Exclusive Interview Of Sunny Deol

“It is not just Punjab. The kind of love and affection I get all over the country is the same. Punjab is our hometown, that’s why the love is unbelievable” – Sunny Deol

Indiafm

By Faridoon Shahryar, June 5, 2007 – 13:04 IST

Well if his Dad was known for kutte kameene…Ma ka dudh piya hai to… kinda dialogues, the son is still associated with Ye Dhai Kilo Ka Haath Jab Padta Hai Na…To Aadmi Uthta Nahin Hai…Uth Jaata Hai…Meet Sunny Deol, the media shy star who continues to be a bankable actor at the ticket window after twenty five years in the movie business. And that too in the lead role. First up, his thoughts on the famous dialogue from Damini where he had a power packed supporting role. “Those films were written well. Dialogues were good. They went with the character and that’s why they are remembered again and again. People give me references of it. But it’s been a long time that we haven’t had that kind of writing,” Sunny said in an exclusive interview with IndiaFM on the terrace of Sunny Super Sound Studio overlooking the calm evening sea.

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Deols these days. In Anil Sharma’s Apne, Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby shall share screen space for the first time. While Sunny had a release in Ahmed Khan’s Fool N Final last week, kid bro Bobby is looking forward to a turnaround in his career with films like Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom, Naqaab and more around the corner. Of course Dhamendra’s kiss-on-the-sly with Nafisa Ali in Life in a… Metro has been a talking point.

The Music Launch of Apne was one of the biggest events in the film industry in the recent times with thespian Dilip Kumar, eternal style icon Dev Anand gracing the occasion along with Salman Khan, Govinda, the three Deols, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif etc. “Dad came in the industry always dreaming about Dilip (Kumar) Sahab. He was his icon. Dilip Sahab was the person Dad adored. Dev (Anand) Sahab was another gentleman with whom he interacted when he first came to Bombay. So, we thought that it’s (Apne) his film and it would give him great honour if they would be there. And that’s why they came. And Papa and Dev Sahab have interacted so much over the years. They have a bond and love for each other that I doubt actors can only dream of,” Sunny said.

You said in an interview recently that your dad’s fans have passed on to you and Bobby. And Dharamji had replied to your statement by saying that you were being generous when you said that. “When we talk about star sons, we do get an easy launch. But there’s a lot of responsibility. It also depends on how good you are. So, obviously the fans which were there for my dad have rubbed on to us because they thought we are worthy of it.” The Deol family has always had a huge fan base in Punjab. “It is not just Punjab. The kind of love and affection I get all over the country is the same. Punjab is our hometown, that’s why the respect and love is unbelievable.” Has Apne been shot in Punjab? “Apne is based in Punjab. It travels to America. Some portions have also been shot in Bangkok but it’s not shown as Bangkok.”

Talking about Apne… can you share its story idea? “It’s difficult to talk about the story. You can’t describe the whole film in a few words. All I can say is that it’s a bonding film. It’s a family film, family values. It has got a lot of entertaining elements and there are some nice choreographed boxing sequences in the film.” Why did it take so long for the three Deols to come together? “We’ve been wanting this thing to happen for years and years. But unfortunately we couldn’t get the right script. We didn’t want to do a thing where three stars are there, sell it and don’t worry about the content of the film. We were not getting the right script. We had nearly given up till Sharmaji came up and narrated us the idea. From there were took it up and within a year we finished the film and now we are talking about it.” And why the title Apne? “That’s what suits the subject. No other reason,” Sunny says.

You’ve delivered one of the biggest hits of Hindi cinema Gadar with Anil Sharma. How do you look back at that landmark film in your career? “When I had heard the script I had loved it and we went ahead and shot it. We had no inclination what’s gonna happen. We knew it will be a successful film but we never knew that it will be such a successful film. Anything that is successful happens because of the team. When everyone does his bit right then you do hit the bull’s eye.” Music of Gadar was super hit. Music of Apne also seems to be melodious unlike Himesh Reshammiya’s brand of dhinchak music. “Title song is my favourite. It reminds me of Sandese Aate Hain… there is emotion… the wordings, the melody… it hits the core in your heart basically…”

