30.12.09 / News / Author: timepasss / Comments: (0)
A new carbon tax that was supposed to go into effect in France at New Year has been struck down, delivering a blow to President Nicolas Sarkozy.
France’s Constitutional Council, a legal compliance watchdog, said there were too many exemptions for polluters in the tax plan.
The body said 93% of industrial emissions, other than fuel use, would be exempt from the tax.
The tax was set at 17 euros (£15) per tonne of emitted carbon dioxide (CO2).
Prime Minister Francois Fillon has said the government will now work on a new law taking account of the legal ruling.
The tax was aimed at encouraging consumers to use less oil, gas and coal. It would have meant a rise in the price of fuel for cars, domestic heating and factories.
But it did not apply to the heavy industries and power firms included in the EU’s emissions trading scheme.
Most electricity in France – excluded from the carbon tax – is nuclear-generated.
According to France’s Le Monde newspaper, the tax would have generated about 4.3bn euros (£3.8bn) of revenue annually.
Commenting on the ruling, French government spokesman Luc Chatel said “France has shown that it is a leader in the fight against climate change and it will remain at the forefront by presenting new legislation on 20 January”.
The Constitutional Council said the “large number of exemptions from the carbon tax runs counter to the goal of fighting climate change and violates the equality enjoyed by all in terms of public charges”.
It said more than 1,000 of France’s biggest polluters would have been able to avoid the tax.
30.12.09 / Bollywood / Author: timepasss / Comments: (0)
Now this is one Collectors Edition that deserved to be much better marketed, promoted and released. When an effort like ‘Pancham Unmixed’ arrives on stands unannounced, it is not just a letdown for the man (Brahmanand S Singh) who has made an effort to put it all together but also the subject himself, the legendary R.D. Burman a.k.a. Pancham, on whose life it is based.
This collection is a delight, as evidenced in this brilliantly packaged affair that comprises of a coffee table book (Pancham – Strings of Eternity), a DVD (Pancham Unmixed) which is basically a two hour feature length film made on his life and an additional DVD (Pancham Magic) which comprises of 30 original videos of some of the best tracks created by Pancham.
This is why the release of a DVD and a book on his life makes for an important event. And yes, Brahmanand actually makes it authentic enough by reaching out to people who were closest to the man who, needless to say, redefined the entire manner in which music was looked at in Bollywood flicks. Dozens of people are interviewed and quite a few anecdotes are shared as people like Asha Bhonsle, Gulzar, Shammi Kapoor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Manna Dey, Pt. Ronu Majumdar and many others (including a bunch of fans, musicians, arrangers etc.) come together the describe the phenomenon called Pancham.
The film DVD is an engaging affair. The tone is set in the very first 5 minutes itself with Asha Bhonsle and others describing the man he was, both from professional and personal standpoint. In fact one has to give it to Brahmanand here as he intelligently brings in quotes from different people and comes up with a seamless feature that is alternatively emotional and entertaining. What works most in this feature is the way Pancham songs are interspersed as a part of the narrative. Most of the times it is in direct relevance to what it is being spoken by Pancham’s friends and professional acquaintances and the placement of songs only enhance the overall effect.
The film is also special because it is not just about the music that we all have been hearing for over three decades now. There are finer points around his composition style explained as well that would certainly make the students of music a lot more interested. Musicians who have worked closely with him during his decades of music making share their experiences from the recordings and describe what transpired within the walls of a studio. In course of such happenings, it may have been possible that the talks become a little too technical for the taste of ‘aam junta’ but the director ensures that he mixes it up all well to make it a seamless exercise that doesn’t get talk heavy.
