That’s right; though some experienced filmi fans love to hate this brainchild of Gurinder Chadha’s, it has served as a conversion vehicle for many viewers who otherwise would never have tried one of Mumbai’s products. The standard Bollywood tropes of hate at first sight, strong family ties, colorful costumes, deceptively simple-looking dances, and happy endings for everyone take on new freshness when seen through Western eyes. We asked people for their memories about Bride and Prejudice and found that, for all their differences, one thing remained the same: it made them love Bollywood! Here are some Bolly-lovers’ stories, edited for clarity.

“Started my obsession with Aishwarya”

Bride and Prejudice definitely made a path for me towards Bollywood. My sister’s roommate had it on DVD and when I watched it I was drawn in by the catchy tunes, dancing, and the pretty colors. I think it also helps if you like musicals to begin with. The movie also started my weird obsession with Aishwarya, which has died now, but that’s beside the point. That was why the next film I decided to see was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and then Devdas.

“It was the comedic side of Jane’s work”

Well I too sort of started with B&P. Being the Jane fan that I am I had to watch it and I had seen Monsoon Wedding and Bend It Like Beckham before so I did enjoy B&P. It was definitely the comedic side of Jane’s work that made it good. If Jane Austen went there, all serious or all comedy, her stuff would never have worked. That is what is so genius about her. She makes the seriousness work with the comedy and you get some wonderful stuff. So I think overall B&P did a fine job adapting it. Noted it is not the best, but a good job.

So Bride and Prejudice did finally lead me into watching true Bollywood and I thank it for that. It’s definitely a fun and cute movie that makes you feel good and is good for the whole family.

“Led me to Bollywood”

Yes, Bride and Prejudice and Aishwarya led me to Bollywood. This is true for many Bollywood fans I’ve come across, at least those outside of India. After Bride and Prejudice I gobbled up Kandukondain Kandukondain and loved that one even more. Then it was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, then Devdas.

“I was totally sucked in”

I only picked up the movie because I’d seen Bend It Like Beckham and wanted more from the same writer/director. But when ‘O Balle Balle; came on my jaw dropped and I was totally sucked in. My husband and I must have re-watched that song a dozen times. We loved all the bright colors, the fun dancing, and (when we discovered the captions provided translations) the lyrics. I bought the movie and listened to Gurinder’s commentary track, which gives a lot of info about Bollywood in general and many classic films in particular. I went to YouTube and looked up Aishwarya Rai, whom I had never heard of before. The first thing to pop up was ‘Maar Daala’ from Devdas (don’t ask me why, since she’s not even in the song). I saw the clip and was instantly smitten by Madhuri’s dancing, Kavita Krishnamurthy’s voice, everything. Devdas became the first Hindi movie I bought. Since then I’ve watched about 75 Hindi films (and a few Indian movies that aren’t in Hindi) and reviewed 50 for my blog. I’m very grateful to Bride and Prejudice and Gurinder Chadha for opening my eyes to a movie industry that hadn’t registered on my consciousness before.

“An exuberant bundle of song-filled joy”

I saw Bride and Prejudice when I was in desperate need of something different from the same hum drum Hollywood formula and boy did it deliver! It was an exuberant bundle of song-filled joy. When I finished it I was salivating for more, and so I was led to Bollywood via Aishwarya Rai and Bride and Prejudice and have never looked back. I have had many countless hours of enjoyment watching Bollywood films and so Bride and Prejudice will always have a warm place in my heart.

“Left me wanting more”

It was an introduction to a new culture that was both colorful and magical and left me wanting more! I sought and found one of my favorite genres. It also didn’t hurt that it was loosely based on my favorite Jane Austen novel.

“It introduced me to this magical genre of films”

For being the Bolly-obsessed girl I am, the full blame can go to Gurinder Chadha’s Bride and Prejudice. After watching Bend It Like Beckham, I wanted to see what else she had directed (yes, geek girl too) and saw she was doing a film with Indian take on one of my favorite books – Pride and Prejudice. I saw and loved Bride and Prejudice – I loved the colors, the way the story was told, the music, the costumes… everything. I really, really enjoyed it. So much so, that I watched all the extras on the DVD (geek, remember?) and when Chadha was talking about the film, she kept mentioning the word Bollywood. I knew nothing about Bollywood at this time, in fact did not even know what Pinky was talking about when they went into the theaters to see that film and Aishwarya Rai, who was that?? So, as you know by now I am a geek, I of course went to the Internet to look up Bollywood, got my first film from Netflix – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and well, the rest they say is history. No, Bride and Prejudice is not a classic Bollywood film but Gurinder did make it to honor the films she grew up with. More importantly it introduced me to this magical genre of films that I love so much. Even if I hated it, which I didn’t, (this seriously lowers my Bollycred I know) I would still have to be thankful for Bride and Prejudice because without it I would not be writing about Bollywood and you know what – I love my job!