At an Aids awareness function in Delhi a few days ago Shilpa Shetty made headlines worldwide when she was kissed by Richard Gere. Sunny was present at that function. Incidentally Shilpa is paired opposite Sunny in Apne. “Shilpa is making news. That’s good because it’s very important to be in news these days. Besides that she is a good person. We have worked in a couple of films. She is a nice actress as well,” Sunny said. And does he recall being paired with Bobby for the first time in Dillagi? “Dillagi was a film I directed with Bobby. I think Bobby had done a great role in that film. Obviously he is my younger brother and at times I do treat him like my son. But Apne is different emotion, different relation. Dad is there, bonding of father son is there. It is do with real life characters. It’s not goody goody film. It has son fighting with his father, brother can have a fight with brother. These things happen in real life.”

Alright… let’s talk about Ahmed Khan’s Fool N Final for a change now. “We had great fun making the film. Feroze make films with lots of characters… and I am one of them. I’m sure people will like it.” Mr Feroze Nadiadwala said that you performed unbelievable stunts in the film. “We do so many stunts but it doesn’t make a difference to me as we keep on doing them so many times. I’m a little daring guy. This is how I am since childhood. I wouldn’t advice others to do it. Basically it is coordination and confidence. Obviously everything is dangerous but that’s life.” Shahid in an interview to us addressed you as Sunny Sir. “That’s because he is younger to me. And that’s the respect one should give to your seniors. It’s very sweet of him,” Sunny said with a smile.

The evening was settling down into a quite relaxing dusk while the sea seemed within a touching distance. It was pleasant to watch a normally reticent Sunny Deol looking fresh and relaxed answering all our questions sportingly. And as he whizzed past in his stylish Mercedes (driving himself), the look of wonder on the faces of a few labourers standing by was hard to miss. Obviously the common man thinks highly of him. And in this multiplex era, it’s these common folks who can still make a star a rock star. So, will Apne do the trick for Sunny Deol? Come June 29th… and you shall get to know.

Koffee With Karan : Preity Zinta N Bobby Deol

Preity Zinta: Life’s good!

Preity Zinta and Bobby Deol go back a long way. Even though her debut film was Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se, the first film she actually started shooting for was Soldier, opposite Bobby.

This month, they will be back together in Aditya Chopra’s Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.

But before that, you will see them on Karan Johar’s Koffee With Karan.

Preity chats about her nine years in the film industry, her boyfriend Ness Wadia and how she hated being dragged into a controversy when Shekhar Kapur’s ex-wife Suchitra Krishnamurthy said some very controversial things about her. Preity also spoke of the warm bond she shares with Bobby.

Here’s a sneak peek into the show:

Karan: How’s life been?

Preity: Life’s been good! I just wrapped up a movie Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and now it’s ready for release.

Karan: Yes, it’s releasing soon and everyone’s saying it’s looking fabulous. In fact, the promos are on air and everyone’s loving them.

Preity: Well, I’ve had a great time shooting for it. It’s been a great experience. First time working with Abhishek — you never cast me with him!

Karan: Well, you guys were the deprived parties in KANK and those two were having an affair behind your backs. You silly people!

Preity: No, no, no. Jokes aside, working with AB for the first time and working with Bobby after eight-nine years… Lara, I was working with for the first time, so it’s been great. I worked with Shaad in Dil Se when he was an assistant and I started off my career then and now working with him. So it’s been great!

Karan: When you look back at Soldier, do you think it was just the other day or you feel a lot of time has flown?

Preity: Actually, I didn’t feel these nine years, to be honest. It’s been the best time of my life. The industry has given me everything and you know people always say, this industry is sleazy, there is a casting couch, people are like this. I think people treat you the way you want to be treated by them. I have never encountered any problem with anybody who’s being cheap or sleazy because I have never portrayed myself like that.

Karan: Because you have met very classy and elegant people.

Preity: Like Karan Johar? Like KJ?

Karan: Yeah, so there has been no problem on that end. I’m more of the couch myself rather than being the casting couch.

Karan: Yeh Pritam Singh ka origin bata dena mujhe.

Preity: Bobby, please don’t destroy me. Please, I beg you!

Bobby: Well, she’s like a guy… like a buddy.

Karan: You two have been friends for a while and you’ve kept in touch even when you’ll didn’t work together?

Preity: Yes. Bobby and me have known each other before I became an actor.

