Bollywood News

Vinod Chopra Films on Friday anounced that Hindi movie 3 Idiots has broken all records to become the highest grossing film in the overseas market. The Aamir Khan-Sharman starrer has won the hearts of the Chinese audience, who cannot get enough of the Phunsuk Wangdu and the Ranchodas Chanchad characters played by Aamir.

3 Idiots, which released in India in 2009, was released in China just two weeks back with only 900 prints. The movie has become an instant hit there and has collected around Rs 11 Crore in just 14 days.

A delighted CEO, Sameer Rao, talking on behalf of Vinod Chopra Films, said: “Mainland China is the second biggest film market after the US but it is very difficult to enter because only twenty foreign films can be screened in China in a year. After its success in just two weeks, the VCF camp has built high hopes that the movie will have a very long run in the Chinese market." Anil Arjun, the CEO of Reliance Media Works, said, “The message in the film has been the pull factor in the film. Such a great response from a non-traditional territory like China is a welcome phenomenon for the Hindi film market”.

This success in the Chinese market has made 3 Idiots the highest grossing movie in the overseas market with a total of Rs 121 Crore. The success of 3 Idiots has opened doors to other Indian movies in the Chinese market.

Audrey Lee, the owner of the Chinese Distributor Firm Ekdo Films, said: “Films from various countries are given a chance to be released in China under the quota system. As 3 Idiots is doing very well, Indian Films now have a better chance to be released in China.

"The local distributors too shall try hard as they have seen the response an Indian film can get.”

"The dirty Picture" got grabbed maximum eyeballs on the mobile platform, while controversial Poonam Pandey took away the lion's share of views among models, says a survey.The findings have been announced by Vuclip, an independent mobile video company.

Among the most watched Indian videos on mobile, cinema-related content reigned supreme and out of them "The Dirty Picture" was the most watched, with over 13, 24, 000 mobile views, said a press statement.

Content related to Shah Rukh Khan's mega production "RA.One" garnered over 8, 00, 000 video views, which is almost more than double the mobile video views received by content of the much-hyped "Kolaveri di" song from the upcoming Tamil movie "3". Although Dhanush's "Kolaveri Di" was a super hit on youtube, but mobile users showed more interest in singer Sonu Niigaam's four-year-old son Nevaan's version of the same song.

Nevaan's version received over 2, 86, 000 video views compared to Dhanush's Tamil-English number, which just got over 56, 000 views. Among the models, Poonam who came into limelight after announcing that she would strip if India won the World Cup earlier this year, received over 100, 000 mobile video views.

She pipped Pakistani model Veena Malik and Indo-Canadian porn star Sunny Leone. Veena received 18, 697 mobile video views, propelled by the news for her controversial nude picture on a magazine's cover, while Sunny, who caused a flutter with her entry into the reality show "Bigg Boss 5", got less than 2, 500 mobile video views. 

No item numbers, but original peppy compositions - that was the hallmark of Bollywood music in 2011. The first big hit was "Darling", in the powerful resonating voice of Usha Uthup in "Saath Khoon Maaf", while the loud and boisterous Bappi Lahiri composition "Oh la la" in "The dirty Picture" gave partygoers something to gyrate on at New Year parties.Some of the chartbusters brought in a whiff of Spanish and Russian flavour to the music.

Here is a list of 10 most happening songs of 2011:

1. "Darling": In the very beginning, Bollywood was introduced to this addictive number from "Saath Khoon Maaf". The stretched usage of word "darling" in the powerful voice of Usha Uthup coupled with Rekha Bharadwaj's mischievous tone did the trick for the Vishal Bharadwaj composition. The Russian flavour infused in the song managed to captivate listeners.

2. "Sadi galli": Lehmber Hussainpuri's original composition was restricted only to the heartlands of Punjab till composer Krsna discovered it and decided to use the folk number in the film "Tanu Weds Manu". The already popular foot-tapping song caught the pulse of the listeners, thanks to its Punjabi lyrics and entertaining beats. 3. "Chaar baj gaye party abhi baaki hai": The movie "F.A.L.T.U" sank without a trace at the box-office, but the only saviour was the energetic party number "Char baj gaye" by singer Hard Kaur. A Sachin-Jigar composition became so popular that it became a must for discotheques and marriages.

