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Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, now on Netflix in eight episodes is everything that Bhansali has come to be associated with, then some more. It is a feast for the eyes and soul with a gallery of female actors giving their best to every shot. At times the best of these actresses is not good enough. One of the lead actresses pretending to be drunken dancing is ludicrously caricatural. But then there is Aditi Rao Hydari looking every inch the ethereal kothewali, a distant cousin to Rekha in Umrao Jaan. And Shruti Sharma as ill-fated-in-love Saima makes her space. I must also mention Jayati Bhatia as Manisha Koirala’s faithful woman-Friday. Even when in the background she makes her presence felt.

Bhansali’s vision and execution are impeccable so much so that you wonder what this kotha classic would look like on the big screen.

On...

Years Before Rekha & Sanjay Dutt’s Linkup Rumors Surfaced, Nargis Called Her A Witch. (Photo Credit – IMDb/Instagram)

Indian actress Rekha ruled the cinema world for years and is considered a legend. On the one hand, she had an illustrious career in showbiz, while on the other, that is, in her personal life, love alluded to the Umrao Jaan star. She has been linked with several actors, and her affair with Amitabh Bachchan is still a hot topic. Her linkups were infamous back in the day, and it once prompted Sanjay Dutt’s mother, Nargis, to pass a controversial statement against the veteran actress.

A few years later, there were rumors about Sanjay and Rekha’s affair, and some even claimed that the duo got married in a secret ceremony. From Akshay Kumar to Shatrughan Sinha, the Silisila actress has been linked with them all. People were left stunned when...

Veteran actress Himani Shivpuri recalled how she thought of quitting her career in acting after the demise of her husband Gyan Shivpuri in 1995 and calls it the toughest and most depressing period of her life.

She shared: “Many times after my husband’s unexpected death, I seriously considered quitting acting. I wanted to give up everything because I used to feel bad about leaving my child at home to go to shows as a mother. Because we did not have much money, we had no choice but to work. I recall one event in Kolkata when I breastfed my child on the train.”

The actress, who had been part of a number of TV shows and films reminisced the days of her struggle and added: “It is difficult to forget the stress and difficulty of those days, rushing to the restroom before performances to express the milk, so the costume didn’t get wet.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is celebrating his 12th wedding anniversary in the Maldives, has posted a photograph his "girls" -- wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya -- enjoying quality time in the pool. The Refugee actor has been actively sharing images from his vacation on Instagram. In the latest image, Aishwarya is seen sporting a pair of sunglasses and is striking a pose with her daughter in her arms.?

Abhishek captioned the image: "Happiness, My girls.."

Aishwarya and Abhishek tied the knot in April 2007 and welcomed their bundle of joy, Aaradhya, in 2011.

The star couple have shared screen space in several films such as Kuch Naa Kaho, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, Dhoom 2, Umrao Jaan and Guru. Their last film together was filmmaker Mani Ratnam's Raavan.

On the work front, Aishwarya was last seen in Fanney Khan while Abhishek was last seen in Manmarziyaan along with Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal.

Actress Shweta Basu Prasad, who has featured in theTASHKENT Files, says the celebration of women-centric films is not a new phenomena as Indian cinema is known for presenting women in a progressive manner from the 1940s era. On the changing image of women in Bollywood, Shweta told Ians here: "I do not think that women-led films are a recent phenomena. I rather believe that we are going back to the golden phase of Indian cinema. The major change that has happened is in the audience and producers."

"The audience has started appreciating stories that are compelling, relatable and holds relevance. The audience has understood that a story has no gender and that is why when they watch a film that has strong female characters, they enjoy it equally."

Citing the example of films like Achhut Kannya, Devi, Ek Din Pratidin, Umrao Jaan and Sujata, she said: "These days the talk...

The 1982 film had music by Khayyam and lyrics by Shahryr who together created iconic melodies like Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Aankhon Ki Masti. Umrao Jaan was directed by Muzaffar Ali and started Rekha, Farooq Shaikh and Naseeruddin Shah...

Rajasthani folk group Barmer Boys came to the Folk House, Bristol in early September. Their electrifying vocals stunned the audience who were transported to the desert and villages of Rajasthan. Everything about the performance was top notch. The showmanship, the charisma, the vocals, the tapestry of how they weaved the instrumental sounds together!

