The best of last decade: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge!

This film does not actually need any review - because everyone knows about it (kick yourself if you don't!). Imagine, after thirty years, we all will be telling our children (and grandchildren) about this film, about Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Just as our elders tell us about Shammi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan! I thought of reviewing this film before we go into the next decade (because a two-decade-old film does not appeal to anyone!).

Raj Malhotra (Shah Rukh Khan) falls in love with Simran a.k.a Saniorita (Kajol). Raj meets Simran's family members and realises that Simran's father will not allow them to marry. Now it is at Raj - how will he wed her, will they be each-other's (Do I need to mention the whole story!?).

There are a few great scenes in the film, the Karva-Chauth scene.

There is no need to mention the fun in the film. All the comedy scenes, like when Raj starts playing the piano with his feet; or when Simran's dad (Amrish Puri) is doing 'Aao' to the pigeons and Raj also starts doing 'Aao' :-) Very funny!

I think Aditya Chopra (the director of this film) is very fond of Shah Rukh and Kajol. In Aditya Chopra's latest (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), Shah Rukh and Kajol were both in the star cast (Kajol was in a guest appearance in the song Phir Milenge Chalte-Chalte). In Dil To Pagal Hai and Mohabattein, Shah Rukh was there! Kuch-Kuch Hota Hai, another example of Shah Rukh and Kajol together (but that was not directed by Aditya Chopra). According to this news-report, Shah Rukh and Hritik will be co-stars in Aditya Chopra's next!

The soundtrack to the film is absolutely amazing. The music is given by Jatin-Lalit. Even today, the song Tujhe Dekha To Ye is as popular as it was when the film was released. Here are all the songs:

1. Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko To.

2. Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna.

3. Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main.

4. Ruk Jaa O Dil Deewane.

5. Tujhe Dekha To Yeh.

Many people debate on the thing that who is the best - Shah Rukh or Aamir. Well, I don't know the answer. Both actors have their own standards. People say Shah Rukh always does romantic films, but Aamir always tries hand on a different subject. That's not really true. Shah Rukh, too, has done films on other subjects - like Chak De India.

Another point to be noted is that the singer Abhijeet is the voice of Shah Rukh. He had sung Zara Sa Jhoom Loon in this film. And he has sung many other songs for Shah Rukh in other films like Chalte-Chalte, Rab Ne and DDLJ itself. But I would call Sonu Niigaam the voice of SRK. Sonu has sung more songs for SRK than Abhijeet has. But many singers call theirselves the voice of Shah Rukh. I would like to know your opinion instead.

Movie Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent!). If you are a true filmy-flirt (the defination is available here), you are not supposed to miss this one!

Music Rating: 4.7/5 (Awesome).

Well, finally, here are some best scenes from the movie:

Which films would you like to flirt with?

You might be thinking how can one flirt with films? If you are, I don't blame you, I blame the title! Well, flirting with films is an art (just as flirting with the opposite sex is an art!). And flirting with films is very easy, and you can be a true filmy-flirt if you do a little practice.

Here's how to flirt with films:

1. Pick up some of your favorite films' DVDs.

2. Pop them up into your DVD player.

3. Watch them at least once.

4. Now here's where the real flirting begins - smile while watching the films, make eye-contact with the films and watch them again and again.

5. When you watch the films again and again, you've begun flirting with them -- because the films start thinking why are you watching them many times -- and then they think you're interested in them.

6. When the films know you're interested in them, they will start flirting from their side too! They will tease you, you'll want to watch them more and more.

7. You will be tired of their teasing then.

8. The films will arouse tension in you -- you will start kissing their DVDs.

9. You'll buy posters of the film and you'll be completely mad in the spirit of the films!

10. You and the films will love each-other. That's how your flirting has made you a filmy-flirt! ;-)

There are many films I've flirted with: DDLJ, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Vivah and Welcome are the foremost examples. But I'd like to know your opinion (and justify the title): Which films would you like to flirt with? Aren't you attracted to any films?

*I know this article makes no sense, but still I'm sharing this crap with you.
**I myself am a filmy-flirt!

Garam Masala (2006): Truly a 'masala' film

Good comedy films are the sure-shot guarentee of success at the box-office. The first truly entertaining masala (spicy) film I saw was Andaz Apna-Apna (I was in 1st grade then!) and that film had entertained me so much whilst making me a fan of humor films. And one of these masala humor films is Garam Masala (which means 'hot spice', a word used to denote the women in the film!).

The film starred Akshay Kumar, John Abrahim and Paresh Rawal in the lead. Mac and Sam (Akshay and John respectively) are two scoundrel photographers, who take pictures for the magazine Garam Masala. Both of them do not know photography, but still they manage to take some fine photographs.

Then Sam steals a photograph of some great photographer and presents it to his company's boss. The company's boss declares Sam as the boss of Mac. The company sends him to a trip to America.

Meanwhile, Mac engages with three girls. He gets a home to live in and some cars from his friend Babban (Rajpal Yadav). He arranges a servant, Mambo (Paresh Rawal), to help him in the setting he has made with the three girls.

When Sam returns to India after the trip, he goes to Mac's house and tries to break up his settings. But he fails many a time.

Now it's between Mac and Sam, they fight with each-other; they want to kill each-other; they try to manage their settings with the girls. But because they are air-hostesses, their flight schedules keep changing, so it's very difficult both for Mac and Sam to manage their setting. What follows is a dish full of spices and fun!

On the music: The soundtrack to the film is brilliant! My favorate song is Falak Dekhoon by Sonu Niigaam. Of course, I'd like the song as a Sonu fan! The title song by Adnan Sami is good too, with Ada being another great number. Here's a video of Sonu singing Falak Dekhoon live!

Movie Rating: 3.5/5 (Very Good!)

Music Rating: 3.8/5 (Excellent)

Here is the most enjoyable part of the movie:

Hectic schedule and blogging

Oh yeah, I can also say that I am a very busy person. And that's the excuse most of the people make to be saved from working. Blogging is also a work, na? So to be saved from doing this work, I am making the excuse of being busy.

Now blogging actually takes a lot of effort - turn on the computer, connect to the Internet, type without looking at the keyboard, take some pictures of Bollywood stars and then click on Publish! Really, a LOT of effort ;-)

A day consists of 16 hours (I know it consists 24 hours, but 8 hours are for sleeping). Out of those 16 hours, 8 are spent on working. And the left 8 hours are spent on watching movies, listening to new songs, practising singing (as a music learner). One hardly gets time to blog in the leisure. The biggest panga (problem) is that I have a Bollywood blog - because Bollywood blogs need great maintenance. I need to capture snapshots, videos and then post them here!

And now I have Garam Masala review to be done. But I am, currently, too lazy to type about the film's story and actors. I hope I can complete and publish the review in a week (or two!). On the other hand, I have Classically Mild's translations also.

I didn't mean I don't enjoy writing here, but the effort involved in it is too much for a lazy dog like myself. Can't there be an easier way of blogging, like just think something in your mind, and that's automatically typed and published!

