Veena Malik denies being a spy, cops tell court

Pakistani actress Veena Malik has denied working as a spy for her country's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Delhi Police Tuesday told a court here. The police statement came after a court's order to file an action taken report on a complaint seeking registration of a case against Malik for allegedly spying in India. Metropolitan Magistrate Purva Sareen after taking note of the police report, listed the case for arguments March 2. Mahidul Hassan, Imam of a mosque in south Delhi's Jamia Nagar, in his complaint alleged that she was working for the ISI after Malik's purported photograph was published on a magazine cover with an "ISI" tattoo on her arm. Hassan's advocate requested the court to lodge a sedition case against the Pakistani actress. The complaint said that the tattoo indicated that she was spying for the Pakistani intelligence agency, which should be probed. Malik claimed that the cover photo published in the magazine was doctored. The complaint has also named the magazine and its owner as parties in the case. Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

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Anarkali Disco Chali puts pressure on Malaika, Farah

Choreographer-director Farah Khan says she and Malaika Arora were under a lot of pressure while shooting for the song 'Anarkali disco chali' for 'Housefull 2' because so far their team has been hugely successful. The 47-year-old has choreographed the song for her brother Sajid Khan's directorial venture 'Housefull 2', which is being produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. 'I think Malaika and me have a track record. We have done three (hit) songs together and all three of them have been very successful, so there was a lot of pressure. The song Sajid and Nadiadwala had given was 'Anarkali disco chali', which was a different take for both of us,' Farah said at a promotional event for 'Housefull 2'. 'I hope that this song keeps our track record because we have done 'Chaiya Chaiya', we have done 'Kaal Dhamaal' and we have done 'Munni'. So I hope this works well,' she added. Farah had also choreographed the item song 'Honth Rasiley' for 'Welcome', which also featured Malaika. Talking about her younger brother Sajid, Farah said she is very proud of him for belting big and hit films like 'Housefull' and 'Heyy Babyy'. 'I feel very proud that Sajid is making such big films and he is making such hit films. For me, he will always be my younger brother. Every time I feel that I will quit being a choreographer, these two (Sajid Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala) take dates from me over Rakshabandhan,' said Farah. Slated for April 5 release, 'Housefull 2' stars 12 actors - Akshay Kumar, Shreyas Talpade, John Abraham, Riteish Deshmukh, Mithun Chakraborty, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Boman Irani, Zarine Khan, Asin Thottumkal, Shazahn Padamsee and Jacqueline Fernandez. Meawhile, Farah is busy with her maiden acting assignment - she is making her debut with 'Shirin Farhad Ki Nikal Padi' opposite Boman Irani. Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

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Kareena Kapoor to turn director?

Apparently Karan Johar will give the actress her own project to direct after she impressed him with her behind-the-scene skills in his latest production. If the buzz is to be believed, Kareena Kapoor may soon direct a film for Dharma Productions. In fact, producer Karan Johar might give her a project after her marriage to Saif Ali Khan. Apparently, Bebo's involvement with behind-the-camera activities started with Agent Vinod. By the time she came to Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, she was not just curious about scripting, editing, mixing and background music, she was almost an assistant director on the sets. A source from the production house says, "Kareena and Karan are like soul siblings. She discusses a lot of ideas with him. And she also got to be a part of the behind-the-scenes team in EMAET. It was during the shooting that Karan realised how great an aptitude Bebo has for cinema. In fact, she gave very crucial tips for revising and improving the script too." The source also adds that all of Kareena's suggestions were in fact incorporated in the script. "Karan has asked her to get on board as a formal assistant and then eventually direct a film," the source adds. Shakun Batra, the director of EMAET says, "There were at least five scenes where Kareena felt her character Rihanna was similar to Geet in Jab We Met. She marked those in the script and suggested how we could change them. Throughout the film's making, Kareena was full of sensible, intelligent suggestions." Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

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London Paris New York

Starring: Ali Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari Directed By: Anu Menon Produced By: Shrishti Arya & Goldie Behl London Paris New York is a film that captures the angst of the twenties, the most dramatic period of one's life - when you have to find a career; you have your first significant relationship and most importantly form your identity in this world. This is story about Lalitha, a middle class south Indian girl from Chembur (an eastern suburb in mumbai) who is on her way to New York to study politics with full scholarship, and Nikhil, a punjabi, rich kid from Bandra (a posh western suburb of Mumbai - read new money) who is going to study Film Making in London on 100% dad's money. They decide to hangout together one evening in Lonsdon and find that they are completely drawn to each other even as their future lies on separate continents. The film follows their personal journey and their love story as they meet in London, Paris and New York for a night each over eight years. The film is in three chapters and each chapter will be shot in a manner that mirrors the mental state of Nikhil and Lalitha. . The three bridges on the three rivers - Thames, Seine and Hudson witness the three states of love. Music is integral to the film and takes form according to the moods. The three cities also give a dramatic canvas to create different exciting themes. Pop -Romance in London. Electronic Sufi in Paris. Blues-rap in New York. Blended in with Indian true bollywood style. The dialogues are natural and fresh and you get a sense that you are eavesdropping on these two characters. The film is romantic but not sentimental in the least. Even though there are discussing a lot of meaningful stuff, the film is always underpinned by humour.

