Khans say No to Big B

Bachchan parade in Macau (aka the IIFA awards) will see an absence of Khans.

Shahrukh is on a family holiday.

Salman isn’t interested,

Aamir didn’t think twice and Imran has politely declined an invitation.

That leaves Saif, Fardeen and Arbaaz as the Pathan flag bearers.

Not quite the “A” team.

Big B still competing with SRK

AMITABH Bachchan has revealed that although he is a big IPL fan, his reason for not owning a team is that “I don’t have as much money as (Kolkata Knight Riders owner) Shahrukh Khan”.

Maybe the Big B should find a sugar daddy, after all as it has worked wonders for Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty.

Big B's Critics' Award

Amitabh Bachchan also won the Critics' Award for Best Actor in Aks (2001)

Bollywood Age Discrimination

The writing is on the wall; the shelf life of the Bollywood heroine just got shorter. After a 15-year-stint at the box office, Manisha

Rani Mukerjee

Koirala/Tabu/Kajol keep waiting for that one meaningful role to don pancake.

And, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sushmita Sen who made their debuts in the 90s are also fast being relegated to the background. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says, “Even in Hollywood a Julia Roberts is feeling the tremors of the end. Whether you’re a street walker, an actor or in any other glamorous profession, there is a premium on youth. One can’t flinch away from the fact that an actor has a limited shelf life; and in this consumerist age where society is youth-obsessed, there is no place for people beyond a particular age. Even a child in an average school wants his mother to look like the young, television mother in a soap opera or a television commercial. Age controls the days and the nights of the entertainment world.’’

Facts that corroborate the theory that in showbiz, the younger the better, come from recent study that show that Aishwarya lost three endorsements — for a jewellery line, a soap and a doll to Katrina Kaif; Kareena is the reigning Bollywood queen; Priyanka is the preferred actress when the role needs “histrionics’’; Deepika looks good with Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. Akshay Kumar wants to team up with Jiah Khan; Shahid Kapoor wishes to serenade Genelia D’Souza; Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan prefer Asin over Amisha Patel; and, Abhishek Bachchan wants to share screen space with Sonam.

So in this fast changing scenario, where do the 90s’ beauties like Rani/Preity/Shilpa Shetty/Amisha fit in?

Trade writer Vinod Mirani says, “They’re considered for the occasional meaty role, but with the production numbers having gone down, the roles have dried up for the older lot. The heroes well into their 40s invariably ask their producers to get them younger heroines.’’ A filmmaker adds, “In Bollywood, the heroines are absolutely inter-changeable; switching Deepika with Katrina makes no difference to a project.’’So 43-year-old Salman will team up with 20-something Sonakshi Sinha (daughter of Shatrughan Sinha); Akshay Kumar (41) wants Jiah (21) in his film Housefull; and Aamir Khan (44) is definitely gung-ho about romancing Asin (25). Even Shah Rukh (43) made the perfect pair with Anushka (22). Of course, in the next round, the bar will be pushed down further, and the reigning Bollywood stars will definitely make a play for the new teenager on the block. When Amitabh Bachchan romanced Shilpa Shetty in Lal Badshah, one of his older leading ladies had joked, “Amitji is learning to change nappies; next he will be romancing Baby Guddu on screen.’’

Slumdog Millionaire Trivia

• Mercedes-Benz asked that its logos be removed in scenes taking place in the slums. The company, according to Danny Boyle, did not want to be associated with the poverty-stricken area, fearing that that might taint its image.

• The actor whose autograph young Jamal gets is Amitabh Bachchan, who is a very famous Indian actor, the original host of the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire"
  

• The cricket match being shown on television in Javed's house is the 1st one day international of the Future Cup between India and South Africa played at Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast on June 26 2007. As shown in the movie, Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian batsman, was run out on 99. India went on to score 242 and South Africa won the match by 4 wickets with 3 balls remaining.

• The film used a prototype Digital Cinema Camera from Silicon Imaging. When used in Mumbai, there were SI technicians on set constantly to deal with any problems the prototype had, of which there were many.
  

