January 26, 2010

On Location

Spotted. Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra in NYC shooting for Anjaana Anjaani. Just from the looks of it, their chemistry seems like it could potentially be a winner.

Have a gander.



Also spotted was Ranbir Kapoor at the Lakers-Knicks game and he managed to get a picture with Kobe Bryant. RK's wearing Knicks attire though, I wonder if that was awkward...



[Photo Source: Pink Villa]

Promos, Trailers and Friends

I haven't done my normal research so I only have two trailers to show you.

Uno being a MNIK song promo to "Tere Naina." I forgot the warm and fuzzy feeling I get upon seeing the Shajol chemistry. Eeeeeks!



A trailer for Atithi Tum Kab Jaago:



Okay so it looks like the typical Indian comedy, but look at the actors. All three are great. And I am ashamed/proud to admit I l-o-led when Aitithi was gargling.

Awards Season: National Awards

Don't be confused. The National Awards that were recently announced are, not for the year 2009, but for 2008! Yeah... only slightly delayed.




Here is a list of most of the winners with a citation as to why they were chosen.

BEST FEATURE FILM: Antaheen (Bengali)- For lyrical blend of technical devices in the right proportion to depict shifting human relationships in an urban scenario. [P.S. the film's cast has a few names familiar to Bollywood: Sharmila Tagore and Rahul Bose]

INDIRA GANDHI AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FILM OF A DIRECTOR: A Wednesday (Hindi)- For slick and searing exposure of the tension below the normal rhythm of life and the angst of the common man in Mumbai. Loved this film, glad it received recognition.

BEST POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT: Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (Hindi)- For its intelligent treatment of an off-beat subject that makes it different within the popular format.

BEST DIRECTION: Bala for Naan Kadauul (Tamil)- For its powerful handling of an extraordinary subject that focuses on marginal characters with great convection.

BEST ACTOR: Upendra Limaye for Jogva (Marathi)- For his restrained yet powerful depiction of a complex character.

BEST ACTRESS: Priyanka Chopra for Fashion (Hindi)- For convincing portrayal of a whole range of emotions within a single character,

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Arjun Rampal for Rock On (Hindi)- For his moving performance as a musician trying to rise above personal tragedy.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Kangana Ranaut for Fashion (Hindi)- For compelling portrayal of a down and out supper model that enriches the impact of the film.

BEST MALE PLAYBACK SINGER: Hariharan for the song Jeev Dangla Gungla Rangla (Marathi)- For his soulful rendition reflecting the agony of unfulfilled emotions.

BEST FEMALE PLAYBACK SINGER: Shreya Ghoshal for the song(s) Pherari Mon & Jeev Dangla Gungla Rangla (Bengali & Marathi)- for her wide ranging rendition of
human emotions.


For a full list of awards click here.

Ooooooookay.

A lot of people are questioning the validity of these awards, because the jury is never really acknowledged and no one knows who the nominees are, so it's kind of sketch. But of all the film awards that go on in India (to my knowledge) these seem the closest to being somewhat valid and the closest reflection of the critics' choice.

So there's a lot of outrage as to why Hindi Films got so many nods (particularly Arjun Rampal, Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Roadside Romeo). I can't really sit here and argue which is deserving and which isn't because I'm not well versed with all the other regional films made. I read an insane amount of hateful comments (all on one website, though) about Priyanka Chopra's win being an undeserved one. Putting my die-hard fanaticism aside, I watched Fashion again yesterday. I really, truly, do think that was her career's best thus far (I think her best is yet to come). To be a hundred percent honest the first time I watched it I thought she did well, but it was the second time around that I really noticed what a fantastic job her performance was. I think a lot of people might be upset at her winning because she's a super mainstream-commercial-epitome-of-Bollywood actress who does films like "Pyaar Impossible." Or I might just sound like a crazed fan giving an irrational argument, I can't decide. Anyway, the last time the Best Actress Award was given to a Hindi film actress was in 2002 (Tabu for Chandni Bar) so, irrespective of what people have to say, props to PC! Arjun receiving Best Supporting, does make me wonder a teeny bit. He did a good job, no doubt. I even mentioned how I felt that he was underrated, but think about Paresh Rawal's performance in Mumbai Meri Jaan. I mean, there's no denying he owned the role in true Paresh fashion. Or even his role(s) in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! Speaking of Mumbair Meri Jaan, I do wish it was recognized a little more. For what? I don't know, but I do know it was a good film. Laastly, What did Kangana do differently in Fashion from any of her other films? Okay, that's just me hating... but I do kind of mean that.

The dissection of these awards could go on and on so I'm just going to end this, but before I do...

Can I get a "HELL YEAH!" for (my absolute absolute favorite) Shreya Ghoshal on her win for two songs?? This is her FOURTH National Award win and she's only twenty-five! [Btw, if you're curious she's won for: Bairi Piya (Devdas), Dheere Jalna (Paheli), and Yeh Ishq Hai (Jab We Met)]

"Wah-Wah" Worthy Reality TV

Another weekend, another line up of videos.

Dance India Dance

Before I do this past weekends, there's one I forgot to post from last weekend that I think deserves a nod. Kruti Mahesh's performance in the "Dance ki Kasowti." Firstly, I think she's a strong contender to make it near, if not to, the finals. One of those "slowly but surely" situations. Secondly, a dance to a shayari/kavita fused with "Albela" from HDDCS what. a. concept. Terrance was right, there is no one but Kruti who would do justice to the performance. I adore this:



Onto this week. I really really liked almost every dance barring a few so I'm having a really hard time picking which ones I loved the most. First choice is obvious, our lady-love Shakti, who performed a hat trick and got a Grand Salute from Mithun for the third consecutive week. Something similar happened to Salman (last year's winner) then he had a dip, but came out a winner. Anyway the Shakti-Kunwar duo performed to "Aankhon ki Gustakhiyan" from HDDCS. Props to Terrance, he reinvents played out songs with his innovative choreography/themes. First Khuda Jaane and now this song.



Next performance is Binny's from Dance ki Kasowti. I'm going to secretly admit I didn't like her in the tryout rounds, but she's really proved herself through her performances once the actual show began. This act, in particular, won my respect for her. Whenever she's using the metal contraption (that moves beyond her control) there isn't a trace of trepidation to be seen on her face. Seee for yourself. Binny dancing to O Re Piya from Aaja Nachle:



Next is a typical Dharmesh act a.k.a amazing no words to be said, but I will say that I'm ready to see something new from him. I realize I'm probably going to be taken to the gallows for that comment. Don't get me wrong I REALLY REALLY enjoy his performances and he is, undoubtedly, one of the bests in his forte', but for the sake of versatility I would love to see something else. I don't doubt he could do it. Anyway here's his dance to "Churake Dil Mera" from Main Khiladi Tu Anari:



Laaastly, is another "slowly but surely" type: Parvez Rehmani. What a talented guy. His performance to "Beete Lamhe" from The Train was a completely different genre from his previous hip-hop performance to "Pag Ghungroo" I can't wait to see what he does next, until then watch this:



Music Ka Maha Muqabla

First up we've got the talented (and winner of Star Voice of India- chote Ustaads) Aishwarya Majmudar singing "Laga Chunari Mein Daag" it's really refreshing to hear it in a female voice. No embedding allowed so click here to watch :)

Next fave video was Sharib Sabri's performance to, his own creation, O Soniyo from Raaz 2. I can't get the entire video because the MKMM account uploads the episode, not by performances, but by time limit. Grr. So here's the second half of his preformance. You can still get a feel for why it was so amazing. I felt like "jhooming" while listening to this:



...until next week!