4. "Dhinka chika": It wasn't the signature dance step picturised on Salman Khan with his hands in his pockets that made the "Ready" song a rage. Full on energy, complimented by Mika Singh and Amrita Kak's voice, the infectious composition by guest composer Devi Shri Prasad, who includded sound of whistles and dhols, forced everyone to shake a leg. 

5. "Bhaag dk bose": The double meaning song from "Delhi Belly" had become a national anthem of sorts. Composed and sung by Ram Sampath, the quirky, interesting and upbeat number became an instant hit with listeners. A brave move by the producers and smart execution by Sampath as the lyrics projected the lingo of today's youth.

6. "Sanorita": The idea of using voices of actors Abhay Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar in the fun-loving song from "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" worked in favour of the film. Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the number with Spanish flavour brought in the element of happiness with its happy-go-lucky beats.

7. "Teri Meri": A poignant Love song, it was definitely not Himesh Reshammiya's best composition, but the number stood out in the average music album of "Bodyguard". High on Sufi touch, backed by the soulful voices of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal, it was the only romantic number that made it to the top 10 charts this year.

8. "Chammak Challo": If the Shah Rukh Khan starrer mega-budget film "Ra.One" was the most awaited movie of the year, then the song too created a buzz much before its release. The song, which marks Bollywoood's first musical collaboration with international singer Akon, had Hinglish lyrics and had a repeat value.

9. "Sadda Haq": Music maestro A.R. Rahman might be selective about choosing his projects, but whenever he does, one expects nothing less than a musical treat. For "Rockstar", the composer scored soulful numbers but this power-punched number, sung by Mohit Chauhan, was an instant success.

10. "Ooh la la": Sometimes good things are saved for the last. And it happened when the bling king Bappi Lahiri along with Shreya Ghosal went back into the 1970's era and replicated the magic of nonsensical lyrics, loud beats and peppy song. And it all came together with the song "Ooh la la".

Bigg Boss 5 participant and adult film star Sunny Leone’s popularity is rising up the ladder in India.Sunny Leone has beaten top Bollywood actresses like Katrina Kaif and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and topped the Google search list in India. Meanwhile, Colors channel has launched ‘Vodafone Ek Din Ka Boss’ campaign, an opportunity that allows one lucky Vodafone customer to enter the Bigg Boss House for a few hours. The lucky customer will not only get to meet the contestants currently residing inside the Bigg Boss house, but will also get to share some of the ‘outside secrets’ with them.

The contest, that will be open to all Vodafone customers, will allow them to meet their favourite contestants inside the house. The ‘Vodafone Ek Din Ka Boss’ winner will be announced on 19th December.

Legendary Indian actor Dilip Kumar joined micro-blogging site Twitter on his 89th birthday on Sunday as his fans geared up to connect more with their favourite star. In just two days, his Twitter page "TheDilipKumar", has attracted 15, 659 followers.

His info status on Twitter reads: 'actor, friend, philosopher. more in my tweets'. B-town superstar Amitabh Bachchan was the first person to welcome the icon on Twitter, as he posted: "Please welcome the Master, the Thespian, the Ultimate .. Dilip Kumar, Dilip Saheb, Yusuf Khan on twitter ..ID :@thedilipkumar."

Kumar has tweeted four times since he joined the site. "Thank you all of you who have made my simple life so rich with all your love, " read his first tweet. "It is a true blessing to be so loved and a wonderful feeling to wake up and realise one is younger than was yesterday, " he said.

Sharing his experience on Twitter, the Tragedy King of Hindi cinema posted: "Spent hours on this screen yesterday, read your greetings, your blessings and your prayers. God bless all of you." He also shared his daily activities. "Walked three rounds of Joggers Park with Saira. Now back home." He is following the accounts of two Bollywood stars-Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. 

