Two BJP ministers in Karnataka - Lakshman Savdi and C C Patil - were allegedly caught watching porn film clips on the former's mobile phone on the floor the state legislative assembly on Tuesday. While Savdi holds the cooperatives' portfolio, Patil is the minister for women and child development.
The ministers were caught in the act even as the house was in the middle of a heated debate on the recent hoisting of the Pakistani flag at Sindagi in Bijapur district. Close-up shots of the ministers watching blue films were beamed on television channels in the evening and sparked a furore. The television visuals showed both the ministers sitting next to each other, gazing into Savdi's handset and bantering on. This is for the first time that the Karnataka assembly is rocked by such a scandal.
Soon after the news broke, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and JD(S) leader YSV Datta demanded resignation of the ministers. They said the ministers were elected by the people and such an act is nothing short of an insult to the people. "Disgraceful. This should not have happened," said D H Shankaramurthy, chairman of the legislative council.
The issue expected to generate lot of heat since the legislature will be in session up to Friday. Speaker K G Bopaiah and both the ministers could not be reached immediately for comments.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
'Agent Vinod' will be my last action film: Kareena Kapoor
Her forthcoming action-thriller " Agent Vinod" opposite boyfriend Saif Ali Khan is creating a lot of buzz but actress Kareena Kapoor insists this will be her last action film.
The 31-year-old, who will be working with Saif after a long gap, says she didn't enjoy performing the stunts in the film and is petrified of gun shots and speed.
"I am a very romantic person at heart, I am petrified of gun shots and speed. "Agent Vinod" will be my last action film... I won't be doing anymore action movies... I didn't enjoy doing the stunts at all. I like doing romantic films and enjoy the singing and dancing," Kareena said.
The actress, however, has denied reports she will tie the knot with Saif soon after "Agent Vinod's" release (March 23), insisting there are no plans as such.
"Their are no plans for marriage as of yet. We are just concentrating our career right now," Kareena said.
The actress, who was in the Capital to promote her romantic film "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu" opposite actor Imran Khan, said the movie will see her in a different avatar.
"2011 saw me in a lot of Desi roles in films like " Bodyguard" and "Ra.One" but this film is a lot more stylish and contemporary. I have never played a character like this before. I fell in love with the script after reading just 30 pages," she said.
The 31-year-old, who will be working with Saif after a long gap, says she didn't enjoy performing the stunts in the film and is petrified of gun shots and speed.
"I am a very romantic person at heart, I am petrified of gun shots and speed. "Agent Vinod" will be my last action film... I won't be doing anymore action movies... I didn't enjoy doing the stunts at all. I like doing romantic films and enjoy the singing and dancing," Kareena said.
The actress, however, has denied reports she will tie the knot with Saif soon after "Agent Vinod's" release (March 23), insisting there are no plans as such.
"Their are no plans for marriage as of yet. We are just concentrating our career right now," Kareena said.
The actress, who was in the Capital to promote her romantic film "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu" opposite actor Imran Khan, said the movie will see her in a different avatar.
"2011 saw me in a lot of Desi roles in films like " Bodyguard" and "Ra.One" but this film is a lot more stylish and contemporary. I have never played a character like this before. I fell in love with the script after reading just 30 pages," she said.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Ranbir Kapoor goes under the knife
Ranbir Kapoor who has been winning awards and accolades for his performance in Rockstar went through an operation at Breach Candy hospital yesterday morning. Surgeon Dr Rushad T Udwadia had to surgically remove a cyst on the actor's back.
A close friend of Ranbir confirmed the news and added, "Ranbir has been operated for a sebaceous gland problem. The surgery was minor."
In fact Ranbir was discharged only a few hours after the surgery took place. Mumbai Mirror learnt that the actor was home by 12 noon. According to the friend, Ranbir will even be able to resume work whenever he wants. "His Barfi! schedule was cancelled for a few days since his co-star Ileana was down with food poisoning. Ranbir can resume the schedule if he wants," added the friend.
Explaining how a cyst can form owing to a sebaceous gland, a doctor (on request of anonymity) told Mumbai Mirror, "Such cysts are not dangerous. But if not removed, they can grow and cause a lot of discomfort. They are formed generally when a sebaceous gland in one's body gets blocked."
The surgery is only a minor glitch in Ranbir's current happy state, said the friend. "Ranbir has been collecting awards for his flawless performance in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar. He hasn't signed a film after Rockstar, but he is reading scripts. But he should be signing a big one soon," added the friend.
