Distributed free of cost

FORTNIGHTLY ISSUE NO. 18 FEBRUARY 26, 2010 AUCKLAND

T
ell us something Karthik. I play the role of Shonali, a
about ‘Karthik modern Bengali girl, who is born and
Calling Karthik’ brought up in Mumbai and is clear
and your role in the abut what she wants out of life. She is
film. confident, sensible and to a certain
It is a romantic thriller about extent emotional too. This is the first
Karthik’s journey. His life time I have done a thriller and I found
suddenly undergoes a change the story quite engaging.
when he receives a call from
another person, also called Full coverage on page 6 & 7
GLA M OR ★ GOSSIP ★ GR ANDE UR

Her dignified composure

and her familiar dimpled
smile barely reflect her
recent break-up with
Ranbir Kapoor. If anything,
Deepika Padukone seems
determined to keep her
professional and personal
life apart, even as she takes
new strides in her career.
In a candid chat, she talks
about her forthcoming
release, ‘Karthik Calling
Karthik’ and how she views
the media speculation on
her personal life.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE
“I have stopped reacting to
rumours about my personal life”
RAJESH KUMAR Immigration Advisor
- 14 years of Legal & Immigration experience
- Specialise in Skilled Migrant Category & Family Residence
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02 ADVERTORIAL FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

10 - Star Talk Readers’ feedback

SUNNY DEOL

11 - Fitness speak Editor’s note

KAREENA KAPOOR A big hello to all our G-plus readers and film buffs. Never mind
12 - 13 - King Poster
the fact that Teen Patti hasn’t quite got the box-office excited, the
excitement over the outstanding response to ‘My Name is Khan’,
MALLIKA SHERAWAT hasn’t died down yet. Audiences and critics alike are going ga-ga
CONTENTS 14 - Director speak
over the film which has won their hearts, with the repeat audiences
pouring in the theatres. It is films such as these that make the
Page 1, 6 & 7 - Cover story LEENA YADAV experience of film viewing a worthy one.
DEEPIKA PADUKONE 15 - Filmfare awards
Vinay Mehta
3 - Star Birthdays 16 - 17 - Biz Talk Editor
4 & 5 - Previews 18 - Events
‘‘PRINCE’ AND ‘ROAD’ 20 - Point of view
8 - 9 - What’s up RAHUL BOSE
(In the news) 22 - NZ diary

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FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND STAR BIRTHDAYS 03

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 04 PREVIEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

T
ips Music Films Prince-
It’s Showtime is an
action adventure shot
on exquisite foreign
locales. According to the film’s
producer, Kumar Taurani, the
film could well be Bollywood’s
answer to Ian Fleming’s James
Bond in terms of its hi-octave
action, picturesque locales
and slick look. The film which
marks Vivek Oberoi’s return to
a solo performance after a span
of five years (he last appeared
as a solo male lead in Kisna -
The Warrior Poet in 2005), is
slated to rejuvenate his career
and bring him back into the big
league.
Vivek plays the role of an
espionage agent, who suffers
from memory loss, even as
each of the three women he has
dated, claim to be his “Maya”.
One of the savviest thieves in
the world commits the biggest
heist of his life. He wakes up
next the morning to realize he
has a gunshot wound on his
arm that he doesn’t remember
getting. In his quest to find
answers he discovers his name
is Prince, he used to work for
a man named Sarang and his
girlfriend’s name is Maya.
Prince is being hunted by the
secret service of India- I Grip,
the CBI and the biggest white
collared criminals in the world.
He is also the most wanted
man in the country because he
alone knows the whereabouts
of the secret in the heist, which
besides unveiling his memory
loss, also threatens the future
of the human race.
Prince can tangle rely only
on his razor sharp instincts
to salvage himself. However
he gets entangled deeper and
deeper in the web of deception.
To add to his confused state of
mind, every day he happens
to meet a new girl who claims Banner
to be Maya even as every cop Tips Music Films
and criminal in the country is
out for his blood. He doesn’t Producer
remember where he has hidden Kumar S Taurani
the heist, nor does he know
which side of the law he is on, Director
His life is at stake, so is the Kookie V Gulati
future of mankind. Prince has
no one but himself to trust and Star Cast
time is running out for him as Vivek Oberoi...... Prince
he has just five days of his life. Aruna Shields...... Maya
Besides Vivek Oberoi, the Nandana Sen...... Maya
film stars Nandana Sen, a Niru Bajwa...... Maya
talented actress in her own Isaiah...... Sarang
right, Neeru Bajwa, Sanjay Sanjay Kapoor...... Officer
Kapoor and Aruna Shields, Khan
an actress from the UK who Dalip Tahil...... Colonel
makes her Hindi film debut Khanna
with Prince. Manish Anand...... Mike
The film is in the same Mayur Puri...... PK
league of Tips earlier action- Rajesh Khattar...... Sherry
emotion thrillers like Soldier Mohit Chauhan...... Agent Roy
and Race, with some foot-
tapping music (the film has 16 Lyricist
songs) and action king, Allan Sameer
Amin’s hi-end action. The title
track rendered by Atif Aslam Music Director
has already caught on with the Sachin Gupta
audiences. The makers seem to
be evidently confident about Action
the film’s prospects going by Allan Amin
the March 26 release date,
against the IPL matches, when Story, writer and
few producers are willing to screenplay
take the risk of releasing their Shiraz Ahmed
films. Debutant director Kookie
Gulati seems to have a winner Sound
there. Resul Pookutty

