Aks-Can't Afford to Miss big B in Aks
The Cast and Crew
Manoj Bajpai has a Nana Patekarish blend of intensity and ordinariness. He has outdone himself as the epitome of all that's evil and dark, using his voice brilliantly (his chillingly effective laughter has been used to punctuate Amitabh's dialogues when he is possessed by Raghavan), to lend a creepy aura to a fiercely shady character.
Nandita Das is brilliant as Supriya, Manu Verma's doting, proud and fiercely protective wife. She has drawn on her experience in unconventional roles (Earth, Fire, the shelved Water) to portray, beautifully, a woman who has no clue as to what is tearing her world apart but is determined to do something about it.
Raveena Tandon as Neeta, a club dancer who can't resist Raghavan's enigma and intensity, manages to hold her own in a few confrontation scenes with Manu Verma. She's required to look drop dead gorgeous and is enthralling in the visually lavish dance numbers, especially Aaja gufaaon mein aa.
Rakesh Mehra (who cowrote the screenplay of Aks in two days flat), has made full use of Paul Sims (Visual Effects Designer) and Nick Dudman (Prosthetics Makeup), especially in scenes where Manu Verma/Raghavan tear off masks to reveal the person beneath without having to edit the shot or sending him behind a tree as is wont in Hindi films.
Kiran Deohans' cinematography is definitely on par with the world's best, exploring a wide range of camera angles and using blue lenses to bring out the shadiness and evil into the surroundings, which adds to the chill factor.
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Aks has been professed as an attempt at a new genre of Indian cinema, in terms of script as well as its presentation. It might well become one.
It must be said that his reactions are often visibly slow when the script would have demanded more physical energy and sharpness -- especially in scenes where he is possessed by Raghavan's spirit.
Aks gives the Big B an opportunity to use the range of expressions he redefined in his prime.
This is a film you can't afford to miss him in.
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Phoolan and I
Shekhar Kapur, the critically acclaimed director, whose Bandit Queen was a screen adaptation of Phoolan Devi and her life, reminisces about her:
I liked one thing about Phoolan -- her lack of vindictiveness.
The same woman who was raped and victimised by the society was full of life. I liked the childlike optimism about life in her.
The enormity of inequality in the lower caste is huge. And Phoolan represented that class which oppressed women. That anger in her forced me to make a film on her.
I openly confronted the caste system, which angered a lot of people.
My anger arose from the guilt in the fact that none of them resented it. That anger made me take action by making a film to represent a life through Phoolan's character.
Phoolan died for a cause -- there has to be a purpose for this -- and will definitely go down in history. I am sure a lot of people will learn from her death.
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I’m not a people person’: Akshaye Khanna
Akshaye Khanna who rules out rules and regulations speaks to Tanuj Garg about his sensitivity, love life and his latest 'Dil Chahta Hai'
A fairly long gap since we have seen Akshay Khanna on the silver screen. Now you are back in action with Dil Chahta Hai.
It wasn’t really that long, it is just that I’ve never planned my releases. But sure, it’s a great feeling to renew my tryst with the silver screen, I feel more energised and refreshed. I’ve never felt better. I’m in a better state of mind, feeling more creative than before, and Dil Chahta Hai has honestly been fun! Have you seen it? I’m really happy with the final product.
Your character in the movie is that of a sincere and mature boy who keeps to himself. How close are you to your role in real life?
Not completely, but in some ways, yes. I do share certain traits with the character I play. For example, like the guy I play in the film who picks up his haversack, his buddies and pushes off to Goa, I would love to just take off on a holiday on the spur of the moment.
I love things that are spontaneous and unplanned. Planned holidays are not for me, I have had enough of those when I was in school.
If you could go off like that to Goa, what would you do there?
I would love to do that. I love everything about Goa. I love Goan food, I love the culture and free-flowing spirits there. I’ll chill out on the beach, go swimming, freak out on the water-scooters and speedboats. I love the air in Goa. It’s good.
Coming back to Dil Chahta Hai, you fall in love with Tara Jaiswal, an elderly and utterly glamourous lady, played by Dimple Kapadia. Has something like that happened to you in real life?
That was a different, and an immensely satisfying role! My relationship with Tara has been handled with extreme sensitivity and realism. It is love in its purest form. And (laughs) no, I have never experienced
anything of the kind. But it could happen. What is the big deal, anyway? I don’t think you should let trivial things like age bog you down.
The next big film is JP Dutta’s Kargil. What made you opt for a film that has ten heroes?