The coffee table book is a good read as well, especially after one has watched the DVD. In fact the book and the DVD compliment each other as they come up with different factoids though the people interviewed are the same. The layout is well done too which gives a classy feel to the entire product. Comprising of dozens of quotes from people close to Pancham, the book brings to fore a lot about his personal life with friends recollecting his naughty antics that were a part of his personality right from his younger days till the time he was actively composing. Of course, as the world is aware, he was quite sad during his last days, especially due to the state of music Bollywood had found for itself (from the mid-80s to the mid-90s). Pancham too was pretty much down and out before some fabulous tunes for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda followed by 1942 A Love Story revived him to an extent. It was a pity though that he never lived to see either the success of his music nor the hundreds of remixes that continue to sell on his name till date.
Majority of biographies are known for falling pray to being too talk heavy and also being primarily descriptive around the subject’s life journey, while being presented in a chronological order. However, to the credit of Brahmanand, he doesn’t fall into this trap. He steers clear of making his book seem like a chapter by chapter account of how R.D. Burman emerged from the shadows of his father (S.D. Burman) and turned into Pancham as we know him today. Instead, he just picks up certain episodes of his life and brings them (in no particular order) in front of audiences to give them a good enough insight of what the man actually was.
Any blemishes? Yes, there is one for sure. It is obvious that Brahmanand, along with dozens of other people who have spoken for the DVD and the book, have been followers and fans of Pancham. Due to this, all one gets to hear and read is the good work that the man did in his entire lifetime. However, the fact remains (as detailed in the filmography of Pancham) that he had made music for 300 odd movies and not all are known to the general audiences. Even he must have had his off days with an uninspired piece of work, as obvious from the fact that there are dozens of films (Kaun? Kaise?, Shubh Kaamna, Rusvai, Bada Kabutar, Doosri Sita etc.) That one has never even heard about. A brief take on such work would have lent further weight to ‘Pancham Unmixed’ which eventually comes across as a tribute more than a complete take on the man. Also, 30 songs which appear in the DVD are good (‘Jaan-E-Jaan’, ‘Pyaar Mein Dil Pe Maar De Goli’, ‘O Maanjhi Re’, ‘Do Lafzon Ki Hai’ and many more) but again only from those films for which the DVD company (Shemaroo) holds rights. An extra effort to procure songs from other companies would have taken this compilation to the next level.
Nevertheless, leaving such blemishes aside, the fact is that it isn’t everyday when a compilation like this is made available to audiences and hence it is pretty much a surprise when it arrives sans any fanfare. Now that’s a disappointment because just a few weeks back, there was this entire global phenomenon over ‘This Is It’, the film released on Michael Jackson. While the movie went on to earn millions for itself from its theatrical release (and also saw some decent moolah coming from India), it is certainly sad when a movie around country’s own icon doesn’t even get a proper release.
Price: Rs. 999/=
Rating: 
30.12.09 / Bollywood / Author: timepasss / Comments: (0)
The likes of Imtiaz Ali, Rajkumar Santoshi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Balki and Prabhu Deva must be feeling disheartened. If only Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan and Co. would have released 3 Idiots a week later, the competition was just amongst the five of them for Love Aaj Kal, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Kaminey, Paa and Wanted respectively. However, due to the fact that 3 Idiots is a fantastic experience for millions of cine-goers and above all is pretty much fresh in audiences mind, it is the unanimous choice for one and all. Whether it is ‘aam junta’ or industry alike, there is no negative word around this movie. Instead, it has been universally hailed, acclaimed, appreciated and above all respected, which has proved once again that if a film is really well made, all bad blood is forgotten, all negative vibes are kept aside and all competition stays a distance away. Over to the Bollywood folks who (keeping certain exceptions aside) truly believe that 3 Idiots is the film of 2009.
Kareena Kapoor – 3 Idiots was the best film of 2009.
Sajid Khan – Best movie of the year was Avatar. Reason? It was not a film but an experience.
Shirish Kunder – For the sheer sincerity with which it has been made, 3 Idiots is simply the best by leaps and bound. Aamir has once again proved that he is the ISI mark of good cinema.
Piyush Jha – 3 Idiots was the best film that 2009 had to offer because it took a very relevant issue and banged home the point. Moreover, the icing on the cake was that it was thoroughly entertaining.