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 FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
P
roduced by the US-based Ross
Katz and Susan B. Landau,
and presented by The Indian
Film Company and Studio
18, Road marks the return of critically
acclaimed director Dev Benegal almost
a decade after his last film, Split Wide
Open. Starring, Abhay Deol, Tanisshtha
Chatterjee and Satish Kaushik, the film
has already wowed the audiences at
various international
festivals besides the
fact that it’s script was
an official selection at
the L’Atelier du Cannes
in 2006.
Vishnu (Abhay
Deol), a restless young
man, itches to escape
his father’s faltering
hair oil business. An old
truck beckons, which,
Vishnu sees as his ticket
to freedom. He offers to
drive the antique Chevy
across the desert to the
sea, where it has been
sold to a local museum.
As he sets off across the harsh terrain of
desert India, he discovers he’s not merely
transporting a battered vehicle but an old
touring cinema.
Along the way, Vishnu reluctantly picks
up a young runaway (Mohammed Faizal
Usmani), a wandering old entertainer
(Satish Kaushik) and a striking gypsy
woman (Tannishtha Chatterjee - Brick
Lane). Together they roam in the barren
land, searching for water and an elusive
PREVIEWS 05
fair. The journey turns dire when they are
waylaid by corrupt cops and a notorious
water lord.
The key to their freedom is the
eccentric collection of films and the two
forty-year-old film projectors in the back
of the truck. As in ‘1001 Nights’, if the
films are good, they live and move on. If
the films are boring, they face death in
the outback.
The journey proves
transformative for each
of the travelers, but
especially for Vishnu
who discovers life, love
and laughter on the
Indian highway.
The film has been
shot extensively in the
locales of Rajasthan.
Instead of opting for
his regular favourite,
Rahul Bose who
featured in his last
two films, Benegal has
chosen Abhay Deol to
play the protagonist in
his film this time.
Road is another distinctly made film
coming from Benegal, in his unique style.
One of the added attractions of the film is
the Pyaasa track ‘Sar jo tera chakraye...’,
which Benegal specially got re-recorded
from a New York based composer and
singer for the film. The song plays an
important role throughout the narrative
of the film reflecting the mind set of the
protagonist. Road is scheduled for a
March 5 release.
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 06
This is also the first time
you have worked with
Farhan Akhtar. How was
the experience?
I have interacted with Farhan
socially in the past but working
with him as an actor and director
was a new experience. Farhan
is meticulous and organized
both as an actor and a producer
but few people are aware of his
great sense of humour. He has
the ability can regale you with
his witty repartees.
The general opinion is that
you and Farhan shared a
rocking chemistry during
the making of the film.
Well, we did not quite know
of this remarkable chemistry
until we saw the promos of
the film and heard people
commenting on it. No doubt, I
and Farhan hit it off instantly
when we faced the camera
together, but it is largely the
script of a film that defines the
chemistry between two people.
We are told that there are a
few scenes which show you
smoking in the film and you
were not quite comfortable
doing them.
That’s true. I was initially
surprised when I was told that
I would be required to smoke in
COVER STORY
the film. I don’t enjoy smoking
and cannot tolerate the idea of
being seated next to a person
who is smoking. My parents
don’t smoke either so it was a
bit difficult. However, I decided
that it was the demand of the
role and I had to do it. I had to
learn how to do so, right from
holding a cigarette in my hand
“I was initially
surprised when
I was told that I
would be required
to smoke in the
film. I don’t enjoy
smoking and
cannot tolerate
the idea of being
seated next to a
person who is
smoking.”
to lighting it. Since smoking
normal cigarettes proved to be
difficult, we decided to switch
over to organic cigarettes which
made things easier for me.
Having worked with Shah
Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar
and now Farhan Akhtar
how has the experience
been?
Working with a range of
established actors has definitely
helped me to grow as an actor.
Coming to think of it, I think I
am quite privileged to have got
FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
the best of co-stars and roles in
the two years of my Hindi film
career. I and Akshay have done
another film, Sajid Nadiadwala’s
‘Houseful’. Akshay has been very
encouraging and supportive as
a co-star and it was nice to work
with him again after ‘Chandni
Chowk To China’. The film is
a comedy, action drama and
romance-all rolled into one and
we had a fun time shooting for
it. I am also looking forward
to Ashutosh Gowarikar’s
‘Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se’ in
which I have been paired with
Abhishek Bachchan. I have got
a strong character in the film
and I am looking at it as one of
the most creatively satisfying
roles in my career. I think I
have come a long way from the
time I shot for my first film and
each film has been a learning
experience of sorts.
How do you react to media
reports about your various
link-ups, from Yuvraaj
Singh and Dhoni to Shahid
Kapoor and Farhan
Akhtar, not forgetting your
steady alliance with Ranbir
Kapoor at one point of
time?
I don’t think it will make a
difference if I come out and
clarify things since so much has
already been written about my
personal life. Frankly, I have
stopped reacting to rumours
about my personal life. I used
to get hassled about all this at
one stage but it has stopped
“I and Farhan
hit it off instantly
when we faced the
camera together,
but it is largely
the script of a film
that defines the
chemistry between
two people.”
making a difference to me now.
I have reached a stage where I
don’t think I need to clarify or
justify my stand to anyone. I
know that it is my work that will
ultimately speak for me.
How do your parents react
to this, considering that
they are from a non-filmi
background?
On the contrary, it is my
parents who have been my
pillars of strength all the way.
They were the ones who advised
me not to react to such rumours.
I respect them and they trust
me, which is more than enough
for me. Also, my parents are
liberal in their thinking. They
know the pros and cons of
working in an industry where
such rumours are constantly
doing the rounds. If I am feeling
low at any point of time, my
mother is always there to talk
to. She is my best friend.
 FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND COVER STORY 07

What has been your parent’s

perception about your acting?
My parents have been closely
watching my performances in these
two years and they feel that I have
significantly improved as an actress.
My sister is my greatest fan and critic.
I take her suggestions seriously when
she points out my flaws. I think it’s
important to have such people around
you all the time.
What next?
Well, I will be shooting for Yash Raj
Films’ next with Neil Nitin Mukesh,
which begins shooting in March. After
that I have Danish Aslam’s ‘Break Ke
Baad’ with Imraan Khan. I am quite
happy with the way my career is going.
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 08 WHAT’S UP (IN THE NEWS) FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

