In Pics: Salman, Lara and Darsheel walk the ramp at Guru launch

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International Dyslexia Association applauds Taare Zameen Par

For this golden-touch man, it was first wide appreciation from India and now the world. We are indeed talking about Aamir 'The Perfectionist' Khan and his masterwork, Taare Zameen Par. In his blog, he speaks about his 'date' on October 29, when he held a special screening of TZP in Seattle for the IDA (International Dyslexia Association). This was one mega event which was attended by more than 200 members who knew about Dyslexia and worked in the field of learning disabilities. And through this event, Aamir wanted to gauge the responses of the cinegoers from the foreign shores.

The 'screening' ('DVD projection', to be precise) was in a conference room and not in a cinema hall. Much to the surprise of Aamir, the film got itself an absolutely thunderous standing ovation, no sooner the lights were switched on! Not just that, after the screening there were many tear-filled eyes in the audiences. All this simply made Aamir glad that IDA had chosen to screen TZP at their annual conference. The ironical moment of the evening was the eagerness of the audience to know when the film would release in the US. And when they were told that the film has already seen a US release, they all insisted that the film be re-released in theatres, this time for the mainstream American audiences.

One of the important points that came out of the Q&A session was the request from the audience to dub the film in English when re-released in US, as they wanted their children to see the film, but were afraid that the smaller kids will not be able to read the subtitles. Aamir has taken keen interest into this matter with an assurance that 'at the very least, the DVD release in US can incorporate an English dubbed version'.

Aamir ends his blog saying that he didn't get much sleep that night (October 29), and that this time, it was him and not Tom Hanks, who was sleepless in Seattle! Well Aamir, with TZP being a front-runner at the Oscars, your fans (including us) will be totally sleepless till the results are announced!

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Aamir Khan speaks about TZP being sent as India's entry to the Oscars

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Taare Zameen Par is India's official entry to the Oscars

The verdict is finally out. Aamir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par, which won the hearts of audiences world over, has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars.

The heartwarming story of a dyslexic child (portrayed by Darsheel Safary) and his supportive teacher (played by Aamir himself) was both a critical and commercial success. Taare Zameen Par edged out competition such as Jodhaa Akbar and A Wednesday to be chosen as India's official entry to the prestigious Academy awards.

Last time around Aamir Khan Productions' Lagaan made it to the Final 5 nominated films in the Best Foreign Film category. Now producer-director Aamir Khan would be hoping that Taare Zameen Par not just finds a nomination in the Top 5, but also bags the coveted trophy.

Here's wishing Aamir and the entire team of Taare Zameen Par heartiest congratulations and loads of luck for their Oscar campaign.

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Salman, Saif and Kareena at the 11th Annual Rajiv Gandhi Awards 2008

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Saif Ali Khan, Lara Dutta, Darsheel Safary receive the Rajiv Gandhi award

Saif Ali Khan had more reasons than one to celebrate over the weekend. While the actor brought in his birthday (Aug 16) with family and friends by his side at a bash hosted by beau Kareena Kapoor, he also added yet another award to his growing list of awards.

Saif Ali Khan was awarded the Best Actor trophy at the 11th Annual Rajiv Gandhi Awards 2008. The event, which took place at N.C.P.A. (Mumbai) yesterday (Aug 17) saw some rocking performances by top Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rakhi Sawant and music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Besides Saif, other Bollywood personalities who walked away with the award included Lara Dutta (Best Actress) and Darsheel Safary (Child Prodigy).

The Rajiv Gandhi awards are held annually and honor people from different walks of life who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.

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Taare Zameen Par DVD launch in a complete Masti Ki Paathshala

Attending the DVD launch of Taare Zameen Par literally took me back to my school days. After all, I was seated in the midst of some 200 odd children dressed in their crisp white uniform at the Green Lawns High School, Mumbai. The school which has given India one of the youngest and brightest actors- Darsheel Safary surely was all set for the big day as the cast and crew of Taare Zameen Par arrived to launch the DVD this morning.

