IBLOG SPACE

On the eve of the 67th United Nations General Assembly, the joint United Nations programmed on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed Indian global icon and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as international goodwill ambassador. In her new role she will help raise awareness on issues related to stopping new HIV infections in children and advocate for increased access to antiretroviral treatment. Aishwarya has been involved in humanitarian issues for many years and will now have a special focus on HIV, speaking about it she says, "I am honoured to accept this appointment. Spreading awareness on health issues especially related to women and children has always been of concern. And now as a new mother, I can personally relate to this---the joys and concerns of every mother, and the hopes that we have for our children. I pray and strongly believe that no baby should be born with HIV. And I wish that every woman living with HIV stays healthy and has access to treatment. I promise that with

Shoojit Sircar talks about why he think producers were unfair to his film Vicky Donor... Shoojit, you've made a press statement lashing out at your Vicky Donor producers Eros International for not submitting your film as an Indian entry to the Oscars? Please understand, my quibble is not against the film that has been selected. Barfi is a nice cute film and I wish Anurag Basu all the best. My grievance is with my producers who betrayed my trust in them. How? From the beginning I kept Eros informed about how to go about taking Vicky Donor to various festivals and awards. From the day of release I gave them a list of areas that could be explored for recognition. From the outset I was very clear on this. Just because Vicky Donor became a popular entertainment film it didn't mean it would be ignored from film festivals. I also kept asking them if they've submitted my film to the jury for selecting Oscar contenders from India. They kept assuring me it was all being take

After being seen in Joker not too long ago, Shreyas Talpade is now the central protagonist of  Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal . Though  Joker  was an Akshay Kumar starrer, Shreyas did manage good recognition and appreciation for himself, something that he has managed time and again in multi starrer setups. Now, one expects something similar in Priyadarshan's Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal  as well which, despite boasting of a huge ensemble of veteran actors (Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Asrani to name a few), should have good space for Shreyas to make his mark all over again. No wonder, one doesn't see Shreyas leaving the side of multistarrers, especially the ones belonging to comic genre, for some more time to come at the least.  "Dekho woh toh chalta hi jaayega", smiles Shreyas, "Yes, I am happy to multistarrers and comedies but don't forget that I come from the theatre background and have done films like  Iqbal  too. Still I have to do something different on a

Fifty years at work; over 200 films as lyricist; and an incredible 100-plus as dialogue writer, most of which saw him also write the very foundation of the film - the screenplay. And a huge track record of hits in each capacity. On September 23, 2012, it will be 25 years since Rajendra Duggal, known to the world as Rajendra Krishan, left the film world much poorer by his exit. How many of us do not know his classics, or watch and sing his creations even today? Check out a few perennial pearls from his treasury: 'Chup Chup Khade Ho' (Badi Behen), 'Gore Gore O Baanke Chhore' (Samadhi), 'Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote' and 'Shola Jo Bhadke' (Albela), 'Eena Meena Deeka' (Aasha), 'Aplam Chaplam' (Azaad), 'Man Dole Mera Tan Dole' (Nagin), 'Yeh Zindagi Ussiki Hai' (Anarkali), 'Chal Udd Jaa Re Panchhi' (Bhabhi) and 'Yun Hasraton Ke Daag' (Adalat) in the '40s and '50s and 'Woh Bhooli Dastaan' (Sanjog)

He was the villain in Kareena Kapoor's life when they last came together in  Ra.One . However, Arjun Rampal has also played her hubby in  We Are Family  which was not too long ago. Now that they have come together in  Heroine , it is apparent that even though Kareena has played the central protagonist, Arjun has managed to get a good share in the film. However, Arjun admits that to begin with he was a bit apprehensive to be stepping into the film.  "See, when I was actually approached for the film, I did feel that in a film about a heroine, what would a guy actually do. However, the part of this superstar that I am playing in the film came across quite nicely. Moreover, Madhur and I wanted to work together for a long time. When he told me that there was this part in the film that he really wanted me to do, I went with the flow. Add to this, the fact that UTV was backing the film and I was all the more assured", reasons Arjun.  He goes on to add, "I think Madhur is

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently attended the symbolic Peace Bell event of the United Nations in New York where she addressed over 500 students from across the world live and some connected via the web, on peace. In her opening speech addressing the congregation, Aishwarya said the following… "Good morning respected Secretary General, dignitaries and friends. It is a great honour to be here today at such a symbolic event. I am a great believer in the United Nations- uniting for a better world. UNITY takes COURAGE-COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP- and this is what I am seeing and experiencing today.......not only with the Secretary General and dignitaries- but also with you- the next generation A lot has already been said today.....eloquently... And effectively, resonating....all that each of us believe in, to bring and keep our world together. PEACE however is divine manifestation and we have to find and achieve peace within each of us and spread that around. My father pu

While on earth, (the late) Dev Anand lived as the brand ambassador of love and romance. And even whilst he is in heaven, someone is making sure that his forthcoming 89th birthday be celebrated with the flavour of élan, grace and style. And that 'someone' is none other than his son Suniel Anand. Suniel is leaving no stone unturned to make his father's birth anniversary special. No wonder then, it is indeed going to be an emotional moment for people associated with the late Dev Anand since it was just a year back that he celebrated his birthday at his favorite hotel in Mumbai. This year too, Suniel has planned to have a get together at the same place. In addition to the cake cutting, a few rare pictures from Dev saab's personal album will be on display for the media and his fans. The celebrations don't end there. That day will also see Suniel announcing his film that he will be producing and directing. Suniel plans to make an international film under the 'N