Bollywood goes Dead Still

Bollywood workers, junior artists and technicians have stopped work since Wednesday as part of a strike demanding regular wages and settling of dues.

Dinesh Chaturvedi, General Secretary, Federation of Western India Cine Employees said, “Since this morning we are not going to sets and that has resulted in cancellation of many shootings. We will not report to work unless our settlement of wages does not take place.”

Several actors including Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan have agreed not to shoot from Wednesday. In fact it is expected that schedules abroad could also be affected. Already about 40 shoots have been cancelled in the city. Members of this federation that’s heading the strike, which includes actors, spot boys and other technicians, are protesting against producers.

Their demands are that wages should increase every year and should be paid regularly. Dancers, junior artists, spot boys, light handlers should be paid on a daily basis and people who are not members of the federation should not be employed.

An actor on condition of anonymity said, “We work 12 hours shift and not eight according to the rules. The worse part is that we get paid after 90 days after work is done and not 60 days though we signed proper contracts. It is unjust. If we protest then the producers say there are many other fishes in the sea and they sack us. So, one has to give in to the demands of producers as there is too much of competition in the market.”

Anees Bazmee offered Rs. 51 crores to direct a bouquet of 3 films

Super success of Singh Is Kinng has certainly raised the bar higher up for Bollywood. Till about a couple of years back, Rs. 50 crores final total for a film meant that champagne bottles were ready to be corked. However, now with movies like Om Shanti Om and Singh Is Kinng topping Rs. 40 crores in the first week itself, Rs. 50 crores final total is passé. In the times when Rs. 100 crores for a movie is seen to be pretty achievable within next six months itself, what with biggies like Chandni Chowk To China, Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi arriving soon at the box office, the pay package of everyone out there in Bollywood has seen an exponential increase. This is why it is not just the top actors who see their remuneration in excess of Rs. 10 crores; even top directors too are commanding a huge price.

One such filmmaker is writer-director Anees Bazmee who, post the hat trick of success of No Entry, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng, has been offered as much as Rs. 51 crores by a top corporate house for a bouquet of 3 films. Not just that he is also given full freedom to pick subjects and actors of his choice over a period of time, he has also been extended flat 21 crores as a signing amount. It is an unheard of money and quite unprecedented. Something of this scale has never happened before for a Bollywood director but Anees bhai’s track record has forced producers to talk big money. Anees bhai is keeping tight lipped about the entire offer since he would rather sign on the dotted line before making any declaration of sorts.

Casting couch is very much a reality in the Bollywood

It's probably always been a part of Bollywood, but it never fails to shock. Casting couch is very much a reality in the industry that ironically presents a rosy view of life. But few choose to speak about this menace, for reasons that are obvious – career concerns, fear of retribution, backlash from peers, and so on.

Behind the smiles and the makeup lie the pain of compromises, the lack of trust and maybe even regret, all masked to earn the daily bread, with some butter on it. When the cream of Bollywood – the A-list names was asked, they opposed to pass a single comment about the casting couch.

Then when the second rung of actors and actresses, who are somewhere between 'strugglers' and 'A-listerswere targeted they too are reluctant to talk about the menace, mainly because they don't want to rock the boat that might take them to stardom.

Some, however, were willing to speak up on conditions of anonymity. Model and actor Aryan Vaid boldly agreed to talk about his experiences. "I have been propositioned by one of Bollywood's biggest directors. I have been offered money to sleep with politicians by one of the biggest ever producers in Bollywood. These things keep happening but no one forces you in the industry," he says. Dale Bhagwagar, who is publicist to the likes of Shilpa Shetty and Hrithik Roshan, says: "When people are in a position of power a world of opportunity is open to them. With beautiful people around, the couch is just another pleasure trip that many choose to take."

The most vocal group was perhaps what we derogatorily call the 'strugglers'. The worst affected by the casting couch, they are exploited as they struggle to make ends meet in the hope that someday the world will sit up and take notice of them. They're more than willing to talk, for two reasons – an opportunity to air their grievances and free publicity .
Agrees model Hazel, who made her debut on silver screen with Robbie Grewal's Mera Pehla Pehla Pyar opposite actor Ruslan Mumtaz, has encountered once such situation. While she was a struggling actress, she was asked to return few 'favours' to get a meaty role in a movie.

Recalling that incident she says, "It was a nightmare. I had no knowledge of Hindi then. The director said that I could audition in English," she states. The director told Hazel that she would be playing a supermodel in the film. She continues, "The director told me that the opening scene would have me stepping out of a swimming pool in a bikini. He said he wanted to see how I looked in one. I told him that I did not have a bikini with me and couldn't audition in one.I was shocked when he asked me to strip and pose in my undergarments instead."