Kalki – Best film of 2009 was Kaminey because it’s a furious and an intelligent film with great performances and music.
Aanand L Rai – For me the best movie in 2009 is 3 Idiots. It boasted of a brilliant screenplay and direction.
Suneel Darshan – 2009 ended on a positive note with two movies – Paa and 3 Idiots. Paa displayed refined performances by Mr. Bachchan and Vidya Balan. On the other hand 3 Idiots is a sincere attempt at entertainment with a soul.
Hasnain Hyderabadwaala – I enjoyed watching Wanted most. It was after a long time that I saw a complete masala film. Total paisa wasool!
Ramesh Taurani – Of course I believe that Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani was the best film of 2009. But so have been 3 Idiots, Paa, Wake Up Sid and Love Aaj Kal. All these films have been hugely entertaining.
Robby Grewal – It’s a one horse race – 3 Idiots.
Sadaa – 3 idiots was surely the best film of 2009. It was a complete film as it lacked nothing. Moreover, there was some very good message being delivered in an entertaining format.
Vaishali Desai – I loved both Avatar and 3 Idiots. Both films belonged to completely different genres. Avatar boasted of some breathtaking special effects and it was an entirely new experience. Whereas 3 Idiots is yet another cult film about the education system from Mr. Hirani.
Raksha Mistry – Call it ironical but the best of 2009 came at the very end. Yes, I am talking about 3 Idiots which is not just the best of 2009 but also one of the finest movies ever in all aspects.
Boney Kapoor – I have heard great things about 3 Idiots but I haven’t seen it yet. Of course Wanted was a complete package as it brought back the concept of hero, something which was in vogue years back when Amitabh Bachchan used to play such characters. Somehow such cinema had become extinct. Amongst other films, I also loved Love Aaj Kal. It’s entire approach was very fresh and everybody performed well. Its music was superb. The film was as mainstream as it gets and was a good blend of the old charm and new thinking. Even Paa was quite exciting. After a really long time came an Amitabh Bachchan film where he could showcase his talent. It was a neat and clean movie that really moved me. Moreover, in spite of having a sad tale on the surface, it was tackled in a very lighter vein. It reminded me of Hrisihikesh Mukherjee at his peak. Watching the film gave me the same feeling as I had when I watched Anand. Since Amitabh Bachchan’s effort didn’t show in the film, that itself reflects that how great an actor he is. Really, Imtiaz and Balki are two filmmakers to look out for. From Hollywood, it was Avatar all the way. I can’t think of a better movie visually. In fact it would take a really long time for anyone to match it technically; it has surpassed all films where technical wizardry and visual appeal is concerned. All the special effects have been taken to a different level altogether with Avatar.
Ken Ghosh – I am on a jury for an award, so I can’t really quote around the best or the worst of the year
Rohit Shetty – Best film of the year is 3 Idiots for sure. It makes you feel so good and happy after watching it.
Jagmohan Mundhra – 3 Idiots was the best movie of 2009.
Tanushree Dutta – For me, the best films of 2009 would be 3 Idiots and Avatar.
Ruslaan Mumtaz – Kaminey was the best film of the year along with 3 Idiots
Sujoy Ghosh – I haven’t seen 3 Idiots but I’ll go with Paa. It’s a film which made me feel very good about life. It’s a film which took some of my fears away. It’s a film which taught me to look at different things normally. I really appreciated that. It’s a film which didn’t try to squeeze my balls for emotions. And of course Mr. Bachchan, Vidya, Balki, Illayaraja and P.C. Sreeram made it all possible.
Sophie Choudry – According to me, 2009 was filled with below par cinema both in Hollywood and Bollywood. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed 3 Idiots, Kamineyand Paa. They were all brilliantly made films.
Urvashi Sharma – Baabarr is one of my favourite films from 2009 but I think 3 Idiots has broken all the records and is the best Hindi film of the year. From Hollywood, I loved both The Hangover and Avatar.
