Salman Khan Foundation: NGO of Salman Khan

Salman Khan is always famous for his bad works. He is always in the media headlines for doing this bad work that bad work. Even, he was on the verge of going to prison for sometime. Salman Khan is also famous for having numerous girl friends. I guess no other Bollywood actor could change so many GFs like Salman Khan. So, I am simply shocked to see that Salman Khan is opening an NGO to help poor people. Salman Khan Foundation is its name and helping the people in distress will be its game and it may bring Salman Khan some good fame.

Indiafm wrote:

Salman has applied for the registration of an NGO called the Salman Khan Foundation, which will render support to the poor and needy masses. He decided to throw light on his cause in a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 3. Hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, the episode was shot recently with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif on the hot seats. It is speculated that the duo have won a prize amount of Rs. 50 lakh on the particular show, which they will forward to the Salman Khan Foundation.

So, what next from Salman? May be a new girl friend? He is with Katrina Kaif for a long time. Will he get settled this time?

Juhi Chawla Singing in Vivek Sharma’s Bhootnath

Juhi Chawla has passed her prime as a Bollywood actress. Can you remember when it was the last time that one movie of Juhi Chawla created a storm on the box office! She is still beautiful and skilled actress. I also like Juhi Chawla because she never tried to attract viewers with short dress. Now, she is trying a different thing- singing. Yes, Juhi Chawla has a nice voice and if I would not mind to listen to her songs.

Indiafm reported:

Juhi Chawla, who played a mellow wife to Anil Kapoor in Salaam-E-Ishq, is now set to up the pace of her Bollywood career. She will be seen in Vivek Sharma’s Bhootnath in 2007. But this time, it is not just her acting skills that she will employ. The lovely actress is also trying her hand at playback singing for the first time!

So, best of luck to Juhi.

Sushmita Sen Walking Down the Ramp Again

Sushmita Sen is now one of the top Bollywood actresses. However, she was a talented supermodel and she is natural at fashion shows. She has again amazed the viewers by walking down the ramp recently.

Sahara Samay reported:

Actor Sushmita Sen made a comeback on the ramp as she gracefully walked down with daughter Renee to display Bollywood designer Neeta Lulla's collection at the Lakme Fashion Week.

It was Neeta Lulla's debut at the Fashion Week. "There is a sense of happiness, not really relief...I wouldn't call it relief, but yes, I am happy," Neeta said after her collection was displayed.

Sushmita Sen is not at her best in Bollywood now. May be she can shine more in modeling.

Zee Cine Awards 2007 at Malaysia

Malaysian government is interested to attract tourism from different parts of Asia. So, Zee Cine Awards 2007 is going to help Malaysia to show its beauty to the Indians. Zee Cine Awards 2007 is going to take place in Genting of Malaysia. Leading figures from Bollywood are going to be there. This program is going to be broadcast in India and millions of people will watch it.

Business of Cinema reported:

Bollywood stars will converge in full capacity not only to receive their awards, but also to perform in front of millions of Malaysians as well as television viewers who will watch the event live on the small screen, says a release.

Filmmaker Karan Johar is slated to host the evening's proceedings along with actor Saif Ali Khan, who will be accompanied by actors Urmila Matondkar and Shilpa Shetty, recently back from her UK Big Brother sojourn.

Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta- these are just some of the Bollywood figures that are expected to entertain the viewers in Zee Cine Awards 2007.

John Abraham and Vidya Balan in New Movie

Vikram Motwane is a new director. It is not that he is totally new in Bollywood but he is making his debut as a director soon. For his first movie, he has selected John Abraham and Vidya Balan as the leading performers. This is a good screen couple and they are have done well in Salam-E-Ishq.

Nikhil Kumar wrote:

The simmering, scintillating chemistry between John and Vidya was quite visible in Nikhil Advani’s movie Salaam-e-Ishq . Although the movie flopped at the box-office, John and Vidya arguably were the most passionate couple in the film.

Now, an upcoming filmmaker wants to make his directorial debut with a film starring John and Vidya in romantic roles. Vikram Motwane has been an assistant of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and has worked as choreographer in Deepa Mehta’s film Water .

Vidya Balan is moving fast and she has been able to make a distinct place for herself in the mind of Bollywood fans.

Preity Zinta: Shekhar Kapoor Eater?

Preity Zinta is now under fire from Suchitra Krishnamoorthy. Suchitra Krishnamoorthy has accused that Preity Zinta had an affair with her former husband Shekhar Kapoor and it caused her marriage to fall apart.

Here is an excerpt of an interview:

Tell us about that ‘maneater’ you referred to in a poem on your blog, the one who came between you and Shekhar. Is it Preity Zinta?

What do you think?

I am not sure.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.

Preity said in a recent interview that you weren’t talking about her.

She can say what she wants. If she thinks it’s not her and that I am wrong, she should sue me. And I will be delighted. My best friends are lawyers. I am not scared.

I think that says it all.

Yes.

Have you met Preity recently?

Why should I? She called me and asked why I was slurring her reputation. She even told me that she was getting married and that Shekhar has promised to give her away (a bride is given away by her father in Christian weddings).

How dare she call me? She dare not call me again. Stay out of my space. My home is sacred.

If the accusation is true then it is very bad for Preity Zinta. It will not do any good to her trying to become the leading Bollywood actress.

Bollywood Movie Awards US: Wal-Mart is the Sponsor

Wal-Mart is dying to enter in the Indian market and make huge profit. On the other hand, many Indians now live in US. So, Wal-Mart officials have done the right thing by becoming the sponsor of Bollywood Movie Awards which will take place in New York City after 2 months.

Business of Cinema reported:

Wal-Mart Stores Inc will be the main sponsor of the ninth annual Bollywood Movie Awards to be held at the Nassau Coliseum in New York City on 26 May 2007.

The awards will honour achievements of Indian filmmakers and artistes over the last year, says a release.

Among the celebrities slated to perform at the event include Bipasha Basu, Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi, Urmila Matondkar, Soha Ali Khan, Neha Dhupia, Kangana Ranaut. television actorr Mona Singh, UK actor Raghav, Pakistani actor and singer Shahida Mini, Caribbean Singer Ricki Ramdehal and Pakistani singer Waris Beg.

So, if you live in the US try to enjoy the award ceremony.

Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Priety Zinta

Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Priety Zinta are among the top performers in Bollywood. Shahrukh Khan is a veteran actor but still he is very popular and he is acting with all the leading female actresses.

Vimla Patil wrote:

SRK reminds fans that he has starred with Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Madhuri Dikshit, Priyanka Chopra, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Manisha Koirala, Twinkle Khanna, Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Rimii Sen, Juhi Chawla, Shilpa Shetty, Gayatri Joshi and every other heroine – except Mallika Sherawat – worth her name in Bollywood.

On the other hand, Priety Zinta is also in Bollywood for quite sometime. She has some great hit movies and she has acted with almost all the top male Bollywood actors.

Vimla also wrote:

Amdist female stars, Preity Zinta holds the record of working with Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, Arjun Rampal, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Chandrachur Singh and every other hero who is touching the top rung of the success ladder.

I guess that the days for Shah Rukh Khan are going to be numbered as the top male actor. Priety can hope of staying in the top level for sometime more.

Bollywood Movies: Being Bad is not Bad

India eNews has an interesting report about top figures in Bollywood liking to have wicked roles in Bollywood movies. Many top names are enjoying the idea of being bad in the movie.

The report stated:

Being wicked is again cool in Bollywood. It's the snowball effect after Saif Ali Khan in 'Omkara' and Hrithik Roshan in 'Dhoom 2', and everybody, from Naseeruddin Shah and Amitabh Bachchan to Bobby Deol and Viveik Oberoi are joining in.