• Director Danny Boyle placed the money to be paid to the 3 lead child actors in a trust that is to be released to them upon their completion of grade school at 16 years of age. The production company has set up for an auto-rikshaw driver to take the kids to school everyday until they are 16 years old.
  

• Chris Tarrant, the host of the UK version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' featured in Danny Boyle's debut film Shallow Grave (1994). He appears as the host of another TV quiz show 'Lose A Million' but only on a TV screen.
  

• In the opening chase scene where Jamal and Salim jump down from a building to the ground is an reference to Danny Boyle's Trainspotting (1996) in which the main character Renton jumps down into the frame at a drug dealers to eventually overdose on heroin.
  

• In the scene where the adult Salim's phone rings soon after the adult Jamal finds him, the ringtone is part of the theme music from A.R. Rahman's work on the Indian movie Swades: We, the People (2004).

• The current exchange rate for 20,000,000 Rupees (the grand prize on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire") is USD$411,600.
  

• The film was originally intended to receive a PG-13 rating. In the end, it received an R rating because of its intense tone. With no time or money for appeals, the film was released with its given rating.
  

• Approximately 20% of the movie's dialog is in Hindi (with English subtitles).

• The pile of excreta that the young Jamal jumps into and was made from a combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
  

• When Salim goes to Javed's den to announce that he has killed Maman, the movie playing in the theatre nearby is the Sunil Shetty starrer Maseeha (2002). Mahesh Manjrekar, who plays Javed, made his acting debut in Kaante (2002), which was released exactly a week after Maseeha (2002).
  

• This movie almost was released straight to DVD instead of getting a theatrical release.
  

• A.R. Rahman took just 20 days to compose the entire soundtrack.
  

• The song "Jai Ho" was originally made for movie Yuvvraaj (2008), composed by A.R. Rahman and lyrics written by Gulzar, but the producer Subhash Ghai did not find it fitting in the movie for the actor Zayed Khan, so he let the song be used for this production.
  

• In the scene early in the film where Maman approaches Jamal and Salim to give them a cool drink, the "Thumbs Up" branding (the Indian version of Coca Cola) had to be removed on the request of the manufacturers who did not want to be associated with the film.
  

• The song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam" which is used by the "selecters" to select and train child beggars before blinding them was composed and sung by Surdas, a blind Indian legendary medieval singer.
• Longiness Fernandes was the choreographer of the dance sequence set to the song "Jai Ho", which is played during the end credits. But his name was inadvertently left out in the credits of the film. Upset with this, Longinus skipped the preview parties. Danny Boyle was also upset over this mistake and promised Longinus that he would make it up to him, and made he up in style. While accepting the Oscar for the Best Director, he admitted his mistake before the audience and thanked Longinus. The song "Jai Ho" also won the Oscar for Best Song for A.R. Rahman and Gulzar.
  

• When young Salim goes to sell the autograph of Amitabh Bachchan to the projectionist of the theatre, the movie being played is Ram Balram (1980/I). The film can be seen running out-of-focus. The voices heard belong to Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Ajit. The film also had Ajit beating up and terrorizing kids Ram and Balram, the characters played by Dharmendra and Amitabh - a possible allusion to the treatment meted out to the slum children.
  

• The children on the film were only paid a little above local wages for 30 days of work. One child's father said, "We have barely got any money from the film-makers. In fact, whatever came, has already been spent."
  

• Local Indian authorities decided to step in and move the children and their families from slums to new houses.
• Inside the police station, photographic portraits of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi can be seen on the wall.
  

• The first Best Cinematography Oscar winner to be predominantly shot in digital. This is also the first Best Picture Oscar winner since 1928 not to be shot on Kodak film (35mm segments were filmed on Fuji stocks).
  

• Throughout the film, particularly in the scenes where Jamal lives as a child in the slums, the word "chaiwala" can be seen. Jamal's is a chaiwala, or tea server at the time he appears on the TV show.

Amitabh fond of his loved ones

Known for his sharp memory, AB never forgets the birthday or special occasions in his loved one's lives. The actor makes it a point to wish them unfailingly.