Now those are some happy endings — what more could you ask from this loving homage to Hindi films?

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Still, by 30 January Preity was recovered and ready to celebrate her 35th birthday in style. She kept her fans included in her special day with a steady stream of tweets. From playfully musing about why only Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and she continue to age among their contemporaries, to preparing a full-on Indian birthday meal, to teasing about upcoming projects in 2010, the actress-cum-businesswoman let her admirers feel they were a part of her celebrations. With no mainstream releases in theaters since 2008’s Heroes, we’ll take any Preity we can get, but here’s hoping we see her on the big screen in a lead role soon!

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Aamir confessed he was a bit homesick upon hearing about the National Award while out of the nation that gave it to him. Still, he managed to convey his thanks to India, Vande Mataram, and of course, the people who put him where he is today: “Want to thank all my well wishers, my fans, for their love, respect and unwavering support over all these years. Thanks guys.”

Aamirians will also be glad to hear their idol’s report of a good reception for his film Peepli Live at the festival. Next up for the cinematic perfectionist? Deciding how best to market a star-less, foreign film to overseas audiences. No doubt the creativity that garnered his award will lead him to an effective strategy.

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Shazahn Padamsee – Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year

Her debut might have been barely touched upon in the reviews for Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year, but Ranbir Kapoor’s co-star has no intention of remaining obscure. She recently confided to Oneindia, “I’ve been auditioning for almost two to two and a half years now.” That kind of persistence, combined with the expert guidance of her “momager” Sharon Prabhakar (“She will not rest till she sees me climb the ladder of success”) and her girl-next-door prettiness, are what might make Shazahn not just a newcomer, but a long-laster.

Aamna Sharif – Aloo Chaat

Aamna is no stranger to acting, having risen to fame on the popular drama Kahiin To Hoga, but her first film Aloo Chaat required a whole new skill set. “I have never spoken Punjabi in my life, though for some reasons Robby thought that I would know the language. I was never even informed about the Punjabi ‘gidda’ sequence in the film. I think it came in later.” Despite the film’s less-than-impressive reviews, no one seeing Aamna’s onscreen confidence during the “gidda” can doubt her abilities.

Vaishali Desai – Kal Kissne Dekha

She’s smart, college-educated in fact, but that doesn’t mean this debutante scorned the shiny pretty world of Mumbai. “Even with my studies, I was related to the glamour industry in some way or the other. Later, I did theater and also one month course at Anupam Kher’s academy. I did walk the ramp as well though honestly, all this while I wasn’t looking at modeling as a stepping stone towards working as an actress in movies.” Her hard work and dancing lessons paid off with her first film role in Kal Kissne Dekha. Despite Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt’s presence, the movie flopped, but Vaishali garnered good notices.

Jacqueline Fernandez – Aladin

Having secured her first film with her self-described “first and worst” audition, the Aladin actress is living a charmed life. The former Miss Sri Lanka is already preparing for her next film Jaane Kahan Se Aaye Ho Tum (also opposite her Aladin co-star Riteish Deshmukh). No one seeing her gorgeous face can downplay her onscreen presence.

Shruti Hassan – Luck

She sings! She models! She composes! And, as befits the daughter of Kamal Hassan and Sarika, she acts too! Sure, Luck wasn’t very lucky at the box office, but the versatile Shruti isn’t sulking. She’s already finished her self-titled solo album. And after all, anyone with the confidence to wear a bikini in her first real movie role clearly isn’t lacking in guts.

Jackky Bhagnani – Kal Kissne Dekha

Vaishali Desai’s debut film was Jackky’s too, but the latter had much more weight to carry in the storyline. Of course, he was no stranger to the industry, as the son of Vashu Bhagnani – and as the associate producer of three previous films. It’s no surprise that reviewers have put us on notice that he’s “one to watch.” Perhaps his remake of Accepted will show us what he’s got.