You know there are some people with whom you enjoy working, and he’s one of them. It’s an enthralling experience. He understands me really well. Also, I feel we need to make more films on the armed forces to acknowledge their sacrifice. That’s why I feel even closer to him and to his cinema.
If you had to describe yourself, how would you do it?
I am not very good with people, but that does not mean I am rude to them either. I guess I am not a people’s person. I have a few likes and dislikes like everyone else. I am not a very good letter writer.
I find it boring to be on the Net unless I am looking for specific information. And if you are lucky, you may get an occasional mail from me. I like playing cards, though I don’t gamble as I always end up losing money!
What were you like, as a kid?
Naughty and awfully rebellious! I was against rules and regulations. I couldn’t understand them. I hated anything that contained my freedom.
Has anyone called you sexy?
Not that I can recall! It’s a nice compliment, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously!
Do you still play the guitar?
No, unfortunately, I’ve lost touch. I miss it. It’s always nice to know an instrument, na? I don’t even have my guitar with me any longer. Maybe I should have retained it.
What about the piano?
No, but Rahul plays the piano really well.
What about friends? Can you have real friendships in the industry or are they all mere professional relationships?
Unlike what some people think, one can make great friends in the film industry. I have some lasting friendships here that I really value and that have stood the test of time and I continue to make friends as I work.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done for a friend?
I don’t know. I can’t remember.
Considering your bedroom overlooks the sea, do you often lean out of your window, pause and reminisce about the days gone by?
I have a fantastic view from my room; Marine Drive in all its glory! Yeah, I often look out and think about things, introspect, reflect, but I concentrate on the future. I don’t dwell in the past. I’m not a philosopher either!
Are you sensitive?
I’m not sensitive. I’m ultra-sensitive. Maybe it’s not in one’s interest to be too sensitive.
Why?
It just isn’t.
You play a lot of squash, right? Does it help you unwind?
I used to play badminton till about a decade back. Then I switched to squash. I enjoy it. It’s intense.
So when you are angry, you hit the ball?
Nope. I don’t vent my frustrations on the squash ball! (Laughs)
Have you had any crushes?
Oh, I’ve had loads of them. I’ve gone through that puppy-love phase. I’ve been in love, I’ve been through heartbreaks.
What’s your heart’s desire?
Peace of mind.
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Coke still hangs on to Hrithik; but Fardeen’s taken on Provogue
Those who believe in the theory that the coke controversy will do for Fardeen Khan what the drugs controversy, and later, a trip to jail, did to Sanjay Dutt, have another reason to be convinced. Provogue, the male apparel brand, has just signed on the Khan as their ambassador. ‘‘We signed on John Abraham last year, and he went on to become a supermodel. Now we wanted an actor, and we felt that Fardeen was the person to sign on. He is the star to watch out for,’’ said Salil Chatrudevi of Provogue.
Hot on the heels of the controversy, this could prove the old there-is-no-such-thing-as-bad-publicity cliche, which the industry has always followed, to be true.
Khalnayak’s opening was 10-fold preceding Sanjay Dutt’s jail tenure, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke also picked up after the Bharat Shah arrest, Salman Khan’s poaching penchant and by-now famous volatile temper has certainly not affected his popularity, and even more recently, Fardeen Khan’s Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, which came just after the Cocaine arrest, was declared a hit. ‘‘Playboys, fighters and brash guys have more aspirational value for youngsters than someone who has a mamma’s boy kind of a look. This, because you can’t be like them yourself, so you live your excesses through them,’’ says Sanjay Mehta, film distributor and industry watcher.
And considering that Provogue is considered a brand with a particularly good flair for market strategy and intuitive nose for picking out a winner — they got Hrithik Roshan to endorse them at the peak of Kaho Na Pyar Hai mania — this move should speak for Khan’s prospects in the future.
Smart advertising it may be, but adman Alyque Padamsee frowns at the idea. ‘‘I don’t think Fardeen Khan is the right choice. Because as a brand ambassador, not only your professional, but also your personal life influences young mind.’’ He adds more cheekily: ‘‘I hope Fardeen Khan doesn’t make a ‘hash’ of it.’’
Chaturvedi, while admitting that the decision to sign on Fardeen was taken ‘‘a few weeks ago’’ says, however, that the recent controversy did not weigh heavy on their mind when taking the decision. ‘‘We did think about it, but the positives far outweighed the negatives,’’ said Chaturvedi, going on to list Khan’s ‘‘energy and universal appeal’’ as strong plus points that wants to send across a message that is ‘‘aspirational, ambitious and redefines fashion.’’
