Review: Rang De Basanti

Rang De Basanti
Stars: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Soha Ali Khan, Waheeda Rehman, Siddharth Narayan, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Alice Patten
Directed by: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Released: 2006

Koi desh perfect nahi hota. Use perfect banana padta hai.

Every once in a while, a film will come around that completely makes you stare at the screen with awe during the entire film. Rang De Basanti is one of those films. This is a film that shows the truth and does not sugar coat anything. It shows real characters all with different personalities. All with different positive and negative traits that all end up balancing each other out. You fall in love with these characters in the two hours, forty-six minutes they are on screen and they don't leave your mind or your heart anytime soon after the credits roll.

Sue McKinley (Patten) a cute, sweet little blonde from the UK with a video camera, lots of time on her hands and a big interest in the men mentioned in her grandfather's diary decides to go to India to shoot a film about the revolutionaries Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Ram Prasad Bismil. Sue holds auditions with her friend Sonia (Soha Ali Khan) and has no luck finding the perfect actors to play her beloved freedom fighters. Later the same day, Sonia introduces Sue to her friends DJ (Aamir Khan), Karan (Narayan), Sukhi (Joshi) and Aslam (Kapoor), four friends who are all very different but have a strong relationship that would put brotherhood to shame.

It's not long before Sue sees in them the famed freedom fighters and proposes and idea to them... Why don't they star in her film? None of them are really all that excited about it, but in his quest to make Sue happy, DJ gets his friends to agree to it. Because of their lack of passion, it takes a while for the film to take off. It also doesn't help that Sue has also hired Laxman (Kulkarni), a man who has always had his difficulties with the group, to also star in the film as Ramprasad Bismil. But still wanting to make Sue happy and complete the film, the group gets more into it and starts to realize the importance of the men they are portraying.

During the filming of Sue's film, Sonia gets engaged to Ajay (Madhavan), an air force pilot who believes that there is nothing more honorable and special that fighting for your country. When his MiG mysteriously crashes and the government closes the investigation as quickly as it begins, the group is enraged and decide to follow the example of the men from their past and take matters into their own hands.

Many films have been made on these men, especially Bhagat Singh, but I believe there is something that sets Rang De Basanti apart from all the others... and that is simply the fact that Rang De Basanti connects the past with the present. Many times it can be hard to relate with the past, but the creators of this film carefully weave the stories from the past with events in the future and help today's youth see why it is important to learn about the actions of the past and, as the title says, the color of sacrifice.

I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever as far as the acting goes. But I must give Aamir Khan a huge honorable mention. His performance in this film has cemented his spot in my list of favorite actors. I don't see his spot being challenged again anytime soon. Also, Siddharth Narayan needs to do more Hindi films! He's terribly cute and very impressive with his acting. Joshi was amazing with his comedic timing and did a great job turning on the serious acting when it was time (I was also shocked to find out that he was the same young man from Lajja!). But perhaps the one that surprised me most of all (other than Aamir, of course) was Kunal Kapoor. I've heard of him, seen him around and never gave much thought to him. But once he was on screen he was there and not to be lost, which is hard to do when you're with Aamir Khan, but he held his own. And my, how nice it was seeing Waheeda Rehman on here! I went insane seeing such a legend!

The music was also a sheer and utter win, but that's something I've come to expect when watching a film done with music done by A.R. Rahman. Rang De Basanti and Paathshaala are personal favorites.

The story left me in tears, sorrowful and wishing that things had ended differently but also realizing that they couldn't possibly have or it would not have been as effective. Rang De Basanti is now on my favorite films list, and is definitely a film that cannot be missed by fans of Indian cinema.

Rating: 10/10

Kassy On Celebs - Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif



Why India? Why? Why?! WHY?! Of all the new actresses out there for you to fall completely in love with, why Katrina Kaif? It has made me lose faith in so many people and their ability to choose good actors and actresses. How could anyone possibly fall for someone who is in Hindi movies - and doesn't even speak it correctly? How could anyone possibly fall for someone who isn't even all that attractive? And even more so, and perhaps most importantly - How could anyone fall for someone with as little acting ability as Katrina Kaif has?