After talking to some of them, you realize that there are very few who might have escaped the couch. Yes, few are caught in the act, but most grin and bear it and give their bodies in return for fame, fortune and wards. Surprise, surprise – not many even consider this swap immoral. All is fair in love and the search for success.

Actress Nandini Jhumani simplifies it thus: "It's a game of give and take. If two people are okay with what they are doing, then it's a win-win situation. We all know that without talent one can't get far. Sex is only a tool."

Two of them who had a tough time battling the lecherous eyes of Bollywood's bad boys are item girls Liza Malik and Nikita. Both have just started out in the industry but have had experiences that will shock you. While Nikita accuses one of the big producers in the industry of attempted rape, Liza alleges that a director who was recently nominated in the best director category of IIFA tried to misbehave with her.

Because there is no way to substantiate the accusations, because the old order might change but casting couch is handed down, because there are careers and livelihoods at stake, because the menace is very much a part of being a star, one has to bite the bullet & live by it.

King Khan's Vaccation comes to an End

Shah Rukh Khan is holidaying with wife Gauri and kids Aryan and Suhana in London right now. However, once he returns, he will be shooting non-stop through this year and next.

Our source says, "SRK will be back on the sets of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi on July 7 since they have two more months of shooting left. Some parts of the film will be shot in Yashraj Studios while some will be shot in Punjab. In case the schedule in Punjab is delayed, Shah Rukh will head south for his home production Billoo Barber directed by Priyadarshan. Otherwise, he will shoot for Billoo… for a week after finishing Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi around August."

And that's not all. Adds the source, "After Billoo Barber, he will shoot for Karan Johar's Khan in September, mainly in the US. After finishing Khan, he will start work on the sequel of Don in January next year. The shooting will take place both in India and abroad."

And it's not only films. The few free days that he will have in between wrapping up Billoo Barber and starting with Khan, he will spend shooting for all his ads. Also, he will look at scripts of films that Red Chillies will be producing, including Farah Khan's next, tentatively titled Happy New Year. Obviously, it goes without saying that SRK will star in Farah's film.

Salman follows Aamir's Footsteps

Aamir has always been a perfectionist and his selection of roles, one film per year funda only elaborates his knack of striving for perfection. Bollywood of late has been spoofing Aamir and his perfection a lot... what’s with Riteish aping his attitude at the IIFA this year!

However Salman doesn’t seem to be the one to join those who make a mockery of Aamir’s perfectionism! In fact, his admiration for Aamir has only increased after their recent encounter on Dus Ka Dum.

Said a unit hand of the show, “We all have known Aamir as the perfectionist whether it's acting, producing or directing films. However, we were surprised when he requested Salman Khan for a mock rehearsal before playing the final game - 10 Ka Dum.”

A spectator who witnessed the episode added, “Busy with the promotions of Imran's debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, the duo (Aamir – Imran) turned up late on the sets and came in straight for a rehearsal. Like a true host Salman explained the format of the game and how it's played! In the knock out round (2 contestants play against each other for 5 questions, the contestant that gives the maximum right answer plays the game for 10 crores) Aamir and Imran were pitted against each other, as expected Aamir would think through his answer well before finally pulling the trigger (a knob next to their screens). However, the young lad – Imran won against mamu Aamir and excitedly played the game.”

Talking about the funniest moments of the show one of the other audience members revealed, “During the rehearsals Salman asked Imran "Aap Aamir ko kya bulate ho?" Imran said "Aamir mamu" Salman asked "Toh aap mujhe kya bulaoge?" Imran said "Chachu"... Salman immediately asked "Toh shaadi ke maamlein mein aap apne mamujaan par jayenge ya phir aapke chacha pe (pointing to himself)" all of them broke into a laugh riot and the game continued. Salman and Aamir got along like a house on fire and we wonder why people used to talk about their alleged tiff?”

Seems like Salman actually enjoyed every bit of his interaction with his most perfect contestant Aamir!

Phoonk - Ramu's Next Venture

After the underworld, Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma is set to focus on black magic in his next film.

''Phoonk' is all about black magic. I am working with a new team. It's a subject I want to experiment with images and with characters. I can do that only with new people,' he told IANS in an interview here.

'Stars have certain baggage because of their stardom and their limitations about how far they can push their character,' explained Varma.

'Also, I don't give chances to people, I take chances,' maintained the director who premiered his much-talked about 'Sarkar Raj', starring Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, at the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend here.