Translation: Sochta Hoon Main (Classically Mild)

This song is from my idol, Sonu Niigaam's private album Classically Mild. The song really touched my heart with its wonderful lyrics and I've tried to translate it here. If you haven't listened the song, you should do so at this link. It is a really, really good song!

The song is composed of four paragraphs (one 'mukhda' and three 'antraas'!). And every line has a lovely feel, like - Pal pal badhti umrr ghate kyun. Very meaningful lyrics, not?

The song is equipped with jazz and guitar melodies. It's a mixture of the Western music style with the Classical Indian style. The song is difficult to sing and one requires a 100% ready voice to sing it properly. And that's why Sonu had taken two years of practice to make this album. His hard-work really gave him a recognition from the stalwarts of music. Here's the translation (I've made an image this time, click on it to enlarge):


I will try to translate some other songs from this album. That will, of course, take some time. But I think you can hang on with me!

One sad news :-(

There's a bit sad news -- actor-director Feroz Khan passed away today. And Bollywood has lost one of the best actors of all-time. I wrote only one post about him - the Welcome review. And it's so irritating that we will not see him in any film now.

May God grant peace to the departed soul!

Mere Baap Pehle Aap: Watched it because of Genelia!

One of the *most* underrated movies of the last year. And the only reason I watched it was Genelia D'Souza, I just loved her expressive acting. The film is produced-directed by Akshaye Khanna and it stars some great comedians like Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav. Nowadays, the work-load is heavy so watching a comedy film is better than watching a serious one, right?

The story starts with a father-son relationship. The son, Gaurav, takes care about everything of his father (like his father is his child!). And the father (called Baapu), is always in some controversy because of his dear friend Mathur, who is single and is finding someone to marry.

Now an old classmate of Gaurav, Shikha Kapoor, calls him and asks him to recognise her. But he couldn't.

Then Shikha meets Gaurav face-to-face and Gaurav remembers that he had cut her hair in the Engineering College. Now the both become good friends and their friendship gets deeper day by day, which ends into love. Shikha's music teacher was a friend of Gaurav's Baapu since childhood. When the teacher and Baapu meet, the identify each-other and all the old memories of their childhood come into the mind of the both.

Now when Gaurav realizes the love of his father with the teacher, he says him to marry her. After that, he would marry Shikha. And that's how the title is justified, Mere Baap Pehle Aap (My Father, You First).

I liked the film and it's worth at least one-watch. The film was not publicised that much and that's perhaps why it did not have a great response from the box-office.

Movie Rating: 3.5/5 (Good).

Music Rating: 3.3/5 (Above Average). The only song I liked was Maine Hawa Ke.

Finally, what do you like the most about the film (I like Genelia!) out of the following:

Paresh and Rajpal:

The father-son:

Mr Unmarried:

Genelia:

Now tell what did you like (oh, please don't say you didn't like anything!)?

Welcome: Stop being only commercial, Akshay!

Welcome (2007) is the first Akshay Kumar movie I saw (yeah, really)! And after watching it, I watched some other movies of Akshay like Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng. But the thing is he just selects commercial movies to be done. He never selects a better or different scrypt. That's why I will call him 'commercial hero' from now on!

The movie starrs Feroz Khan, Nana Pathekar, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal and Mallika Sherawat. It's a story of a gangster who has a beatiful sister, Sanjana. The Dons of the gangster are Uday Shetty and Majnu. Rajiv (the 'commercial hero') falls in love with Sanjana but Rajiv's family doesn't want to marry Rajiv in a gangster's family. At this, both Rajiv and Sanjana become sad.

Then Rajiv promises to change both Uday Shetty and Majnu. Uday had love for films, and he always wanted to act in some film. Rajiv makes a fake film-set and starts shooting there. Rajiv wanted to keep Uday busy in films so that he don't get time for murders. But Majnu used to interupt between the shooting and took Uday back to his old business. So then Rajiv sends a beautiful lady, Ishika (Mallika Sherawat) to Majnu and Majnu becomes busy with her.

At the end, when both the bhais are changed, Rajiv and Sanjana marry and live a happy life!

Well, it's, of course, not a great story. And the commercial hero never did a serious film after this one. I wish Akshay chooses better films; he's always involved in such stories.

Overall, the movie is good and promises entertainment at least for one-watch. But having watched it five times, I now find nothing extra-ordinary stuff in this movie. The music is a way better than the movies itself. Ek Ucha Lamba Kad, Tera Sarafa and Hoonth Rasiley are great songs which have been ignored these days.

Movie Rating - 3.3/5 (Very Good). Here's a good comedy masala scene:

Music Rating - 4/5 (Excellent).

Here's a picture from the sets:

The Sonu Niigaam section

This blog's author loves the singer Sonu Niigaam. This is a section of this blog dedicated to everything related to Sonu. Whenever the author wants to discuss about Sonu, he'll do an addendum in this post instead of writing a separate one.

-June 18, 2009 (8:09 PM IST)
Sonu Niigaam's Bijuriya live-

While surfing through the net today, I found a cool video of Sonu Niigaam singing his most famous number Bijuriya (Album: Mausam). Here is the video, and I think it's worth at least one-watch.

It is really a great song. You can search the term 'Bijuriya' on YouTube and you'll find thousands of results. And that is why Sonu Niigaam is called the king of Indipop!

-May 17, 2009 (9:50 PM IST)
Great singing by Sonu in an interview-

Here are some great songs of Sonu sung by himelf in an interview. Please note that these are very popular no's. and they should not be ignored, unless you are not a Sonu Niigaam fan!

His humming in Hai Guzarish (Ghajini).
Kal Ho Na Ho.
Nagada Baja (Jab We Met).
Ae Dil Matt Ro (Classically Mild).
Phir Milenge Chalte-Chalte (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi).
Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki.

Aren't these songs simply superb?!

-May 13, 2009 (6:50 PM IST)
A new song of Sonu Niigaam-

Here is the latest song of Sonu Niigaam which he has done with the Globle One team. The song has just released and I found its official video while browsing through YouTube today. Here is it.

On the other hand, here's a video the song Kal Ho Na Ho sung by Sonu live on stage.

-May 10, 2009 (10:55 AM IST)
Translation to a song-

The translation to Sochta Hoon Main from Classically Mild was done here.

-April 23, 2009 (2:56 PM IST)
Sonu at Desi Hits-

Here's the teaser of Sonu at Desi Hits. In the teaser, he sings the track Soniyo from Raaz 2. Your Thoughts?

I just loved the style of his singing. It's marvellous. And as a music student (busy in Ear Training these days), I would love to get his singing style. That will take some time, perhaps six months from now on, but that I will achieve that!

-April 4, 2009 (8:45 PM IST)
Songs of Kal Kisne Dekha review-

I mentioned about Sonuji's songs (in Kal Kisne Dekha) in the 2nd April update. At that time, I hadn't listened to the songs. But now I've listened to them a few times, and I wanna tell my thoughts on the songs in the film.

Aalam Guzarne Ko is a sweet romantic song. And its madlion part is great, I just love the notation. The song refreshes my mood with its mildness. Sonuji should get an award for this one. Its a fabulous number, and I can sing it easily as it is not on a very high pitch (I am a singing learner, by the way).

