When abuses became fashion in Bollywood

Bollywood this year clearly rode on bold content and bolder language with expletive-ridden films like 'No One Killed Jessica' and 'Delhi Belly' getting the green signal from Censor and the audience.

Filmmakers successfully experimented with bold real-life stories like in 'The Dirty Picture' and invective-infused dialogues to give a real drift to the film's terrain and its characters.

They took the 'offend and abuse' trip to be in sync with the youth. Rani Mukherjee began the year's trend with her portrayal of a competitive TV journalist in 'No One Killed Jessica'.

The erstwhile 'Babli' of Bollywood underwent a image makeover in the film puffing cigarettes, mouthing cuss words and showing the middle finger. Her favourite dialogue in the movie was: "I am a bitch."

Director Rajkumar Gupta maintained that using abuses in everyday conversations has become a norm and it was harmless The "irreverent" 'Delhi Belly' found many takers for its toilet humour. Its bouquet of bad words and the drumming 'Bhaag DK Bose' became hugely popular for its profane loop. keeping in mind the changing landscape and characters in Hindi cinema.

The abuse-oozing crime comedy, produced by Aamir Khan scored high with all, barring a few, setting new a definition of 'fun' in the industry.

"'Delhi Belly' is a very irreverent film. It does not have any skin-show but 'ashleel' (obscene) language has been used.

Its a 'kameena' comedy. There is no sex in the film. I think the movie will change the definition of bold films in the industry, " Aamir had said.

And sure, it did. True to its title, The Dirty Picture's brave and bold content coupled with innuendo-filled dialogues by scriptwriter Rajat Arora, closed the year on a high note.

Vidya Balan's acting and abuse hurling skills, inspired by the life of late south sex siren Silk Smitha, topped by ample skin-show, successfully sailed through troubled waters.

This year, use of 'desi' expletives and dialogues (some in regional Marathi language too) albeit in a humourous way, went down well with the audience in blockbusters like 'Ready', 'Bodyguard' and 'Singham'.

Also to some extent, Kangana Ranaut in 'Tanu Weds Manu', Gul Panag in 'Turning 30' and Irfaan Khan as well as Saurabh Shukla in 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' raised a toast to the foul language spoken by people in daily lives.

Luv Ranjan, director of hit adult comedy 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', also used swear words and managed to get a U/A certificate.

Although getting the cast to mouth offensive words and vulgar dialogues does not ensure successful films, it does create some buzz initially through trailers, making the required noise before the release. Diwali release 'Ra.One' saw Kareena Kapoor's character doing a thesis on Indian abuses.

She rains abuses on Shah Rukh Khan, who played her husband in the film, and her onscreen son repeatedly asks her to mind her language. But other than creating a hype, this characteristic did not make any addition to the film.

But foul language has proved to be a demand of the script in many films earlier.

Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgn were at their abusive best in 'Omkara'; Vidya and Arshad Warsi hit the slang note in 'Ishqiya' and it worked in Kareena's favour in 'Jab We Met' and 'Golmaal 3'.

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Salman: This one's for you ladies

At Sohail's birthday bash, Genelia, Kangna and Shriya got lucky as Salman danced the night away with them 

Bhai ke liye kuch bhi karega is Salman's mantra.

Putting aside all recent rumours of a professional rift with Sohail (who had stopped looking after Salman's business interests), the star danced the night away at a surprise birthday bash he threw in Hyderabad during the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) after-party.

Director Mani Shankar who was with the star says, "Salman had planned the surprise for Sohail from Mumbai itself.

He had shared his plans with his buddy Sajid Nadiadwala who flew to Hyderabad with him pretending to have come to the city to be with the star for the CCL."

On Monday night, exactly at midnight, a gigantic chocolate cake was wheeled into the party venue at a luxury hotel in Hyderabad.

Sallu had even brought along his own music system a clear giveaway that he intended to have his own after-party.

Mani who's planning to cast Salman in his next, says, "Salman danced to Shakira and Beyonce. The music was all American."

He adds, "When Salman started swinging with the babes, crowds tried to bust in and security was constantly weeding out the gatecrashers."

In fact, Salman was in such great spirits that he even refused to steer clear of the cold weather during midnight as advised for his neurological condition.

In fact the director adds that the star spent time shaking hands and hugging guests all night.

A guest who attended the bash says, "This was a new side to Salman. He was as excited as a schoolboy.

And when he saw Sohail's delight, he was grinning from ear to ear. Salman danced with Genelia, Kangna Ranaut and Shriya Saran."

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The Biggest Drama Queens of Bollywood

This year has been witness to some interesting choice of roles. Here's who impressed us with the most convincing performance

Considering the male-dominated nature of the industry, heroines are generally perceived as the glamour quotient in the movies.

Nonetheless, some actresses rise above this notion and the script, to deliver performances that deserve more than applause.

