Sonu Sood, Ashutosh Gowariker,Haider Ali, Poonam Sinha at Jodhaa Akbar DVD launch in Crossword, Juhu on 2nd September 2008

A Special screening of Jodhaa Akbar was done for cartoonist R.K.Laxman at Famous Studio on April 4th 2008.

The division bench of Justice Nazki and Justice Bobde of the Bombay High Court was absolutely critical of PIDA and came down heavily that it was trying to take advantage of the publicity that it would gain by filing the the litigation in the High Court instead of taking recourse in the appropriate forum as provided by law.

Justice Nazki even remarked that he had seen the film and had found nothing offensive in the film. Justice Bobade also remarked that if the horses were not reined then how was it possible to control them and can pulling the ear of an elephant be construed to ill treating the elephants. The Hon`ble Court was inclined to dismiss the litigation with cost of Rs. 25,000/- with the intention of deterring any such frivolous litigation from being initiated in future. The advocate for PIDA requested the Hon`ble Court to grant PIDA permission to withdraw the petition without any costs being imposed. The Hon`ble Court allowed the advocate for PIDA to withdraw the petition.

(Photos) Hrithik Roshan, Poonam Sinha, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Pradeep Hirani, Ila Arun, Ishita Arun, Zeba Kohli, Suneeta Menon were present at Neeta Lulla’s store in Khar on March 1st 2008. Bracing an opulaent spirit, the regal evening also saw the grandeur sets of the film revived by the noted designed from the film, Nitin Desai while chocolates from Zeba Kohli have also been specially crafted in tandem with aura or royalty associated with film. The Jodha Akbar inspired collection will also be available for retail at Neeta Lulla’s flagship stores.

In just about 10 days of release worldwide, Jodhaa Akbar grossed Rs. 74 crores.. a record for a Indian film. In India it grossed Rs. 52.7 crores.. a biggest openings ever in Indian cinema. In Us, $2.5 million, in UK, GBP 700,000; Gulf, USD 800,000; Australia, USD 286,906 and USD 380,000 rest. Jodhaa Akbar would also released in regional languages… starting with Telugu and Tamil, expected to be released on 6th of March.

Jodhaa Akbar Movie Stills >>

(Photos) Samsaara, the luxurious abode of fashion presented the celebrity ensemble of the upcoming movie ‘Jodha Akbar’. The garments designed by the designer Neeta Lulla represent the heritage and culture of the Mughal era that is evident in the rich embroidery and zari work of the collection.

The collection comprises of tunics, saris and bridal lehengas in bright colors like yellows, reds and greens. The materials used are specifically sourced to represent the actual look of the garments worn during the Akbar reign.

Samsaara hosted a fitting launch for the retail wear line for Jodha Akbar inspired line with a Moghul menu with tikkas, potli samosas, paneer bhutta kebab, kakori kebab, murg kali mirch , khus sherbet, rose sherbet, plain & vodka infused, dry fruits and date rolls served by turbaned durbans. Ornate brass Elephants as show pieces and Princess Jodha’s costumes from the film adorned the mannequins as well as window displays.

Some of the celebrities who attended the Samsaara preview hosted by Ritesh Singh, Manager Samsaara included Ashutosh & Sunita Gowarikar, Poonam Sinha , Sonu Sood, Ila Arun, Raell Padamsee, Elina Meswani, Meera Mahadevia, Deepika Gehani, Ashita Tham, Nina Manuel , Remu & Naaz Zaveri, Kiran Deohans, Nitin Desai, Nishka Lulla etc. Neeta Lulla receieved compliments galore on the wonderful ensemble of the Jodha Akbar cast and director Ashutosh recived a round of applause from all the guests present at the store when he entered Samsaara.

According to the designer Neeta Lulla ” My collection for the movie ‘Jodha Akbar’ is a kaleidoscope of colors that showcase the richness of the mughal dynasty and also fits the requisites for making the magnum opus of ‘Jodha Akbar’. The styling of garments is contemporary while keeping in mind the era’s traditions.”

The exclusive collection of the movie ‘Jodha Akbar’ will be hosted by Samsaara, widely recognized nowadays as the fashion hub of Mumbai, with regular previews and collection launches of renowned designers. Housing some of the country’s finest designers creations, Samsaara is perhaps the only fashion boutique that can boast to host 60 top of the line designers including Satya Paul, Rohit Bal, Rocky S, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Shobhaa De`, Deepika Gehani, Seema Khan, Neeta Lulla, Suneet Verma, Shantanu & Nikhil and Raghuvendra Rathore among others. The big names of fashion and finer nuances of luxury retailing woven together have made Samsaara a unique fashion shopping experience, at with any international multi designer fashion boutique. Apart from catering to the fashionable set in Mumbai, Samsaara boutiques are also present in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dubai and Kuwait.

