A TALE OF TWO CULTURES- A special gala dinner was held on the opening night of Jakarta Fashion Week 09/10 to recognize the longstanding history between two very intricately woven cultures, that of Indonesia and India. As the world’s second and fourth most populous nations respectively, India and Indonesia find common ground in the struggle to not only highlight cultural treasures of the past but also to demonstrate their creative capacity and especially their level of modernity on the global stage. Two designers were selected from each country to visit the other in search of traditional fabrics to be re-interpreted into enthralling sartorial creations.

Indonesia’s Sebastian Gunawan and Priyo Oktaviano delivered memorable masterpieces that stayed true to their signature look. Seba’s basic black was accented with lush floral embroideries and beading in rich shades of red and gold, resulting in an ultra-glamorous yet modern collection. Priyo Oktaviano who was once a pattern drafter at the house of Balenciaga Paris, went all out with 18 looks inspired by The Fall of Man. Shades of nude and black symbolize innocence and sin respectively but embellished unexpected elements such as tulle, bird feather and at times, the actual bird. In a nutshell, the collection was pure ethnic/tribal marvel.

India’s Tarun Tahiliani and Malini Ramani offered equally marvelous collections. Tarun who had shown in Milan and Paris sent out his signature draped looks made from Indonesian batik, ikat and songket fabrics while still retaining his native Sari silhouette. Malini on the other hand, presented modern silhouettes, one in particular accented with a mesh-metal vest for added edge. Her take on the Nehru jacket is the perfect embodiment of ethnic modernity.

Zenzi Mills pays Tribute to Mumbai’s 1st night club ‘STUDIO 29’ . Thursday, 19th November 2009: Last night, Zenzi Mills brought the blast from the past – The birthplace of clubbing in Mumbai of the 80’s was awakened by reminiscing and recreating the magic of “Studio 29”.

Sabira Merchant owner of Studio 29 who helped Zenzi Mills put this night together was there from the beginning to welcome her guests.

The gathering included people of all ages from Gautam Singhania, Farid Kurrim, Gary Lawyer, Cory Wallia, Dodo Bhujwalla, Denzil Smith, Dillip Joshi, Sunny Sara, Suketu, Rashmi Uday Singh, Apeksha & Sumit Chopra, Alque Padamsee, Mukul Deora, Teejay Sidhu, VJ Mia, Sapna Bhawnani, Carol Gracias, Pia Trivedi, Diandra Soares, Anuskha Manchanda ,Monica Vaziralli, Sveta Salve, VJ Juhi, Yudishtri Urs & a lot more poured in right till the end of the night.

Jo Azaredo, the original Studio Resident DJ & the man behind the musical success of Studio 29 played some of the best then played tunes that brought back memories from those times while people danced the night away.

Studio 29 was one of India’s premier nightclubs of the 80’s on Marine Drive which was a replica of a chic Night Club Studio 54 in London. At that time this nightspot was unmatched by any other venue in India with regards to glamour, style, bohemianism and companionism of the true crème de la crème of India. Playing host to a mix of foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, socialites, glamour models, theatre and screen personalities, classical and contemporary musicians and artistes of then, it was undoubtedly the place to be in at that time and gave birth to current trends, skills and inspired a whole generation of people.

To pay homage to this iconic destination Zenzi Mills will be having an exhibition of pictures, newspaper clippings and advertisements from that era of the people/vibe of the place which will be displayed from 16th November till 22nd November from the archives of Studio 29.

The décor, lights, music was themed to remind you of those grand nights. The dress code for the hours of darkness was the 80’s.

This tribute by Zenzi Mills rocked the city of Mumbai just like Studio 29 did to Bombay in the 80’s.

Vedita Pratap Singh, the latest entry into Bollywood with Shaabash- you can do it, is best described as an all rounder. This Lucknow girl is a sports person, a dancer, a model, an actor and has been an A level Student too. Her film ‘Shaabash – you can do it’ that is directed by Shankar Mondal. She is also producing and acting in a short film for Cannes, which is directed by Suchita Bhatia. The girl has done 3 music video and many commercials. her film Shaabash- you can do it, is releasing on20th November 2009. In conversaion….

Q: What brought you to glamour world?

Vedita: Actually it all happened by chance. When I won the look of the year contest by one of the leading music channels, I realized that I had some potential. Then I also won India’s Hottest contest. I got an ad immediately after that. Rest happened on its own.

Q: Was acting always your dream or did it happen by default?

Vedita: Acting happened by chance but I always knew that I will be bale to handle it. I did not do any course for acting but I think theatre was my school. I have done theatres with Mr. Kadar Khan for his stage play Taash ki Patti and travelled different parts of country as well as to Dubai.

Q: Your film ‘Shaabash – you can do it’ will be releasing this Friday. How did you get this film?

