BOLLYWOOD FOR BEGINNERS POST #23

For previous installments, please visit the index

You’ve met today’s biggest Heroes but what about the heroines? This week I’m going to run through the ladies I consider the big names today - with an emphasis on currency. As I explained in my piece on heroines, leading ladies flit through the film industry much more quickly than the men. This is due to a variety of reasons including, but not limited to:

1. Marriage has traditionally ended the careers of actresses and most women still marry fairly young.
2. Both producers and Heroes prefer working with younger actresses.
3. Heroine roles are often that of a wide-eyed innocent and a lady can only play (convincingly) virginal for so long.

It’s a harsh world out there for actresses.

KNOW YOUR HEROINES: AISHWARYA RAI

Tuesday Gossip!

Greetings dear Internet friends! I hope you didn't miss me too much... I had a relaxing weekend and now I'm ready and refreshed to hit the blog again. I did some reorganizing and found a pile of DVDs that I haven't watched yet, so prepare for that.

Also, I finally hung up my poster of Akshay Kumar! *whistles*

Today in gossip - a bunch of people are mentally ill and/or jerks; Shiney Ahuja tries to get back into films; find out who Aishwarya Rai's heroine is based on; read what Akshay Kumar has to say about his recent spate of flops; read a smart piece on Bollywood and Cannes; check out some song trailers from Badrinath; and MORE!

Hrithik Roshan, Mahesh Babu, and Sonakshi Sinha for Provogue!

I actually really like the promotions for clothing brand ProVogue. They're really sassy and sharp without being stupid... like Diesel.







Even better, the slogans on the female-centered ads can (for the most part) be interchanged with those on the male-centered ads. Result: Equal opportunity sass!

Check underneath the cut for more!

Friday Gossip... and vacation announcement!

Sorry for the late post - I am taking a well deserved four day weekend, so depending on how much writing I feel like doing, updates may be sparse for the next few days.

Don't worry, though, because you KNOW I'll be back with a bang for the Ready ramp-up!

So, today in gossip: Ekta Kapoor is my hero, an open letter to Madhur Bhandarkar, Abhi-baby cheers on the Mumbai Indians in an unexpected place, a new promo for ZNMD, and MORE!

Bollywood class of 2011... are skeletons?

The new Filmfare cover touting the Bollywood class of 2011

Okay, Prateik Babbar, sure. He's a legitimate new star with well received performances in Dhobi Ghat and Dum Maro Dum and he looks fine.

But Shraddha Kapoor?! Give me a break! Bollywood nepotism at work yet again. First of all she debuted in mega-flop Teen Patti in 2010 and second of all her film this year, Love Ka The End, got a big NO THANK YOU from audiences and critics.

Why not pick Pooja Gandhi, who had one of the year's few hits so far in F.A.L.T.U.? Or one of the many television actresses who are set to cross over in smallish films?

Plus, Shraddha Kapoor looks like a bobble-head! Look at those twig arms - please tell me this is photoshopped because I'm getting flashbacks to Nicole Ritchie and the hordes of big-haired, big-headed, skeletal girls who took over Hollywood a few years ago.

Losing weight does not count as a 'talent.'

Lord help me, if this kind of thing continues, I'm really decamping completely for South Indian films. Even the worst actresses down South at least don't look like famine victims.

Thursday Gossip!

First of all, I want to wish a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my grandfather, who has been one of the biggest influences in my life! And today he's just as whip-smart and cynical as he ever was... my auntie Gretchen posted a nice tribute to him. Click it and see the man in his natural habitat!

Today in gossip - new song promo for Anurag Kashyap's Shaitan (which is AWESOME!), read about the trial of David Headley, Bips is detained at the airport, Ileana D'Cruz smacks down on Priyanka, Karan Johar turns 39 (and whines about it), update on Ajay's Singham, and MORE!

Harry Key and Filmi Girl Talk Bullsh*t!

You might remember Australian actor Harry Key from my Outsider in Bollywood series! Well, the two of us had such fun chatting that we decided to try making a podcast.

In this test episode, we discuss the Shiney Ahuja rape case... along with a myriad of other things from the concept of forgiveness to Indian Stretchable Time.

