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.

Ghulam: A servant's life is worse than hell

I am doing my first review on this blog. And I've chosen Aamir Khan's Ghulam (1998) to review. Ghulam (means 'servant' or 'slave') conveys the message that a servant's life is worse than hell. Siddharth Marathe a.k.a Siddhu is a boxer, and his brother, Jai works for Raunaq Singh a.k.a Ronny.

Siddhu also works for Ronny. One day, when he's returning after doing Ronny's work, some bikers go ahead of him. Now Siddhu pulls his bike's race, and gets ahead of all of them except one -- Alisha (Rani Mukherjee). Now Siddhu sees Alisha and falls in love with her (which is called 'love at first sight' :D).

After that, Charlie, one of the boys of Alisha's group, fights with Siddhu. But cops interupt them. Then Charlie says Siddhu to come to a railway station at 9:30 and they'll play Dus-Dus Ki Daud (The Race of 10-10 (because it was played at 10 PM)). You can watch the race in this video:

We get to see a few masala (spicy) scenes like this and then the film takes a serious turn. Siddhu had a very good friend but Ronny kills him. The friend whom Ronny killed was the brother of Alisha. Alisha got angry with Siddhu on this. And Siddhu couldn't do anything about Ronny because his brother was Ronny's worker.

Then Siddhu had to lose a boxing match because Ronny told him to do so. So Siddhu felt he is living a life of servant (that's why the film's name is 'Ghulam').

Siddhu complaints his brother, Jai, about Ronny. But as Jai was a worker of Ronny, he couldn't do anything. Siddhu was alone after that. One day, he decided to meet Fatima Madam, who had always helped him in difficulties. Fatima was a Loire and Siddhu told to her everything about Ronny.

Helping Siddhu, she took Ronny into the court. The judge said that the case's result will be declared some days later. And then Ronny and Siddhu come out. Ronny started fighting with Siddhu, very badly (which you can see in the photo below).

At the end, it is Siddhu who wins and gets his love back.

There were so many famous things in this film. Especially the 10-10 Ki Daud; I know when the film was released, everyone was talking, "Oh, did you see Ghulam's race?". Another thing which became popular after this film is Rani Mukherjee. Every child, after this film, spoke just one name - Rani! The best song in this film is Ab Naam Mohobat Ke (but Aati Kya Khandala was the most famous).

Movie Rating - 3.75/5 (Very Good!). Ghulam contains a lot of things to be appreciated. And I am sure everyone who watches it will like it.

Music Rating - 3.50/5 (Very Good). Music is as good as the film. Aati Kya Khandala was sung by Aamir Khan himself. So the song is more popular. But for me, Ab Naam Mohobat Ke is the best song as it is in the honey-sweet voice of Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik.

Best Scene in the movie - The Best Scene in the movie is when Siddhu's father says the dialogue, "Chalti huye lehron ke saath to koi bhi tair leta hai, magar insaan wohi hai jo lehron ko cheer kar apna rasta banaye,"

About Me and RelishBollywood

Hi there! I am the author of RelishBollywood. I am a big fan of Bollywood and have watched many Hindi films. Here is my blog, and I write, review and ramble here, which you can relish. I have created this blog just to share my thoughts about movies.

I have no favorite actor (maybe because I like music more than acting), but I appreciate Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar. In actresses, I love Deepika Padukone (bad luck, Ranbir loves her!). I shall review some movies which released before I started this blog.

In singers, I like Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Sonu Niigaam, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan. I love classical singers like Ghulam Mustafa Ali Khan, Suresh Wadkar and Pandit Jasraj. I listen to Ghazal singers also and my favorates are Ghulam Ali and Pankaj Udhaas.

You can discuss your perspectives with me in the comments' section. I'll be moderating your comments to exchange thoughts. Perhaps, this is the only way I can make some friends out there, right? You can e-mail me your thoughts at relishbollywood@gmail.com.