Celina Jaitly launches the new logo of Egypt
A
ctress Celina Jaitely unveiled
the new logo of Egypt and also
announced the launch of their
new advertising campaign in India at an
event aptly called, ‘An Egyptian Night’
held at the Trident Hotel, in Mumbai.
The event was part of the Egyptian
Tourism Authority and the Embassy
of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s efforts
Sanjay Dutt is guest of honour at Dubai local college
want more and more Indians to visit
Egypt and experience for themselves the
warm hospitality of Egypt something for
which both India and Egypt are fabled.
Further, both the countries are perfect
tourist destinations offering an eclectic
mix of past and the present, ancient and
modern, art and culture, heritage and
history, sports and entertainment.”

to highlight the importance of Indian Celina exclaimed, “Seeing the

market for its tourism industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Samy
Mahmoud ,Under Secretary –Head of
International Promotion sector said,
“India is very important to us not only
as a tourism market but more so as a
Pyramids sitting on my Grandfather’s
shoulders is the first memory I have of
Egypt. I was only six then, and that’s
when my love affair with Egypt began.
Back then little did I know that when
I will grow up I will be representing

country with which we share strong
political and cultural ties. India and
Egypt have cultural synergies and
affinities that go far back in history. It
is for this reason that we are launching
our new campaign and logo here. We
this beautiful country by becoming the
brand ambassador of Egypt to India.”
The invitees enjoyed the belly
dancing and traditional Tanoura dance
and were also were seen participating
in it.
S
anjay Dutt recently went to
Dubai where he met with His
Highness Prince Mubarak Al
Nehyan (UAE Education Minister)
and Sayed Zahoor Alam (Associate
Director, Enso Ltd) at the Annual Day
function of a local college in Dubai.
Sanjay Dutt was personally invited
by His Highness Prince Mubarak Al
Nehyan who is a big fan of the actor
as well as Bollywood films.

Vivek Oberoi charms the audiences Kailash Kher celebrates first

at the music release of his film marriage anniversary in style

W
hen producer Kumar Taurani Vivek initially led a flash mob to
announced the music launch perform a dance to the song ‘O Mere
of his upcoming film Prince Khuda’, the first song from the film. The

starring Vivek Oberoi he promised a
surprise. And surprise it was when
what looked like normal shoppers at
a mall suddenly took to coordinated
dance steps and shook the two malls in
Mumbai. The biggest surprise however
was Vivek Oberoi’s jig at the end that
left a big smile on everyone’s face long
after the dust had settled down. The
concept of a ‘Flash Mob’ was successfully
executed to the delight of the ordinary
shoppers at both the Phoenix Mills and
the Oberoi mall in Mumbai.
celebrations began at the Phoenix Mills
and went on to the Oberoi mall where
Vivek’s entry was even more special. Here
he arrived dramatically on his brand new
Ducati bike that drove girls and boys
berserk. The fans insisted on getting
themselves clicked with him on his bike
but only one lucky kid got to actually ride
the bike. Post the dance jig Vivek took the
podium and thanked his fans for being
their in such large numbers.
The music of the film was subsequently
launched by the producers.
S
inger Kailash Kher celebrated
his first marriage anniversary
with wife Sheetal Kher and
baby Kabir Kher at a suburban hotel.
The glittery party was witnessed by
the who’s who of the music industry.
Set by the beach, the night was
made more special as a troupe of
traditional Rajasthani folk singers
and dancers gave a mesmerizing
stage performance. Among those
seen at the do were Anupam Kher,
the gorgeous Poonam Dhillon, Quiz
Master Siddhartha Basu along with
wife Anita Kaul Basu, music director
Anu Malik, writer Prasoon Joshi,
comedian Raju Srivastava, singer
Shaan with wife Radhika, actress
Vasundhara Das, composers Salim
and Suleman Merchant, filmmakers
Prakash Jha and Jagmohan
Mundhra, Bhajan Samraat Anup
Jalota Manmohan Shetty, Hans Raj
Hans and others. The party went on
till wee hours of the morning.
 FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND WHAT’S UP (IN THE NEWS) 09

Music composer Pyarelal releases

music of Right Yaa Wrong

I
t was a great moment for music
composer Monty on the eve of
his music release when his uncle,
Pyarelal was called upon to inaugurate
the music of his film ‘Right Yaa
Wrong’. Few people are aware that
Monty, the composer of films like
‘Saawariya’ had been trained and was
working as a key board player with
the duo of Laxmikant-Pyarelal for
over a decade.
The music release was glittered with
a sound track of the song ‘’ jeena tere
liye ‘’ amongst the presence of many
stalwarts from the music industry
including Javed Akhtar , Prasoon
Joshi, Vineet Jain , Anu Malik , Akshay
Kumar, Alka yagnik , Kavita krishna
Murthy and many other music wizards.
Sunny Deol, the hero of the film
specially mentioned it as his favourite.
Subhash Ghai, the chairman of Mukta
Arts, the world rights controller of the
movie was called upon on the stage by
the unit of the film and was given the
first CD by Pyarelal.

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 10 STAR TALK FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

the financial part, which landed us in

trouble. Moreover, since I have been a
sportsman, my decisions have always
been instinctive. At times, they worked
and at other times, they didn’t.
We are told that you haven’t been
keeping well too.
I had a severe back injury during one
of the shoots after I fell off the horse.
That was the bleakest period of my life.
I also put on weight during that period
because I couldn’t exercise. I ended up
putting on 91 kgs. I was always a health
freak all my life and this depressed me
further. Now I have decided to put all
that behind me and start working afresh.
I have been working hard on losing all
the weight. An actor’s asset is his face
and physique and he has to work hard
to maintain a certain look. I have been
controlling my food and exercises. I
have also started playing a lot of games
to regain my lost form.
Your on-screen image is in total
contrast to your off screen quiet
and introvert persona. Comment.
My roles have been always been a
medium of expression. I often express
myself through the characters in my
movies more than in real life. I always
enjoy what I do and my directors have
been supportive enough to guide me.
Coming to the title of your
forthcoming film, ‘Right Yaaa
Wrong’, do you feel things are
always right or wrong in life too?
“I did agree to do a few
films later because I was
in dire need of money
after the financial losses
I had incurred in my
banner. We Deols are
an emotional lot and
this usually lands us in
trouble.”
also changed. Earlier films were made
with the sole purpose of entertaining the
audiences but now everyone is looking at
the marketing and box office prospects,
without looking at the content of a film.
Also there is a dearth of good subjects
today. A majority of films that are being
made are Mumbai centric. We are
simply aping the west when we can very
well explore better subjects here.
What is the status of your next film,
‘The Man’?
The Man will resume shooting after
the IPL matches. It is a big budget film.
We were worried about the salability of
the film at one point as recession had
set in. We couldn’t hold Shilpa Shetty
longer as she was due to get married.
Once she is through with it, we plan to
start shooting for the film.
We are told that you are planning
to revive your home banner soon.

