Bollywood (Hindi: बॉलीवुड, Urdu: بالی وڈ) is the informal term popularly used for Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry in India. Bollywood is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the Indian film industry. Bollywood is one of the largest film producers in the world, producing more than 1,000 films a year,[1] with ticket sales of 3.6 billion.[2]
The name is a portmanteau of Bombay (the former name for Mumbai) and Hollywood, the center of the American film industry. However, unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a real physical place. Though some deplore the name, arguing that it makes the industry look like a poor cousin to Hollywood, it seems likely to persist and now has its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Bollywood is commonly referred to as Hindi cinema, even though Hindustani, the substratum common to both Hindi and Urdu, might be more accurate. Bollywood consists of the languages of Hindi, Urdu and English. The use of poetic Urdu words is fairly common. There has been a growing presence of Indian English in dialogue and songs as well. It is not uncommon to see films that feature dialogue with English words and phrases, even whole sentences. There are a growing number of English films.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Queen of Bollywood
Indian leading lady and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai leads the charge as a hipper, edgier, more professional Bollywood bidsThe reason was not hard to fathom.
However deep the artistic void that gave the world Death Wish V or Police Academy 7, Bollywood has long outdone Hollywood for formula and cliché. After a two-decade-long golden age that produced films such as Mother India (1957) and Sholay (1975), the industry slipped into a succession of hackneyed action flicks and copycat song-and-dance romances made under a factory ethic in which actors worked on five, 10, even 15 films at a time. Remakes and plagiaries of Hollywood were routine, scripts were almost unheard of, and cast and crew often took the same characters, shots and dance steps from one production to another. The love stories were particularly indistinct: thousands of boys met thousands of girls (songs of joy!), broke up (songs of sorrow!), reunited (joy!) and led a cast of hundreds to a meadow outside Zurich for a leaping, ululating and face-achingly joyous finale. Actors sleepwalked through careers. "You can't imagine what it was like," says Anupam Kher, star of 290 films in 18 years, who reprises his role as the father from Bend it Like Beckham in Bride and Prejudice. "After the whole fame thing wears off, you begin to wonder, 'Really, what the hell am I doing?'" Even domestic audiences complained, including India's leader. "Why do our films stick to stereotype?" lamented Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee after seeing Devdas, which for all its well-deserved critical praise, was still the 12th version of the same love story since the original 1928 silent movie. By mid-2002, Bollywood was largely a commercial concern—to this day, critics rate films and actors almost entirely by box-office pull—of little interest to anyone outside South Asia, except homesick migrants and the odd film buff.
1 2 3 Next for global dominance
However deep the artistic void that gave the world Death Wish V or Police Academy 7, Bollywood has long outdone Hollywood for formula and cliché. After a two-decade-long golden age that produced films such as Mother India (1957) and Sholay (1975), the industry slipped into a succession of hackneyed action flicks and copycat song-and-dance romances made under a factory ethic in which actors worked on five, 10, even 15 films at a time. Remakes and plagiaries of Hollywood were routine, scripts were almost unheard of, and cast and crew often took the same characters, shots and dance steps from one production to another. The love stories were particularly indistinct: thousands of boys met thousands of girls (songs of joy!), broke up (songs of sorrow!), reunited (joy!) and led a cast of hundreds to a meadow outside Zurich for a leaping, ululating and face-achingly joyous finale. Actors sleepwalked through careers. "You can't imagine what it was like," says Anupam Kher, star of 290 films in 18 years, who reprises his role as the father from Bend it Like Beckham in Bride and Prejudice. "After the whole fame thing wears off, you begin to wonder, 'Really, what the hell am I doing?'" Even domestic audiences complained, including India's leader. "Why do our films stick to stereotype?" lamented Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee after seeing Devdas, which for all its well-deserved critical praise, was still the 12th version of the same love story since the original 1928 silent movie. By mid-2002, Bollywood was largely a commercial concern—to this day, critics rate films and actors almost entirely by box-office pull—of little interest to anyone outside South Asia, except homesick migrants and the odd film buff.
1 2 3 Next for global dominance
EntertainmentI don't think Shah Rukh ever was 'King Khan': Aamir
New Delhi (IANS): Keeping up his swipes at superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the No.1 slot in Bollywood, Aamir Khan, riding on the super success of his revenge drama Ghajini, has said he never thought Shah Rukh was ever on the top pedestal at all.
He also said the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire failed to "touch" him.
Aamir, during CNN's special edition of Talk Asia, was asked how he feels about being termed the new 'King Khan' after the success of Ghajini. He replied: "I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think he ever was on it."
Elaborating, Aamir said: "In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone whose work I really like, a fantastic actor and the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see."
The 44-year-old actor, whose latest work, the Hindi remake of Tamil film also named Ghajini, was a success at the box office, says he feels satisfied with his films only if they turn out to be as they are intended.
"You can never really tell until you see a film with the audience. How it is going to play with the audience. For me, what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy," he said.
Aamir, whose own directorial debut film Taare Zameen Par, failed to get nominated in the foreign film category at the 81st Annual Academy Awards this year, says that Slumdog Millionaire failed to "touch" him.
"I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect it because I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange," said Aamir.
He also said the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire failed to "touch" him.
Aamir, during CNN's special edition of Talk Asia, was asked how he feels about being termed the new 'King Khan' after the success of Ghajini. He replied: "I had absolutely no intention of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say, I don't think he ever was on it."
Elaborating, Aamir said: "In my opinion, the actor who I really look up to is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone whose work I really like, a fantastic actor and the kind of stardom Mr. Bachchan has seen, none of us can ever hope to see."