When contacted, Dr Rushad was tight-lipped about Ranbir's surgery. However, an official from Breach Candy Hospital (on request of anonymity) confirmed saying, "Yes, Ranbir was admitted in our hospital on Thursday morning. He had a cyst in his back. We did the needful under the guidance of Dr Rushad."
A close friend of Ranbir confirmed the news and added, "Ranbir has been operated for a sebaceous gland problem. The surgery was minor."
In fact Ranbir was discharged only a few hours after the surgery took place. Mumbai Mirror learnt that the actor was home by 12 noon. According to the friend, Ranbir will even be able to resume work whenever he wants. "His Barfi! schedule was cancelled for a few days since his co-star Ileana was down with food poisoning. Ranbir can resume the schedule if he wants," added the friend.
Explaining how a cyst can form owing to a sebaceous gland, a doctor (on request of anonymity) told Mumbai Mirror, "Such cysts are not dangerous. But if not removed, they can grow and cause a lot of discomfort. They are formed generally when a sebaceous gland in one's body gets blocked."
The surgery is only a minor glitch in Ranbir's current happy state, said the friend. "Ranbir has been collecting awards for his flawless performance in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar. He hasn't signed a film after Rockstar, but he is reading scripts. But he should be signing a big one soon," added the friend.
When contacted, Dr Rushad was tight-lipped about Ranbir's surgery. However, an official from Breach Candy Hospital (on request of anonymity) confirmed saying, "Yes, Ranbir was admitted in our hospital on Thursday morning. He had a cyst in his back. We did the needful under the guidance of Dr Rushad."
James Bond film makers cancel India shoot
James Bond likes his martini shaken, not stirred, on his perilous adventures. But even as Daniel Craig dodges bullets and overcomes obstacles in the new Bond film, Skyfall, the Hollywood star missed his date with India due to budget cuts.
Apparently, producers EON and Sony Pictures have
First Look: James Bond in Skyfall
James Bond flick Skyfall's plot revealed
Daniel Craig could be longest running James Bond
had to slash their budget dramatically, resulting in them scrapping plans to shoot in six exotic countries including India and Bali. UK-based paper Daily Mirror also reports that instead of distant locations, they (makers) are using various UK beaches. Another UK paper Metro reports that Skyfall has suffered from a series of delays after film studio MGM filed for bankruptcy.
Although director Sam Mendes confirmed that the film is due to be shot in the UK, China and Turkey, reports suggest that makers have decided to scale back and use only Turkey as the main foreign location. It’s also believed that Skyfall will rely heavily on SFX, and locales recreated at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, UK.
Initially, the 23rd James Bond thriller was to be shot in Mumbai, Goa and Gujarat, besides featuring a few action sequences on Indian trains. Apparently, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and railways officials had already cleared all the permissions applied for by line producer India Take One Productions.
Ask Pravesh Sahni of the Indian production house if budget cuts forced Bond makers to pull out, and he says: “I don’t want to comment about the Bond film. Whatever happened is in the past. Now, we are looking towards the future and new films.” When contacted, Steve Elzer, senior vice president (media relations) of Sony Pictures Entertainment “chose not to comment on rumours.”
Interestingly, 1983’s Octopussy, which was the 13th film in the Bond franchise, saw a few scenes filmed in India. Starring Roger Moore as Bond, it had an action sequence filmed on, and under, an Indian train. Although makers haven’t yet commented on the current film’s budget, it’s estimated to be around $150 million, down from the $200 million spent on Quantum of Solace (2008).
Producer Michael Wilson, at a press conference, states that “Skyfall is in the same (price) range as the last film, and we really haven’t had to change anything in the script. We haven’t had to sacrifice anything.”
Apparently, producers EON and Sony Pictures have
First Look: James Bond in Skyfall
James Bond flick Skyfall's plot revealed
Daniel Craig could be longest running James Bond
had to slash their budget dramatically, resulting in them scrapping plans to shoot in six exotic countries including India and Bali. UK-based paper Daily Mirror also reports that instead of distant locations, they (makers) are using various UK beaches. Another UK paper Metro reports that Skyfall has suffered from a series of delays after film studio MGM filed for bankruptcy.
Although director Sam Mendes confirmed that the film is due to be shot in the UK, China and Turkey, reports suggest that makers have decided to scale back and use only Turkey as the main foreign location. It’s also believed that Skyfall will rely heavily on SFX, and locales recreated at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, UK.
Initially, the 23rd James Bond thriller was to be shot in Mumbai, Goa and Gujarat, besides featuring a few action sequences on Indian trains. Apparently, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and railways officials had already cleared all the permissions applied for by line producer India Take One Productions.
