One of the brothers behind the success of Vishesh Films is producer Mukesh Bhatt, the younger brother of renowned director Mahesh Bhatt and on our Love Bollywood Show on the BBC Asian Network he celebrated the success of Jannat 2 and told us that the best thing for him is to see his films appreciated by a world wide audience – despite the fact that the subject matters are bold and untypically Bollywood. He also exclusively revealed that Randeep Hooda will replace Emraan Hashmi in Murder 3!

And for all Bollyspicers who want that magical break into Bollywood do send your details directly to Mukesh Bhatt – he told us that Vishesh Films is always on the look out for new and exciting talent and believe passionately in giving new talent a chance – actors, writers and directors …mention Raj&Pablo …good luck!!

We are excited and disappointed for the release of Dangerous Ishhq – the long awaited return of Karishma Kapoor. Excited as it sees one of our icons return to the screen and disappointed that the movie won’t have a worldwide release!…WHY??? We caught up with the wonderful Karishma and had a blast! She was her candid best and told us ‘Dangerous Ishhq is about true life, my character goes through an experience and decides she wants to go through past life regression.’ Here are some exclusive extracts from our interview, which you can catch on our Love Bollywood Show BBC Asian Network this weekend:

“You will all get to see me in a very different form, not in something that you’ve seen me do before…if I stepped into movies again I wanted it to be something different and D.I offers that”.

Karisma told us that Vikram Bhatt had been after her for quite a while to play this role but she refused. She ‘didn’t want to work because her kids were really young and she wanted to concentrate on family and home’.

In response to calling this movie a ‘comeback’ Karisma says, ‘The word ‘comeback’ only exists in India, frankly I was just on maternity leave’ then goes onto to compare how Hollywood mums ‘Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet have multiple children and no one says anything, so the word ‘comeback’ is misused in India’.

On the first day of shooting Karisma revealed, “I was panic stricken, I was like oh my God where are my kids, I’ve been away for so many hours, but then everything fell into a rhythm. Personally I feel that as long as you have your priorities right, you can work and manage your family, you can do both. I did this movie also for my kids; I want them to know what their mother used to do. I’ve grown up in this industry and it’s a part of me and moulded me so I wanted them to see that.”

Zubeidaa was a turning point for Karisma’s career, ‘Yes, because it was a very difficult character, an intrepid character, someone who actually existed.’ On working with Rekha Ji, Karisma says:, “It was fabulous because she has seen me as a baby, like literally younger than my children, so I was the baby on the set and she kept saying I can’t believe I’m doing a film with you. In fact, my dad was shooting with Rekha Aunty the day before I was born!”

Karisma says, :My daughter thought that people came up to everyone’s mama to take autographs, or everyone’s massi to take autographs because that’s what happens in our home. Then I had to explain to her we act in movies and now she’s got a grip of it.”

We asked about the Raveena and Karisma conflict debates earlier in their careers and now their children go to the same school. Karisma giggled and said, “Yeah, we were babies, literally like teenagers and today it’s amazing how life has come round in a full circle and our kids are the same age and go to the same school, the mums attend the sports days together, it feels wonderful, we’ve actually become really good friends now.”

Will we ever see Kareena and Karisma on the screen together? Karisma says: “We need to find the perfect script, we don’t just want to make a project, we get offers all the time. We just need a good, right script and maybe who knows.”

So where did the nicknames ‘Bebo’ and ‘Lolo’ came from? Karisma explained, “Oh my God, that’s thanks to my parents and a family tradition with the really funny pet names with Dabboo, Chintu, Chimpoo, Lolo, Bebo. My mum is a Sindhi and she used to like Lolo – it’s like a sweet Parantha, and also loved Gina Lollobrigida the actress and from there I got Lolo! And Bebo being a small baby I guess that’s where Kareena got hers from.”

London was abuzz this week with the Gala Premiere of All In Good Time at the prestigious British Film Institute. The movie, which is written by Ayub Khan-Din (East Is East) and directed by Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls) stars the wonderful Meera Syaal, Harish Patel , Reece Ritchie and Aamra Karan. A bittersweet look at the trials and tribulations of an Indian Family living in Bolton and how they cope with a marriage. Meera Syaal gives a poignant performance. Here’s our exclusive chat with the magical Meera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv8rcpL8I98

This week’s Raj&Pablo classic is just that – on of our all time classics Pakeezah. Now we’ve all seen Madhuri Dixit’s tribute to the legendary Meena Kumari recently for her forthcoming Jhalak and we have to say she captures the essence of Meena Kumari.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7BxvbLmS14

Pakeezah is one of the all time classics of Indian Cinema. Released in 1972, the film is about a courtesan and her doomed love and the real life story is just as tragic. Meena Kumari was married to director Kamal Amrohi and the film took 14 years to complete following their separation. Started in black and white it was stalled and only restarted when Sunil Dutt and Nargis saw the rushes and managed to convince both Meena and Kamal to complete the movie. Meena Kumari who was seriously ill agreed to complete the movie and died of cirrhosis of the liver weeks after the film was released. Meena Kumari designed all her own costumes and there are two versions of the soundtrack – the original for the black and white version and the later for the colour version. Do check it out on DVD you will be mesmerized and a big Raj&Pablo thank you to Madhuri!

Do let us know your thoughts!

Now we have some goodies for all Bollyspice Readers!

We will be hosting Pakistan Fashion Week in London 25 – 27th May 2012 at Kensington&Chelsea Town Hall London and have 2 Front Row Seats to give away!…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ5tayW0iqw

All you have to do is answer the following question – What was Pakistani Star Ali Zafar’s debut Bollywood Film? 1. Tere Bin Laden 2. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan 3. London Paris New York. Send your name and address with BollySpice London Faishon Week contest in the subject line to rajandpablo@aol.com!