A: My acting stint with Kadar Khan had given me lot of confidence and experience. This helped me during my auditions of my character in film ‘Shaabash – you can do it.’ Apart from acting I also learned voice modulation from Kadarji which is very important part for being a good actor. It teaches you to inject emotions into your voice. Kadarji had personally taught me. Other thing I learn from Kadarji was dedication for work. Inspite of being very ill he was so promt for rehearsals and performance. I was just 17-18 at that time and this left a deep impression. I always strive to be professional to the core and respect my work.

Q: What is your character in the movie, and what is so special about movie??

A: I relate a lot with my character of Gracy. She is a happy go lucky kind of girl. She loves her friends without restrictions and inhibitions but she never puts responsibilities on them to return it. She is fun loving, strong, modern but at same times very much cultural too, just like me.

Q: your movie is releasing with ‘Kurbaan’ are scared of competition your film is going to face??

A: I can’t say anything but Saif and Kareena are super stars. To compare us new comers with them it’s not correct. But I know that we have done good work and film has shaped very well, songs are wonderful. People should come to see it for its freshness. And who knows, we might become tomorrow super star like Said and Kareena.

Q: What kind of movies you are looking forward to? And how do manage acting with modelling?

A: I am open to not only films but even for good central roles in television too. As long as they are good roles and I got to perform, it doesn’t matter. As a new comer and without god father in industry, choices are limited. I would love to play role like Priyanka did in Aitraz. Negative, but in a different way. I would love to do glamorous role.

Q: Being National Level Swimmer how it helps you to be fit??

A: I have stated Swimming at the age of 3 and still I am doing it. It’s a very important part of my life and I will give total credit to swimming for keeping me healthy and fit.

Q: You were State Level Cricketer also so are going to promote women’s cricket after achieving success?

A: I would love to, I have played stat level so I know what king of problems female cricketers face. I was from Rajastha and I have seen the careless approach of selector. When I become something I will give them some ideas to work in proper manner and try to use my influence there because I believe whatever opportunities male Cricketer are getting, if being women cricketer we got, we can do as well as them.

Q: You have music videos too. What was the experience?

Vedita: When my first video was to be shot, I was extremely extremely excited. It was very different. Music album was my dream. Hunters, was the first album and I loved doing it. Being on camera is another high for me.

Q: Little about your short film directed by Suchita Bhatia. Why did you decide to produce it? What is so unique about it?

Vedita: the entire story has a heavy social message, but more than that it is extremely different. When she told me about the script, it gave me a creep and made me realize that this can happen 5-6 years later. Today we have become extremely dependent and attached to gadgets like mobile, Lap top etc. we get irritated when we cant access it or loose it. The girl in this film kills her boyfriend when she looses her laptop. I produced it too, because I wanted to understand the producer’s point view, post production etc. I am not just an actor, there is so much to me.

Q: About yourself. What you enjoy doing?

Vedita: I love reading historical romances and murder mysteries. John Grisham, Sydney Sheldon, Agatha Christy are my favorites. I love traveling. It gives me break.

_

3 Idiots is a comedy of ideas that is as provocative as it is funny, as wildly entertaining as it is insightful. A laugh-riot that talks about the most important of human pursuits: self-actualization.

Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor have romantically come together for the first time for Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots. Though 3 Idiots is essentially a story of three friends; Zoobi Doobi is the only romantic song that has been picturized on Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor and it beautifully captures the sizzling chemistry on celluloid.

Zoobi Doobi is a tribute to all romantic songs of golden era, choreographed by Bosco; it has been shot over eight days in Mumbai. Seen here at a special launch of the Zoobi Doobi song in mumbai.

Akshay and Katrina have done a seductive number for Priyadarshan’s De Dana Dan. Usually such seductive numbers are always launched first to get maximum eyeballs but surprisingly this song is still under wraps. Akshay and Katrina have done many films together but a song like ‘Gale Lag Jaa’ is some thing, which is never seen before, their chemestry is sizzling hot in the song.

With Akki and Kat already regarded as the hit jodi of Bollywood, this song takes them one step ahead and makes them the hottest jodi of Bollywood, literally.

Karishma Tanna

This sweet actress has been away from small screen since quite long and she reasons it

I would not like to take up any TV show as of now

So, what would make her come back on TV?

“I would like to do a something different from Television soap, like a dance reality show, hosting or a stunt show like Khatron Ke Khiladi and such show would attract me to be on TV again,”

says chirpy actress.

Karishma might not be seen on small screen for some more time now. She is still in the limelight as this chirpy actress has headed down south. S excitingly states,

“I am doing a Kannada film with south star named Lovely Star Prem and it?s directed by a new director Ravindra H.P. The film will be releasing by early next year”.