Ask Pravesh Sahni of the Indian production house if budget cuts forced Bond makers to pull out, and he says: “I don’t want to comment about the Bond film. Whatever happened is in the past. Now, we are looking towards the future and new films.” When contacted, Steve Elzer, senior vice president (media relations) of Sony Pictures Entertainment “chose not to comment on rumours.”
Interestingly, 1983’s Octopussy, which was the 13th film in the Bond franchise, saw a few scenes filmed in India. Starring Roger Moore as Bond, it had an action sequence filmed on, and under, an Indian train. Although makers haven’t yet commented on the current film’s budget, it’s estimated to be around $150 million, down from the $200 million spent on Quantum of Solace (2008).
Producer Michael Wilson, at a press conference, states that “Skyfall is in the same (price) range as the last film, and we really haven’t had to change anything in the script. We haven’t had to sacrifice anything.”
Aamir Khan to launch Jackie Shroff's son?
Aamir Khan meet Jackie Shroff in Mahabaleshwar hill resort last week to finalise plans to launch Jackie's son Tiger? Jackie didn't confirm it, but said that to be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege for his son.
"Aamir and I have known each another for years. We're fond of one another. I was shooting for Ananth Mahadevan's 'Life's Good' in Mahabaleshwar. Aamir has a home there. He dropped in to see me twice. As far as launching Tiger goes, I'd be really happy if it happens," said Jackie.
Even Subhash Ghai has shown a keen interest in the boy. In fact, Ghai's interest goes back to Tiger's childhood when he had made a pledge he would launch his friend and discovery Jackie's son whenever the boy was ready to take the plunge.
But now there is a very interesting twist in Tiger's tale, with Bollywood's resident maverick-producer Aamir showing a keen interest in launching Tiger.
When asked about his son, Jackie said: "Tiger has turned out...decent. Hasn't he? Yes, he has met Aamir Khan. To be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege. Aamir is very fine producer, actor and human being. My boy would be in great hands. However, Subhashji is also very keen. Do you know he had done Ayesha and mine kanyaadan? To unka Tiger pe haq banta hai. Let's see..."
After playing bit roles in Dev Anand's 'Swami Dada', Jackie got his big break with Subhash Ghai's 'Hero'.
Reminiscing about his own launch, the 51-year-old chuckles, "Tiger has it all laid out in front of him. When I had come into the industry, I had no one to guide me. If Subhashji had not given me a break, I wonder what would've happened to me!"
"Aamir and I have known each another for years. We're fond of one another. I was shooting for Ananth Mahadevan's 'Life's Good' in Mahabaleshwar. Aamir has a home there. He dropped in to see me twice. As far as launching Tiger goes, I'd be really happy if it happens," said Jackie.
Even Subhash Ghai has shown a keen interest in the boy. In fact, Ghai's interest goes back to Tiger's childhood when he had made a pledge he would launch his friend and discovery Jackie's son whenever the boy was ready to take the plunge.
But now there is a very interesting twist in Tiger's tale, with Bollywood's resident maverick-producer Aamir showing a keen interest in launching Tiger.
When asked about his son, Jackie said: "Tiger has turned out...decent. Hasn't he? Yes, he has met Aamir Khan. To be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege. Aamir is very fine producer, actor and human being. My boy would be in great hands. However, Subhashji is also very keen. Do you know he had done Ayesha and mine kanyaadan? To unka Tiger pe haq banta hai. Let's see..."
After playing bit roles in Dev Anand's 'Swami Dada', Jackie got his big break with Subhash Ghai's 'Hero'.
Reminiscing about his own launch, the 51-year-old chuckles, "Tiger has it all laid out in front of him. When I had come into the industry, I had no one to guide me. If Subhashji had not given me a break, I wonder what would've happened to me!"
Jackie makes cameo appearance in Rajini's film
Anything for Rajinikanth, says Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, who has made a cameo appearance in the legendary Tamil actor's new film 'Kochadaiyyan'.
"Rajiniji's daughter Soundarya is directing the film with her dad in the lead. So sweet! She asked me to make a cameo appearance in the film with her father. I immediately flew down to Chennai. When it comes to anything to do with Rajinikanth, one doesn't ask questions. One just does the needful," said Jackie.
"It's an interesting cameo which Soundarya insisted only I could play. I believe the film is in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. But even if it was in Swahili, I'd run and do it for Rajinikanth," added the actor who turned 52 Wednesday.
