Review: ‘The Dirty Picture’

The Dirty Picture

Cast: Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar

Directed by Milan Luthria

Rating: ***

Many will argue that this film is filthy, lewd, sleazy and every other word that conveys the same. But since it's based on a character who embodies all these adjectives, it only ends up being a deliciously dirty tribute.

Based on the south Indian dancing diva and actress, Silk Smita's lustful life, 'The Dirty Picture' paints a concupiscent portrait, complete with bouncing love handles, blouses that resemble the barricade at the Metallica concert in Delhi (visible but unable to contain) and dialogues that are as clever as they are cocky. But a film about an A-grade dancer of B-grade repute can't really boast of cultivated conversation, right?

The film takes us into the life of a small-town girl, Reshma (Vidya Balan) who speedily escapes to uptown Madras to live her celluloid dreams. After being turned down time and again, she manages to tease the camera lens and accidently lands a dancing role opposite Superstar Suryakant (Naseeruddin Shah) with her new name, Silk. But Suryakant is only comfortable working with those who make him comfortable in the dressing room and that Silk knows just how to.

Following several happy endings in the dressing room, Silk's career graph slides up like a python on amphetamine. As she grows in popularity, her fans grow, well, while watching her 'thumkas' on the big screen. All is well until Silk realizes the need for a real relationship. She voices her concern to Suryakant, "Raat ko barah ki sui ke tarah chipke rehte ho, aur din mein che ki tarah?" But the middle-aged superstar has his own philosophy, "Jawaani taste karne ke liye hoti hain, waste karne ke liye nahin." This doesn't add up but then do you really care?

The playful Silk is later seen playing mischievous kitty with Surya's refined brother, writer Ramakant (Tusshar) who is charmed by her mere presence. But Silk is boisterous about her sexuality and her misguided fame leads to roaring arrogance, followed by her decline. Somewhere between her descent and the end, Abraham (Emraan Hashmi) a director who has recently swung from arty to farty films, gives in to Silk's smooth arms and his bitter feelings for her become like delectable dark chocolate.

Clearly, Rajat Arora's winning dialogues will make you sit up and say, "She didn't just say that?!" I mean how often does a sex symbol get playful enough to say, "Holi khelne ka shauk hain, par teri pichkari mein dum nahin!" The only letdown here were the forced love angles especially that of Abraham whose hatred and love for Silk, both seemed misplaced.

Vidya is scrumptious as the imperfect and unrestrained Silk, while Naseer is convincing as a superstar out to play shepherd to every newcomer. Tusshar may have dropped his surname for the credits but that hardly undermines the fact that he's been cast in his home production, again. Emraan's character gives itself more importance than you or anyone else does. Luckily, his presence is limited and tolerable.

Reflecting on any period of Indian cinema will mean treading on unintentionally caricature. This is because the fundamentals of cinema and society evolve and the success mantra of the past will seem like flop recipe today. A dialogue in the film provides one such stereotype, "Iss film mein kuch alag karo. Behen ko izzat do, aur phir usse utaaro." A pure piss-take on Indian cinema, circa 1980s.

You can reach me at guha.kunal@rocketmail.com or connect with me on Facebook

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Dev Anand Bollywood's original style icon: Designers

New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) Dev Anand, the style icon of 1950s and 1960s, scripted a fashion statement with his scarves, mufflers and jackets and his singnature puff, inspired by his childhood ideal Gregory Peck. The newage designers describe him as a trendsetter and a mentor who gave a fillip to Bollywood fashion.

Thanks to his good looks, further enhanced by his stylish wardrobe and on-screen romantic image portrayed in songs like 'Abhi na jao chodkar', 'Jia o' and 'Khoya khoya chand', Dev Anand had girls swooning over him. There was a time when female fans frenzy reached such a crescendo that they started sending him letters in their blood especially after seeing him in a black suit. Such was his persona that he was 'banned' from wearing a black suit in public.