He also showcased his next release 'Contract' Saturday.

How is 'Contract' different from his other films?

''Contract' is a basically about underworld-meets-terrorism,' Varma replied. 'I didn't deal with this link in my earlier films. 'Satya' gave an inside view of the underworld, 'Company' was an overview of its organisational structure.

'In 'Contract', I speak about what can happen when the underworld and terrorists come together on a platform.'

The film will be released in July.

Asked how he sourced information for his underworld dramas, Varma said: 'I mostly get information from the media. The media keeps reporting about what is happening and I just have to pick pieces from here and there and join it all together.

'I am interested in anything larger than life and people who create an impact, whether negative or positive. I am interested in doing a psychological study of these people,' he added.

Lately, the director has been ridiculed for making films like 'James' and 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag', but he says he makes film for his personal satisfaction and thus is not bogged down by criticism.

'I don't feel anything (about the criticism). I have a lot of fun while making a film. I enjoy every minute of it. I make films for my personal satisfaction.

'I am a storyteller. I have a story, various actors, situations and locations and I compile them all together to create a visual impact. That is my high in life,' Varma maintained.

A lot has been said about three Bachchans in 'Sarkar Raj' but that's no big deal for Varma.

'I don't have this sense of achievement that I brought the three Bachchans together. For me, they are three separate and highly professional actors.

'Whether they are in one family or not doesn't make a difference to me,' Varma contended.

Bollywood's Thought on Health Ministry's 'No Drinking' stance

Health Ministry seems to be at it again. According to Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, actors drinking on screen will encourage youngsters to take up the habit. Hence, scenes depicting alcohol consumption in films need to immediately stop.

The industry reacts

Farah Khan - Dear Mr. Ramadoss, what next? Should Superman stop flying because kids will imitate him? Should all heist films be banned next because people will start robbing banks? If all in our country imitated films then hockey should have become the favorite sport after Chak De India and really after watching Gandhi, our nation should have become non violent. It's very presumptuous of you to think that films only influence wrongly. You don't tell us how to do our job Mr. Ramadoss and we won't tell you how to do yours.

Abhay Deol - We're in the business of filmmaking. Films are about people. And there are all sorts of people and stories out there. Maybe for some, ignorance is bliss but I feel its better to be informed. And besides, aren't we a democracy?

Vishal Dadlani - I think they should stop picking on easy targets, and find some real issues to tackle. They just seem to be trying to get easy publicity by attacking the entertainment business. You can always tell when elections are around the corner by the increased frequency and vehemence of this sort of silliness!

Shekhar Ravjiani - Well, the way I see it is that there are many more things to tackle than this issue. On-screen drinking has been shown in Bollywood since many years. People are not crazy to put these scenes on purpose. It's a script requirement, a character requirement. But if the health minister thinks by putting a stop to this will help, I see no harm. It better help.

Sajid Khan - Its a fu**al suggestion. People do what people have to do. Movies are for entertainment and not a cure for a disease. Will they pass a rule saying ban oily foods in restaurants because more people die of cholesterol caused heart diseases than drinking! 1st ban 'ghee' and oil from food and then ban drinking from films!

Vikram Bhatt - The film industry seems like the easiest way to make headlines. When in need of headlines flog the films!

Kunal Shivdasani - No one lets reel life influence real life. What do you do as a filmmaker if you are doing a film like Devdas? You can't have your hero getting drunk on water or a 'sharbat' - the character demands consumption of alcohol to look real.

Imtiaz Ali - Shouldn't glorify it, else no problem to show drinking on screen.

Deepak Tijori - Please find him some work so that it can keep him occupied over more important issues rather than digging pot holes for the Film Industry. It is just a ploy to remain in news and get more publicity.

Manish Tiwary - I believe cinema needs creative freedom and the state should keep out of such simple matters. The ministry has been seeking unnecessary attention and one hopes it is 'politics of obfuscation' where they are using the issue to raise public awareness. Actually touching cinema will be dumb.

Nisha Rawal - Well I feel that suppression provokes aggression. Moreover, films are inspired by reality. Does no one from the health ministry drink?

Manoj Tyagi - Rather than being the so called moral guardians for the society, how about them looking within and curbing corruption and inflation. Also how about improving general public health services? Cooper, a free hospital doesn't have an ICU!

Sophie Chodhry - According to them, the people and youth of our country have no mind of their own. They only follow whatever we do in films especially the so called 'bad' habits. Don't you think its ridiculous to underestimate our people so much. And isn't it unfair to always make films the scapegoat?