Mahi Gill – Dev D

Dev D‘s Paro faced the formidable task of taking a literary icon and making her both modern and sympathetic. Most agree, she nailed it, and in her first film too. It’s no wonder that Anurag Kashyap has already signed her for his follow-up film, nor is it surprising that she’s co-starring with Irrfan Khan and Shreyas Talpade in her next two releases.

Kalki Koechlin – Dev D

The doormat from Devdas needed a makeover, and Anurag Kashyap’s girlfriend was just right for the part. Besides the obvious – she’s gori, for those of you who spent 2009 under a rock – the Pondicherry native was a standout for another reason: the outward fragility and inner strength combined that she brought to the role. Of course, her fine mind will help ensure Kalki’s staying power – she’s also won The Hindu Metro Playwright Award with Prashant Prakash.

Omi Vaidya – 3 Idiots

It’s not often that an aspiring NRI actor is told to avoid learning Hindi, but Omi Vaidya managed to turn those instructions (from his producers) to his advantage with his Bollywood debut. The American-born actor is better known to U.S. audiences as Sadiq from The Office. However, in his first Hindi film 3 Idiots, he took a turn as the fourth idiot, Silencer. He doesn’t want to be the next Johnny Lever and fears being typecast, but will one brief comedy sequence transition into a true Bollywood career? Only time will tell.

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When asked why she loved Twilight, Bollywood blogger Miss Malini replied, “So I know the Twilight series is supposed to be for teenage girls but come on, how hot is Edward and how am I not supposed to notice?! I like the whole modern take on vampires and romance, the fact that they pull away from any sort of stereotypical representation and the pace of the narrative.” Another fan, Aditi K., responded to the films’ release, saying, “I’m ecstatic that Twilight finally released in India and New Moon releases on December 11! Can’t wait. However as crazy as this may sound, watching Twilight on the big screen was definitely a different experience, it was magical and spell-binding! I hope New Moon is even better!” Adding, “I’ve been captivated by Edward Cullen ever since I read Twilight. And the fact that Robert Pattinson plays him…it couldn’t get any better. I’ve been a fan of his since Harry Potter and unlike majority of girls who started liking him because he plays Edward, I loved the on-screen Edward because of Rob! Edward Cullen is the perfect man…umm vampire…and beyond that I can’t say anything else because he leaves me speechless . I can go on and on about the Twilight …I am a certified ‘Fanpire’.”

That’s right, even though India might have had to wait a year after its release to see Twilight on the big screen, the vegetarian vampire clan and its human interloper, Bella, have taken over the hearts of desi moviegoers. In fact, some of our favorite Bollywood vamps have joined in the sparkle-mania. Minissha Lamba declared herself a fan of the books–and of Edward. Preity Zinta saw New Moon during her recent visit to the U.S., and announced afterward: “Saw New Moon! It was Awesome! This is the closest I will ever come to liking any blood sucking Vampires!” Ayesha Takia said after watching Twilight, “I saw Twilight on big screen and I had a blast. Can’t wait for New Moon. I am team Edward for sure! Rob P is amazing. Bella and Jacob are fab but love Edward. Looking forward to seeing New Moon on 11th December!”

Ayesha might change her tune come 11 December, since women have been switching by the dozens to Team Jacob after getting an eyeful of Taylor Lautner’s well-built werewolf. Regardless, Robert Pattinson has high hopes for the film. In a recent e-mail interview with Indian Express, the former Cedric Diggory wrote, “I expect that ‘New Moon’ breaks all the records in India too. I hope people like the film and it becomes a craze there.” It certainly looks like it’s well on its way, Rob!

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Gurinder has long been known as a Hindi film fan – her Bride and Prejudice was an affectionate ode to the movies she grew up watching. However, the Punjabi-descended director once again proved Bollywood’s universal appeal when she admitted she is not fluent in Hindi.

Fans of all linguistic persuasions will be happy to hear the writer-director has no intention of resting on her laurels. Her next film, It’s A Wonderful Afterlife – set in Southall – an Asian-heavy section of London – will star actress-activist Shabana Azmi.

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During the brief engagement, set to run 21-23 October, Rahul will speak in several locations, informing attendees about how to effectively urge politicians to pass climate-friendly legislation. An inhabitant of the Solomon Islands, Christina Ora, will accompany the actor and share how climate change has affected her home.