It was magical and clear to see that these boys are born to do what they do!

We had the opportunity to interview the Barmer Boys backstage before their Bristol gig. We also got the chance to speak to their agent Ankur Malhotra. This has to be one of the most fun and delightful interviews I have ever done. The Barmer Boys have a fantastic sense of humour, a genuine desire to perform with their hearts… and great taste in food!

So, who are the Barmer Boys?

The group consists of Mangey Khan on the lead vocals...

Starring – Tabu, Katrina Kaif, Aditya Roy Kapoor and above all, Kashmir

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor

There is only one hero in Abhishek Kapoor’s massively disappointing and bogus adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. And it’s not Aditya Roy Kapoor. It’s Kashmir. The film, purported to be a romance between the bewitching Katrina Kaif and the besotted Aditya Roy Kapoor, romances just the Kashmir Valley. The rest is all mystery.

I recommend Fitoor be used to promote tourism in the Valley. As for Charles Dickens and Great Expectations, thankfully the author is not around to see how far his novel about forbidden love has been taken away from its roots.

Dickens’ title, as it turns out, proves prophetically ironic. You enter director Abhishek Kapoor’s snow-swept stunning world of stillness and turbulence, with a whole lot of expectations. You come away feeling cheated, betrayed and also angry for...

It is already that time to say goodbye to the year that has passed and to look forward to the year ahead.

And oh are we glad!

Let’s face it, 2015 has been a poor year for Bollywood.

A really poor year.

For instance Shamitabh, Bombay Velvet and Katti Batti had the audiences hoping for a great show.

We held our breaths and were rather… disappointed.

And Dilwale?! Where is our Srk who has the God given gift to make the audience reel with tears, or with laughter?

Well, we won’t be despondent as with a New Year arrives new hope.

The BollySpice team have put their Bollytastic heads together to provide essential Bollywood New Year resolutions to ensure 2015 is not played on loop!

Bollywood, you can do it!

Konkona Sen – I shall do more films

Aishwarya, Srk, Imran, Salman – We will pick better scripts

Anushka Sharma – I will keep shining!

Veteran actress Rekha, who is known for several roles in Bollywood including Umrao Jaan, will be presented with yet another honour. The actress, who played the lead in Yash Chopra's one of the most controversial love triangle Silsila, will be awarded with the Yash Chopra Memorial Award this year. From what we hear, the name of Rekha was suggested for the award by a jury consisting of some of her co-stars like Hema Malini and Jaya Prada along with Simi Garewal, Boney Kapoor, Pam Chopra and T Subbarami Reddy (the one who instituted the award through Tsr Foundation in the memory of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra). The actress will be conferred with the award on February 2, 2016 by the Governor of Maharashtra in a lavish ceremony. The Yash Chopra Memorial Award which has previously been presented to icons like Lata Mangeshkar and Amitabh Bachchan includes a gold medal and a cash prize worth Rs.

The last film under Jp Dutta's production banner, Jp Films, hit theatres nearly a decade ago - Umrao Jaan in 2006 - and now the daughter of the filmmaker, Nidhi wants to continue with production but under a different name. Nidhi, who will be also making her acting debut soon, launched a production house called Jp Genes that will aim at nurturing and promoting young talented filmmakers. A source says, "Nidhi has already started reading scripts and will be announcing a new film early next year. Although she is heading the production house, she wants her father to be actively involved in it." Interestingly, Nidhi's acting debut Jee Bharke Jee Le will also be released early next under Jp Genes. The veteran filmmaker will, however, continue with his directorial pursuits for his own banner. Nidhi confirms the story and says, "The research work and permission required to make the kind of...

Director Pan Nalin is ecstatic about the response to his latest film, Angry Indian Goddesses, a female buddy movie that won the first runner up prize at Tiff’s Grolsch People’s Choice Awards. He’s taking in all the sights of Toronto, and has been shooting a music video for the film with his seven goddesses for the week. We caught up with Nalin before his world premiere to chat about feminism, funding the film, and his goddesses.

Was this film something that was gestating with you for a while?

Earlier when I did Samsara, and Valley of the Flowers, I did have strong female characters. I did write a couple of story lines, but it wasn’t fully developed. But very soon I realized that in India that it was very nearly impossible to raise any funds. You couldn’t even speak, because they [producers] would say, “Decades ago...

