Sunday, November 7, 2010

ALLAH KE BANDAY from Childhood to Manhood - Interview with FARUK KABIR

Allah ke Banday’ has been generating buzz and expectation for several weeks by unraveling a powerful soundtrack, unique promotional visuals, a deep subject and a golden cast including actors Naseeruddin Shah, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni and Rukhsar Nirmala ('Nishabd', 'Sarkar'). The film is Faruk Kabir’s first venture both in terms of acting and directing, and if this was not enough, Faruk is also behind the screenplay, which focuses on a subject dear to him: the flame that creates incredible potential within each child.
'Allah Ke Banday' is the story of two boys, Vijay and Yakub, who are born into one of the world's largest slums. With an early start in the world of crime, they are sent to a Juvenile Prison, where they encounter its dreaded warden (Naseeruddin Shah) in a world that is more chaotic than the one they left behind.
The Hindi Cinema Blog was very lucky to speak to multitalented young artist Faruk Kabir, who shared his mature take on filmmaking in this exclusive interview. READ MORE >

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

ATUL KULKARNI and NATARANG Rule the Roost - Interview & Film Review



Better late than never, the Hindi Cinema Blog has finally managed to watch the unmissable and highly acclaimed 'Natarang', Ravi Jadhav's filmic anthem to a man's passion for art and to standing for what one believes in, based on a novel by Dr. Anand Yadav. A story that has the capability of stirring audiences throughout the world, this is unquestionably one of the best Indian films we have come across this 2010! (see the trailer and official 'Natarang' website)

READ MORE >

 

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Exclusive Interview with PURAB KOHLI ('I Am Afia')



The I-View Film Festival in Manhattan has selected critically acclaimed director Onir's newest cinematic opus, 'I Am' for its opening night. The film boasts a vast cast featuring some of  Indian cinema's greatest names and consists of four short films based on real life stories, one of which is the touching tale of Afia, a young woman who wishes to experience motherhood using a sperm donor to give birth to the perfect child.

Purab Kohli, a dedicated actor who has been widely appreciated by audiences in India and abroad for his work in a sound variety of thoughtful and mainstream roles ('My Brother Nikhil', 'Rock On') that reflect his rich sensitivity, tells us more about 'I AM AFIA', in which he stars alongside Nandita Das. Click here to see the film's trailer. 

Sunday, August 8, 2010

IMRAN KHAN chats about cinema


Need a whiff of fresh air? A youthful evening with a dash of romance at the movies? Have you seen 'I Hate Luv Storys'? Not yet?! What are you waiting for?!

Meanwhile see what lead actor Imran Khan had to say to Diana from the Cinema Hindi Italian blog who turned up for a live chat organized by Bollywood Hungama:

READ MORE >

Thursday, July 15, 2010

ATUL KULKARNI Exclusive Interview - 'VALU' Touches a Universal Chord



India has featured as the special guest of the 2010 La Rochelle International Film Festival in France. Its programme particularly focused this year on the work of Maharastrian director Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni, who screened his films to a full theatre. His film 'Valu' ('The Wild Bull') delights the viewer with memorable landscapes, touching moments and incessant wit and humour.

The 'Valu' is a misunderstood bull that roams the vicinity of the remote village of Kusavde, much to the villagers' fear and disarray. Politics, relationships and the general atmosphere in the village take a turn when a forest officer (Atul Kulkarni) is sent to capture the roaming bull. He is  accompanied by a budding film maker who wishes to film a documentary about the misfortunes linked to the animal's supposed mischief.

READ MORE >

Friday, May 7, 2010

ANUPAM KHER - Q&A on ‘Apartment’ and more



The Italian Cinema Hindi team was able to interact with Anupam Kher, one of India's most prolific and successful actors, who recently participated in a chat organized by Bollywood Hungama for the promotion of 'Apartment'.


Interview  by: Diana

CH- What made you fond of Tanha, the character you interpret in 'Apartment'?

AK - Tanha is a struggling lyricist who reminded of my struggling days.

CH- How did you feel acting as the Principal again in 'Koochie Koochie Hota Hai'?
AK-
It was enjoyable.

CH- Please update us on your upcoming projects.
AK-
My next releases will be 'Badmaash Company', 'Hawaai Dada', 'Mr Bhatti on Chutti'.

CH- After so many successful films, what would you say motivates you to choose a certain role?
AK-
The hunger in me as an actor and as a person to explore various possibilities of human emotions.

CH- 'A Wednesday!' was recently screened in Rome, Italy and was a huge success. How about making more Indian films in Italy?
AK-
I would love to shoot in your lovely country.

CH- 'Apartment' is a thriller, however what type of films do you personally enjoy watching?
AK-
I mainly enjoy watching human drama.