He had to rush to Chennai for the shoot and said: "My birthday is generally a very quiet affair. As always my rakhi-sister Anna Singh came home. Then we went to Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza's sangeet. That's where I brought in my birthday. I flew into Chennai for Rajiniji's film early next morning. I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday."
Getting a little philosophical, Jackie said: "Honestly a birthday is no big deal. I am just beginning to understand life. My first 40 years went into growing up. Now I am finally getting to know what this whole business of living is all about."
Jackie and Rajini go back a long way.
"He was one of the few people at my wedding with Ayesha when we got married in 1989. Rajiniji and I were shooting for Subhash Ghai's 'Uttar Dakshin', in which he played my younger stepbrother. It was so much fun. I was the North Indian, he was my South Indian brother.
"During the lunch break Ayesha and I decided to get married. Just the two of us and those close to us. There was Rajiniji, Subhash Ghai, Dimple Kapadia, Anupam Kher and a few of my other friends, that's it. So you see, I've very fond memories of Rajnikanth and would never say no to anything to do with him or his family," said the actor.
"Rajiniji's daughter Soundarya is directing the film with her dad in the lead. So sweet! She asked me to make a cameo appearance in the film with her father. I immediately flew down to Chennai. When it comes to anything to do with Rajinikanth, one doesn't ask questions. One just does the needful," said Jackie.
"It's an interesting cameo which Soundarya insisted only I could play. I believe the film is in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. But even if it was in Swahili, I'd run and do it for Rajinikanth," added the actor who turned 52 Wednesday.
He had to rush to Chennai for the shoot and said: "My birthday is generally a very quiet affair. As always my rakhi-sister Anna Singh came home. Then we went to Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza's sangeet. That's where I brought in my birthday. I flew into Chennai for Rajiniji's film early next morning. I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday."
Getting a little philosophical, Jackie said: "Honestly a birthday is no big deal. I am just beginning to understand life. My first 40 years went into growing up. Now I am finally getting to know what this whole business of living is all about."
Jackie and Rajini go back a long way.
"He was one of the few people at my wedding with Ayesha when we got married in 1989. Rajiniji and I were shooting for Subhash Ghai's 'Uttar Dakshin', in which he played my younger stepbrother. It was so much fun. I was the North Indian, he was my South Indian brother.
"During the lunch break Ayesha and I decided to get married. Just the two of us and those close to us. There was Rajiniji, Subhash Ghai, Dimple Kapadia, Anupam Kher and a few of my other friends, that's it. So you see, I've very fond memories of Rajnikanth and would never say no to anything to do with him or his family," said the actor.
Films can bring countries together: Farhan Akhtar
Director-actor Farhan Akhtar, whose last film 'Don 2' was not only shot in Germany but was co-produced by a German company says such collborations can bring countries together.
The 38-year-old filmmaker said that the film which has been co-produced by Mathias Schwerbrock, is the first actual co-production in Bollywood.
"It is the first time that a foreign national has directly been associated with an Indian motion puicture. It is a first of it's kind. Films that are shot in foreign location not only add up to the story but also helps in strengthening ties between two countries. 'Don 2' is a product from two major film producing countries," Farhan said.
'Don 2' will be screened at Berlin International Film Festival, on the third day of the 11 day event and is also scheduled to release in German cinemas on Febraury 16.
"It feels great that the film will be screened in Berlin. The whole cast and crew had a wonderful time shooting there. The local crew did open the doors for us. Once we were together on making the film, they proved to be extremely helpful," he said.
The director also said that he zeroed down Berlin as the location for the film because he wanted the city to be on the Bollywood screens.
"When I came to Berlin on holiday in 2007 I was amazed and overwhelmed by the spirit of the city and most excited to see the mix of architecture, politics, music, cinema and all the signs of a healthy cultural life. Just like my character, 'Don', this city is avante garde and cutting edge. Two reasons for me coming here - Berlin is the right location for my film and Berlin has to be on the Bollywood screens," he said.
The 38-year-old filmmaker said that the film which has been co-produced by Mathias Schwerbrock, is the first actual co-production in Bollywood.
"It is the first time that a foreign national has directly been associated with an Indian motion puicture. It is a first of it's kind. Films that are shot in foreign location not only add up to the story but also helps in strengthening ties between two countries. 'Don 2' is a product from two major film producing countries," Farhan said.
'Don 2' will be screened at Berlin International Film Festival, on the third day of the 11 day event and is also scheduled to release in German cinemas on Febraury 16.