Innocent-faced Sammir Dattani plays a ruthlessly ambitious politician in Vikram Bhatt's 'Life Mein Kabhi Kabhie'.

'I really enjoyed going grey in 'Life Mein Kabhi Kabhie'. It gave me a chance to do things which I wouldn't dream of doing in real life,' Sammir told IANS.

'Being ruthlessly ambitious doesn't come naturally to me. But even Abhishek (Bachchan) played a guy who thinks the end justifies the means in 'Guru'. I guess we're in for a time when morals are no longer that sharp-focussed,' he added.

All the actors and actresses are getting bored to be the good guy in the movies. Many of them are no where near to the roles they portray in the movie. So, may be, they are enjoying to have roles nearer to their real life.

Amitabh Bachchan Launches Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Leeds

Bollywood movies are going places and so too the Bollywood awards. It is time for Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards and it is taking place in Leeds of UK. This award ceremony is expected to attract nearly 28,000 visitors- a good thing from the tourism prospect too.

BBC reported:

The four-day star-studded event is expected to attract 28,000 visitors and will be broadcast to a global audience of nearly 500 million in 110 countries.

Organisers said the event would be a huge boost to the region's economy.

Mr Bachchan said the film community was looking forward to the awards in July.

He said: "It is an event that we all look forward to, it gives an opportunity for the entire film fraternity to collect in one place over a certain period of time.

Many people from India and other South Asian countries are in Britain. So, this kind of award will create a lot of interest among them too.

Sonali Bendre: Homemaker, Wife and Mother

Sonali Bendre is out of her prime now. Even in her prime, she was never the top Bollywood actress. However, she was very beautiful and not a bad actress. In fact, she thousands of fans. I often feel that she did not get enough opportunities to show her acting talent. Anyway, she is now very busy in her home. At this moment, she is not a actress but a homemaker, wife and mother. Wow, she has to play 3 roles in real life and real time. It seems that she is enjoying her new roles.

The Hindu wrote:

Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre Behl is enjoying her conjugal bliss so much that she has taken a sabbatical from films.

"I am a homemaker, wife and mother these days. I have a son, Ranvir, who needs all my attention. I acted for two and a half years after marriage, but I did not want to become a working mother. I am not going to act in films for a long time," says Sonali.

But the talented actress still derives creative satisfaction by doing theatre. She has acted in "Aap Ki Soniya'' that has been staged in various cities to generate funds for charitable causes. It is a sequel to "Tumhari Amrita''.

I am a big fan of Sonali and I wish her all the success in her new roles.

Aishwarya-Abhishek Marriage to be Held on April 20, 2007?

As Aishwarya-Abhishek would be marriage ceremony has already got much media attention, it is like that even small news of Bachchan family is getting much media coverage. Yes, it is true that the marriage not only in India but also in abroad has created a huge public attention. This would-be couple has already got invitation for honeymoon trip in abroad. There is a media report that the marriage is going to taken place on April 20, 2007. However, the reality is that there is no body who can give the exact date of the marriage. Magalorean reported:

"It (the date) must be true because the news was probably released from the Bachchans' office. Its apparently a three-day-long celebration," said a source.

Television and radio channels are adding to the cacophony. One TV channel has even gone to the extent of preparing a feature on the wedding with details of where Abhishek's father Amitabh and mother Jaya will stand to bless the couple.

But no one really knows the answer to the big question - are Abhiash - as the couple has been fashionably dubbed of late - actually getting married on April 20?

"All this news is coming from Delhi and everybody is relying on a report published in one newspaper. The Bachchans are closely guarding the wedding details, but I guess very soon they will make the announcement just the way they announced the engagement. But the reports are a little confusing because, if you see, every newspaper has a different version of the story," said the source.

There is news like Abhishek Bachchan will wear a golden sherwani in the marriage ceremony. The sherwani will cost about Rs. 500,000. Now, all the television channels and newspapers are busy with this all star marriage ceremony.

Hrithik Roshan: brand ambassador of Sony Ericsson

Hrithik Roshan is doing great and he is very happy. Why he should not be happy. These are his days. Shahrukh Khan is getting old and Hrithik Roshan can now think of taking his place. Yes, Hrithik Roshan is not only taking Shah Rukh’s place in the movie but also in the commercial world too. He is now the brand ambassador of Sony Ericsson.

Esato.com reported:

Sony Ericsson India General Manager Sudhin Mathur made the announcement in Mumbai. Hrithik will be endorsing all Sony Ericsson products and will be part of the company's marketing initiatives.

The company aims to strengthen its commitment to the Indian market. Sony Ericsson has leveraged the platform of 'Entertainment' via several initiatives focused on Bollywood and sports. With this announcement, Sony Ericsson takes forward its association with Bollywood and entertainment in India.

Commenting on this special association with Hrithik Roshan, Sony Ericsson India General Manager Sudhin Mathur said, "India is a very exciting and high-growth market for Sony Ericsson. The company has witnessed this growth through launch of the most innovative products backed by a strong customer focus and exciting marketing campaigns that revolve around entertainment. With movies being the face of our society, Bollywood is one of the most effective routes to connect with the Indian audience, as it offers instant entertainment, instant identification, instant star power and strongly influences popular culture."

Cool achievement for Hrithik Roshan. He will become richer with this deal. He will also become more familiar too.

Namastey London: Personalised Number Plates

It is interesting news. There is a press release in PRWeb. Here is the press release:

A new Bollywood movie featuring a selection of private car registrations from leading personalised number plates supplier Regtransfers.co.uk has just reached the cinemas. Regtransfers was asked to assist in finding suitable personal registrations for some of the movie's main characters.

Namastey London, directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, tells the story of a young Indian girl living in England. Despite her enthusiasm for Britain and its way of life, and the fact that she already has a British boyfriend whom she intends to wed, Jazz (the girl) finds that her father has plans for her to marry a Punjabi boy.

The word "Namaste" or "namastey" in the movie title is a respectful greeting, often used by Hindu and Sikh people as a polite "hello".

The families and characters depicted in Namastey London are rich and successful, and their status is reflected in the pedigree of the cars they drive. It was, therefore, quite natural for the production company to want a choice of high quality personalised registrations to display on those cars. Jazz's British boyfriend, Charlie Brown (played by Clive Standen) drives a Bentley bearing the registration CB 9. Other registrations that Regtransfers lent to the production were: 1 CB (which has since been sold), B16 DAY, V1 CAB, and 630 FFS.

Regtransfers.co.uk specialises in providing private number plates for movie and television productions. Anyone requiring UK vehicle registrations for these or similar projects should contact the www.regtransfers.co.uk public relations department on 01582 470089, or email pr @ regtransfers.co.uk.

The next issue of Regtransfers.co.uk's free magazine 'Regtransfers.co.uk: The World of Personal Number Plates', with its exclusive interview with Hollywood star Vinnie Jones, also features a movie theme. The magazine is available on request from the Regtransfers website.

Sounds very interesting!

The Marriage of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Creates a Huge Media Attention both in India and Abroad

Having heard a lot of speculation regarding the exact date of the marriage of two Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan, son of Bollywood legend Amitabh bachchan, and Aishwrya Rai, now it seems that April 20 is the probable date of this much talked marriage of Bachchan family. However, it has been also said that the marriage ceremony will only include the close friends of the Bachchan and Rai family.

Regarding this highly publicized marriage, media has gone for it for the last few months. Though it is the first marriage for both bride and groom, they had some affair story in their early life.

Aishwarya Rai was first involved with Bollywood actor Salman Khan and then she fall for Vivek Oberoi, another Bollywood actor. On the other hand, Bachchan Jr. also had a strong affair with fellow actress Karisma Kapoor, whom he had engagement with. However, Karisma Kapoor broke up the relationship later on. Then it is said that Abhishek Bachchan had a relation with Bengali actress Rani Mukherjee and both his parents expected that Rani was going to the real “Rani” (Queen) of their son. Unfortunately, this relation was also broken up later on.