SUNNY DEOL
“I don’t believe in marketing
myself through controversies”
There was a time when the frontbenchers whistled and
cheered every time Sunny Deol thrashed away the on-
screen baddies with his power packed punches. Today,
the macho action hero makes fewer appearances on
screen. His last release, Fox, made little impact at the
box-office and his long-delayed film, ‘Right Yaaa Wrong’, I strongly believe that life is all about That’s true. After ‘Apne’, Dad, Bobby
is due for release shortly. The reclusive Sunny Deol talks m
making the right and wrong choices. and I are coming back with ‘Yamla
W
When I was young I did things which Pagla Deewana’. We have just finished
about his pace of work and why he has been keeping a w
were perceived to be wrong, but I chose to working on the script. It will be the
low profile. d
do them nevertheless because they were typical lost and found formula that was
ri
right from my point of view. Similarly, evident in Manmohan Desai films. I
m
my role in the film is about a man who is believe in entertainment and would love

Y
ou seem to have lately
become a recluse. You
are not seen at any social
dos nor have you been
making any efforts to stay in the
news.
This is how I have always been -on and
off screen. Like me or hate me, I am not
a social enthusiast or an ardent partygoer.
Nor do I believe in marketing myself.
Despite all this, I have managed to survive
in the industry for 25 years. I think I am
still going strong in my own way.
But you aren’t doing any new films
either. The ones that you have on
hand are all old underproduction
projects.
That’s because I was going through a
low phase earlier. I didn’t get the kind of
roles that I was seeking. I did agree to
do a few films later because I was in dire
need of money after the financial losses
I had incurred in my banner. We Deols
are an emotional lot and this usually
lands us in trouble. After we started our
banner, we didn’t know how to handle
frustrated because things are not going
right for him. He asks his wife to help
him die. The film is a suspense thriller.
What frustrates you the most?
To be honest, I feel everything is
wrong in this country. I don’t like the way
it functions but there is very little I can
do about it. Everything is so superficial
these days. Besides, a lot of things are
done for money, which needs to be
checked. Even Bollywood has become
surreal these days. It’s functioning has
to do entertaining movies.
What is it that gives you a high
while doing a film?
My high is the appreciation that I get
from the audience. I want people to like
my work. I don’t believe in selling myself
through gimmicks and controversies.
I know times have changed and it is
important to package yourself but I
firmly believe that good entertainment
always sells.
By Sharmishta T
 FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
“Dieting is all about
eating right”
– KAREENA KAPOOR
While everyone envies
Kareena Kapoor’s
size zero, the actress
was recently seen
advocating her fans to
follow her dietician,
Rujuta Diwekar book,
‘Don’t Lose Your
Mind, Lose Your
weight.’ Kareena
incidentally has
written the foreword
for the book. She
talks about the how
the famous dietician
helped her achieve the
inevitable.
“I
was 68 kilos before I met
Rujuta and I was content
with it. After Don-II, I
happened to read a glossy
that criticized me for my weight. I was
stunned and decided to lose weight,”
recalls Kareena. According to her, the
best part about going on Rujuta’s diet
program was that she did not have to
give up on her favourite foods. “I was a
bit skeptical initially since I cannot stay
without rice, pasta and my favourite
Christmas pudding. My mom’s a
Christian and I am a vegetarian by
choice, but I can’t give up on my pudding.
I made it conditional and Rujuta had no
qualms about it too,” she smiles.
According to Kareena, Rujuta
changed her perception towards diets
and dieting soon after. “The first thing
I learnt was that dieting wasn’t about
starving yourself and denying the foods
you craved for. It also corrected certain
wrong notions about exercise. Earlier I
did a lot of weight training but it bulked
me up. Then I took to yoga, which
further made the difference,” she says.
Soon after that, Kareena took to
vegetarianism. “It was a spiritual choice.
I happened to read Radhaswamy’s
book, ‘Life Is Fair’. It was all about the
Karma Theory and changed my way of
thinking,” she says, adding that she does
not compel her loved ones and family to
follow her in the choices she has made.
“There are times when I am sitting with
Saif and he is having goat meat. He is a
Muslim and that’s his food. It would be
unfair of me to tell him to give it up,” she
FITNESS SPEAK 11
says matter-of-factly.
Thanks to Rujuta’s diet, Kareena
has no problems about having the right
kind of food, even when she is traveling
abroad on a shoot. “Whether I am in
Bangkok, London or Switzerland I get
to eat what I want and still lose weight.
That’s because Rujuta often recommends
Taste Bhi, Health Bhi...
local food. I have spaghetti almost every
night for dinner,” she reveals.
Looking back, Kareena feels that
getting into shape is relatively easy
though maintaining it is a pressure.
“Getting into a bikini for Tashan was
no doubt a challenge. I was literally
living on salads then but then I learnt
how to eat right and that changed it all.
I do cheat on food occasionally but the Aashirwad Aata
whole point is about eating right, which Special Price
now available
means that I am totally off junk food. I on 10 kg bags
work out three times a week but there in 20 kg bags
are days when I can go with out a work
out. All I recommend is eat right,” she
says.
Kareena’s exercise routine includes
workouts thrice a week, besides surya
namaskaras. “Earlier I did around
100 Surya Namaskar’s a day but now I
have come down to 30-40. I end up my For Trade Enquiries
exercises by walking on the treadmill for
30 minutes,” she reveals. Contact: Vishl Rikhi: 0212847425
Ask her what she is high on in life
and pat comes the answer, “I am high
on three things in life- They are French
Rice, Johnny Depp and Shah Rukh
Ashirwad Foods Limited
Khan. Does that sound good enough”
Ph: (09) 271 6243, Fax: (09) 271 6240
she giggles, flashing her trademark 5/25-27, Sir Willim Ave, East Tamaki, Auckland
smile. Email: vishal@aashirwad.co.nz, www.ashirwad.co.nz
By B. Preshit
Her sex appeal has now travelled to Hollywood 12
She is hot and happening and she sure knows how to play her cards well. The
sexy MALLIKA SHERAWAT is going places in Hollywood these days with two
international flicks in hand, ‘Hiss’ and ‘Love Barack’, a political romantic comedy
set during the frantic days leading to the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election. The
other Hollywood wannabes from Bollywood sure need to take a lesson from her.
KING POSTER
FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
KING POSTER
13
 14 DIRECTOR SPEAK FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