"It feels great that the film will be screened in Berlin. The whole cast and crew had a wonderful time shooting there. The local crew did open the doors for us. Once we were together on making the film, they proved to be extremely helpful," he said.
The director also said that he zeroed down Berlin as the location for the film because he wanted the city to be on the Bollywood screens.
"When I came to Berlin on holiday in 2007 I was amazed and overwhelmed by the spirit of the city and most excited to see the mix of architecture, politics, music, cinema and all the signs of a healthy cultural life. Just like my character, 'Don', this city is avante garde and cutting edge. Two reasons for me coming here - Berlin is the right location for my film and Berlin has to be on the Bollywood screens," he said.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
MohanLAL-"THE RISK TAKER"
While shooting for Naran lal jumped in to the Hogenakkal river,which had deep undercurrents & also the threat of crocodile attacks.For the film Mahasamudram lal had travelled miles in to deep see & stayed there in the boat for hours together for shooting a climax fight sequence which is the highlight of the film.Dear fans,The risk taking attitude of lal is another albutham
Mohan lal {The actor who gave an Different face to Malayalam&Indian Films}
Mohanlal, the action king once again shows his dedication by taking breathless action sequence without dupe for a 20 floor building to building jump in his latest malayalam movie casanovva. We bet you, there is none other Superstar in Indian film industry to take such risks other than our dearest lalettan.
We are very proud sir to have a wonderful actor like you and you have once again proved that why you are standing still in Indian Film Industry without any replacement.
Mohanlal fans not amused by Saroj Kumar
Fans of Megastar Mohanlal are not at all amused by Sreenivasan's latest film Padmasree Bharath Dr. Saroj Kumar.
Though Sreenivasan says that his character is neither modeled on Mammootty or Mohanlal, it cannot be denied that Saroj Kumar has an uncanny resemblance to Mohanlal.
The actor is shown trying hard to grab a lieutenant colonel post, and the income tax officials find bull horns in his house during a raid, that the media on the actor's insistence transform into elephant tusks.
So many are these coincidences that coming from Sreenivasan's pen, they do look very surprising. No wonder admirers of Mohanlal find very little to laugh in this film.
Malayalam actor denies his film mocks superstar Mohanlal
Pa
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 22 (IANS) Malayalam actor-cum-script writer Sreenivasan has refuted media reports that his latest film "Padmasree Bharath Dr Saroj Kumar" shows superstar Mohanlal in poor light.
Sreenivasan plays the lead role in the film. Since the film's release a week back, he has time and again said that it told a tale in simple humour.
"This film is not at all a second part or a sequel of the block buster 'Udayanannu Tharam' that strarred Mohanlal. In the present film, there is no character of Udayabhanu (essayed by Mohanlal in 'Udayanannu Tharam') and his wife," he told reporters.
The film is different from 'Udayanannu Tharam' as the story line is different because Udayabhanu's story ended in the first film itself, Sreenivasan told reporters.
The latest film directed by debutant Sajin Raghavan takes a dig at the never ending feuds between the numerous film-based organisations in the Malayalam film industry.
Antony Perumbavoor, Mohanlal's business associate in all film-related business ventures, came out against "Udayanannu Tharam" and called up the film's cinematographer S. Kumar.
S. Kumar told reporters that he got a call from Antony and he was not happy with the manner in which the film allegedly took on Mohanlal.
"He told me that at least I should have not allowed these veiled barbs against Mohanlal. I asked him why he is saying all this to me because I am only a cameraman," Antony said.
"I told him to speak to the producer or director or others who are behind the film," said Kumar.
Director Major Ravi, whose films 'Keerthi Chakra' and 'Kurukshetra' that starred Mohanlal in a character wearing army uniform, termed the events as sad.
"These two people have been in films and they act together. Doing like this is not good," he said.
Mohanlal in a Shankar movie
Yes, this is big news...Superstar Mohanlal is all set to play the lead in the new movie by the biggest showman of south, Shankar, the director who has plenty of fans in the state. The more surprising fact is that this will be Shankar's first movie in Malayalam. This movie to be made by Aascar films Ravichandran will be simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu also.
The Tamil version is already titled as 'Thalaivan Irukkindran' and will feature Universal star Kamal Hassan in the lead. The Telugu version will have Prabhas as the hero. As per the early reports Kathrina Kaif will play the female lead in all the three versions.
Another highlight of the movie will be that Hollywood star Jackie Chan will also become a part of these three versions. Watch this space to know more details about the movie which will have A R Rahman as the music director.
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