So, it seems that their ex-love persons would not be invited for their marriage ceremony. However, I think the marriage has already made a huge boom in the media and using the huge attraction of this marriage some businessmen have already initiated to make some quick cash in. For instance, the bridal dress of both bride and groom will get instant hit in the Indian market.

Related article:

Money Control

Shah Rukh Khan’s First Season with Kaun Banega Crorepati Ended

Kaun Banega Crorepati’s first season with its new host Shah Rukh Khan, a famous Bollywood actor, has recently been finished. The season was consisted of 52 episodes. This popular game show of India was first hosted by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. With his presence, the program could create much hymn in India. However, Big B could not continue due to his illness. That is why, the program was stopped for a long time. Then the show again started with the host of King Khan, who also could hold the image of the show. NDTV Movies reported:

After 52 episodes SRK looks back at how doing the show has been a defining moment for him. Shahrukh says it has been quite an emotional ride for him.

"I'm feeling very bad. I'm going to miss coming to the sets, I'm going to miss the whole team," said Khan.

He might be Bollywood's biggest superstar but he proved that he could be humble as well, which is all credit for the success of the show. Khan says he goes to meet people behind the scenes.

There was a million dollar question in the last few months that between Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan who is better as the host of the show. However, till now, there is no exact answer of this questions.

Amitabh Bachchan to Launch The Indian Film Academy Award (IIFA)

One of the biggest awards giving ceremony of Indian cinema, the Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards is going to be held in Yorkshire, England in July 2007. It is expected that about 500 million people across the 110 countries will experience the ceremony in television. On the occasion of this grand ceremony 28,000 visitors will be gathered in one place. So, you can easily imagine that how big an occasion is going to be there in Yorkshire.

However, the Big B famed Amitabh Bachchan is now in the host city as he will launch this Bollywood award ceremony. BBC News reported:

Amitabh Bachchan arrived in the city as preparations got into full swing for the Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, due to take place in Yorkshire in June.

The four-day star-studded event is expected to attract 28,000 visitors and will be broadcast to a global audience of nearly 500 million in 110 countries.

Mr Bachchan said the film community was looking forward to the awards in July.

He said: "It is an event that we all look forward to, it gives an opportunity for the entire film fraternity to collect in one place over a certain period of time.

"It's something that we can't do even in Bombay when we are all living together, so it is an opportunity to meet each other and of course spend time in a new location every year."

On the other hand, the Yorkshire state government is well concerned to make the best use of such a huge gathering. They think that the award giving ceremony will make a boost in their tourism sectors as people from different countries will either physically attended at the function or watch the whole program on television screen. Even if just one percent of 500 million people can be attracted by the Yorkshire tourism, it would generate quick cash in for Yorkshire.

Shakira to Star in a film with Shah Rukh Khan?

Shakira has caused sensation in India. Her live concert has attracted a huge audience. She is impressed with the love and money she got from her Indian tour. Now, she wants to become more popular and earn more money in India. May be, she will visit India very soon. She even is thinking of doing any movie in Bollywood.

DNA India reported:

The Latino diva may just get a chance to star in a film with King Khan... if any of her Bollywood offers materialise.

If there were any doubts about King Khan’s popularity overseas, this should silence his critics. Grammy-award winning singer Shakira told After Hours, “Shah Rukh Khan is cool; I love him and have seen one of his movies.”

On Sunday night, the columbian sensation put up a good show at the MMRDA grounds in Bandra. She delighted her fans with her trademark belly dance and popular numbers like Hips Don’t Lie, Whenever Wherever and La Tortura.

The only sad part is that Shah Rukh Khan is getting old. So, Shakira better hurry.

Raima Sen to Rule Bollywood

Raima Sen comes from an acting family. Munmun Sen is her mother and she was a well known Bollywood actress who was famous for her attractive figure. Raima’s grandmother was Suchitra Sen, the living legend of Bengali movie industry. So, now it is time for Raima Sen to show her talent. Is she the next big thing in Bollywood?

Subhash K. Jha writes in Nowrunning.com:

From Suchitra Sen to Sushmita Sen, Bengali actresses have ruled Hindi cinema for aeons. And maybe now it's Raima Sen's turn.

"Bengali is my mother tongue but now I need to build on my career in Mumbai," said Raima who will be doing just a couple of films in Bengali.

The girl certainly has spunk. For the skydiving scene in Reema Kagti's "Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd", Raima refused to use a duplicate.

"A body double was ready to step in. But I had done skydiving before, so I decided to give it a shot. About being in a sari, yes it was scary on the first day. But I soon got a hang of it. It was great fun," Raima told IANS.

Talking about her small role in "Eklavya", she said: "You must have wondered why I did that small role. I can't say no to some people. But I'm learning. In recent months I've said yes only to Aparna Sen's film. Now I'm being cautious.

I have just one advice for Raima- don’t try to be a sex symbol and don’t try to show too much of your body. Yes, her mother Munmun Sen did this terrible mistake. She was ready to do everything to get some breaks in Bollywood. Yes, Munmun got some breaks all right but failed to become the top actress in Bollywood. Raima should not do the same mistake. Raima is beautiful and good actress too. She just needs to be patient and hardworking.

Namastey London without a Premiere

Subhash K. Jha has an interesting report in Indiafm about Bollywood movies without premieres.

He wrote:

Is Bollywood on the verge of doing away with the grand and glamorous premieres? Yashraj Films who lead the production parade have shown the way. No premieres for their films.

Last week another biggie Vipul Shah's Namastey London opened without a premiere. And if The Namesake premiere on Wednesday was a starry affair it was only because father and son Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan came down especially from Karjat where they were shooting the ‘Mehbooba o Mehbooba’ song for Sholay, just for a few hours for the premiere, although both had seen The Namesake earlier.

The stars from the film namely Tabu and Irrfan Khan showed up. But Kal Penn who plays the title role couldn't make the effort to be there.

Premiere has one side affect. Most of the Bollywood movies are trash and premieres give the critics to attack a movie in the media before the audience rushes in. So, many viewers may get influenced badly and decide not to go the cinema hall in the end.

Picture of Bangladesh: Bangladeshi Woman

Shilpa vs Aishwarya vs Mallika

Poor Shilpa Shetty. She is unhappy over the fact that some people had dared to talk about her and she is not happy with this matter. After all, do not forget that Shilpa Shetty is not just a Bollywood actress anymore. She is the first and only Bollywood actress to win Big Brother. So, how come anyone dares to compare her with Mallika Sherawat!

Santabanta.com reported:

On one end Shilpa is acquiring the reputation of being a spokesperson for racial discrimination and other global issues. On the other end her role as a glamour icon grows.

"Oh, there are numerous projects on the anvil, including a film in British and Indian film from a very reputed company. But that Bill Bannerman film never came to me. And I doubt it went to Ash either. People just presumed we got the offers because maybe we're the names that immediately come to mind.

I'm very happy for Mallika, and I feel she got the role because she suited and deserved it. Please don't make it seem as if she was pitted against us.

As for me, there's the question of whether I'd want to do such a role or not. There're certain compromises I'd never make. I've never made them, so why should I do so now?

So whether it's Hollywood or British films, they've to fit into my scheme of morality. It's very easy for me to sign lucrative deals out here. But I want to make money on my own terms."

Mallika Sherawat is a very outspoken person. I am curious to see the way she reacts about this matter.

Makosi Musambasi in Bollywood Movie Cash and Curry

Cash and Curry is an upcoming movie in Bollywood. It is not that this movie is going to star a lot A listers from Bollywood but it has created some buzz in the media. Makosi Musambasi of Zimbabwe is taking part in this movie.