Play it here:

Or download or listen here and be sure to let us know what you think!!

You can visit Harry's website here and find him on twitter here!

Enjoy!

Asim's Filmi Predicitions!

You all know Asim from Upodcast and twitter!

Well, we were talking about the predictability of some of these Bollywood media faux-stories like link-up rumors, feuds, and well-timed leaks of on-set information. After one of his predictions came true, I asked Asim to make a guess for this upcoming week... here is the result:

asimburney Asim Burney

@filmigirl ok here's another prediction. Don2 trailer will release around Ready's. The war will be ignited. Newspapers will be sold :-)

11 minutes ago Favorite Undo Retweet Reply

Well what do you think?! Is Asim on the money?! We'll find out soon enough!

Wednesday Goss!

If anybody is in San Francisco, there will be a Bollywood Trivia Night at EZ5 Bar tonight!!! Go forth and represent!

Today in gossip - SRK does a video blog and an item song, Saif Ali Khan vs. the Untouchables makes the Associated Press wire, Jackky Bhagnani collapses while jogging, the trailer for BOL, and MORE!

Sonakshi Sinha for Hi! Living...

I'm feeling kind of worn out this week and not really up to writing a lot. So, what could I post for you?! Pretty, pretty pictures!

These images of Sonakshi were so lush I had to share them! It's like taking your eyes on a mini-vacation through some stately homes!


Check it out!

Tuesday Gosssssip!

In gossip today - find out who was at the Punjabi Virsa Awards; who is overplaying the homophobe card; ponder the logic of casting PC in yet ANOTHER multi-role film; and read about some exciting new films! (Well, at least one exciting new film!)

And MORE!

Maleyali Jotheyali: Watch this film!

I only have one complaint about Golden Star Ganesh’s home production, Maleyali Jotheyali - I didn’t get to see it in the theater! While I do have a nice television, it would have been amazing to see some of these gorgeous images on a large screen with an appreciative crowd. I completely understand why this one was a superhit and won best film at the Filmfare South Awards. Maleyali Jotheyali is a bittersweet (and very touching) romance that utilizes all of its resources incredibly well. From the cast to the beautiful natural settings to the story, everything is done to a craftsman-like perfection.

Monday Gossip!

Today in gossip! Sniping over the National Awards, Ek Tha Tiger goes international, and Sonam Kapoor goes to Cannes... and doesn't see a single film!

(Plus Chiranjeevi beating up some rowdies!)

Kangana Ranaut for Emami Skin Care!

Although she isn't particularly know for her dewy complexion, Kangana is now a brand ambassador for Emami Skin Care.

The relationship between stars and brands is so interesting... American celebrities tend to only do commercials abroad because of the American taboo against "selling out." (Although that is slowly changing... Katy Perry for ProActiv pimple treatment, anyone?) Bollywood celebrities have no such hang-ups and I rather like seeing celebs like Kangana do skin care commercials in between films... it means I get to see Kangana in between films!



I wish I could get away with wearing that sea-foam green dress!

More pictures below!

Sunday Gossip!

A ton of insider gossip, Subhash Ghai reuniting with Salman (!), and Ram Gopal Varma tormenting Karan Johar again?

All that and more!

IIFA: Who will be there?

YES! I am going to IIFA in Toronto and if you are going, too, please drop me a line! I want to organize a meet-up!

Now, there were rumors going around that Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was going to be premiering but it looks like the big film will be... Double Dhamaal.



Now, maybe if I'm lucky, this means my favorite ARSHAD WARSI will be in Toronto, too!

Check out who turned up to the IIFA press meet!



Priyanka! Bobby Deol! Garam Dharam!

(More pictures under the cut!)

Saturday Gossip!

The biggest story today? THE BIG B! BBUDDAH HOGA TERA BAAP looks fantastic!

Trailer below, along with some odds and ends...

Friday gossip!

Can you believe it's FRIDAY?! Let me tell you, friends, that Filmi Girl is exhausted after this week. Alas, there are two awful looking films at my local Indian theater, so I don't even have that to look forward to. Ready cannot come soon enough!

Inside - Double Dhamaal trailer is launched, actors are confirmed for IIFA, Minissha blames a mystery person for her troubles, and check out Emraan Hashmi's awful wig in Murder 2!