The classic 18th Century legend of Umrao Jaan is much loved and celebrated across South Asia and the world. With many blockbuster hits over the decades featuring famed Bollywood actors in the title role, Umrao’s story is treasured for its hauntingly beautiful themes of love, loss and her search for happiness. This year, the most desired courtesan of Mughal India arrives at the Edinburgh Fringe, broadening the festival’s cultural base in the form of a beautifully performed lesson in Indian history, music, culture and dance.

Making Umrao’s legendary tale accessible to western audiences, The Asian Music Circuit has adapted Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s original novel into a stunning stage production. Umrao – The Noble Courtesan offers something unique to Fringe audiences. This new production offers a stripped down, gritty, retelling of the tragedy. Directed by Vasilios Arabos and written by Simon Mundy in collaboration with Arabos, the new...

Pernia Qureshi has impressed the audience and the industry with her graceful dancing skills in Muzaffar Ali’s period film Jaanisaar. She also won the heart of Bollywood’s original dancing diva, Helen, who attended a screening of the film. Helen personally went up to Pernia and praised her flawless dance performances.

Confirming the information Pernia said, “The best compliment that I received today was from Helenji. She had come for the screening and she told me that she liked my dance a lot. And that is a big compliment because I’m a huge fan of her. No dancer in Bollywood was better than her. So, when she says something like this, it is a big achievement for me. That was really sweet.”

Sonam Kapoor, Sasha Agha, Javed Jaffrey and Dia Mirza were also present at the screening. Director Muzaffar Ali and actors Imran Abbas and Pernia were applauded for their work.

Umrao Gone!

By Subhash K Jha

Jaanisaar

Starring Imran Abbas, Pernia Quereshi

Directed by Muzaffar Ali

It’s the nature of the feast… and I do mean, feast. Sumptuously spread out into two hours of drama about love, courtship, separation, conflict, deception and damnation during the year 1877 (why 1877, you may well ask), 20 years after India patriots first woke up to the need for freedom.

Jaanisaar is the kind of visual spectacle that could transport you into another century, provided you are only looking at the lights, costumes and adaas. There is an old world elegance to how Imran Abbas’ eyes light up whenever he encounters the beautiful poetic Pernia Qureshi… Or, so it must have seemed to the very romantic and wise Muzaffar Ali, who in all romantic wisdom, also agreed to cast himself in a pivotal role. In this way he not only saves money, he also gets to...

Salman Khan is always known to value his close friends and show them support quite vocally. He recently took to Twitter and urged his fans to watch Muzaffar Ali’s upcoming film, Jaanisaar. The actor’s close family friend Beena Kak plays a pivotal role in the film and the actor wanted to show his support for the upcoming venture. He tweeted a picture from the movie, featuring lead actress Pernia Qureshi and Beena Kak that highlighted the upcoming release, with the message, “Watch bba in Jaanisar”.

Well, when Salman Khan says something, we’re bound to listen!

Jaanisaar is a period drama starring the gorgeous Pernia Qureshi and Pakistani heartthrob Imran Abbas Naqvi in lead roles. Set 20 years after the first war of Indian independence in 1857, the film essays the love story of a revolutionary courtesan of Avadh, and a prince brought up in England. Jaanisaar is directed by...

Bollywood epic movie ‘Umrao Jaan’ director Muzaffar Ali is returning after three decades gap with his next outing ‘Jaanisaar’. As the movie’s releasing date is coming near, the promotional activities of the film are going full swing. The Jaanisaar team were recently spotted promoting the film. Lead actors Imran Abbas and Permia Qureshi were presented along with director.

Jaanisaar is a love saga of a revolutionary courtesan of Avadh, India, and a prince brought up in England, set 20 years after the first war of Indian independence of 1857. Written by Javed Siddiqui, Shama Zaidi and Muzaffar Ali, the film is scheduled to release on 7th August this year.

The post Promotion of Muzaffar Ali’s ‘Jaanisaar’ appeared first on BollySpice.com.

The music launch of upcoming hindi film ‘Jaanisaar’ was turned into a musical concert last night as everybody presented there were in full musical mood. The leading stars – Imran Abbas and Pernia Qureshi attended the event along with director Muzaffar Ali, singer Sukhwinder Singh among others.

