NEWS

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Bollywood came to the Riviera yesterday in the form of the historical epic Devdas and charmed the town, not least because the female lead, Aishwarya Rai, is a former Miss World and the leading man, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, is easy on the eye too. The pair arrived at yesterday's premiere for what is believed to be Bollywood's most expensive film in a horse drawn carriage and disported themselves glamorously on the Palais du Festival's red carpet in a manner that banished the memory of Sharon Stone and Cameron Diaz doing the same thing earlier this week. This is the first time that a commercial Hindi film has been shown in the festival which is in its 55th year, a fact which director Sanjay Lella Bhansali said should send westerners off to discover the rich heritage of Bollywood. "It's taken years for us to reach out beyond our own country and be accepted here. But this won't change the way we make films," he said. And that includes the chaste depiction of romantic love, a fact which baffled cinephiles expecting more explicit fare. Never before in Cannes has a three hour romantic film been shown without any kissing, still less without the leads getting it on in a meaningful sense. "It's the kind of upbringing we have," said Bhansali. Set in 1940s Calcutta, the film tells the story of the return of Devdas from London to his home and to his childhood love Parvo. But circumstances (class snobbery, family rivalry) drive these star- crossed lovers apart and Devdas seeks oblivion in drink and solace with a glamorous, though apparently under employed, prostitute, before the fraught denouement. This year's Cannes has a big Indian presence. There has been a season of films starring one of the greatest Indian film icons, the late Raj Kapoor. India's pavilion on La Croisette, where many of the festival's film deals are clinched, is more than double last year's size. The world's biggest film producing country is mounting a big push to promote itself globally, both in terms of exporting the work of indigenous film-makers and encouraging international film productions to be made in India. Anjuly Chib Duggal from the Indian ministry of information and broadcasting said: "We are the biggest film industry in the world and we want higher visibility."

"Shah Rukh's role is broadly restricted to being a jealous husband but he manages to add more depth to his character and succeeds in leaving a mark. Such roles should be tailor made for SRK, as he's one of the few actors who have the ability to make the audience care for his character despite having negative shades in it. He is also one of the most expressive actors in the industry, letting his eyes and mouth do the talking. His good screen presence is further proved when he hogs the frame when opposite both Madhuri and Salman. Finally, he shows some sparks of brilliance in his short drunkard role, which is a foretaste of what we're going to see with Devdas. " Review of HTHS at planetbollywood

Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam is a remake of Tamil film Thotta Chinungi. With the biggest star cast in this film, KC Bokadia surely got lucky, as he has signed these stars few years back. This movie was delayed for few years but with that point in mind a lot of us had the idea this movie would be a complete disaster. Luckily this one is not that bad in spite of the long delay in making this movie. The complain about this movie is the treatment as the stars have done a wonderful job it is only the technical side which lacks in this film. The story is interesting and well narrated but the presentation is weak. The story: Devnarayan (Alok Nath) takes responsibility of bringing up the children of his demised friend. Devnarayan gets so involved in the up bringing of Gopal (Shahrukh Khan) and Nita (Suman Ranganathan) that he almost neglects her own daughter, Laxmi (Aroona Irani) and her two kids, Radha (Madhuri Dixit) and Prashant (Atul Agnihotri). Laxmi decides to raise her children with hardwork and dedication, thus walks out of the house. Due to Laxmi's indifference Devnarayan falls ill and is hospitalised. On the way to the hospital Laxmi meets with an accident. Devnarayan takes responsibility of bringing up Laxmi's children as well. Quite aware of Gopal's feeling for Radha, he gets them married. Conflicts starts between them when Radha's childhood friend Suraj (Salman Khan) often calls her up for his problems. Gopal is a frustrated husband who has a completely different impression about his wife. The problem starts when the newly wed couple finds it difficult to make love since Radha's family comes in between. For Radha her brother is too important and so she decides to bring him home and they stay together. Suraj is a big pop star in Mumbai and is very fond of Radha since they have grown together and have very positive feelings for each other. Once Gopal watches Suraj changing his shirt in front of his wife and that's how the doubts start climbing his mind. He even catches his wife calling Suraj in the middle of the night discussing her sorrows. To add he has a dream where his wife makes love to Suraj. Suraj gets opportunities like when his secretary throws herself to him, but he believes in being truthful to his wife and hates seeing women in short clothes. Radha tries to explain things right with Gopal, but he is not ready to listen and asks her to leave home. He even sends divorce papers but Radha can't bear the pain and decides to end her life. Rest is all but clichéd and you know it! The 2nd half is stretched unnecessarily and there are useless songs added. South director K. S. Adhiyaman style is ancient and at times typical Tamil films. The dance choreography is sad and the sets are the > worst. Bokadia must be really broke, the way he has made this movie. Bokadia had a good movie in his hand and perhaps he should have got a financer since the movie demands good treatment, better sets for such fantastic stars in this movie. The print we saw looked so faded as if the movie was made in early 80s! Shah Rukh Khan is top class; Madhuri is cool though she has put in lot of weight in this flick. Salman is also good; he has managed few emotional scenes very well. Sometimes it is difficult to digest how he can act those emotional scenes considering his personal life is a complete contrast.Alok Nath as usual is shown as the nice papa, kind of tired seeing him in every film. Atul Agnihotri plays his character well while Suman is average and yes her hairstyle changes in this film like it did few years back. Could not stop that as this movie was delayed for few years. Atul Agnihotri acts well too. One of the positive points for this movie is the humour which replaces those boring moments. The music is bad except for the title track which too is lifted. Overall the film is worth watching once. And yes Shah Rukh fans are definitely gonna be happy with this one.