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Ek Deewana Tha

Sachin is a regular guy-22 year old engineering graduate from a middle class family in Mumbai who is in love with the world of cinema. As a struggler in the film industry-where his long days are filled with waiting and then some more waiting, surviving on his father’s pocket money and desperately trying to make an entry into any of the main film camps-there is nothing that makes each day worth looking forward to. And that’s when he sees Jessie, and it is love at first sight for him. Jessie is beautiful, elegant, smart and classy. But Jessie is not that simple. Jessie belongs to an orthodox Malayali Christian family where watching movies, partying or falling in love are completely taboo. While Sachin battles with the idea of someone like Jessie and her family living in 21st century, modern Mumbai-he finds himself increasingly drawn to her. Jessie, for her part, tries to forge a friendship between them-believing that cloaking their feelings under the umbrella of friendship would save them heartache, tears and a full blown family drama. EDT is the intense, yet feel good love story of these 2 very different characters as they understand the pangs and pleasure of first love while battling with the situations that life has placed them in making Sachin question all the time-Of all the people in the world why did I fall in love with Jessie?

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RA.One

Music Directors: Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani Lyricists: Vishal Dadlani, Niranjan Iyengar, Kumaar, Panchhi Jalonvi, Anvita Dutt and Anubhav Sinha Singers: Akon, Hamsika Iyer, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Clinton Cerejo's Choir, Shruti Pathak, Nandini Srikar, The Prague Philharmonic Choir, Sidd Coutto and Sukhwinder Singh Rating: *** 1/2 Shah Rukh Khan's "RA.One" has been generating curiosity since beginning and expectations have been high from its music as well. The album of the film lives up to the expectations, thanks to composers Vishal-Shekhar for packing a musical punch for the sci-fi movie. The film offers 14 tracks, including remix versions and theme tracks. It starts on a rocking note with the already popular number "Chammak Challo". A clear winner all the way, the song, which has Hindi, English and Tamil words in the lyrics, makes you groove. An interesting thing about the track is that it's crooned by international artist Akoon, who has voiced not just the English lyrics but Hindi ones too. Hamika Iyer supports him by singing Tamil words. A fun dance number, "Chammak Challo" is here to stay and it will surely become DJs' favourite. The song also has a few other versions, including a remix by Abhijit Vaghani, another remix by DJ Khushi and an international version. Then comes "Dildaara", a mush melody at its best. Sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali, it has John Lennon's song "Stand by me" mixed into it and the combination is interesting. The song boasts of various genres. Then comes another Akon number called "Criminal", a peppy and upbeat track that also has Vishal Dadlani and Shruti Pathak behind the mike. An amalgamation of Hindi and English lyrics, "Criminal" is a perfect party number. It also has a remixed version by DJ Amit. Next is "Bhare naina" and it will make you sit up and take notice. The song has been sung by The Prague Philharmonic Choir, the chorus group that came here all the way from the Czech Republic to sing the song with Nandini Srikar and Vishal-Shekhar. If the semi-classical flavour in the number sets a pensive mood, use of orchestration takes it to another level. The choir makes the song sound very international, but its soul and feel are Indian. Then there is "Right by your side", an ordinary composition crooned by Sidd Coutto. A regular fast-paced composition, it is a happy and exuberant track. "Raftaarein" reminds one of R.D. Burman compositions. Sung by Vishal-Shekhar, it is a perfect chase track. The style of composition is very similar to that of Burman and, despite being a situational track, it leaves its mark. Up next is "Jiya mora ghabraaye", a fusion of rock and semi- classical. It has a very strong musical arrangement and impressive vocals by Vishal Dadalani and Sukhwinder Singh and the song will be liked by hard rock lovers. Interesting composition and a good attempt. Then the album offers three instrumental theme tracks called "Comes the light", "I'm on" and "Song of the end". On the whole the album is worth buying and offers some interesting and entertaining tracks. Kudos to the music composers!

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Love Breakups Zindagi

Music Directors: Salim and Sulaiman Merchant Lyricist: Javed Akhtar Singers: Salim Merchant, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shradha Pandit, Shafqat Amanat Ali and Shruti Pathak Rating: ***1/2 The music of "Love Breakups Zindagi" is a testimony of its theme and feel and hence comprises songs revolving around the three words, love, break-up and zindagi (life). Salim-Sulaiman's compositions don't surprise anyone, but neither do they disappoint. The album has four originals and one remix track. The first song of the album "Rozanna", enthusiastically crooned by Salim Merchant, is characterised by a pleasing acoustic beginning. An instantly likeable, candy floss and positive song, "Rozanna" is moderately paced and gets you hooked, especially with the high octane used to sing the word 'Rozanna'. That is the highlight of the track. A good start to the album. It also has a remixed version mixed by DJ A-Myth. The next one is a song that brings together talented singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shradha Pandit and Salim himself. Called "Rab rakha", the song has a slight Sufi touch, which is a part of Salim- Sulaiman's inherent style of composition. A hummable track that you would like to hear in loop. However, the only dampener is the few English words incorporated in the song. They seem quite unwanted. Next, romance flaps its wings with "Love love love" that has Benny Dayal and Shradha Pandit behind the mike. A song with a strong pop feel, 'Love love love' has a slight similarity to American singer Jason Mraz' "I'm yours". But that doesn't take away the interest from this track-it has its own individuality as well. It's peppy and lively, spreading a youthful flavour. Finally, the album takes a grim turn with Shafqat Amanat Ali, Salim and Shruti Pathak singing "Chhayee hai tanhayee". A poignant number that creates a pensive mood, the song has a Sufi flavour and is worth a hear. On the whole, Salim-Sulaiman have brought to the table a light, entertaining and free-flowing score-a reason good enough to buy the album.

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