Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar is 80 today

Bollywood wishes Nightingale of India the very best

Eight decades and 30,000 songs later, her voice continues to inspire a nation. As Lata Mangeshkar turns 80 today, everyone in Bollywood queued up to wish her.

The Bharat Ratna recipient, who has lent her voice to songs in over 20 Indian languages, is known for her quest for perfection.

From light classical music to film songs and from ghazals to bhajans and pop, she has sung a variety of numbers. Having worked with almost all top music composers and singers in the industry, Lata has also featured in the Guinness Book of Records from 1974 to 1991 for having made the most recordings in the world.

IANS spoke to members of Bollywood, who wished the queen of melody and prayed for her long and healthy life.

Yash Chopra: On the occasion of her 80th birthday, I would like to wish Lataji, who has had a long-lasting relationship with Yash Raj Films, happiness, happiness and more happiness with a sincere prayer that she remain forever young.

Karisma Kapoor: I would like to wish Lataji a very happy birthday. The songs that she has sung for my grandfather don't need any explanation. I just want to ask her: how does she still sing so melodiously even at this age?

Prasoon Joshi: My best wishes to Lataji on her birthday. I feel so fortunate that my entry in Bollywood was marked by a song sung by her. I wrote my first song for her, which was the title track of "Lajja". It was totally a dream come true. Then luck again favoured me when I wrote Luka chhupi for her in the film Rang De Basanti. I feel extremely humbled to write songs for someone as great as her.

Kunal Kohli: What can one say about a living legend like Lataji and who am I to say something? I don't think a word has been created to describe her and her contribution to Hindi film music. My best wishes to her for a long and healthy life.

Mohit Chauhan: I give my heartiest congratulations to the melody queen. I wish more and more years added to her life. Since childhood I have been listening to her songs and she is still my favourite singer.

Sunidhi Chauhan: Words can't express what I feel about her. I only wish that she lives for ever and ever.

Kailash Kher: Whatever she has achieved till now and the way she sings even till today is just miraculous. A normal person can't do that. I won't call her just a singer; she is music to me. She is a blessing to the nation and all Indians should hope and pray for her long life and good health for many years to come. I wish her a long and healthy life.

Manoj Bajpai: May she live and sing for another 1,000 years. I doubt we will ever have another Lataji. Her voice is a miracle of god. A very happy birthday to her.

Sukhwinder Singh: Lataji's is the voice of the millennium. She is truly an international artist and one of her own kind. For her birthday I just want to say that I hope she lives for 1,000 years.

Anand Raj Anand: A very happy birthday to a living legend - Lataji.

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Film faternity gives Shiney Ahuja a clean chit

Bollywood is shell-shocked by the Shiney Ahuja maid episode. There is widespread disbelief that the actor could have shamed the industry in such a manner. They wonder how the nice guy Shiney could have resorted to such a heinous act. His co-stars, directors and producers react...

Shilpa Shetty: It's shocking! I can't believe it. We don't know for sure what transpired between Shiney and the girl and we really can't say what the truth us. But if it really happened it's sad.

Sudhir Mishra: As I was shooting, I woke up late on Sunday to confusing stories about Shiney. What can I say? The Shiney that I know and the Shiney that I hear about now are two different entities. Though he has been a little upset with me for six months because I was working with other actors, we're very close. Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi was not just the film that launched him but it was also a turning point in my career. It bonded us for a lifetime. There were so many women on the sets and they never had any complaints about Shiney's behaviour. In fact, Shiney did a film with my assistant Ruchi Narain called Kal. He was always a thorough gentleman. I am sure there's some misunderstanding here.

Mahesh Bhatt: The news has shocked and shamed us. The Shiney who worked with us in Gangster and Woh Lamhe is not the demon that surfaced in the media on Sunday night. If what is alleged is proved in the courts we must condemn the dastardly deed with all our might. Our outrage cannot be selective.

Pritish Nandy: The matter is under investigation. I strongly believe in justice taking its own course. However I feel too many people are jumping to too many conclusions. Let's not judge Shiney until the investigations are concluded.