And don’t forget – Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights@Chutney&Lager on SAT 26th May –if you are in London do come down and shake your Bollywood Booty with us!

Also as you may already know, with the Olympics fast approaching we are delighted to be hosting Desi Moves as part of Dancing for the Games, inspired by London 2012 and part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56cT6qGVboo

The Showdown is fast approaching on (Friday 18 May 2012) and we are anticipating a great show and are very excited for the night. Six fierce dance acts of Bhangra, Bollywood, Giddha, Hip-hop and Bashment styles will battle it out to claim the title of Best Desi Mover, a prize of £1000, an opportunity to perform at the Sandwell & Birmingham Mela in front of a 50k plus audience and that ultimate prize, the Desi Moves 2012 trophy. To find out more click here.

There will be an undoubtedly amazing performance from the Worlds #1 Micheal Jackson Tribute Act & Britain’s Got Talent finalists Signature.

For all Bollyspice readers – we have 10 tickets to give away – All you have to do is answer the following question – Vaibhavi Merchant choregraphed ‘Kajra Re’ for Amithabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwariya Rai Bachchan – but what was the movie called? Send your name and address with BollySpice Desimoves contest in the subject line to rajandpablo@aol.com!

Looking forward to hearing from all Bollyspicers!
And remember – LOVE US , LOVE BOLLYWOOD – Raj&Pablo xx

Catch Raj&Pablo on:
BBC Asian Network – Love Bollywood
B4U – Bollywood Showdown
Qatar Airways – Raj&Pablo Bollywood World.
Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights

You can follow Raj&Pablo on twitter – @rajpablo.

Raj & Pablo’s Bollytastic World: Mothers, Heaven, Reincarnation and Virgins! is a post from: BollySpice

The post Raj & Pablo’s Bollytastic World: Mothers, Heaven, Reincarnation and Virgins! appeared first on BollySpice.

We recorded our show for Qatar Airways and focused on Bollywood Hunks – an ode to all the high octane Mumbai Muscle that is ruling the roost – including Salman Khan, John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan – they all made the grade but one thing we do want to ask all our Bollyspice Readers is do you think Ranbir Kapoor makes the grade and what about the Badshah of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan? – Remember his six-pack for ‘Dard E Disco’ for Om Shanti Om. Do let us know by commenting here or sending us a tweet!

Caught up with the magical Anil Kapoor who was in Singapore to announce the IIFA Awards that will be held there in June. He as always was in sparkling form. He told us all about shooting for Tezz in the UK and how intense the schedules were and how the film is a high-octane thriller. Anil also revealed the secrets of his amazing physique and youthful looks. He religiously adheres to a one hour exercise schedule and doesn’t smoke or drink. But his main thing is to believe in ourselves and keep abreast of all things new – it keeps you on your toes. Anil is also very excited about his nephew’s debut in Ishaqzaade and was emotionally choked when watching the preview cuts. He also joked that yes, daughter Rhea will be producing a new movie BUT she doesn’t want him in it.

One of our good buddies Zayed Khan said hello to us on our BBC Asian Network Love Bollywood Show and told us he was battered and bruised while filming for Tezz due to the intensity of completing the stunts for the movie. Zayed’s performance is one of the highlights of this movie and the preparations of getting into the character of an urban underground illegal immigrant were fascinating. Zayed his busy with his next two movies and is preparing the next film for his production house Born Free with the wonderful Diya Mirza.

Also on the show was designer Manav Gangani – he creates couture for the who’s who in Bollywood and was in sparkling form as we discussed the highs and lows of the catwalk and the hits and misses of a red carpet appearance. Sometimes people tend to forget the pressure stars have to get it right all the time? And on that note who do you guys think is the best dressed Bollywood Star? Both male and female!

Jannat 2 – the highly anticipated sequel to the original not only stars serial kisser Emraan Hashmi but also the intense brooding powerhouse that is Randeep Hooda. We all loved him for his portrayal of the righteous cop in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai . He plays another cop in this movie, which he told us in not strictly a sequel, but is based all around illegal gun crime. We we were also pleasantly surprised to learn that Randeep is a keen equestrian and takes part in dressage events.

We were in stitches when we caught up with the fantabolous Johny Lever who is currently on a world tour with his Stand Up Comedy Show – Laugh Till You Fart! Johny who gained recognition (and his screen name) while working at the Hindustan Lever factory when he started miming and singing Elvis Presley songs. It was the late great Sunil Dutt that gave him his break in Dard Ka Rishta when he spotted Johny performing his routine during a tour with Kalyanji Anandji. Johny told us he is still in awe and still gets star struck when he meet his legends like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. One of the most successful comedians of Bollywood – he’s completed 400 movies – he is still humble when we talked in the same breath about him and Kishore Kumar; Johnny Walker, Mehmood and Paintal. We are very excited about Jonny’s next venture – he’s just about to launch his own movie and its going to be rib tickling multi-star comedy!

Now despite the torrential rain we had a magical time at our Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights@Chutney Lager in London last Saturday. We kicked off the evening with our Model Hunt Finals for the forthcoming Pakistan Fashion Week. It was so hard to judge with so many wonderful finalists – tears , tiaras and triumphs! Pakistan Fashion Week will be held in Kensington Town Hall, London 25th -27th May – and we will have a very special surprise for all BollySpice readers.

The night was full of cinematic shenanigans with the best of Bollywood – and a performance by a future singing star – Rasshee Rraga. She’s young feisty with a magical voice and rocked the floor with her Bollywood Bhangra inspired songs! Watch out for her !