All Africa reported:

ZIMBABWEAN Big Brother star Makosi Musambasi has landed another role in a Bollywood movie titled Cash and Curry and is working towards a planned career in Hollywood.

The 26-year-old who was number three in Big Brother UK, acts as Ayesha in the movie that was shot in the United Kingdom last November and is expected to hit the screen in May this year.

Ayesha is a gun-totting drug dealer's sister. The UK-based Sarjit Bains directed the movie.

Appearing alongside Makosi are the ex-girlfriend of former England football coach Sven Goran Eriksson -- Faria Alum -- as well as Makosi's Big brother housemate, Kinga.

I did not know anything about this actress until now. If you want to know more about her then you can visit the unofficial website about Makosi Musambasi.

Shilpa Shetty in Western Musical

Shilpa Shetty became the media focus 2 months ago when she won the Big Brother Show. Well, Big Brother is finished and most people have forgotten about this episode. So, these are not exactly bright days for Shilpa Shetty. However, I am happy to see that she is going to take place in a British Musical.

Monsters and Critics.com reported:

'I'm going to be in an Indian musical on the lines of (Andrew Lloyd Webber's) 'Bollywood Dreams'. Though it will be Bollywood in spirit, it will completely cater to Western sensibilities. It's a hugely ambitious musical and I'm very excited,' Shilpa told IANS.

'I always wanted to do something like 'Moulin Rouge' or 'Chicago'. This is my chance,' the leggy starlet added.

Farhat Hussein, who organises Bollywood concerts in Britain, plans to produce the musical.

Good for Shilpa Shetty. She is using her new found fame in a nice way. Her prime time in Bollywood is surely over but she can still do some great projects outside of the movie industry. I feel that she should enter in to the TV world.

Shah Rukh Khan and Special Effects

Shah Rukh Khan has become old but he is still popular among the fans. He has seen great success in traditional Bollywood romantic movies. Now, he is calling for more movies with special effects. He is right that Bollywood movies really suck when it comes to special effects.

Washington Post reported:

Until recently, a Bollywood action movie meant a collage of fight sequences in which punches rarely landed and kicks missed their targets by yards.

"I want our F-X to be comparable with the best in the world," Khan, referring to a technical term for describing special effects, told the Mumbai Mirror daily.

"I want to spend the next three months honing up the F-X in our production house."

With growing sophistication among audiences, Bollywood is being forced to revamp its technologically backward image and is hiring acclaimed special effects experts in a bid for bigger box office sales.

I agree with Shah Rukh Khan that Bollywood needs more movies with special effects. However, I have not seen Shah Rukh Khan supporting any producer or director who wanted to make special effects movies.

Aishwarya Rai in Lux Advertisement

Lux is a popular soap across the world. It always gets top actresses for promoting the brand. So, there is nothing to surprised to see that Aishwarya Rai is doing a new advertisement for Lux soap.

India eNews reported:

'That's right,' said media recluse Aishwarya. 'Rohan and I have been friends for ages. When his name cropped up for the new Lux commercial, I immediately grabbed it. We shot the ad in Dubai and it's turned out really hot,' the actress told IANS.

Talk veers to rumours that Aishwarya has not been giving ample time to the promotion of her films.

'Not true at all! I've been virtually living out of suitcases, running from location to location all over the world, trying to get my four new films ready. Even then I've always made myself available for the promotion of all my films.'

She admits being hard pressed for time during the release of 'Mistress Of Spices', and therefore being unable to participate in the promos.

'I nevertheless agreed to a number of one-on-ones on the film. What could I do if the press persons were looking for more spice than I could give them about the film?' she laughed, dodging all questions on her personal life.

Aishwarya Rai is surely not getting any younger. So, she is making the best before becoming old and forgotten.

Online Release of Hattrick Rajshri.com

Bollywood is at last coming of age and becoming hitech. I am happy to see that the movie, Hattrick has been released in an online portal by the producer of the movie.

There is a press release about it at India PRwire:

UTV Motion Pictures, one of India's leading studios, announced the online release of its forthcoming film 'Hattrick', day and date with its worldwide theatrical release, on India's leading broadband video portal, Rajshri.com. Directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, ‘Hattrick’ features Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Kunal Kapoor, Rimi Sen & Danny and is scheduled for worldwide release on March 16, 2007.

Says Siddharth Roy Kapur, Executive Vice President - Marketing, Distribution & Syndication, UTV Motion Pictures, "UTV is committed to increasing opportunities for audiences around the world to legally access our content in as convenient a manner as possible and in the best quality. Coupled with this, we are constantly looking to innovate on developing new revenue streams and this initiative is another example of that. We are very excited about this partnership with Rajshri.com and believe it is a win-win for all, the biggest winners being consumers worldwide. Rajshri.com has proved this model and its technological competence with the successful online premiere of Vivah and we are proud to partner with a company as transparent as Rajshri Media for the online distribution of ‘Hattrick’."

Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee and Vikkram Bhatt

Vikkram Bhatt is a nice director in Bollywood. He has some good movies in his belt and now he is going to entertain us with Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee. I found a press release about this movie in India PRWire. Here it is:

Baba Arts Limited Presents Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie is all set to release. Baba Films, now a division of Baba Arts Limited are the makers of super hit films like Ishq, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Taarzan The Wonder Car, with stars like Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgan, Salman Kahan, Kajol, Juhi Chawla, Karishma Kapoor, Sushmita Sen & others now bring to you LIFE MEIN KABHIE KABHIEE with director Vikram Bhatt. Not to forget Ajhai Acharya the dynamic producer of the film who had all along been associated in the making of all earlier films from the stable of Baba Films. He has been the pillar and guiding force in the making of this film too.

This film has a big youthful star ensemble comprising of Dino Morea, Aftab Shivdasani, Sammir Dattani, Annuj Sawhnney, Nauhid Cyrusi, Anjori Alagh, Koel Puri, Nitika Anand & others

For the first time Times Music is associated with Baba Films to bring to you the happening and youthful music of LMKK which is composed by music director Lalit Pandit and Lyrics Sameer. Songs Choreographed by Raju Khan, Piyush Panchal and cinematography by Pravin Bhatt.

Life Mein Kahbie Kabhie is all about the journey of these five friends, Five years, five lives and one common goal –Happiness. These five friends Manish, Rajeev, Jai, Monica and Ishita get insanely drunk and have a bet that who out of them would be the happiest in life. They give five years themselves. At the end of five years Manish would decide who was the happiest. All of them have different idea of happiness.

What these people do to achieve what they want? It is journey of success and failure, triumphs and tribulations, Hope and despair, happiness and sadness and of course who will win the bet?

Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee

Bolllywood movie, Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee, is coming at a time when all the people in India are just busy with World Cup Cricket and nothing else. However, there is a strong possibility that India may not advance in the Super Eight stage. Then, many Bollywood fans will rush to the cinema halls. So, much depends on the performance of Indian team at World Cup Cricket for the success or failure of Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee.

IBN Live reported:

Directed by Vikram Bhatt and co-produced by Ajay Acharya of Baba Films, Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee is the story of five friends, five years, five lives and one goal – happiness. On their graduation day Manish (Aftab), Rajeev (Dino), Jai (Sameer), Monica (Nauhid) and Ishita (Anjori) get drunk and have a bet about who out of them would be the happiest in life. They give themselves five years. At the end of five years Manish would decide who was the happiest.

This is not a big budget movie but the story is some different than the traditional Bollywood movies. So, I would love to see Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee shine in the box office.