Pernia who was looking royal and elegant in a lehenga from House of Kotwara and jewelry by Amrapali, performed to a song from the film and brought back the old world charm. In other side, Imran was looking dapper in a grey suit.

Jaanisaar is a love saga of a revolutionary courtesan of Avadh, India, and a prince brought up in England, set 20 years after the first war of Indian independence of 1857. It marks the comeback of director Muzaffar Ali , who is known for his cult film Umrao Jaan (1981). The film is produced by Ali’s wife, Meera, and Arno Krimmer is the executive producer.

Fashion entrepreneur and actress Pernia Qureshi was part of cinematic history when she worked with famed choreographer Guru Kumudini Lakhia recently. Lakhiais the same choreographer who had earlier worked with Muzaffar Ali on his highly acclaimed film ‘Umrao Jaan’ with the legendary Rekha. Pernia Qureshi shot with the choreographer for a special dance sequence in her upcoming film ‘Jaanisaar’ where she plays a courtesan. The song titled Nigaahon Ne Maara Teri Kateeli was shot in and around Kotwara House in Delhi.

Speaking about this opportunity, Pernia said, “The experience of shooting this song was wonderful. Lakhia has choreographed it beautifully. It’s been an honour to train under someone like her. It was the best possible note to end the shooting of my debut movie on.”

Here’s wishing the actress all the best for a mesmerizing dance performance!

The post Pernia Qureshi works with famed Umrao Jaan Choreographer for Jaanisaar appeared first on BollySpice.

Leading fashion stylist Pernia Qureshi, best known for styling actress Sonam Kapoor in Aisha (2010), is moving to Mumbai to focus on her Bollywood career.

Pernia, who also has a successful online designer business will now be concentrating on films. So will her online business take a back seat? :I’ve been balancing it with shoots for two years now. My team in Delhi is very efficient,” says the confident stylist who was recently spotted hunting for apartments in the city. Ask her anything about her Bollywood assignments and the fashionista says, “Sonam and her family are like any other friends. They’re happy for me. So far I haven’t needed their support. I’ve done everything myself’.”

The actor-stylist did not get to design her costumes for her debut film but hopes she can do the same one-day. “I may make my own costumes and save the producers lots of money.

Stylist Pernia Qureshi, who received much recognition for designing Sonam Kapoor’s look in Aisha, will be seen in Muzaffar Ali’s upcoming period drama Jaanisar, which bears a striking resemblance to his previous movie Umrao Jaan. She is to play a courtesan in the 1870’s pre-Independence drama.

Pernia says that her film will have a lot in common with the 1981 Rekha-Farooque Shaikh starrer, Umrao Jaan, but the intention is not to make a remake or a sequel. “It’s a new film set in a similar milieu,” she adds, “The film is a historic drama revolving around our freedom struggle.” She further elaborates saying that while Rekha’s character in Umrao Jaan Amiran had a quiet and mysterious demeanor, her enchanting character Noor is outspoken and progressive which is quite the opposite of the classic role.

“I am not copying Rekha or Aish,” says Pernia, writing off...

Stylist Pernia Qureshi, who received much recognition for designing Sonam Kapoor's look in Aisha, will be seen in Muzaffar Ali's upcoming period drama Jaanisar, which bears a striking resemblance to his previous movie Umrao Jaan. She will play a courtesan in the 1870's pre-Independence drama. Pernia says that her film will have a lot in common with the 1981 Rekha - Farooque Shaikh starrer, Umrao Jaan, but the intention is not to make a remake or a sequel. "It's a new film set in a similar milieu," she says, adding that "The film is a historic drama revolving around our freedom struggle." She further elaborates saying that while Rekha's character in Umrao Jaan, Amiran had a quiet and mysterious demeanor, her enchanting character Noor is outspoken and progressive which is quite the opposite to the classic role. "I am not copying Rekha or Ash" says Pernia, writing off...

Today sees the release of Bobby Jasoos, which is a production of Dia Mirza and Sahil Sangha’s Born Free Entertainment. Starring Vidya Balan, the film about a lady detective, we hear not only has a social message but it also is a fun and entertaining movie. We chatted with Vidya and Dia, now see what their partner in crime, or movies that is, producer Sahil Sangha, had to say about the making of Bobby Jasoos.

Why did you choose Bobby Jasoos as a story you wanted to tell?