The year 2001 was one of the most eventful for Shah Rukh Khan. Apart from completing a decade in the Hindi film industry, there were two big releases -- his own production Asoka, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham a hit formula from the Johars. While Asoka didn't fare well, Karan Johar's K3G has turned out a high point in the actor's career. This year, his first release is the K C Bokadia film Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, directed by Tamil director Adhiyaman. Interestingly, the film figured nowhere in Shah Rukh Khan's list of forthcoming ventures when he spoke about Asoka, K3G and Devdas. On the eve of his film's release, Shah Rukh speaks to Seema Sinha: What about Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam appealed to you? It is a remake of a Tamil film [Thotta Chinungi, starring Revathy] which was a big hit. I have seen the original, but didn't understand much. And the director [Adhiyaman] had to explain it to me as we watched the film together. It is a small, simple film about a marriage, about a relationship going wrong. What I really liked about it was that the husband has a negative shade to him. He misunderstands certain gestures of his wife. She, for her part, is also to be blamed, to an extent. There is this lovely scene, where Madhuri (who plays my wife) and I sit down to have coffee. She doesn't even know how much sugar I take in my coffee. And that hurts. Normally, you don't say these things in marriages and relationships. And though she is certainly not meant to be a doormat, it hurts. There are many such small things and situations in the film that I liked. What would you say is special about this film? You will have to see the film to understand that. It is a simple film and the issue it tackles is small. What makes it different is its nuances. This being a South film, how was your experience with the unit? People in the South are usually very quick to make films. It is unfortunate that this one has taken so long in the making. While we didn't take that long to shoot it, it took about three years to complete. That further extended to five-six years. Didn't you find the continuity aspect difficult? Especially when recent big budget films have taken just three to four months to shoot? Like I said, the film was spread over years, but it didn't take time to shoot it. One sort of knew the scenes that followed. We had seen the original version. I would normally see the film again and again before shooting to get the feel of it. So it wasn't difficult. And working with familiar people helped. I worked with Salman in Karan Arjun, with Madhuri in Dil To Paagal Hai, Anjaam and Koyla. We know each other very well. One feels happy working together. Do you fear that the film will look stale and may be rejected by the audience? It is a social subject which will never go out of fashion. It is about marriage, relationship and friendship. That will never get dated. It will always have relevance. Over a period of time people change, styles and looks change, performances change. How have you factored that? Over the years, whenever we felt we needed an updated look, costumes or performance, we reshot. Honestly, I shoot 14 hours a day and the last thing I do is analyse my expressions and other things. I am not a newcomer anymore. It is something that I cannot comment on. Are you satisfied with this film? I'm never satisfied doing any film. That's why I do the next one. -Rediff on the Net-