Hattrick bowled out by World Cup Cricket

Hattrick is a movie about cricket. It was released during World Cup Cricket 2007 with the expectation that it will do well in the box office. Now, people are crazy about cricket in India and Hattrick makers wanted to take advantage from it. However, the plan has simply backfired. People are now busy with World Cup in India and have no time to go to the cinema halls to watch Hattrick.
Indiafm reported:

The World Cup has played truant. And as predicted by this writer at the very outset, the cricket matches have cut into the business of all films, new and old. One of the films that have been hit badly is UTV’s HATTRICK, directed by Milan Luthria.
“We were prepared, we knew it all along that the matches would cut into our business,” Milan Luthria is honest enough to admit the facts, “But we can’t hide behind the excuse of cricket. We had a slow start, got hit on Saturday due to the match [India versus Bangladesh], were stable on Sunday, but were down on Monday again due to the India versus Bermuda match.”
That’s precisely what I told Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV this morning. Let’s get introspective. What kind of a feedback has he received so far? “Very frankly, it’s 50:50. Some people have liked it, some have disliked it completely. Some felt TAXI NO. 9211 was better, some were of the opinion that HATTRICK comes nowhere close to TAXI. It’s not a unanimous feedback,” Milan agrees.

May be Hattrick should have been released just before or after the World Cup Cricket 2007.

Rani Mukherji Turns 29

Star Bollywood actress Rani Mukherji turns 29 on Wednesday. This Bengali actress has already made her distinct place in Bollywood arena. When she got in to the Bollywood movie in 1996 through the movie 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat', she could not impress the Bollywood fans due to her short height and rough voice. So, the critics were not interested to cast her in their movies. However, her cousin Kajol, then popular actress of Bollywood, put some good comment on Rani in the Bollywood industry. Then, Karan Johar, the popular director of present day, cast Rani Mukherji in his debut film named 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' which made a huge boom in the box office and eventually the movie became a turning point in her career. Regarding this talented actress DNA India reported:

Then cousin Kajol, a big star then, put in a word for her and Karan Johar hesitatingly cast her in his directorial debut 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. There was no looking back after that. The poor cousin metamorphosed into a rising star, considered one of the most powerful women in Bollywood today.

"When Karan wanted my voice to be dubbed for 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', I really thought that it was bad and very husky and rough, but slowly I worked to improve my diction, and am now quite comfortable with it," Rani was quoted as saying.

Karan didn't regret his decision. The film was a blockbuster and Rani got rave reviews. Not only was she honoured with the Filmfare award, offers started pouring in as well.

Since then, Rani has played a successful innings and has given hits like 'Black' (2005) 'Bunty Aur Babli' (2005), 'Paheli' (2005) 'Veer-Zaara' (2004), 'Hum Tum' (2004) 'Yuva' (2004) 'Chalte Chalte' (2003) 'Saathiya' (2002) 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001) and 'Ghulam' (1998).

She was also seen in an unconventional role in Kamal Hassan's 'Hey Ram', which made headlines because of her kissing scene. But she rebuffed all the controversies saying that the kiss with Kamal was mechanical. "He was constantly checking the right angle. Where was the passion?"

She claims that Kamal re-invented the actor in her after the 'Hey Ram' experience.

Last year, Rani had two releases, 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Khena' (KANK) and 'Baabul,' both damp squibs. However, that didn't really make a difference because her performance was appreciated and applauded.

With six Filmfare awards in her kitty, the actor has today surpassed her rivals and is touted as one of the most versatile and talented actor.

I think she has a lot to give to her millions of fans and she should continue acting. I hope a long and successful acting career of Rani Mukherji.

Bollywood Movies Become a Source of a Huger Number of Tourists from India

In the past, many Bollywood movies were shot in the beautiful country Switzerland and in this way; a large number of tourists are becoming attracted to Switzerland. So, in the vacation, Indian people are making trips to Switzerland which is contributing a lot to the Swiss economy. That is why; Swiss government has taken some initiatives in order to attract more people from India to Switzerland. NZZ Online reported:

Industry officials highlight Indian cultural, shopping and culinary preferences and dislikes. Indians spent a total of 284,390 nights in Swiss hotels last year, up 14 per cent on 2005.

The report from the Swiss tourist board and the hotel industry, Hotellerie Suisse, hailed India as one of the most important markets and forecast an average 15 per cent increase in the number of visitors from the country every year for the next ten years.

"Together with China, India is the most important market for us in Asia because it has such a big population and a rapidly growing economy," Switzerland Tourism director Jürg Schmid told swissinfo. "That means more Indian tourists can afford to travel to Switzerland."

"Switzerland is a dream destination for many Indians and a must:stop venue on any European tour."

Indian businessman Waseem Hussain, boss of Swiss:based consultancy firm MARWAS AG, was commissioned to help produce the brochure : Swiss Hospitality for Indian Guests : that was presented in Zurich on Wednesday.

The brochure highlights a number of ways in which Swiss hotels in particular can raise their game to make Indian guests feel even more welcome.

For example, it points out that Indian tourists often come in family groups and that is it vital that they can all sit together at one table at meal times.

Small points, such as providing fresh water free of charge and tea:making facilities in hotel rooms, will go a long way, the brochure states.

I think Swiss government has done a very good job as they could realize the huge Indian market can make a huge boom in Swiss economy.

Ricky Ponting: The First Centurion of the World Cup Cricket 2007

Australian captain Ricky Ponting made the first century of the ongoing world cup against Scotland in their first world cup match. The match is now going on. After 50 overs Australia could reach at 334 for 6. Ponting came to the wicket with the Gilchrist’s wicket down when Australia was on 91/1 in the 17^th over.

Ricky Ponting played a stroke full 113 just off 93 balls. He could hit nine 4s and five 6s. So, you can imagine how dangerous he was over the Scotland bowlers. His outstanding innings make people remember his last innings in the world cup in the final of the World Cup Cricket 2003. Most of the 6s he made coming down the wicket and his footwork was accurate.

I think, his ton is an unofficial alarm for the opponent bowlers of the upcoming matches. This right hander seemed too much relaxed while playing the shots which proves that Ricky Ponting is in his form at this moment, so if you have already made Australia out of the championship race, include Australia as soon as possible. Any late decision can make you shock.

Australia 334/6 against Scotland after 50 Overs

Defending champion Australia is now playing their first match in the World Cup Cricket 2007 against Scotland at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts. Winning the toss Scotland captain Craig Wright sent Australia to bat first. It is now lunch time and after 50 overs Australia could make a big total of 334 losing 6 wickets. Captain Ricky Ponting made the first 100 of the World Cup Cricket 2007. His 113 came just off 93 balls in which he played nine 4s and five 6s. Ponting started dominating over the Scotland bowlers from the beginning. Aside his ton, the hard hitting opener Matthew Hayden scored the first 50 for Australia in this world cup. Though he played some big hits in this superb innings, he was not in his conventional devastating action. He played a 73 ball 60 in which he hit six 4s and one 6. His opening partner Adam Gilchrist also played a good innings of 46 which came off 55 balls with seven 4s. However, in the end, Brad Hogg played a cameo of 40 facing just 15 balls in which he hit three 4s and three 6s.

On the other hand, neither of the Scotland bowlers could make any impact on the Australian batsmen. Majid Haq took 2 wickets conceding 49 runs in 7 overs. I think, 334 is well enough to declare that Australia is going to win the match but remember, it is cricket, where everything is possible. So, if you at home keep in touch to your TV set and if you are in the stadium then do not lose your seat.

Cricinfo

The Inclusion of the Minnows and Their Cricket Loving Fans and Passion for Cricket

The World Cup Cricket 2007 includes the record number of 16 teams including 6 ICC associate member countries. Outside the test family of the world cricket, the other six teams are Scotland, Kenya, Canada, Bermuda, Netherlands and Ireland. However, these minnows have barely any chance to get into the super eight round. Some people have already said that their inclusion in the world cup will lessen the quality of this showpiece event of world cricket.

