KANK, which hit theaters in August of 2006, opened to a lukewarm reception at the Indian box office, and to huge fanfare and large collections to overseas box offices around the world. The differences in reactions to the film were attributed mainly to the cultural differences that existed between the Indian communities in India and abroad. The concept of divorce and extra marital affairs were not well received by Indian audiences mainly because the institution of marriage is considered sacred, and viewers felt that KANK was promoting extra marital relationships – despite there being a love story woven into the film’s plot. As much as the reactions of international audiences were mixed, most viewers found the film and the relationships to be well portrayed, coupled with strong performances. In addition to that, Amitabh Bachchan’s and Shah Rukh Khan’s star power outside of India also helped propel the film to very successful run at the box office. The film was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival as well. The film was nominated for a total of 10 Filmfare Awards, of which the Best Supporting Actor trophy was bestowed upon Abhishek Bachchan for his portrayal of the loving and vulnerable spouse of Rani Mukherji. Rani also walked away with a Best Actress award at the 2007 IIFA Awards.

Like most Karan Johar films, the soundtrack of KANK was a beautiful medley of Indian and international influences varying from beautiful and melodic love songs, to catchy and up beat dance tracks. The soundtrack for the film was by musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Their trademark flare helped delivered chart busting hits such as “Mitwa”, “Rock N’ Roll Soniye” and the film’s title track “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”. The films music was quite successful in the awards category, resulting in many wins including 4 Filmfare Awards including Best Music Directors, Best Lyrics (Javed Akhtar), Best Male Playback Singer (Sonu Nigam) and Best Female Playback Singer (Alka Yagnik).

The film was set in New York City and most of the film was shot mainly in Philadelphia and Connecticut with a few scenes being shot in Mumbai and the soccer game sequence being shot in the UK. Some interesting facts about the film is that the main cast initially included Johar’s favorite actress Kajol in the lead role with Rani Mukherji appearing as Rhea in a supporting role. However, Kajol turned down the offer because she did not fully agree with the portrayal of the relationships in the film as she clearly stated appearing on “Koffee with Karan” during the same year of the film’s release.

This film is an all-time great and in my opinion; Karan Johar’s best film to date. KANK had the perfect balance between Bollywood romance and a serious drama – with a dash of songs to suit each mood, occasion and emotion. The casting of the film was perfect, and the stylized locations and interiors as well as the clothing cemented Karan Johar as not only a master storyteller, but as an aesthetic genius as well (of course, the cinematographers and costume designers had a lot to do with this as well). But what makes KANK a film that truly shines in these beautiful 100 years of Indian cinema – is that it portrayed the taboo. Extra Martial relationships and divorce are highly taboo in the Indian culture and for Karan Johar to portray that so beautifully and with ease was a masterstroke in these 100 years. The building of tension between the characters, the ups and downs, the moments and experiences between them may be highly rehearsed and stylized. However, they represented something that happens every day, all the time….love.

Being an eagerly awaited film by renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, Dil To Pagal Hai opened to full houses and very good reviews. The superstar cast of Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor made for fresh pairings on screen and helped send Yash Chopra’s beliefs about love to one and all. One of the main reasons the film struck a chord with the audiences is its soulful, melodic and super hit soundtrack. The soundtrack of Dil To Pagal Hai became the most popular soundtrack of 1997 with music by Uttam Singh and with the soulful and touching voice of Lata Mangeshkar. The film didn’t just experience success at the box office, but was a hit during awards season with a clean sweep in the Actor categories at all major award shows including the Filmfare Awards. The film was also honoured for excellence in music, playback singing, cinematography and choreography. 

Some interesting facts about the film that most do not know: Juhi Chawla was originally approached to play the second female lead, which eventually was given to Karisma Kapoor. While Juhi has admitted to being offered the role and later turning it down, it is also rumoured that Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Kajol and Manisha Koirala were also approached to play the character of Nisha as well. Also, before Shahid Kapoor became a well-known lead actor, he was a background dancer in Dil To Pagal Hai. 

Dil To Pagal Hai is easily one of the films that will be remembered as one of the best films from the late Mr. Yash Chopra. Mr. Chopra was a romantic at heart, and his love for love itself was beautifully expressed throughout this film. What makes this film even more special is that many do believe in the concept of “soul-mates” and it was wonderfully portrayed in the film through a musical. While all Bollywood films are considered musicals, “Dil To Pagal Hai” was special because all three characters were brought together by a theatrical stage production which also explored the idea of soul-mates. The scenes, moments, and plot of the play mimicked what the characters were experiencing in real life, and it was that delicate balance and tightly written script that made the film excel in all levels. 