From "Baazi" in 1951 to "Chargesheet" in 2011, it was an untrammeled joyride through six decades of Bollywood. It's curtains for the ageless Dev Anand, who oversaw the growth of the Hindi film industry from the black and white era to technicolour, and leaves behind a unique legacy of a star who had moved way beyond his cinematic works.He acted, he directed and produced... almost till the end with his last film "Chargesheet" being released this year when he was all of 88 and still raring to go, as ebullient and ageless as ever. Reviewing "Chargesheet", a well known critic put against the rating "irrelevant". It truly didn't matter by then whether the film was good or bad. The much loved legend had given so much through the years that he was forgiven almost everything.

Dev Anand epitomised the suave, urban gentleman who romanced his way through generations of heroines -- from Nalini Jaywant to Zeenat Aman. And of course, his charming persona is incomplete without a mention of his hairstyle, the puff a la Hollywood legend Gregory Peck.

He ruled the black and white era with movies like "Munimji", "CID" and "Hum Dono" and then moved into the coloured age with classics like "Jewel Thief" and "Johny Mera Naam". He provided the launch pad for some of tinsell town's most remembered head-turners like Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim. Active till his last breath with his film projects, Dev Anand was Bollywood's true evergreen living legend. He truly epitomised the philosphy of his song "Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya".

He acted as the lead in more than 110 movies. His 2011 release "Chargesheet", in which he acted and directed as well, became his swan song. The prolific star also released an autobiography "Romancing with Life" in September 2007. Born on Sep 26, 1923 as Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand in Gurdaspur district of then undivided Punjab to an advocate father, he graduated in English literature from the Government College, Lahore (now in Pakistan) before moving to the city of dreams Mumbai, where his elder brother, late filmmaker Chetan Anand, was already finding foothold, to fulfill his acting dreams.

Like others, Dev Anand too had his share of struggle before embarking on his celluloid journey. He worked as a military censor office at Churchgate at a salary of Rs.160 and even joined his brother, Chetan Anand, as a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA).

Destiny, however, had something else in store for him and soon he was offered a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in "Hum Ek Hain" (1946). It was while Shooting for the film in Pune that Dev Anand met Guru Dutt - and was born a friendship destined for greatness. Two years later, the turning point in his career came when he was offered his first big break by Ashok Kumar in Bombay Talkies' hit 1948 movie "Ziddi".

As it happened, Ashok Kumar spotted Dev Anand hanging around in the studios and picked him as the hero for the film.

A genius in his own right, Dev Anand turned producer and launched his production house Navketan in 1949. As a prior commitment, he asked Guru Dutt to direct the banner's first outing - crime thriller, "Baazi" (1951), which made Dev Anand an overnight star and he remained a star till his last breath even six decades later. His good looks turned him into every girl's dream man, but he himself fell for his co-star and the superstar of the era, Suraiya. Their romance blossomed but met with a tragic end when Suraiya's grandmother didn't approve of their alliance and they were forced to part ways.

Heartbroken, Dev Anand married his co-star Kalpana Kartik. Picked from Hollywood actor Gregory Peck, Dev Anand's rapid style of dialogue delivery, his array of hats, jackets and mufflers, and a penchant for nodding while speaking became his trademark.

The style was widely imitated even while some cast aspersions on his acting abilities. He proved naysayers wrong with a Filmfare best actor award for "Kala Pani" (1958). His first colour film, "Guide", which was directed by his brother Vijay Anand, with Waheeda Rehman in 1965, became a cult movie and is remembered as one of his best works.

Music remained a highlight of his films. Can anyone forget songs like "Aankhon hi aankhon mein"; "Gata rahe mera dil"; "Hai apna dil to awara"; "Hum bekhudi mein tumko pukare chale gaye"; "Khoya khoya chand"; "Koi sone ke dilwala"; "Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala"; "Mana janab ne pukara nahi"; "Na tum hame jano"; "Jab pyar kisise hota hai"; and "Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar". His maiden attempt at direction, "Prem Pujari", flopped. But Dev Anand got lucky with his 1971 "Hare Rama Hare Krishna", which launched Zeenat Aman. Later he introduced Jackie Shroff, Tabu and Richa Sharma to filmdom.