On the other hand, there are some people who view it from another angle. They think that they should give access to such big tournament regularly so that they can develop themselves and learn from the big teams. Only then the overall development will be seen among the cricket playing nations. Today I read an article where writer indicated the cricket loving fans of those minnows to whom, world cup cricket is a dream. He said:

The debate as to whether associate nations should be included in the top-level events can go on and on.

There are people against it who argue - why let the big nations thrash the minnows? Why make the event boring? And, there are also people who say when will the minnows learn cricket if they are not allowed to play against the stronger sides? What about the development of the game?

If Kenya’s exceptional progress to the semifinals in 2003 is taken out, the minnows have achieved almost nothing. True. But for those who are not the citizens of these minnows. For the cricket loving people in these countries and and the countries aspiring-to-play World Cup like Nepal, these minnows have achieved nothing less than Australia has by winning the World Cup twice in a row.

For me, as all other Nepali cricket lovers, if Nepal participates in the World Cup, it will be the biggest moment in my lifetime to cherish for. If Australia or Sri Lanka or India thrashes Nepal by 300 runs or by 10 wickets in five overs, I will still be feeling proud. And for the players, who are playing cricket more for the passion than money, it will be a dream come true.

Cricketers in associate nations neither get a lot of money nor the hero-status as in the Test nations but they continue playing the game. That’s for the love of the game and I believe everyone, including International Cricket Council (ICC), should respect their contribution, passion and love. And no recognition can match the pride of playing with their idols in World Cup.

Well, I agree with the write and his logic. The players of the minnows who are playing cricket without getting enough financial assistance and to whom cricket is more than life, we should at least think about their passion for cricket and pay homage to those players and their fans, who can still dream being a fan of those minnows.

Dwayne Smith Becomes the Man of the Match of the First Match of the World Cup Cricket 2007

Dwayne Smith was selected the Man of the Match of the first match of the World Cup Cricket 2007 against Pakistan. For his all round performance in the match made the task of the adjudicators easy to select him for the award. With the bat, this young all rounder played a 15 ball 32 in which he scored three 4s and two 6s. Actually, his devastating batting could fuel the West Indies innings to reach very close to the 250.

However, with the ball he made the main contribution as he took three most dangerous batsmen of the Pakistan- Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal. He took the wicket of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal in two consecutive balls and I think, that was the turning point of the match. In 10 overs he conceded 36 runs. So, with his all round performance he helps West Indies to sail safely.

Shoaib Malik: The Only Successful Pakistani Batsman in the First Match against West Indies

Pakistani all rounder Shoaib Malik made a brilliant half century in the first match of the World Cup Cricket 2007 against West Indies. It is true that his 54 ball 62 could not resist West Indies from winning the match. To tell the truth, his stylish 50 gave a good look to the Pakistan score of 187. In the way of playing such an important innings he hit six 4s and one 6. He got out as the last batsman of the Pakistan innings.

The only thing that made me astonished regarding his batting is his responsible batting according to the situation under a huge pressure. When he came to the crease, Pakistan was on 99 for 4 struggling against the West Indies bowlers. From then on, Pakistan lost wickets at a regular interval. However, Shoaib Malik could continue showing his hard hitting batting at the one hand. If any batsman could support this young batsman, the result of the match might have been changed.

I think, Shoaib Malik is a key player for Pakistan cricket team in the coming matches. So, Pakistan may use Shoaib Malik more effectively taking him up in the batting order.

Pakistan All Out at 187 Showing an Ordinary Batting Performance in the World Cup Cricket 2007 Opener against the Host West Indies

West Indies starts the World Cup Cricket 2007 with an excellent win over the former world cup champion and one of the cricket powers of the world Pakistan by 54 runs. Pakistan showed a bad batting performance showing barely any maturity which causes the defeat in the first match of the world cup.

Chasing 242 runs, Pakistan got all out 187. The top order of their batting line up failed to impress at the first hand. Then in the middle order, though Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf tried to make a base for their innings, they were very slow in taking runs which created much pressure on them as well as at the later batsmen. Mohammad Yousuf scored 37 facing 72 balls and Inzamam-ul-Haq scored 36 playing 65 balls. It is true that they came at the crease when Pakistan lost three early wickets. However, they have to take the responsibility of not playing some more shots from the beginning. That is why; the difference between balls and runs became huge which at the later part of the innings which created a lot of pressure on the let order batsman. However, it was Shoaib Malik, who played an excellent innings of 62 runs facing just 54 balls in which he played one 6 and six 4s before getting out as the last batsman of the Pakistan innings.

On the other hand, it was all about West Indies bowlers and their good bowling performance. Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor gave started well taking 3 top order batsman early in the innings. Having played an cameo innings of 32 just off 15 with bat, Dwayne Smith took 3 important wickets- Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-el-Haq and Kamran Akmal. In his 10 overs he conceded just 36 runs. Dwayne Bravo also took 3 wickets giving 42 runs in 9 overs. Daren Powell took 2 wickets and Jerome Taylor as well as Corey Collymore took one wicket each.

So, I think, it was a team effort of West Indies while it was a failure of whole team for Pakistan. It is true that Pakistan does not have their three best bowlers with them; today I saw that the existing bowlers are also very potential and can play well enough to create chances for the batsmen but the point is that to what extent, Pakistan batsmen can make the best use of the chances.

Cricinfo

Dwayne Smith Becomes the First Bowler to Take Two Wickets in Two Consecutive Deliveries in the World Cup Cricket 2007

Dwayne Smith took two important wickets in the 32^nd over of the Pakistan innings. After the dismissal of Mohammad Yousuf, Pakistan needed to have Inzamam-u;-Haq carrying on the innings to the end. However, Dwayne Smith made Inzamam-ul-Haq leg before at 36 facing 65 balls. Then in the immediate next ball, he took the wicket of Kamran Akmal making him a catch of Dwayne Bravo. Thus, he created the first chance of getting a hat trick in this world cup. However, Naved-ul-Hasan could play the next ball well making Dwayne Smith deprived of getting the hat trick wicket. Pakistan is now 137/6 after 39 overs. The match is becoming harder for Pakistan.

Google Launches an Official Cricket Blog

Google, the popular search engine, has recently launched an official cricket Blog where former Indian great cricketer Krish Srikkanth will be writing his thought and opinion regarding the cricket tournaments. There are some additional features in the blog. One can get live cricket score, videos, news and pictures from this blog. Moreover, Google has initiated a contest named Google Cricket Blog Contest. Being registered in the contest you can be the one to share your views with Krish Srikkanth on TV. Digital Inspiration reported:

Google today launched an official Cricket Blog authored by veteran cricket star Kris Srikkanth. [Another legend, Sunil Gavaskar is already doing Cricket podcasts for Yahoo!]

» If you are writing a cricket blog on Blogger, share you blog with Google and the winner will be on TV with Kris Srikkanth - Google Cricket Blog Contest.

» Google has released new cricket gadgets for Google Desktop users that allows them to get the latest news / cricket scores / match video recordings right in their desktop sidebars.

Cricket Scores - This displays the live scores of current cricket matches on your desktop. You can also view the full detailed scorecards for a match and also check the world cup 2007 cricket schedule.

Cricket Videos - The widget fetches the latest World Cup Cricket videos from YouTube.com and plays them on your desktop.

Cricket Images and News - Displays the latest cricket news headlines and pictures related to cricket as a slideshow on your desktop.

It seems that Google also joins in the cricket craze which proves the attire of cricket. I think, Google may have some interests from their business point of view. Anyway, it is good news that people from now on can read the opinions of the great Krish Srikkanth.