Jaya Bachachan's Debut

Amitabh would have been the hero of Jaya's debut film, Guddi, as he was the original choice for the lead role. Finally, Samit Banja bagged the role.

Unforgettable World Tour

In Summer 2008, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan along with Preity Zinta and Ritesh Deshmukh, Shilpa Shetty on the Unforgettable World Tour. The first leg of the tour covered the USA, Canada, London, and Trinidad. The second leg of the tour will most likely happen by the end of this year 2008.

AB's News of First Child

It was during the making of Sholay that Amitabh discovered he was going to be a father of his firstborn

First meeting of Big B to Ms. Jaya B

Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri met for the first time at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and then again on the sets of Hrishikesh Mukherji's Guddi.

Slumdog Millionaire Roles

• Indian actor Ruslaan Mumtaz was almost selected for the role, but the producer of the film "found Ruslaan too good looking for the role" and not the personality they were looking for

• Boyle initially wanted Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan to play the role but things didn't work out. Bachchan and Khan have real life host experience of the Indian version of Who wants to be a Millionaire.

Amitabh Bachchan keeps his promise given to make up man

Amitabh Bachchan is not called a Superstar for nothing. He is always bang on time on his film's sets, honours every commitment and always lives up to his promise. His latest act proves that.

Two years ago, Amitabh was convinced by his make up man of over thirty years, Deepak Sawant to work in a Bhojpuri film that Sawant produced called Ganga. He then even went to do the film's sequel Gangotri. But now it has been revealed that Amitabh will work on Deepak’s first Hindi production, Great Dadu.

Our sources close to Deepak revealed, "Amitji had promised Deepak that whenever he would produce his first Hindi film, he shall play the main lead in it, irrespective of the film's budget. That is why is doing Great Dadu. The film will also star Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan and Hema Malini."

“In Great Dadu, playing the title role, Amitabh Bachchan will feature as a 70 year old man and Hema Malini will play his wife. It’s a family drama. And Abhishek Chhadda who directed Ganga and Gangotri will be directing the film. The movie will go on the floors this May.” added the sources.

The source went on to reveal that Amitabh’s commitment to Deepak doesn’t end with his acting role. He said, “Amitabh is also trying to rope in music maestro A R Rahman and also Aishwarya. He is doing all of this for Deepak’s sake.

Kehta Hai Baabul (Father says) from Baabul

Kehta hai baabul, o meri bitiya
Father says o my lovable daughter

(Tu to hai mere, jigar ki chitthiya) x.2
(You are a piece of my heart) x.2

Daakiya koi jab aayega, tujhko churaake le jayega
One day a messenger is going to steal you away

Katega kaise lamha, tere bina bata
Enlighten me how will my days pass without you

(Jiungaa kaise tanhaa, tere bina bata) x.2
(How will I survive without you, please advice me) x.2

-------------

Tu suhagan rahe, sang saajan rahe raat din
You remain married and your husband always be by your side day and night

Is khushi ke liye, har sitam main uthaa loonga
For this happiness I’m ready to put up with any pain

Tere jaane ka gham mujhko hoga magar laadli
Your going away will make me sad, but my child

Leke is dard ko main sada muskuraaunga
I’ll always have a smile even with this pain inside me

Baabul to dil se de raha dua yahi
Father is praying from heart for you

(Khushi ke saaye mein ho zindagi teri) x.2
(Shadow of happiness always remains in your life) x.2

------------------

Waqt ke saath zakhm ye bhar jayega
Time will heal all the wounds

Pal guzar jaayega tu meri baat maan le
Time will pass, you listen to me

Yaadon ke aasre umar katati nahin
Life cannot be lead on memories

Hai haqiqat yahi, ab tu jaan le
This is the plain truth you have to face

Sumundaron ka paani koi na pi saka
No one has drank the sea water

(Akela khaara jivan koi na ji saka) x.2
(No one can live life without companion) x.2