I've tried again and again to try to understand why so many people have gone pagal over Katrina, but I still can't figure it out. For whatever reason, unbeknown to me, she sells and she sells well. If there is any credit that this girl could get from me whatsoever, it is that she works hard and tries even though she continuously falls flat on her face in her roles. She's okay at playing herself, but if she has to go outside the box, she doesn't work. A true actress should be versatile, and Katrina is not. When in Bollywood, I personally believe that an actress should be able to dance reasonably well, but Katrina can't seem to do that either.

Katrina Kaif wouldn't bother me as much if it weren't for the fact that everyone and their brother is constantly raving about her and - what's worse - comparing her to actresses that actually KNOW what they're doing and can act any role you throw at them well.

As my friend Ally has said, in the future, modern actresses like Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone will be remembered as good actresses. Katrina will be remembered as a pretty face, a cute personality... but not much more.

Star Rating: 3/10

Madhuri Dixit's Best Dances

For a very long time, I hated Madhuri Dixit with a burning seething passion. However, even when I did not like her at all, I could still always acknowledge that she was in fact an amazing and accomplished dancer. Now that she is in my top 5 favorite Bollywood actresses, I see it even more. Therefore, I've decided to put together a list of what I believe to be Madhuri's 10 best dances. Here we go:

10. Jungle Mein Sher - Prem Granth

Let's take a look at the first steps of the dance - this girl is jumping/hopping and it looks as if she's flying through the air briefly. The grace and expressions of this number is what gets it a spot on the list.

9. Mera Piya Ghar Aaya - Yaarana

The awesome hip movements in this dance are legend. Madhuri performs it live and you hear the crowd go louder. Why? Because it is perfectly executed with style and grace. Every single step is in time with the music and works perfectly. Hats off both to Mads and the choreographer.

8. Aaja Nachle - Aaja Nachle

When the queen of dance returns - you know she'll bring a great dance along with her. Aaja Nachle is that dance. I don't know whether it is the jingle of her bangles, the twirl of her skirt, her feet or her gorgeous back, but this is to me one of her most sensual songs.

7. Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai - Khalnayak

Where Aaja Nachle is sensual mainly in Madhuri's moves, Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai is sensual also in the lyrics as we become curious to find out what's under Madhuri's choli (blouse) only to find out it is her dil (heart)! Gotta love her sweet navel and graceful feet.

6. Dola Re Dola - Devdas

This is a very popular and famous song because it has two of Bollywood's biggest stars in it. Aishwarya is beautiful and knows the steps, but looks terribly awkward next to Madhuri.

5. Kathak Number - Dil To Pagal Hai

For many reasons, I almost like this more than Madhuri's other famous Kathak number Kaahe Chhed Mohe. It is a perfect display of Kathak dancing at its best. Since she was 3, Madhuri took dancing classes and studied Kathak carefully, which makes it very special whenever you get to see this dancing queen show off her special skills.

4. Dhak Dhak Karne Laga - Beta

What a VULGAR dance! Heaving her bossom like that! Just kidding. There's nothing vulgar about this dance when Madhuri does it. I feel that she's always been good at being sexy but also at keeping the sex appeal to a minimum so she doesn't look bad.

3. Kaahe Chhed Mohe - Devdas

The first song of Madhuri's I fell in love with. Chandramukhi is definitely her best character and this song shows her allure and charm like no other. Brownie points to Mads for being pregnant and dancing in a heavy dress and dupatta while singing about Lord Krishna and Radha!

2. Ek Do Teen - Tezaab

Let me just say that if it were not for my undying love for the classical dances of India, this song and dance would be my number one, especially since it has my favorite expressions. It's no wonder that this dance sequence shot Madhuri straight to stardom. Who knew watching a young Indian girl count to thirteen would be so enjoyable?