2011 has seen some notable performances from our leading ladies - Vidya Balan in the heroine-centric The Dirty Picture to Kareena Kapoor, who had more scope to show her acting skills in Bodyguard than her hero, Salman Khan.

In fact, Vidya hit it off at the beginning of the year with No One Killed Jessica, also featuring Rani Mukerji as a spitfire television reporter.

The Rajkumar Gupta directed film based on the Jessica Lall murder case is the only film in recent years that went on to become a hit despite releasing during the supposedly jinxed first week of January.


Rani Mukherji, Vidya on promotion spree

A month later, Priyanka Chopra donned seven looks to portray Susanna, who marries seven times at different stages of her life in Vishal Bhardwaj's 7 Khoon Maaf.

Although the screen adaptation of Ruskin Bond's book, Susanna's Seven Husbands didn't fare well commercially, it consolidated the National Award winner's position as an actress to reckon with.

One would otherwise wonder if a south Indian remake featuring Salman Khan would leave much meat for the heroine. In case of Bodyguard, Bebo made the most of it with her sincere performance as a damsel in distress who couldn't express her love, until the very end.


Kareena Kapoor

In Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, with three male leads, Katrina Kaif made the audience sit up and take note of her acting, apart from her sizzling chemistry with Duggu. If Kalki Koechlin didn't exactly deliver in ZNMD, she more than made up for it in hubby Anurag Kashyap's That Girl In Yellow Boots.


Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Cast

Sonam Kapoor (Mausam) and Anushka Sharma (Patiala House and Ladies vs Ricky Bahl) also made it to our list.


The nominations for the best actress in 2011:
Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture, No One Killed Jessica)
Rani Mukerji (No One Killed Jessica)
Kareena Kapoor (Bodyguard, RA.One)
Priyanka Chopra (7 Khoon Maaf)
Katrina Kaif (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
Sonam Kapoor (Mausam)
Kalki Koechlin (That Girl In Yellow Boots)
Anushka Sharma (Patiala House, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl)

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Why is Katrina Chikni Chameli?

After Sheila, Munni, Shalu and Jalebi Bai, 'Chikni Chameli' is the latest item bomb in Bollywood. Katrina Kaif has outdone her 'Sheila ki jawani' act in the song, and "Agneepath" director Karan Malhotra believes she has done full justice to it.

"I think the way the song was made, it was so wonderful, that only a topmost actress could have done justice to the song. And as far as Katrina is concerned, her USP is that she has never been seen in any film in that kind of zone that 'Chikni Chameli' is in.

So which is why she also stands out in that atmosphere and that is why the song is catching a lot of eyeballs," the director said at the music premiere of "Agneepath" at a radio station here.

The men behind the song are composer-brothers Ajay-Atul, primarily known for their work in Marathi films and serials. "Chikni chameli" is a song inspired by their own Marathi song "Kombadi palali".

No wonder Malhotra denies that the song draws inspiration from any other item number.

"No, no girl inspired us for 'Chikni chameli'," said Malhotra.

Meanwhile, Katrina's fast, rhythmic 'Chikni chameli' act has set many eyeballs popping. "Agneepath", a remake of the 1990 film of the same name, is set for release Jan 26 next year.

It stars Hrithik Roshan in the lead with Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor in key roles.

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Bhajji to take up Wrestling

What on earth is Harbhajan Singh doing in a new wrestling show on television???!!! Incredibly the news is that Bhajji would appear on Ring Ka King, a new wrestling championship show on Colors.

At first one thought Bhajji had decided to take a break from cricket for, shall we say, a more aggressive sport? Or maybe the show brings professionals from other walks of life to wrestle?

Like the dance contest where doctors, chefs and actors shake a leg?

But no. Bhajji we are told will appear on Ring Ka King as a “goodwill ambassador”.

A spokesperson from the channel confirmes, “Yes, Bhajji is on our new wrestling show which starts early next year. On the show 30 international-level wrestlers will fight it out with desi pehelwans.

It is basically ‘them’ versus ‘us’ in the wrestling ring with Bhajji providing the pep talk and a ringside view for the participants and the audience. ”

Every match will be shot in front of a live audience of 3, 000 people.

And yes, Bhajji will also enter the wrestling ring for a bout with one of the international wrestlers.

Now that’s a performance we’re ready to stay up late in the night to watch.

When asked if Bhajji’s girlfriend Geeta Basra is expected to cheer Bhajji on in the ring our source laughed mysteriously, “You will be surprised at what Bhajji will bring to the ring. ”

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Top heroes of Bollywood

Some actors have risen above the scripts to give sterling performances, irrespective of the film's box office fate. Janta votes for the best man

Often in this male dominated industry of Bollywood, box office success is spelt by the star power of the hero, rather than solely depending on his acting skills. However, this seems to be gradually changing. In a year that witnessed a mixed bag of performances, some actors have managed to stand out.