The 44-year-old actor, whose latest work, the Hindi remake of Tamil film also named Ghajini, was a success at the box office, says he feels satisfied with his films only if they turn out to be as they are intended.
"You can never really tell until you see a film with the audience. How it is going to play with the audience. For me, what is important is that when I see the film once it is ready, has it turned out the way we wanted it to? If we have done that, then that makes me feel happy," he said.
Aamir, whose own directorial debut film Taare Zameen Par, failed to get nominated in the foreign film category at the 81st Annual Academy Awards this year, says that Slumdog Millionaire failed to "touch" him.
"I thought the movie was well intended. It was a very sincere attempt, but it didn't touch me personally, and I suspect it because I'm not used to watching Indians speak English, all these slum kids talking in English... it's strange," said Aamir.
An assignment on Bollywood
Hanging out with Shah Rukh Khan was great fun. He told me about the kind of bizarre scripts people propose to him. In one story idea given to him by a politician, Shah Rukh's character dies. But there is no human body available for reincarnation. So he is born again as a dog. After nine months, he falls in love with a woman. The politician had spent hundreds of thousands of rupees buying puppies and training them. He had many books about dogs on his table. I asked Shah Rukh if he was expected to act as the dog. In answer, he scratched his ear rapidly with his paw.
Getting a visa to go to Pakistan from India was most annoying. I had to travel to New Delhi from Mumbai, or Bombay, to get the visa because the Pakistani consulate hasn't opened in India's biggest city. A Pakistani High Commission clerk told me—after looking at my American passport—that I would have to get an official letter of reference from the U.S. Embassy. I dutifully trudged to the embassy where, after a thorough frisking, I was given a stamped letter stating that the U.S. Embassy had stopped issuing such letters years ago; my passport should be sufficient proof of my citizenship. I hurried back to the High Commission before it closed and gave the letter to the clerk, who seemed placated by any sort of paper with the United States seal on it. I received my visa that evening. It was a nonsensical ritual, but it pales in comparison to the ordeal citizens of India and Pakistan face in order to visit their relatives across the border or see the Taj Mahal or the Badshami Mosque in Lahore. Both governments do their utmost to make it as difficult as possible for their citizens to travel across the border.
A Pakistani starlet was being introduced at a press conference in a Lahore hotel. "With this film," she declared, "I have made a U-turn in my career." "That would mean," the master of ceremonies noted, "that you're back where you started."
Top
Getting a visa to go to Pakistan from India was most annoying. I had to travel to New Delhi from Mumbai, or Bombay, to get the visa because the Pakistani consulate hasn't opened in India's biggest city. A Pakistani High Commission clerk told me—after looking at my American passport—that I would have to get an official letter of reference from the U.S. Embassy. I dutifully trudged to the embassy where, after a thorough frisking, I was given a stamped letter stating that the U.S. Embassy had stopped issuing such letters years ago; my passport should be sufficient proof of my citizenship. I hurried back to the High Commission before it closed and gave the letter to the clerk, who seemed placated by any sort of paper with the United States seal on it. I received my visa that evening. It was a nonsensical ritual, but it pales in comparison to the ordeal citizens of India and Pakistan face in order to visit their relatives across the border or see the Taj Mahal or the Badshami Mosque in Lahore. Both governments do their utmost to make it as difficult as possible for their citizens to travel across the border.
A Pakistani starlet was being introduced at a press conference in a Lahore hotel. "With this film," she declared, "I have made a U-turn in my career." "That would mean," the master of ceremonies noted, "that you're back where you started."
Top
For sheer pizzazz—and number of pictures produced—India's over-the-top film industry, known as Bollywood, easily out-hollywoods Hollywood.
Yash has just come back from a scouting trip in Switzerland, where, he boasts, he didn't spend a single franc because the Swiss government hosted him. "Everything on the house," he says with the glee of a producer who's spent his life making budgets stretch. The Swiss have given him an award for the contribution his films have made to tourism, and a lake where he often shoots is known as Chopra Lake. Now in Mumbai a crew of hundreds is working through the night to complete the scene in which Veer brings his sweetheart home. Next to Yash on the set is Amitabh Bachchan, the actor who is playing Veer's uncle. A larger-than-life figure in Bollywood for decades, Amitabh was ranked the "greatest star of stage or screen" in a BBC online vote in 1999, winning out over Chaplin, Olivier, and Brando. He is sitting on four plastic chairs stacked on top of each other, their arms bound by packing tape, because he needs a high chair to keep his long legs comfortable. When Amitabh gets up to dance with the others, it seems slightly undignified, this icon of the cinema—and hero of my childhood—having to perform MTV-inspired dances at the age of 63. The moves seem slightly stale to me: The dancers throw their arms about, twirl, throw out their arms again. But when Amitabh comes back to his improvised throne and watches the replay of the song on a monitor, he's clearly pleased. "We are too much," he says, laughing. "We are unbelievable!" Get the whole story in the pages of National Geographic magazine.
Futre of Bollywood
What makes Bollywood films unusual? Bollywood films are really colourful and crammed with singing, dancing, loads of costume changes.
The also used to stick to a formula of boy meets girl, they fall in love and they struggle for family approval.
There's also always a hero, a heroine, a vamp and a comedy sidekick.
Romance is big but there's no snogginWho are the big stars? Arjun Rampal is a Bollywood heart-throb. He's been making films for four or five years, and famously starred in Pyar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.
Click here to read our interview with Arjun Rampal
One of the biggest Bollywood actors is Amitabh Bhachan. He's been starring Indian films for over 30 years and has been compared to Hollywood's Robert De Niro.