The Jodha Akbar Collection will be available in the Samsaara stores nationwide.

The Vaishyas argue that Hemu was from their caste (and not a Brahmin). They also claim that Akbar captured Hemu by deceit during the second battle of Panipat and the Mughal king either himself beheaded the captive or asked Bairam Khan to do so.

The Vaishya sabha said Akbar was a “shrewd diplomat” as he had 400 wives, 4,000 ‘patranis’, unaccounted ‘mutta’ (temporary) wives and was also responsible for forcing over 4,000 Rajputana women to perform ‘jauhar’ (suicide by jumping into fire). “And then Akbar the great is portrayed being so deeply in love with Jodhaa”. Leading Aligarh Muslim University historian Shirin Moosvi has said that Jodhaa never existed — at least there is no account of her in ‘Akbarnama’, and the name Jodhaa Bai became popular after the release of ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ in 1960.

“Unfortunately, Hemu, the unsung hero of medieval Indian history, hasn’t been a darling of Indian historians. Was it because his father was not a ruler but a petty food trader? Or was it because he was not a prince but a simple merchant?” The Vaishya sabha, which is running a campaign to restore Hemu’s glory, has demanded that the ruler’s statue be erected in front of Lal Qila. Some historical accounts show that after Hemu was killed, his head was sent to Kabul as a mark of victory and his torso was exposed on a gibbet (gallows) in Delhi.

One of Akbar’s military chiefs, Iskandar Khan, is said to have chased Hemu’s army and captured a large contingent of elephants, while Pir Mohammad Khan’s troops went after Hemu’s wife who escaped from Delhi. Thousands of those captured by the Mughal armies were said to have been slaughtered and a victory stand built with their severed heads.

The salvo has been fired by the Vaishyas and they charge that the filmmaker hasn’t even taken note of the existence of Hemu, the warrior-ruler who not only went on a spree of conquests over Mughals but also ascended to Delhi’s throne in 1556 under the name Vikramaditya.

A complaint of waging war against the state was on Monday filed in the district court here in connection with the film Jodhaa Akbar following protests by some Rajput and Hindu organisations. The hearing is likely to comeup on Tuesday.

Ashutosh Gowarikar speaks to media about the controversy. More Photos >>

Hundreds of Rajput activists staged demonstrations at a multiplex in Gurgaon. In Ahmedabad, protesters armed with lathis entered a cinema when the show was on and shouted slogans against director Ashutosh Gowariker. The protesters alleged that the director of the film and actors had hurt the sentiments of the community and played a cruel joke on their culture. “This cannot be tolerated. In the 16th century Rajput girls never came out of their homes, so how could there be a love affair between Jodha Bai and Akbar. They have manipulated the facts and history for commercial gain, said Bhupender Singh, a protester.

Ashutosh Gowarikar speaks to media about the controversy

Agitating Rajput community members tore posters of the film at another cinema in Patna. Over 150 people protesting against the film in Gurgaon, disrupted the screening and vandalised posters and advertisements. The protesters gathered around the MGF Metropolitan Mall on M.G.Road at noon demanding that the screening of the movie be stopped. A mob of 100-125 men holding saffron flags with ‘Rajput’ written on them barged into Galaxy cinema at Naroda around 10.30 am. The disruption forced the cinema owner to postpone all shows of the film “till the situation returns to normal. The cinema hall owners were also roughed up by the mob. Activists of Jan Kalyan Kshatriya Manch, an organisation of the Rajput community, tore posters of the film outside the Ahshok Cinema in Patna where it was scheduled for release at noon.

Rating: 3.5/5

‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is a movie that is not only a treat in the form of an eyewash but a soul touching saga told in the best manner. Agreed that the movie is little longer than you expect (approximately 205 minutes), but do not by mistake also compare ‘Mughal-E-Azam’. It would be a big mistake to go to the theatre expecting to find something similar in these two movies. We all have read in history books on how great an emperor Akbar was and how he unified India in one string but little we know of him as a person, as a lover and husband. We have seen his majestic self in ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ but not the other side of the man behind the crown, who is as sensitive and romantic as any man would be.

