Interview with Akshay Kumar, star of ‘OMG Oh My God’

25/09/2012 By Leave a Comment

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has a number of successful films to his name that have gone on to create box office history. In his many years as a leading Bollywood actor, Akshay has portrayed many roles – from a police officer to gangster to a family man. In his most recent venuture, Akshay takes on his greatest acting challenge till date – portraying the character of a modern, philosophical and witty version of the Indian God, Lord Krishna, in the upcoming Bollywood blockbuster OMG Oh My God.

Produced by Grazing Goat Pictures, OMG Oh My God will see Akshay move effortlessly between two roles, that of an actor and of a producer.

Ahead of the release of OMG Oh My God, Akshay talks about his own relationship with God, his appreciation of different religions, his decision to produce the film and the challenges he faced portraying Lord Krishna.

How would you explain your equation with God?

My equation with God like many is purely on a respectful and extremely humble level. I respect all decisions made under ‘Gods’ roof, I do not argue with ‘God’’, I only argue with some people that mistreat Gods’ creation and existence on this planet. For example: When did God ever say you had to pay to believe? After making this film, in all honesty I have changed my perception of how I worship God. For me ‘God’ is everywhere, why am I paying Lakhs for me and my family to fly to India’s most prestigious religious places in the hope God will acknowledge my love and devotion more. If God really is who I believe he is, then why am I paying to worship him when I can give that money to helpless children? I would feel 10 times closer to his heart than I would by spending the money on him, hopelessly! Remember, what does Mandir in Hindi really mean? ‘Man’ means inside, ‘Dir’ means heart, God is inside me always, my heart is where my temple is…

Please remember this is just my views, I’m not preaching, it’s just an example of the characteristics you will find in this beautiful comedy I call ‘OMG’.

 Since you go to temples as well as Gurudwaras, besides visiting a mosque in Muscat recently, is it more about the faith than just the religion for you?

For me it is absolutely all about the faith rather than the religion. Remember I’m in love with ‘God’, not the people who speak for him. I purely respect them for their devoted nature. I visit all kinds of religious temples, churches, mosques, Gurudwaras, rocks, caves and cliffs all over the world in search of enlightenment, but really I’m just fascinated by our need to prove our devotion. For me, the best thing I love about all these places is, when I go to visit I do feel pure, pure because I know I’m safe, surrounded by people who have come to pray and not to fight. I get to sit down quietly and take in the faithful beauty around me, but my all time favourite place to pray, is at the bottom of my garden, sitting on my wall, looking out at God’s gracious sea, with my family sleeping peacefully behind me. That is when I feel God’s love and protection the most – that is when I feel I’m a good, happy devoted human being. The rest of my time I try to spend helping those less fortunate than myself, to make up for all the time I cannot devote to God’ himself…

 Has there been any time/s or phase in life when you lost trust or came close to losing trust in God?

Never… Not even when my father died! My losing faith in God would be my weakness, not his… That is what I love so dearly about my country, even the saddest, most lonely starving person will feed his God before he feeds himself or herself. It’s not about what God gives us, who’s lucky, or who’s had it the hardest. In India, no-one gives up their Faith because of circumstance, and that, my friends, is what makes India so special. We put faith before ourselves, which is why we have the most loved country in the world. People’s hearts can never leave India only their bodies leave…

 Have there been ‘Oh My God’ moments in your life? If yes, please explain some.

Many! Passing exams. Never having my nose broken when I took up karate. Completing seven Khiladi movies (about to be 8) with my life intact. Marrying the woman of my dreams ‘OMG’ ;o) Being a father when I still see myself trying to be the best son. Making a film on ‘man vs God, Oh My God I can see my father’s face now, he’d love it with all his heart. There are ‘OMG’ moments everyday in all of our lives – it’s whether you acknowledge them, that is the beauty…

You play Bhagwan/Lord Krishna (God) in OMG: Oh My God. What prompted you to take on such a role?

This is my first film under my new production company ‘Grazing Goat’, so the meaning behind this film is more than most can imagine. Probably because this is one film I would be so proud to show my father. Despite the fact that the script is extremely close to both mine and Pareshji’s heart, it truly is a beautiful, once in ‘my life time’, screen play. Everyone involved wanted me to play this role, to be honest I would never dream of portraying a ‘God’ of any kind, anyone that knows me understands my humble shyness to play such an almighty character or in this case, India’s almighty Lord Krishna. But when you have a vision (and a good shove from Pareshji himself) you just can’t turn your back on such an opportunity out of fear of being judged by ‘some’ negative parties in this world. This film has opened my eyes and my heart more than I thought possible, as an actor and as a devotee to God…

 What was the toughest part about playing Lord Krishna?