Pakistan 52/5 after 17 overs

Pakistan top order batsmen also failed to impress following their West Indies couinterparts as Pakistan has already lost three wickets after 10 overs. At this moment, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf are on the crease and a lot will depend on this two talented batsmen.

After 17 overs, Pakistan is now 52 for 3. The two new ball’s bowlers Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor have done their job very well taking three early wickets putting a lot of pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. From the very beginning, they could bowl maintaining a good line and length. Powel first hit taking Imran Nazir’s wicket while this opening batsman was on 6. Then Taylor made Younis Khan out while he was on 9. Then Powel took the seemingly good opening batsman Mohammad Hafiz’s wicket. Hafiz scored 11 runs off 28 balls. Now, it is on the ongoing partnership between Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.

Marlon Samuels Got the First 50 of the World Cup Cricket 2007

Marlon Samuels scored the first half century of the World Cup Cricket 2007 in the way of playing 63 runs in his 70 ball innings. He seemed very confidence while playing in a crucial situation along with Brian Lara. In his innings he played some lofty shots which entertained the host crowd in the Sabina Park stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Earlier, he looked very slow in taking runs but with the time passes he got set to the wickets and started playing free hand shots. In his brilliant 50, he hit three 6s and five 4s being the first 6 hitter of the World Cup Cricket 2007.

I think, with the time pass he is becoming more matured but he was needed to carry on the innings to the end so that he could make the West Indies score 250 up. He has lot of shots in his hand and can be very important for West Indies in the following innings. For your kind information, I would like to make you know that he is an occasional off spin bowlers too. So, considering his skill, you can bet on this outstanding performer.

West Scored 241/9 in the First Match of the World Cup Cricket 2007

Now, it is lunch time in the Sabina Park Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica. West Indies innings stopped at 241 runs after 50 over losing 9 wickets. Though they start badly earlier in the innings, they could make a fighting total at last.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-el-Haq won the toss and decided to bowl fast. His two new ball bowler Umar Gul and Naved-ul-Hasan (Rana Navid) proved his decision right taking Chris Gayle early and keeping the West Indies batsman under pressure. Gayle was out scoring just 2 runs and it was the first wicket of the World Cup Cricket 2007. After that Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul could stay at the wicket till 17^th over but could not able to make any boost at the scoreboard as their 57 run partnership came off 102 balls. Sarwan played well in the way of scoring 49 runs. However, he got out in the 24^th over of the innings. At a crucial situation, Captain Brian Lara and Marlon Samuels came to the wicket. Though they were very slow at first in scoring, they came out of the pressure and built the base of the West Indies innings making a superb 91 run partnership just off 104 balls. Though Lara got out after scoring 37 runs playing 56 balls, Samuels could make the first half century of the World Cup Cricket 2007 playing a smashing 70 ball 63 in which he played three 6s and five 4s.

However, it was Dwayne Smith, who played a cameo innings of 32 runs playing just 15 balls in which he could hit two 6s and three 4s. Once it seemed that West Indies can easily score 250 plus while Samuels and Lara was batting. However, neither of them could carry their innings till the end of the West Indies innings.

On the other hand, Pakistani bowlers could bowl well. Iftikhar Anjum took three important wickets for Pakistan conceding 44 run in 10 overs. However, Mohammad Hafeez played the vital role at the end of the innings taking two most important wickets of the West Indies innings- Marlon Samuels and Brian Lara, while both of them were set at the wicket and looked very dangerous for Pakistan. Umar Gul also took two wickets giving 38 runs in 9 overs. Danish Kaneria looked very economical and dangerous for the West Indies batsmen in his earlier overs but later he gave 28 runs in just 3 overs. His bowling figure is 1 for 45 in 9 overs.

I think this is a small total for this wicket. Though Pakistani bowlers got some good bounce and swing earlier in the innings, I think the wicket is good enough to chase 241 runs.

Cricinfo

The First 50 Partnership of the World Cup Cricket 2007

The first match of the World Cup Cricket 2007 is now going on at the Sabina Park stadium of Jamaica. It was the second wicket partnership between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan. They could score 57 runs in their partnership but run rate per over was too slow at that moment as this partnership took 102 balls. The partnership broke with Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s getting out at the 17^th over. West Indies lost their first wicket in the second ball of the third over when their innings total was 7 as Chris Gayle became cot behind by Kamran Akmal. The bowler was Umar Gul.

Marlon Samuels: The First Six Hitter of the World Cup Cricket 2007

West Indian batsman Marlon Samuels hit the first over boundary or six of the World Cup Cricket 2007. It was first ball of the 28^th over of the West Indies innings. The bowler was Iftikhar Anjum. It was a half pitched ball and very close to the off stump but not too much bouncy. The batsman Marlon Samuels got too much room to make such an excellent straight shot. Brian Lara was at the crease at that moment.

However, both Samuels and Lara have backed to the pavilion. Now West Indies is 181 for 6. Having lost three early wickets both Marlon Samuels and Brian Lara could hold the match up in favor of West Indies. Now the host team is really struggling.

West Indies Seems Up According to the Betting

The first match of the World Cup Cricket 2007 is now going on at the Sabina Park stadium at Kingston, Jamaica. You have to wait at least another 7 hours to know who is going to win the match. However, the pre-match betting shows that West Indies is the favorite for this match but Pakistan is not too much away from them. So, it seems that betters are also in a dilemma regarding the first match. Jackpot reported:

West Indies go into the game favourites at 8/13, buoyed by their fanatic home support, with Pakistan at 6/5.

It may be wise to then focus on the top runscorers for each team. As probably one of the most talented batsman the game has ever seen, Brian Lara is at enticing odds of 9/2 to be the top runscorer for the West Indies with Paddy Power.

Pakistani captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, is at 5/1 to be lead runscorer for the talented Asians with Coral.

Betting for the Man of the Match market could offer to most value for punters. Man of the Match awards usually go to performances by batsmen so there is no surprise to see them dominating the betting. Charismatic West Indies opener Chris Gayle is favourite for to win the award at 8/1 with Ladbrokes.

I think, betters are more concerned with their penny so they become puzzled whom they should bet on. However, with the excitement of cricket, betters are also getting excited. Though betting is a way of income for some people, I think, ICC should ensure that betting has no impact in the matches.

West Indies Vs. Pakistan, The Battle of the World Cup Cricket 2007 Starts

Having seen an excellent opening ceremony of the World Cup Cricket 2007, the whole world is now experiencing the first match of this biggest occasion of world cricket. Yes, the World Cup Cricket 2007 is now in the field. The first match is now going on between two former champions Pakistan and West Indies at the Sabina Park stadium, Kingston, Jamaica. Winning the toss Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul- Haq has decided to field first. It was expected that Umar Gul would get the new ball but as his partner Naved-ul-Hasan (Rana Navid) was not expected. On the other hand, Rao Iftikhar Anjum got the award of playing well in the warm up matches.

Pakistani bowler Umar Gul has already taken the wicket of the dangerous opening batsman Chris Gayle putting some pressure on the West Indies. Now, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are in the crease and playing well.

The wicket of the Sabina Park seems helpful for the pacers as both Umar Gul and Rana Navid are getting bounce and swing from both side. However, it is a bit hard to predict anything abut the success of the spinners. Danish Kaneria can be dangerous for the West Indies batsmen in the middle of the innings.

It’s Spin Dominated World Cup?

These are not good days for spin bowlers. Shane Warne has retired. Anil Kumble is on the verge of retirement too. Only Murulidharan is the spinner who is shining at the present days. So, it came to me as a shock that Jamie Dalrymple has predicted that spin bowling is going to dominate in World Cup Cricket 2007.