‘Jodhaa Akbar’ would win your heart with its magnificent cinematography, lifelike performances and intriguing plot. You would remain struck to your seat through out the entire movie wishing to see some more of the extravaganza. However, the movie is again not for a general audience who look for some modern times fun, it is a historical movie and is treated as one. It is a movie that combines love and politics, submission and hesitation, tradition and individuality all gelled to the perfection. You may not have seen something like this in a historical movie. It puts before you the common marital issues with a pinch of stringent truths told with a background of much magnificence.

Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa

Set in the 16th century India, the plot revolves around a Muslim Emperor Akbar, played by Hrithik Roshan and his Rajput wife, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Emperor Akbar wishes to make his kingdom bigger and larger and is ready to do all he can to achieve his dreams. He is ready to go for a marriage of convenience and marry a Rajput Princess Jodha, who is not only defiant but also a strong individual, who resists being a subject or political harness. The alliance between Akbar and Jodha is as delicate as the alliance between Rajput and Muslims sought by the emperor. The Emperor has seen much bloodshed and wars from a very young age and is not aware of the intricate and subtle emotions like love; the Princess on the other hand is a very subtle person with a strong yet sensitive mind and character. The way these two characters evolve to understand each other’s follies and strengths is what the movie is all about. Only what makes it bigger than life size is that the relation between them, which is answerable to the fate of a nation. We have a whole crew of character artists in the movie like a perfect Ila Arun as Maham Anga and Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Raja Dharmal, Sonu Sood as Rajkumar Sujamal and Nikitin Dheer as Sarifuddin Husain are very life like.

Hrithik Roshan as Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Jodhaa

One person who took most of the praise in the movie is Hrithik Roshan as Akbar is simply awesome. He has come a long way from his debut ‘Kaho Naa Pyar Hai’. He gets into the shoes of Akbar with ease and gives a very power-packed performance. The green-eyed tiger in the battlefield becomes a loyal lover, all in just a fleeting moment. You would simply fall in love with him for everything, be it dialogue delivery or carrying the strong character of Akbar with poise and determination. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always looked her best in imperial attires and in this movie that demanded her to show to faces of a defiant princess to a graceful wife, she has carried her self very well. This character required much to be said in silence and Aishwarya did it with a awe-inspiring charm, that is also her strong point.

The movie’s another plus point is its colossal music. A.R.Rahman is synonymous with good music and he does stay up to the mark. Though not exactly great, the music does its best to compliment the solid plot that transits through various phases. Javed Akhtar has done his part well, though the lyrics are a tough nut here. The screen play by Haider Ali and Ashutosh Gowariker, himself have successfully recreated the epic saga and the dialogues by K.P. Saxena have combined the Emperor’s imposing Urdu with the queen’s soft Hindi in the most perfect manner.

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai

Finally, the movie is to be watched in the theatre, if you do not want to miss the extravagant costume and cinematography have weaved a certain grandeur around the characters. You get a piece of the stupendous splendor of the Mughal Era, and time flies as you keep admiring the romantic saga told with a most admired style.

Rating: 3.5/5

– Mahua Ray for Hamara Photos

Hrithik Roshan arrived with his wife Suzanne and mother, Pinky Roshan.

Amongst other guests were Sanjay Khan, Abbas Mastan, Sonu Sood, Natasha, Ramesh Sippy, Kiran Juneja, Sonali Bendre, Ila Arun, Shatrugun Sinha with wife, Poonam Sinha, Anil Kapoor, Ronnie Screwvala, Alka Yagnik, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Kangana Ranaut, Rekha, Minissha Lamba, Neeta Lulla, south singer Madhushree, Vaibhavi Merchant, Deepa Sahi etc…

Hrithik Roshan in Jodha Akbar

He went ahead and completed all his pending assignments with brands and the films without any delay. The actor said, “While working towards fulfilling my commitments to all my work, ads and film, I did not much care about my knee pain & have neglected my doctor’s advice to not put any stress on it and take complete rest if I wanted it to heal.”