Anurag Basu: I'm in a state of shocked disbelief. This has got to be conspiracy to malign him. Shiney has done two of his best films with me. We've bonded over a long period of time. Never has there been even a hint of bad behaviour from him. I wouldn't have tolerated it. I remember once long ago a spotboy had behaved badly with a lady on my sets, I had fired him immediately. One has to be very careful about these things. It's not fair to try Shiney on television. Let the law decide. I'll believe it only if Shiney himself tells me. He has worked with some of the most beautiful heroines. No one has ever had any grievance against him. I feel this is a trap to malign him.

Chitrangada Singh: I worked with him in two films. It's very shocking and unfortunate. Though I didn't know him personally, I felt he was a nice guy on the sets. He kept a bit aloof. Quiet and ambitious. He got along with people just fine. I hope the investigations are fair. And that someone doesn't get punished for being a celebrity. He seems to have said it was consensual sex. I think it takes courage to own up. I hope he stays strong though this. People do make mistakes. One has to pay for wrongs done. But the punishment should be fair. And if there's been a rape, justice has to be done to the girl."

Mukesh Bhatt: I'm appalled by the way the electronic media has already labelled Shiney a rapist. You can't do this to a man who has a family, career and a bright future. Punish him by all means, if he's guilty. But let the law decide that. How do we know what really happened? Anyone can say anything about someone in the light. Suppose they had consensual sex? Shiney is a successful man. This behaviour seems so out of character and so absurd.

Kunal Kohli: I worked briefly with Shiney in Fanaa. This is indeed very sad. Rape is the worst crime a man can commit against a woman. If he's guilty then it's really very shocking and shameful. Any rapist should be dealt with in the severest way.

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In Pics: Saaransh Premiere

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Imran Khan makes Kunal unhappy

Kunal Kohli hasn’t had lady luck on his side for a long time now. After a series of flop films, the director has had to break free from the Yash Raj clan to produce films on his own.

Adding to the trouble is a rumour that the director gave his latest scripts to the two new leading actors, Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan, with the same script. While Kunal wanted to keep the issue under wraps, he commented that he trusted Ranbir not to let the cat out of the bag while he refused to comment about Imran.

The film fraternity isn’t too happy with this behaviour of Imran’s either.

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Directors pick Rani's best

Rani Mukerji turns 31 today. As she celebrates her birthday, we spoke to some of the directors she has worked with and they are well, (almost) unanimous in their decision that Black is her best performance so far. Read on to find out.

Vikram Bhatt, Director, Ghulam: Black would be my favourite performance of Rani Mukerji. It takes a lot of courage for an actress to de-glamorize herself and makes faces. It is very important for actresses to look pretty all the time and for an actress to sell all that for a performance that it noticed in mainstream Bollywood is commendable

Goldie Behl, Director, Bas Itna sa Khwaab Hai: I think everyone’s favourite performance if Rani would have to be Black and there are no two ways about it. I was awestruck by the way she carried herself and communicated without saying a single word. It was a sensational performance right from the first frame where she walks towards the Church.

Tarun Mansukhani, Assistant Director on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Paheli and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: I loved Rani in Black. My favourite scene in the movie is when she calls her mother to tell her she has failed. It is am amazing piece of work to say so much without speaking a word. She makes you cry and feel your own failures and then realize that we are all the same and go through the same emotions in life.

Aziz Mirza, Director, Chalte Chalte: Rani is a very fine, natural actress. No matter what the roles, she shines in all her performances. I can’t pick a favourite performance. She was brilliant in Black and very good in Chalte Chalte.

Ravi Chopra, Director, Baabul: Black has to be Rani’s best performance. She was terrific, she made me believe she was the character she was playing and not anyone else. You felt for her character. My favourite scene was the last scene in which she gets her degree.

Kunal Kohli, Director, Hum Tum, Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic: My favourite Rani film and performance would have to be Hum Tum. It was the first film with which I got success and she got her first best actress awards at all the functions. More importantly, she was a big support to me during the making of the film and I will always remember her very warmly for that.

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That's not me!

In a recent interview, Kunal Kohli mentioned how Malaika Arora was the inspiration behind Amisha Patel's character in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. In fact, Amisha's character is even called Malaika. She dresses sexily and is a complete air head, whose only aim in life is shopping and partying. However, Malaika hasn't taken too kindly to Kunal's portrayal of her. "That's not me!", she says.