LEENA YADAV
“‘Teen Patti’ gave me a new
insight into Bachchan’s
multi-talented persona”
After Shabd, director Leena Yadav is ready
with her second venture, Teen Patti with Ben
Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan in pivotal
roles. The film is based on the backdrop of
Gambling. Leena speaks about her film and
working with the two biggest stalwarts of
Bollywood and Hollywood.

T
he story of Teen Patti is
reportedly set against the
backdrop of a gambling
den. True?
The gambling part is just a metaphor
about winning and losing in life. In
effect, Teen Patti is the story of two
protagonists, Perci Trachtenberg and
Venkat Subramaniam, both Mathematics
professors played by Sir Ben and Amitabh
Bachchan. The film explores the human
traits of greed, deceit and corruption.
We are told that a lot of pre-
production research went into the
film’s making.
That’s true. We were very keen on giving
the film a very authentic look. We worked
on the script with Mr.Subramaniam, a
mathematician from IIT, besides Aditya
Parmeshwaran from Stanford University.
Apart from Amitabh Bachchan and Ben
Kinglsey, we also have four new debutants
in the film with their vibrant energy
and chemistry namely, Siddharth Kher,
Vaibhav Talwar, Dhruv Ganesh and Shakti
involved can escape if there is a raid. While
shooting, I took the creative liberty of
shooting it on a set, since we were unable
to shoot in the real casinos but before that
I visited a functioning ‘adda’ to get the
feel of the atmosphere and the goings-on
there. It was risky but it was essential to
get the look of the film right.
Have you ever had the experience of
gambling in a den?
I did gamble once and I won but when I
tried again, I lost. So the rule stands never
to lose in my house. I have never gambled
after that.
With two great stalwarts and a team
of fresh newcomers, it must have
been a formidable task directing the
film. Were you nervous?
Initially, I was a bit nervous about
calling the shots when it came to the scenes
between Mr. Bachchan and Sir Ben but I
realized that with success comes a lot of
humility. As for the rest of the cast, on one
hand we had innocence and on the other
Well, the shooting of the film gave me a
new insight into Bachchan’s multi-talented
persona. I realized that he was good at
many things. When we were shooting, we
used to play games and we saw how perfect
he was at tennis. Later, there was a scene
in the film where Bachchan’s character
had to play violin. I got an expert to train
him and kept telling him that the expert
wanted to show him how to hold the
violin. But Mr.Bachchan insisted on doing
it himself. When he came to the floor,
the expert stood behind to show him but
much to everyone’s surprise, Mr. Bacchan
took the violin, placed it rightly and started
playing it perfectly. He also played the
The powerhouse performer
piano. By the end of the shooting, we were
all in awe of him.
Coming to your films, your subjects
have mostly been of a serious
nature. Haven’t you explored the
idea of attempting a comedy?
I have tried fictional, emotional and
thriller subjects but I would definitely love
to come up with a comedy one day. The
only hitch is that doing comedy is not as
easy as it appears. I believe in taking up
subjects that make the whole experience
meaningful and worthwhile. I believe fate
is only a result of hard work.
By B. Preshit

Kapoor’s daughter Shraddha Kapoor.
Here again Royston Able of Delhi theatre
and Barry John trained the newcomers.
What about the casinos and the
gambling dens?
In Mumbai, gambling is illegal so they
have temporary set-ups at shady places
that keep changing so that the people
hand, we had experience with maturity. It
was an interesting combination. The other
two actors, Raima Sen and Madhavan
struck the balance between the two.
Reportedly, Amitabh Bachchan
surprised everyone with his
expertise in tennis, violin and
piano.
India’s Ace Flautist , needs no introduction
to music lovers all over the globe. By virtue
of his phenomenal talent, he and the Bansuri
are literally synonymous. If the flute is likened
to a temple, Pt. Ronu Majumdar would be its
foremost worshipper. Ranendranath Majumdar,
popularly known as Ronu Majumdar is a force to
reckon with in the realm of Indian classical music
both as a thinking musician and scintillating
performer. Majumdar began playing the flute
under the guidance of his father Dr. Bhanu
Majumdar, late Pt. Lakshman Prasad Jaipurwale
and finally the revered Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao. He
was also fortunate to receive training from his
grand guru Pt. Ravi Shankar. A power-house
performer, Ronu Majumdar is firmly rooted in the
Maihar gha-rana which has also given shape to
sturdy musical oaks like Pt. Ravi Shankar and
Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.
Ronu ji’s Bansuri is transcendental. It
transports you to a zone where divinity reigns
supreme and produces a balmy effect thereby
taking us on a spiritual journey. His Bansuri
keeps juggling between eras. At one moment,
it reminds you of the mythical Ras Leela of Lord
Krishna and his Gopis; the next instance could
be a jam session with ace guitarist Ry Cooder
and Lary Coryell. Somewhere in between you
will find a Grammy Nomination and a concert at
The Kremlin, Moscow or The Palais de Beaux
Arts, Brussels or Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav,
Pune. And mind you, it’s the same Bansuri that
carries the sound of India’s underbelly to the
highest echelons of West.
Pt. Majumdar is a major innovator with New
Age Music by having introduced a completely
new aesthetic in Indian music through his epoch-
making album “Song of Nature/ A Traveller’s
Tale”. Ronu ji is also a Grammy Nominee for his
work with the Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck in the
album “Tabula Rasa” {1996}. He has performed
and composed for the Hollywood movie
“Primary Colours” and collaborated with top
art-ists like George Harrison, Ry Cooder, John
Hassels, Lary Coryell and Indian maestros like
Pt. Ravi Shankar, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jasraj
and Kishori Amonkar. He was also part of Pandit
Ravi Shankarji’s project “Chants of India”.
 FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND FILMFARE AWARDS 15