On June 23-25, The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) makes its way to Toronto, Ontario, marking its first North American premiere since its inception in 2000. Yet, its arrival marks milestones and raises many questions. This is a huge step for Bollywood taking a stage that will be noticed by one and all, and there is great appreciation for Bollywood’s reach to its fan across the globe – BUT, what does IIFA mean in the larger spectrum? Will IIFA mean something significant for the future of Bollywood films, or will it simply allow Bollywood to explore more avenues when it comes to film production and promotion. Let’s take a look at a few more larger, more realistic examples within recent times. Not sure if the answer will be here at all, but taking a look at what’s at work is far more valuable than just enjoying IIFA in a very superficial and topical manner.

For a while, Bollywood films were never taken seriously as they were regarded as frivolous musicals that had men and women running around trees and yearning for love through stereotypical and predictable plot lines. As much as this perception comes from the lack of understanding regarding Indian cinema and Bollywood as a genre that exists within Indian cinema – the arrival of IIFA in Toronto, Ontario marks a very global stage for Bollywood films itself. Bollywood has garnered international attention over the years as it expands its production values and scripts – there have also been many superstars who have created names for themselves in the international area as well.

In 2001, Lagaan was nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscar Awards, then came Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s arrival as a L’Oreal Cosmetics representative and short lived venture with Hollywood projects as well as Akshay Kumar’s venture into Canadian/Hollywood films with the upcoming Breakaway. Yet, despite these star-studded arrivals Bollywood existed on the international map for years. The point is, no matter how wonderful it is to see representatives from the Bollywood fraternity making solid names for themselves and creating a presence in international arenas, the Bollywood film is representative in and of itself, it doesn’t require big names or big budgets. If the films of 2010 and 2011 are any indication so far, a good film is a good film and Bollywood is a household genre across the globe.

Bollywood films are viewed by 5 billion people around the world yearly and has found its way into various pop cultural mediums; brief mentions on popular American TV shows, selected films at some of the world’;s most respected film festivals and even Lady Gaga has teamed up with Bollywood music producers to add a Bollywood spice to her latest tunes. Bollywood is going places… but, let’s be clear, the IIFA Awards are by no means the reason why Bollywood films are international as the international non-Indian audience may think and believe. If anything, the IIFA Awards help strengthen the bond that Bollywood films share with their loyal fans and helps negotiate deals pertaining to film shooting locations, tourism – agreements and relationships that help Bollywood reach a wider and more diverse audience. Factor in economics, money and potential money growing business partnerships and suddenly Bollywood is on the map like it hasn’t been in years.

IIFA’s North American debut in Toronto at the end of this month signifies a stronger relationship between Indian cinema and the western world. The United Kingdom, United States and Canada are responsible for more than 25% of the box-office collections of Bollywood films so it only makes sense to bring IIFA to the western hemisphere.

As much as Bollywood cinema is international in nature, that will never change, the IIFA Awards and its run in Toronto could prove to provide Bollywood with the connections and opportunities it needs to make a stronger presence on the West and perhaps take Bollywood films to newer heights. Only time will tell!

Gaga states, “The reason I’m going to India now is because I can…I didn’t have the money or the resources before to travel and bring all of my things with me and reach an entire new territory of fans.” Lady Gaga is only the latest international star who is planning to reach out to Indian audiences. It has been reported that Gaga has reached out to DesiHits, a very popular entertainment marketing company that produces and markets content to South Asian audiences.

The co-founder of DesiHits, Anjula Acharia-Bath makes a very interesting yet valid point when she states that Bollywood is a territory that must be explored and navigated in order to reach the masses in India. Unlike the North American music industries, the music industry in India is driven mainly by the film industry, Bollywood being the genre that has driven many unknown artists into national singing icons and Bollywood films attracting artists such as Akon to be apart of Bollywood projects. Thus, Bollywood films are the way in which artists such as Lady Gaga can penetrate pop culture.

Last month, DesiHits released two official remixes of ‘Born This Way’ one mixed by Salim-Sulaiman, known for their work on films such as Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Aaja Nachle and the other remix completed by a Canadian based production team called Culture Shock. Just recently, DesiHits released a unique remix on ‘Judas’ created by Panjabi MC and one by Salim-Sulaiman. These remixes are just the beginning of Lady Gaga’s venture into the land of song and dance. It’s about time she reached out to her Little Monsters in India.