When it first came to us the one line on the film was, ‘Guys would you be interested in producing a movie that’s about a girl who wants to become a detective?’ And girl, detective, both sounded really exciting. The fact that she belonged to a small community and was pretty much from middle class India made it even more...

Chennai, March 10: Actress Neetu Chandra, who recently made her stage debut with the theatrical adaptation of "Umrao Jaan", says not too many actors show interest in theatre because they cannot make a living out of it.

"I think money has overshadowed theatre in our country. Not just theatre but a lot of professions for that matter because we view everything from a commercial perspective. You can be in theatre out of passion, but can't make a living out of it because cinema pays much more," Neetu told Ians.

Neetu, who has so far starred in films such as "Traffic Signal" and "13 B", has two Hindi films and a Telugu ready.

Mumbai, Dec 29: Multi-faceted actor Farooque Sheikh, who died following cardiac arrest in Dubai, will be buried Monday evening, says actor and a close friend Satish Shah.

Farooque died Friday evening at the age of 65.

"His body will reach Mumbai airport at around 4.00 p.m. tomorrow (Monday), and the burial will take place around 7.00 in the evening," Satish told Ians.

The late actor, who was known for his roles in movies like "Umrao Jaan", "Chashme Buddoor" and "Saath Saath", is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Ians...

New Delhi, Dec 28: Mourning the death of veteran Bollywood actor Farooque Sheikh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari Saturday described him as a "jewel", whose performances were sterling and scintillating.

"Farooque Sheikh was a versatile actor whose performances were sterling and scintillating. In his untimely death we have lost yet another jewel," Tewari posted on his official Twitter page.

The actor died following a cardiac arrest while he was on a vacation in Dubai Friday night. Farooque regaled film buffs for four decades, starring in films like "Garam Hawa", "Saath Saath", "Bazaar", "Umrao Jaan",.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Multi-faceted actor Farooque Sheikh's life came to an abrupt end late Friday night in Dubai following a cardiac arrest. He was 65.

The talent, who delivered impeccable performances in films like "Umrao Jaan" and "Chashme Buddoor", as well as in TV shows and on stage, will be remembered by his colleagues and confidantes for his innocent charm, uninterrupted honesty to his craft and his unmatched humility, colleagues and friends in the industry said.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, with whom he was on a vacation in Dubai.

His body will be brought to Mumbai for the last rites.

Mumbai, Dec 28: He played a common man as convincingly as he played a nawab. Such was Farooque Sheikh's versatility on the big screen, small screen and on the stage in his over four decades of association with showbiz.

The veteran actor died following a cardiac arrest while he was in Dubai late Friday night.

He made his debut with 1973 film "Garam Hawa" and was known for his roles in films like "Umrao Jaan", "Chashme Buddoor", "Saath Saath". On TV, he starred in shows like "Chamatkar" and "Ji Mantriji", while his play "Tumhari Amrita" was a crowdpuller.

Here's a look at some of his memorable films.

-1973.

Veteran actor Farooque Shaikh, 65, died after suffering a heart attack in Dubai on Friday night. The actor was well known for his contribution to parallel or alternative cinema, having worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, M.S. Sathyu and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

His most notable performances include M.S. Sathyu’s Garam Hawa, Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Sai Paranjpye’s Chashme Buddoor and Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan. He was successfully paired with actress Deepti Naval in memorable films like Chashme Buddoor, Saath Saath, Katha and Faasle.

He recently appeared in Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai, Ayan Mukherjee’s Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Avinash Kumar Singh’s Listen…Amaya.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Humble gentleman, soft spoken, sophisticated and nuanced - the Bollywood fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shekhar Kapur, Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt, looked back at the late Farooque Sheikh's life and career with immense appreciation following the "Umrao Jaan" star's sudden demise.

Several actors and filmmakers took to microblogging site Twitter to express shock upon hearing the news of the veteran actor's death, which came after a heart attack in Dubai Friday night. He was 65.

Having starred in eclectic roles throughout his four-decade career, Farooque has left behind a wonderful body.

Mumbai, Dec 28: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan became "very sad" when he heard of the sudden demise of veteran actor Farooque Sheikh, whom he always appreciated for his honesty and zero pretence.

"God! Farooque Sheikh passes away. A true gentleman, a wonderful colleague. A quiet honesty about him. Very very sad," the 71-year-old posted on microblogging website Twitter Saturday.

