hAppY oNE huNDREDTh!

It was a proud day for the Indian film industry that turned 100 on May 3, amidst a series of events to celebrate its success.

India’s film industry has made leaps of progress in fields as diverse as technology, music, direction, production, animation and graphics, storylines, in addition to the actors themselves.

Bollywood celebrities like Anupam Kher and Govinda hailed the industry’s overall growth, saying they are grateful to be a part of the filmdom. Said actor Anupam Kher, “It’s a golden age for Hindi cinema. You can make the kind of films you want to and audience may like them”.

Govinda was effusive in his thanks, claiming that he got the name, fame, respect and everything within the industry. He highlighted that there has been an improvement to the extent that the industry has now gone international.

“Starting from Dadasaheb Phalke, the industry has grown progressively and has reached up to this level. This is a very important and special year for our industry,” said actor-director Saurabh Shukla.

But there was the underlining concern of piracy that was raised by actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik.

“Our cinema will progress more. I just want the piracy to be stopped and more theatres to be opened,” he said, emphasising that more digital theatres should be set up in remote areas to increase its reach, specially in this, its 100th year.

Filmmaker Nitin Kakkar stated that cinema must be beyond a “few reels of entertainment” as it is a good medium to channelise positive changes in the country’s socio-cultural milieu. His debut feature Filmistaan was named the best film at the 60th National Film Awards this year.

“As far as social issues are concerned, I feel cinema is a strong tool to bring about a change in society. Cinema is lot more that few reels of entertainment,” said Kakkar.

President Pranab Mukherjee also released postal stamps commemorating 50 iconic film personalities who brought changes in Indian cinema.

He also commented, “Cinema can play a crucial role in influencing societycinema must be used to portray positive societal values for building a tolerant and harmonious India”.

“The film industry ought to take steps to ensure that cinema is morally energising,” he said.

A new and open attitude

Bollywood has come a long way in its trend of filmmaking, but love scenes on screen are still a long way off from bolder sister Hollywood. And with young stars, the road is always easier with a bit of help. Take 19-year-old new kid on the block Shadab Kamal, who is making his full-fledged debut with B.A. Pass. The youngster admits that co-star Shilpa Shukla made the intimate scenes more comfortable. “I was quite nervous with the intimate scenes because I was worried about my co-actor. It’s a very awkward situation, but when you have a confident co-actor, the job gets easier,” said Shadab.

There is an intimate scene between the two actors in the film and talking about the experience of shooting it, Shadab said, “She (Shilpa) was very chilled out. The first shot I shared with her was the kissing scene and it went so well all thanks to Shilpa. Soon after the scene I went and I hugged her and thanked her for making me feel comfortable”.

In the erotic human drama directed by Ajay Bahl, Shilpa plays a rich, married woman, who turns a sex guru for the boy. She teaches him the art of lovemaking.

“The film has many lovemaking scenes and one of them is quite long,” said a source. B.A. Pass is the Chak De! India actress’ boldest role to date, while Shadab has featured in a small role in Chittagong.

But as for Arjun Kapoor, now there’s an expert in shooting lovemaking scenes. The young actor did an intimate scene in his debut film Ishqzaade, and has also shot a lovemaking scene for his forthcoming thriller Aurangzeb. And apparently, he seems to have mastered the art of doing them. The film will launch Sasha, daughter of Nikaah fame Pakistani actress Salma Agha, in Bollywood.

Director Atul Sabharwal was apprehensive about how comfortable she would be doing an intense lovemaking scene with her co-star Arjun.

But Arjun explained to Sasha the reason for the scenes and its nuances. Arjun also requested Atul that minimum crew should be present on the sets.

“After the shoot was wrapped up, everyone joked about how he has become a lovemaking expert as he seemed to have a complete command on the scene,” said a source close to the film.

So will we see Arjun and Shilpa in Bollywood’s next blockbusting erotica flick? Wouldn’t surprise me!

Just a regular couple…

Happily married to Saif Ali Khan, Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor says that just like any other regular couple, they try to enjoy small pleasures of life by doing things together.

“Saif and I are just a regular couple and it’s nice to be able to enjoy dinner at our favourite restaurant without light bulbs flashing in our faces constantly,” Kareena said recently. She is appreciative of the media for giving them their privacy.

“As a celebrity, being under constant media glare is a job hazard. But I truly appreciate the privacy the media has given me when it comes to my personal life,” she said.