Both of us are heartened to hear the Rajesh Khanna is now in recovery after his health scare last week. Rajesh Khanna was one of Bollywood first ever Superstars and a phenomenon. Brought up in Punjab, Rajesh and his close friend Jeetendra had dreams of stardom and both through struggle and determination made it to the top. Did you know that Rajesh Khanna was one of the first ever Bollywood Stars with his own MG? We are dedicating this weeks Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Classic in honour of the legend that is Rajesh Khanna.

Produced and directed by Hrithik Roshan’s grandfather, J. Om.Prakash Aap Ki Kasaam – was one of the biggest hits in 1974 and starred Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz and Sanjeev Kumar in a love triangle with a difference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4KzaatZZLM

For all Bollyspice readers do send us your personal questions for your favourite Bollywood Stars – who knows – we maybe able to make your dreams come true in the near future!!

And remember – LOVE US , LOVE BOLLYWOOD – Raj&Pablo xx

Catch Raj&Pablo on:
BBC Asian Network – Love Bollywood
B4U – Bollywood Showdown
Qatar Airways – Raj&Pablo Bollywood World.
Raj&Pablo’s Bollywod Nights@Chutney&Lager – 26th May

You can follow Raj&Pablo on twitter – @rajpablo.

Raj&Pablo’s Bollytastic World: This week we have Baarish, Bollywood Hunks, Models and more! is a post from: BollySpice

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It’s been a whirlwind of Bollywonderfulness in London for the past few weeks – and sometimes it feels like there are more Bollywood Stars in London than Mumbai!

Had a wonderful catch up magical director NIKHAL ADVANI – he was on a short trip to the Big Smoke and we chatted films, films and more films. He’s working on two movies at the moment… although we can’t reveal anything. Nikhil was in town with his wonderful sister Monisha – whom we describe as an International Vagabond with Vuitton!

Really impressed by the sensuous Veena Malik whom we can only describe as a sex symbol with brains. She is going to go far – and despite all the controversies is a dedicated professional with talent. She almost had us in tears about the struggles and lonliness she felt after the initial furor of her now infamous photo shoot.

Singers galore in London – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who revealed he was a great fan of Madan Mohan and couldn’t believe when we told him that Lata Mangeshekar is a fan!

One of our close friends ADNAN SAMI sparkled at Wembly Arena and was at his wittiest self-deprecating form. He introduced us to his lovely wife Roya Farybi and told us he would love to work on a sequel to the multi platinum Kabhi To Nazar Milao with Asha Bhosle.

Amitabh Bachchan has described her as the Sultana of Sufi and the understated Harshdeep Kaur sang to us while tucking into her favourite English Breakfast – she loves Baked Beans! But what a voice – we love ‘Katiya Karon’!

Salim Suleiman were also in town and can’t wait to perform in London for a series of concerts. The two brothers’ reminded us of ourselves as their banter and sense of humour is so similar. We ended up having a heated debate over the virtues of Madonna as opposed to Lady Gaga! Raj and Salim love Lady Gaga while Pablo and Suleiman are die hard Madonna fans.

Muscles come in many forms but one star who still can’t believe people adore him is the wonderful JOHN ABRAHAM. He has now turned into a full-fledged producer and is over the moon about the success of Vicky Donor. He is on the lookout for inspiring ideas and scripts – so do get in touch. He also revealed he has moved on and is in a very good space at the moment and so energised at the success of Force and the phenomenal Houseful 2. You can catch our interview with him on our TV SHOW – Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Showdown on B4U.

Kunal Kohli is excited about Teri Meri Kahani and told us part of the story is based on the life of his great grandparents in Lahore – and recreated a fully fledged Punjabi village on the outskirts of Mumbai. Kunal loves London and always has a list of toys to buy for his family.

We had a blast with our favourite Pryianka Chopra who was in town recording for her album. She told us she will be co-writing all the songs and is excited at being one of the first ever international Indian Popstars – Miss World, Miss Bollywod, Miss Pop Princess – way to go girl. She is so unassuming and blushed when we congratulated her for joining the 100 Crore Club after the success of Don 2 and Agneepath. All three of us got very giggly and you should have seen the look on our faces when Pablo presented her with his favourite coffee mug. She joked that only Pablo could give her a mug with his name emblazed on it! She also loved working with her neighbour Shahid Kapoor and says he had her in stitches on the sets with his impressions!

Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Classic.
Now we have all been wowed by the wonderful KATRINA KAIF in Agneepath and her performance of Chikni Chameli and are looking forward to VIDYA BALAN’S item number “Mala Jao Dya Na” for Ferrari Ki Sawari – she rehearsed for three weeks with a troupe of authentic Lavani Kholapur dancers to ensure the steps were perfect. So our classic this week is from the origional Dancing Sensation the legendary HELEN who sizzled in her origional Lavani item number MUNGDA from the 1979 thriller Inkar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rXNmJjlZfM

We are delighted to have found a new home for our legendary Raj&Pablo’s Bollywod Nights – Our Bollytastic Saturday Sizzler is on the last Saturday of the month and if you are in London and want the best of Bollywood do come down. Chutney& Lager SAT 28th April 18 -22 Hounsditch Aldgate City of London.

This month we will also be launching the model search for this year’s PAKISTAN FASHION WEEK – so if you have what it takes do come down and audition.

http://www.facebook.com/events/390906860942780/

Pakistan Fashion Week London is holding it’s model casting in conjunction with Raj&Pablo Bollywood Nights on 28th April 2012 at Chutney and Lager. A total of 60 models to be selected for the event. Do you have what it takes to be a model? If so….. Send us an email on pfwuk@gmail.com or visit our website atwww.pakistanfashionweek.co.uk.

Talking about all things Fashion – we have just signed our first ever stylist –the talented Zaheer Bashir who promises to make us even more Bollytastic! Zaher says, “I feel truly honoured and excited tob we working with Raj&Pablo and creating an exciting new look for the dynamic duo.”

