at it.''Playing this scatter-brain was very tough for Genelia. ''I'm not the least like this rich pampered clueless chick. And I'd certainly not try my hand at anything I wouldn't succeed in. But this character keeps bumbling from one experience to another. She's a nightmare.''To add to Genelia's woes, her character in Life Partner is hated by one of her favourite actors. ''Govinda whom I adore detests me in the film. Every time we're together he’s snarling and scowling at me. I hated that.''Though there are other lead parts in Life Partner Genelia says she is not worried. ''I'm the female protagonist in the ensemble cast.''Wonder where that leaves poor Prachi Desai!

Shahid Kapoor to receive the Rajiv Gandhi award for Best Actor

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, July 18, 2009 - 11:28 IST
With the kind of flight that the cutie-pie has taken to stardom these days, its not surprising that is showcase will be full of awards and rewards galore. The latest one in his kitty will be in the form of the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Awards that is given to a person who shows eminence in his chosen field. The award function will be held in the second week of August, just around the release of Shahid's most anticipated film till date - Kaminey.Talking about the award, an excited Shahid said "I was pleasantly surprised to get the news about my being chosen for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi award. I'm only 28 years old and it's really early in my career. I feel humbled and honoured to be chosen by the jury." For the uninitiated, the earlier recipients for this award have been the likes of legendary greats like Sunita Williams, Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Ambani and Amitabh Bachchan among others.