Click here to read our interview with Amitabh Bhachan
Salman Khan is also very popular and got his big break playing in Maine Pyar KiyagWhat's the future for Bollywood? The future looks even brighter for Bollywood. Big US film companies such as Warner Bros and Twentieth Century Fox are setting up offices in India.
Where Indian film makers have found it difficult to compete with Hollywood's special effects, this is seen as the next big area for Bollywood to develop.
The also used to stick to a formula of boy meets girl, they fall in love and they struggle for family approval.
There's also always a hero, a heroine, a vamp and a comedy sidekick.
Romance is big but there's no snogginWho are the big stars? Arjun Rampal is a Bollywood heart-throb. He's been making films for four or five years, and famously starred in Pyar Ishq Aur Mohabbat.
Click here to read our interview with Arjun Rampal
One of the biggest Bollywood actors is Amitabh Bhachan. He's been starring Indian films for over 30 years and has been compared to Hollywood's Robert De Niro.
Click here to read our interview with Amitabh Bhachan
Salman Khan is also very popular and got his big break playing in Maine Pyar KiyagWhat's the future for Bollywood? The future looks even brighter for Bollywood. Big US film companies such as Warner Bros and Twentieth Century Fox are setting up offices in India.
Where Indian film makers have found it difficult to compete with Hollywood's special effects, this is seen as the next big area for Bollywood to develop.
A matrimony website claims to offer Bollywood look-alikes as brides or grooms
Perfect marriages are no longer made in heaven. If a matrimonial website has its way, they will be made online. And that too with someone who resembles your favourite movie star.
Find your mate: A webshot of the matrimony siteThe portal, using a new software, claims to do a facial search of the person you are looking for and offers the closest match. Cashing in on the Indian obsession with Bollywood, the website says it provides star look-alikes. So, if you want your bride to look like Aishwarya Rai, the site will search its database to throw up options of candidates who resemble the star the most. And the Bachchan bahu is the most popular choice. "Aishwarya Rai is a clear favourite. But actress Asin too has gained after her film Ghajini's success," said an official from the website, wishing anonymity.The face recognition technology works on geometrical dimensions of a face, measures distances between features and matches the data with photographs of candidates. However, the process, which is similar to the face restructuring technology used by the police department, may throw up a few shocking references too. "I searched for girls who resembled Sameera Reddy. But the candidates the website's facial search engine offered, were not even close to my favourite actress," said Amit, an HR professional from Gurgaon
Find your mate: A webshot of the matrimony siteThe portal, using a new software, claims to do a facial search of the person you are looking for and offers the closest match. Cashing in on the Indian obsession with Bollywood, the website says it provides star look-alikes. So, if you want your bride to look like Aishwarya Rai, the site will search its database to throw up options of candidates who resemble the star the most. And the Bachchan bahu is the most popular choice. "Aishwarya Rai is a clear favourite. But actress Asin too has gained after her film Ghajini's success," said an official from the website, wishing anonymity.The face recognition technology works on geometrical dimensions of a face, measures distances between features and matches the data with photographs of candidates. However, the process, which is similar to the face restructuring technology used by the police department, may throw up a few shocking references too. "I searched for girls who resembled Sameera Reddy. But the candidates the website's facial search engine offered, were not even close to my favourite actress," said Amit, an HR professional from Gurgaon
Emran Hashmi hottest man in Bollywood
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Emraan Hashmi's queer kissing tales
realbollywood.com – 2009-03-04
Emraan Hashmi and wife Parveen really have a happy but strange relationship. They claim to be going strong despite a few rumours about Emi's philandering ways and Parveen not being happy with his onscreen kisses. ... Full Article
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I want Emraan to kiss me: Soha Ali Khan
in.com – 2009-03-04
Q. Mumbai Meri Jaan , Rang De Basant , Di Kabaddi etc...Do you have a thing for ensemble cast films? Soha: I fall in love with scripts. ... Full Article
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When wife slaps Emraan Hashmi
oneindia.in – 2009-03-03
This is not just a sensational headline, written to grab the maximum eyeballs, nor are we resorting to yellow journalism. This is a plain fact, that has been accepted by none other than the very much in love couple Emraan... ... Full Article
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Soha and Emraan vaccinated before shooting in filthy water
realbollywood.com – 2009-03-02
Before stepping into the filthy water for shooting Kunal Deshmukh's Tum Mile, the film's lead stars Soha Ali Khan and Emraan Hashmi had to be vaccinated to avoid infection. ... Full Article
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I won't waste my time on Delhi 6: Emraan Hashmi
in.com – 2009-02-24
Hee: Hey! so when do we see you next? Sam: I like your acting in Footpath, after that Jannat. I like Raaz now your expression and acting. ... Full Article
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See more
Emraan Hashmi News
Emraan Hashmi's queer kissing tales
realbollywood.com – 2009-03-04
Emraan Hashmi and wife Parveen really have a happy but strange relationship. They claim to be going strong despite a few rumours about Emi's philandering ways and Parveen not being happy with his onscreen kisses. ... Full Article
Tags:
-->2 related articles Post a Comment
I want Emraan to kiss me: Soha Ali Khan
in.com – 2009-03-04
Q. Mumbai Meri Jaan , Rang De Basant , Di Kabaddi etc...Do you have a thing for ensemble cast films? Soha: I fall in love with scripts. ... Full Article