He was also the first Hindi film actor who campaigned against the then prime minister Indira Gandhi by launching a political party called the National Party of India, which he later disbanded. After the 1978 hit "Des Pardes", which introduced Tina Munim, his films failed to create a mark. But he was never one to lose heart. And continued making films with energy and zeal. Dev Anand was also honoured with Padma Bhushan for his contribution to the Hindi cinema.

Dev Anand's zest for life will always be remembered.

Evergreen romantic star Dev Anand, who has given classic films like 'Guide' and 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and epitomised the suave, urban gentleman on screen, died after a cardiac arrest in London. He was 88.

Mohan Churiwala, Dev Anand's manager, Said that the actor passed away in a London hotel where he was staying with his son, Sunil, a one-time actor. According to Churiwala, Sunil saw Dev Anand not responding and called the doctor. "The doctor said that he had a heart attack. He died at 10 in the night in London, " he said.

The iconic star is survived by his wife, former actress Kalpana Karthik, Sunil and a daughter.According to Churiwala, the cremation will be held next week in London. "He will be cremated in London only after Tuesday. Cremation cannot take place till his daughter reaches there. His body is kept in a hospital right now, " adding that his wife may also accompany her daughter.

Dev Anand, who started his career in the black and white era with 1946 film 'Hum Ek Hain', spent 65 years under the arc lights as an actor and filmmaker. The actor worked tirelessly, coming up with new films after short intervals. He never hung his boots or sat on his laurels. In fact, before his death, he was planning another movie. His latest film 'Chargesheet', which he acted and directed and was released this year, became his swan song.

His amazing zest for life and dynamism became a source of inspiration for many.

His nephew and acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur summed up his 65-year-long journey in showbiz aptly by saying, "Dev Anand lived n died at his own terms. He was working one minute. Sat down and smiled. And was gone the next. So much 2 learn, " tweeted Kapur, who reconnected with his indefatigable uncle Dev Anand after eight years.

From colleagues to fans - everyone woke up to a rude Sunday morning shock as the news of the legendary actor's passing away in London unfolded here.

Actress Preity Zinta tweeted, "Woke up to the sad News of Dev Saheb's demise! May God give peace to his soul! He inspired us all by living his life 2 the fullest. R.I.P". Abhishek Bachchan, her co-star from "Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom", said: "Never believed I would ever wake up to this news. Very sad!"

Prem Dube, Dev Anand's driver for the last 22 years, said he had not able to stop his tears since morning.

"I have been praying why God did not take me away instead of Dev Anand? He had given his entire life the industry and they needed him… He was himself a God, " Dube said.

A close aide of the deceased actor, Chandra Shekhar, (himself 89), said he was 'shaken' when he heard the news from a friend, the first thing this morning.

"I only wish that this time the news should be wrong… Dev saab had given his soul to the industry and now his life… I personally feel that he could not accept the fate of his latest movie, " Shekhar told IANS.

Dev Anand seemed to have adopted the philosophy of the song "Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" from "Hum Dono", in real life too. His body of work speaks volumes about the man who was not only a great actor, but multi-tasker and a trendsetter.

If as an actor he proved his versatility with hits like "Tere Ghar Ke Samne", "Jewel Thief" and Guide", as a director he made a "zara hatke" movie "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" that also gave Bollywood its first anglicised glamour icon in Zeenat Aman.

He played a long innings in filmdom and saw ups and downs, but his never-say-die spirit reigned supreme. His fans and colleagues still say, "Abhi na jao chodkar ki dil abhi bhara nahin".

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday announced the appointment of actor and producer Aamir Khan as its Ambassador promoting nutrition for children.In his new role, Aamir will participate actively to create a better life for millions of children in India.