The toughest part is living up to the nation’s expectations and perceptions. What my vision might be is someone else’s opinion, so to be true to my vision and respectful to the rest of the world’s lifetime of worshipping, is not an easy task. But really all I had to do was release myself from all negative and impure thoughts and actions, and just be the very being of what I have been praying to for all my

years. Was it easy?! No! Was it extraordinary? very much so!

 Keeping in mind the theme of the film, if you could play God for a day. What would you do during that day, and whom would you meet and bless with your presence. Anything you would do in this current life if you could play God?

It’s a tough question to ask, yet easy if you answer what one should obviously answer. Of course I would want to ‘heal the world, end all war, crime, poverty, starvation and disease’. But would that really be blessing the world, or would mankind come up with something else to destroy our sacred planet! On a more realistic note, I think all Gods just want people to feel that God is in everyone’s heart, let every single individual feel God’s hand on their shoulder. Rather than changing what God has already provided us, I would just want people to understand this is not our planet to misuse, we are all here on a rental basis, we’re born, we pay our way, we worship our God in thanks of our life, and then we pass away. I would want everyone to remember that we all come from the same place, the sooner we unite, the sooner practically all problems the world over will be solved… But that’s just me!

 How would you classify this film and why should we watch it?

It’s a people’s film – it’s educational, spiritual, eye-opening and it will be life changing for some people. The whole experience was for me. See it’s a film with a message, but the message will be different for different people. You walk out of this film either enlightened, confused, or opinionated. I can imagine many coming out wanting to have a full-blown discussion about how the film made them feel. It’s an intriguing journey into the life of religion and how people use religion in India. But it’s all in good taste, sorry faith ;o).

 Despite being the son-in-law of the first superstar of the country, the late Rajesh Khanna, you never really spoke about it. Only recently has the close relationship between the two of you become known to people. Could you share some memories that you cherish with him?

You will never really hear about any relationship I share with anyone, especially a family member. Remember I was his son-in-law, but I was a struggling actor. I never wanted either him or any of the people thinking I would ever dream of reaping any form of success off my father-in-law’s stardom. We kept our respect and admiration for each other very personal and very quiet, exactly how it should have been. People may only be seeing it now, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.

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Rating: 9.6/10 (5 votes cast)
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‘Barfi!’ chosen to represent Bollywood at Oscars 2013

24/09/2012 By Leave a Comment

Anurag Basu’s latest film ‘Barfi!’ has not only proven to be a commercial and critical success but has now added another feather to its hat. ‘Barfi!’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2013 and has already been creating ripples in the international media.

The heart warming story of the love between an autistic girl (portrayed by Priyanka Chopra) and a visually and verbally impaired boy (portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor), ‘Barfi!’ will now represent Bollywood at the 85th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The decision was taken by the Film Federation of India (FFI) when they convened a meeting in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Managing director of Disney UTV Studios, Siddharth Roy Kapur, said in a press statement: “We are honoured that Barfi! has been selected to represent India as its official entry to the Academy Awards in 2013. ‘Barfi!’ is very close to the hearts of all of us at UTV, and it gives us great satisfaction that a film we have developed and nurtured from its inception has met with so much love from audiences and critics worldwide.”

Filmmaker Anurag Basu is delighted and gushes: “There were a lot of good films this year, from Paan Singh Tomar to Kahaani. It must have been really tough to select this one. I feel blessed. Filmmaking is not a one-man job. It’s one person’s version, but it can go for a toss if you don’t have the right team.”

‘Barfi!’ released on 14 September and is playing in cinemas worldwide.

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Bollywood gears up for Mary Kom biopic

30/08/2012 By Leave a Comment

After winning a bronze for women’s boxing at the London 2012 Olympics, mother of two Mary Kom will now have her life captured on the silver screen in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali-produced biopic. The film will be directed by art director turned filmmaker Omung Kumar.

Bhansali, acclaimed director of Bollywood films like Black and Saawariya, was roped into the project after Kumar presented a detailed script based on the boxer’s life a month before the Olympics were due to start. Kumar, who had done extensive research in Kom’s hometown in Manipur, had acquired permission for drafting her life into a script and the possibility of a Bollywood film.