Ranbir Kapoor turned true torchbearer of the Kapoor khandaan with his performance in Rockstar. Though the film failed to impress many, the actor won hearts of the critics and the audience alike with his gutsy performance.

Ajay Devgn with his action-oriented Singham also managed to impress his fans.

Salman Khan's fans turned out in full force to see him flexing his muscles in Bodyguard, making it the biggest hit of the year. Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol made the awesome threesome in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

The way Emran Hashmi held his own in the female-centric The Dirty Picture was quite a thing. Randeep Hooda earned rave reviews for his performance in Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster. SRK's much-hyped RA.One received lukewarm response and so did Shahid Kapoor's Mausam.



The nominations for the Best Actor in 2011
Ranbir Kapoor (Rockstar)
Ajay Devgn (Singham)
Salman Khan (Bodyguard)
Shah Rukh Khan (RA.One)
Hrithik Roshan (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
Farhan Akhtar (ZNMD)
Abhay Deol (ZNMD)
Emran hashmi (Dirty Picture, Murder 2)
Imran Khan (Delhi Belly)
Randeep Hooda (Sahib Biwi Gangster)
Shahid Kapoor (Mausam)

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Shahrukh skips Farah's house warming party

Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder held a housewarming bash on Tuesday night.

The couple have shifted to a new place in Lokhandwala. Here's who was there...

While Sallu and Big B were present, Shah Rukh Khan was conspicious by his absence.

Hmmm... Blame it on his upcoming film's promotions?

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No rift between Sanjay Dutt and Madhu Shalini

Even though media is abuzz with stories making the rounds around all not being well between Sanjay Dutt and new entrant Madhu Shalini over an 'issue' of a dance number in DEPARTMENT, the girl insists that all is indeed well. In fact she has nothing but fond memories of working in the film since from her childhood days she had been waiting for the day when she would get an opportunity to deliver her lines in front of Dutt.

Apparently the young actress was self admittedly quite nervous since she had built a set perception around the senior actor, courtesy his on-screen image. 'When I met Dutt for the first time, honestly I was totally star struck and didn't know how to react. I have been a huge fan of him for years and always wanted to know how he is in real life,' says Madhu, ''There was so much mental build up I ended up making that I became all the more conscious when I came face to face opposite him.''

No wonder, it was his brooding image from the days of KHALNAYAK that hit her really hard when the day of reckoning arrived.


''Yes, I had this KHALNAYAK image of his in my mind ever since my childhood days. Of course at the end of the day he was just playing a role but come on, who is not a film buff here? You like to take characters home and for me it is Ballu (KHALNAYAK) and Raghu (VAASTAV) that have stayed on forever,' confesses the mild mannered girl-woman.

She had to put together her act in a jiffy since there are quite a few scenes in which she and Dutt come together. This means that after an initial phase of sheer fan gazing, Madhu did manage to gather herself and deliver her lines. 'He is so sweet and it's a pleasure to be with him. I now know firsthand how he manages to make women go weak in their knees. I wasn't an exception either,' she says shyly.

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A R Rahman unveils EK DEEWANA THA music at Taj Mahal

EK DEEWANA THA launched its music on 21st December against the glorious backdrop of the Taj Mahal. The setting was as perfect as the stars of the event.

Musical genius A. R. Rahman, who composed the music, appeared on stage looking his usual humble self in a black shirt and a grey overcoat. Director, Gautam Vasudev Menon spoke about how enchanted he was with the Tamil version of the movie and how he wished to share the magic with EK DEEWANA THA. The focus of course was on the beautiful Amy Jackson, who looked ravishing in a black and beige salwaar kameez and Prateik who looked svelte in a black coat and a kurta.


Enthralling numbers form the movie like 'Hosanna', 'Sharminda Hoon' and 'Kya Hai Mohabbat' were performed at the launch which captivated the audience.

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Why is Ranveer frowning?

In the last two years since we have known him, Ranveer has always spotted a picture perfect smile. But, that was till his last film LADIES V/S RICKY BAHL had not released. Now, the mood is something else. According to our sources, Ranveer is heartbroken given the way his film failed to live up to its expectations. The smile is currently replaced by a frown. Go and figure it for yourself.

Adds our source, 'Ranveer was very confident about LADIES VS RICKY BAHL taking his charm to newer levels. But, it turned out to be a different experience for him. The actor who had almost swept all awards with his debut performance does not even remotely figure in any memorable role this year. This has been a cause of worry for the actor who is now trying to put the plot of career back on the right track.'


Well, Ranveer might have his own good reasons to spot that frown but someone please tell him that is there is always a next time.

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Chikni Chameli Katrina recreates Kombdi Palali magic!

