BOLLYWOOD BUZZ January 2003
Kukunoor?s Sizzling New Film Features the Big B
Something new and exotic is cooking in Nagesh Kukunoor?s Tandoor. Well, that?s actually the title of Kukunoor?s latest project which targets an international audience. What?s more, the director, of Hyderabad Blues and Rockford fame, has roped in Big B for a role that he?s never essayed before ? that of a cook. (Remember Rajesh Khanna had played the title role in Bawarchi way back in the late 60s). Amitabh plays a middle-aged ex-Nawab in the movie, who has a passion for food and sets up a restaurant in New York? so he is not just a bawarchi (cook). Shot mostly in the US, the film is supposed to be an old-fashioned romantic drama with Bachchan and an American lawyer in the lead roles, in the backdrop of lip smacking Hyderabadi and Mughlai cuisine. 'I?m planning to rope in a Hollywood biggie to act opposite Amitabh in my film which explores adult love in a unique relationship,' says Kukunoor. He adds that he too is a die-hard foodie and 'have already started collecting recipes from all the leading hotels. They form an integral part of my script.' Tandoor could very well break ground for a new genre in cinema: the ?food? genre. Sounds like a delicious recipe for box office success!
Manisha?s Tryst With Madam Gandhi
After Escape to Taliban in which Manisha Koirala portrays a woman who marries an Afghan and ends up in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, the actress is all set to play a powerful lead role again, this time as none other than the late former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in a new film on the political leader to be launched soon. Indira Gandhi ? A Tryst With Destiny will be directed by N Chandra and produced by Nittin Keni of Gadar Ek Prem Katha fame. Writer Kamleshwar who will be penning the script for the film said, 'Aandhi, the 1970s film which had Suchitra Sen in a role loosely modelled on Indira Gandhi, was fiction. This one is history. We will be sticking to historical facts, so there is no chance of controversy. Our movie is not a saas bahu drama (referring to the strained relationship between Mrs Gandhi and her daughter-in-law Maneka Gandhi). Indira Gandhi was much above all this.' According to the crew, the dynamic leader?s story will be told as a series of flashbacks from the days when she worked with her father till the day she breathed her last. Apparently, Tabu was the first choice for the coveted lead role but after things didn't work out between Keni and her, Manisha was approached and she promptly accepted it. Well, things only seem to be getting better and better for the Nepalese beauty.
The Bollywood/Hollywood Osmosis Continues
Aishwarya Rai is going places, never mind that Salman has no place in her life now. Rather, she?s going places because Sallu is no longer part of her life! According to reports, the actress is all set to star in a Canadian project titled Partition. The icing on the cake is that the film will star one of the topmost actors in Hollywood today. Spiderman superstar Toby Maguire is the guy said to have been signed opposite Ash. Her enchanting performance as Paro in Devdas had apparently caused a sensation among international filmmakers at the film?s premiere at Cannes. Aishwarya was deluged by international offers and she seems to have finally decided on these during her recent visit to the United States.
Meanwhile, Jane Austen is going the Bollywood way ? Gurinder Chaddha ishtyle. Well, after Bending It Like Beckham all over the world, this is what the lady now proposes to do. Chaddha wants to ready her film ? a modern-day Pride and Prejudice set in India ? for the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Written by Chadha and her husband Paul, the movie, she insists is not targeted at the NRI audience. 'I want to make a film which people all around the world can enjoy while appreciating the best of Bollywood.' By the way, there are strong rumors that Aishwarya has been approached by Chaddha to play the leading role.
Salman Khan: From Inmate to Police Officer
Where there?s Ash, can Salman be far behind? Well, the latest on the superbrat is that he is back in action, on the sets, that is, and according to onlookers, looking more fit and handsome than ever before! For the first time in his career, the controversial actor is playing a cop and that too an honest one, in Puneet Issar?s debut film Sanghaar The Destroyer. Ironical, isn?t it? Says the first time director: 'When I first wrote the script, I knew it was only Salman I wanted as the protagonist in my film is a quiet person who erupts only when pushed to the wall.' Good friend Shilpa Shetty stars opposite him in the movie which is slated for a June 2003 release.
Amir Khan Divorce: Real Life Imitates Reel Life
And finally, as we write this, news comes in that Aamir Khan and wife Reena have gone ahead and filed a petition for divorce by mutual consent. Guess Aamir will soon be crooning akele hum akele tum in real life too! The question on everybody?s lips: Is Ms Zinta the reason for Aamir to have lost his reason?
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