Soniye Billori is a Punjabi style song. And Sonu has sung it from nose, in the Himesh Reshammiya style. The song will be played on private weddings (especially in Punjab). I don't like nasal singers much. But because its my favorite vocalist - Sonu Niigaam, who has sung this song, I think I should like nasal singers too!

The two songs are special in their own genre; they shouldn't be compared as it would be an apple vs orange comparison. These are, of course, not the best of Sonu after his track awesome track Soniyo in Raaz The Mystery Continues. But the songs aren't bad either.

All the songs of this album are available for listening here. Enjoy!

-April 2, 2009 (8:30 PM IST)
Videos of Sonuji uploaded by me-

I have uploaded some videos of Sonuji on the site YouTube.com, which I'd like to share with you all.

Here is the first video. In this video, Sonuji shows his dairy (made in the late 80's) to the great actor Aamir Khan. Sonu is a big fan of Aamir and he had been a fan of Aamir since he was in 9th grade. Sonu told that he had always been inspired by Aamir's work. Here is it:

The second one is an interview of Sonu Niigaam with IndiaFM.com. Here is it:


-April 2, 2009 (8:28 PM IST)
Sonuji's songs in Kal Kisney Dekha-

I just read in the newspaper today that Sonu Niigaam has sung a few songs in Vasu Bhagnani's film Kal Kisne Dekha. The music has just released and here's the video of the music release (Sonu's not there at the release!?).

The songs Sonu has sung are Aalam Guzarne Ka and Soniye Billori Meri. The music to the film is given by Sajid-Wajid and it's very youthful. There are romantic songs as well as Punjabi Bhangra type of songs. I wish Sonu-ji's songs become famous and he gets more work!

...and yeah, I'll be updating this section at least twice a week!

Back; with a list of songs!

Lately, I remember I have this blog to be updated. I really enjoyed the holidays. Now, from tomorrow, I have to get back to the earlier life routine. So what was there to keep me busy? Yeah, I wrote the last post on that, but there was something more which kept me busy and I didn't mention it. Imagine what? Imagine...

Songs!

Yup, I had been listening to a whole lot of songs - old and new, and really enjoyed some of them. Here I make a list of songs I enjoyed in the holiday journey:

Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechaara by Kishore Kumar from Jewel Thief. This song has wonderful lyrics and Kishore ji's voice makes it much more fun to listen. And Vibhore Parashar from Delhi sang this song on Li'l champs' stage. Vibhore's version was as good as the original one. Here's the video:

I have listened to Classically Mild also. Especially the song Sochta Hoon Main because a question had been coming to my mind that why am I living this life? What am I gaining by this day and night circle? My thoughts were very deep and after thinking this, it took a while to come out of the ocean of such thoughts.

Then I listened to Guzaarish from Ghajini. And its theme music was even better. The humming or 'aalaap' had a great feeling in it!

I listened/watched the Sonu Niigaam concert mentioned in this post. I discovered lots more concert videos at YouTube, which was my companion these holidays.

There were oldies like Madhuban Mein Radhika, Pardesiyon Se Na, Yeh Chaand Sa Raushan Chehra, Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna and many (yeah, I said 'many') more! Old songs have that feel which new ones can never have (in my opinion). Old songs were recorded live with an orchestra and Mohd. Rafi or Kishore Kumar used to sing live with the musicians. Today, the songs are recorded with technology. A music track is recorded first, and then the singer sings on it, which makes singing much more easier as compared to those days.

Suraj Hua Madham was another song I listened many times. It has a great 'hask' or feel that makes it a worth-listen. It was one of the greatest hits of Sonu Niigaam.

Ishq Nachaye ghazal by Pankaj Udhass. And Apni Tasveer Ko Aankhon Se, a Ghulam Ali ghazal but I had the version of Mohd. Vakil. Both the ghazals are excellent and I relished them.

Soniyo from Raaz The Mystery Continues is a fabulous track. I translated it here and it is amongst the best tracks of 2009.

Tumse Milke Dil Ka, a song from Main Hoon Na. It's more of a quawalli type song.

Now that's all I listened to (and that's all I can ramble this time). Perhaps, I am too lazy to do a film review or something. But I promise that one day I will be reviewing another film here. I have to justify with the title of this blog 'Relish Bollywood'!

What I am doing these holidays

Ah, this is the holiday season for me. And I am enjoying the change in the season - from winter to summer. It's good to see the sun getting hotter and hotter day by day (it'll be better if the sun gets hottest, so that I can sleep under the AC!). Most of the students these days are busy in their exams, parents are busy in their office work and I am busy to find a thing that can keep me busy :)

Well here are somethings I found which succeded in keeping me busy:

Blog: Although, I am not updating it with a good speed, but still it's keeping me busy for sometime (like now). I'll write whenever I want to, otherwise Blogging will seem like a punishment to write everyday, and it'll burst my holidays too.

YouTube: Yup, actually this little (?) site is keeping me busy for hours. I watch Sonu Niigaam's videos and other singers' performances to keep my singing spirit up.

Music Learning: I've started learning Classical Music (Indian) from my Guruji. And I hope it will always be interesting while keeping me busy. Music flows in my blood, actually. In fact, one day I shall be struggling in Bombay (aka Mumbai) to become a playback singer. And one day, I WILL BE a playback singer - note it!

Aamir's Blog: Yeah, Aamir Khan is back on his Blog with updates. I'll spend sometime reading his blogs and commenting there while hoping that I can get a response (I've never gotten one).

So Happy Holidays to myself! I'll be back here within a week with something new.

Best Sonu Niigaam Concert!

I was surfing on YouTube recently and as a BIG Sonu Niigaam fan, I found this concert to be the best he has ever done! It consists all his best songs from Soniyo, Mere Haath Mein, Mera Rang De Basanti Chola to Dil Mangta Hai Dildaar. I know what you are thinking now, "Oh, it seems to be a very nice concert," Well, it is! And its's a must watch to all Sonu fans. Here is it:


Part 2:


Part 3:


Part 4:


Part 5:

Translation: Soniyo (Raaz - The Mystery Continues)

The sweet new track Soniyo is one of the best songs sung by Sonu Niigaam and Shreya Ghoshal. And I've loved it every time I listened to it. It's such a beautiful song, and Sonu has sung it on many occations, especially on the stage of Indian Idol on which he came as a mentor. The music to this song is given by Raju Singh, who has composed background scores of many TV shows and films. Sonu and Raju have been good friends for a while, and I really enjoyed this interview. (That's a must-watch interview if you liked the song). Here's the video of Sonu performing the song on stage:



Here are the lyrics of the song (my translation is at the bottom of the post):

Baby, come stand by my side
Come and be my guiding light
I’ll be what you want me to be
I’ll give all my love in whole of my life

Soniyo, o soniyo
Tumhe dekhta hu to sochta hu bas yahi
Tum jo mera saath do, saare gham bhulake
Jee lu muskuraake zindagi
Tu dede mera saath thaam le haath
Chahe jo bhi ho baat, tu bas de de mera saath
Tu dede mera saath thaam le haath
Chahe jo bhi ho baat, tu bas de de mera saath

I get this feeling now, I cannot wait no longer
I know your love will keep me happy
Will keep me stronger
I get this feeling now,
I cannot live without you
I know your love’s the only one so true

Raho me, tanha hu saath le chal yun
Sang tere safar poora karun
Kya kahu ae zindagi
Tu hai meri saans, rehna tu paas har ghadi
Tu dede mera saath thaam le haath
Chahe jo bhi ho baat,
Tu bas de de mera saath

Tujh ko jo, paaya toh hai yeh lagta kyu
Baho me bas teri mehfooz hoon
Tum bano, saaya mera, zindagi mein aao
Zindagi bitaao bas yahi
Tu dede mera saath thaam le haath
Chahe jo bhi ho baat
Tu bas de de mera saath
Tu bas de de mera saath


Translation:

Darling, O darling,
When I see you,
I just think that if you're with me,
I can live a true life forgetting all the sadness,
You, just be with me, put your hands in mine,
Anything may happen, but you should just be with me.