Bobby: She would be with us. We would all go out in my dad’s van every night and she would be sitting right at the back, quietly to herself. One day, she came up to me and said ‘Okay, I’m doing criminal psychology. Can I make you my subject?’ And I said to her, look Preity, I would love to but I’m from this family and if I talk about myself and if you say my subject Bobby Deol, I can’t do it!

Karan: You wanted to make Bobby your subject?

Preity: But, you know, in the beginning, I didn’t know Bobby as Dharmendra’s son.

Karan: Who did you think he was?

Preity: I swear! When I first met him, he was one of the guys in the group and I had to look for someone between 23-28. I needed five subjects.

Watch Koffee With Karan on Sunday, June 10 at 9 pm on Star One and Star World.

John Abraham in Hyderabad

John Abraham in Hyderabad

Reader Gaurav Gupta spotted John Abraham [Images] in Hyderabad. John was shooting for a Nagesh Kukunoor film in a Hyderabad hospital on June 5.

After his shoot he was rushing back. when the Gupta family requested him for a couple of minutes in the hospital room with them so that they can have some pictures together.

‘He was extremely down-to-earth and polite, and readily agreed to come with us,’ writes Gaurav.

John spent quite some time with their new born baby girl, Adaa, and they shot many pictures and videos with him.

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Salman pumps up muscles for POKKIRI remake

Salman pumps up muscles for POKKIRI remake

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Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Salman Khan is getting back into shape. Did you say that the handsome dude doesn’t need to do that? Well, Salman will be doing an action film after 3 years (his last action flick was GARV). And because this film, a remake of the Tamil blockbuster POKKIRI, will need the hot guy to flex his muscles, beat up the baddies, kick, and generally do things he hasn’t been doing of late, Salman has hit the gym big time.

Since he hasn’t got much pending work, he can afford to go the whole hog. So, expect a leaner, meaner Salman Khan in the POKKIRI remake, to be directed by dancing sensation Prabhu Deva.

SRK to produce Kunder’s Rs 1 billion movie

SRK to produce Kunder’s Rs 1 billion movie ——————————————————————————–
By Rohini Bhandari

MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies will soon commence work on director Shirish Kunder’s next film, which will star SRK himself. The rest of the cast and crew are still being finalised.

According to sources close to the development, it will be a sci-fi action flick with a heavy dose of visual effects adhering to Hollywood movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Spider-Man. The film is expected to cost an estimated Rs 1 billion (Rs 100 crores).

Khan’s Red Chillies visual effects team will be working on this film. The company is in the process of expanding operations, in order to commence work on this film.

“The treatment of visual effects is a very integral part of the film. It will have to be planned entirely before the film goes on the floors. Even after the shooting, the film will require one year for the visual effects to be worked on,” said the source.

The movie, which will go on floors early next year, will be shot entirely in Mumbai.

This will be Kunder’s second film as a director. His directorial debut was the Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Preity Zinta starrer Jaan-E-Mann produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, which release last year.

On the other hand, Red Chillies is currently working on the Farah Khan directed Om Shanti Om. The film stars Khan and debutant Deepika Padukone. This film is based on Bollywood of the 1970s and boasts special visual effects as well.

‘Mallika has been paid what she deserves’-Himesh

‘Mallika has been paid what she deserves’- Himesh

Himesh Reshammiya clears the air about Mallika Sherawat’s ‘problem’ with him, and talks about Aap Ka Surroor 2

Himesh Reshammiya thrives on speculation. He is impartial to his Mallika Sherawat and Hansika Motwani, his leading ladies in Aap Ka Surroor, he says. And feels that Mallika’a anger at feeling short-changed in the film is completely unfounded.

Himesh says, “Both Mallika and Hansika were signed before we left for Germany to shoot. We never made any effort to hide the fact that Hansika was a child artiste or that she was doing a South film before she was signed for Aap Ka Surroor. As for Mallika, hers isn’t a ten-minute role. She’s done two songs and that itself comes to eleven minutes, Mallika is very annoyed by the rumour about her abbreviated role and also about the speculation on her fee. Mallika has been paid what she deserves. No more no less.”

Apparently, Mallika refused to kiss the capped musician. “How can I kiss Mallika in Aap Ka Surroor? She plays a full-fledged negative role. My equation with my leading lady would’ve been completely spoilt if I kissed Mallika,” he clarifies.