1. Maar Daala - Devdas

While Kaahe Chhed Mohe showed Chandramukhi's charm, this showed her spunk and firey spirit as she promptly tells Kali Babu to GTFO with a nod of her head. And of course it also helps that you can see the pain and love in her eyes as she sings the amazing lyrics to this song while looking at Devdas. Outstanding!

Review: Guzaarish

Guzaarish
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai
Directed By: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Released: 2010

Sanjay Leela Bhansali does it again! This time with his magical drama, Guzaarish.

Guzaarish tells the tale of a once great magician named Ethan (Roshan) who became paralyzed from the neck down in a terrible and mysterious accident during one of his most popular acts. He's lived in a large run-down mansion with his nurse Sofia (Rai) for twelve years - but now he's had enough. He summons his lawyer Devyani Dutta to help him with 'Ethanasia' a project in which he hoped would not only help him get the right to die, but would also help him make peace with his decision.

He travels along his journey with the ever-faithful Sofia, and the budding magician Omar who hopes to learn all of Ethan's secrets. It is a bumpy road full of set backs, second thoughts and revealing secrets that makes everyoen in this story question where they stand on this issue.

The reason I love Guzaarish so much is because of how it surprises you. It seems very straightforward, you think you know all the facts about the characters, stories and such but then SLB throws you for a spin and you discover that there's more to each and every character that you never would have suspected before. And what makes it even better is that each and every twist and turn helps weave the story and makes the characters more real to the viewer.

As for the acting - Hrithik was great as Ethan, but Aishwarya was undoubtedly the heart and soul of this entire film. She shone throughout the entire 109 minutes, in each and every scene she was in. She simply changed the entire atmosphere of the film to fit what hse was doing and what Sofia was feeling. For example, the movie was sad and gloomy... until Sofia danced to Udi (which, by the way is a favorite of mine) on stage. At that point, the entire movie lit up and was more alive than it had been previously.

Guzaarish means favor, so do me a guzaarish and watch this film! Just be warned - if you cry easily, you will quickly cry your weight in tears!

Rating: 9/10

Interview With A Bolly Fanatic: Lalita

So Lalita, what got you into Bollywood?
Aishwarya Rai. I had seen her before in a Non-bolly movie many years ago, and ever since she got my attention. So one day out of nowhere, I decided to search her on Youtube. I remember that the first video I saw of hers was Kajra Re, and I kept looking at videos. And like the 4th I watched was Dola Re Dola. I was just AMAZED... and while reading the comments I read that someone said that the movie Devdas was as good as The Notebook. one of my fave movies. So I googled it and read a bit from the plot. I loved it and decied to watch that movie as soon as possible. It's funny that that same day, when I decided to enter myself in the world of Devdas, I found while zapping channels, in Colombian TV, a Bollywood movie. I only wantched a bit from it, the last 30 minutes, but as it was so different from everything I had seen. I loved it. I came to know several months after that that the bit I watched was from Vivah. And anyways, that was around mid December. I didn't watch anything else till Christmas, since my parents gave me a laptop for a present. And the best use I could find for my new laptop, was of course watching the movie that had been obsessing me... I'd spent the whole day watching Dola Re, and then Maar Dala. So i watched it and changed my WHOLE life. I had never seen something as perfect, as soul touching as Devdas.

So I guess it's safe to say that Devdas is your favorite movie?
Yes it is, though I didn't fell it as my favourite until I watched it for the second time.

Why's that?
Not sure. I guess i cried so bad the first time that I missed details.

Understandable! So who else are you in love with besides Aishwarya?
Madhuri Dixit, Shahrukh Khan and Madhubala. Those four I adore with all my heart.