Kunal Deshmukh – I loved Avatar because it educates us to think ahead and learn so much. And of course 3 Idiots, as we all know today, is a fabulous movie. It brought home a message without shoving it down your throat.
Ananth Mahadevan – Though Paa and 3 Idiots are what I would define as ideal mainstream cinema (they made cine-going a pleasure after what seemed ages), if one has to select a film, my choice would be Nandita Das’ Firaaq. The four stories were moving accounts of the aftermath of human folly fuelled by political insanity. The critical eye may pick a few bones of contention, but the film was relevant, urgent, well enacted and most importantly, credibly treated.
Tusshar Kapoor – Which movie is best for me in 2009? Obviously, there is going to be just one answer – 3 Idiots.
30.12.09 / Bollywood / Author: timepasss / Comments: (0)
Saurabh Shukla is an Idiot (I’ll Do It on my Own Terms). You got that now? Yes, he has always been making cinema his way, his style and his mind. He is different. He is cute but looks like that many of his stories are hiding in his good old stomach. And that’s why his films, when given birth, make a profound impact on the intelligent minds. But it’s only after you meet him in person that you can understand a man like Saurabh. His mind speaks a thousand words. Now we know why Ram Gopal Varma had lyrics in Satya which went, “Goli maar bheje mein…ki bheja shor karta hain.” If you have the right look, the right friends, or an inviting mouth, chances are you can be a star in Bollywood. Shukla is not particularly attractive, most people want to be friends with him, and I would rather not think of his mouth doing anything but delivering his nervous ramblings, sometimes. But Saurabh Shukla is not a star, he is a legend. And to be a legend, you have to have talent. Talent in acting, talent in screenplay writing, talent in writing lyrics and talent in direction. But if he was a little fair skinned, a little thin and with his little black framed glasses on, you’d call him the Indian Woddy Allen, wouldn’t you? UK’s Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama’s London correspondent met Saurabh Shukla and learnt that one of the things that’s so fascinating about an art form is that it may be good, mediocre or terrible but it’s not perfect, so when it’s over you’re constantly impelled to try another one because you suffer from the delusion that you can get perfection. Over to the perfect man!
So what happened last night Saurabh?
Well, I’m still trying to figure out (laughs).
Over a period of time, a large number of people have become friends, like Neha, Vinay, Ranvir, etc. that we keep working for each other
Why does it have to be you or Vinay or Rajat who come up with ideas which no one can think of?
See, I’ll tell you a secret today. Some people have asked me today – What’s your inspiration about whatever you guys do? The answer is that we haven’t told our secret to anyone but we are actually copying, and copying originality (laughs).
How serious can you get now?
What we are trying to do is the kind of cinema I believe in or Rajat believes in. We both have very common liking towards this art and we’re just trying to do that. Over a period of time, a large number of people have become friends, like Neha, Vinay, Ranvir, etc. that we keep working for each other. We aren’t any camp but we work with like minded people. It’s helping each other and have managed to do couple of films together.
So how did you become friends huh?
Rajat and I were never friends. What has happened and it’s still happening the same way. If we like somebody’s work, we don’t hide it. If I like your work, I’ll tell you. If you have anything good to say about my work, we come closer and there is a mutual respect. That’s how we become friends. I never knew Vinay, Ranvir, Rajat, Neha or Anu.
Will the audiences be question marked by the end of the film? Because your tag line has a question mark sign.
Raat Gayi Baat Gayi is an old Hindi saying which means, ‘let bygones be bygones’. But it never comes with a question mark. Here there is a question mark in the title which is actually, that we try and escape certain incidences of our life but can we actually escape? That’s the whole story. It’s a comic thriller where a guy is trying to figure out what happened last night. Yes, there is a discovery in it too.
That’s the whole story. It’s a comic thriller where a guy is trying to figure out what happened last night
How sexy is Neha Dhupia?
Well, she is very sexy and beautiful. I’ve done three films with her and every time I think of a character, Neha comes first. She is really a warm person.