The star of films like "Umrao Jaan" and "Chashme Buddoor", Farooque breathed his last following a heart attack while he was in Dubai late Friday night. He was 65.

Born March 25, 1948, Sheikh started his Bollywood career in 1973.

Mumbai, Nov 12: Write-ups suggesting that actor Randeep Hooda, once a very close friend of actress Neetu Chandra, showed up at the Prithvi Theatres to witness her stage debut as "Umrao Jaan" for old times' sake, has her fuming.

"This isn't what I want to be known for. I don't want my moment of glory to be diluted by talks about whom I am seeing or whom I am broken up with," said the actress of films like "Traffic Signal" and "Garam Masala".

"My stage debut doesn't need such props. There were so many senior theatre artistes present for my stage debut like Benjamin Gilani, Kunal Kapoor, Om Puri, Nida Fazli, Javed Siddiqui.

Mumbai, Oct 30: Actress Neetu Chandra, who will be making her theatre debut with "Umrao Jaan", has been brushing up her Kathak to play the courtesan.

"To prepare for her role, which has been enacted earlier on big screen by iconic stars Rekha and Aishwarya Rai, Neetu has been brushing up her Kathak. She has also been learning the right diction for her Urdu dialogues," a source close to the actress told Ians.

Hidayant Sami is the director while Rekha Bhardwaj has scored music for the play which will be premiered Nov 9 at Prithvi Theatre here.

Neetu has been seen in movies like "Garam Masala" and "Oye Lucky! Lucky.

Rekha Bhardwaj, who is known for her rustic voice in the hit tracks like 'Namak' etc... is now all set to take the plunge into music direction with Prithvi's play 'Umrao Jaan', wherein Neetu Chandra will be playing the title role. And she has already composed four songs for the same. Talking about her foray in music direction, Rekha says that this was not at all a planned move. It was at the persistence of the director Hidayat Sami, that she created some tunes for the play. An initially reluctant Rekha later gave her nod for the same. The first show of the play 'Umrao Jaan' is scheduled for November 7.

Mumbai, May 6: Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, who will step into the shoes of Rekha to play a chirpy carefree young girl in the "Khubsoorat" remake, says she is completely in awe of the "Umrao Jaan" actress.

"I am completely obsessed with Rekha. I love her dramatic eyes and red lips," she told reporters here Monday.

She unveiled the L'Or Sunset Collection and Bollywood inspired looks for Cannes film festival at event. The actress has six looks to choose from for the festival, which includes dramatic eyes and red lips.

Talking about her approach towards makeup, she said: "I love Kajal and eye liner. I feel that dramatic.

Here at Bollyspice, we like to shine the light on not only Bollywood, but also other fabulous content outside the world of Hindi films including movies, cool music and songs we come across! You probably know the fab Bollywood journalist and interviewer Faridoon Shahryar, but did you also know he was a singer? Yes, he is a formally trained singer in Hindustani Classical music and in his singing avatar; Mr. Shahryar has recently released the wonderful ‘Palkon Ko Bhigoyen Kaise’ with music by Navneet Kedar.

Talking to us about his music, Mr. Shahryar says, “Palkon Ko Bhigoyen Kaise is the name of my Ghazal Rock album launched by premiere online music portal artistaloud.com. It comprises of five songs.”

One of the coolest things is that that lyrics are ghazals and poems that have been written by his late father Professor Shahryar, winner of the highest literary honour in India...

Mumbai, May 2: The music maestro behind music of films like "Kabhi Kabhie" and "Umrao Jaan", Khayyam says although the standard of music has deteriorated in Bollywood, "talented young" musicians and writers have the capability to do "wonders".

"The standard of music no doubt fell. But our young composers and writers are immensely talented and if they get freedom, they can do wonders," the 86-year-old said here in an interview.

Khayyam is particularly happy with the infusion of Sufi style in songs.

"There is a realisation in the film industry... I think all of them believe in the Sufi style today. Some music directors.

Mumbai, April 2: Happy and satisfied with the current lot of films, Farooque Sheikh says Indian cinema is enjoying its best phase right now.

"It's a wonderful time for Indian cinema and thanks to the multiplexes, which give opportunity to showcase independent films. I am extremely happy and satisfied with the kind of films being made today," Farooque told Ians.