'I think, he was never scared of following his mind when it came to dressing up. He was someone who took that extra mile to start up those trends which were considered bold and experimental during the 1960s. He gave mufflers worldwide recognition and that too in various forms,' designer Nida Mahmood told IANS.

'The two films which I actually remember of him where he was portrayed as the true style icons was 'Heera Paana' and 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. He crossed all boundaries to invent trends which were never seen before in the Hindi film industry and scarf was one of them,' she added.

Do you remember Shah Rukh Khan in 'Mohabbatein' (2000) where he is seen wrapping sweaters around his shoulders? that style was actually introduced by Dev Anand in his 1973 movie 'Heera Panna'.

Arpan Vohra says Dev saab created style 'not only in reel but also in real life. His signature strip black trousers, cap wore on one side, bright cardigans and scarves tied around his neck created sensation.'

'How can we forget his effortless attempt of wearing sweaters on shoulders, which became a rage. He was the one who invented fashion 40 years back but people still follow it whole-heatedly. He gave fresh flowers a new meaning with his movie 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' by using it as an accessory. When we talk about retro look, the first individual which comes to our mind is Dev Anand and that's what he is known for in glamour world,' he added.

The actor was climbing the success ladder in the 1960s, which is said to be one of the most fashion-conscious periods in recent history. Apart from his wardrobe, he exercised a profound influence on the youth with his puffed hair style.

'The way he created sensation in 1960's was daring, especially his little puffed hairstyle. He was the one who started the trend of boy next-door, neat look. I will consider him as the father of fashion in the lead actors wardrobe. The kind of longevity he had when it comes to making a trend popular is phenomenal. Before him, I can only remember Prithvi Raj Chauhan,' said designer Rahul Mishra.

The realisation that no one can bring back that era in Bollywood saddens Mishra.

'I think that era will never come back because right now people are too much influenced by outside world. Rather than creating their own style, many people are looking at the West. But I would say Dev saab was the global style icon as his style and sense of dressing infected the entire world. How can we forget that at one time he was termed as the true competitor of Elvis Presley because of his hair style,' he added.

The 'Guide' star's clothing sense has not failed to inspire or motivate the current lot of designers and Abhishek Dutta says he would love to dedicate a collection inspired by Dev saab.

'I would consider him as the one who revived Bollywood in true sense through his style and presentation. The way he used vibrant colours in his wardrobe was phenomenal especially because people during that time were living in black and white period.

' In 'Guide', I saw him crossing boundaries and bringing in the entire new concept to the Bollywood fashion especially with his shirts and buttoned up look. I would definitely want to make a collection keeping his style in mind,' said Dutta.

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RA ONE Movie Review

Ra ONE

 Director: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor

 Pataka? Article? Tota? A player takes a few words about the half of a beautiful girl occasionally, until it was covered in the above: chammak Challo. Shah Rukh Khan eyes light blue superhero, Kareena Kapoor turns red sari, and start dancing the song of Akon Bharatnatyam dancers inspired Russian mini-skirts. Yes, it is this kind of movie, where everything happens at once. Amitabh Bachchan is a part of the voiceover Rajinikanth, Chitti, the robot exhibits G. A superhero Shah Rukh, how to turn your sunglasses, artist Subodh Gupta painting clothes, and even friends Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra to act by a juvenile joke, playing characters in games where the star can beat Bruce's sisters iSki called Lee Lee, Lee and Lee Uski Sabki. Even if you cringe at Shah Rukh Tamil Hindi accent and curd noodle room to act, hoping his curly wig falls on your plate, you realize that it is a big party and everyone is invited.

Welcome to the Open House a great movie. Shah Rukh is the host and he will ensure that the VFX © s canapés delivered at regular intervals; cup feelings considered complete, and there are enough sermons on the care-what-you-want-here you can take home as presents system the backup. This is the film industry, rather than a noble passion, but the great pleasure, not a magic show for the event marathon, but it's manageable. No effort is spared. Shah Rukh walks sideways in Mumbai local train, the engine stops with his bare hands, the cost of electricity, up to slap his ass heroine, and adheres to the chest. Among the vehicles to throw his nemesis, recently escaped from a video game, dance like Michael Jackson, and to quote V. Shantaram, superhero moves between the digital and the real world, London and Chennai, and the burial of a Christian prayer, a Hindu.