There is no doubt that Fardeen Khan, with his chiselled good looks and his sharp pair of surfer-like glares in the chart-sizzler Kambakht Ishq would fit into the redefining fashion category. Khan himself says: ‘‘I thought it would be interesting to endorse a fashion brand because films and fashion have a lot to do with each other.’’ His designer is Mumbai-based Shaheed Amir, but he is looking forward to a brand new wardrobe from Provogue. As for Delhi, look forward to seeing him next month, when he comes to open Provogue’s first exclusive store in Connaught Place next month.
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Post-KBC, Bachchan eyes international movies
After conquering Bollywood and setting television screens ablaze with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), Millennium superstar Amitabh BACHCHAN says he is looking forward to roles in international movies.
The evergreen "angry young man" of Indian cinema and former MP confessed that he was a "failure" in politics and said the issue of underworld-Bollywood nexus has been "slightly exagerrated."
"Obviously it is a dream come true for any actor to be exposed as much as possible not just within his own country but outside as well, but nothing has come so far and we are not actually deliberately going out looking for movies but if there is a project, I would be happy to look at it," Bachchan told CNN's 'Talk Asia' programme to be telecast on Sunday night.
He was responding to a question on whether he was looking for roles in international movies, a release from the channel said.
Stating that he had entered politics on an "emotional note" and had offered his services to then Prime Minister Raji Gandhi "when the country was in a state of trauma", Bachchan said, "having reached Parliament, I discovered much to my dismay that politics was not about emotion, it was a much bigger game and I possibly could not handle it.
"I did not know politics and I was a failure as far as politics was concerned and rather than impose my inadequacies on the constituents, I decided to withdraw," he said.
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A role for Ms Winsome
Priyanka Chopra still has the world at her feet, by the looks of it.
The Ms World is said to have impressed Hollywood macho hero, Steven Seagal, so much that he’s offered her the lead role in a forthcoming thriller opposite him.
Now that should come as music to her ears, especially since Abhishek Bachchan has opted out of an Abbas-Mastan movie in which Priyanka is to play the heroine. Buck up, Ms Winsome, you win some, you lose some.
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Manoj Bajpai gets a new lease of life in Bollywood
His diabolical role in Rakesh Omprakash Mehra's "Aks" has not just won him laurels, it has also given the gifted actor a new sense of direction and life in Bollywood.
Jubilant about the accolades that have come his way post the July 13 release of "Aks," Bajpai describes his bizarre character as a metaphor for evil.
He told IANS: "Though I was completely fascinated by the role, I didn't know how to approach my part. We wanted to make the devil a seductive and attractive embodiment of evil. To some extent, I think we've succeeded."
Shooting down rumors that he had taken to drinking and brawling after the failure of his recent films like "Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar" and "Ghaat," Bajpai said rumormongers could "come to his house in Mumbai and see how he lives."
"After giving all of myself to my roles I've no energy to socialize. I stay home, read and watch the news channels. I'd rather watch news than create it for the wrong reasons."
Bajpai is all praise for his co-star, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. "At the age of 60, he comes on the sets with 200 percent concentration, excitement and curiosity. After traveling 30 years down the road of stardom, he's still as impassioned by his roles as a debutant.
"He has been more than inspiring during 'Aks.' He has given me the urge to better myself constantly. When I look at actors like Amitabh and Naseeruddin Shah, I feel completely inadequate."
Content to do only a handful of roles, the actor who shot to fame as underworld gangster Bhiku Mhatre in director Ram Gopal Varma's "Satya", says he's daunted by the lack of acting challenges.
"Very few roles that are offered to me jell with me. I can't lie to myself or to the filmmaker by pocketing his money and pretending the role is fantastic, only to lose interest in the project halfway. I'm not just choosy, but also lazy. It's physically impossible for me to work in several projects at the same time." At the moment he has only four assignments on hand.
Describing his acting assignments so far as stressful and taxing, Bajpai says he has decided to take it easy for a while, to concentrate on his performances instead of being constantly bothered about the whole project.
"I don't insist on leading roles alone, as some people believe. What I object to is being slotted as a conventional villain on the basis of my looks. This is exactly what happened to me when I first came into the Mumbai film industry.
"Since then I've a mental block about playing uni-dimensional villains, or for that matter one-dimensional heroes as well. But I thoroughly enjoyed playing the dark and layered villain in 'Aks.'"
A bit tired of the politics and unhealthy competition in the film industry, Bajpai says he heads for New Delhi where his family stays each time he needs to reconnect with reality.
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