Actress is currently shuttling between Mumbai and Bengaluru for her film and informs about it further,

It’s a love story thriller and I can proudly say the flick is not a typical South Indian kind of look but a very urban on”

While Karishma is busy with South films but hopefully she’ll soon be on TV once again entertaining viewers with some new show.

–Chandana H Butch

Ashita Dhawan

Our close source informs,

Today Ashita’s sister is going to tie a knot with her life partner and thus the actress is very much excited for the day. The girl is now busy running here and there along with the preparations of her wedding too. It looks like she has made her way clear and is in full enthusiasm.

Thus we called up Ashita to know about the same and she quips,

Yes, today I am very much busy in the occasion and I really cannot speak much about my marriage as I have to attend the marriage of my elder sister.

Well Ashita it seems to be a double celebration with two wedding happening in your house

–Tejashree Bhopatkar

His wife and three children daughter Neetu and two sons, survive him.

Sushmita Sen

He made a special 6-minute long DVD, which captured all of Sushmita’s different moods during the shoot of Dulha Mil Gaya. He wanted it to be an unforgettable event for her.

During the making of Dulha Mil Gaya, he collected together little videos of her different moods. He began working on the video a week before her birthday. Sushmita was very pleased with the gift, as Mudassar had gone through the trouble of making it especially for her.

The DVD also contains some shots of SRK and Fardeen Khan, her co-stars in the film. He also gifted her bottle of her favorite champagne, Dom Perignon and a big birthday card.

Ranbir Kapoor, Konkana Sen

And it becomes a hell lot of a task for the musicians associated with the film to work on such an unusual pair. When we asked the lyricist Irshad Kamil about his experience, he says,

“Well, for musicians characters and situations play an important role in the making of songs. However, it will be a treat for audience to watch two superb actors Ajay and Konkona on-screen. I feel they compliment each other really well.”

Already much had been talked about the unconventional jodi of Ranbir-Konkona who took everyone by surprise with the ultimate on-screen chemistry in Wake-Up Sid. So, will Ajay and Konkona too bring the same magic gives way to an interesting risk for the cine-goers.

–Esha Razdan

Nandita Das

While the industrialist is based out of Mumbai, the couple was now spotted house hunting in Worli’s Madhuli Building. The building is famous as the one where Harshad Mehta had a lot of flats in.

Nandita was earlier married to her friend, Saumya Sen but got divorced sometime later. Subodh was also married before.

Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor

Normally the stars of Bollywood’s tinsel town are quite fearful of critics but Kareena Kapoor seems to have no stress when it comes to them.

Just recently, we hear an esteemed critic personally paid the Bollywood’s number one actress quite a compliment.

Reveals an insider,

“Kareena was told by a highly respected critic that she was loved in the film and that her performance was fantastic. In fact he even went on to say that he’s a big fan and with Kurbaan he has only become a bigger fan. He went on to wish her well and also hoped that the Numero Uno status always remains with her.”

We also come to hear that Kareena who’s currently in Sydney is being flooded with calls and compliments over her performance in the film.

Kareena Kapoor who is touted to be the biggest female actress the industry has ever seen seems to have everything going in her favor -the right looks, talent, films, brands. The list is endless.

She is often compared with veteran actress Sridevi -who was the epitome of beauty and talent.

Reveals a trade analyst,

“Audiences are appreciating the film and the chemistry between Saif and Kareena is quite a highlight of the film. Kareena by the looks of it is set to sweep all the awards this year for her performance in Kurbaan. She is better in Kurbaan than she was in Jab We Met.”

Goes on to reveal the analyst,

“Performance wise she is Kajol, beauty wise Aishwarya -what more can an actress ask for.”

Talking about Kareena in the film Taran Adarsh adds,

“As for Kareena, KURBAAN reiterates one fact yet again. She’s the best in the business. No two opinions on that! Watch her get those emotional sequences right, it’s incredible. Here’s a performance that truly merits the highest praise and admiration, besides fetching her awards and accolades.”

Kareena with each film only seems to be growing from strength to strength and if Kurbaan is this year’s Jab We Met -Bebo stills reins the Queen of Bollywood.

Farhan Akhtar

‘Karthik calling Karthik‘, a romantic thriller, is the story of a lovable loser Karthik, played by Farhan Akhtar, whose life changes with the help of someone who also claims to be Karthik. It’s a thrilling, soulful and romantic journey of this man’s victory against all odds. Deepika Padukone plays a pivotal role in the film adding a lot of fun n color to the film!

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, under the banner of Excel Entertainment and co-produced by Amit Chandrra and Vijay Lalwani, under the banner of Magic Beans. The film is being directed and written by Vijay Lalwani. “Karthik Calling Karthik” stars Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Ram Kapoor and Shefali Shah.

Other credits include music by Shankar, Eshaan and Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar and cinematography by Sano Varghese.