For all Bollyspice readers do send us your personal questions for your favourite Bollywood Stars – who knows – we maybe able to make your dreams come true in the near future!!

And remember – LOVE US , LOVE BOLLYWOOD – Raj&Pablo xx

Catch Raj&Pablo on:
BBC Asian Network – Love Bollywood
B4U – Bollywood Showdown
Qatar Airways – Raj&Pablo Bollywood World.

You can follow Raj&Pablo on Twitter – @rajpablo.

Raj&Pablo’s Bollytastic World: This Week John, Priyanka, Adnan and more! is a post from: BollySpice

The post Raj&Pablo’s Bollytastic World: This Week John, Priyanka, Adnan and more! appeared first on BollySpice.

Apart from the World Cup – we, like a lot of the Bollywood Stars, were rooting, Sangrias in hand for Spain after Brazil got kicked out. Pablo’s been holding the fort while Raj has been in out the dentist surgery for his root canal treatment! And its still going on – aaaaaaaaaaargh! One thing that never ceases to amaze us is how Bollywood touches all aspects – in between the drilling the dentist waxed lyrically about he treated Shilpa Shetty and how everyone in the surgery loved Shah Rukh Khan.

One of the true pleasures is meeting up with Dev Anand – the boundless energy and enthusiasm he exudes in infectious. Dev Saab is always gracious and for us, meeting a star who’s legendary career spans three generations makes us tingle – he is Bollywood History personified.

Dev, who had a slight chill, was in London last week with his son Suniel and told us all about his excitement for his forthcoming Charge Sheet. It’s going to be a crime thriller all about a retired police officer who is forced to confront corruption in the form of Naserudin Shah. Dev revealed that there are three new different music directors on the project and it was thrilling for him to record a song with Asha Bhosle after all these years. Also watch out for his classic Hum Dono – which has just been colourised and is set to re-release. Dev plays a double role as an army officer who is caught in a web of mistaken identity alongside Sadhana and Nanda. But what caught us by total surprise was when he revealed the secret of his boundless energy and youth. We were totally floored when he said it all about interacting with people like us – it’s the ability to talk on a one to one basis with everyone and put himself in everyone’s shoes – no matter how young or old, rich or poor! He may even write a script based on our Bollytastic machinations!!……….LOL…Dev Saab we salute you!

Brains with Beauty is how we always refer to the amazing Bipasha Basu. Lamha is set to release this week and Bips told us how much shooting for the movie had affected her. She is no way into politics, but the suffering of ordinary people touched her deeply as she was researching her character of a Muslim woman caught in the troubles of Kashmir. Bipasha revealed it was harrowing to be shooting in the midst of so much turbulence and was frightened of her own personal safety. Initially she was hesitant accepting the role – she thought her duskiness would not suit the role, but after reading the script was convinced by the director she would be ideal for the role opposite Sunil Dutt and the dashing Kunal Kohli. We think that this role will reveal the extent to which Bipasha has developed as an actor.

Like Pablo, Bipasha also has a fear of flying and revealed she was so scared on a small private jet when it hit serious turbulence – she had just finished filming for Priyadarshan’s Akrosh – she reverted to the Gayatri Mantra to make sure nothing bad happened. We are definitely going to learn the Mantra from her.

On a lighter note, we are all going handbag shopping when she comes to London when John shoots for Dostana 2- it’s her one big weakness. Bipasha also enjoyed shooting for Rohan Sippy’s Dum Maro Dum in her favourite place Goa. She agreed with us that one of the biggest pranksters in Bollywood is Abhishek Bachchan – who is so full of beans that you are always in stitches of laughter.

We are really pleased that one of the most under rated actors in Bollywood, Suniel Shetty is finally getting his due. Last time we hooked up was when he had just won the award for Best Actor at the South Asian Indian Film Festival for Red Alert. Well, the film has finally been released – (everywhere apart from the UK that is!!) and Suneil was even praised in the New York Times for his performance. Suneil told us he is pleased at the reaction and after 20 years in the industry feels he is finally being appreciated for his craft. He plays a man caught up with the Naxalite movement alongside Sameera Reddy and Seema Biswas. Suniel is an extremely down to earth, understated star and doesn’t enjoy any networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Apart from movies he has been busy scouting Universities in the USA for his daughter, Aathiya who is all set to study Drama there.

After chatting to Suniel we thought if only apt that this week’s Raj&Pablo’s BOLLYTASTIC REWIND IN TIME – is the modern day love classic Dhadkan, which was released ten years ago. Suniel Shetty won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain in this Dharmesh Darshan love triangle also starring Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty. The story is simple – Shilpa is a rich girl in love with poor boy Suneil when her parents refuse their rishta, Shilpa has an arranged marriage with the rich Akshay Kumar. Suneil wows revenge and wants to win Shilpa back. Will Shilpa leave Akshay after he wins her heart for her first love? Will Suneil destroy Akshay with his newfound wealth and anger at rejection? What will happen to his business partner Mahima Chaudhry who is lighting a candle for Suneil?

The chemistry between all three stars is magnetic – and Suneil excels as the thwarted lover. Akshay is understated and Shilpa just lights up the screen and looks stunning. The music is Nadeem Shravan at their best – Alka Yagnick won the Filmfare Award for Playback for ‘Dil Ne Yeh Kaha’. The late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sings ‘Dulhe Ka Sehra’ – a song played at almost every wedding we have ever been to! And ‘Na Na Karte’ is wonderfully picturised. So grab the DVD, curl up on the sofa a loose yourself in this melodramatic love story.

Here is ‘Na Na Karte’ for your viewing pleasure!

We are all geared up for our Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights@The Cobden Club on the 31st of July – not only are we joined by the stunning Karen David but also the 15 Finalists of the forthcoming Miss Bollywood awards. It’s going to be a night of glitz n glam so if you are in London does join us!