Tags:
-->2 related articles Post a Comment
When wife slaps Emraan Hashmi
oneindia.in – 2009-03-03
This is not just a sensational headline, written to grab the maximum eyeballs, nor are we resorting to yellow journalism. This is a plain fact, that has been accepted by none other than the very much in love couple Emraan... ... Full Article
Tags:
-->2 related articles Post a Comment
Soha and Emraan vaccinated before shooting in filthy water
realbollywood.com – 2009-03-02
Before stepping into the filthy water for shooting Kunal Deshmukh's Tum Mile, the film's lead stars Soha Ali Khan and Emraan Hashmi had to be vaccinated to avoid infection. ... Full Article
Tags:
-->Post a Comment
I won't waste my time on Delhi 6: Emraan Hashmi
in.com – 2009-02-24
Hee: Hey! so when do we see you next? Sam: I like your acting in Footpath, after that Jannat. I like Raaz now your expression and acting. ... Full Article
Tags:
-->Post a Comment
Aishwarya Rai - Hot and Sexy Indian Bollywood Actress
Aishwarya Rai was born in the South Indian state of Karnataka in Manglore on 1st Nov 1973. She was younger of the two siblings, her brother being 3 yrs elder. When she was about 4 years old her family moved to Bombay permanently. Her father worked as a merchant navy officer. Aishwarya did her schooling at Arya Vidya Mandir, Santacruz. Academically, she did very well and earned her position as the head girl of her school. Ash choose the science stream while at DG Ruparel College, her favorite subject being Zoology. Aishwarya wanted to do medicine, but circumstances didn't let her. Instead she choose Architecture and passed the interview at Raheja College with flying colours.Aishwarya's appearance in these programmes makes her the first Indian actor from mainstream Bollywood to make such a splash in the US. Aishwarya's appearances in the above shows evoked a favourable response from the local media as well as the public. What also makes Aishwarya stand out among her peers in Bollywood is the fact that in her interview with Oprah Winfrey, she betrayed none of the diffidence that usually characterises a new entrant in Hollywood, specially from this part of the world.Aishwarya Rai - Most Famous Woman on American TV
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan swaps the set for cricket
Bollywood superstar makes sporting debut as owner of Kolkata Knight Riders
Shah Rukh Khan still wildly popular 20 years after his television debut
Now presents India's version of "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader"
Filming "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi," a Bollywood love story to be released late 2008
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Shah Rukh Khan still wildly popular 20 years after his television debut
Now presents India's version of "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader"
Filming "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi," a Bollywood love story to be released late 2008
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New Realese films in 2009
Kites
Anurag Basu
Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut, Barbara Mori, Sikandar Kher
Romance
Produced by Rakesh Roshan (India)
Barah Aana
Raja Menon
Naseeruddin Shah, Tannishtha Chatterjee,
Comedy
March 2009
Ghar Pardes (Home Abroad)
Vimal Reddy
Praneel Rajoria, Pritash Dutt, Vijay Kumaran, Adwin Awadh
Fiji Indian Drama
February 2009 Produced by Vimal Reddy (Fiji Islands/Australia)
Chandni Chowk To China [1]
Nikhil Advani
Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Mithun Chakraborty
Action Comedy
16 January 2009 Produced by Rohan Sippy (India)
Chatur Singh Two Star
Ajay Chandok
Sanjay Dutt, Amisha Patel, Suresh Menon
Comedy
May 2009 Produced by Mohamed Aslam
Delhi-6
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepak Dobriyal, Divya Dutta, Rishi Kapoor, Om Puri, Prem Chopra
Romance Drama
20 February 2009 Produced by Ronnie Screwvala
Luck by Chance
Zoya Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma, Hrithik Roshan
Drama
January 23, 2009 Produced by Farhan Akhtar
New York
Kabir Khan
John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Mukesh, Irrfan Khan
Action Thriller
TBD 2009 Produced By Aditya Chopra
Dev.D
Anurag Kashyap
Abhay Deol, Mahi Gill, Kalki Koechlin
Romance
6 February,2009 Produced By UTV Spotboy & Bindass
Paathshala
Milind Ukey
Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia, Nana Patekar, Sunil Shetty
Comedy
April 2009 Produced by Ahmed Khan
Raavan
Mani Ratnam
Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Vikram, Ravi Kishan
TBD 2009
Do Knot Disturb
David Dhawan
Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh, Lara Dutta
Comedy, drama
TBD
Raaz - The Mystery Continues
Mohit Suri
Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Adhyayan Suman, Sonal Chauhan
Horror film
23 January 2009 Directed by Mohit Suri (India)
Run Bhola Run
Neeraj Vohra
Govinda, Tusshar Kapoor, Amisha Patel, Celina Jaitley
Comedy Thriller
April 2009 Produced by Dhilin Mehta
Three Idiots
Rajkumar Hirani
Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Boman Irani
Drama
December 25, 2009 produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Billu Barber
Priyadarshan
Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Lara dutta
February 13 2009 produced by Gauri Khan
London Dreams
Vipul Shah
Ajay Devgan, Salman Khan, Lara dutta, Priyanka Chopra
My Name Is Khan
Karan Johar
Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Soniya Jehan, Jimmy Shergill
Social
Blue
Anthony D'souza
Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta, Rahul Dev, Zayed Khan
Anurag Basu
Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut, Barbara Mori, Sikandar Kher
Romance
Produced by Rakesh Roshan (India)
Barah Aana
Raja Menon
Naseeruddin Shah, Tannishtha Chatterjee,
Comedy
March 2009
Ghar Pardes (Home Abroad)
Vimal Reddy
Praneel Rajoria, Pritash Dutt, Vijay Kumaran, Adwin Awadh
Fiji Indian Drama
February 2009 Produced by Vimal Reddy (Fiji Islands/Australia)
Chandni Chowk To China [1]
Nikhil Advani
Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Mithun Chakraborty
Action Comedy
16 January 2009 Produced by Rohan Sippy (India)
Chatur Singh Two Star
Ajay Chandok
Sanjay Dutt, Amisha Patel, Suresh Menon