Even before the function actually commenced, Darsheel's class-mates and other students of the school were all excited waiting for the actors to arrive. Among the first to come were actors Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma (who played Darsheel's parents in the film). They were soon joined by young Sachet Engineer (who plays Darsheel's loving elder brother in the film). However, the kids in the audience went into frenzy when the bright shining star Darsheel Safary walked in wearing a blue T-shirt and a yellow and red jacket. Darsheel was his mischievous self and was seen enjoying himself signing autographs for his own school-mates. All eyes were now waiting for the man of the moment - Aamir Khan to make an appearance. The wait was not too long as Aamir arrived amidst a huge roar from the kids present. He was soon joined on the dais by the principal of the school Mrs. Bajaj and the cast and crew of the film including music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Bhushan Kumar of T-Series.



Speaking on the occasion, Aamir said, "It's a great feeling to have the whole Taare Zameen Par team here for the launch of the DVD. Usually, I am very famous for taking my own sweet time to do things. I released the DVD of Lagaan after 6 years; the Taare Zameen Par DVD has been launched in a little over 6 months, so I think that's an improvement." He even had special words of praise for main protagonist Darsheel Safary whom he called on the stage a vivacious brat, "Darsheel is a very happy child, full of life and vibrant. I am sure it's because of the way his parents and teachers have treated him. I must say Darsheel's principal Mrs. Bajaj has been extremely supportive and encouraging. The true test of any school is how happy the kids are and by the looks of it, the children here seem really happy", he said amidst a thunderous applause from the kids.

Finally, it was time for the DVD to be launched and Aamir invited Darsheel's principal Mrs. Bajaj to do the honors. The DVD is a complete collector's delight and is a must have for every parent and child. After the official launch of the DVD, it was time for some fun and frolic as Aamir invited composers' Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy to sing a few songs. Shankar crooned the soulful number 'Maa' from TZP and Aamir along with Shankar later sang a few lines from 'Bum Bum Bole'. Aamir even invited 2 children from the audience who joined Shankar for a song. Finally just as Aamir was about to leave, the kids in the audience asked the 'Perfectionist' Khan to hum a few lines from the current smash hit 'Pappu Can't Dance Saala'. Aamir who initially was a little hesitant gave in to the kids demands and along with Shankar even crooned the hit number from 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na'.

As the event came to a close, a good time was had by one and all and the school kids surely wouldn't have felt like going back to their classrooms.

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Aamir Khan to launch TZP DVD at Darsheel Safary's school in Mumbai

Aamir Khan's blog is testimonial to the number of requests that he has been getting to launch the DVD of Taare Zameen Par soon. The DVD of Aamir Khan Productions' first film Lagaan was launched after almost six years; however with Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan was very keen to launch it immediately as it is an important film in respect of child education.

Aamir Khan has been working relentlessly for the last six months and has even added some interesting features to make the DVD a collector's delight.

Now for all you die-hard Taare Zameen Par fans, who have been waiting for the DVD since months, here is some good news. Aamir has decided to launch the DVD of Taare Zameen Par tomorrow (July 25) and that too in a function to be held at Darsheel Safary's school Green Lawns at Warden Road, Mumbai. Trust the Perfectionist Khan to do things differently and in grand style; the DVD would be launched by none other than Darsheel's school principal. Apparently, Aamir strongly feels that principals and school teachers play a key role in the education of a child. In fact Darsheel Safary's principal sets an example of how educators should allow a child to follow their dreams. She has been very important in giving Darsheel permission to shoot and adjusting his education on sets.

Hence, Aamir thought the she would be the right person to launch the DVD of this sensitive film. Well, with the DVD launch happening tomorrow, its time to rush to your nearest store to grab a copy of this landmark film.

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Darsheel Safary becomes a cover boy

After Taare Zameen Par, its child protagonist Darsheel Safary has always been in the news, despite the fact that he hasn't signed a single film after that. So you may wonder what's keeping little Darsheel busy?