The complete interaction between Anupam Kher and his fans shall be published by Bollywood Hungama in the near future.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Q&A with BOMAN IRANI and ARSHAD WARSI



As the release of 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost' approaches, the talented actors who star in the much awaited film, Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani (who shall also appear in Shyam Benegal's upcoming 'Well Done Abba'),  have agreed to participate in Bollywood Hungama's chat sessions to talk about their new releases. Our sister blog, the Italian Cinema Hindi team, were glad to interact with them on that occasion.







CH - Arshad, would you say 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost' is typically a Bollywood film? What would you say you like the most about the character you are playing in the film?
Arshad Warsi: Not at all. Thats why I’m worried... (The character) is a normal guy in an absolutely bizarre situation.


CH - What type of message do your next releases 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost' and 'Well Done Abba' wish to convey?
Arshad Warsi: ('Hum Tum Aur Ghost')  Helping somebody selflessly and the power of true love.
Boman Irani: For 'Well Done Abba', it is that even the simplest of people can beat the system.

CH - Boman, which two words would sum up 'Well Done Abba'?
Boman Irani: Shyam/Benegal.



CH - I’m an Italian football supporter, Arshad, you were in the cast of 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal' (*), are you a football team supporter? Who is a better football player, you or John Abraham?
Arshad Warsi: Definitely me…



CH - Boman, I really liked watching '99', the movie is great and your performance is outstanding. After having played so many different roles, what motivates you to choose one film rather than another?
Boman Irani: Every film should be a learning experience. And variety is the spice of life.

CH - Arshad, which is according to you the best film of 2009?
Arshad Warsi: 3 Idiots.


CH - Boman, which are the films in which we will be seeing you next?
Boman Irani: 'Housefull', 'Dostana 2', 'Crooked' and 'Don 2'.

CH - Arshad, would you like to comment on 'Munnabhai Chale Amerika'(**)? 
Arshad Warsi: Probably we shall start next year.




(*) 'Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal' is a 2007 film about a soccer team from Southall (London) that is composed entirely of South Asian players and how the team climbs the professional football ladder.



(**) 'Munnabhai Chale Amerika' is the eagerly awaited third chapter of the Munnabhai series (which already counts 'Munnabhai M.B.B.S.' and 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' as its first two chapters), produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and interpreted by Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Dutt.






Saturday, March 13, 2010

AAMIR KHAN Video Interview

Bollywood Hungama has released a new exclusive interview with Aamir Khan on the eve of his 45th birthday. He talks about film making, box office success, 'Peepli Live', copyright and his judicious decision to step aside as an actor for a certain period of time and concentrate on his personal life. The video of the interview is presented in two parts.






The Hindi Cinema Blog team sends its deepest wishes of peace, fulfilment and happiness to Mr. Aamir Khan on his birthday.

We strive to keep this blog's content as exclusive and genuine as possible. However, the quality of this interview  has motivated us to share it here. The content is exclusively Bollywood Hungama's and the interview  is the work of Mr. Faridoon Shahryar.

Friday, March 12, 2010

KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK: The man behind the thriller


'Karthik Calling Karthik', a slow romantic-thriller starring Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone and a futuristic soundtrack by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, is Vijay Lalwani's maiden feature film.  Prior to his directorial debut, for which he took up the roles of story/screenplay writer, director and producer, Lalwani worked in the advertisement industry and received numerous awards for his work, including a Cannes Lion award in 2004. He has graciously accepted to answer some of HCB's questions during one of Bollywood Hungama's live chat sessions.



HCB: How did the character of Karthik come to mind?
VL: Karthik was my main character from the start. I needed a troubled soul for the film, so I created him. The script required him to be weak... disturbed... etc. I fleshed (his character) when the story was still being crafted.

HCB: What comes easier to you: writing or directing?
VL: Writing comes easily. It requires only me. Directing requires coordinating with many many more, hence I am still learning...

HCB: Did you receive any advice from any of your film industry seniors during the writing or directing phases, if so from who?
VL: I actually received no advice because I did not have the fortune of meeting as many people as I would have liked then. However, Rensil D'Silva, a good friend of mine, did encourage and support me a lot. In fact he suggested I directed KCK.

HCB: Vijay, it has been a pleasure to be able to interact with you.


Visit the Karthik Calling Karthik official website

For more on Vijay Lalwani, check out Verve Online's exclusive interview with the director.

Buy the 'Karthik Calling Karthik' soundtrack on Itunes.

Friday, February 12, 2010

DEEPIKA PADUKONE: Live Chat



Diana, from the CineHindi blog team from Italy recently had a live chat with Deepika Padukone. Here is what the beauty had to say:

CH: Deepika, you rocked in Love Aaj Kal, what about your next project?

DP: After Karthik Calling Karthik', I have 'Housefull' relasing on 30th April.

CH: I am from Italy. How did you like my country when you came here to film for 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'?

DP: I was there in July-August for 'Housefull' and Puglia is my favorite place.

CH: What do you like about your character in 'Karthik Calling Karthik'?

DP: It is very different from all the other characters that I have played till date.