Comedy
May 2009 Produced by Mohamed Aslam
Delhi-6
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepak Dobriyal, Divya Dutta, Rishi Kapoor, Om Puri, Prem Chopra
Romance Drama
20 February 2009 Produced by Ronnie Screwvala
Luck by Chance
Zoya Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma, Hrithik Roshan
Drama
January 23, 2009 Produced by Farhan Akhtar
New York
Kabir Khan
John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Mukesh, Irrfan Khan
Action Thriller
TBD 2009 Produced By Aditya Chopra
Dev.D
Anurag Kashyap
Abhay Deol, Mahi Gill, Kalki Koechlin
Romance
6 February,2009 Produced By UTV Spotboy & Bindass
Paathshala
Milind Ukey
Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia, Nana Patekar, Sunil Shetty
Comedy
April 2009 Produced by Ahmed Khan
Raavan
Mani Ratnam
Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Vikram, Ravi Kishan
TBD 2009
Do Knot Disturb
David Dhawan
Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh, Lara Dutta
Comedy, drama
TBD
Raaz - The Mystery Continues
Mohit Suri
Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Adhyayan Suman, Sonal Chauhan
Horror film
23 January 2009 Directed by Mohit Suri (India)
Run Bhola Run
Neeraj Vohra
Govinda, Tusshar Kapoor, Amisha Patel, Celina Jaitley
Comedy Thriller
April 2009 Produced by Dhilin Mehta
Three Idiots
Rajkumar Hirani
Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Boman Irani
Drama
December 25, 2009 produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Billu Barber
Priyadarshan
Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Lara dutta
February 13 2009 produced by Gauri Khan
London Dreams
Vipul Shah
Ajay Devgan, Salman Khan, Lara dutta, Priyanka Chopra
My Name Is Khan
Karan Johar
Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Soniya Jehan, Jimmy Shergill
Social
Blue
Anthony D'souza
Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta, Rahul Dev, Zayed Khan
2009 flop big budget films
Posted: Jan 01, 2009 at 1239 hrs IST
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Child stars of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ meet Sonia Ga...Wishing Tanushree Dutta a very happy Birthday'Barah Aana' is not a comedy film: Naseeruddin Sha...Shilpa in no hurry to marry Raj Kundra
The year 2009 is set to begin on an eventful note with big-budget movies like 'Chandni Chowk to China' and 'Luck By Chance' slated for release in January. 'Chandni Chowk to China', an action comedy flick starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, will hit screens on January 16.
The film, produced by Hollywood studio Warner Brothers and Rohan Sippy, is about a simple cook from Chandni Chowk mistaken for a reincarnation of an ancient peasant warrior by residents of an oppressed Chinese village.
Industry sources said a "heavy dose of comedy and breathtaking locales" like the Great Wall of China were the highlights of the film apart from the Kung Fu.
This will be Akshay's first film with Deepika after sharing screen space with Katrina Kaif for the last couple of his films.
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, after a successful debut as an actor in 'Rock On!', will don the greasepaint again for his sister Zoya's directorial debut 'Luck By Chance' which releases on January 30.
The plot is centred around Bollywood and how people from different walks of life come to the "dream city" to make it big in an industry where luck clicks more than hard work.
The movie, stars Farhan Akhtar, Juhi Chawla, Konkana Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Hrithik Roshan.
Shah Rukh Khan will be back again on screen in the first quarter of 2009 with 'Biloo Barber' which is slated for a March release. SRK's last film 'Rab Ne Ba di Jodi' that released
PrintEmailNewsletterPost CommentsRSS
Related Articles
Child stars of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ meet Sonia Ga...Wishing Tanushree Dutta a very happy Birthday'Barah Aana' is not a comedy film: Naseeruddin Sha...Shilpa in no hurry to marry Raj Kundra
The year 2009 is set to begin on an eventful note with big-budget movies like 'Chandni Chowk to China' and 'Luck By Chance' slated for release in January. 'Chandni Chowk to China', an action comedy flick starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, will hit screens on January 16.
The film, produced by Hollywood studio Warner Brothers and Rohan Sippy, is about a simple cook from Chandni Chowk mistaken for a reincarnation of an ancient peasant warrior by residents of an oppressed Chinese village.
Industry sources said a "heavy dose of comedy and breathtaking locales" like the Great Wall of China were the highlights of the film apart from the Kung Fu.
This will be Akshay's first film with Deepika after sharing screen space with Katrina Kaif for the last couple of his films.
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, after a successful debut as an actor in 'Rock On!', will don the greasepaint again for his sister Zoya's directorial debut 'Luck By Chance' which releases on January 30.
The plot is centred around Bollywood and how people from different walks of life come to the "dream city" to make it big in an industry where luck clicks more than hard work.
The movie, stars Farhan Akhtar, Juhi Chawla, Konkana Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Hrithik Roshan.
Shah Rukh Khan will be back again on screen in the first quarter of 2009 with 'Biloo Barber' which is slated for a March release. SRK's last film 'Rab Ne Ba di Jodi' that released
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan
Has enjoyed the one number spot for nearly 30 years since 1975. This talented actor with his deep sonorous voice, and his towering presence brought life to the many roles he played, excelling as a brooding and powerful action hero and a much-loved and outrageous comic hero. His recent films aren't the top blockbusters they used to be, but his popularity is unrivalled. When audiences seemed to tire of the Big B's brand of heroism, he began presenting Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Hindi version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire', topping the ratings charts. In 2000, Amitabh Bachchan was voted the star of the millennium in a BBC Online poll, with Laurence Oliver in second place.