(And more!)

Thursday Gossip!

Today in gossip - Minissha Lamba is detained at the airport, Saif Ali Khan snarks about Cannes, Salman causes a commotion in Ahmedabad, and MORE!

Mallika is keeping it classy at Cannes!

The Bollywood bombshell was promoting her new film Politics of Love and she looked smashing!

More pictures underneath!

Wednesday Gossip!

Today! Check out the promo to Hrithik's new TV show, find out who is playing Madhubala in the new Kishore Kumar biopic, read about Aazaan (what's that?!), Shahrukh is dancing South Indian style in Ra.1, and MORE!

Cannes - More Mallika and Sonam! (And Saif!)

Call me crazy, but I'm digging Sonam's Princess Leia look. (Even if she does look super tired.)

More and Mallika Sherawat under the cut!

Tuesday Gossip!

Good morning, lovelies! Today in gossip we have a rant on the Bollywood documentary, some creepy photos of Rajesh Khanna's new ladyfriend, Sonu Sood returning to Tamil films, Kay Kay Menon lamenting the rise of marketing, HARD KAUR performing at the WOW Awards, Imran Khan pretending to be a rock star, and MORE!

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Press Meet!

I'm really looking forward to Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara! Predictably, most of the press generated by the press meet focused on Hrithik quipping that Abhay Deol wouldn't be wearing pants... or maybe he meant trousers. Anyways.

Pictures below!

Gokula: I want to live there!

Gokula was a pleasant surprise - a scrappy little family entertainer that packs a big punch. I purchased it, as I do all my Kannada language films, sight unseen. With no way to view these films in the theater and with little available in the way of English-language reviews for Kannada language films, I tend to go purchase films based on favorite heroes and heroines. For Gokula, the hero I purchased it for was Vijaya Ragavendra, an affable looking fellow who charmed me to pieces as the “so sad he turned from color to black and white” hero of Sevanti Sevanti. He doesn’t disappoint in Gokula!

Sonam Kapoor Does Cannes!

A monsoon struck Cannes yesterday... a monsoon of press surrounding SONAM KAPOOR as she made her debut on the red carpet courtesy of L'Oreal.

Now, I grew to like Sonam quite a bit as a starlet after Thank You but I still find something really off-putting about her as a fashionista or maybe I just prefer my red carpet starlets with more zazz and less polish.

(Doesn't she look eerily like Penelope Cruz?)

Monday Gossip!

Find out what audiences thought of the Bollywood documentary at Cannes... and whatever happened to Ranjeeta? (Any guesses?) And who is dating Saif's daughter? Do we care? (No.)

FIND OUT in today's gossip!

More Cannes! Mallika Sherawat and a Bollywood Documentary

Jeff Zimbalist, who I would love to talk to for my Outsider in Bollywood series if anybody knows him, and Rakesh Omprakash Merha at the Cannes premiere of Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

The trailer is embedded below.

Sunday Gossip!

Happy Sunday!

Good gossip today - the SECRET DIARY of an IPL cheerleader, Mimoh puts me on his hit list, KJo gives his prescription for Bollywood's ailments (hint: it's better marketing), find out if SRK is looking haggard on purpose or not, and check out the just-released trailer for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara!!

Youtube Roulette: Sandalwood Item Songs

I watched the adorable 2010 Kannada film Gokula today (review coming soon!) and was struck, once again, at how much I enjoy the films coming out of Karnataka. Although the production values are lower than in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, they have so much heart that it more than makes up for the lack of glossy costumes and sets.

I wanted to share Raagini's item song in Gokula with you but I couldn't find it uploaded anywhere - perhaps it was too risque, since it did get her booted from a Challenging Star Darshan film. This got me thinking of other item songs I've enjoyed in Kannada films... and I couldn't find all that many on youtube! Where is the song with Rakshita's intro song from Tananam Tananam?

Some of the ones I found are under the cut - feel free to link me to more good ones in the comments!

Saturday Gossip!

Hello, everybody! It's a grey, rainy day here in Washington, DC... but without rain there will be no flowers, so I suppose I can live with it!