I can see why. What movies would you recommend to beginners who want to get into Bollywood?
devdas is perfect to begin with. It is the perfect movie. If I want to show Bollywood to someone who doesn't enjoy musicals, I would start with Black or My Name Is Khan. Guzaarish is a good option too. For someone who does enjoy musicals, DDLJ is perfect (smiles)

What do you do besides watch movies and listen to music to further your knowledge of Bollywood?
Well, I read on the net mostly. I visit very often a site called Aishwarya-Spice to find out about the latest news about her. Also, I'm part of a couple forums such as Filmifanatics, Madhuri Magic and Kajol Krazy, and they keep me updated too. There are groups on Facebook entirely dedicated to Bollywood as well. But most important, what has made my knowledge further is the fact that I do Bollywood dancing. You see, I'm taking classical Indian dance lessons with an Indian Guru, but as classic dancing takes so long to learn, we sometimes do shows dancing to Bollywood songs. So that has widened up the whole Bollywood universe for me.

It's really great that you've taken your interests in India and Bollywood farther than the average fanatic. What's your favorite kind of dancing? Why?
I adore classical dancing, and particularly Kathak. I love it because it's a delight to the eyes. It has such a complicated technique, such beautiful facial expressions, but most importantly, such a deep meaning. All forms of Indian classical dancing were born to worship the Gods. So when you dance to it, you feel such a powerful connection with God, that is very hard for me to explain. That's the beauty of it. Learning Kathak has helped me realise that when one dances, one does it for God first or for oneself, and then for others. And when you do it with your heart, that's when you do Magic happen. That's why I feel so passionate about Kathak, and why I decided to become a professional Kathak dancer, even when I'm not what you could call a good dancer.

I think you're a good dancer!
Aww thank you sweetie, the truth is that I've improved, but I have soooo much left to learn.

There's always room for improvement, I'm sure.
Yes. I'll keep learning for as long as I can. (smiles)

I'm glad to hear it. So, where else do your interests lie?
Well I'm a Law student, so it's pretty obvious I love law, and I love reading and I enjoy philosophical discussions and I love politics and economics... I can't help it, I just love studying, I wish I could do it my whole life. Apart from that, I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Ever since childhood.

I think it's great that you're really into law. You seem like the kind of person that would be fair and just and that's definitely something we need!
Aww thank you. Yes I'm a bit of a d reamer. Sometimes I would like to be a superhero and fly to fight injustice. But since I'm only human, I'm guessing I'll do all what's on my hand to help those who need me. that's why I'd like to be a Human Rights lawyer someday. Though I'm still not sure about it.

I think that's a very honorable thing to be.
I think so too. we'll see what comes around. I'm so uncertain about my future.

Well I think one thing is for certain - you'll continue to enjoy Bollywood.
Oh totally. That's one of my biggest passions. (smiles)

One that you should never give up! Is there anything else you'd like to say before we go?
Oh well I just want to thank you, Kassy, for taking me into account for this interview, and I'd like to make a special mention to my didi, dearest Siham, because I wouldn't be the die hard Bollywood fan I am without her.

You're very welcome, and thank you for letting me interview you Lau!
No Kassy, thank you. (smiles)

--------------------
Thank you again to Lau for giving me such an amazing interview!

Lalita's sites:
Madhuri Magic: http://madhuridixit.freeforumlive.com/
Kajol Krazy: http://kajolkrazy.forumotion.com/
Filmifanatics: http://s8.zetaboards.com/filmifanatics/index/
Aishwarya-Spice: http://www.aishwarya-spice.com/
Lalita's Tumblr: http://lalitablack.tumblr.com/

Review: Devdas

Devdas
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher
Directed By: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Released: 2002

When a film weaves magic, when a film defines a movie industry, when a film touches every inch of your heart and soul, it's name is Devdas. This is the first Bollywood movie that I sat down to watch and I was captured by it immediately. It is a timeless story about love, loss and tragedy that is told in the proper Bollywood way: With Madhuri Dixit, fantastic sets and timeless music.