Himesh enjoyed shooting the Mehbooba song with Mallika. He says, “She’s a thorough professional. And I must say she plays the part of Helenji from Sholay very well. My director Prashant Cheddha has tried to retain the ’70s flavour from Sholay in the song. He has also brought in the modern setting of James Bond’s Casino Royale.”

Saroj Khan has choreographed Himesh Reshammiya’s Mehbooba in Aap Ka Surroor. And everyone is wondering how it compares with Ganesh Hegde’s Mehbooba in Ram Gopal Varma’s Sholay.

He’s also all set to star in a sequel to Aap Ka Surroor. “I’ll of course be a musician at heart. But I’ll continue being an actor. But first a long break after Aap Ka Surroor. I intend to take a two-month holiday. Of course my future as an actor depends on the fate of my debut. But I’ll definitely do a sequel. Of course, Hansika will be with me in the next film.”

Himesh says that he has taken critics’ comments in his stride. “Ninety-nine per cent of the people have been kind. As for the smirking minority who’re questioning my right to be an actor, let the film come. I started my career as a serial producer, even then I faced rivalry. I’ve changed my profession several times, from producing serials, to composing music, to singing, to doing music videos and now I’ve come to acting. I’ve had a large number of professional rivals. My acid test was the dialogue promotional clippings for Aap Ka Surroor. The film didn’t go thanda when the dialogue came on. In fact, it has been sold to distributors everywhere. That has given me a high,” he says.
Some filmmakers think Himesh has been neglecting his work as a composer to be an actor. “My Namaste London as a musician is a big hit. Incidentally, Red was a flop. But the music was a hit. I’ve never neglected my job as a music composer.”

The mysterious hair under Himesh’s cap is also revealed in the film. He says, “For ten very dramatic minutes I appear without a cap. Even in the Mehbooba song I appear without the cap for half the film. People will get to know through the film why I wear a cap. He thinks , “All the controversies have kept interest alive in the film. I hope the film lives up to the hype.”

Strangely, Himesh’s lucky mascot and ‘God’ Salman Khan doesn’t figure in Aap Ka Surrorr. “I never asked him to be in the film. But yes, my dad’s, God’s and Salman’s blessings are with me,” Himesh says.

Chak De India: A real story of a hockey coach

Chak De India: A real story of a hockey coach
By Manisha Vardhan, MovieTalkies.com, 7 June 2007

Yash Raj Productions Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chak De India, which is about a hockey coach, is actually based on the life of former Indian hockey coach of the national women’s team, Mir Ranjan Negi. The story of the film traces the life of the coach from the time he was charged with match fixing and thrown out of the Indian men’s hockey team, following the fiasco against Pakistan in the 1983 Asian Games final, to the time when he went on to coach the Indian women’s team, which won the gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Even though SRK is playing the role of Negi in the film, the actual coach also has a role to play in the movie. Initially, producer Aditya Chopra wanted him on the set so that he could assist SRK in depicting his character. He was also required to give his inputs to ensure the authenticity of the scenes shot in the hockey field. But very soon, he was also given a role to play in film as well.

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Emraan Hashmi in a repackaged ‘avtar’ in AWARAPAN

Emraan Hashmi in a repackaged ‘avtar’ in AWARAPAN

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Bollywood Trade News Network

The media conference of Mahesh Bhatt’s forthcoming AWARAPAN saw a packed turnout in a tiny but plush Central London restaurant on Tuesday 5th June.

Attended by producer Mukesh Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi, and pop sensations from Pakistan, Mustafa Zahid and Annie (who’ve sung the chartbusting numbers from the film), the event saw a half-hour long media Q&A followed by live acts by the singers.

Also Read : I am attracted to negative roles”—Emraan

The highlight of the conference came in the form of a journalist accidentally referring to Emraan as the ‘serial killer’ instead of ‘serial kisser’, which obviously brought the house down! When asked if Emraan has kissed any of his leading ladies in AWARAPAN, he said, “You’ll have to watch the film to find out!” (Though according to sources, this is the first time that he will not be snogging on screen!)