Now, let's see what the gossip columns have dredged up today! This is going to be a monster because I missed yesterday due to Blogger outages... we've got the new Delhi Belly promo, Ranveer Singh acting like an idiot, Kirti on kissing Kalki Koechlin, Salman Khan demanding a return of HEROGIRI, and MORE!

Also, we all know now that John and Bipasha have broken up... so do I need to link to an article for that?

Tumbhi Short Film Competition

I was contacted by Tumbhi.com about their very cool competition for aspiring filmmakers! Here is the quick and dirty info:

Tumbhi.com has announced Paanch – A Short Film Competition for actors, directors and technicians under the tutelage of Anurag Kashyap, who will not only be actively taking all these aspirants under his wings but will also suggest, correct and mentor them.

If you’re keen to make a short film, here’s your big chance. Upload your script on Tumbhi and 5 short film scripts will be selected by a panel headed by Anurag Kashyap. These five films will be produced by Tumbhi.com and mentored by Anurag Kashyap. You will get to direct the film if the script is short listed.

Registrations and Entries open now!

http://tumbhi.com/short-films-competition/writer.jsp

Last date of Submission of Scripts: 30th May 2011
Announcement of Selected Scripts: 15th June 2011

Film duration should not be more than 10 minutes. Scripts accepted in Hindi and English only.

Winning entry will be awarded with cash prizes and writer will be given a chance to be the part of the making of the film

So if you are one of those people complaining about poor storytelling in Bollywood, now is your chance to put your vision forward!

Aishwarya Rai! Cannes Day 2! Heroine!

Nobody glams it up on the red carpet like Aishwarya Rai!
I love her asymmetrical dress... more pictures below!

Aishwarya at Cannes! Day 1! Dangerous Curves Ahead!

Thursday Gossip!

Okay, so the conclusion we’ve reached on SRK v. Salman is that it all depends on how you are inclined to view each of them in the first place. Still, one commenter brought up something interesting - how much does our previous impression of a star inform our current impression of a star? Do we, as fans, notice the gradual shift in personality or perception? Is Amitabh still Vijay for you or is he the curmudgeonly and overly-defensive blogger?

An example, it dawned on me just this year that Aishwarya was no longer the sometimes wooden starlet but has become an accomplished actress and very sophisticated woman.

So, is Salman still the callous guy who shot an endangered deer or is he the guy who is donating part of his salary to help his workers? And is Shahrukh the family man who is BFF with Kajol or a cold and calculating businessman who froze out former friend Farah Khan?

The answer to those questions will surely color your impressions of any Bollywood news stories... Inside gossip today, an enlightening interview with Naseer, enlightening phone talk from Bips, more trouble on Mausam, and big congratulations for Shilpa Shetty! Plus, check out Hard Kaur performing live!

Sonu Sood for PETA requires no words.

Wednesday Gossip!

So, it seems there was some controversy in the comments yesterday over the interpretation of SRK's quote about how Ek Tha Tiger was offered to him first.

Pardesi even posted a link to this article from 2007 where Salman reminisces about how he had been offered Baazigar.

"Talking about this incident, Salman says, “I had refused Baazigar. When Abbas-Mustan came to me with the script, I asked my dad for his inputs. He felt that since it’s a story of a negative character they should add an angle of the mother in it. They didn’t agree. When I turned down the film, they went to Shah Rukh and then they added the mother angle! But I don’t regret it at all.” Finsihing of this comment, Salman added, “If I had done Baazigar then there would be no Mannat standing in Bandstand today,” referring to Shah Rukh Khan’s house."

To my mind - and I think some people agreed - Shahrukh sounded like he was gloating, putting one over on Salman. It becomes even more apparent in the full interview. (And thanks to NaF for pointing me to it.)

Recent reports even suggest that Yash Chopra shared his [SRK's] contract with Salman to convince the latter that he would get the same remuneration. “I don’t sign contracts with Mr Yash Chopra,” he [SRK] snaps back. “I don’t make my living out of films. In the last 15 years, I’ve never asked my producers what I’m being paid. Kings don’t ask... I’m not a Badshah for nothing. I don’t need to ask for things.”

He just sounds really arrogant! Not that Salman Khan is the master of humility but his quote from 2007 reads much more like he is saying how funny the world is, that one role he passes by can build a house like Mannat.