I think some lessons here to be a citizen of the world, and Shahrukh Khan fan of hyperactive child will certainly benefit from it, but it would have been nice to see more plowing with a Volkswagen bus a lot more red. But yes, I know, this is a superhero with a heart and lada goliyon IF Nah, DIL SE jeet jati hai. The special effects work, but not always applied uniformly throughout the film. The cool blue superhero suit metal does not always appear on the screen. And hey, Arjun Rampal, really needs to stop grit their teeth at the same time providing a dialogue intimidating. We are not afraid, because we can not understand. Shah Rukh throws himself on a huge and just the buildings, leaping into the air and landing on his feet, even Kareena Kapoor in her arms. Faced with a relentless energy, we surrender. It should be ', Shah Rukh, Forget it. In the words of your own super hero, you did well.

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Bollywood's new royal princess

India's most famous couple - actress and model Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan - have had a baby girl. As the latest addition to one of a small number of acting and producing dynasties that dominate Bollywood, will she grow up to be an actress?

If the odds, or the genes, are to be believed, then the newly born daughter to the Bachchan-Rais is destined for the silver screen.

She might only be in the first week of her life, but being born into Bollywood royalty gives her a head start like no other.

Her mother is Aishwarya Rai, the face of L'Oreal, a former Miss World, who has starred in a number of Bollywood films.

Her father is Abhishek Bachchan, a Bollywood actor who is rarely far from the front pages of magazines.

Her grandmother is actress Jaya Bhaduri. And her grandfather is India's most famous man, Amitabh Bachchan, a Bollywood megastar whose career has spanned decades.

Blood is thick in Bollywood.

There are eight-to-10 prominent families who control at least 65% of the Indian film industry, says SMM Ausaja, a Bollywood historian and author.

The vast majority of the country's top acting talent is from a so-called "filmi" family, of either actors or producers.

Salman Khan, Kareena and Karishma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Bobby and Sunny Deol are just some of the star names belonging to powerful Bollywood families.

Rise of the Kapoors

This genetic dominance began in the 1940s, when the old Bollywood studio system broke down says Ausaja.

Like the collapse of Hollywood star system, it meant film studios were no longer contracted to hire certain actors or manage their careers and paved the way for independent producers.

"The family element really came in because the producer preferred his own son to come in rather than somebody else," says Ausaja.

The beginnings of the biggest and most feted Bollywood family date from around this time, when actor and producer Prithviraj Kapoor helped launch his sons Raj, Shashi and Shammi Kapoor.

Raj Kapoor, who went on to become the most successful of the trio, later set up his own studio to launch the careers of the next generation of his family members, including his son, Randhir.

The big budget film Rockstar, which opened this week in India, stars the youngest of the Kapoor acting clan, Ranbir Kapoor.

"Yes I come from a film family and I've been brought up in a very cushioned environment, but I'm a working professional.

"I take credit for my success and I deal with my failures and I think that just makes you more mature as a person," he says.

Kapoor, who is one of Bollywood's men of the moment, told the BBC thatbeing from a dynasty didn't protect him from the challenges of the industry: "It's a jungle and you have to make a name for yourself," he said.

Bollywood's first families

1) The Bachchans - Amitabh and wife Jaya Bhaduri (pictured), Abhishek (held by mother), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

2) The Kapoors - Prithviraj, Raj, Shammi, Rishi, Randhir, Neetu Singh, Rajiv, Karishma, Kareena, Ranbir

3) The Deols - Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sunny, Bobby, Esha, Abhay



Family business


Of course having a big name, makes it easier.

This is also true in Hollywood which is home to acting dynasties such as the Redgraves, the Sheens, the Douglases and the Fondas, but Indian culture is a big reason why a few families dominate. More..