‘3 Idiots’ sweeps Filmfare Awards (Female) honours were shared

by Kavita Seth (Iktara, Wake Up
B had earlier announced his
decision to skip the ceremony in
(Female): Kalki Koechlin for
Dev. D

P
roducer Vidhu Vinod
Chopra and director
Rajkumar Hirani were
all smiles as 3 Idiots
made a clean sweep at the 55th
Filmfare awards bagging the Best
Film (Popular), the Best Director
for Rajkumar Hirani, the Best
Screenplay, the Best Story and
the Best Supporting Actor-
Male (Boman Irani) awards at a
glittering ceremony held at the
Yashraj studios on February 27.
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan
picked up the Best Actor
(Male) Popular award for his
performance of a 12-year-old
boy suffering from a rare genetic
defect called progeria in Paa,
while Vidya Balan, Bachchan’s
co-star took home the Best Actor
(Female) Popular award for the
same film.
Music maestro, A. R. Rahman,
won the Filmfare Award for the
25th time for his musical score in
Delhi 6 while Mohit Chauhan won
the Best Playback Singer (Male)
award for ‘Masakali’ in the same
film. The Best Playback Singer
Sid) and Rekha Bhardwaj (Genda
Phool, Delhi-6).
Among the other notable
winners at were Kalki Koechlin
(Best Supporting Actor (Female)
for Dev. D), Ayan Mukerji
(Best Debutante Director
(Male) for Wake Up Sid) and
Zoya Akhtar (Best Debutante
Director (Female) for Luck By
Chance). Amit Trivedi won the
RD Burman Award for Music
(Dev D) and Rajeev Ravi for Best
Cinematography (again, Dev D).
Firaaq, the directorial debut
of Nandita Das, picked up the
Critics’ Choice Award for Best
Film. The Critics Award for Best
Actor (Male) went to Ranbir
Kapoor for his consistently
outstanding performance
through the year, while the Critics
Award for Best Actor (Female)
went to Mahi Gill (Dev D). Actor
Shashi Kapoor and Khayyam
were honoured with Lifetime
achievement awards.
The awesome twosome
of Bollywood superstar Shah
Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan
hosted the ceremony which
was attended by a number
of Bollywood celebrities and
had some mind-blowing stage
performances. However, the
Bachchans were conspicuously
missing by their absence. Big
protest of a report published in a Best Debutante
tabloid on Aishwarya’s health. Director(Male): Ayan Mukerji
for Wake Up Sid
WINNERS: Best Debutante Director
Best Film (Popular): 3 Idiots (Female): Zoya Akhtar for Luck
Best Director: Rajkumar By Chance
Hirani for 3 Idiots Best Music: A R Rahman for
Best Actor (Male) Popular: Delhi
Amitabh Bachchan for Paa Best Lyricist Award: Irshad
Best Actor (Female) Kamil for Aaj Din Chaddya, Love
Popular: Vidya Balan for Paa Aaj Kal
Best Actor (Male) Critics: Best Playback Singer
Ranbir Kapoor (Female): Rekha Bharadwaj for
Best Actor (Female) Critics: Genda Phool, Delhi 6 and Kavita
Mahi Gill for Dev D Seth for Ik Taara, Wake Up Sid
Best Film (Critics): Firaaq Best Sound Design and Best
Lifetime Achievement Editing: Firaaq
Award: Shashi Kapoor and RD Burman Music Award:
Khayyam Amit Trivedi
Best Supporting Actor Best Costume Design: Firaaq
(Male): Boman Irani for 3 Best Cinematographer: Dev
Idiots D
Best Supporting Actor Best Action: Wanted

Lotus Foreign Exchange in association with Sargam School of

Indian Music proudly presents

World renowned, India’s ace Flautist

Pt. Ronu Majumdar

Live in concert
Accompanied by
Basant Madhur on Tabla
Saturday 6 March 2010, 7 PM
Dorothy Winston Centre (Auckland Girls Grammar)
16 Howe Street, Newton, Auckland
Tickets: $25 and $40 (VIP)
Available at
All branches of Lotus Foreign Exchange
www.ticketdirect.co.nz (0800 224 224)
& Yogiji Food Mart, Carr Rd, Mt. Roskill
For more information call
Basant Madhur 021 035 7954, 626 2646
Deepak Madhur 021 026 43739
 16 BIZ TALK FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

‘My Name is Khan’ smashes all records on

the international circuit
The past fortnight was ruled by King Khan who rocked at the box-office with My
Name Is Khan, smashing all box-office records and getting the highest ever single
opening day collections for a Hindi film worldwide. The film grossed an incredible
Rs 150 crores worldwide in its 10 days run at the box-office, winning rave reviews the
world over in U.K, U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, East and West Africa
and the Middle East. The film continues to set new records in the international
markets, though it remains to be seen whether it has scored over ‘3 Idiots’ in terms
of its nation-wide success over two weeks.
On the other side, the subsequently released Toh Baat Pakki for all its outstanding
promotion, went unnoticed at the box-office, so did the horror film, Click.
Meanwhile, Reliance BIG Pictures and Rakesh Roshan are busy readying for the
second largest release of ‘Kites’ this year. The Hindi and English versions of the film
are scheduled for a May 21 release in over 60 countries. The trailer of the Hindi
version was released in the second week of February on 1700 screens, though the
promo was leaked somehow and happened to surface on the popular video sharing
website, Youtube.