Salim Sulaiman – Born This Way Remix – Desi Hits
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Salim and Sulaiman Judas Remix – Desi Hits
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However, to keep our eyes busy for the time being, Asin will be seen opposite Salman Khan in the upcoming film Ready, and she is all praise for the Bollywood superstar. According to Asin, Salman is an extremely grounded individual and has no unintended qualms to any of his actions or his personality in general. This will be Asin’s second film with Salman Khan after London Dreams, so the mere fact that Asin has agreed to work with Salman a second time most certainly speaks to Salman’s stature as a credible actor in the film industry, and also his professionalism and passion as an individual. She says, “Working with Salman is just fun. We share a great bond and comfort level and therefore work becomes pleasure. I think the interaction I had with Salman in London Dreams kind of helped to have a comfortable relationship in Ready because of the rapport created. He is always very supportive.”

Futhermore, Asin also takes in upon herself to clear up some tabloid rumors that linked her up with the megastar claiming that he gifted her a lavish apartment in Mumbai and various lush gifts, such as pets and much more. Asin was quick to put down the rumors and comment upon the more serious issue, that being tabloid journalism. Earlier, such rumors and fabricated stories would upset Asin, but today, she smiles. She says, “It’s funny because I wish I got all those gifts. Earlier, such reports used to upset me. In the South, there is not much tabloid journalism and I wonder why people write or fabricate such stuff. And what irks me is that people come to you for clarification for other people’s imaginations – but I am getting used to it. I have learnt to ignore it,”

Rumors or no rumors, Asin is getting “ready” to appear on the screen once again and here is hoping that her second innings with Salman Khan results in box office success!

If recent reports are to be believed, than Madhuri Dixit will be starring soon in the 2011 remake of Satte Pe Satta along with Sanjay Dutt. The original film was released 29 years ago and starred Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, and this time around the film will be produced by Dutt’s home production company, Sanjay Dutt Productions. There are a number of reports that Madhuri has already signed the dotted line and the film was announced on her birthday, May 15th itself. There is also heavy rumors that the film will be shot on a 45 day schedule when Madhuri returns to India to film the Maha Challenge for the FoodFood Network in June. There are also reports that Madhuri is considering the project and is keen to do it, but she is waiting to read the script first. Many are hesitant to believe the rumors because it was heavily speculated that Madhuri and Sanjay had feelings for one another during the 90’s a time when the two were very popular and delivered a number of hit films together.

Rumors are rife and fingers are crossed, everyone is waiting for the Queen to return.

CIBC, one of the official sponsors of the 2011 IIFA Awards to be held in Toronto, Ontario from June 23-25 has launched a dance competition that will give fans the opportunity of a lifetime. The contest, The Bollywood Dance Moves Competition gives fans the opportunity to submit a homemade video showing off their dance moves to selection of one of two songs. Finalists will be selected and the top 10 are taken to Toronto, Ontario to perform their dance on a live platform at Toronto’s own Yonge and Dundas Square in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Out of the top 10 contestants, a male and female winner will be chosen, giving them the opportunity to perform on the IIFA stage and attend the official IIFA After Party with the stars.

Are you ready to party with the stars? Get your contest entries in…

To find out more and how to enter click here but hurry time runs out on Friday! CIBC Dance Competition link

Box office collections from projects from some of the biggest production houses and names in Bollywood cinema have proven that gloss and glamour are sometimes not enough to get the cash registers ringing. In fact, the silver lining for Bollywood has been a new crop of independently produced films, directed by new names with casts consisting of fresh faces. Perhaps the Bollywood audiences are getting tired of the same dolled-up faces we have been seeing for years? There is something to be said for this new wave of films as they have garnered a lot of money, attention and praise and allowed Bollywood cinema to explore new avenues in terms of narrative devices and story telling. Kaminey had big names attached to it, yet it explored a topic with a very rustic and complicated
story telling method. Unlike past Bollywood films that feed the audience a linear tale of love, Kaminey was an example of how a Bollywood film could deliver its narrative to an audience using a different method, by engaging the viewer and making them think, work hard to make the connections and take from it what they would. Not many filmmakers have the confidence to make a film like Kaminey today, afraid that the aam junta would not adhere to complex and rare forms of storytelling. Yet Kaminey worked and many other films like it have as well.

Dhobi Ghat, the most recent film considered a Hindi-Hindie film, looks into the city life of Mumbai with minimal glamour and maximum content. Although the film has big names associated with it, such as Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, the film embarks on a new path, one set by predecessors nonetheless, but one that carves a new niche for films of its kind. Bollywood lovers are accustomed to illogical and quirky narratives, which are relayed in over the top and colorful Bollywood fashion, yet Dhobi Ghat just becomes the most recent example of a complex narrative with simple characters and simple intentions.

Dhobi Ghat is an up close and intimate look into the different layers of the city of Mumbai and the interaction between various members of society, all from different walks of life, different castes. The film was shot in “guerilla style” with location in some of the busiest and high traffic areas of Mumbai in an effort to capture the deep and realistic elements of everyday life.

