Despite the absence of many top Bollywood stars, the IIFA 2009(International Indian Film Academy) pulled off as a gala event amidst much glamour and glitter. It was a special event for the host Amitabh Bachchan as his wax statue from Madame Tassauds has been unveiled at this ceremony and was displayed there till June 13 after which it was sent back to London.
An overwhelmed Big B said, “I am very happy and I thank Madame Tussauds for considering me worthy of a wax statue. I hope many more from India fraternity join me in the museum.”
Daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai said, “The statue is nice but you can’t beat the original.”
The fashion extravaganza held at Venetian Hotel on June 12 was hosted by celebrity duo Zayed Khan and Sophie Choudhary, who appeared in Manav Gangwani creations. Many Bollywood stars walked the ramp showcasing creations by leading Indian designers Rocky S, Manav Gangwani, Anamika Khanna and Farah Ali Khan — along with a new collection by Hong Kong designer Chris Chang. Hrithik and wife Suzzane Roshan showcased the jewelary by Farah Ali Khan. Sonam Kapoor carried the stylish evening wear by Anamika Khanna with commendable poise. Bipasha Basu appeared in a creation by Rocky S, while Dia Mirza, Dino Morea and Madhavan modeled for Manav Gangwani, and Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse were show-stoppers for Siyaram. As an icing to the cake was the performance by international singing sensation Peter Andre.
The event also saw performance by the host family members Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Inspite of the absence of beau John Abraham, Bipasha Basu gave a dazzling performance. Nonetheless, IIFA, this year, missed many key players including SRK, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Ajay Devgan, and Rani Mukherji to list a few.
Director Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani have no two thoughts that their sequel ‘Don 2’ will be a grand and extraordinary flick in terms of action, locales and grandeur. The film will be shot in Dublin where no Indian film has been shot till date. Though there is no double role for SRK this time, he will be performing daring and breathtaking stunts this time. But for this, his shoulder surgery could pose a problem. So, SRK has given his dates in 2009 for Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’ which does not require much physical stamina. He has decided to start the shoot for ‘Don 2’ in May 2010 in Ireland and Berlin. Contrary to the rumors Priyanka Chopra is very much there in the sequel.
Producer Ritesh Sidhwani confirms this saying, “We’re very much going ahead with the original cast Shah Rukh, Priyanka, Boman Irani, Arjun Rampal and Om Puri. Only those who died in the original won’t return, obviously.”
He adds, “We’re shooting Don 2 in Dublin. No Indian film has been shot there. We want to make sure that the sequel goes ahead of the first film. While the first part was a remake the sequel is an original script and would be much tougher to film for Shah Rukh and Farhan.”
Nagesh Kukunoor had this time tried his hand in a scientific thriller. The concept was undoubtedly good and interesting but what fell short was the presentation. He as a thriller story teller proved disaster. The story moves smoothly but at the mid-way slows down and somewhere lost the grip. The story opens up well and able to hold interest but to a certain point. Nagesh had tried to give the flick a Hollywood touch.
The exotic location of Canada and South Africa are breathtaking but the movie lacks in screenplay. Technically the film is sound but the climax is very much stretching, it goes deeper and deeper with new discoveries. As we know Kukunoor is a fabulous story teller, he carries forward the story appreciably well and at the perfect timing put full-stop and comma.
The movie encircles around Jai Puri (Akshay Kumar) who possesses a supernatural power. On looking at 8 x 10 Tasveer (Photo) of any deceased person taken just before his or her death, he can tell the reason behind the death. Jai working as a forest ranger in Canada stays away from his parents, Savitri (Sharmila Tagore) and Jatin (Benjamin Gilani) as his father does not believe in his super natural power and feels disgusted as his son does not take interest in his business. Angry Jai creates a separate world for him and stays amongst those who believe in his paranormal power.
Jai had a live-in relationship with Sheela (Ayesha Takia) who was Jai’s greatest support and deepest love. But Sheela too was not very much impressed with his power who always desires to lead a normal and peaceful life. But unknowingly Jai’s power proved to be a blessing for him. He used his power to discover the truth of his father’s death who was his greatest inspiration. On knowing that the story said about his father fallen from a yacht and died in a hear attack was not true but making, Jai went deep into the matter.
He was shocked to find that the men behind his father’s death was none other than his father’s close associates like Sunder (Anant Mahadevan), business associate Adit (Rushad Rana) and good friend cum lawyer Anil Sharma (Girish Karnad). How Jai goes to the root of the story and finds out the people behind his father’s murder forms the rest of the story.
The film has hardly any space and situation for music and the best part is that songs are kept minimal. The background score by Salim Suleiman been able to create the tensed and thrill situation.
Speaking about the performances, Akshay Kumar is as usual the best. He played his part well and properly expressed the mood of the protagonist. Ayesha Takia is Ok. Javed Jaffery in the role of a cop is fine. Sharmila Tagore and Benjamin Gilani are undoubtedly superb. Anant Mahadevan, Rushad Rana and Girish Karnad are up to the mark.
In the nutshell, 8 x 10 TASVEER is not a full paisa wasool film. The film will disappoint you if you go with high hopes. Business at the box office will also be not very profitable.
In a glittering and star-studded night, the 54th Filmfare awards have been announced and the talents of Bollywood were awarded for their hard work and success. Held at the Yashraj Studios in suburban Mumbai and hosted by two newbie of the industry, Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan, the event turned out to be fresh and more entertaining. As the nominees walked the red carpet donned in designer clothes, tension and excitement brewed on their face. But when the black lady was handed over to the winners, tension went off and they looked confident and happy.
Performances by Svelte Katrina Kaif from her hits Singh is King and Yuvraaj, charming Shahid Kapur from Jab we met, Sexy Bipasha Basu and suave Neil Nitin Mukesh from Aa Dekhen Zara and Abhishek Bachchan from title track of Delhi 6 set the stage on fire.
Below is the list of the winners who are honored with the 54th Filmfare awards.
Best Actor
HRITHIK ROSHAN | Jodha Akbar
Best Actress
PRIYANKA CHOPRA | Fashion
Best Film
JODHA AKBAR
Best Director
ASHUTOSH GOWARIKAR | Jodha Akbar
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
ARJUN RAMPAL | Rock On!
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
KANGANA RANAUT | Fashion
Best Music Director
A R RAHMAN | Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
Best Lyrics
JAVED AKHTAR | Jash-e-Bahara, Jodha Akbar
Best Playback Singer (Male)
SUKHWINDER SINGH | Haule Haule, Rab Ne bana Di Jodi
Best Playback Singer (Female)
SHREYA GHOSHAL | Teri Ore, Singh Is King
Critics' Award For Best Actress
SHAHANA GOSWAMI | Rock On
Critics' Award For Best Film
NISHIKANT KAMAT | Mumbai Meri Jaan
Best Story
ABHISHEK KAPOOR | Rock On!
Best Screenplay
YOGESH JOSHI, UPENDRA SIDHAYE | Mumbai Meri Jaan
Best Dialogue
MANU RISHI | Oye Lucky Lucky Oye
Best Editing
AMIT PAWAR | Mumbai Meri Jaan
Best Cinematography
JASON WEST | Rock On!
Best Choreography
LONGINUS FERNANDES | Pappu Can’t Dace, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
Best Action
PETER HEINS | Ghajini
Best Background Score
A R RAHMAN | Jodha Akbar
Sensational Debut (Male)
IMRAN KHAN | Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
FARHAN AKHTAR | Rock On!
Sensational Debut (Female)
ASIN | Ghajini