Has enjoyed the one number spot for nearly 30 years since 1975. This talented actor with his deep sonorous voice, and his towering presence brought life to the many roles he played, excelling as a brooding and powerful action hero and a much-loved and outrageous comic hero. His recent films aren't the top blockbusters they used to be, but his popularity is unrivalled. When audiences seemed to tire of the Big B's brand of heroism, he began presenting Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Hindi version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire', topping the ratings charts. In 2000, Amitabh Bachchan was voted the star of the millennium in a BBC Online poll, with Laurence Oliver in second place.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya RaiThe gorgeous ex-Miss World had a shaky start in Indian films but secured her title as Bollywood's leading actress in 1999 with her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's acclaimed love triangle tale, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Dancing is an essential talent in Indian cinema, and this exquisite film will always be remembered for Aishwarya's stunning dance scenes. Affectionately known as "Ash", she has also acted in a few select South Indian films including the marvellous Kandukondain Kandukondain. She looks stunning in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's latest film, Devdas, and this new role will undoubtedly swell the ranks of her fanbase around the world. She is currently shooting Gurinder Chadha's new film, Bride And Prejudice.
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh KhanOr King Khan as he is called in the Indian popular press, has millions of fans, winning a few more for his performance in the 2002 version of Devdas, the tragic romantic hero of Indian cinema. This charismatic actor began his career in theatre and television. His big hit was in 1993 with Baazigar in which he played a psychotic murderer. Shah Rukh Khan has played bad guys and good guys. He has sex appeal and energy and has been particularly popular in light-hearted romantic 1990s blockbusters including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He recently turned producer, and his film Chalte Chalte is 2003's big Bollywood summer hit.
Aamir Khan
Leads the action in Lagaan, one of the few Bollywood movies to have made the cross-over to an international audience. This wonderful movie has been well received throughout the world and was also produced by Aamir Khan. An excellent actor from a well-known Bombay film family, he began his career in the movies by assisting his famous director/uncle Nasir Hussain. Aamir Khan was cast as a teenage lover in his cousin Mansur Khan's film Qayamat se Qayamat Tak in 1989 and became an instant hit with the Indian audience. He has worked with the best directors in Bollywood, including Ram Gopal Varma (Rangeela, 1997) and the young Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chahta Hai 2001). With his intelligence, charm and winning smile, his new releases invariably create a stir.
Bollywood some Box-office failure
Asoka (Santosh Sivan, 2001): Shahrukh Khan's Asoka has a lot going for it - two very attractive and talented leads, rich mix of action, romance, comedy and drama, yet it turned out to be a big failure at the box-office. The audience perhaps did not digest ending the film right after the brutal battle of Kalinga. They would have liked to watch the glory of the peaceful phase of Emperor Ashoka's reign, after the Kalinga killings.
LOC Kargil (J. P. Dutta, 2003): One of the most expensive Hindi movies with the biggest ever starcast, LOC remains the most shocking failure in Hindi cinema. A tribute, a homage to our brave selfless soldiers who have laid down their lives to safeguard ours, LOC should have succeeded, but it did not. The viewers viewed it as an extra lengthy documentary, and not as a great feature film.
Kisna (Subhash Ghai, 2005): Billed as an epic cross-cultured romance between a British Commissioner's daughter and son of her family's Indian servant, this period piece was producer/director Subhash Ghai's attempt to resurrect his once great career, but failed him miserably. The viewers probably had fresh memories of another such romance in Lagaan and it was too soon to watch a film with similar theme, but with a weak script. The film was not only a commercial disaster for Ghai, but also a great set back for Vivek Oberoi's career
LOC Kargil (J. P. Dutta, 2003): One of the most expensive Hindi movies with the biggest ever starcast, LOC remains the most shocking failure in Hindi cinema. A tribute, a homage to our brave selfless soldiers who have laid down their lives to safeguard ours, LOC should have succeeded, but it did not. The viewers viewed it as an extra lengthy documentary, and not as a great feature film.