A fabulous actor, the 65-year-old, who was seen in films like "Saath Saath", "Umrao Jaan" and "Noorie", has also been active on the small screen. He featured in satirical sitcom "Ji Mantriji" and hosted talk show "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai".

Farooque would like.

Movie Moghul J. P. Dutta whose last film Umrao Jaan was released 2006, is all set direct 3 back-to-back war films, all biopics on Paramvir Chakra winning war heroes... - The first war epic Border 2 will be located in the 1962 Indo-China war and would tell the story of Subedar Joginder Singh Sahnan who led a platoon against the Chinese aggressors. - Border 3 would be located in the 1965 Indo-Pak war and would focus on the valorous efforts of Abdul Hamid who went down fighting the enemy soldiers. - Border 4 would focus on second-lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who died fighting during the 1971 Bangladesh war. J. P. Dutta who has just returned from an extensive recce of the border areas where the three films would be shot, says he was deeply moved and impressed by the courage shown by the three soldier. Says Jp, "I wanted to make war films on the three major battles that...

New Delhi, Feb 28: His period drama "Umrao Jaan" still fascinates movie aficionados, and Muzaffar Ali is busy scripting two more historicals. He feels it's time for Bollywood to "become global" and for that Indian filmmakers should come out of their "middle-class flavour" and scan the "issues from the grassroots level".

"I believe that Bollywood needs to become global. We are still maintaining the kind of middle-class flavour that is becoming very hybrid," Ali told Ians in an interview.

"If we are promoting our culture, then we need to go totally local and see the issues from the grassroots level. By doing this, we can call ourselves.

Mumbai, Feb 19: Legendary music composer Khayyam, who turned 86 recently, recalled how he was scared while composing music for one of his biggest hits "Umrao Jaan" after the super success of film "Pakeezah".

Both the films had a similar theme, as the stories revolved around a Lucknow courtesan. While "Pakeezah" released 1972, Muzaffar Ali's "Umrao Jaan" released 1981. The music of both the films is celebrated till today.

"'Umrao Jaan' was a subject which already had 'Pakeezah' in front of it, a big hit. Maker Kamal Amrohi saab, Meena Kumari as heroine, Ashok Kumar and Rajkumar saab, music by Ghulam Mohammad was super duper hit..

Mumbai, Oct 8: If there's one role that actress Chitrangada Singh wants to enact on screen, it is Umrao Jaan, played by Rekha in Muzaffar Ali's 1981 directorial venture.

"Everytime I am asked this (a female-centric role that I'd like to play), I always say Rekhaji in 'Umrao Jaan'. I think she played a woman of her time... 'Nautch' girls were the feminists of that time, I think they were the strongest women who went forward trying.

If there’s one role that actress Chitrangada Singh wants to enact on screen, it is Umrao Jaan, played by Rekha in Muzaffar Ali’s 1981 directorial venture.

“Everytime I am asked this (a female-centric role that I’d like to play), I always say Rekhaji in ‘Umrao Jaan’. I think she played a woman of her time… ‘Nautch’ girls were the feminists of that time, I think they were the strongest women who went forward trying to compete with men in a lot of other things,” the 36-year-old said here in an interview.

“I think they were the true feminists of their time and if I get a chance to play that in that time, I would love to,” she added.

Chitrangada says it is one of the best female characters she has ever seen on screen.

“If I ever get to sit her down and talk to me about the film,...

The 12th Osian’s Cinefan Film Festival which will be held in New Delhi from 27 July to 5 August 2012 has announced its Jury. 38 countries will participate with a total number of 175 films (see lineup here).

The Jury for the Asian and Arab Competition comprises Marco Mueller, Artistic Director of the Rome Film Festival; painter and filmmaker Muzaffar Ali (Umrao Jaan); Iranian filmmaker Ali Mosaffa, Egyptian filmmaker Magdi Ahmed Ali; and American filmmaker James V Hart.

The Jury for the Indian Competition comprises Hamid Dabashi, cultural critic and author from Iran; Indian film critic Khalid Mohamed; Indian theatre director and actor Lillete Dubey; Annemarie Jacir, filmmaker from Jordan; author Atiq Rahimi from Afghanistan; and Dutch documentary filmmaker Sonia Herman Dolz.

The Jury for the First Features Competition is made up of Hüseyin Karabey from Marmara; Korean director Jeon Kyu-hwan; and National award winning Indian filmmaker Gurvinder Singh.