Along with Dhobi Ghat are films like Love, Sex aur Dhokha, Phaas Gaya Re Obama, Jaane Kyun and Udaan all of which have received tremendous popular and critical acclaim. Udaan was probably the most successful Hindie film we have seen recently as it swept away many popular awards during the award season. But what is it about these films that make them so successful when at first, considering their low budgets and lack of celebrity, the odds are against them? Perhaps it is the realistic approach on life that is appealing. After all, the realistic approach of these films and the many other Hindie films emerging is to comment on and pull apart daily life, something every moviegoer can relate to. While lavish dance sequences and fantastical moments are a pleasure to the eyes, Hindie films aim to please the soul, where dark, and unfortunate realities are explored in order to provoke thoughts, actions and ideas while still providing viewers with an experience worthy of their dollar.

Let’s get more specific; if mainstream Bollywood cinema is beginning to explore more realistic aspects of life, then what is the line that divides mainstream Bollywood cinema and Hindie (once termed art house) films? As the years go on, it seems there no longer is a divide as it blurs into non-existence, however, the Bollywood film fraternity is always keen on labels and categorization, so the two still exist as polar opposites, on one side we have mainstream Bollywood cinema and on the other we have Hindie films, what is dividing them you ask? In my opinion, what divides them is their budget and I feel that this is an acknowledged reality within the Indian film industry.

Budgets seem to be the most important aspect of films these days, sometimes I even wonder if filmmakers write scripts and consider them based on their budgets alone. Money is such an important issue and with stars demanding crores and film sets getting more lavish by the second, the budgets seems to be the main priority. I believe this is what makes a Hindie film a Hindie film when looking at things technically. Films are films, art is art, but with commercial cinema taking leaps with script writing and content, films such as Kaminey and Saat Khoon Maaf as well as Raajneeti can be termed Hindie films with commercial budgets. The dividing line seems to only exist when dicussing financial matters and as filmmakers and script writers continue to explore the depths of filmmaking, the content of films to come will only evolve and continue to get better.

Of course this debate will continue to exist, but when looking at the way films are made today, art seems to be appreciated in all forms, especially with a high price tag attached to it!

Since her arrival, rumors have been rife that the Queen Bee is flipping through film offers from Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and many more top notch directors. However, Madhuri has yet to sign a film. Last we heard, she was considering playing the role of a hip Mom in the remake of Freaky Friday by Anil Kapoor’s production company. While the screen queen’s film plans are unknown, one thing is for sure… we will get two more unique opportunities to see Madhuri aside from her weekly appearances on Jhalak Dikhhla Ja.

Madhuri will take over the couch once again on Karan Johar’s hit chat show Koffee with Karan and if rumors are to be believed, joining her on the sofa will be none other than Bollywood’s most recent glam doll Sonakshi Sinha. Apparently, actresses fluttered Mr. Johar’s cellphone asking the director/host to bestow them with the opportunity to share the same screen space and couch with Madhuri. We will find out soon who the lucky lass is!

We will also get to see Madhuri even sooner when she performs at the 56th Annual Idea Filmfare Awards along with none other than the King of Bollywood himself, Shah Rukh Khan. Both King and Queen will be performing to their hit songs from Dil To Pagal Hai and Devdas on the show that is happening tonight and will air on Sony Television on 6th February, 2011. It will be such a visual treat to see Madhuri and Shah Rukh interact and perform for the audience once more. Wouldn’t we love to see them in a film again? We here at BollySpice give that two big thumbs up!

We have noticed that in the past decade many a star have risen to the top once again. We thought it would be interesting to take a look at those comebacks and the return to superstar status that some actors in Bollywood have made in different ways. A reinvention in style and image, a literal comeback after a prolonged absence from films, someone emerging with great performances and hits after a year of bad luck. Everyone on this list embodies a comeback in some way, shape or form and they are credible and should be acknowledged. So let’s take a trip down memory lane over the past decade and take a look at some of the comebacks that have left us with great films and performances to remember.

10. Hema Malini

Hema Malini was the Dream Girl in her generation of actresses and has retained that status even today. This Evergreen queen was away for a bit, but then she returned looking amazing and wowing once again! Her pairing with Amitabh Bachchan in Baghban reminded Bollywood viewers that actors of the older generation could play lead roles in films today and not just be regulated to the backseat in films that focus on young love stories. We also saw her play an equally memorable role in Veer-Zaara and with that she established herself once again as one of THE actresses of the Hindi film industry. Let’s hope we get to see more of Hema Malini sooner than later.