Well its endorsements, public appearances at events, presence on T.V. shows and of course now he has even joined the bandwagon of stars who feature on the cover page of magazines. Yes, the child prodigy is seen on the cover of the magazine 'Child' (May 2008 issue). As the name suggests 'Child' is a magazine that talks about raising kids in a healthy and happy way.

Hence, it comes as no wonder to see probably the most recognized child artiste on the cover page. In an exclusive interview, Darsheel even shows his playful and mischievous side. He talks about his hobbies, his fascination for gizmos and his love for his kid sister whom he fondly calls as Neju-Peju.

A rare vacation treat this for all kids and mommies alike.

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Bollywood awards forego politics to reward deserving recipients

It was supposed to be an evening of mishaps, chaos, and terrible organization. This was what was expected if previous Bollywood award shows are anything to go by.

Fortunately, for film fans, this award function was different. Yes the venue was hot, the organization chaotic and the show began late and finished later. But the galaxy of stars that descended on London during the Lux Zee Cine Awards 2008 and the deserved award choices themselves more than made up for any shortcomings.

Opening with a great tribute to yesteryears stars courtesy of Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma team, film fans were delighted to see a young boy render a few lines from Junglee while being spurred on by the great Shammi Kapoor. Zeenat Aman, Padmini Kohlapure, Poonam Dhillon, Govinda and Fardeen Khan were also targeted in what was a sweet nod to the songs of Hindi cinema through the ages and those who made them their own. Once Karan Johar and Sajid Khan appeared on stage they made it known they would pull no punches in poking fun at the mad world that is a kaleidoscope of colors. Delivering quips in good faith, they gave the Oscars a run for their money where entertaining and self-deprecating hosts are concerned. Chunky Pandey followed this tradition by pushing the envelope further and drew ecstatic laughs.

Performance wise the only highlights were an acapella piece by British sens-asian Jay Sean and his crew who captivated an audience with no orchestra, just simple beats, and harmonies. The sight of these three young men in comparison to the elaborate dances that had preceded them, were a testimony to the fact that talent can manifest in small numbers as well as droves. Completely in his element, Jay Sean ruled the stage as he has often done on an international stage and delivered notes that had some of the audience's women weak at the knees. The other note-worthy performance was a fun-filled song from Om Shanti Om where Shah Rukh Khan left his audience breathless; reminding them how much fun they keep missing when he's not on tour. Hands clapped, people cheered and dancing in the aisles was no longer relegated to Indian cinemas as a host of Bollywood stars got London out of their seats to groove to the infectious beat in a sequence that celebrated the film fraternity's bond of brotherhood. With appearances on stage from Arjun Rampal, Saif Ali Khan, Neha Dhupia, Dia Mirza, Dino Morea, and others, shuffling in and out of the wings akin to the magical moments created in the film version.

The not-so-noteworthy performances came from Vidya Balan who failed to translate her grace and mastery of the screen onto the stage. Upen Patel, the much-hyped bad boy of Britain proved to only be terrible at oozing charisma, failing to ignite, excite, or entertain. Seeing his performance and the over-the-top attitude he portrays in his sluggish dancing only re-ascertains the fact that the new crowd have a lot to learn from the real pros. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor delivered decent acts but did a by-the-books routine which only mirrored what they had done elsewhere. Katrina Kaif performed well but her confidence slipped to nervousness at regular points bringing down what could have been strong debut performance on an international stage.

Among the biggest highlights of the evening were the awards, which saw artistes who had been previously overlooked get their just rewards. Aamir Khan, known for not attending award functions has often been neglected from the scene for this very reason, but his film was given two gongs in the Best Director and Most Promising Child Debut categories. Govinda got a Best Supporting Actor award for Partner, an important award to an artiste who was not considered an actor for years, peaked in the 90's then disappeared off the screen only resurfacing in recent times to as much love as he generated 15 years ago. Shilpa Shetty won the Best Supporting Actress award and dedicated her award to London, a city that has given her so much in recent times, and to Metro - the film that gave her a good role, a brilliant script and an opportunity to break the mould and conventions of popular commercial cinema to widespread attention.