Speaking to Reuters, Kom says: “At first, I thought he (Kumar) was joking but then he did some research around my village and spoke to people, so I knew he was serious.”

The five-time women’s boxing world champion also told Reuters that she hoped for a little bit of romance to spice up her on-screen debut and not just the sweat, tears and grime that had gone into moulding her life as it is today.

“I hope they show some romance in the film,” she reveals. “That’s also important, right?

Bhansali told PTI: “It is an inspiring story that touched my heart. Not many films are based on biopics of living people, so this is a rare experiment. I am proud that I am part of this film.”

Last week Kom met both Omung Kumar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Mumbai. When asked if she would like to play the lead role and depict herself on the silver screen, the 29-year-old said: “They will show my struggle and how difficult it was, but I don’t know who will play me — that is up to them.

“I cannot act, I can only box.”

Omung Kumar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have previously worked together on films such as Black and Saawariya.

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Aishwarya Rai weight loss in new campaign under fire

13/08/2012 By 3 Comments

She is often known as the most beautiful woman in the world but lately she’s faced some harsh critique regarding her appearance. Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai was rebuked by her fans and media critics when she failed to lose those extra pounds weeks after giving birth to her first child. She’s on the receiving end for her weight issues again! Only this time it is towards her weight loss, deemed incredible by many.

Aishwarya Rai, former Miss World and the Bollywood actress, unleashed a barrage of criticism after she was spotted at the Cannes Film Festival in May earlier this year with a double chin. Fans were furious, demanding Rai uphold her duty as a star and maintain a slim figure. While one said: “She is a Bollywood actress and it is her duty to look good and fit,” the other commented: “She needs to learn from people like Victoria Beckham who are back to size zero weeks after their delivery.”

Married to one of India’s most eligible bachelors, the Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan made headlines across the world. Eight months after giving birth to baby Aaradhya, Rai is back to her slender self as she exudes confidence and glamour in her new project – a print advert for a national jewellers. However, instead of positive feedback for her weight loss, the actress’ new advert has caused fresh controversy. Rai now faces new rumours that allege that her photographs have been enhanced in post production.

B-wood website Bollywoodlife.com wrote: “We can’t figure out if she’s really lost weight or if the pictures are heavily Photoshopped. The ad has been shot aesthetically, which gives an impression that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is floating in golden-hued water. The actress was last spotted with baby Aaradhya in June this year, and it’s quite surprising that she has got back to her lean self within a matter of two months, or as we said before – the images might be a result of heavy editing.”

However, the director of photography for the shoot has denied any such allegation. Kiran Deohans, who shot the advertising material, said: “Coming back post-delivery after months and shooting for this commercial, Aishwarya is still the same. She is a true professional and has the same passion for work.

“As the director of photography, I felt she is the most beautiful woman I ever worked with. She always had that sparkling glow on her face earlier and even after pregnancy.”

Rai’s international fame and stunning good looks mean that she will always be on the receiving end of controversy. Here’s hoping the new working mum can look past the rumour mills and concentrate on her assignments!

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Saif issues apology after revealing plans to work with Natalie Portman a “joke”

01/08/2012 By Leave a Comment

Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan seems to have gotten himself into a bit of a pickle. The actor recently withdrew a comment in which he’d informed the media that his upcoming project featured Hollywood diva Natalie Portman, stating that it was nothing but a “joke”.

After the success of his latest production Cocktail, Saif was quoted in the press saying that his next venture was slotted to be a love story starring the Black Swan actress:“A love story we are working on … It’s a secret … We are doing a film with Natalie Portman.”

However, this week it emerged that the actor did not mean for his comments to be taken seriously. Being constantly hounded by the press, Saif assumed his far-fetched revelations would be taken with a pinch of salt. The 41-year-old said: “It was a joke, I am sorry. It’s just that I am very annoyed with speculations on all aspects of my life. If this goes on, I might just start making up stories like these to entertain myself. Hope people will understand that.”

Saif, a favourite with the Indian paparazzi, has been in the news whether it is for his films or for the unconfirmed nuptials planned with beau and Bollywood top actress Kareena Kapoor.

A source close to the actor revealed: “Saif is plain amused to see so much being said and written about his personal life as well as certain career decisions. Right from being married off to Kareena every second month to the newer dates being announced to the questions coming his way about playing a lover boy to actually getting some of the biggest successes whenever he has wooed his girls on screen, Saif is finding himself in the thick of things. It was one such moment when a journalist asked him about his future plans and Saif decided to have some fun.”