The King Khan is in hibernation for now. Just a few flops and a new Star on the horizon, amongst other things. But hey, remember he was the one you were screaming for just a few months ago? As far as we are concerned Shahrukh is the original cool dude (minus the cool pendant in KKHH), the only Hindi Film Star with a real attitude, nasty sense of humour and style to match. Starting out as an army Officer in'Fauji' on television, Shahrukh had already captured millions of hearts overnight, before the big screen happened. Of course, the first few films were just short of disastrous – Dil Aashna Hai, King Uncle, etc. till Deewana happened. A new star was born, but the super star was yet to come. Raju Ban Gaya . . . saw him as this cute little thing next door with hazaar sex appeal, but still . . . tere was more to come. Then came Baazigar and Darr and the anti-hero and our Style Bhai was born! That killer edge, those manic eyes , even the studied stutter. SRK had arrived. But no one thought he could pull off a romantic role – needless to say DDLJ, DTPH AND KKHH were suitable answers. The manic guy had now turned the perfect lover! And that's where Shahrukh's appeal lies – a bit of the good, the bad and the ugly . . Clothing The best dressed of the three Khans, he brought studied casualness into vogue. Those half pulled out but classy shirts, the Polo sweatshirts, the occasional Formal suits, the tousled hair. . . Shahrukh brought contemporary and global suaveness to the Hindi Film hero. Of course it wasn't always like that. There were those funny coloured suits in Raju Ban Gaya . . . and Yes Boss, that weird longish haircut in Chamatkaar, those baggy trousers in Dil Aashna Hai, even embroidered jackets in Baazigar. But with the Romantic look the entire wardrobe changed. It's now only global labels, chic colours, the gelled back hair and a small diamond stud. King Khan is easily the best dressed guy in Bollywood. Attitude and Image SRK spells sheer attitude. One of those rare personalities who make sure they are noticed the moment they enter a room. There's something about his manic energy, not to mention his well publicized arrogance, which seems to work! Constantly chewing gum or smoking, even in the middle of television interviews, SRK could actually make a Simi Garewal look funny. . . He's hot headed, yes, pompous, remote, with an I – don't- give- a – F . . . attitude. Yet, good manners come easily to him. Chivalrous to ladies, playful with kids, respectful to elders, he does stretch his good boy image of DDLJ etc. off the screen. Known as the family guy, he loves to flaunt a Pepsi can and his wife Gauri. Of course the whole world thinks that his best accessory is Kajol! Designer His wife Gauri, who seems to be having one hell of a time shopping for him abroad. Then there is best friend Karan Johar, who loves shopping sorry designing for him whenever he's not directing him. Any other short falls are taken care of by friend, ace Designer Manish Malhotra. Secret of his Koolth! His manic energy and his riveting eyes. Some of course find even his stutter sexy but the thing that puts him in a class apart is easy going style. SRK mixes manic power with a certain gentleness that has millions of hearts aflutter. This is one guy who is so comfortable with himself, who loves to grab your attention but turns remote the moment you think he's the guy next door. SRK as a product A pretty high end sales one! This is the guy who is currently selling everything from noodles to cars. And we're buying them. The best model for Pepsi so far and the funniest at that. Basically the most seen Film face on television far – rivaled only by Sachin Tendulkar. Then there is this cologne for men called SRK – can we give this guy a break? Our whacko Spiritual Adviser speaketh… Shahrukh, my beta…what can I tell you? You need to chill out a bit and not get so emotional every time your films flop or your production doesn't do well. We all know you have it in you man, just chill and do some sensible roles now. Inhale the wetness of the Earth and slow down. But don't overdo it!

If reports are to be believed, Sanjay Leela Bhansali will not take any chances in releasing Devdas amongst the many big projects in June. The film originally set to release on June 14th is said to be pushed back all the way to July. There are just too many projects releasing in June and Bhansali doesn´t want to get caught up in the struggle, especially between the Bhagat Singhs. While there is currently a big bidding war for the distribution rights of the film, no confirmation has been recieved from Bhansali on the delay. -Planet Bollywood-