The Best Actor in a Negative Role went to Arjun Rampal for Om Shanti Om. It was a moment when a hardworking actor who has given his all to his profession and not coasted through it like some of his contemporaries, was finally given acceptance. Arjun Rampal has always set the screen on fire but his looks have often overshadowed the intensity and depth he can bring to a role. He deserved this long-overdue accolade and I'll go on record to say he deserves a Best Actor award next year for his work in the forthcoming The Last Lear, which has been delayed by almost a year but still looks fresh in a timeless tale of obsession, passion and movies. What is interesting is that this young man has still not peaked in an arena where he continues to grow on screen, watching newcomers around him arrive and leave without finding their footing, proving that the industry would do wise to invest more in those who have a reservoir of untapped talent rather than try to find fresh faces. The Best Actor award went to Shah Rukh Khan for Chak De! India (also the recipient of the Best Film award), Best Actress to Kareena Kapoor for Jab We Met and Best Music to AR Rahman for Guru.

If Indian cinema has truly begun to recognize and reward its finest talents rather than succumb to continuing a trend, which simply saturates the whole notion of awards, this is only the beginning of a new renaissance of Bollywood fever.

Fuad Omar

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Darsheel is the brand ambassador of Horlicks

After his heart-warming performance as Ishaan Awasthy in Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par, child-wonder Darsheel Safary is in demand. The actor is yet to sign his next project but has been getting many film and endorsement offers.

The latest is that Darsheel has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Horlicks. We got in touch with Darsheel's business manager to get some more details. "Yes, Darsheel has signed a deal with Horlicks. He is their ambassador. He has been drinking Horlicks since he was 3 years old and really loves the drink. So the moment he got this offer, he was very excited to be a part of it. He has already shot for a promo film directed by Vivek Kamath which is already on air", she informs.

So has Darsheel signed any other endorsement or film deal? , "No, nothing as of now except Horlicks. There are some things which are in the process and yet to be worked out. He hasn't even signed any film as of now." clarifies Darsheel's business manager.

Well, after his spectacular debut…we just can't wait to see more of this child prodigy.

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IIFA nominations out, Taare Zameen... misses out

New Delhi: Just as most things come full circle, so did this – the brand ambassador of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), Amitabh Bachchan had set in motion the voting process for IDEA-IIFA Awards 2008 by casting the first vote a few weeks ago. And today, at the IIFA meet in the Capital, the Big B was present when the nominees were announced.

Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor were nominated in the best actor category while Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Tabu and Vidya Balan were nominated in the best actress catagory.

Nominees for the best director included Anurag Basu, David Dhawan, Imtiaz Ali, Mani Ratnam, Priyadarshan and Shimit Amin.

And Guru, Chak De India, Jab We Met, Om Shanti Om, Partner and Life in a Metro were nominated in the category for the best film.

Surprisingly, Taare Zameen Par did not receive any nominations as only those producers who had submitted their films to the IIFA panel were considered.

With a viewership of almost 600 million, the IIFA awards are among the world's most-watched entertainment events.

This year the prestigious awards will be held in Bangkok in June.

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Darsheel is in talks for a film called Dedh with Sanjay Dutt

Ever since Darsheel Safary became the youngest superstar
of Bollywood, speculation has been rife about which film Darsheel would do next.

After the release of Taare Zameen Par, the young prodigy’s parents were very sure that the boy would concentrate on his studies and go back to his normal life. But then the offers got more and more lucrative.

And the one tempting Darsheel out of his determination to stay away from the movies is Sanjay Dutt.

The film to be produced by Sunil Shetty’s Popcorn Entertainment proposes to bring Dutt and Darsheel together.

Entitled Dedh (1½ ) the comedy is to be helmed by the One Two Three director Ashwani Dhir.

Says the director, “Sanjay Dutt has been finalised for the project. We need to work out the dates. As for the boy, yes we do want Darsheel and are trying for him. Let’s see.”

Says a source, “See, the Sanjay Dutt film with another kid is just one more film. But Dutt and Darsheel.
That rocks!”