Devdas Mukherjee (Khan) is a young man returning from studying in England. He has been there for ten years, having reluctantly left his home and his best friend Parvati (Rai) in order to study law. His mother, Kaushalya is over joyed when she hears that her son is returning home to her. This happiness is stolen from her, however, when Devdas is more interested in meeting up with Paro than he is his own family. Paro and Devdas' friendship is stronger than ever and a romance erupts between the two. Paro's mother Sumitra (Kher) is very excited about this, as she believes that Devdas will be the perfect husband for her Paro. When she goes to Kaushalya's house for a party and to propose marriage, Kaushalya turns her down and insults her in the most terrible of ways. Sumitra swears to Devdas' mother that her daughter will marry someone richer and of higher status that the Mukherjees - and she succeeds. Devdas is heartbroken over his family's betrayal and his loss of Paro, and he goes to a brothel with his friend from London, Chunnilal (Shroff), or Chunni Babu. It is there that he meets the courtesan Chandramukhi (Dixit) - the woman who is as beautiful as the moon. With the urging of Chunni Babu, Devdas decides to take his first sip of alcohol - an action that sends him on the downward spiral towards his self-destruction.

Devdas is often Shahrukh Khan's most praised performance - and for good reason. He and Madhuri Dixit prove just how versatile they are all in this one film, which is a very rare thing to find. They both are able to pull off the different shades of their characters, be it happy, sad or angry - they were completely convincing throughout.

Yet another thing that makes Devdas so special is that it has two heroines. Many will try to tell you that Chandramukhi is nothing but a supporting character, but that is simply not true. She had just as much influence on Devdas and the movie as Paro and she is the true heart of the movie. Aishwarya Rai was fantastic as Parvati, but I could still think of better actresses. Madhuri was the true gem of the film. She gave life to my favorite character in all of Bollywood. She is the only role that I could not recast, no matter how hard I tried.

As fantastic as the story itself is, one cannot talk only about the story. They cannot talk about Devdas and not mention the amazing music. Personal favorites are Maar Daala, Dola Re Dola and Kahe Chhed Mohe - all of which, Madhuri Dixit shows off her top notch dancing skills in.

I could not have picked a better film to watch for my first Bollywood film. To me, it represents all the qualities that every single Bollywood film should have. And of course, part of what makes it so special is the fact that not every Bollywood movie is up to the standards of Devdas. I recommend this sensational film for first-time Bollywood watchers and anyone else who loves romance, music and beauty.

Rating: 10/10

Interview With A Bolly Fanatic: Ally

Hey Alenka, how's everything going today? Busy, I'm sure!
I´m quite well, though I could be better, which is always the case! I was busy the first three weeks of July, but now holiday finally starts.

Exactly how many websites do you run?
Let me count. I have one tumblr, two forums, two fan sites and two blogs. No, three blogs.

And how many more do you visit on a daily basis?
I think there are about 15 websites I pay visit to regularly.

You're the creator and administrator/moderator of Madhuri Magic, a forum celebrating everything about the radiant Madhuri Dixit. But there are already so many forums for her out there. What made you decide to make one yourself?
That´s just the thing. There are not many forums. In fact I know of only two – out of which one is in Russian and second is not maintained as well as I would wish. Madhuri usually has her own topic in any Bollywood-related forum, but I really wanted something nice, well-organized for her. And since nobody else seemed to feel the need, I made one myself.

About how much time did it take you to put it all together and then release it?
I think I spent about a month building it (creating the design, uploading info and pictures...), several hours every day.

Do you see yourself making any other forums or sites anytime soon?
No – because I don´t know what would it be about. But if I find someone/somehting interesting enough in the future, why not?