I am alone in my way,
Please take me with you,
so that I may complete the journey with you,
What can I say, my life?
You are my breathe, be always with me.

After getting you, why is there the feeling
that I am safe only in your arms,
You do become, my shadow,
Come into my life, and spend yours with me,
You, just be with me, put your hands in mine,
Anything may happen, but you should just be with me.
---

A great song overall. You should buy the music CD or you can listen to it this link. Hope you like the soundtrack!

Classically Mild: Sonu Niigaam at his classical best!

Today, I'd like to review Sonu Niigaam's private album which released last year. The album was brilliant and by listening to it, one can estimate how much hard-work has been done behind it. The soundtrack is superb and Sonu has even done a video on one song, which I will share now. Hit play firstly and listen to the superb song, read the post next.

The song I like the most is Lamha Lamha Yeh Bole, which gives a simple message that life is a bed of roses -- if lived properly. It also conveys the message that we should greed money in the line "Thoda paisey ko lalchayen..." So the lyrics are very touchy.

Opposite to the first song, the second one is Sochta Hoon Main, read the lyrics: "Insaan jee ke paata kya hai (what does human gain through life?)". The first song was that life is great and the second is what does human gain through life. Isn't this a little bit confusing? Anyway, the song is also good and the drum use in the starting in flawless. Crecit goes to the music composer - Deepak Pandit. The lyrics are written by Ajay Jhingran.

Then there's the third song about a wife missing her husband and calling her back home. Soona-Soona des kahey aaja re, which is the opening line of the song. The taan (voice shaking) at "Soona Soona" is amazing. As a singing learner, I tried to do it, but I found it very difficult. I think Sonu had took much time in preparing it.

After that, there is Bheege-Bheege Nayan Jalen Jiya, which is a very sad song. If one is in love, this song serves the best. Do I need to say more?

Dhanya-Dhanya Naari Jeevan conveys the message that womens' life is dedicated to others - as wives, mothers and sisters. They never think of themselves, but dedicate their whole life to satitate our (mens') desires.

The two other great songs in the album are - Chalki-Chalki Chandni Mein and Sooratiya Matvaari. Chalki... is a very sweet romantic song, whereas Sooratiya is a Raga.

There's not even a single song which may bore someone. And here's the video I was talking about:

And here's the release of the album on the platform of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs:


Sonu speaking at the launch of the album:


Overall its a fantastic album which gets four stars. If you're a music lover, and you've missed this one, the loss is certainly yours. Go buy it now, and enjoy the soundtrack!

Delhi 6: Good but below my expectations

To start with, I really expected a lot from this movie as it starrs Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor in the lead roles, but overall it didn't fulfill my expectations. Now that doesn't mean that I am disappointed by the movie. It was a good movie and I really liked the characters in the film. Having said that, the weak thing I feel about the movie is its story. If you've also watched the movie, you can understand what I meant (yup, that 'Kala Bandar' thing!).

Excepting the story, I really enjoyed this movie overall. And I got a chance to see my favorate old actor once again -- Rishi Kapoor in a fabulous role. **The line he said, "Pyaar karte ho to izhaar karo, varna meri tarha khali makaan khareedte reh jaogey" is great** I liked his performance the most. At that age, he has done a superb acting. I should watch the films he did when he was young :) Amitabh Bachchan was in a guest appearence.

The cinematography was a little weak at the starting and the end. But in the middle the director showed his talent, right? The background score is fitted at right places making the film more fun. And I saw Om Puri after a long time. Where was he?!

A.R. Rahman's music always takes time to grow on me. Finally, now it has grown over me and I like the soundtrack. It was fabulous. Again I say fabulous. The song Rehna Tu steels the show with Masakalli being at number two. All the other songs were also refreshing. Perhaps, Rahman should have gotten an Oscar for this film. Wasn't its music better than that of Slumdog's?


Don't know why, but I am falling in love with all the newcomer heroines. Like I falled in love with Genelia D'Souza after seeing Jaane Tu... And now after seeing Delhi 6, I love Sonam. Hmm... which newcomer will be my love now: keep guessing! :)

Movie Rating - 3.5/5 (Very Good)

Music Rating - 4.2/5 (Excellent!)

Its one of those movies you can watch with your family (except a few little scenes!) ;-)

Here's a trailer:

Celebrity Blogging

We all know that celebrity blogs are some of the most popular sites on the net. The celebrities use their blogs to discuss and promote their films. And the most popular blogs are of Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. They've used their sites to promote their upcoming films, and now some other celebrities, inspired by the two, have started their own sites.

The first name is Lara Dutta, who recently started her own site: http://mylaradutta.com/, which she told that will contain news, gossip and stories about her and her films. And inspired by Lara, another person coming in the net world is Celina Jaitley, whom you can find at http://mycelinajaitley.com/. Kareena Kapoor was about to start her very own site, but because of some problem, it got delayed.

Now that's not the point of my post. The point is - all the celebrities use their blogs just to promote their films, not to interact with the fans or to make some friends. Aamir remembers of his blog when his film is about to release. He wrote many posts on the release of Taare Zameen Par as well as Ghajini. But after that, he was just disappeared from his site.

Karan Johar also owns a blog. You can visit his blog and see the updates - the last one was in November. He is, perhaps, busy in the production/direction of My Name Is Khan. I am sure when the film will be releasing, he'll suddenly come back with, "Oh, I am sorry for not blogging for quite a while"! When Dostana was released, Karan wrote a long ('long' did I say?) post on it. And one excerpt:

The “Dostana” website is up (http://www.dostanathefilm.com) and can also be linked via the main Dharma Productions website. Also, the music released today. Again I would love to hear what you think of the soundtrack once you give it a listen.

All actors say they don't use their sites in marketing, but their saying is not the truth, is it? These were, of course, my thoughts. But I'd like to know yours; what do you think about celebrity blogging?