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Bhool Bhulaiyya started showing the positive signals last week creating curiosity among the fans of Akshay Kumar. Though the movie is a remake of the super hit Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu, the entire plot of Bhool Bhulaiyya is refurbished in order to accommodate the hilarious scenes involving the villain-turned comedian Akshay Kumar. To join the ‘physic’ mental doctor in the movie are Paresh Rawal, Rasika Joshi, and a number of other characters who too are haunted by the supernatural force present in the ancestral home. Akshay Kumar, who enters towards the first half of the movie as the psychiatrist to treat Vidya Balan, however, steals most part of the story with his witty remarks on every member of the family, and at the same time, quizzes the source of each mystery that surrounds him in the haunted house intelligently. The theme of the movie, however, focuses on a more serious topic, the split personality explained in Para-psychology. The movie has got a number of songs from Pritam. In short, the movie gives a lot of hopes with the elements of comedy, suspense, drama, and music.

Laga Chunari Mein Daag, another movie released in the last week, however, does not show up as a prospective one. The movie did not show much response to the expectation of Pradeep Sarkar. The movie fails to impress the audience because it covers one of the most hackneyed themes of the earlier Mumbai-based sagas. Except the show-stealing acting put forth by the splendid Rani Mukherjee, the earthly Konkana Sen, and the smart Abhishek Bachchan, the movie offers nothing to satiate the senses of an average movie watcher. The nickname of the movie is ‘Journey of a woman’. However, the journey of the leading woman in this movie does not yield positive results as you would expect. You may call it the out-dated wine packed in the new bottle and without any taste. However, the movie offers a sweet melancholy title song that would pull you to the golden days of the Indian music. The actor-turned-singer Meera Vashist succeeded in creating the mood of the film through her melodious voice.

The much-talked-about Jab We Met is stealing the show in the popular reality shows. Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor are frequent visitors of the popular TV studios as ambassadors for the movie. It was Kareena who started occupying the seats in the TV shows when she launched the soundtrack on Sa Re Ga Ma, the favorite reality show hosted by Zee TV. The latest news is that Shahid has confirmed to be a guest in one of the episodes of Nach Baliye, the famous dance reality show from Star TV. Do you think Sony will sit idle? Not at all! Shahid is going to be there at the Jhalak Dikhlaja, very soon.

Foot note: If the controversial couple meets at one of these shows, it would add more momentum to the show… Guess who’s going to do it. In one of these shows, they are going to be together at one episode. Impossible, you may think! But it’s going to happen soon.

Here is the update on the Oscar-nominated movie Ekalavya. After the news that the selection of the movie has been dragged in to the hands of the law, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of USA has asked Film Federation of India (FFI) to give a response by October 17th to reconfirm its seat in the Foreign Language Movies category.

The Bachchans are known for their diplomatic approach to issues surrounding them. Abhishek Bachchan recently opened his mind saying that there is no difference between Rani Mukherjee and him. For him, Rani is his second favorite actress after Aishwarya whom he would love to work with. Surprisingly, the movie Laga Chunari Mein Daag had Jaya Bachchan in one of the leading roles, and she too did not have any problem dealing with Rani. In fact, Abhishek is interested to co-act in more movies with Rani. Is it truly a sincere expression? We doubt. Meanwhile Abhishek Bachchan also expressed his view about Aishwarya’s coming back to Bollywood. He ruled out all chances of Ash’s quitting Bollywood post-marriage.

The rewritten saga of the emperor Akbar, named Jodhaa Akbar will soon reach theaters. The trailer of the movie was unveiled by Ashutosh Gowarikar to the media on October 10. The essential joddy, Aishwarya and Hrithik, however, did not turn up at the event. According to Gowarikar, Jodhaa Akbar and Mughal-E-Azam differ in many aspects. Mughal-E-Azam had the aging Akbar, in which the legendary role was played by Prithviraj Kapoor. In Jodhaa Akbar, Hrithik is playing the role of young Akbar. The movie will send shock waves among the fans of Dhoom 2¸ for none of them would expect the hot couple in such a classic role.

What is in offer for the future? Sanjay Leela Bhansali is planning to co-produce two films with the popular T-series. The official announcement is not yet made. There are many surprise elements in this union. Bela Sehgal, Bhansali’s sister, will take up as debut director; Adnan Sami will enter into the role of an actor.

Once again Bollywood is proving that there are no enemies in cinema. Subhash Ghai throws the surprise through one of his upcoming movie in which he chose Salman Khan to play the leading role. The movie is named Yuvraj in which Salman Khan plays the leading role against Kareena while Anil Kapoor plays another important role. It is going to be released by 2008-09. Another movie named Black and White is also on offing from Ghai in which Anil Kapoor is playing the leading role.

Hope we will be able to come up with more interesting news from Bollywood for next week. Till then bye!

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