Dhir isn’t the only director wooing Darsheel for a post-TZP encore. Several other filmmakers have the same idea. Debutante director Vikram Singh’s forthcoming mama-bhanja tale Mastang Mama which stars Ruslaan Mumtaz as the young and hip uncle wants Darsheel to play the nephew.

Says Ruslaan, “It’s about two brats one grown-up and the other a kid. Darsheel would be ideal. But I believe he’s too expensive.”

Subash K. Jha

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Darsheel Safary demands 75 lakh!

Post his impressive performance in Taare Zameen Par and several awards later, Darsheel Safary is demanding 75 lakh per film, or so I am told.

A top director was shocked to hear this price when he approached Darsheel. The director, who doesn't want to disclose his name, said, "I think he can't digest the success of Taare Zameen Par. I think his nomination for the best actor award is another reason. Who will give him 75 lakh? Can he give another TZP? That is impossible. Now, it's become a fashion in Bollywood – give one hit, and increase your price."

Tch, tch, Darsheel, take it easy, will you!

Buzz18

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Rashtrapathi beckons Aamir!

Look who received a call from the Rashtrapathi Bhavan! Aamir Khan indeed. No Aamir is not going to support anyone in the political front or is he going to join any party. So what is the 'asli' reason?

Our first lady Ms. Prathiba Patil had expressed a desire to watch the film 'Taare Zameen Par' directed by the perfectionist actor Aamir Khan. It happened on Sunday when Aamir Khan along with Darsheel was present at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan for a special screening of this film for our President.

Reports indicate that Madam President who was very particular to watch this film was lacking the time to do so for all these days. When she called on Aamir the actor, who was busy with his shooting for the Hindi remake of 'Ghajini' despite his busy schedule took his time off to screen the film to the President.

Reports suggest that Aamir was immensely happy that the president had all good things to say about the film, and she has also urged him to come out with films having a good message for the society. The president also hosted a party in praise of the actors for their excellent performance in this film.

Darsheel Safrey for his performance in 'Taare Zameen Par' walked away with the critics' award for the best actor in the film and Aamir Khan walked away with the Filmfare award for the best director for this film which is his very first.

IndiaGlitz

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Winners of 53rd Annual Filmfare Awards

Best Actor
Shahrukh Khan - Chak De India

Best Actress
Kareena Kapoor - Jab We Met

Best Film
Taare Zameen Par

Best Director
Aamir Khan - Taare Zameen Par

Critics' Award For Best Actor
Darsheel Safary - Taare Zameen Par

Critics' Award For Best Actress
Tabu - Cheeni Kum

Critics' Award For Best Film
Shimit Amin - Chak De India

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)
Irrfan Khan - Life in a... Metro

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)
Konkana Sen Sharma - Life in a... Metro

Best Lyrics
Prasoon Joshi - (Maa - Taare Zameen Par)

Best Playback Singer (Male)
Shaan - (Jab Se Tere Naina - Saawariya)

Best Playback Singer (Female)
Shreya Ghosal - (Barso Re - Guru)

Best Music
A. R. Rahman - Guru

Best Story
Amol Gupte - Taare Zameen Par

Best Screenplay
Anurag Basu - Life in a... Metro

Best Dialogue
Imtiaz Ali - Jab We Met

R. D. Burman Award
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Rishi Kapoor

Power Awards
Yash Chopra & Aditya Chopra

Best Debut (Male)
Ranbir Kapoor - Saawariya

Best Debut (Female)
Deepika Padukone - Om Shanti Om

Best Special Effects
Red Chillies Entertainment - Om Shanti Om

Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award
Deepika Padukone

Best Background Score
A. R. Rahman - Guru

Best Editing
Amitabh Shukla - Chak De India

Best Choreography
Saroj Khan (Barso Re Megha Re - Guru)

Best Action
Rob Miller - Chak De India

Best Art Direction
Samir Chanda - Guru

Best Sound
Leslie Fernandes - Johnny Gaddaar

Best Cinematography
Sudhip Chatterjee

Best Costumes
Sujata Sharma - Gandhi My Father

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