Were you aware that Amisha's character in TPTM is based on you?
I had no idea, none whatsoever. It totally caught me by surprise.

Have you watched the film?
I have watched it. It was only then that I realised Amisha is named after me.

In an interview, Kunal admits that Amisha's character is inspired by you.
There's nothing similar between Amisha and me in the film. Apart from the fact that we both share the same name, I don't dress up or behave like her. I look at it as art and that's always exaggerated on big screen.

Did Kunal inform you about basing a character on you?
No he didn't. It would have been nice had he told me. Not that I hold it against him, as its too trivial. I know him personally. But I feel like what he has shown is a total distorted depiction of who I am. There's no angle that I can think of where I can relate to Amisha's character in the film. I am nothing like that, so in a way, that's a wrong portrayal of me.

In the film, Malaika only wears sexy clothes and is a complete airhead. Does that offend you?
As I said before I look at it as art. I am not taking it seriously. I am nothing like the Malaika in the film. I think am just going to laugh about this whole thing!

You are a dutiful mother, while Malaika in the film dumps her boyfriend when she finds out he has kids that she will have to look after…
Exactly, my point is that I wouldn't react to situations the way she has. I am just not that kind of a person.

Did you talk to Kunal after watching the film?
I did speak to him and told him that he must have been a huge fan of mine to do something like this!

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Rani to showcase just one outfit in 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic'

Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee, who is often admired for the elaborate saris and dresses she flaunts in her films, will be sporting just one outfit in her forthcoming film "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic".

"I wanted to create an iconic figure. If you look at Superman, Mr. India, Gabbar Singh and Mogambo, they all wear the same outfits in their films," Kunal Kohli, the co-producer, director and writer of the film said on the phone from Mumbai.

"I don't know whether it would succeed or not but that is what I wanted," he added.

Her outfit is a one-layered affair crafted by fashion designer Manish Malhotra. The film, starring Rani, Saif Ali Khan and four children, was premiered on Friday.

The film also gave Rani the opportunity to enact a scene while suspended in midair.

"It was for the first time that I got to hang from a harness while shooting for the film. I was very excited," Rani said.

The film revolves around four children and a man whom they hate - till God sends down an angel to sort their lives out.

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Lazy Lamhe’s crazy times

A feverish Ameesha, chilly weather and Saif-Rani’s speedboat trips marred the shoot of Kunal Kohli’s film

Kunal Kohli insists he doesn’t believe in the concept of item songs. He refuses to label the song Lazy Lamhe shot on Rani, Saif and Ameesha in a remote villa in Alibaug as an item song.

Instead he calls it a sensous song in the league of the Kaatein nahi katate track shot on Sridevi in Mr India.

However, shooting for this particular song was quite an ordeal for the director.

Talking about the shoot that involves Ameesha getting into a Manish Malhotra swim suit, Kunal says, “We had actually planned for an eight-day shoot but we ended up spending more than that.

Both Saif and Rani would take private speedboats from the Gateway of India to come to the location everyday.

In fact, I didn’t even know there was a private gate opposite the Taj hotel that was used to hire private speedboats.

Since Saif didn’t want to stay at the location, he would land up at Gateway at 7.30 in the morning and take the boat to Alibaug. He did this everyday. It would take him about 20 minutes to reach Alibaug.”

Kunal adds that Ameesha developed fever during the shoot of the song and they had to stop the shoot. “We were shooting in January when it was quite chilly.

The entire pool was freezing, and since Ameesha had to get in the water we had to heat up the entire pool every time she stepped in. That took us over two weeks.”

Apart from the shoot at the resort, Kunal has also shot underwater for portions in the song. “This isn’t just a sensous song, it’s a part of the film and there’s a plot happening in it. We used a special camera for the underwater scenes and also had someone do the visual effects.”

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Magic or Magick

After an impressive Hum Tum, and just-about-average Ta Ra Rum Pum, will Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji create magic in their next film Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic?

The numerologists don’t think so. Numerologist Niraj Mancchanda says, “Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic comes to a number 13.

That means ‘expect the unexpected’. Not only the title, but even Kunal’s company’s name also comes to a number 13. Thus, the movie will fail at the box office.