Homi Adajania - Characters in films reflect our interpretations of people in real life. Now real life is full of flawed characters, which is what makes it interesting to begin with. So if a character does anything amoral, give the audience some credit to interpret the reason. No one has the right to herd an audience's intelligence. It's their choice!

Shirish Kunder- Mr. Ramadoss, since you are telling us how to do our job, let me please take the opportunity to tell you how to do yours. If you really have the BALLS, you should try and stop the supply of alcohol in the society, rather than trying to stop it in films. Films are only a REFLECTION of the society, and you seem to be more interested in the REFLECTION, rather than the actual SOURCE of the problem. So please concentrate on the SOURCE of the problem, and do your job. The censor board is already there to think of what is good and bad for films.

Mallika's Dress Again a Cause for Concern

Sexy Ms Mallika Sherawat has landed in trouble again. A Hindu outfit is giving the bindaas actress a tough time for wearing a revealing black dress during the audio launch of the Kamal Hassan starrer Dasavatharam in Chennai recently.

The Hindu outfit is not sparing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi either. It has criticised him for the way the party’s Kalaignar TV (named after him) is promoting obscenity.

Ganirajan, who is the district organiser of the Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) had lodged a complaint with the police on Thursday against the way Mallika appeared at the audio launch which had M Karunanidhi as the chief guest.

Superstars like Hollywood action king Jackie Chan and Amitabh Bachchan had also attended the function.

The complaint said: “Mallika by sitting cross-legged in front of the Chief Minister, had disrespected moral ethics and conducted herself in an indecent manner. By dressing indecently and sitting cross-legged, she has hurt the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu, besides causing mental agony.”

“Her appearance in a sleek attire has degraded Tamil culture,’’ said Ram Manohar, legal wing leader of the outfit.

According to him, they are seeking action under Sec 294 of Indian Penal Code.

This was not the first time that the Hindu outfit is targetting an actress.

HMK leader Arjun Sampath recalled that Shreya, who had acted in the Rajnikant starrer Sivaji was forced to apologise afer they lodged a complaint for the way she dressed during the film’s celebration function. M Karunanidhi had attended that function too. The issue had snowballed with Pattali Makkal Katchi MLAs raising the issue in the assembly.

South Indian actresses, Anushka and Mamtha (below rignt)

The Mallika Sherawat further indicates how moral policing is touching new heights in Tamil Nadu.

“After Shreya apologised, we did not insist on further action against her. We also kept a close watch on what stars wore to one or two functions that followed later. They had worn the traditional silk sari,’’ Arjun Sampath told Mumbai Mirror.

“This time we are not going to let off the case just like that. We want Mallika Sherawat to be punished to stop the recurrence of such incidents,’’ he added.

Sampath also criticised the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for being too keen on commercial gains as the Sivaji celebration function and Dasavatharam audio launch were telecast live on his channel, Kalaignar TV. Sampath also said that the channel promotes obscenity through various programmes including the reality shows.

Anita Dongre, who designed the outfit that Mallika wore to the event, said, “I think the costume is very sexy and glamorous. I completely believe that Mallika Sherawat has to look like Mallika Sherawat.

The costume has to be about her sense of style and I think she is looking beautiful. This is how a star would dress for a red carpet event.”

Dongre adds, “I had no idea that someone had raised objection. Someone just called me and told me. I don’t think the dress is obscene. If someone has objected to it, it is their viewpoint and everyone is entitled to have an opinion. As far as I am concerned, I don’t think there is anything obscene about the dress.”

Darseel finds it difficult to get friends

Darsheel Safary is courting stardom at age 11 and relishing it too but at the same time the little bundle of talent, who wowed all and sundry in Taare Zameen Par (TZP), rues that he has lost most of his friends.

'They've changed totally. I only have some friends left... maybe six in all. The rest have all left me. They're all the time trying to pull me down. They're a little jealous of me. When I'm passing by in my car, they go, 'Hey Darsheel Darsheel. Photo photo'. But I'm happy with my six friends,' Darsheel Says .

He seems nonchalant. 'I don't know why my friends have changed. Maybe because I've acted in a movie.'

It is impossible to pin down Darsheel for even a semblance of a conversation. This wasn't the case with him just after the release of TZP when the success of the film had just begun to sink in.

'I'm enjoying all this attention, of course. But when I did TZP it was just something I tried out. I didn't know how it would turn out, but suddenly it became a big hit.'

Ask him if he intends to do another film, and Darsheel rattles off his pre-rehearsed diplomatic lines.

However, Darsheel's business manager Priyanka Bhattacharya said that if something good came his way, he might take it up.