Cool Sonu Niigaam Chat with his fans

I would like to share this great chat of Sonu Niigaam with his fans. He spoke about a few of his albums there and also about his personal life. The chat is quite old, but still a readable thing, which I am sure you'll enjoy. Here it is:

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:45 IST) Sorry, people I'm late, had a recording. I'm ready for the interview:-)

RohitTheGreatestSonuFan (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:28 IST) Since you have not come in yet, I'll take this opportunity to ask the other questions that I have in my mind...How does it feel like working with Rahman.. Have you worked with him before Satrangi, in any other movie, in any other language ?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:47 IST) RohitTheGreatestSonuFan: It feels great to work with all the music directors. And to work with Rahman is also a very memorable experience as contrary to people's belief, he doesn't trouble the singers or interfere in their work much. And leaves a lot to the singer's own creativity.

Twinks (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:1 IST) Sonuuuuu, do you think ur good looks are responsible in some way for your success?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:50 IST) Twinks: Yes my good looks, if at all I have them, are a blessing of God and whatever I have achieved till now is a gift of God. Looks, music and brains are all responsible for a person's success. And the whole world knows it's God who gives it all to every human being. I mean we have no control or say in his will.

Anya (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:0 IST) Hey Sonu!:-) who is your fav singer???? In western and in Indian :)????

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:52 IST) Anya: My favourite Indian singers are undoubtedly the great Mohd Rafisaab and Lataji and among western singers I like Whitney Houston, George Michael, Michael Bolton, Cliff Richards, Mariah Carey and many more.

Sasha (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:10 IST) Sonu, hey I came to know that you were having some problems with T-series over the name problem for your album Gar mera bas chalay (as u wanted your album to be named this)

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:57 IST) Sasha: You have the right information, but in the wrong context. My first album that came in 1997 was supposed to be named Gar mera bas chale initially. But unfortunately some people in T-Series interefered a lot and as a result, I had no say in anything regarding the release and publicity of that particular album which was finally named Sapnay Ki Baat. I was pretty disappointed with the treatment I recieved at that time and as a result shifted my loyalties to Magnasound. But recently during Deewana, the T-Series people showed a lot of concern for me as a result of which I had to come back to them for my new album, Jaan.

Crazzyy (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:50 IST) SONU WHAT'S UR NEXT RELEASE?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:57 IST) Crazzzy: You are really crazy! Haven't you heard of Jaan? It's too early to predict my forthcoming album but as elders say 'Jaan hai to jahan hai :-)
Sasha (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:8 IST) Sonu is from Delhi, he was born there, then came to Mumbai once, then went back, then came again and established himself as a good talented singer -- am I right Sonu?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:0 IST) Sasha: I was born in Faridabad, then went to Delhi, then went to Bombay, then came back to Delhi and then went back to Bombay - How did you like that one!!!

Priyanka (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:53 IST) WHICH COLLEGE WERE U IN?

Rabia (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:55 IST) Sonu, please reply to me quick. I am in California, so it is only 2AM here. When is the next time you are coming to San Francisco?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:0 IST) Rabia: Maybe next year... Priyanka: I did my college through correspondence...

Bhavana (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:0 IST) Whatz ur dream? Reply.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:4 IST) Bhavana: My dream is to see the entire world as a state of utopia, where everyone is at peace and harmony there is nothing like religion to divide people into groups and sects, where everybody respects everybody else's identity as a human being. And nobody needs to fear anybody, but I think it will never become a reality:-(

Chandrima (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:1 IST) Dear Sonu bhaiya, waited for u a long time. Pleaaaaase give a reply at my e-mail. Good luck for your future.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:5 IST) Hey Chandrima, are you Rinka? If yes, there's no need to waste time on the Net, let's talk on the phone later. Bye:-)

Divya Wadhwani (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:3 IST) Please, if possible, answer whether yours is gonna be a LOVE OR ARRANGED marriage?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:7 IST) Divya: Love marriage.

Ksonal (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:7 IST) Sonu, what according to u is necessary to come up in life?

Sweety (Thu Feb 24 19100 1:56 IST) Hello Sonu, What is your real full name?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:14 IST) Ksonal: Nothing except God and a clean benevolent heart. Sweety: Amitabh Bachchan.

Khushi (Thu Feb 24 19100 0:19 IST) Hi, Sonu! I am great fan of yours! I like your voice! I am learning classical music from last 12 years! At this stageI am 16. Please tell me something about your hobbies.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:14 IST) Khushi: You have a cute name though. The list of my hobbies 1) Reading books on general knowledge, philosophy, current affairs, poems, quotations, humour and biographies. 2) Working out in the gym thrice a week. 3) Playing table tennis and badminton whenever I get time (once a year) 4) Playing keyboards and composing songs 5) Face reading 6) Watching movies whenever I'm abroad. 7) To sit cosily in my bed with my two pretty sisters around and chatting with them.

Vardini (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:7 IST) Hi! Sonu, what do you have to say about Deewana, the most popular album, not getting an award??

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:13 IST) Vardini: Your asking this question in this chat makes me feel you felt bad too! If that's the case you have given me my award. Thanks:-)

Arti (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:14 IST) Alright is it my name. Do you not like it, is that why u are not answering. How tall are you?

Kalyan (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:20 IST) Sonu, what is the best you like about hosting Sa Re Ga Ma? Which musical legend did you enjoy meeting the most? Any interesting incidents?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:22 IST) Arti: You have an ok name don't worry!!! How tall I am?? Keep guessing! Kalyan: You seem to be complaining like girls! As for Sa Re Ga Ma, the best thing about that programme is an opportunity to meet the music maestros and living legends of India and knowing them from so close. Secondly, I get a chance to meet the aspiring, upcoming music generation of the future. As far as incidents go, there are too many to recollect but I loved the way the great Mehdi Hassansaab blessed me and praised me in front of the audience in London. When he was touched by the fact that I was personally removing his shoes from his feet whenever he had to sit down to sing. Blessings like these, so warm so sweet and so pure, are SO REAL!

Bharti (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:19 IST) Why did the Filmfare award elude u this time considering that you had some fantastic numbers? Is it because one has to rub on the right side of this people who give out awards?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:24 IST) Bharti: I am as ignorant about the secret to get awards as you are. The day I grasp the strategy, I'll leak it out.

Into (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:22 IST) Hi Sonu, how are you?Well you are a great singer & you always sing my very much favorite MHD RAFI, it's great as I have all your album of his. Can pls reply back to me it would a great pleasure. I'm a Chinese female born in India. My name is Into shortform for INDIA

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:25 IST) Hi Into, thanks for your intro, may god bless you and please keep in touch with my music:-)

LAVINA (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:23 IST) DEAR MR SONU NIGAM, I WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR YR COMMENTS ON MOVERS & SHAKERS REGARDING AWARDS & JOURNALISTS. IF U WERE TO ASK ME, I FEEL U DESERVE EVERY AWARD U R NOMINATED FOR. BUT DON'T U THINK THAT THE GENUINE LOVE & AFFECTION U RECEIVE FROM MILLIONS OF WELL WISHERS THE WORLD OVER SORT OF COMPENSATES FOR THE AWARDS?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:29 IST) Lavina: Thanks Lavina, for apreciating my remarks on this subject, initially I used to feel that awards are a necessary morale booster, but now I have realised they are so shortlived and temporary that they hardly exist for a year, just like a steroid. Whereas the love and appreciation and blessinngs coming out of the hearts of millions in and out of the country is like natural nutrition which gives you the strength to work more honestly and effeciently.