Kisna (Subhash Ghai, 2005): Billed as an epic cross-cultured romance between a British Commissioner's daughter and son of her family's Indian servant, this period piece was producer/director Subhash Ghai's attempt to resurrect his once great career, but failed him miserably. The viewers probably had fresh memories of another such romance in Lagaan and it was too soon to watch a film with similar theme, but with a weak script. The film was not only a commercial disaster for Ghai, but also a great set back for Vivek Oberoi's career
Bollywood's some famous comedy hits
Golmal (Hrishikesh Mukherjee, 1979): Immensely witty and hilarious, Golmal comes out to be one of the most favorite comedies of all times. Utpal Dutt, with his impeccable comic timing is the backbone of the movie. With his landmark moustache, he is a true master of mirth. This is probably his best role in Hindi movies. Amol Palekar perfectly fits into the role of Ram Prasad, who has to keep covering up throughout the film for his one lie at the beginning when he goes for a job interview. He outrightly proves why he is renowned as an actor of extraordinary calibre. The supporting cast, Deven Verma, Dina Pathak, David and Shobha Khote add flavor to the outcome. The story penned by Sailesh Dey offers tremendous scope for the funnies. Screenplay writer, Sachin Bhowmick revels in throwing his characters into corny situations from which they extricate themselves only after extravagant bursts of imagination. The movie is also remembered for its hummable number 'Aanewala pal'. Hera Pheri (Priya Darshan, 2000): A fun ride from start to finish, Hera Pheri took everyone by surprise. Except for Paresh Rawal, the other actors, Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar were not looked upon as comedians. But the trio just rocked the nation with this screwball comedy. The film is a comedy of errors. Set in a Mumbai slum where our three protagonists dwell, the movie depicts the hilarious moments created by the simplicity and stupidity of the characters. It is one roller-coaster ride of laughter. Paresh Rawal as the blundering myopic is one of the best comic characters of Hindi cinema. His nervousness and ideocy exasperates the other two. Om Puri as the Sikh villager visiting the city with an army of fellow Sardars is terrific. Suniel Shetty as the somewhat naive do gooder is wonderful. Akshay Kumar excells in his comic timing. The script is superb and the laughter infectious. The film won Filmfare (2001) Award for Best Comedian (Paresh Rawal).Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (Rajkumar Hirani, 2003): A warm charming film, Munnabhai M.B.B.S. is one of the most uproarious and successful films in recent times. The comedy causes rip-roaring laughter. The emotions and comedy have been integrated perfectly. If the comedy bits have you laughing nonstop, then the emotional scenes will definitely have you reaching for a pack of tissues. The film is one of the funniest to come from Bollywood and that is due to spot on comic timing by Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani. Sanjay Dutt puts on the performance of a lifetime as the title character, enacting a wide range of emotions with ease. When his parents visit him from the village, his transition from a Bhai to a doctor makes you roll with laughter. Circuit (Arshad Varsi), his sidekick, adds oodles of zing to the crazy situations. Boman Irani as Dr. Asthana is brilliant as the hyper doctor who believes in 'laughter' therapy. His scenes with Munnabhai in the college classrooms are sidesplitting. The dialogues written in Mumbai tapori are a highlight, 'Bole to' is the classic example. Munnabhai M.B.B.S. won Filmfare (2004) Awards for Best Actor in Comic Role (Sanjay Dutt),
Bollywood famous blockbuster films
5. Waqt (Yash Chopra, 1965): A huge blockbuster in its day and the most repeated show in theaters and on television till date, Waqt is an ageless tale masterfully told by Bollywood's ace story teller, Yash Chopra. When he said the man could be the architect of his own destiny and could, if he wanted, write the story of his children, Kedarnath did not know that the next moment the great world of Lala Kedarnath and Sons would be humbled to dust in the big earthquake of Quoeta. Waqt brought home the profound message that in the affairs of humans, it is time that is the ruling factor - Time, that is Waqt. Chopra's direction is without doubt the major highlight of the movie. He directs the9. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (Aditya Chopra, 1995): The longest running film of Indian cinema, DDLJ has made history by completing 500 weeks of continuous play in Maratha Mandir, Mumbai. It emerged as a cult film from day one of its release and remains one of the very few evergreen films that can be watched again and again. The film's focus is on the family for which lovers are ready to sacrifice their love if necessary. Its a love story that consolidates the feel good trend in HindiKabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (Karan Johar, 2001): Unequalled star power, glamor, laughter, tears and fabulous musical numbers enrich this superb Bollywood exravaganza. The story is all about Amitabh Bachchan, a Business tycoon, trying to enforce Indian family values and traditions in the face of the foreign studied son's rebellious romantic yearnings. The first half of the film focuses on the romance between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, while the romance between Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor dominates the film after interval. Much of the film is based in London. NRI is shown as being just as capable (or more so) of upholding Indian family value as those who never left their country. NRI-themed films like this one have been tremendously important and profitable cultural touchstone amongst the worldwide Indian diaspora. Watching the film, you will laugh, you will cry, and you will think of your parents many times. Johar handles the emotive scenes and the sad scenes with a magic touch cinema and unleashed a plathora of family-cum-love stories aimed especially at the NRI audience and overseas market. Cultural crisis of the NRI and his family comes in as a dramatic element in the film. But its greatest strength is its perfect blend of the modern and the conservative through its state-of-the-art packaging story that is strongly rooted in the tradition of Indian culture. DDLJ would not have been what it is - despite its powerful dialogues, fabulous music and exciting locales - without all those superlative performances by the top heavy cast comprising of Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri, Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal and Satish Shah. Khan, Kajol and Kher are particularly awesome. They all three won Filmfare (1996) Awards for the best performances film with flair and passion.
I don't think Shah Rukh ever was 'King Khan': Aamir Khan
Keeping up his swipes at superstar Shah Rukh Khan and the No.1 slot in Bollywood, Aamir Khan, riding on the super success of his revenge drama "Ghajini", has said he never thought Shah Rukh was ever on the top... full story...