For the last two days we’ve been hearing about Madhuri playing Mrs. Indira Gandhi in a 2-part biopic. But Madhuri has not given her consent as yet. Far from it.

Madhuri Dixit

Speaking from her home in Colorado, Madhuri says,

The thing is, Krishna Shah approached me for the role. He’s very keen that I do it. He came home, met me and showed me all the research that he had done. I was impressed by his preparation. But nothing has been finalized. We’re still in negotiation.

The ever-cautious actress was last seen in Yashraj Films lukewarmly received Aaja Nachle.

The director Krishna Shah’s enthusiasm is understandable. But so is Madhuri’s guardedness. Playing Mrs. Gandhi won’t be easy even for an actress of Madhuri Dixit’s stature. And we aren’t talking about the challenge of portraying the powerful personality. The challenge would be to get the Congress and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s approval.

Jagmohan Mundhra tried making a film on Sonia Gandhi. His efforts were deadlocked by the ruling regime.

Two years ago, N Chandra was to direct Manisha Koirala as Mrs. Indira Gandhi in a project entitled Indira Gandhi A Tryst With Destiny. It never happened.

Krishna Shah had last directed the low-budget Hard Rock Zombies for the American market in 1985. His only feature-film in Hindi Shalimar in 1978 was a box-office bomb.

Madhuri at this stage in her career when she is well settled in life wouldn’t like to venture out into camera range unless she is absolutely sure of the project.

Says Madhuri,

I still have to decide. Mrs. Gandhi is my idol. At school, I remember impersonating her for a fancy-dress competition. However many other factors besides the bigness of the character go into making of a movie. There?re many considerations to be gone through before I decide. Like I said, he (Krishna Shah) is keen. Everything has to fall into place.

She continues,

My decision would depend on where it would be shot (since the Madhuri can’t keep away from her sons for too long) and how long it’d take to shoot the film. Also, who are the other actors in the project. The casting is very important. Because one would want large sections of the audience to see the film.

Tell Madhuri we are eager to see her back on screen and she rewards you with her trademark bubbling-brook laughter.

‘There are offers. It’s very sweet of people to want me back. But I can’t jump into anything.’

– By Subhash K Jha

Mahesh Bhatt

Basu has wanted to work on the film for very long since he loved working with the Bhatts on Murder and Gangster. But he got busy with Kites. He also didn’t go ahead with a terrorism-based film, as the topic was very delicate then. But with the growing number of movies on terrorism now, like New York, etc. he has decided to get ready with Suicide Bomber.

Both Anurag Basu and Mahesh Bhatt have scripted Suicide Bomber. Mahesh Bhatt is certain he wants Rahul to debut with Suicide Bomber only as he feels that it will help them to see the enemy’s point of view, which will put an end to terrorism.

Abhishek Bachchan

Paa’s premiere venue will be decorated like a child’s nursery. Paa is being depended upon to be a success as it is AB Corp’s first film in five years. Amitabh was supposed to, initially, be dressed up as Auro, his character in the film. But they decided against the idea, as the makeup artist would have to especially be flown in from the US and Amitabh as Auro would prove to be distracting for the guests.

Amitabh will receive the guests at the premiere along with the six child actors who play his friends in the film -Nimit, Pratik, Taruni, Varun, Gaurav and Dhruven. All friends of the Bachchans’ are invited to the premiere.

Guru Dutt

Even though he has worked for other banners too, Alvi was best known for working with Guru Dutt. He directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and wrote dialogue/screenplay for Mr. and Mrs. 55, Pyaasa, Chaudvin Ka Chaand and Aar Paar.

On his demise, lyricist/writer Gulzar shared an incident about Alvi. He spoke about a time when he had to once re-write the screenplay and dialogue of a film written by Alvi on the film’s lead actor, Dilip Kumar’s request as he didn’t get along with Alvi. Gulzar then interacted with Alvi a lot and will always feel his loss every time he passes by Alvi’s house.

Asha Parekh remembers Alvi as a refined, cultured man who knew a lot. She feels that all the great ones are slowly going away.

She would finish her takes quickly and then knit sweaters and woolies. And she is pretty good with it too! She could probably make a sweater for producer and friend, Karan Johar while she’s at it

Shilpa Shetty

Our source reported,

Recently famous magazine HELLO approached to Shilpa Shetty with a proposal of exclusive pictures of her wedding. But on the contrary the damsel rejected the offer.

The magazine had offered her a price for the same.

The magazine offered 36 lakhs for the same but Shilpa seems to be in no mood of making her D-day hyped in the media,

adds the source.

Shilpa has become an international face after winning Big Brother and definitely the who?s who of the industry and business man will be present for this wedding. Thus the actress wants no hassle may it cost any price,

concludes the source.

If you want to tell HELLO to Shilpa talks in the arabs.

–Rachana Trivedi