----------

Kehta hai baabul, o meri bitiya
Father says o my lovable daughter

(Tu to hai mere, jigar ki chitthiya) x.2
(You are a piece of my heart) x.2

Daakiya koi jab aayega, tujhko churaake le jayega
One day a messenger is going to steal you away

Katega kaise lamha, tere bina bata
Enlighten me how will my days pass without you

(Jiungaa kaise tanhaa, tere bina bata) x.2
(How will I survive without you, please advice me) x.2

Amitabh Bachchan's Fatal Accident

When Amitabh was in a critical condition after the near fatal accident on the sets of Coolie, wife Jaya would walk barefoot daily from the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai to the famed Siddhi Vinayak Temple, six kilometers away, praying for his quick recovery.

Amitabh Bachchan's Humble Beginning

Amitabh Bachchan once spent a few nights on a bench at Marine Drive, Mumbai, when he was struggling and trying to make it big in films.

Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had written the script of 'Khamoshi 'with Amitabh Bachchan in mind.

Amitabh Bachchan in Mr. Natwarlal

First made Amitabh Bachchan's memorable baritone famous

Mr. Natwarlal-Movie Review

Synopsis

Natwar is just a young boy when his beloved older brother and caretaker, police officer Gridharilal, is framed for bribery by sinister criminal mastermind Vikram. When he grows up, Natwar creates a secret identity for himself, posing as a powerful and mysterious underworld figure named Mr. Natwarlal, determined to slowly but surely exact vengeance on Vikram.

Starring

• Amitabh Bachhan
• Rekha
• Amjad Khan
• Ajit
• Kader Khan
  

*Grade

B+

Excellent acting of all actors. Lots of action, emotion, and comedy. Overall, beautiful and remembrance songs. Family movie must see.


Rated G/PG

*We, Bollywood Songs Translation and Bollywood Facts, gave this grade to this movie, which may be different from anyone and everyone. If you differ, feel free to comment.

Aks-Movie Review

Purchase Now

Synopsis

The Indian Defense Minister is in the heart of Budapest on a friendly foreign visit. There is however a hidden agenda behind the smiles and handshakes. A floppy disk that contains information, which could affect the destiny of the Indian nation. Manu Verma (Amitabh Bachchan), the head of the Minister’s security is informed that an assassin, Raghavan (Manoj Bajpai) is out to eliminate the Minister. Before the evening is through, Raghavan strikes and vanishes into thin air and the floppy too. Verma becomes a man obsessed with capturing Raghavan

Starring

• Amitabh Bachchan.... Insp. Manu Verma
• Manoj Bajpai .... Raghavan Ghatge
• Nandita Das .... Supriya Verma
• Raveena Tandon .... Neeta
• K.K. Raina .... Mahadevan Ghatge
• Kamal Chopra .... ACP Pradhan
• Tanvi Azmi .... Madhu Pradhan
• Vineet Kumar .... Narang
• Pramod Muthu .... Justice Balwant Chaudhry
• Salim Ghouse .... Blind Guru
• Veerendra Saxena .... Hanif Kasai (as Virendra Saxena)
• Vijay Raaz .... Yeda Yakub
• Vrajesh Hirjee .... Raw Officer 1
• Gajraj Rao .... Raw Officer 2
• Mithilesh Chaturvedi .... PM's Aide
• Amol Palekar .... The Minister

*Grade

C-

The acting of each actor was really fascinating, especially Amitabh B and Manoj B. Though the story was really confusing and hard to follow, highly not suggested as family movie

Rated PG 13

*We, Bollywood Songs Translation and Bollywood Facts, gave this grade to this movie, which may be different from anyone and everyone. If you differ, feel free to comment.

Amitabh Bachchan's Meaning of his Name

The Big B was to be named 'Inquilab' before his father, the famous poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan finally agreed upon 'Amitabh', which means brilliance unlimited.

Amitabh Bachchan

Born Amitabh Bachchan
October 11, 1942 (1942-10-11) (age 66)
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Occupation:

Film actor

Film producer

Playback singer

Television presenter

Spouse(s)

Jaya Bhaduri (1973 - present)

Children
Abhishek Bachchan