Worlds Big Film industry
Bollywood films are watched in South Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Most Pakistanis watch Bollywood films,[34] as they understand Hindi (due to its linguistic similarity to Urdu). Despite a government ban on Indian films since 1965,[34] a few Bollywood films were legally released in the country in 2006, including Taj Mahal and Mughal-e-Azam, decades after its release, though more movies followed.[35] For the most part, Bollywood movies are watched on cable television in Pakistan; there is also a huge market for Bollywood movies in local video stores. Historically, video piracy was another accessible venue to watch Indian movies.[36]
Bollywood movies are also popular in Afghanistan due to the country's proximity with the Indian subcontinent and certain other cultural perspectives present in the movies.[37] A number of Bollywood movies were filmed inside Afghanistan while some dealt with the country, including Dharmatma, Kabul Express, Khuda Gawah and Escape From Taliban.[38][39]
Hindi films have also been popular in numerous Arab countries, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt, as well as the Gulf countries.[40] Imported Indian films are usually subtitled in Arabic upon the film's release. Since the early 2000s, Bollywood has progressed in Israel. Special channels dedicated to Indian films have been displayed on cable television.[41]
Some Hindi movies also became big successes in the People's Republic of China during the 1940s and 1950s. The most popular Hindi films in China were Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Awaara (1951) and Two Acres of Land (1953). Raj Kapoor was a famous movie star in China
Bollywood movies are also popular in Afghanistan due to the country's proximity with the Indian subcontinent and certain other cultural perspectives present in the movies.[37] A number of Bollywood movies were filmed inside Afghanistan while some dealt with the country, including Dharmatma, Kabul Express, Khuda Gawah and Escape From Taliban.[38][39]
Hindi films have also been popular in numerous Arab countries, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt, as well as the Gulf countries.[40] Imported Indian films are usually subtitled in Arabic upon the film's release. Since the early 2000s, Bollywood has progressed in Israel. Special channels dedicated to Indian films have been displayed on cable television.[41]
Some Hindi movies also became big successes in the People's Republic of China during the 1940s and 1950s. The most popular Hindi films in China were Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Awaara (1951) and Two Acres of Land (1953). Raj Kapoor was a famous movie star in China
Awards
As the Filmfare, the National Film Awards were introduced in 1954. Since 1973, the Indian government has sponsored the National Film Awards, awarded by the government run Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF). The DFF screens not only Bollywood films, but films from all the other regional movie industries and independent/art films. These awards are handed out at an annual ceremony presided over by the President of India. Under this system, in contrast to the National Film Awards, which are decided by a panel appointed by Indian Government, the Filmfare Awards are voted for by both the public and a committee of experts.[31]
Additional ceremonies held within India are:
Stardust Awards
Star Screen Awards
Ceremonies held overseas are:
Bollywood Movie Awards - Long Island, New York, United States
Global Indian Film Awards - (different country each year)
IIFA Awards - (different country each year)
Zee Cine Awards- (different country each year)
Most of these award ceremonies are lavishly staged spectacles, featuring singing, dancing, and numerous celebrities
Additional ceremonies held within India are:
Stardust Awards
Star Screen Awards
Ceremonies held overseas are:
Bollywood Movie Awards - Long Island, New York, United States
Global Indian Film Awards - (different country each year)
IIFA Awards - (different country each year)
Zee Cine Awards- (different country each year)
Most of these award ceremonies are lavishly staged spectacles, featuring singing, dancing, and numerous celebrities
Bollywood song and dance
Songs typically comment on the action taking place in the movie, in several ways. Sometimes, a song is worked into the plot, so that a character has a reason to sing; other times, a song is an externalisation of a character's thoughts, or presages an event that has not occurred yet in the plot of the movie. In this case, the event is almost always two characters falling in love.
Bollywood films have always used what are now called "item numbers". A physically attractive female character (the "item girl"), often completely unrelated to the main cast and plot of the film, performs a catchy song and dance number in the film. In older films, the "item number" may be performed by a courtesan (tawaif) dancing for a rich client or as part of a cabaret show. The dancer Helen was famous for her cabaret numbers. In modern films, item numbers may be inserted as discotheque sequences, dancing at celebrations, or as stage shows.
For the last few decades Bollywood producers have been releasing the film's soundtrack, as tapes or CDs, before the main movie release, hoping that the music will pull audiences into the cinema later. Often the soundtrack is more popular than the movie. In the last few years some producers have also been releasing music videos, usually featuring a song from the film. However, some promotional videos feature a song which is not included in the movie.
Bollywood films have always used what are now called "item numbers". A physically attractive female character (the "item girl"), often completely unrelated to the main cast and plot of the film, performs a catchy song and dance number in the film. In older films, the "item number" may be performed by a courtesan (tawaif) dancing for a rich client or as part of a cabaret show. The dancer Helen was famous for her cabaret numbers. In modern films, item numbers may be inserted as discotheque sequences, dancing at celebrations, or as stage shows.
For the last few decades Bollywood producers have been releasing the film's soundtrack, as tapes or CDs, before the main movie release, hoping that the music will pull audiences into the cinema later. Often the soundtrack is more popular than the movie. In the last few years some producers have also been releasing music videos, usually featuring a song from the film. However, some promotional videos feature a song which is not included in the movie.
Bollywood starting
Bollywood (Hindi: बॉलीवूड) is the informal term popularly used for the Mumbai-based Hindi language film industry in India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the Indian film industry.[1] Bollywood is the largest film producer in India and one of the largest in the world.[2][3][4]
The name is a portmanteau of Bombay (the former name for Mumbai) and Hollywood, the center of the American film industry.[5] However, unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a physical place. Though some deplore the name, arguing that it makes the industry look like a poor cousin to Hollywood,[5][6] it has its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Bollywood is often referred to as Hindi cinema, even though frequent use of poetic Urdu words is fairly common. There has been a growing presence of Indian English in dialogue and songs as well. It is not uncommon to see films that feature dialogue with English words and phrases, even whole sentences. There is a growing number of films made entirely in English
The name is a portmanteau of Bombay (the former name for Mumbai) and Hollywood, the center of the American film industry.[5] However, unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a physical place. Though some deplore the name, arguing that it makes the industry look like a poor cousin to Hollywood,[5][6] it has its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Bollywood is often referred to as Hindi cinema, even though frequent use of poetic Urdu words is fairly common. There has been a growing presence of Indian English in dialogue and songs as well. It is not uncommon to see films that feature dialogue with English words and phrases, even whole sentences. There is a growing number of films made entirely in English
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