Now that you’ve been doing so many films together with all your friends, what innovatively different do you try and achieve while working with the same family of actors?
I think it’s endless. That discovery is endless because it’s not about two people or a group of people interacting each day. You keep discovering your creative side. The same thing happens in a group. That each time we share our life and experiences and still something is left. Life is all about a point of view. But much later in life, you have a different take on that.
Can you recall of any incidences your friends have shared with you on ‘let bygones be bygones’?
Loads of. Fortunately or unfortunately, I never had a one night stand. I wasn’t such an interesting guy to be chosen for a one night stand. But that’s ok. But I can recall one forgetting part. When I first came to Mumbai, I went to a party where seven to eight thousand people were present. It was a party of a channel called ‘Plus’. There were so many people that I kept smiling at one and all and was happily drinking. I remember I met Satyadev Dube there and he said, ‘I really like your work.’ At around one in the night I started talking to him and I remember that we finished at around 3 in the night. God knows what I was talking. But the next day when I woke up with a big hangover, I was really scared. I called my friend Makarand Deshpande and he said, ‘Kya tu Dubeji ke saath laga hua tha. Kya bole jaa raha tha tu.’ After that day, I kept running away from Dubeji for many months. That was one trigger point as to how embarrassing a night can get. How strange it can get when you can’t remember what you talked.
But that’s what happens on a drunk night, right?
Yes, you’re right. Modern day life is full of temptations. We are in a transitory phase. What used to be taboos in the yesteryears is now becoming a norm. Flirting is no more a bad thing if it’s a decent flirt. Talking to a woman in the middle of a night doesn’t mean that you’re going to sleep with her. But you just play along. However, somewhere there is sexuality involved in it. There is a man-woman politics involved in it. I think that when you’re in a situation like that, you might cross the line, and if you cross the line, does it make you a bad person or do you still remain yourself?
If you cross the line, does it make you a bad person or do you still remain yourself?
Is that one of the many questions asked?
Yes. And the journey is about this decent guy who didn’t want to do it, does it and is now confused. He has to figure out whether the one night stand did take place in the first place.
Would you like to work with besides the same co-actors you’ve been working with?
Working with young talents isn’t easy. It’s a project and it’s a business. Whenever you work with fresh talents, you have to reduce your cost as a director. But that’s pretty much the case. I’m not too interested in making big budget films right now. If I can hold it on my own merit, I’d work with Shahana Goswami. She is very talented. I saw her in Naseer saab’s film and then Rock On came. I always thought that she is a good actor. Then there is another guy called Angat Bedi. He has an interesting face. He was supposed to work in a tele series called Prithvi Raj Chauhan but it didn’t happen. I’m trying to write some good scripts so that I can work with newcomers. Then it’s Ranbir Kapoor. He is fabulous. He is so easy. He is so wonderful to watch. Even if nothing is happening, you still can watch him. I see a lot of potential in Imran Khan too. But I think he hasn’t been exploited completely.
30.12.09 / Bollywood / Author: timepasss / Comments: (0)
She is indeed one of the faces to watch out for in the New Year 2010, for she hails from a family where Talent comes before anything and everything. She is none other than the svelte hour glass figured Sonam Kapoor, who is sizzling from the cover of the latest edition of Vogue.
In this edition, Miss Kapoor talks (read ‘reveals’) about how she went from flab to fab! For the impatient ones, Sonam attributes her makeover to the celeb trainer Zareen Watson, who, on her own admission Sonam says, “Helped me change the way I looked at nutrition and exercise. I had to make a lifestyle change: it’s the only thing that really works; it has to be how you lead your life, a regime you follow.” Sonam also talks about how easy or tough it was it for her hard to lose all those kilos. One has to give it to Sonam for being such a sport and calling a spade a spade!
They just don’t make like them anymore… or do they? Whatever the case maybe, there cannot be a better way to usher in the New Year 2010, than to pick up the January issue of Vogue!