Known for her great fashion and style sense, the actress seeks approval from her husband on what looks good on her.

“I seek approval from my man on how I look and what I should wear, and Saif with his great taste gives some fabulous inputs,” said the actress who married Saif in October 2012 after dating him for five years.

Being at the top of her career, the actress is busy with endorsements, films and other events but she makes sure to take out time for hubby Saif.

Who WoRE IT bETTER?

Kangana Ranaut or Bar Rafaeli in Roberto-Cavalli

Share your views with us on our Facebook page

“Being from the same industry, Saif completely understands the pressure that comes with being an actor. While we never sideline our work, we ensure that we sneak in some ‘us time’ in the midst of our hectic schedules - be it catching up on a movie together, a quiet dinner or an impromptu vacation,” she said.

The actress further added, “Saif has always been extremely supportive and encouraging and I’m really grateful to him”.

The actress is philosophical about her success.

“When you enjoy what you do and when you give it all you’ve got, success will never be far behind. Always trust your instincts and have faith in your capabilities!” said Kareena who will next be seen in Satyagraha

After 13 years in the industry, there’s no doubt that Kareena’s the best in her class. Bet her colleagues are wondering when she’s going to take the plunge into motherhood, to give them chance at the top!

riteish for politics?

After enjoying a good deal of popularity in Hindi films, the buzz around Bollywood is now about whether actor Riteish Deshmukh will take on the mantle of his father, late former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and make his foray into the world of politics.

Naturally, Bollywood’s best had their opinions. Actor-politician Raj Babbar said it would be a well thought-out decision. Hema Malini also supported the idea, saying he will do a good job.

“Riteish is born in a family where politics is a way of life,” said Babbar. “His father was highly respected and one of the most powerful and influential political figures of Maharashtra. So politics is nothing new to Riteish. He has grown up with it and his father’s constituency and community are completely with him. Also, being a celebrity in his own field of cinema, Riteish already has a connectivity with the people. Most important of all, I’ve observed how Riteish has conducted himself after his father’s untimely death. The boy has a natural and sincere attachment to the people who loved his father. They are now willing to transfer that love to the son”.

“Riteish is very entertaining and funny on the screen,” Hema Malini said. “I am sure he can utilise his natural skills to be a good politician. Besides that, he has his father’s example to follow. He can’t go wrong”.

Shatrughan Sinha felt that Riteish could make a success out of his career in politics. “Politics is in Riteish’s genes. I’ve seen Riteish grow and I feel today he’s ready to step into his father’s arena.

What about Sunil Dutt whose conduct in politics was exemplary? Amitabh Bachchan came into politics for emotional reasons. Today, I feel he is our best candidate to be the President of India,” said the veteran actor, somewhat surprisingly.

Riteish wasn’t available for comment. He was probably tossing a coin. Bollywood or politics? It’s a tough decision for the actor, but I think I know what he would choose. What do you think? IANS

What’s Soha Ali khan’s special message to her mum on mother’s Day? Send in your responses to win@indianlink.com.au and win a surprise prize

What’s the chitchat between Puja Gupta and kunal khemu?

Kunal (to himself): Who’s the girl I’m standing next to?

Puja (to herself): Who’s the guy I’m standing next to?

Kanika Mehta

Engadine NSW

Kanika wins a ticket to new Hindi film release

Goa Gone

Seeking groomS

Well settled parents looking for suitable match for their 32-year-old daughter, who works for a multinational company in Sydney in a senior corporate position. Pretty, beautiful, 163cm tall, brought up in, and values both Indian and western culture. Seeking Hindu professional man, preferably from a well settled family background. Please contact: sur6958@gmail.com or mobile: 0404 147 744.

Seeking suitable match (from Australia, never married) for Hindu girl 35 years old, chartered accountant (non-veg), living in Australia over 25 years, with eastern and western family values. Please email: ganesh2011v@gmail.com match wanted for 42-year-old highly established, tall, slim, very pretty and smart doctor. Looks around 20-25 years of age and belongs to a highly educated and affluent family. Divorcee but marriage was nonconsummated. Please contact: ladoctoroz@gmail.com

Well settled parents looking for suitable match for their 30-year-old daughter working as a clinical psychologist in Sydney hospital. Pretty, beautiful 165cm tall, brought up in and values both Indian and western culture. Hindu professional man from well settled family background