Despite the quip regarding Natalie Portman’s presence being meant as a little bit of harmless fun, it has been speculated that Saif offered the apology after being handed a “cease and desist” legal notice from Portman’s lawyers. However, an anonymous source reveals: “That’s untrue. None of this has happened and there has been no communication whatsoever from Natalie or anyone else in her team. In the clarification, when he said ‘sorry,’ it was to all his fans and followers who had actually believed what was being written. However, some people misconstrued it as a reaction to the (non-existent) notice from Natalie. Again, this is wrong information. A lot is being made out of nothing.”

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Sherlyn Chopra becomes Playboy’s first Indian cover girl

26/07/2012 By Leave a Comment

Bollywood starlet Sherlyn Chopra is set to create history when she appears as the first Indian woman to be featured in the November issue of Playboy. The 28-year-old actress, who has played bit parts in a variety of forgettable Bollywood films, is the reason behind a media storm where many accuse her for shaming the country by appearing naked in the adult magazine.

Chopra has revealed that she wrote to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner asking to be featured in his magazine and had to work hard in order to land the gig. Although apprehensive at first, she is ecstatic to be first Indian woman to be featured on the cover of this internationally-recognised brand. She told BBC Hindi: “It is not an easy task to be nude in front of the camera and look good at the same time.”

Her controversial move has left India stunned as it struggles to come to terms that an Indian woman would be publicly flaunting her ‘modesty’ to an international audience. While some have reacted negatively on microblogging website Twitter, there are those who see this bold move as positive both for Chopra and brand India.

One Twitter user commented: “She’s not hot, she’s repulsive”, while media commentator Gayatri Sankar said: “At a time when innocent women across the nation from Gujarat to Guwahati have been subjected to sexual abuse and humiliation, one wonders if Sherlyn Chopra’s pictures wound a woman’s integrity.”

However, there are those who see this move as progressive and honest and applaud Chopra for making a distinctive if controversial career choice. Journalist Rajyasree Sen wrote in her opinion piece on a national news publication: “Sherlyn, the nation is proud.”

However, all the attention does not seem to affect Chopra who is proud of her Playboy gig: “I have become the first Indian to pose naked for Playboy and nobody can take away that achievement from me.”

Whatever her reasons, her latest role has brought Chopra plenty of media attention – and that’s even before her photos debut on the world market. Having created history, once can only expect Chopra to go from strength to strength.

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First superstar of Bollywood, Rajesh Khanna, dies at 69

18/07/2012 By Leave a Comment

Bollywood’s first superstar, Rajesh Khanna, passed away at his Mumbai bungalow Ashirwad on Bandra’s Carter Road today. The 69-year-old had been hospitalised on 23 June at Lilavati Hospital when he was taken in to treat his exhaustion and weakness. He was later released on 8 July and brought home and some reports suggest that he was kept on ventilator.

Khanna has started in more than 160 films throughout his acting career and made a name for himself playing romantic leads. He earned the title ‘first superstar’ after 15 consecutive solo film hits between 1969-1972 which included Aradhana, Haathi Mere Saathi, Anand and Amar Prem.

Born Jatin Khanna, Rajesh Khanna debuted in Aakhri Khat in 1966 under Chatan Anand’s tutelage as director of the film. Ravi Kapoor, who later adopted the screen name Jeetendra, was his childhood friend and together the duo conquered the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Indians.

After winning three Filmfare awards during his acting career, Khanna entered politics and held a seat in Indian Parliament’s Lok Sabha from 1992-1996. The yesteryear hero was also awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award in 2005 for his contribution to the Indian film industry.

His death has affected celebrities, politicians and fans alike who took to microblogging site Twitter to express their grief. Bollywood film director, Karan Johar (Twitter handle@kjohar25), said: “the magic…the mannerism…the mania of RAJESH KHANNA is inscribed in every archive of indian cinema…forever….RIP SIR!!!”

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s Twitter page (Twitter handle @PMOIndia) also bore condolences: “The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of cinema personality, entertainer and former Member of Parliament, Shri Rajesh Khanna.”

Khanna is survived by his wife Dimple Kapadia and two daughters Twinkle and Rinkie Khanna. Bollywood top actor Akshay Kumar is his son-in-law married to former actress Twinkle.

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Dara Singh dies at age 83

12/07/2012 By Leave a Comment

After prolonged illness, veteran Bollywood actor Dara Singh passed away on Thursday morning. The wrestler-turned-actor was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Saturday following a cardiac arrest and was later found to have suffered serious brain damage.

