EBolly

Aishwarya, once a tart always a tart

Here I am, back after a short break (another), and whatever you guys say and do; Tony is here to stay. In fact, I am being asked to write two columns per week, but seriously speaking, I just don’t have the time. This week, my mailbag is full with lots and lots of questions, so let’s not waste any further time, and get to the first one…

Nisha: Will we ever get to see Kareena Kapoor and Karisma on-screen together?

Tony: I think we probably will. But, that might be a little while yet. Karisma has only decided to come back into film, choosing Onir’s next as her step-back to filmi stardom, and directors might like to wait till that film releases to sign her up. But, Karisma is a true professional and a fantastic actress also, so I expect I See You to do really well for her. I hope that she gets signed up for more films quickly, and she decides to go for more films like the one she has signed, so that her acting is shown to it’s full capabilities. Seeing both the Kapoor sisters on-screen will be a delight, and like you, I hope that time comes quick and fast.

Anil: What is the best movie you have seen this year so far?

Tony: The best film that I have seen this year so far is… wait for it… Vivaah. Actually, this year has been very good for Indian films, and most of them have been fascinating and an enjoyment to watch. We have had thrills and action in Krrish, Don and Dhoom, comedy and mayhem in Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Phir Hera Pheri, and soulful heart-touching drama with Fanaa and Rang De Basanti. But among all these gems, there is one diamond that shines out… and that is Rajshri’s Vivaah. The film may have a story that has been done numerous times before, and it may not have anything new, but it generally does touch your heart. You can make a great movie, with a big budget and massive star-cast, but to make a film with normal actors and a normal story, and then make it good, should be admired. Sooraj Barjatya has to be admired for the way he told the story and the performances he has managed to get out of Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao. If anyone should win the Best Director award next year then it should be him, but I don’t have high hopes for that. But nevertheless, a good job done Sooraj.

Jai: Don’t you ever get tired of the criticism that you get from the reader?

Tony: No I don’t. Criticism is part of my job. I am not like other critics, who get paid by so and so, and therefore write something baseless or bias. You will not believe when ‘good’ critics bash a film that is very good, and applaud movies that a purely rubbish. It all comes down to money. Some critics get paid for writing ‘lies’. I don’t. I write what I feel about a subject. Of course, I got a lot criticism for my views on Don, because I ‘bashed’ it, and most of this came from fans of Shah Rukh Khan. However, I got many people who actually agreed with me too. I will continue to write what I feel… regardless of money or popularity.

Champak: What are your thoughts on Aishwarya Rai in Umrao Jaan and Aishwarya Rai in Dhoom 2?

Tony: My thoughts on Aishwarya Rai in Umrao Jaan and Aishwarya Rai in Dhoom 2 are the same… once a tart, always a tart! There really isn’t much difference between the two characters. As Umrao, Aishwarya uses her beauty to charm the rich and famous, and as Sunehri in Dhoom 2, she uses her body and ‘nakedness’ to charm a thief. If one looks at it positively, then one does admire how a woman like Aishwarya can charm men over centuries, into doing whatever she so wishes. And that goes for her in real life too.

Sameena: Did Abhishek Bachchan really not know about the kiss scene between Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in Dhoom 2?

Tony: That is what the media are reporting, but my guess is that he probably did know. Aby’s Baby just got a little upset when he saw the intense kiss, such passion and chemistry, something that he has yet to achieve with Aishwarya Rai; either on-screen or off-screen. After seeing both Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in Dhoom 2, my expectations for Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Jodhaa Akbar have increased. I am now really looking forward to it. To see Hrithik and Aishwarya on-screen, together for 3 hours plus, will be a delight. And wasn’t that kiss so awesome?

Anonymous: Please give details on Madhuri’s comeback film. Heard she is coming back with Yash Raj in a film directed by Anil Mehta. When is the film slated to go on the floors? Who are her co-stars and is she the central protagonist? Heard she is being approached with lot of scripts? What about all her rumours of starring in Step-Mom remake, Vikram Phadnis film with Salman, film with Hrithik Roshan

Tony: Lots and lot of questions from someone who has failed to leaver his/her name. The former Queen of Bollywood is expected to start shooting for a film that will be produced by Yash Chopra. Sources close to Madhuri say that she is currently busy getting back into shape and visiting the gym on a regular basis. As for all your other questions, nothing has been confirmed, so they are just rumours.

Bilal: My name is Bali Mohammad. I live in Agra. I know if you from Bollywood. But I don’t know who are you. I want to become a lyricist. I have some Hindi filmi songs and story. But I have not any source for my aim. I know if you can help me. I have not any guide. Please give me any music director’s email address or any help. Please give me your answer. I hope if you will help me. My email address – _______@yahoo.co.in

Tony: Hmmm. Bilal my dear, I am not Bollywood; I just work in a medium about it. I can’t help you just on the basis that you have emailed me. However, if you email me sample work of yours, I will pass them onto some of my friends in the business. I wish you all the success in your chosen career.

Jeegan: What’s the real status of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, some news channels say its super-hit while some say its flop and has bombed at box-office.

Tony: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and its status. I don’t think it’s bombed. But it hasn’t done that well either. It is probably just a hit, but not a super hit or a blockbuster. So far this year, I have three super-hits (Fanaa, Phir Hera Pheri and Rang De Basanti) and two blockbusters (Krrish and Lage Raho Munna Bhai).

Suhaib: Why is every other song in Bollywood now being copied from a Pakistan song? Also who is main lead in SLB Saawariya, is it Ranbir Kapoor or Salman Khan? When does Salman Khans ‘Partners’ release?

Tony: Not only songs, but movies too are being copied, either being remade or with storylines stolen from Hollywood. India is going through what I call a ‘kaal’. Which means they don’t have any fresh ideas. If you make 500 plus movies per year, you will indeed run out of ideas for new stories. And if each film has 6 songs, that’s 3000 songs per year. Plus throw in pop-songs. And in the end you will surely have run out of ideas for new tunes. It’s not done deliberate, it’s just done because there is nothing left out there. Ranbir Kapoor is the main lead in Saawariya and Partners will release first half of 2007.

Nish: What is the most top selling Indian film soundtrack ever?

Tony: That has to Nadeem-Shravan’s Aashique. Closely followed by Dil To Pagal Hai. That is what the records show.

Well that is it for this week. I will return back again sometime soon. If you want any of your own questions answered, then leave them in the comments sections below.

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