Now it’s Arshad Warsi’s turn to demand a

huge price
It is not new that stars are known to charge a bomb for their presence in films,
right from the top rung to the character artistes. While the three Khans, Akshay
and Hrithik Roshan, belong to the top bracket, the other actors in the second rung,
follow suit. The latest news goes that Arshad Warsi was offered an unheard of price
reported to be an unconfirmed, Rs 30 million, according to sources, for ‘Golmaal
3’. The news goes that Arshad hiked his price after Ishqiya, which got him a fair
share of appreciation at the box-office. Reportedly, the director Rohit Shetty was
determined to have Arshad on board and convinced the producers that the price
was fair enough for Arshad’s presence in the film.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

- World-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian coming to NZ -

When: Easter Monday, 5 April 2010, 6pm

Where: The Trusts Stadium Arena, Henderson, Auckland

His Holiness, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is bringing his worldwide

wisdom and practical knowledge to share with New Zealanders on
Easter Monday, April 5.

Founder of The Art of Living Foundation, which has inspired

more than 300 million people globally, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, travels
the world spreading his message of a violence-free, stress-free world.
His simple and effective techniques aim to alleviate the effects of
stress on our everyday lives and to increase our enthusiasm for
living.

The Dalai Lama, UN Secretary-General, Bank Ki Moon and US

Vice-President, Joe Biden, all believe in Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s
programmes, which are designed to strengthen individuals, by
empowering them to make a difference to society.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has used his knowledge to assist youths away
from gang violence, drugs and alcohol. He is dedicated to uplifting
individuals, making a difference in communities and fostering
global change through programmes for Youth Leadership, Women’s
empowerment, prisoner rehabilitation and conflict resolution.

For more details visit the website: waww.artofliving.org.nz or call

0508ARTOFLIVING
Tickets: GA - $25, $50 from www.ticketdirect.co.nz <http://www.
ticketdirect.co.nz> or 0800 4 TICKET
 FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND BIZ TALK 17

was one of the biggest hits of last year. The Hindi remake will be produced by Ajay
Devgan and directed by Rohit Shetty, marking the return of Ajay as well as Rohit to
action films after a spate of successful comedy flicks.
Presently, Ajay has a line-up of promising releases starting with Ashwni Dhir’s
‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?’, Prakash Jha’s ‘Rajniti’, Kireet Khurana’s ‘Toonpur Ka
Superhero’, Priyadarshan’s ‘Garam Hawa’, Bunty Lutharia’s ‘Once Upon a Time’ and
Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 3 that begins shooting this April.

Imran Khan
signs up with
Coke
Like Aamir, like Imran.
Looks like the nephew
follows uncle in all respects,
be it films, life or even
endorsements. Reportedly,
Imran Khan has signed
up with Coca-Cola as its
brand ambassador. Aamir
Khan has been the brand
ambassador of Coke for
the better part of the last
decade.

Imran will “break the ice”

in the ad along with Kalki
Ajay Devgan is back with ‘Action’! of Dev D fame. The young
duo has been directed by
Trust Ajay Devgan for his keen business acumen. After raking rich returns in Dibakar Banerjee, who is
his last production, ‘All the Best’, which proved to be a winner at the box-office, ready with his next release
Ajay is now looking at other possibilities in production. The latest is that the actor LSD. The entire campaign
– producer recently acquired the rights of Mollywood action film ‘Puthiya Mukham’ has been conceptualised by McCann Erickson
for an undisclosed amount, to remake it in Hindi.
It may be recalled that ‘Puthiya Mukham’ starred Kerala superstar Prithviraj and By M.J. Rajendrakumar
 18
NOSTALGIA
REVIVED
F
or over 60 years his name has
dominated Hindi cinema. From
his epoch making role in ‘Yamla
Jat’ (1940) to his unforgettable
performances in ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti
Hai’, ‘Ram Aur Shyam’, ‘Zanjeer’, and ‘Upkar’,
his signature leer, his smouldering eyes and
his menacing laugh have defined villainy on
screen.
Recently, Pran’s family and his well-
wishers and friends from the film industry
converged to celebrate his 90th birthday
and pay a rich tribute to the legendary actor
who regaled generations of film-goers, with
his great acting talent. The birthday bash
was attended by industry stalwarts like Dilip
EVENT FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
Kumar and Saira Banu, Amitabh Bachchan,
Shammi Kapoor who was accompanied by his
wife Neela Devi, Raj Kapoor’s wife Krishna
Raj Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Dara Singh,
yesteryears actresses Nimmi and Shammi
aunty, Prem Chopra and his wife Uma and
close family friends from across the globe.
The party held at a suburban restaurant in
Mumbai saw the veteran actor being felicitated
in a manner befitting his legacy. Dilip Kumar
also presented to Pran the ‘Punjab Ratna’
trophy which was conferred to him by the
Punjab Association. As Karan Johar once said
“Pran has been a giant in his field, there is
so much to learn from him as an actor and a
man.”
7+((9(17