The 83-year-old actor was brought home after five days of battling for his life in the hospital and spent the last moments with family and friends. Ram Narain, COO at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, told PTI news service: “He passed away at 7.30 AM peacefully.”

Mr Singh, India’s favourite wrestling hero who was awarded a Rustam-e-Hind for his prowess, never lost a fight in his life. He began his acting career in 1952 starring in the film ‘Sangdil’ and went on to star in some iconic films and television shows. He will always be fondly remembered for playing the part of Hanuman in the TV blockbusters ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’ that brought him closer to families across the country.

His last onscreen role was in the hit Imtiaz Ali film ‘Jab We Met’ in 2007 where he portrayed the character of lead actress Kareena Kapoor’s grandfather.

Mr Singh was also a former Rayja Sabha member in the Indian parliament. Following his death, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh conveyed his condolences: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Dara Singh, who has been an inspiration and icon to many generations in our country.

“A self-educated son-of-the-soil, he rose to the heights of the entertainment world, sports arena and public life with humility and grace. His contribution to the Hindi and Punjabi cinema, wrestling and the Upper House of the Parliament will be remembered by millions.”

We at Bhangra.org will remember the spirit of Dara Singh and wish his family and friends the deepest courage at this time of grief.

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Dara Singh critical but not dead

11/07/2012 By Leave a Comment

Amid a flurry of concern over the condition of veteran Indian actor Dara Singh, the rumour mills have started reporting his ‘death’. However, the wrestler-turned-actor is still alive and continues to be in critical condition at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Mr Singh was admitted to the hospital on Saturday 7 July following a cardiac arrest. A recent MRI scan declared Mr Singh brain dead with recovery unlikely and it has been reported that he has stopped responding to medication.

Mr Singh, who is undergoing dialysis at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, has been diagnosed with significant damage to his brain.

Ram Narain, COO at the hospital, told IANS news agency today: “His condition is still very critical. MRI is showing significant damage to brain due to decreased oxygen supply to brain when he had the cardiac arrest.”

An incorrect report by Manorama Online that reported the actor’s death brought on a flood of condolences from fans across Twitterverse. However, sources close to the actor and his family maintain that he is still alive and fighting for life. Mr Singh continues to be in critical condition and although doctors feel there is “less chance at recovery”, celebrities and fans continue to pray for the actor.

Dara Singh played the role of Hanuman in the popular television series ‘Ramayan’. His last acting role was in the hit Imtiaz Ali film ‘Jab We Met’ in 2007 where he acted as Kareena Kapoor’s grandfather.

Mr Singh won the title of Rustam-e-Hind for his wrestling talent and debuted in 1952 with the film ‘Sangdil’.

Bhangra.org would like to request people to stop spreading incorrect RIP messages for Dara Singh. For all the latest updates regarding Mr Singh’s health, follows us on Twitter @Bhangra_News

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Detective thriller a la Byomkesh next on radar for director Dibakar Banerjee

27/06/2012 By Leave a Comment

Celebrated Bengali literature’s fictional detective, Byomkesh Bakshi, is the inspiration behind Bollywood director Dibakar Banerjee’s upcoming film titled Kolkata. The Shanghai director has set his eyes on a detective thriller set in the Indian city, Kolkata. Banerjee, who is a huge fan of detective icons such as Sherlock Holmes and Bengal’s very own Bakshi, has finally decided to portray his love for the genre on the silver screen.

A source close to the film director confirmed: “Dibakar is a huge fan of detective thrillers and investigative stories. ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and the Bengali detective ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ are among his favourite detective shows. He was toying with the idea of making a film on such a subject for a long time and he is finally doing it.”

However, there are concerns that Banerjee’s detective tribute might be compared to the recent Bollywood superhit , Kahaani, that was also a murder mystery, also set in Kolkata.

The source reveals: “It’s [the film Kolkata] a murder mystery based in Kolkata but has no resemblance to Kahaani. It is going to be a hardcore detective thriller. Since Dibakar’s lead character is also a Bengali detective guy and his film is set in Kolkata, the comparisons with Byomkesh Bakshi are bound to happen. However, it’s not clear yet whether Dibakar’s film is an original story or adaptation of Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay popular detective series.”

Although the film director is still scripting his project, work on Kolkata is already underway with production crews busy building the initial framework for the shoots. “His [Dibakar Banerjee] production designer has been making frequent trips to Kolkata since February to finalize the locations,” said the source.

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