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Abhishek Bachchan calls his daughter 'Beti B'

Abhishek Bachchan, who became father of a girl with Aishwarya Rai, has thanked friends and family for their good wishes and said he was eagerly waiting for the mother and daughter to come home. He also thanked the media for respecting their privacy.

Aishwarya gave birth to her first child Wednesday morning at Mumbai's Seven Hills Hospital. "It's a momentous occasion for the family and we are overwhelmed with all the love we have received. From all our fans, the media and the industry. Both Aishwarya and the baby are doing great and we can't wait to have them home," Abhishek said in a statement.

"I would specially like to thank the media for being so supportive, kind and respectful at such an important juncture in our lives," he said.

IBNLive

"It means the world to us. This is a very overwhelming and exciting phase we enter into and hope to have your continued love and support," he added.

Meanwhile, the new father is seeking some parenting tips from his parents Amitabh and Jaya.

"How do women/mothers do it? I'm walking around like a zombie and the Mrs. is like a super trooper with a bit of bionic woman thrown in," the 35-year-old posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"Just as I step into fatherhood and parenthood, I've never seen myself rely and depend on my parents more. Guess that happens with every new (sic)," he further posted.

The actor has nicknamed the little girl 'Beti B' and says he spends his whole day noticing the little actions of the child.

"And till we find a name for the little lady a dear friend Shahana Goswami gave me a great one. We have Sr B and Jr B already so... Beti B!...Much like my father SrBachchan I too spent the day observing every little thing about the little one," he posted.

While Abhishek is enjoying his fatherhood, megastar Amitabh Bachchan is in seventh heaven after becoming a grandfather the third time over and he is looking forward to start the process of bringing up the child.

"...Soon we shall be home and then shall start the process of bringing up. Of teaching and bearing and learning. Of etiquette and manners, of religious indoctrination, of schooling and further monitoring...," Amitabh wrote on his blog.

"A day spent with the new born, observing each movement, breath and presence .. recording it for posterity and for us in our old age," he posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

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Veena Malik performs her own stunts in her 3D horror flick

Her romance with Ashmit Patel in the last season of Big Boss kick started Pakistani actress Veena Malik’s career in Bollywood. At present, she has a 3D horror flick in her kitty for which she is currently shooting in a jungle in southern India.
Talking about the flick, Veena said: ‘It’s a 3D horror film with Telugu filmmaker Hemant Madhukar, and it’s really hard to shoot.’
‘For one, we are shooting in the wilderness. There are no luxury hotels, no daily comforts. Then it’s a 3D film, not like the other 3D films in Hindi where the 2D format is converted into 3D. We are shooting in 3D which means every shot takes hours sometimes. It’s really time consuming because I am playing both the ‘thriller’ and ‘horror’ element of the film,’ she added.
Veena detailed that she has done all the stunts in the film on her own. ‘(There’s) lots of wirework and flips and somersaults and bruises and cuts. I am roughing it out here in the jungles and enjoying every bit of it!’ she revealed.
For those who are still unaware, the actress will appear in the reality show ‘Swayamvar’ as the next star after Rakhi Sawant, Rahul Mahajan and Ratan Rajput.

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The music launch of ‘Ghost’

After coming out clean from the much defamatory rape allegation, actor Shiney Ahuja is trying to revive his career with forthcoming horror flick ‘Ghost’ which has Sayali Bhagat as his co-star. The makers of the flick have launched the music of the same and the event was graced by Sanjay Dutt himself.

On the occasion, Sanjay Dutt told the reporters,“I came to launch the music of Ghost because of Bharat Bhai as I can’t say no to him.”

Sanjay also wished Shiney Ahuja good luck and said: “May his film work; and his personal problems vanish soon.”

it may be recalled here that Sayali Bhagat had accused Shiney Ahuja of sexual harassment during the shoot of the film. However, with the warmth the two shared at the event, it can be said that the two have made up.

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