MASALA MIX: Aamir seeks justice

AAMIR Khan’s television show, Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Prevails), ended last Sunday after three months of prime time screening.

His talk show was aimed at getting his home country to realise the many shortcomings in society.

Among the topics he has discussed are female foeticide, child sex abuse, medical malpractice, scavenging as well as dowry practice. Aamir met Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to ask for action against doctors who have assisted in female foeticide.

“When India’s leaders envisaged building a new nation after independence, the constitution was the foundation stone of this endeavour. We had resolved to establish a sovereign, secular, democratic republic with justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for all. After 65 years of independence, are we living up to those principles?” asked Aamir in the final episode.

The final instalment also highlighted the efforts of The Sarvodaya Trust in providing shelter to both Hindu and Muslim children after the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, a woman’s efforts to rehabilitate prostitutes and rape victims through non-governmental organisation Prajwala and a wheelchair-bound woman who established an organisation to help the disabled.

Kangana’s directorial debut

BOLLYWOOD actress Kangana Ranaut, who tasted success in Tanu Weds Manu (2011), has tried her hand at directing an untitled short film written in collaboration with an Australian writer, reports NDTV.com. The film, which was shot in Los Angeles,  revolves around a 4-year-old boy and a dog.  The cast and crew were all Americans.

To give directing her best shot, the actress attended many workshops as well as learnt about child psychology to connect with children on the set.

“It took six months of thorough groundwork. I was advised not to work with kids and animals, but my script demanded it. Kaden (the boy) is very little. We had to place hidden cameras, play games and pretend to be aliens and trees to get him in the frame. But it was fun, he is adorable. The dog was well-trained and not difficult to work with,” she said.

When asked if she preferred directing over acting, Kangana said: “This is like asking me to choose between apples and oranges... I love them both... But working with an international cast and crew was an amazing experience.”

Shriya’s dance highlight

KOLLYWOOD actress Shriya has performed a classical dance for Tamil-Kannada bilingual film Chandra, reports Southdreamz.com. The dance was shot in Mysore Palace, India’s second most famous tourist attraction after the Taj Mahal. Her dance is expected to be one of the highlights of the film, a romantic love story about a last generation princess played by Shriya. The film is co-directed by Kannada actress and director Roopa Iyer.

Starring opposite Shriya is Ganesh Venkatraman. Others in the cast include Vivek, Vijayakumar and Prem. The film will also be shot in the United States.

Amy and Prateik still an item

RUMOURS have it that British talent Amy Jackson and Prateik Babbar have split after a year-long relationship but her publicist said the couple is only taking a break. The Times of India reported that they are still seeing each other but are busy with their film commitments.  

Their relationship grew on the set of the film Ek Deewana Tha (January 2012) and they have tattoos of each other’s names. It was also reported that Amy moved into Prateik’s apartment months ago and that Amy’s mother likes Prateik.

Last week, some entertainment websites reported that the couple has parted ways due to Prateik’s over-possessiveness. He was in the news previously after breaking up with his former girlfriend for the same reason.

He also admitted in a previous interview that he is possessive. “Giving space to your partner is important but I think every lover gets possessive, especially if he/she is truly in love,” he said.

Rajnikanth to attend Japanese premiere

KOLLYWOOD superstar Rajnikanth may attend a premiere of his film, Kochadaiyaan, in Japan, reports Bollywoodmantra.com.

The film, slated for release on Dec 12, to coincide with the star’s birthday, will be dubbed into many languages, said producer Murli Manohar.

“We’re planning to give Rajini’s fans a treat,” he said. Rajnikanth has a huge following in Japan and all his movies have been dubbed in Japanese. The superstar is said to be learning the language.

His co-star, Deepika Padukone, is expected to accompany him to the premiere. The film will tour Tokyo, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

Kochadaiyaan is directed by Rajnikanth’s daughter, Soundarya.

Shah Rukh’s cameo in Krissh 3

HRITHIK Roshan did a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan’s Don 2.  Now it’s Shah Rukh’s turn to oblige Hrithik with a cameo in Krissh 3, reports The Times of India.

Krissh 3 is about a superhero. Directed and produced by Hrithik’s father Rakesh, work on the movie’s visual effects was done at Shah Rukh’s studio.

Shah Rukh and Hrithik are buddies and their wives, Gauri Khan and Suzanne Roshan, get on very well. They attend many Bollywood parties together.

Krissh 3 is slated for Deepavali release next year.

Russian touch in Maatran

KOLLYWOOD actor Surya’s film, Maatran, will see Russian actresses Julia Blisss and Irina Maleeva in some scenes shot in Russia, reports IndiaGlitz.com. They’ll also appear in a dance number.
Julia was in the Hindi film Ghost (January) as Mary Magdelene while this will be Irina’s debut in Indian cinema.

Maatraan is a Tamil action thriller about twin brothers, played by Surya in a double role, falling in love with the same girl (Kajal Aggarwal). The film is slated for release next month.

 

Kangana Ranaut

Shriya

Amy Jackson and Prateik Babbar

Kochadaiyaan

Shah Rukh Khan

Maatraan

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