Manoj (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:25 IST) Hello Sonu! Couldn't you disclose your marriage plans? You'll positively get rid of lots of baby-phones & sexy e-mails. Isn't it. Manoj at manrtn@rediff.com

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:31 IST) Manoj: There is nothing to disclose. I'm not marrying anybody presently. As far as baby phones and sexy e-mails you're talking about I really enjoy them;-)

Meena (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:25 IST) Sonu, will you please answer my this question. Any such incident which has changed your life?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:37 IST) Meena: Life keeps on changing everyday, every moment, but one incident which has left a very deep impact in my life is my sister Meenal's weddding! It was the first time I had seen a marriage happening in my life. A marrriage which was almost conducted by me, it is such a painful feeling to see your own sister (or for that matter your own daughter) to leave your house and family technically forever and let her go to another house, another family, that also in front of the whole world, infront of God. Oh God!!! I remember all the nice and pleasant times I spent with my younger sister when we were kids and witnessed the end of a 25-year-old association because from that day onwards she would always be a guest when she comes to our house and so would we when we go to her house.

Ritusony (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:32 IST) SONUji please answer, r u a typical LEO? LUV SONY

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:44 IST) Ritusony: I'm a Leo

CRAZZYY (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:5 IST) SONU, IS IT TRUE THAT U INSULTED JAGJIT SINGH IN THE MEGA-FINALS SHOOTING OF SA RE GA MA????? I AM NOT SAYING IT, THE NEWSPAPER SAID THIS AND IF IT IS FALSE, U SHOULD TAKE ACTION AGAINST THEM.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:45 IST) Crazzy: I did not insult Jagjit Singh in London, but there was a slight misunderstanding as he was intruding in between while I was making one of my very emotional announcements and I had only asked him to let me complete my announcement and then intervene. He did feel bad about it, but later on I think he realised he was overreacting. I respect him a lot and have met him a lot of times after that incident. There has been no illl-feeling whatsoever between both of us. Talking about the newspapers writing this story in a over dramatised fashion, this is their bread and butter, therefore, they have to add salt and pepper into it. I don't care a damn!

Arti (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:43 IST) Hey Sonu, what kind of husband do you think you will make? Are you the real devoted and romantic type?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST) Arti: Ya.

Suchita (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:43 IST) Sonu, how much fan mail do u get in a single day?

Nandini (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:18 IST) hey Sonu! I saw ur first show in BAHRAIN. Weren't u supposed to have a show TODAY IN DUBAI?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:48 IST) Suchita: 25-30 mails per day at an average...

Nandini: the Dubai show has been postponed to the next month.

SHALINI (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST) JUST SAY HI THAT WILL BE ENOUGH!

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:49 IST) Hello Shalini.

Shireen (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:47 IST) What are your furure plans? I know that I stopped planning in early times, but still what do u have in mind that u will teach children music in your old age or what????????????????

zzzz (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:48 IST) R u starring opposite Priety Zinta in a film by Tips??

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:53 IST) zzzz: No... Shireen: No plans as yet made for the future but in order to be capable enough to teach children when I am old I need to learn more and I plan to continue learning in the future.

Ritusony (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST) THANKS A LOT THIS IS RITU FROM HYD I KNOW U R A TYPICAL LEO but tell me do plan to make another video of JAAN? RITU

Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:49 IST) Do you surf on the internet a lot? Do have plans to have your own website soon?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:56 IST) Ritusony: You are gonna see a second video of Jaan very soon on television... Sapana: I surf on the internet whenever I get the time not too often and my website is under construction these days.

Renu (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST) Hai Sonu. What is your b'day? When are you coming to Calcutta? What is your e-mail address?

SONU (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST) I HAVE TRIED CHATTING TO U WITH THREE DIFFERENT IDENTITIES, BUT MIGHT BE U R TOO BUSY TO ANSWER UR FANS QUESTION, HENCE I CALL IT QUITS NOW. BYE AND ALL THE BEST.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:58 IST) All the best to you also Sonu... Renu: sonunigaam@rediffmail.com, my birthday is 30th July, god knows when I'm coming to Calcutta.
Rabia (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:58 IST) I know one of your sister's name is Meenal. What is the other's name?

Kalyan (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:3 IST) My last attempt: Sonu, do you know about the music newsgroup RMIM? Do you read it? Recently someone complained in RMIM that many of the contests in Sa Re Ga Ma are fixed, that the selection of participants isn't above board and that Gajendra pressurises the judges into letting someone win. Any truth to that?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:3 IST) Rabia: The other's name is Neekita and my head is resting on her lap right now... Kalyan: It is a very individual opinion whether the selection of participants is upto the mark or not. But one thing is for sure, Gajendra doesnt pressurise anybody and if that was the case then dignified and legendary judges like Anil Biswas, O P Nayyar, Naushad, Pandit Ravi Shankar etc etc would have never given their consent to appear on my show. So my dear friend the world is not as bad as you think.

Rabia (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:0 IST) In ur email address, do you have 1 or two "a's" in Nigam? Is it Nigam or Nigaam?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:5 IST) Rabia and everyone: it's sonunigaam@rediffmail.com with two As.

Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:2 IST) How old are you sisters? Where you born in 1973?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:6 IST) Sapana: No age discussions please.

Bharti (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:5 IST) What r the chances u will ans the emails??????????????? Be honest.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:8 IST) Bharti: 1 is to 100 if there are too many! So don't have ego problems if I don't reply, but be sure of one thing I'll read them.

Preeti (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:11 IST) I had come to Planet M to meet you. I had missed my office. There was such a huge crowd that I could not ask the only question -- "What is your real name?" And "Are you a Sindhi"? Hope you reply it today.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:12 IST) Preeti: As I said earlier, my real name is Mahatma Gandhi!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-) I'm not a Sindhi but my mom knows the language very well and incidentally most of my close friends are Sindhis.

Priyanka (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:12 IST) SONU ALL I CAN SAY IS HAD A LOT OF DISILLUSIONMENTS ABT U. I SAT WITH A MIRROR AND CAME UP WITH BROKEN GLASS PIECES. BYE

Kalyan (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:12 IST) Last question from me: Who is your favourite composer? And finally my blessings to you.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:15 IST) Kalyan: I can't tell you who is my favourite composer, thanks for the blesings... Priyanka: You need not be disillusioned as there are so many questions to be answered that it's difficult. Anyway lots of love to you.

Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:15 IST) Are you a vegetarian?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:16 IST) Sapana: I'm vegetarian on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays amd on any other day my mom wants me to :-)

Divya Wadhwani (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:34 IST) Hi Sonu! This is Divya from Mumbai. I'm a great fan of yours and that's the reason I'm here today to have a chat with you. Today I've missed a marriage party just for it. So please tell me something about your personal life. How many of you'll are in the family?

The Nani (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:15 IST) Which country that u haven't visited so far would u like to visit??