Anyways, I suppose it's all in the eye of the beholder. Now, onto today's pile of gossip!

Tuesday Gossip!

Good mornings!

Top story this day for Americans, Youtube is now starting movie rentals! Check the list of Indian movies here! There are free films and ones for a very reasonable fee - they say these are all "Hindi" films but I see some South Indian ones mixed in, as well. I'm not sure what the subtitle situation is but I checked a couple and it looks like at least a few DO have them.

Also, for friends in Singapore, UAE, and Indonesia, Zee Cinema is going to start subtitling in English!

Spats, Shahrukh, Hrithik, and plenty of Ekta Kapoor under the cut! Also, I ask you... does Karan Johar even like films?

Manasaare: Another must watch from Yograj Bhat

(I apologize for the lack of screen captures. My DVD wasn't cooperating with my computer.)

If you are unfamiliar with the work of Yograj Bhat, who is one of the best working filmmakers in Kannada language cinema (aka Sandalwood) right now, then I feel sorry for you. Although he had been around for years, Yograj didn’t have a real breakthrough as a director until 2006 with Mungaru Male, which also launched the charmed careers of Golden Star Ganesh and Pooja Gandhi. Mungaru Male was a revelation and a super hit. The film follows the story of Preetam (Ganesh) as he tries to win over the engaged daughter of his mother’s close friend. The things that made Mungaru Male so special continued on into Yograj’s next film Galipaata and into the one after that... Manasaare.

Monday Gossip!

Happy Monday!

Today we have some drama on Aarakshan, a muscley Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha making waves, a song from Mr. Perfect, and MORE!

Get Ready to Be Boyzvoiced!

Boyzvoice are greatest band I never heard of… until now. Since this film is a musical, I think it’s fair game for my blog!

As my family was giggling over Eurovision songs from years past on youtube one weekend not too long ago, we stumbled across this band called Boyzvoice.

Sunday Gossip!

Good morning! I hope everybody is having a splendid day!

Now, as you can see I posted my last Outsider in Bollywood interview yesterday. I hope you enjoyed the series! If I can get more interviews, I will happily add to it but until then... back to normal!

I'm going to keep this short today because it's Mother's Day but basically - ALLU ARJUN! BADRINAATH! New song promos under the cut!

Conan Stevens: Outsider In Bollywood Part 5

This is the fifth and final part of a series of interviews with non-Indian actors who have appeared in Bollywood films. For part one of this series with actor Jonnie Louis Brown who went from Baltimore (The Wire) to Bollywood, please click here and for part two with actress Sarah Thompson Kane who ditched Angel to romance Ranbir Kapoor in Raajneeti, please click here, for part three with Australian actor Harry Key who went from extra to leading villain, please click here, and for part four with Alexx O'Nell who gave Arya a good fight in Madrasapattinam, please click here.

I will continue to try to secure interviews with non-Indian actors and hopefully I will be able to add to this series in the future. If you enjoyed it, please leave a comment telling me what you liked or who you would like to hear from in the future.

Dharti Posters!

If you have been following me on FB, you know I've been really excited for Dharti. I've seen it described as the Punjabi Raajneeti and certainly the promotional material is similar. However, I won't be able to judge that until I've seen the film and who knows when that will be.

Dharti is a Punjabi language film but you may recognize some of these faces like Prem Chopra, Rahul Dev, and (the big star) Jimmy Shergill!

Check out more posters under the cut!

Saturday Gossips!

So, I went to see Thor last night... it was pretty good! And certainly a better bet than Haunted, which is the Hindi movie playing. There is the Tamil Ich Engeyum Kadhal playing, too, but I'm wary of going to see films without English subtitles. I'll only do it for films I need to see - like anything with Vikram.

How much does it cost to subtitle a print? Surely it can't be that prohibitive and would open films up to not just English-speaking me but even NRIs who might not understand a particular regional language.

Maybe the world is trying to tell me I should just learn Tamil... anybody in DC want to teach me? Hee hee!

These were brought to my attention but I haven't tried them - if you have let me know! Bollywood Sound Machine ap that plays famous dialogues and Bollywood Name Generator ap.