As a representative of UNICEF, Aamir will build on his personal interest in children’s issues to support UNICEF’s mission to ensure that every child in this country survives and thrives. “I am honored to formalize my association with UNICEF as their Ambassador to help raise awareness on the issue of malnutrition amongst children.” said Aamir at Wednesday's signing ceremony in Delhi. “Over the past one year, I have worked with the team at UNICEF, partners from the Government, Citizen’s alliance and Prasoon Joshi’s and his team, to create a nationwide campaign against Malnutrition.” 

In India, one out every two children is malnourished, leaving them vulnerable to poor health and disease, particularly children from the country’s most remote and disadvantaged communities. “I realize there is a lot to be done and I hope that by lending my voice I can make a difference to the lives of children and hereby to the future of our country.Partnering with UNICEF will enable me to advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized children in India, ” he said.

Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath and UNICEF Representative in India, Karin Hulshof both welcomed the appointment. “We know Aamir Khan as a leading star of Indian cinema. He is also a compelling advocate, with an enormous drive and commitment, to transform and improve the situation of children in the country, ” Hulshof said.

“I cannot stress enough how fortunate we are to welcome him into the UNICEF family in India. His voice and unwavering commitment will help to reach every child, irrespective of their background, caste or religion. "India is a rising power on the world stage. And yet, so many rights and entitlements of children remain to be fulfilled. Working side by side, we will address this and combine our collective efforts to create a world fit for children, " she said. UNICEF Ambassadors are celebrities with a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of children.

Highly talented in their individual right, they all share an ability to bring children’s issues to attention, to galvanize support from the public and lead decision makers and to raise urgently needed funds for vital UNICEF programmes.

Hollywood star Tom Cruise is coming to India. Yes its official Tom Cruise is coming to India on Dec 2. He will be here for the promotions of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4 GHOST PROTOCOL. Tom Cruise, Anil Kapoor and Viacom 18 will host the biggest India's fan screening where the biggest fans of Tom Cruise will get a chance to see the film, first before the world sees it. 

1500 people will get a chance to see the film two week before its release in India.  1500 people from across India will enter contest and answer simple details about Tom Cruise and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL. Will be flown to Mumbai from various parts of India and will see the film with Tom Cruise. Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, who have all distribution and marketing rights of all Paramount Pictures Films are keeping all information under wraps. 

Anil Kapoor confirms fan screening but adds it's too premature to talk about it.

The actor who has been hunting for space in Bandra to build his dream home, wants one next to Sachin Tendulkar's new abode. Bollywood's perfectionist has been envisioning his dream bungalow for a long time now. And it seems that apart from Aamir Khan's structural plans, he is keen on being neighbour to Sachin Tendulkar. 

A source close to the actor has informed us that Aamir has been scouting around Bandra to find either an old bungalow or a piece of land to build his home. The source explained, "Aamir wants a place in Bandra, but he is willing to settle for a bungalow in Khar too. Although, he has got his heart set on Bandra, as he wants to be neighbours with Sachin Tendulkar. He has gone to view a couple of plots near Sachin's new house on Perry Cross Road." 

"It will be a good investment. He is open to buying an old bungalow and renovating it completely, " added the source.  Apparently, the actor, who already owns a flat in Marina Apartments in Union Park, has been on this quest since 2008. However, back then Aamir was reportedly keen on purchasing a residential society. 

The source explained that a representative from Aamir Khan Productions had approached the owners of a society to buy a 22-apartment complex in Santacruz. But that plan failed and so, the actor is back to square one. "Aamir has dedicated much of his time lately to finding a plot. His present house is not small but he wants a bigger one. He plans to have a large office on the same premises, " said the source.  When contacted, a close friend of Aamir's confirmed the actor's search for a new home, but also informed us that it need not strictly be a bungalow. "He is not ruling out shifting to a posh building. At this point, he doesn't mind either a building or a bungalow, " said the actor's friend.