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:19 IST) Divya Wadhwani : Currently we are four, my parents and my youngest sister Neekita, the second sister Meenal has just got married last year..... The Nani: I would love to go to Greece, Egypt and New Zealand.

Rits (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:18 IST) HEY SONUJI WHAT KIND OF FOOD DO U LIKE???
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:20 IST) Rits: Indian and Oriental.

Shireen (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:24 IST) I CAME TO KNOW THAT U R ALSO COMPOSING MUSIC FOR THE NEW TALENTS. I THINK BABLA IS ONE OF THEM. MAY I KNOW OTHERS NAME? AND 4 HOW LONG U WILL KEEP COMPOSIN MUSIC 4 OTHERS

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:27 IST) Shireen: It's not Babla, its Babul Supriyo, the album is being worked on right now, can't say when it will get over.

Cutebaby (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:25 IST) I m in Bangkok, Thailand... was wondering when are u going to come here?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:31 IST) Whenever you call me cutebaby;-)

Love (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:30 IST) SONU, Y R PEOPLE GOSSIPING ABOUT U & KAVITA PAUDWAL?

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST) Love: People used to gossip about me and Kavita, though the fact remains that we are not even on talking terms.

Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:23 IST) What languages do you speak, Sonu!!!

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST) Sapana: Hindi, English and a little bit of Punjabi

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST) Anyway guys it's been nice knowing all of you through Sa Re Ga Ma and today on rediff.com Chat. By the way, don't be shocked as you are the first ones to officially know that I AM QUITTING SA RE GA MA. Before you ask me WHY?.......I'd like to say MERI MARZI!

Shireen (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST) CAN I KNOW THE ALBUM'S NAME SUNG BY UR DAD AS I REALLY WANT TO LISTEN TO HIM, SHOMAILA

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:36 IST) Shireen: My dad is reluctant to come out with a private album though I want him to, someay I will be able to convince him. And then you'll come to know.

Love (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:35 IST) SONU WHICH R UR MOVIES U ACTED IN WHEN U WERE A KID?????????????

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:42 IST) Love: Kaamchor, Ustadi Ustad Se, Betaab, Humse Hai Zamana, Taqdeer, Krishna Krishna, Sachi Ibadat.

Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:45 IST) Dear chatters, it's a Thursday and I'm shocked to see that none of you have anything important to do than to chat with me on this weekday. Anyway I really do appreciate it, I'm sure you all have taken out time for this, I hope I can get this opportunity again to be in touch with you, you're gonna see and hear a lot of me, in the coming year, God willing, through my songs and my videos and I would try my level best to do quality work. Thank you very much. God is great. JAI MATA DI. Sonu Nigam.

*Hmmm... I too have the same hobbies, especially reading music books and singing. I learn singing and if any music composer reading this wants me to sing, I am ready :-) I remember he also acted in Pyaara Dushman as a child actor. Is it true, guys? Anyway, hope you liked the chat, and I shall be e-mailing Sonu very soon. Let's see if it is 'really' Sonu reading our mails.

Ghajini: Aamir Khan rules!

You must have heard much about Ghajini, and now you are going to hear more (from me)! This Aamir Khan starer is certainly one of the best films of 2008, and people are appreciating it more than Shah Rukh Khan's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (will review it soon). It is a complete comedy and action mixture, which everyone has enjoyed. And another great thing is its story -- that is too good, every Aamir film contains a good story, perhaps that's why he is a perfectionist.

The film is a remake of the Tamil film with the same name, and in the lead role of actress, Asin Thottumkal is starred. Asin is a very cute actress, and she isn't a newcomer in the Film Industry because she has done many Tamil films, and this time she was accepted for a national (and international) audience by the film's director A.R. Murugadoss. The cinematography is great, and I really enjoyed it in the theatre.

The story begins with Sanjay Singhania, who owns a company named Air Voice. He is suffering from short-term memory loss, in which he cannot remember a thing up to 15 minutes. He leads a very difficult life. On the other side, there is Sunita (Jiah Khan), a medical student who tries to help Sanjay with her medical knowledge.

Sanjay was a normal guy earlier, and he was not suffering from any disease. He had a love, Kalpana, whom he was to marry but a person named Ghajini killed her (that's why the film's named 'Ghajini') and he hit a rod on the head of Sanjay, because of which he suffered from the memory-loss disease. He has notes about Ghajini, and he takes his photograph is a party. He just wants to kill Ghajini, because he killed his love.

And Sunita is the only helper of Sanjay in the whole process. Though, her role gets a little negative in the middle of the film. But 'every good thing comes to a good end' :) and that's how the story comes at a good end. Sanjay takes revenge from Ghajini and the film is finished with the song Kaise Mujhe, a perfect fit in the situation.

Do you feel the story is short? Well, the story is, but the film isn't. It is a 3 hour long film, which is a rare thing nowadays. The films releasing these days, are not more than 2 hours. But Ghajini isn't any boring in the three hours. It is a complete masala-entertainer.

To get the six-pack abs, Aamir had to work-out for three to four hours at gym everyday. This type of body needs much care about diet and excercise.

The music is given by A.R. Rahman (who is always the best, no need to tell) and the best song in the film is Guzaarish with vocals by Javed Ali and Sonu Niigaam. In the following interview, Sonu told that he sang the whole song in 2006. But the lyrics of the song had completely been changed and it had to be re-recorder. Sonu was in New Jersey then, and he couldn't make it. So Javed Ali came in.


Imagine if Sonu had sung that song, it'd have been 10 times better (not saying Javed Ali was bad). But only his humming gave the song a refreshing feel, and that's more important, right? From an interview on Sonu's site:

How come you did the "guest alaap" appearance on Guzaarish in Ghajini?
You blame Aamir Khan for that yaar! I had sung the whole song in 2007. Then, I was away in US with my wife because she was about to deliver then. Meanwhile, the song's brief changed. It was re-written. The composition was retained but they were running out of the time for the re-recording. I couldn't make it, so Javed Ali cam in. I must thank A R Rahman for retaining my alaap.. he really pushed for me there. I love the way Javed Ali has sung the track though.

The film, when released, had earnt more than 2 Crores in just two weeks. And this is the proof of people liking it. It was promoted very well on TV, Internet and at Aamir Khan's blog as well. Here is an excerpt from his post about the release of Ghajini:

Just before any of my films release I go into pendulum mode. One sec I feel very optimistic about the film and the next I’m sure no one’s going to like it. I lose my smile my appetite, my sleep. On the whole I am listless and walk around like a zombie. VVC (Vidhu Vinod Chopra), who was talking to me yesterday, accurately described it as Prenatal Depression. The film is about to be delivered and will be out of our systems so to speak. Then it will have a life of its own which we have absolutely no control over. Sigh. It too tough, making films. All the 2 years of planning, preparation, creative discussions, the struggle to shoot the film and the sleepless nights of post production ultimately culminate in a 3 hour experience in the darkness of a cinema.

Here's an interview with Aamir and Asin:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Movie Rating: 4/5 (Excellent) ****

Music Rating: 4.10/5 (Excellent)

Of course, there are a few violent scenes which might scare people (especially children), but after all this, Ghajini has a lot of things to enjoy - including the comedy, action, romance and beautiful songs by Rahman. It's a film that will never disappoint anyone, at least those who are true Bollywood fans!