You all boogie-woogied as Katrina Kaif danced on the thumping beats of 'Chikni Chameli' from the film AGNEEPATH. However it's not just Katrina's raunchy moves that has made the song an instant rage. The big credit for it goes to Marathi composer duo Ajay-Atul also.

Well the song 'Chikni Chameli' which is driving everyone crazy is actually inspired from the popular Marathi song Kombdi Palali, composed by Ajay-Atul for a Marathi film called JATRA in 2007.

When their cult Marathi song released it became a colossal hit and a party anthem and now their hot number 'Chikni Chameli' is also topping the charts. A double treat for the twosome!


Ajay-Atul rendered the peppy song 'Chikni Chameli' on the beats of feet-tapping 'Kombdi Palali'. While singer Vaishali Samant has sung the original Marathi song, Shreya Ghoshal has lent her voice for the Hindi version.

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Bollywood box-office report of the week

This Friday's major release is going to be Farhan Akhtar's Shah Rukh Khan andPriyanka Chopra starrer, DON - THE KING IS BACK. There is no doubt that the film will embark on a good to great start and accumulate a huge weekend and get in to the top 3 of the best ever first three days. Having said that the film will have to remain stable even during the weekdays to emerge a clear hit. Needless to add that DON - THE KING IS BACK will do wonderfully in the overseas, challenging the record of the year's best, RA.ONE.

As expected the new releases of last Friday, PAPPU CAN'T DANCE SAALA and JO HUM CHAHEIN, saw a dull to poor run and lost out to the might of Tom Cruise's MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE GHOST PROTOCOL. With DON 2 releasing this week there is no hope for PAPPU CAN'T DANCE SAALA or JO HUM CHAHEIN.

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Will Priyanka make a mark in AGNEEPATH?

If promos of AGNEEPATH are any indication, it is quite apparent that the characters look and behave quite differently when compared to the way Amitabh Bachchan and Mukul S Anand had approached the original film. If Hrithik is seemingly subdued when compared to the full-on attitude persona that Amitabh Bachchan had brought on screen, even Sanjay Dutt is remarkably different from Danny Denzongpa.

"Believe me, Sanjay Dutt too admits that with AGNEEPATH, he has been challenged like never before," says Karan, "Every actor looks forward to this kind of acting challenge once in a while and he is ecstatic to be playing Kaancha Cheena here. The way he has deconstructed himself as an actor is remarkable. He is so thrilled and didn't blink even once when he had to take his eyebrows off for the role. His very look is so menacing that it would be a treat for the audience." 

On the other hand one also tends to question whether the presence of Priyanka Chopra is worthy enough in the film. After all, the character played by actress Madhavi hardly had any contribution to make in yesteryear's AGNEEPATH which leads one to speculate if we can expect a better deal for Priyanka?

"Priyanka's love track here is completely different from what we had seen in the original AGNEEPATH. Right from her character to the look, everything is different. Trust me, in male dominated film like AGNEEPATH, she will leave a solid mark. There could have been no one else but her who could have played Kaali (name of her character) so convincingly," says Karan.

We would like to believe that Karan.

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Shahrukh to overpower Aamir?

Aamir Khan, who has ruled the Christmas season for three consecutive years, is being replaced by none other than Shahrukh Khan this year as he's all geared up to enthrall the audience with his December 23, 2011 release DON 2. But, will King Khan's DON 2 surpass the astonishing Box-office record of Aamir's Christmas releases like TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, GHAJINI and 3 IDIOTS?

Aamir's 2007 release TAARE ZAMEEN PAR made an approximate collection of Rs. 60.835 crore while the 2008 release GHAJINI made around Rs. 115.000 crore and 3 IDIOTS, which released in 2009, grossed nearly 208.000 crore. Since then Aamir is recognized for December bonanzas. But, this year it is superstar Shahrukh who's taking a chance to taste the success.

Interestingly, the dialogue promos and songs of SRK's DON 2 have created the required buzz. A series of DON 2 dialogues have been released which people have liked. Moreover, DON is an established franchise. So SRK can take a sigh of relief. However, his last release RA.ONE which received mixed responses from both critics and audiences may have an adverse effect on DON 2. 

Apart from SRK, Priyanka Chopra's last release 7 KHOON MAAF also proved to be a disaster. But, the actress still remains to be amongst the top actresses in Bollywood and people are once again looking forward to see the sizzling chemistry between Don and his 'Junglee Billi'.

Akshay Kumar  also tried his luck to make the most of the said festive season in 2010. But unfortunately, his December 24 release TEES MAAR KHAN did not fare well at the box-office despite Katrina Kaif 's hot item song 'Sheila Ki Jawani' and huge promotions of the film.

So, will King Khan recreate the magic and surmount Mr. Perfectionist's box-office quotient? Do let us know.

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