Till next week,

Love Us Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xx

Catch us on the BBC’s definitive Bollywood Show -
LOVE BOLLYWOOD – Raj&Pablo -BBC ASIAN NETWORK
SAT&SUN – 9am – 12pm.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/lovebollywood/

Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights@The Cobden Club
The Bollytastic Saturday Sizzler
Saturday 31st July 2010.

Calamari or Parrot Pie in a Dhadkan? is a post from: BollySpice

The post Calamari or Parrot Pie in a Dhadkan? appeared first on BollySpice.

We were totally floored by the beautiful Poonam Dhillon – she, like most of Bollywood, was in London for a few weeks on holiday with her kids. Poonam exudes a mischievous happiness that is infectious. She reminisced about her life and times and her surprise at her success. Poonam is over the moon at the reaction she received at her appearance on Big Boss – she almost didn’t do it – it was her kids that told her ‘go for it, mum’! One of the delights of being in London – apart form shopping is to catch up with old friends – Poonam was hooking up for Afternoon Tea with the legend that is Mumtaz. And we are sworn to secrecy as to Poonam’s next project – watch this space.

Really looking for ward to Akshay Kumar’s Khatta Meetha. It’s directed by Pryiadarshan and is going to be a sweet snarky comedy all about the one man’s journey against corruption in a small town India. Akshay is one star that is not scared of acting against the grain! We are delighted that it sees the Bollywood breakthrough by South Indian Star – Trisha. Trisha first came to notice in a Falguni Pathak video, which also featured the teenage Ayesha Takia – ‘Meri Chudi Ud Ud Jaye’. Talking about Falguni – does anyone know what has happened to her – she has one of the sweetest voices………. Do let us know!!

Talking about Akshay, we had mid elevenses with Nikhil Advani the day before he left for Mumbai after wrapping up the London leg of Patiala House. Nikhal berated us for not hooking up sooner, but we were quickly forgiven as we shot the breeze about Chandni Chowk – we call it his Bollywood Kung Fu Panda and the virtues of Caf

Luv is in the Air is a post from: BollySpice

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Summer is a traditional time when the who’s who from Mumbai de-camp to London to escape the heat – a bit like the Brits from Empire days travelling to Simla. You can not walk down Oxford Street without a brief Mumbaite Greeting of “Hello!!, How Are You?”

Akshay Kumar, Rishi & Neetu Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Tarun Mansukhani , Poonam Dhillon, Mumtaz, King Khan – SRK & Gauri AND the First Family of Bollywood – The Bachchans to name a few.

Raajneeti is making waves at the box office and we are all waiting for Arjun Rampal – he can’t wait for Wimbledon to begin – he is amazing in the movie

Akshay Kumar held an impromptu drinks do last week to share his thanks – he’s had a fab time shooting for Nikhil Advani’s Patiala House and talk about his home production Priyadarshan’s Khatta Meetha. A rip-roaring, satirical comedy with Akshay as the man dealing with small town corruption. It sees the Bollywood debut of South Indian award winner Trisha Krishnan. Akshay is so much fun and after ribbing us about our Pindo Punjabi told us that he loves spending time playing with his son in Hyde Park when not shooting.

Tarun Mansukhani’s been location hunting and can’t wait to start filming Dostana 2 – and neither can we!

Had a lovely catch up with the gorgeous Poonam Dhillon . She’s in town with the kids and is amazed at the reaction people have had to her on Big Boss. She was a wee bit nervous doing the show, but found it exhilarating and is pleased at coming runner up! Poonam is now looking forward to start directing and is looking for interesting scripts.

BUT the Bollytastic Buzz that blew away even the most film fatigued of London was the spectacular world premier of Mani Rtanam’s Raavan at the British Film Institute. Fans queued for hours with the world’s media in attendance and were not disappointed. The red carpet was graced by the magic of Abhishek & Aishwarya, Mani Ratnam, the dignified, but so excited Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan AND Shah Rukh Khan with his entire family. What never ceases to amaze us is the amount of energy and dedication all the stars have. Abhishek and Aishwarya arrived the night before but then were up at dawn and spend the entire day in interviews. Despite the gruelling day they made sure they spent at least an hour on the red carpet talking to the people that really matter – the fans that had waited for hours for a glimpse of them. Both told us that that is what really matters and makes it all worthwhile. Catch our chat with the Golden Couple on our shows this weekend. Abhishek joked that his fiercest critic, his sister Swheta will be watching the movie for the first time and is looking forward at her reactions!

With Bollywood infusing London we have been championing the fantastic Bollywood Troupe Threebee. They made the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent and Simon Cowell said of them -.” …It was terrific, it was exactly what I hoped you would do and it made you stand out from all the acts we’ve seen before…” All are true lovers of Bollywood and despite their various careers including being doctors, dentists, accountants have been rehearsing every Sunday in Piccadilly Well we are delighted to champion their success at our next Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights@The Cobden on the 26th June, with a very special performance from this troupe – if you are in London do come along.

With Zeenat Aman winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at this years IIFAs – she told us she was thrilled at the reaction from her fans; Neetu Singh in town as well as the legend that is Mr. Amitbabh Bachchan (both families are now related as Swheta is married to Rishi Kapoor’s nephew), this week’s Raj&Pablo’s REWIND IN TIME is Shakti Samanta’s crime thriller – The Great Gambler released in 1979 and which stars Amitabh Bachchan in a double role of an expert gambler and a police inspector; Zeenat Aman as the exotic dancer involved in espionage and Neetu Singh as the heiress who gets caught up in underworld. Fans of the original Don will love this – there are twists and turns galore; mistaken identities; glamorous locations – Egypt, Venice, Lisbon and Amsterdam, its among one of the first Bollywood movies to be shoot overseas before NRI’s were discovered by Bollywood! A true Mumbai masala movie. The movie has some of the stalwarts of Bollywood – watch out for a brief cameo by a glamorous Helen, a villainous Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, Uptal Dutt and Iftekhar. Producer Boney Kapoor who is now married to Sridevi was Amitabh’s stunt double in some of the fight scenes. RD Burman composed some his best music and singers include Asha Bhosle; Mohd Rafi and Kishore Kumar. A homage to ‘Do Lafzon Ki’ was made in Shahid Kapoor’s Kaminey.