The Jury for Shorts Competition...

Fashion in India is the trend that stars follow in Bollywood movies and their real lives. Indian’s do not need the Fashion channels; they are content with following their onscreen idols and aping their looks. Here’s a list of the seven most stylish people that Bollywood has ever had. 1. RekhaShe could be a fierce competition to the current divas in Bollywood. Years have passed by since Umrao Jaan released and Rekha still looks as gorgeous as she looked back then. Her sarees and jewellery become the talk of the media at any public event. Her appearance at the Rajya Sabha oath taking ceremony was no different. Her elegance remained unmat...

Shammi Kapoor’s famous scarf from Junglee (1961), the sweater from Andaz (1971), the Shehnai from his last film appearance in Rockstar (2011) and one of his favorite personal Mont Blanc fountain pens will be part of the 1st Osian’s – Cinefan Auction of Indian Cinema Memorabilia.

The auction will begin on July 31 at the Imperial Hotel (New Delhi) as part of the 12th Osian’s-Cinefan Film Festival.

The last unreleased song by Kishore Kumar completed just three days before his demise will provide a unique opportunity for the film fraternity and the fans of Kishore Kumar to purchase the rights for this rare song.

Among the many other vintage highlights of the auction on offer are a rare album of 45 signed black and white photographic stills by the evergreen Dev Anand; rare costumes worn by Sanjeev Kumar & Amjad Khan from Shatranj ke Khilari from the Suresh Jindal collection; rare Satyajit Ray designed...

On-off celebrity couple, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor, are to do some entertaining and show-stopping performances in the form of tributes to the yesteryear stars. Word from the grapevine is that desi girl Priyanka is set to groove to the original Umrao Jaan, Ms Rekha-ji’s tracks, whilst beau and Kaminey co-star Shahid is to dance along to some cool South-Indian songs.

It seems the pair are in awe of their icons as about the veteran actress Rekha Priyanka gushes, “I completely love and adore her,” and even Shahid went as far as to tell sources close to the event that “I would be performing on one of the songs from Appu Raja which features Kamal Hassan. It is a cool song; I am trying to learn the lyrics. It is my ode to South film industry.”

About the South, Shahid further adds, “There are lot of South actors...

Mumbai, June 1: Who can forget super hit film Umrao Jaan which made a star out of Rekha. According to sources the film makers are planning to make a sequel for this super-hit classic of 1981. The film which was directed by Muzaffar Ali was inspired by Urdu Novel Umrao Jaan Ada, written by famous author Mirza Hadi Ruswa. Rekha's performance as a famous Lucknow courtesan, won her the first National Award. The film's director Muzaffar Ali and Javed Siddiqui who is one of the film's writer are planning to come with a sequel for the film. Javed Siddiqui interacting.

Rekha, the epitome of beauty and sensuality after mesmerizing the Indian audience for over three decades will now be felicitated for her 'Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema' at the Iifa Awards 2012 to be held in Lion City, Singapore. Known to have done several classic films that have been imprinted in the minds of her fans, the actress has come a long way, going on to become India's favorite glamour icon after what was termed as the original 'makeover' queen. Each year, Iifa honours a member of the Indian Film Fraternity who has made innumerable contributions to Indian cinema. Keeping this in mind, the Iifa Advisory Board and the Iifa Management recognizes Rekha for her achievements in Indian Cinema, in its 13th year. Stalwarts of Indian cinema like V. K. Murthy and Yash Johar, among others have previously been recipients of this prestigious Award. Making the 13th year of the Iifa celebration even more special,...

‘Ek Do Teen’ girl Madhuri Dixit-Nene is rumoured to be all set to become a judge on the popular Indian reality T.V. show, ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ and word on the grapevine is that Miss Umrao Jaan Rekha herself, will be judging alongside her! We couldn’t think of anyone better than the living legends of dancing themselves, Madhuri & Rekha judging a dancing competition, as both have shown their worth, (and then some!) in the Hindi film industry.

Neither Madhuri or Rekha have yet spoken out about being on the show themselves, but there are rumours galore about the pair teaming up for the immensely popular reality T.V. show. If one source close to the channel is anything to go by then, “Things are almost finalised and we are looking forward to having her sign the contract soon. We are keeping our fingers crossed, as her presence will really boost the show.