The dedication and love you have to and for Madhuri is truly amazing. But you know, when you think about it, you have a lot of love for many things like the Romanovs and other people from history. What exactly is it, do you think, that allows you to love so passionately?
I don´t really know. With my love for people long gone, like Romanovs, it is definitely bound with my love for stories. Their story is absolutely grand in every aspect, be it love, glamour, suffering. With Madhuri I think it is really about her giving me a lot through her performances. Watching her gives me unreasonable joy, she makes me realize how beautiful every woman is, she inspires me on so many levels. But in the end it´s the same as if you asked me why I like green colour. I just do.

Speaking of the Romanovs - You're the self-proclaimed dinosaur of coloring! How did that get started for you?
I may be a dinosaur, but everything came form the big BANG, which for me was finding the colourings of a Spanish lady named Isabel on Alexander Palace Time Machine forum. Many people say I inspired them to colour. That is what happened to me with Isabel. Till this day I have her colouring in my computer and watch them from time to time. She has been the biggest inspiration. I really found it fastinating that you can give life to old pictures, make them more real – or more unreal depending on your wish.

Do you feel that you're one of the best colorists out there? Why?
I used to. But for the past year I feel I´ve been „out-coloured“ by people like Justine, Magda, Becky, Olgasha.... When I look at their colourings I tend to go speechless. Looking at mine I´m usually disappointed with the result.

Pick five colorations you feel are your best:

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/256/f/4/the_holiest__the_purest_family_by_velkokneznamaria-d2ymykm.jpg


http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/143/0/8/Madhuri_Dixit_by_VelkokneznaMaria.jpg


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/284/2/1/russian_roses_by_velkokneznamaria-d30iy4u.jpg


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/108/b/4/sunrise_over_the_empire_by_velkokneznamaria-d3eaelv.jpg


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/102/b/7/judy_garland_by_velkokneznamaria-d3dtowf.jpg


What tips do you have for people who want to start coloring or want to make a forum like you?
Don´t give up when it´s not going well at first! As far as colouring goes – practice makes perfect. That´s all I can say!

--------------------

Thank you so much Ally for agreeing to do this interview with me. I wish you all the best and good luck on each and every one of your sites!

Ally's Sites:
Madhuri Dixit Forum: http://madhuridixit.freeforumlive.com/
Blog: http://bollywood-ish.blogspot.com/
deviantArt: http://velkokneznamaria.deviantart.com/
Tumblr: http://bollymusings.tumblr.com/

Are YOU Kajol Krazy?

I recently made a forum for Kajol called Kajol Krazy. I finally have it more up to par and am ready to show you all!

If you love Kajol, you must come join us:
http://kajolkrazy.forumotion.com/

Also, if you're a Madhuri Dixit fan, see our sister site:
http://madhuridixit.freeforumlive.com/

Review: Kurbaan

Kurbaan
Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi
Released: 2009
Directed by: Rensil D'Silva

So we start out with Avantika Ahuja (Kapoor), a young professor working in Indian while simultaneously taking care of her father who has had medical issues. On her way to work one morning, she comes upon Ehsaan Khan (Khan) who is able to trick her into giving him her cab and therefore starts things off on a not so good note. When Avantika finally arrives at work she realizes that Ehsaan is also a professor there. He is intrigued by her and asks her out for a coffee. She initially rejects his advances but ends up being charmed by him all the same. After a short time of courting, they go to Avantika's father and ask permission to marry each other. Although her father is reluctant because he wants Avantika to marry another Hindu, he agrees and gives them his blessing.

Avantika and Ehsaan move to New York to work in the same university that Avantika worked in before she had to move to India to care for her father. Ehsaan is able to get a job teaching a course about Islam and the western world that many people take interest in. When Avantika and Ehsaan find their perfect home in an Indian neighborhood, Avantika is happy and content - that is until she meets the neighbors. She and Ehsaan are invited over to a dinner gathering and Avantika begins to see just how oppressed the women are by their husbands.