On a lighter and more humorous note, he added, “Now that I’m married, I will kiss more!” About AWARAPAN, he stated, “It’s nothing I’ve done before. You’ll see me in a repackaged avtar altogether! Shivam is a larger-than-life character, a kidnapper whose heart undergoes an extreme transformation. Mohit (Suri) has crafted an extremely sensitive and heartwarming love story with a strong thriller element to it!”

About AWARAPAN being his (and the Bhatts’) first major international outing theatrically (courtesy of Studio 18), he added, “Our films have worked exceptionally on DVD. It was a mistake not to release our previous films in cinemas overseas, especially GANGSTER. We’re looking forward to the release of AWARAPAN on June 29. Its music has already become a rage!”

On behalf of his brother Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt said, “The Bhatts have a deep connection with Pakistan. It’s such a beautiful country. My mother was a Muslim. We’re glad to have filmed the climax of AWARAPAN in Lahore. Inshallah, one day we’ll see our films releasing simultaneously in cinemas in Pakistan!”

When asked why he incessantly gave Pakistani singers a break in Bollywood, Bhatt added, “Vishesh Films is a platform for new talent. We’ve given a break not just to talent from Pakistan, but also to singers from Srilanka, Bangladesh and Sikkim!”

Before Mustafa and Annie proceeded for their enthralling live acts (on To Phir Aao/Tera Mera Rishta and Maahiya respectively), both the drop-dead good looking singers were quizzed about their plans, if any, of foraying into acting. “Currently, we’re concentrating on singing. But if there is an acting offer from the Bhatts, we might just take it up!” they laughed.

Movie on Mumbai Train Blasts

Now, a film on July 7 Mumbai train blasts

A planned Indian movie recounting deadly bomb blasts on Mumbai commuter trains last year will be a serious rather than a musical film, breaking the usual Bollywood mould, its director said Tuesday.

The movie will describe the events of the day last July when bombs ripped through trains in India’s financial capital, killing 186 people and injuring more than 800, first-time director Neera Pandey said.

“The movie, without any songs, will narrate events of that day,” Pandey said.

Bollywood movies are usually much more light-hearted, featuring romance, good triumphing over evil and lots of song and dance.

The film, called Wednesday, will star two reputed Bollywood actors, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, with filming to begin in August ahead of the movie’s release later this year.

Indian police filed charges against 28 suspects over the seven train blasts, which hit first-class compartments during rush hour over just eleven minutes.

Police alleged the attacks were linked to Pakistan’s spy agency, the ISI, and outlawed pro-Pakistan militant groups. Islamabad denied its intelligence agency was involved.

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I wait to be known as my son’s father: Naseeruddin Shah

I wait to be known as my son’s father: Naseeruddin Shah

After creating a distinct niche for himself, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah now wants to be identified as his son’s father.

Currently he is off to Dehradun with wife Ratna Pathak to watch his younger son’s first stage production.

“It’s a play that Vivaan has directed in school,” said the proud father. “My wife and I are going to watch it. He has been winning the best actor award on stage for two years. But this is his first stab at direction,” the actor, known in the industry as Naseer, told IANS.

Naseer’s son Imaad is about to make his debut as a leading man in Dil Dosti Etc.

“But it isn’t his debut by any means,” Naseer clarified. “He played a small role as a baby with me in The Perfect Murder. He also did a part in my ‘Pestonjee’ many years ago.

“Then he was seen in my directorial venture Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota Hai. And now he’s making his full-fledged debut as a leading man in Dil, Dosti Etc.

“In addition Imaad is also acting in (screenwriter) Sooni Taraporewala’s directorial debut about the Parsi community.”

But Imaad keeps insisting that acting isn’t his true calling.

I think Imaad wants to make a mark on his own. The thought of a head start through me doesn’t comfort him too much.–Naseeruddin Shah”I don’t know why he keeps saying that,” said the concerned father. “I think he wants to make a mark on his own. The thought of a head start through me doesn’t comfort him too much.

“What’s bothering him is that if he’s an actor, he’d be known primarily as my son. He wants to be known as his own man. But it isn’t up to him… Acting is bound to take over his life.”

Naseer says that his younger son has made up his mind about being an actor.

“As a child I too had made up my mind I wanted to be an actor. But I couldn’t reveal my aspirations to anybody. I stuck to my dreams. Now I wait to be known as my sons’ father.”

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