Stuff reported:

Dalrymple, who has quietly forced his way into the side in the last six months, topscored with 76 in England's 241-run demolition of Bermuda in a warm-up game on Monday but the 26 year-old off-spinner would also have liked a bowl.

England instead used the 13-player-a-side format to employ all five of their pace bowlers and slow left-armer Monty Panesar in Bermuda's short innings of 45.

Jiah Khan: Brave New Actress?

I know that journalists often like to exaggerate and overrate. That is the feeling I got when I read The brave new Bollywood heroine is here... ..

ZIYA US SALAM wrote:

Destroying the idols of custom, breaking the shackles of tradition, Ram Gopal Varma's Jiah may not be like Kaifi Azmi's "Aurat", but she is free in her own way: free for an uninhibited expression of sinful pleasure for one thing. As a young girl confident of her body, sure of her mind, she nurses a pulse that knows no tomorrow. Arisen, she is ready to walk together with a man more than twice her age. Beauty is her only garb, unfettered prance the only accompaniment. No locks, no ledge; in her life every crevice has a dream, every dream a vagrant expression.

To know more about Jiah you can read: All about Jiah Khan: The latest sizzler of Bollywood in Nishabd

New Heroes and New Changes in Bollywood

The days of Salman, Amir and Shahrukh are getting numbered as they are becoming old. So, we have new heroes in Bollywood and new faces and new style.

Zee News wrote:

Move over Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and every other macho movie star. Here come Kay Kay Menon, Irfaan Khan, Ranvir Sheorey and co -- the thinking woman`s celluloid companions.

When it comes to male matinee idols, movie audiences -- comprising more women than men, say stats -- have been very demanding over the decades. The camera`s chase of the Brand Hero yields an unusual assortment but none as effervescent and enigmatic as the current crop -- stars sans starry airs like Rahul Bose, Boman Irani, Pankaj Kapur, Shiney Ahuja, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Kapoor and Kunal Khemu.

Abhijeet Singing in Doha on April 6

Abhijeet is one of the top Bollywood male singers. He is still doing great. He is going to entertain the fans at Doha on April 6, 2007. I bet a huge crowd will turn up.

Gulf Times reported:

INDIAN cultural forum Bangiya Parishad will hold a musical event featuring Bollywood sensation Abhijeet, its organisers said yesterday.

The concert will be held at the Doha Cinema on April 6, they said.

Speaking to Gulf Times, Parishad officials said their forum had hosted a number of singers in the last few years and this year’s event would be special as an internationally acclaimed artiste would be participating.

All Advertisements sold from Sony for World Cup

Sony Officials must be very happy now. They have sold all the ad spaces for World Cup Cricket 2007.

Money Control reported:

Making a killing before the World Cup, SET India has sold the remaining 5 per cent of its ad inventory at Rs 4 lakh for every 10-second spot on its SET Max channel.

While the average ad rates have been pegged at Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 second spot across the seven hours of programming during the matches, there are premium packages for the 12 India-specific and the Super eight matches where ad rates have escalated to Rs 2.75 lakh per 10 second spot for the satellite rights holder.

Holi party from Zoom

Zoom is a channel about Indian entertainment industry. It organized a party for Holi and Bollywood’s who’s whos were present in the party. BusinessofCinema.com reported:

Glamour channel Zoom hosted a star studded bash at a Mumbai suburban hotel on Sunday to celebrate Holi.

The event was attended by Bollywood celebrities as well as television soap stars, who danced the morning away to beats provided by DJ Rayan Beck and Ashrafi.

Cricket Stock Exchange: Is it a Joke?

No, it is not a joke. A Cricket Stock Exchange has been opened and it has even its own website: http://www.cricstock.com/

Daily Times wrote:

The site has already attracted more than 3000 registered users since it was launched on 25th February and the number is growing fast. As per the latest IPO trends, Sachin Tendulkar has been oversubscribed 5 times, followed closely by Saurav Ganguly. Ricky Ponting and MS Dhoni are among the players who have been oversubscribed almost 3 times. Mohammad Yousuf of Pakistan is also oversubscribed. Overall, almost 25 players are oversubscribed among the 150 players of World Cup 2007 among all Test playing countries. Allotment of shares will happen on 11th March.

You have to become a registered member to use the website. That is the only catch.

Deepa Mehta about Water

Indiafm has published a nice interview of Deepa Mehta. Here is an excerpt:

You've made the widows' ashram look incredibly squalid. Didn't you think would put audiences off?

Not at all! While making the film I wasn't thinking of the audience at all. I said what I had to. It's been such an incredible experience of growth for me. You do something that you believe in. But you've no control over how the world would react to what you do. But the way people have responded to Water….With Fire it was mostly women who felt strongly. With Earth it was neither. But this time I've seen both women and men responding emotionally.

Where did the idea for a film on the abandoned widows come from?

Eleven years ago I first went to Varanasi to shoot Young Indiana Jones. That's where I first met an abandoned widow. I followed her to an ashram. It was a bit of shock. We all know about widows. But the whole ashram syndrome struck me as being utterly poignant. The visuals stayed with me. When I decided to do an elemental trilogy I knew Water would be about these women who lived and died by water….Water is the ultimate equalizer. Either it gives or destroys life.

Read the full interview:

"With Fire it was mostly women who felt strongly. With Earth it was neither. But with Water I've seen both women and men responding emotionally" - Deepa Mehta

After Madhuri It’s Sridevi Coming Back

Sridevi was the dream girl for millions of Bollywood fans when she was young. She was pretty and a good actress and fought fiercely with Madhuri Dixit over the number one spot in Bollywood. Now, Madhuri is coming back to Bollywood. So, why not Sridevi?

Financial Express wrote:

The actress of hits like "Chandni" and "Mr India", Sridevi, is finally ready to make that long-awaited comeback with husband Boney Kapoor's film.

"Yes, I am certainly planning something with Sridevi," said Boney. "But her comeback requires a lot of care. At this stage she can't do a role just for the heck of it," Boney said, report wire services.

Good luck to Sridevi.

World Cup Fever and MICHELLE MCDONALD

MICHELLE MCDONALD has written an excellent article in Caribbeancricket.com with the title: I'm (Slowly) Catching World Cup Fever. She wrote:

The media campaign here in Grenada has not really been powerful or effective, I have to say. Apart from a few advertisements on TV, featuring that less-than-catchy official song, and some 'Grenada Rocks' posters around, I haven't seen much in the way of promotion. Troy Garvey, Communications Manager of the Grenada LOC, said that the rededication of the Queens Park Stadium on 25 February, in addition to using it as a testing event, was to give Grenadians an opportunity to enjoy the facilities, and also get them excited about the Cricket World Cup.

Read more: I'm (Slowly) Catching World Cup Fever

Ramiz Raja: Drama and Pakistani Cricket Team in World Cup

Ramiz Raja has written an article in Daily Times with the title, Expect drama from the Pakistan team. He wrote:

Adaptability to West Indian conditions: Pakistan and other Asian teams should not find West Indies conditions alien and difficult to cope with. The fact that pitches have been prepared by the ICC curator Andy Atkinson, whom Pakistan used for a couple of series to good effect, is a positive sign as teams can expect that balance between bat and ball. Somehow I am inclined to feel that spinners will have a role to play in this World Cup and if so, it may turn out to be a surprise sub

Jamaica: A Great Start for World Cup

No, Jamaica is not playing separately as a country in World Cup but it is hosting some important matches and it has seen a great start with the warm up matches.

Radio Jamaica wrote:

Senator Delano Franklyn is expressing confidence that Jamaica will continue along this path.

Speaking with reporters Monday afternoon, Mr. Franklyn said over 3,000 persons will be accredited to perform various duties to ensure the smooth flow of the competition.

He expressed confidence that the country will not disappoint the many fans and cricketers in the island for the tournament.