A must for masala movie fans! See what we mean with this video of ‘Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani’, filmed in Venice!

Till next week,

Love Us Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xx

Catch us on the BBC’s definitive Bollywood Show -
LOVE BOLLYWOOD – Raj&Pablo -BBC ASIAN NETWORK
SAT&SUN – 9am – 12pm.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/lovebollywood

Raavan roars in London is a post from: BollySpice

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It was fun hooking up with the Roshans at the Dorchester a few hours before the premier of Kites in London’s Leicester Square. Hrithik was in high spirits despite being initially scared that the premier could have been cancelled due to the ash cloud restricting flights into London.

Hrithik is one of the most down to earth grounded superstars – he actually cares for his fans and was amazed at the turnout – Leicester Square was awash with people awaiting his arrival – some had stood behind the barriers for almost 8 hours! Barbara was on form – she just sizzles on and off screen – but we have to say it was the lovely understated Suzzane that rocks – she just lights up a room!

Rakesh Roshan was focused and determined and very energetic – he is already planning his next movie and director Anurag was in sprightly form. The film may have received mixed reviews but it’s worth a watch!

Shahid is loving Scotland – he is amazed at how down to earth and welcoming Scotland is and can’t wait to start shooting in Edinburgh for his dad’s Mausam with Sonam Kapoor. Who knows we may get to see his legs as we’ve told him to get himself a kilt – A Kapur Tartan!

Scotland seems to be a popular destination – Abbas Tyerwala and his gorgeous wife Pakhi called us while roaming the glens on a short break and were amazed at the freshness and sheer wilderness. The buzz about his new film with John Abraham and Pakhi – which has been shot entirely in the UK, is good. Abbas is looking for a new title rather than 1-800 A – Love Story any suggestions?

Nikhil Advani is a busy busy bee shooting Patiala House and Southall almost came to a standstill when word got out Akshay Kumar was in town. The film, which is all about a Southall family, reunites Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia (who happens be Akshay’s mother-in-law). Expect wonders from Anushka Sharma, who is quietly pleased with the reaction to her performance in Badmaash Company. Akshay who is a true Punjabi charmer wowed all and sundry when he shot a song sequence with cricketer David Gower at the historic Oval. The movie’s out in November – in time for Diwali and Akshay plays a Sikh corner shop worker from Southall who dreams of playing cricket for England.

Taking about directors Tarun Mansukani is working feverishly on the finishing touches to the script of Dostana 2 – he’s in London soon and we can’t wait. His totally infectious sense of humour gets us in fits! Abhishek and John reprise their roles and will Katrina be the femme fatale? Watch this space! And talking about Tarun he is not too bad as an actor – do check him out as the anguished shopkeeper in Kurbaan!

We caught up with Prakash Jha last week – he is quietly confident about Raajneeti – the multi-starrer political thriller, which releases this week. Prakash is totally impressed by Katrina Kaif’s work ethic and dedication – she took intense Hindi diction lessons and re dubbed her dialogues all at her own insistence. He also clarified rumors – yes, there was a creative intensity with Nana Patekar; Ajay Devgun is not miffed at the publicity and a steamy sex scene with hunky Arjun Rampal was shortened as it was deemed too hot! We are expecting wonders from this movie – could be another milestone for Ranbir Kapoor. You can catch our chat with him on our Love Bollywood shows on the BBC Asian Network this weekend.

Raveena Tandon – who is one of our favorite icons form the 90s joined us last week and revealed she is now making a semi comeback. The “mast mast” girl is now happily married, enjoys being a mum and has finally made up with archrival Karishma Kapoor – their daughters attend the same school and are best friends. Lolo and Raveena now hang out together and laugh at their old bitter rivalry and catfights! Raveena is looking forward to the release of Revathi’s Aap Ke Liye Hum in which she stars with Jaya Bachchan and has just signed Aag – The Fire in which she plays a strong Rajhastani woman who fights against rural injustice.

This week’s Raj&Pablo’s REWIND IN TIME is Shah Rukh Khan’s debut movie Deewana. One of the biggest hits of 1992 and directed by Raj Kanwar this is full of melodramatic twists and turns and stars Rishi Kapoor, Diviya Bharti, Shah Rukh Khan and Amrish Puri. Diviya plays an exuberant young girl who falls in love and marries Rishi Kapoor, a pop star. All is well till his evil uncle – a villainous Amrish Puri, murders him. Diviya embraces widowhood until SRK arrives on the scene and eventually marries her. But then suddenly SRK finds out that Rishi Kapoor has survived his murder attempt – what will happen next?

SRK won his Filmfare Award as the Best Male Debut and steals the second half, Diviya Bharti is excellent and her untimely death – she died in mysterious circumstances after falling off a balcony – was a big loss to the industry; Rishi Kapoor despite his multicolored knitwear is on form. The highlights of course are Nadeem Shravan’s award winning music with ‘Payaliya’ and ‘Tere Umeed Tera Intezar’ classic Bollywood tunes.

Of course we have some song videos for you to see!

Rishi and Diviya in ‘Payaliya’:

Shah Rukh and Diviya in ‘Aisi Deewangi’

Watch this one – 90′s emotional Bollywood at its best!

