Bollywood Previews HINDI MOVIE RELEASES By SHEPHALI J. RELE
Remakes seem to be the trend in Bollywood these days and producer/director JP Dutta gives us his interpretation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s book ‘Umrao Jaan Ada.’ Set in 19th-century Lucknow, Aishwarya Rai plays the title role of a young girl, Amiran, who is kidnapped and sold to a kotha by an escaped convict her father had earlier helped put in jail. Under the tutelage of Khanum, played by Shabana Azmi, the young girl is educated in literature, poetry, classical music, dance and style and is christened Umrao Jaan. Soon, this courtesan was famous in all of Lucknow for her grace and beauty. Looking for true happiness, she is drawn to Nawab Sultan, a wealthy refined gentleman played by Abhishek Bachchan. Meanwhile, Faiz Ali, a feared outlaw also vies for her affections. Will Umrao be able to realize her dream of having her own family and home or will she remain confined to the kotha for the rest of her life. Listen for classical melodious music with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
Rajshri Productions latest film focuses on the golden period between a couple’s engagement and marriage. Shahid Kapoor plays Prem, an eligible bachelor, who wants to take time to find his true soul mate but respects family traditions and values. He agrees to meet Poonam, played by Amrita Rao at his father’s insistence. Poonam has been raised in a small town by her aunt and uncle played by Seema Biswas and Alok Nath. Her aunt is jealous since Poonam’s charm and beauty overshadow that of her own daughter’s. After an awkward introduction, Prem and Poonam discover they truly are meant for each other and are engaged. The marriage is set in six months and they enjoy this romantic period in their lives. When everything is ready for the wedding, a crisis puts their love to the test. The makers say the film is a heart warming tale of unconditional love.
Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra, and Rimi Sen reprise their lead roles from “Dhoom” in this sequel. They are joined by Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai who are paired together for the first time. Reports say Aishwarya was told to lose weight and get in shape for this role. The details of the storyline have been kept under wraps, but we know policeman Jai Dixit is still chasing a gang of thieves on motorcycles. Playing the “bad guy” for the first time, Hrithik Roshan is the smooth talker on the wrong side of the law Dixit is pursuing. Said to be the first Bollywood film extensively shot in Brazil, “Dhoom 2” promises many more action sequences that involve not just bikes but also skydiving and sand boarding. The previews showcase a high-tech thriller packed with special effects.
INTERESTING TIDBITS By JYOTHI VENKATESH
Meet Chachu, the dwarf!
Salman Khan gets into a role with which he can easily identify in producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Jaan-E-Mann,” set to release this Diwali. He plays a cool dude, a college stud called Suhaan, who is a charming womanizer. He is a longhaired rock singer and a wannabe star. He’s immature, full of himself and his dreams. Only when he is on the verge of losing everything does finally wakes up to what really matters in life.
“Main Hoon Don!”
The race for Diwali releases
Shah Rukh Khan speaks his mind
Talking about his penchant to do maximum number of endorsements, Khan continues, "I believe in the maxim Make Money However And Whenever You Can As Long As You Don’t Sell Your Body. No other actor I think has endorsed or will be endorsing so many products like I have done or I will be doing.
"To me acting is like a job for which I do get paid. I think your work is what life is all about. Ultimately, it is only work with which you are left. I look forward to whatever work I am doing. I like the process of work though I do not necessarily care about the final product, which in any case isn’t in my hands."
Jyothi Venkatesh is a veteran film journalist, friend and former colleague of Khaas Baat. He is based in Mumbai, the cradle of Bollywood.
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