Okay, today The Big B flames his fans on twitter, Always Kabhi Kabhi will send you into sugar shock, and Govinda? Find out more!

New York Indian Film Festival - THIS WEEKEND!

Those of you in the New York City area can't miss this collection of film screenings!

Check out the full schedule here.

Who knows who you will run into... say maybe RISHI KAPOOR AND NEETU SINGH!

Friday Gossip!

Hello, lovelies!

In news today we've got some assorted odds and ends - Upendra starts a new film, Prateik Babbar is booked up, Ekta Kapoor and Vikram Bhatt give amusing interviews, and who was invited to Ranbir Kapoor's big bash?!

Click to find out!

Alexx O'Nell on No One Killed Jessica

Months ago, Alexx wrote a nice piece on No One Killed Jessica - he gave me permission to repost it here. I hope you enjoy it!

Katrina Kaif Launches her Barbie Doll!

As both a doll collector and a Katrina Kaif fan, I could hardly be more excited. I will be scouring eBay looking for a nice shiny Katrina doll of my own - since they will not be on sale in the United States... for some reason.

More pictures below the cut!

Thursday Gossip!

Good morning, lovelies!

I hope aal izz well with you, as it is with me!

Today I have for you - a question on Shiney Ahuja, Rani Mukerji and Mafia Queens of Mumbai, and some Katrina Kaif news! Let's hit it!

Are you ready for Ready?

It's been months since the last really big film release out of Mumbai. Sure, we've had some classy smaller films like No One Killed Jessica and Tanu Weds Manu but all through the Cricket World Cup and IPL, Bollywood has been concentrating on defending its wicket. Well, it's about time for Bollywood to break out the big gun and hit us a six!


And I, for one, am hoping that boundary-smashing hit is Ready! See some promo pictures and find out MORE under the cut!



ETA: WHOA! Apparently the "Dhinka Chika" promo has released! I just added that under the cut, too!

Wednesday Gossip!

Good morning! I did a little re-design on my blog settings yesterday and I hope you find this easier to navigate.

What is life without change, right?

Anyways, in gossip today... Ranbir Kapoor on the cover of GQ, Osama bin Laden and Bollywood, a new star son debuts, Salman Khan breaks the world kissing record, a promo of Ramya's new film Johnny Mera Naam-Preeti Mera Kaam, and MORE!

Alexx O'Nell: Outsider in Bollywood Part 4

This is the fourth in a series of interviews with non-Indian actors who have appeared in Bollywood films. Next week will be with actor Conan Stevens (Game of Thrones) who beat up Akshay in Chandi Chowk to China. For part one of this series with actor Jonnie Louis Brown who went from Baltimore (The Wire) to Bollywood, please click here and for part two with actress Sarah Thompson Kane, who romanced Ranbir Kapoor in Raajneeti, please click here, and for part three with Australian actor Harry Key, please click here.

I was really honored when actor Alexx O’Nell agreed to be interviewed for my Outsider in Bollywood series and became even more so through the course of our interactions. Not only is he a talented actor but he is also a deep thinker who takes cinema very seriously. It quickly became clear that Alexx has very high standards for himself and the people he chooses to work with. I can only try my best to live up to them. And with that, I hope you enjoy what he has to say!

Monday Gossip!

Good morning, all!

Just a small note - I won't be able to post Alexx's interview until Tuesday because my mother and I are going to a concert tonight... David Crosby and Graham Nash!



I believe Stephen Stills is touring with Neil Young as part of a re-booted Buffalo Springfield... maybe I'll get to see them this year, too!

Now gossip! 

Sunday Gossip!

Yesterday my sister and I went to go see Fast Five - which was AWESOME! It was basically a masala potboiler minus the songs. My one complaint is that nobody told me earlier that Vin Diesel is HOT! How did I go so long without knowing this?! He's beefy but has such gravity to him - and a sweetness about his expression. Believe me I went right home and added like five of his films to my Netflix queue!

The film takes place in Rio and is a spin on the classic heist genre. Among the things I approve of: Vin Diesel's gang is composed of a rainbow of people, men AND ladies; the stunts look realistic and not a whiff of CGI visual barf; and ALL the characters all have their own charming personalities.



Now - today's gossip!