Of course, social activism is nothing new for Mr. Bose—he’s well known for championship of causes such as child rights, gender equality, and communal harmony in addition to climate change. It’s little wonder that three such diverse organizations as Oxfam Canada, Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society, and Climate Action Network Canada are sponsoring his Canadian visit. Graham Saul, the executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, said, “South Asian Canadians are a very politically active community and crucial to applying the necessary pressure on Canadian politicians to take meaningful action on climate change. Mr. Bose is the perfect ambassador to share this message.”

Here’s hoping Rahul’s message gets great results, in Canada and elsewhere.

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Yes, there are spoilers in the Twitter synopsis, but Sujoy dismisses any concerns about foreknowledge of plot twists, tweeting: “Going to see a film like ALADIN should b like a rollercoaster ride. U know exactly what u getting in for but still you’ll buy the ticket:)” Below, an exact copy of his tweets:

“ALADIN1 : this is a story of a boy whose name happens 2b Aladin. He gets bullied in school & made to rub lamps. Grows up HATING lamps TBC.”

“ALADIN2: 1day Jasmine arrives & Aloo falls in love. But he is too shy b4 he knows it Jasmine is whisked away by Kasim. Aloo accepts his fate”

“ALADIN3 just to bully him Kasim makes Aloo rub a lamp in front of Jasmine. But this time a stranger appears who totally freaks out Aloo.”

“ALADIN4 the strange dude is in a hurry & claims 2b GENIUS the genie of the lamp. Aloo is like WHOA dude that’s a story no can happen 4 real”

“ALADIN5 Genius tells Aloo to shut up & just take his 3 wishes post which he intends to vamoose. Aloo is confused. Genius decides to help.”

“ALADIN6 Genius cons Aloo into wasting his 1st 2 wishes but for the 3rd wish Aloo has Genius stumped. Aloo wants to win the heart of Jasmine”

“ALADIN7 but Genius is not allowed to use magic. G has no clue how to. Each attempt is a disaster. How G helps Aloo to win Jasmine is ALADIN”

“ALADIN8 oh and RINGMASTER is an ex genie who needs the lamp to become a genie again. So he’s going to wreck havoc and kill Aladin.”

“ALADIN9 RM doesn’t care about Genius bcos he has a piece of the lamp which is like kryptonite for Genius. So RM is pretty set in his goal”

“ALADIN10 that is a nutshell was ALADIN. I hope I haven’t copied the Disney one let me know if any questions.”

Certainly those ten tweets should put any plagiarism rumors to rest, as well as whet our appetites further for Aladin’s release! We only have a little while longer to wait; the film hits theaters 30 October.

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The Brazilian-born beauty made her debut in Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal, and seems to be intent on creating a career aaj kal. However unexpected her casting may have been in the role of a shy Punjabi girl in the 1960s, Giselle by no means had it easy. In a recent interview with The Pakistan Daily Mail, the model-turned-actress confessed, “At first I did have some trouble picking up Indian dance movements. And I was extremely worried, because I didn’t know whether I would look natural doing them, or make a complete fool of myself.”

That wasn’t the end of her concerns, however. There was the little matter of Giselle not knowing a word of Hindi. Her new employers required her to take four hours a day of language and dance instruction for four months before shooting. Any other preparation? “I watched many black and white Hindi films to learn how to play a shy girl from the sixties.” Even after all that, Saif Ali Khan and Imtiaz Ali kept her identity under wraps during the film’s promotional period; it was with real surprise that the rest of the world learned of “Harleen’s” true roots.

Despite their abundance of caution about revealing her identity, Giselle has only praise for the two men. “Working with Saif was brilliant. He’s very well spoken, very funny and a great actor. I was able to base my expressions and body language in most of my scenes as reactions to his. Imitiaz is the best teacher in the world. I learnt so much from him and his work; he’s a superb director.”

Now the actress has caught the eye of directors and is tentatively scheduled to star in B. R. Chopra’s production Purani Jeans along with Kapil Chopra and Tanuj Virwani, both the offspring of Bollywood insiders and both making their debuts. And will Giselle be voicing her own lines? Well, not yet. She insists her Hindi won’t be up to the task at the time of dubbing, but that’s hardly stood in the way of other heroines’ success. Regardless of whether they hear her true voice, Ms. Monteiro is sure to have many fans eagerly awaiting her return to the silver screen.

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