But since the film was completed without any title, and the title was finalised only recently, Kunal will make a great film that’ll garner rave reviews, but the box office collections will not be great. In fact the collections will be below expectations!”

Numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi suggests that Kunal should add an extra ‘K’ to the title. “Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magick will create the karishma which the makers want at the box office,” he says. Now, will it be ‘magic’ or ‘magick’ for Saif and Rani? That remains to be seen.

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Rani McPhee

Aditya Chopra remade Nanny McPhee as Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, after the actress recommended it

Fly With Me! (Leftt) Rani Mukerji in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic; Grounded? (Right) A still from Nanny McPhee

Ever since Kunal Kohli began work on his next, starring Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan, the project has been touted to be a remake of Mary Poppins.

However it is now learnt that the Yash Raj film, which was recently titled Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (TPTM), is also greatly inspired from a more recent Hollywood film — Nanny McPhee.

The 2006 Emma Thompson-starrer had the actress play a nanny with magical powers. She pays a visit to Colin Firth, a single parent with six kids. While Colin and the kids don’t get along, it’s Nanny McPhee who brings a truce between the two.

TPTM has a man (Saif) living with four kids who is visited by a fairy (Rani). The film also has elements of magic and romance.

On being asked if his film bore a resemblance to Nanny McPhee, Kunal remarks, “I’m just waiting to be told about the next film I’m inspired from.”

But the source informs, “It was Rani who watched Nanny McPhee on a flight and suggested it should be remade. She had a word with producer Aditya Chopra who hadn’t seen the film.

Rani was quite impressed with McPhee. She was heard telling close friends how the film had all the right elements for a B-Town film. Her only concern was that unlike the original, the fairy in the remake had to be up to B-Town’s standards — good-looking and glamorous.”

Apparently, Aditya, who watches a lot of foreign flicks, asked for a copy of Nanny McPhee and was impressed with the storyline. “He went ahead with Rani’s suggestion and Indianised it.

In TPTM, Rani plays a mediator between Saif and his kids. Eventually there’s romance between the two, while Ameesha plays the third angle,” adds the source.

Tushar Joshi

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Kunal Kohli’s title in trouble

Kunal Kohli announced his forthcoming film’s title on Wednesday. After a long wait he titled it as Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic but he wasn’t aware that the similar title has already been registered by another producer.

According to actor turned producer Sahil Chadha, he has registered the same title in 2006. He confirms “Yes it’s true. I had my title Thoda Life Thoda Magic registered two and half years back when I thought of making a film. A friend from the media informed me about Kunal Kohli’s film title Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic which is the same as my film’s title.”

However Chadha has already taken action and informed IMPA about it. He says, “I tried to contact Kunal regarding the same but have not managed to talk to him yet. His title is the same as my title and the audience may get confused by that. I have sent a letter to IMPA regarding the same.”

Kunal Kohli’s film revolves around Saif - a rich man, four orphan kids and Rani, who plays the role of an angel who comes in their lives to help them get rid of their worries. On the other hand Sahil Chadha’s film is about a man who believes in living life by spreading magic in others life. It is a feel good film. Jackie Shroff will be the main protagonist of the film. It also stars Mira Vasudevan, Salhil Chadha Arbaaz Khan and Anita Raaj in prominent roles.

According to Chadha his film is ready for release and he is planning to release it in May. Interestingly Kunal Kohli’s film releases at the same time in the same month. He further continues, “I have no objection if they change the title to Thoda Magic Ho Jaye . It’s a Yash Raj film and I have grown up watching their movies. I have nothing against them but the similar title will create confusion for audience.”

However, the title fight is not new for Yash Raj Films. Before this they had to face similar problems for Saif and Rani starrer Ta Ra Rum Pum . It can be recalled that Pradeep Sarkar’s Laga Chunari Main Daag was earlier registered by Producers Himanshu Joshi and Hirachand Jogani of Bhoomi Shree Pictures. Though Yash Raj Films had requested them to give this title, the producers refused. Hence Yash Raj had to register it as Laaga Chunari Mein Daag - The Journey Of A Woman.

Hope Kunal’s film gets right title.