Forget Hollywood here comes the Indians to take Cannes film festival by a storm Bollywood's influence in the west is far reaching that everyone imagined. Devdas is the Indian entry, out of Competition, at the 55th Cannes Film Festival May, 15-22 2002. Devdas will be screened in Cannes in the Salle Lumiere (Main theatre) on the 23rd of May at 11.30 am and again at 10.30pm Eros International is the international rights holder for the film and more details can be found on www.erosentertainment.com When Shah Rukh Khan talks about "Devdas" his eyes light up To SRK this probably is one of the best movies he will ever make. He calls making of "Devdas" a defining moment for him it's a subject closer to his heart the love story of the century. And in my opinion there could have been no one better to play the role of "Devdas" than SRK the dedication required the enormity of love and the challenges to play such a dedicated role is not an easy task. Love is something which comes naturally to Shahrukh Khan he loves everyone around him he loves his fans and he loves his work, and in return the whole of the industry, the media, and above all the people love him enormously The Bollywood industry leaders EROS are going to launch "Devdas" in the UK with a big bang which is their usual style Devdas is the story of a love beyond all else...even life. The saga of a man called Devdas who loved, loved and just loved... Devdas shared a magnetic childhood with his lovely playmate Paro where supreme love was felt before it was understood. When youth beckoned, the loved intensified. But, alas, a fateful moment of weakness on the part of Devdas created a permanent wall of separation between him and his beloved Paro. On one side of the wall was a heartbroken Paro who became the wife of another. And on the other, was a completely shattered Devdas. Unable to bear the agony of a life without Paro, Devdas made alcohol his constant companion. But that could not make him forget the piercing pain. Even the unflinching devotion of a beautiful courtesan Chandramukhi, did not ease the heartache of losing Paro. It was only when his eyes closed to a permanent sleep, did the pain begin to fade. But even before losing the light of life, all Devdas urged, was to see his Paro just once ... Thus giving his love the greatest dignity ... It was at Paro's doorstep, that the doors of heaven opened for Devdas. He left behind a testimony of true love, that was pure, chaste, undemanding... and thus immortal. Indeed, love was his life... love makes him live on... How was it achieved

Unlike Aamir Khan, who spent weeks at Hollywood to lobby for Lagaan at the Oscars, Shah Rukh Khan is not too sure about making it to the Cannes Film Festival which has granted an official entry to his film Devdas. A freak mishap in which Shah Rukh hurt his back might prevent the actor from travelling to the prestigious event. "I have a little medical thing to look into. I have hurt my back. I am not allowed to travel too much. If that prevents me, I will not go but otherwise I would love to be there because three of my films will be there," Shahrukh said last night. Apart from Devdas, the latest Bollywood version of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya's famous novel by the same name written in 1917, another Shah Rukh starrer Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham has been unofficially invited to the film festival. Shah Rukh's last release Asoka is also being shown there. The actor, who plays the protagonist in Devdas, says he dreads comparisons with the original film. "The thing is that we are not being original. Somebody took a chance to produce a modernistic film at that time. We are trying to remove the dust from an old painting, so that people can appreciate it." Devdas, a movie by much-acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bansali, is the most expensive film to be made in Bollywood history, costing over $12 million. The film will be screened at Cannes on May 23 in the Salle Lumiere (Main Theatre).

There was a level of speculation on whether the project was actually going to happen, but now Venus´ has confirmed the news. Originally, the next Venus´ Home Production was to be directed by Priyadarshan and feature Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor (supposedly). The film was said to be a comedy about a doctor and a patient at a mental hospital. However the news simply faded away and Venus had already finished their recent Tum Se Achche Kaun Hain and signed Humraaz. Riten Jain, of Venus Records and Films Ltd., has confirmed that the film will features Shah Rukh and Aishwarya (no Kareena) and is happening. Jain is currently working on a better script for the film. This could lead to a change in the director. The pairing of Aishwarya and Shah Rukh has become more and more popular. The duo has featured in Venus´ Josh, Yash Chopra´s Mohabbatein and will feature together again in Boney Kapoor´s Shakti (in guest roles) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali´s Devdas. Look for more news as it follows. -Planet Bollywood-

NEW SHAHRUKH INTERVIEW

The superstar is writing his autobiography! Have you ever wondered what it must be like to live Shah Rukh Khan's life? An Indian film star, a clever businessman and a loving family man too? Well, it is possible that all will be revealed soon since Shah Rukh is currently writing an autobiography about his whole life, from childhood to the present day. At the moment Shah Rukh admits it's only early days and he doesn't even know whether he will eventually have it published. However, considering the heights he has reached in life and the huge fan base he has around the world, we think it will be an interesting read that will be lapped up by thousands around the world!radiosargam.com

Guess who're best friends now? Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Yes, the Devdas couple were a hit at a show in Lucknow... and were also a hit off stage. They spent hours chatting with each other. Now, now don't let your brains work overtime. Rani Mukherjee and Raveena Tandon were also part of the inner circle.