She doesn't think too much of it, however, until one of the women, Salma comes to her in a very distressed state. Avantika finds out that Salma is under house arrest by her husband and now fears for her life. Salma asks Avantika to contact her friend, a news reporter, for help. Avantika does this and learns that the reporter, Rihana - who is involved with Riyaz (Oberoi) will be traveling to the Middle East to deal with business but says that she will go to see Salma when she returns.

After the meeting with Rihana, Avantika goes to the doctor and discovers that she is pregnant. Happy, she goes home to wait for Ehsaan to come home so that she can tell him the happy news. While waiting, she hears noises from the neighbors house and when she goes to check it out, discovers not only Salma's dead body but also the neighbor's plan to bomb the flight Rihana is supposed to get on. Avantika runs but is heard and chased by the neighbors. She reaches her home and is convinced that she will be safe once she sees that Ehsaan is home, but little does she know... he is very much aware of what is going on and is more involved in it that she could have ever imagined.

When I sat down to watch Kurbaan, I thought it was going to be something like Gangster. In a way, it was, but it was also a lot different. I knew from the start that Ehsaan was going to end up being involved in the terrorist organization, but I thought he would be forced into it, not in it willingly. There were several parts in the movie that were terribly predictable, but there were also many times where I didn't see it coming. But sadly, as an altogether story, it wasn't all that amazing.

The one thing that is definitely worth seeing is the scene where Riyaz goes to visit Ehsaan's class and gives his speech about American's being terrorists as well. It sums up my feelings about the entire situation completely and thought that it was very well done.

And thank god for the acting. Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi were all above average. I was mostly impressed with Kareena. Not even a half hour into the movie, I was no longer seeing Kareena playing Avantika, I just saw Avantika. One thing that turned me off, however, was that she and Saif didn't have very good chemistry, especially in the beginning. He seemed to be more of a father figure to her than anything else and it was a total turn off to me. They didn't even look like they were married, on screen or off screen.

All in all, I would recommend this movie if you wanted a good, somewhat action filled time pass, but don't sit down to watch it expecting much.

Rating: 6/10

Kassy On Celebs - Imran Khan

Imran Khan



He is Bollywood's next big Khan. He is Bollywood royalty. He is the hottest thing since a summer day in the dessert. Who is he? He is Imran Khan. I know the people who know me best will read this and just laugh and laugh. Why? Because I am absolutely obsessed and head over heels in love with this man. Everything about him drives me crazy in the best way possible. He's one of the best looking people I've ever seen, he's charming, charismatic and not a bad actor for being so new to the silver screen.

Imran Khan is most commonly known for two things, being Aamir Khan's nephew, and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. JTYJN was his debut performance in a lead role, which got him the best male debut Filmfare award. I began to watch JTYJN and didn't get far. Why? Because it was too simple for me and Genelia D'Souza annoys the living hell out of me. However, I owe it to Imran, or Immy as I affectionately call him, to give it another chance since he has been recognized for that role more than any of his others.

I've seen just about every other film of Imran's though, including Kidnap, Luck, I Hate Luv Storys, and one of my very favorite movies ever, Break Ke Baad. My two favorite roles that he's done so far are Kabir Sharma in Kidnap and Abhay Gulati in Break Ke Baad. These roles are polar opposites. Kabir is a broken, empty man who wants revenge more than anything else and is willing to risk everything to get it. This role is so different from all the others that Imran has done and I was completely blown away by his performance in it. It's a crappy movie, let's be honest, but he did a great job bringing those sad emotions to the screen when he himself is not at all like that. I thought he did an awesome job as Abhay Gulati in BKB as well and I believe it was his best role to date. Luck, like Kidnap, was a bust in the box office, but I was also impressed with him there.