Reshma Kelkar

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Ameesha Patel in Kunal Kohli's Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

Yash Raj Films and Kunal Kohli are finally out with the name of their forthcoming film starring Rani Mukherjee and Saif Ali Khan. The film is now titled Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. “We just got the title 3 or 4 days back. Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic came by as I was looking for a title that was more relevant in today’s times, something that even a lay man can relate to. The name has to go the beyond the film and should be able to express more. And when we speak of Magic, it’s not ‘jadugar’ magic. It basically, talks about the little magic we need in our lives. Say sometimes you are upset, sad, or down and that little ray of magic works things out. We all need magic in our lives and that’s what the film does. It’s like a silver lining, it’s like the magic of life”, explains Kunal Kohli.

The buzz of Ameesha being in Kunal’s film already gave rise to various rumors of her doing an item number and so on. Clearing all rumors, Kunal states, “It is not an item number. I hate the term ‘item number’ in the first place. Yes, she doing my film but it’s not what you think. Ameesha is doing a guest appearance in the film and it’s a character role, which would also have a song. The song is not an item number but a beautiful and poetic song. She would have scenes as well; I do not believe in the concept of item numbers and do not like it being associated to my song. I asked Ameesha to do the role because the kind of character I had built, I thought she would be able to do justice to the role. I approached her, explained the role, and told her there was a song as well. What is more important is her role and not the song. When she heard the role, she was excited and agreed to do the role immediately. She basically loved her part in the film.”

So what is Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic is all about? “The film is very different from all my previous films. I do not have the same style of directing in any of my films. It’s a combination of fantasy and reality. All my films have been different, but none had fantasy as an element in it. The genre of this film is slightly different. Fantasy is interwoven with reality like in Mr. India, Krissh and Koi Mil Gaya. These films have kids but are not directed only towards kids, it could be watched by audiences of all ages. Kids now- a-days are very intelligent and you cannot talk down to them. They have to be treated with respect. My film is an entertaining Hindi film, which is for kids as well as the masses”, says Kunal.

The film’s shooting is complete and it is now into post production. Shankar Ehsaan Loy have given the music for Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and the lyrics are by Prasoon Joshi. “The music is releasing on May 22nd or 23rd. It’s a complete mix of emotional and upbeat music. The music of my films have always been strong and interesting and SEL have done a fabulous job on this. As for Prasoon, he is extremely talented”, says Kohli.

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First Look - Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magie

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Single costume for Rani in Kunal Kohli's next ?

While most know about it, for those who do not, the 'Rani' of Bollywood is playing a fairy ('apsara/pari') in Kunal Kohli's next. An interesting aspect of the film is that Rani is expected to be seen in just one costume (complete with a magic wand!) throughout the film, as per the requirement of her character.

Ms. Mukerji has been busy shooting for the venture for a while now, sans her hero, Saif Ali Khan. Her co-star (in the film) has off late been busy with the shooting of Yash Raj's TASHAN and other happenings in his personal life! However, the 'Chote Nawab' is expected to join the shoot anytime.

As per the tentative schedule, the shooting of the latest venture from the director of films like MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE (2002), HUM TUM (2004) and FANAA (2006), is expected to be complete by the year end.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Saif opts out of Karan Johar's flick for Kunal's!

Saif Ali Khan has chosen to walk out of Tarun Mansukhani' directorial debut, to be produced by Karan Johar.

According to Saif, it's the shooting dates of his previous commitment with Kunal Kohli that has made him make this move.

aif couldn't work in both the films simultaneously as both the films demand certain look out of the actor. Earlier Saif has worked with both Karan Johar and Kunal Kohli in Kal Ho Na Ho and Hum Tum respectively. Both turned out to be big hits, boosting Saif's film career.

Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget

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Kunal Kohli to judge the Asian First Film Festival

Though Kohli has taken a break from movies post Fanaa, the man has enough of things around to keep him busy. Kohli has recently received the honor to be on the jury panel of the Asian First Film Festival (AFFF) that will be held in Singapore from November 30 to December 7. He will be the only Bollywood director on the jury.

Apart from the judging films for AFFF, Kunal Kohli is also busy with judging the dance show Nach Baliye on television. He also recently, Martin Scorsese during the special screening of his film The Departed after which he had a long chat with the director. The success of Fanaa is definitely showing on Kunal Kohli with the actor going “places” literally.

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