We all had a blast at our Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights as we celebrated being BINDAAS on Bank Holiday Sunday. New pop sensation Abbas Hasan wowed the audience and we all shook our Jhatkhas & Matkhas till the wee hours. If you are in London at the end of June do join us!

Till next week,

Love Us Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xx

Catch us on the BBC’s definitive Bollywood Show -
LOVE BOLLYWOOD – Raj&Pablo -BBC ASIAN NETWORK
SAT&SUN – 9am – 12pm.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/lovebollywood/

Busy Bollywood Bees is a post from: BollySpice

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And the buzz about Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti is strong – a multi-starrer starring Arjun Rampal, Ajay Devgun, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Nasserudin Shah and Nana Patekar to name a few – is all about the political shenanigans that take place during election time in India – a thriller about unstoppable ambitions; bitter and violent power struggles that take place to take power. Sounds familiar? Katrina is determined to make her presence felt as a serious actress and has re-dubbed her Hindi to make sure to silence her critics. And if rumours are to be believed this is movie that cemented her friendship with Ranbir Kapoor. As part of the promos all the cast have sang the Indian National Anthem. One we are definitely looking forward to!

Rajneeti trailer:

Shahid and Anushka are over the moon about the success of Baadmash Company. Both were nervous – Shahid told us he was disappointed with the lack of success of Dil Bole Hadippa, Chance Pe Dance and Paatshala and Anushka as it was her second release after the blockbuster Rab Ne Bana De Jodi with SRK. Shahid laughed that the movie took him back to his days as a teenager in the 90s when he used to dance and sing to Aamir Khan’s songs. Anoushka on the other hand is excited as she was determined to prove herself as a glamorous star that can also act. Both are pleased that their sensuous kiss in the car has been appreciated. Do watch this one – its fun, fast paced and Shahid Kapoor proves he has depths first glimpsed in his power packed performance in Kaminey. And YES Anoushka oozes glamour!

We caught up with wunderkid Darsheel Safary – the child prodigy who stole everyone’s hearts in Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par. He’s excited about this weeks release Bum Bum Bole where he plays an under privileged kid who strives to ease the poverty of his family. He’s bright bubbly and a true star kid – he’s had his teeth done; spends his money on computer games and loathes studying. He giggled “No Comment” about having a girlfriend and the tonnes of fan mail he receives. Darsheel is excited about filming Walt Disney’s Zukkomon where he plays a super hero – SRK and RA1 eat your heart out!

The Cannes Film Festival has just started and The Indian Pavilion will be in full Bollytastic. The main buzz is the long awaited Mallika Sherwat movie HISS. It’s directed by Jennifer Lynch and sees the sex bomb Mallika Shewat’s debut into Hollywood. Rumours are that Mallika will perform on stage at Cannes as part of the promotion with some snakes. Watch this space! The film also stars Irfan Khan and the talented Diviya Dutta – who has just signed another Hollywood movie.

Hiss trailer

With Cannes happening, and the threat of the Icelandic Volcano subsided London is gearing itself for the annual migration of who’s who in Bollywood. We bumped into legendary Sanjay Khan, his designer daughter the multi talented and gorgeous Farah Khan and her husband Dj Aqueel at one our favourite Indian restaurants. Sanjay is ever gracious and is enthusiastic about his other son in law, Hrithik’s movie – Kites. London’s Leicester Square is abuzz with the preparations for next week’s premier of Kites. Hrithik and Suzzane who love the anonymity of London are looking forward to the premiere and are determined to take some time out to shop!

Talking about twists and turns – we’ve got some news – after the fire in South Molton Street – we are finally gearing up to reopen our offices in a couple of weeks. The Bollywood Boys will be back in Bond Street – so if you see us lugging boxes of files – DO GIVE US A HAND! And to celebrate we are having a very special Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights@The Cobden on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th May with an exclusive performance from Canadian born French Asian pop star Abbas Hasan. Do hope you can join us!

Keeping is with Mallika’s sensational shakes and snakes, this week’s Raj&Pablo’s REWIND IN TIME is Harmesh Malohtra’s 1986 super blockbuster Nagina starring Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor and a very scary Amrish Puri. The movie is a classic – Sridevi as the Snake Queen – who is determined to avenge the death of her Snake King transforms herself into a woman and marries Rishi Kapoor to take revenge. It’s Bollywood melodramatic horror at its best. Sridevi is superb as the Nagina and with all the twists and turns the climax is the fantaboulous snake dance by Sridevi, choreographed by Saroj Khan, as Amrish Puri attempts to exorcise her possession. The climax was featured as a hilarious tribute in Gurinder Chadha’s Bride&Prejudice.

Nagina secured Sridevi as the No1 star after the super success of Mr India. Jayaprada was offered the role first but refused, as she was scared of snakes. As well as Sridevi’s awesome performance another highlight is Laxmikant Pyrelal’s songs – The music is superb including ‘Balma To Balma Ho’, ‘Tu Ne Bechain Itna’ and the super hit Lata rendition ‘Main Teri Dushman’. Watch this with your pet mongoose for safety!

‘Main Tere Dushman’

Till next week,

Love Us, Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xx

Catch us on the BBC’s definitive Bollywood Show -
LOVE BOLLYWOOD — Raj&Pablo -BBC ASIAN NETWORK
SAT&SUN – 9am – 12pm.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/lovebollywood/

Twists, Turns, A Fire and a Snake! is a post from: BollySpice

The post Twists, Turns, A Fire and a Snake! appeared first on BollySpice.