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 20
An eco-friendly Holi with Rahul Bose
Rahul Bose, the ‘Go-Green ambassador’, recently suggested
ways and means to celebrate an eco-friendly Holi in his per-
sonal blog. We present excerpts from his account.
E
co-Friendly Holi
Let me first confess.
Holi is my favourite
festival. My memories date
back to celebrating the
festival in Delhi with friends,
gol gappas, chaat, alu-puri,
pichkaris and buckets and
buckets of water we either
chased friends with or ran
away from! Holi is meant to
celebrate the arrival of Spring
and the uninhibited use of
colour is meant to reflect the
hues of Phagun. Sadly, in
modern times Holi does not
stand for all things beautiful. Like various
other festivals, Holi too has become ruthlessly
commercialized, boisterous and yet another
source of environmental degradation. To de-
pollute Holi and make it in sync with nature,
as it is supposed to be, several citizens as
well as social and environmental groups are
proposing a return to more natural ways of
celebrating Holi.
Colours Harmful Chemicals in Holi Paste
type colors
According to a researched fact sheet on
Holi, colour pastes contain toxic chemicals
that, in excess, can have severe health effects.
Please check the table below to know about
the chemical used in various Holi colors and
their harmful effects on human body.
Buy Natural Colours or even better make
your own Holi colours
Holi festival lovers will be thrilled to know
that it is possible to make simple natural
colors in one’s own kitchen. Here are some
very simple recipes to make natural colours:
POINT OF VIEW FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND
Share your natural
colours with your friends and
relatives. Such sharing of eco-
friendly colours will encourage
your friends and relatives to
celebrate an eco-friendly Holi.
In-fact you can make a plan
with your friends or relatives
to prepare natural colours one
day before Holi.
The Holi Bonfire
Here’s something I have
not given thought to till this
year. The burning of fuel
wood to create the bonfire
for Holika Dahan presents
another serious environmental problem.
According to a news article, studies done in the
state of Gujarat reveal that each bonfire uses
around 100 kg of wood, and considering that
approximately 30,000 bonfires are lit in the
state of Gujarat just for one season, this leads
to a wastage of a staggering amount of wood.
Multiply this by the rest of India and you can
get an idea of the scale of wastage of wood as
well as smoke pollution in the air. Groups such
as Sadvichar Parivar are now advocating one
symbolic community fire rather than several
smaller bonfires across the city as a way to
reduce wood consumption. Others are also
suggesting that these fires be lit using waste
material rather than wood.
So that’s my fervent plea this holi. Use
natural colours, utilise water sensibly and
light community Holi pyres if you have to.
Have a blast. Holi hai!
Rahul Bose (Posted on February 27,
2010)
 22 NEW ZEALAND DIARY FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND

Eden Roskill emerge the winners in ACL 2010

X
-Racing Eden Roskill Up’ of the tournament with Farhan Mirza of TC’s, was all the committee members of
(113) beat defending Samir Lala of X-Racing Eden selected ‘Best Bowler’ of the Indokiwi Cricket Club would like
champions Gujratis (107 Roskill, awarded ‘The Player’ of tournament. to thank all participating teams
in 19.1 overs) in a nail biting final the tournament’ and Headleay Hiren Patel (Chairman), and the sponsors who made
of the ACL 2010. The Gujartis of Gujratis, bagging the ‘Best Dharmesh Patel (Secretary), ACL2010 successful.
were selected as the ‘Runners Batsman’ of the tournament. Bhavesh Mori (Treasurer) and

Tsunami risk management programme: updated Tsunami Advisory and Warning Plan and next steps
N
ew Zealand’s tsunami
risk management
program has taken
another step forward with
the recent announcement of
a revised national Tsunami
Advisory and Warning Plan.
The plan sets out national
procedures to issue a tsunami
warning or advisory. In doing
so, it explains the possible
sources of tsunami that could
reach New Zealand, the risks to
different parts of the country,
thresholds for response, the
responsibilities of national and
regional agencies, and explains
what information the Ministry
will provide in warnings and
advisories.
The Director of Civil Defence
and Emergency Management,
John Hamilton, said that the
revisions to the plan are part
of the work being done to
apply lessons learned from last
year’s response to the Samoan
tsunami. “The revisions focus
on getting better and faster
information to the media. We
have changed our templates,
action guides for our staff, and
the time when we will use our
memorandum of understanding
with radio and TV to be able to
issue a warning or advisory,”
Mr. Hamilton said. like this about the tsunami plan,
The Ministry now plans to will also encourage people to do
conduct a nationwide series of more about their own personal
tsunami preparedness seminars emergency planning,” Mr.
for local authorities, civil Hamilton said.
defence agencies, emergency
services and other organisations (Media contact:
involved in response to a tsunami Public Information Manager,
warning somewhere in April Vince Cholewa
and May, which will be followed 24/7 media duty telephone
by tsunami modelling by GNS 04 494 6951
Science. “We hope that publicity, E-mail: pim@ncmc.govt.nz)

Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) – Update 172

D
uring the week of 8-14 February 2010, overall influenza activity in
New Zealand remained at the same low levels as in the previous week.
Sentinel surveillance data show that visits to doctors for influenza-
like illness (ILI) nationally remained below baseline. The daily volume of
calls to Health line (0800 611 116) for ILI remained relatively stable.
We are on track to start the seasonal influenza vaccination program
in March. We expect the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is a trivalent
vaccine containing the current H1N1 viral strain and two other influenza
strains, will help protect New Zealanders against the flu.
According to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health, the
Ministry is currently making a monovalent (single viral strain) pandemic
vaccine available through an early targeted immunisation programme.
The Ministry recommends that those at highest risk of complications from
pandemic influenza have this monovalent vaccine. Those eligible to receive
this vaccine are pregnant women, people under 65 years of age (including
children) with certain conditions (as for seasonal influenza) or are morbidly
obese, and all children aged from 6 months to their fifth birthday enrolled
in designated practices that have high proportions of people who are Maori,
Pacific and/or from high deprivation areas. It is being made available
through clinics, and eligible people who are interested in receiving the early
vaccine can get information about these clinics from their DHB.
Early immunisation is also available to frontline healthcare workers,
including staff in general practices, emergency departments, intensive care
units and those who may have direct contact with at-risk patients.

(Note: Information on the global progress of the pandemic is available

on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2010_02_12/en/index.
html)
FEBRUARY 26, 2010, AUCKLAND STAR CLASSIFIED 23

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