Indian Idol: Video and A Talk

I am a fan of many reality shows, and one of them is Indian Idol (which has reached its last few episodes). I love music and I get some good advice on singing from these shows. The judges like Sonu Niigaam, who came as a guest mentor, give excellent tips.

But I have seen that something wrong is going on the show. Firstly, watch this video:

What do you think about the boy's performance. Yeah, it wasn't excellent, right? But it was good, just good, and was not that poor. Now I'd like to point out the judges' comments. See what Sonali Bendre said about Kapil, "You were good. Although, you lost sur (note) at some places, but still I give you a green light," And then she says that Torsha was better, while hoping that Sourabhee will be also. Now Javed Akhtar's comment was, "I think we are being unfair to the boy. Sonali is always promoting girls and the boy is being under-estimated,"

That's what my point is. Sonali is always promoting girls and she is always rude with the boys. I don't say the girls were bad - of course, they were better than/equal to Kapil. But then why under-estimating the boy. What wrong has he done?

Did you see the facial expressions of Sonali after having said "girls are better". That truly shows an *ego* in her, which I've never liked in any person. I used to like Sonali in her films, but since I've seen the real image of her, I am shocked. Are all actors like this? And I am not disagreeing with Sonali because I myself am a guy and I want Kapil to get ahead. I am just speaking what I've seen, and if that's wrong, I strongly do apologies.

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionare is not *that* great movie that people are saying it. Of course, it is a very good story with good dialogues. But overall the film is just OK-OK. I am saying this for those who haven't watched the movie. You must have heard much about it - from your friends, at the TV and on the Oscars (for which Rahman won an award). And after hearing much about it, I am sure you have too many expectations for the movie. Don't expect that much from it; it promises entertainment, if expectations are not very high.

Having said that, the movie is just good, nothing more. The story is at Jamal Malik, who is playing Who Wants To Be A Millionare (Kaun Banega Crorepati) with Anil Kapoor. Anil asks Jamal to introduce himself. Jamal says he's an assistant at a call centre. Now Anil asks what's an assistant. Jamal tells he serves tea to all. Anil laughs and says, "A chai wala!"; and he thinks how will a chai-wala win the big mind-game.

So Anil starts asking him questions. Jamal gives correct answers to the first few questions and Anil gets surprised on Jamal knowing the answers. Jamal gives all the correct answers ('how' will be answered later!). And on the last question, Anil had told Jamal privately that the answer is option no. D, but still Jamal says the answer is option no. B, which is correct and Jamal wins a million dollars.

At this, Anil gets surprised. He thinks how Jamal knew the correct answer; after all, Anil had told him the wrong option. So police catches Jamal and asks him how he knew all the answers. Jamal tells them that all the questions were related to his life. For example, the first question was, "Who was the lead actor in Deewaar?" (it was Amitabh Bachchan). When Jamal was a child, Amitabh came to his place for shooting that film. Jamal had taken his autograph also. That's why he knew the answers.

Cops ask more to Jamal. He tells also about his girlfriend, Latika (see the photo below).

Now the police asks Jamal that why he wanted to be a millionaire, was he not happy with his earlier life of a chai-wala. Jamal tells that his brother (Salim) had kidnapped Latika, and he couldn't find her. He went to the show because he thought Latika would see him on TV and will talk to him.

So at the end, after he becomes a millionaire, he gets his love back and leads a happy life!

From an interview with its director, Danny Boyle, here's a question you might find interesting (well, I found interesting):

The Amitabh Bachchan character, is that a real Indian movie star?

Oh, he’s massive. He’s the most, apart from Gandhi, he’s probably the most famous name in India. And he’s a magnificent actor. He has starred in hundreds of films, hundreds. So, when you mention his name it is like mentioning… It’s very difficult to find an equivalent in the West. There isn’t one. You’d have to put together Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise and Michael Phelps. You’d have to put them together and say it’s that level of royalty. Absolute royalty. He’s a God to people. Outside his house in Bombay, people wait for days and days and days to catch a glimpse of him as he leaves.

Well, Amitabh (ji) is a great actor, and he has been seen in hundreds of films, but I don't agree on what he said about Gandhi. Gandhi gave us freedom, that's why we were able to watch movies of Amitabh. If there was no freedom, how could there be Amitabh? I am tired of every outsider disobeying M.K. Gandhi.

And from another interview, here's a controversial question:

And speaking of that kiss -- that must have been a little controversial for them, right? Aren't they really not allowed to do that in public?

Danny Boyle: That's right. It's very tough for actresses, especially in public because we were shooting in a public place and there's no control there. There's always hundreds and hundreds of people watching, so I had to ask Freida about it very carefully and she was very gracious; she agreed to do it. Because not all their actresses would have agreed to do it -- I think it's sort of like nudity here; how some people will do it and some people won't. It's quite a big thing there, but she understood it was necessary for the story and I tried to convince her that it would be seen in a very gracious and beautiful way. It wouldn't look cheap or tawdry or anything like that. And I felt like it was done in the best taste possible.

(Do I need to say anything, huh? :D).

I have heard in news that people (especially slums) got angry with the word 'Slumdog'. Is it true? I don't know much about it.

The best scenes in this film are by Anil Kapoor, he has given life to this movie. Otherwise, it would have been nothing more than another flop! And the best songs are by A.R. Rahman, who needs no introduction. His music is always new, refreshing and stylish. At the Oscars, he grabbed the award for Jai Ho, on which I wrote here. Irrfaan Khan is seen in a new character this time. He is usually doing comedy roles, but with this film, he has proved that he can do serious roles too.

Now because the film has gotten many awards, I think people expect much from it. That's why I said "don't expect too much from it" in the first para. The movie is just good, and if you don't wear your thinking cap while watching movies, you'll certainly enjoy this. I can't give it more than three stars.

Movie Rating - 3/5 (Good) ***

Music Rating - 4/5 (Excellent!)

Finally, if you're a die-hard Anil Kapoor fan, you'll love this movie. It's one of the best of Anil. He promises you complete entertainment. Hope you like it!

Jai Ho (Gaye!): A.R. Rahman

Our eyes were on the Oscars, and of course, on A.R. Rahman for the music in Slumdog Millionare. And our wishes have been completed! Rahman gets an Oscar for Jai Ho. What do we want next?! India was praying for Rahman's win, and he has won now.

All of us became sad when Taare Zameen Par was out of the nominations - because western critics know much about the subject of Dyslexia. But when Slumdog has bagged in another award, do we need to worry?

Indians have become popular, everywhere. Being an Indian, I am proud of it. Jai Ho India! Our films and music are being listened/watched everywhere. I am not sad about Aamir Khan not winning the Oscars, but am happy (as a music lover) that Rahman has got that award.

A director (I don't know his name) told at the TV that 10 years back, he said Rahman will get an Oscar. And today, it has become true. His wife has also dreamed of Rahman getting an Oscar (read more about it here). Keep it up, Rahman - the nation is proud of you.