Sajid is one of the wittiest, sarkiest guys in Bollywood and we always have a laugh. He told us that despite a multi-starrer cast there were no star tantrums; one-man-up-man ship or cat-fights as he is the prima donna extraordinaire and holds the crown! We caught up with Sajid on the phone as he driving to the NDTV studios and all we could hear was someone laughing and joking in the car- suddenly Sajid put us on loudspeaker and imagine our surprise when the man making all the noise was none other than Akshay. We had a good old-fashioned Punjabi boys together laugh and he cheekily told us he’s annoyed with us for not having a “In Conversation with… him!”… Watch this space. Akshay is looking forward to the release and he’s pleased his son Aarav laughed throughout the movie.

Raj&Pablo’s Housefull is a post from: BollySpice

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Prince is fast and furious with lots of thrills and spills – a kind of Bollywood meets The Bourne Identity meets James Bond meets Don meets Dhoom 2. The film has surprised the pundits and has had a massive opening in India – second only to MNIK.

Vivek Oberoi is back as a star who can open a film on his name alone – do watch it if you are into crime capers. British starlet Aruna Shields stands out as the Lara Croft type co-star. Vivek rocks.

Director Kooki Gulati is pleased at the opening and is all praises for the dedication shown by Vivek especially in all the high-octane stunt scenes. But the true star of the show that helps sets the movie apart is the fantastic music director Sachin Gupta. The former rock band composer who hails from a family of doctor’s told us that the super hit song ‘Tere Liye’ is based on his unresolved love life and he will be continuing to write songs from his broken heart. Bless him!

One person that should be questioning his choices is Shahid Kapoor – his last mega hit was Jab We Met with ex Kareena. This week saw the release of the lackluster Paathshala. Yet again, we see him playing a teacher in this one. Whilst the message of the film is an honest and commendable one, it does lack what we all love in a Bollywood Blockbuster – the love story. Ayesha Takia gives a safe performance whilst Shahid really need not pick roles like this after showing how skilled he is as an actor in Kaminey. The concept is worthy – the abuse of schoolchildren, but the film leaves you cold.

We are over the moon with the success of Radio 2′s “From Hollywood to Bollywood” for Friday Night is Music Night. The prestigious BBC Concert Orchestra were joined by Kuljit Bhamra and singer Sangeeta and performed live from the LSO St Luke’s for a salutation of some of the greatest Indian inspired soundtracks from Hollywood and some of the greatest hits from Bollywood. Thank you to everyone who loved our interview with music maestro AR Rahaman. We will keep you posted!

This Friday at our Raj&Pablo’s Bollywood Nights we will be celebrating the success of Rifco Arts Britain’s Got Bhangra which stars the lovely Sophia Haque. It’s a joyful look at how Bhangra became part of the UK music scene and its influences from Bollywood. Do hope you can join us and show us your Bhangra Bollywood “jhatka’s & matkha”.

Here is a video with a sneak peak into Britain’s Got Bhangra!

With the UK at a standstill- a cloud of ash is still halting all flights we are a wee bit concerned on how this will affect Bollywood! Will new releases get here in time? What will the stars do without being able to get to Selfridges and shop? What about the movies like Dostana 2, which are scheduled to film in London soon? Two casualties of the volcano so far are Katrina Kaif who couldn’t attend her grandfather’s 90th Birthday in London and the extremely focused Jiah Khan who is anxiously awaiting the all clear so she can get to Mumbai for the promotions of the forthcoming Housefull. Jiah told us she will be playing a “seedhi saadhi” newly wed girl in the movie – hope she makes it back in time as the movie should do wonders for her.

What better way to cope being ill than by wrapping yourself up in a duvet, hot water bottle, medication and a stack of Bollywood DVDs. That’s exactly what Raj did – he developed a fever probably after enjoying his birthday! So this weeks Raj&Pablo’s “Rewind In Time” is one of the unsung classics of recent Bollywood – Raj Kumar Santoshi’s woman centric multi-starrer Lajja. Released is 2001, Lajja is a movie which tackles the problem of discrimination against women and empowerment within the context of entertaining masala magic – Bollywood at its best. A stellar star cast: Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koiriala, Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgun, Jackie Shroff and Mahima Chaudhry to name just a few. The story is simple – Manisha is on the run from her abusive philandering NRI husband (Jackie Shroff) – returns to India and on during her escape is sheltered by various women fighting injustice. Madhuri is superb as the abused stage actress and Rekha as the village midwife who is gang raped. The performances are superb and despite the seriousness of the storyline the movie keeps you enthralled with its mix of emotions; cinematography; excellent music and power packed tear-jerking performances. A wonderful movie to just loose yourself in!

We also thought we would share this vid from Lajja with Madhuri in one of her best dance numbers ever – ‘Badi Mushkil’! Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIP8GyLPBGk

and be awed at her talent!

Till next week,

Love Us, Love Bollywood
Raj&Pablo xx

Catch us on the BBC’s definitive Bollywood Show -
LOVE BOLLYWOOD – BBC ASIAN NETWORK
SAT&SUN – 9am – 12pm.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/lovebollywood

RAJ&PABLO’S BOLLYWOOD NIGHTS@THE COBDEN CLUB
FRIDAY PHILMI FUNDAAS
Join us as we celebrate the new musical Britain’s Got Bhangra.
Get ready to”JHATKA MATKHA” with us on FRIDAY 23 APRIL for Raj&Pablo&’s Bollywood Nights@The Cobden Club as we celebrate at the most Bollytastic Night in Town!

The best of Bollywood, lashes of Pop, dashes of Bhangra and splashes of Arabic – shake your Bollywood Booty – you know you want to!

A night of Cinematic Shenanigans so come dressed in all your “chamak n dhamak,” all your “glitz n glam” and sizzle with us.

THE SENATOR on the decks!

FRIDAY 23 APRIL2010
9pm till 1.30am

WHERE:
THE COBDEN CLUB
170 KENSAL ROAD LONDON W10 5BN

Paathshala, Prince and A Cloud of Ash is a post from: BollySpice

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