I Hate Luv Storys is well.. My guilty pleasure. It is such a cliched movie and there are several things wrong with it, but I still loved it. Yet I do not think Imran's acting was top notch in that one. There were scenes where I thought he and Kirsten Stewart were related because all he did was show the exact same face the entire time. It was like he didn't know how to show the emotions his character was supposed to be feeling in those scenes, so he just went to the default blank, sad face. His comedy was very good, however. I absolutely cannot wait for his next three movies, Delhi Belly, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Short Term Shaadi, in which he will star opposite Kareena Kapoor - his favorite actress. These films cannot come fast enough for me!

There are a few things I am absolutely sure of when it comes to Imran Khan: He will be big, he will be great, and my love for him will never change. He's one of the genuinely good people, inside and out, and that can be hard to find in actors and just people in general. He's got great screen presence and charm that I find unmatched by any other male actor. Keep your eyes on this one, guys. He's not going away.

Star Rating:7/10

Review: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol
Released: 1995
Directed by: Aditya Chopra


This film is a classic, possibly the most famous film ever to come out of Indian cinema and is known all around the world. For the children of parents who have actually lived in Hindustan get a glimpse of what their parents lives were all about. The great thing about this movie, is that it is able to do that all while giving it a very modern take.

So we have Simran, the daughter of convenience store and dedicated Indian Chaudhary, or Babu-ji as she calls him and a strong but meek mother, Lajo. They're not very wealthy, but Simran and her younger sister Chutki have always felt a lot of love from them. Raj Malhotra is the goof-ball son of a very wealthy widower, Dharamvir Malhotra. He goes to college and fails - which his father is surprising proud of. Combine that along with Simran's sensual and heartfelt dance to Mere Khwabon Mein, and you already have a pretty good understanding of their characters.

About twenty minutes into the movie, Simran gets a marriage proposal from her father's best friend's son, Kuljeet. Simran isn't too crazy about this, but wants to make her father happy, so she agrees to the marriage. However, she wants to travel Europe before she goes to India to get married and reluctantly, her father agrees. Who would happen to be going on this trip along with her and her friends? Well none other than Raj Malhotra of course. The two share a very interesting meeting when they both rush to catch the train and Simran's clothes - including her bra - end up all over Raj. Raj, being a ladies man, immediately starts to put the movies on Simran, all of which she rejects.

As their trip through Europe runs its course, it is obvious that the two young people are getting closer and closer, but still want to try and hate each other. It's not until they're leaving each other when they are back in London that they realize they have feelings for each other. When Simran expresses these feelings to her parents, her father is outraged and promptly packs the family up to take them to India and get Simran's marriage on its way. When Raj comes looking for Simran and discovers that she's gone to India to get shaadied off, he of course rushes after her.

Simran is going through with the wedding and her father's wishes, but is not at all happy about it. She doesn't see how she could ever be happy when she's in love with Raj and can't be with him. That is, until she hears a mandolin playing a soft, familiar tune... It is none other than Raj, whom she runs to through a thick field of yellow flowers. He assures her that he has a plan on how to get them to be together, and tells her to trust him.

I'm going to stop here - that's right, you don't get to know how it ends unless you watch it, which I advise you to do... NOW! I don't think you're a true Bollywood fan until you've seen this movie. SRKajol is Bollywood's Kate and Leo x 10000 and this movie made it for them both. This movie is responsible for all the cliches we see in Bollywood movies. This movie has inspired so many other movies. This movie has been referenced several times in other movies throughout the years and is, from what I've seen, the most popular Indian movie ever.

The acting is top notch. Both SRK and Kajol won Filmfare awards for their roles and it was very much well deserved. Their chemistry is perfect and their comedic timing is priceless. Scenes that would normally make you roll your eyes (running through a field of flowers to each other) is sweet and romantic in this movie and a lot of that is thanks to the amazing acting powers of SRKajol.

The songs are also amazing. My two favorites are, of course, Mere Khwabon Mein and Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna. This is a movie not to be missed by anyone. I mean it. If you haven't already stopped reading this review to go watch it - do it. Now!!!

Rating: 10/10

Kassy On Celebs - Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit



Okay, I know there are a lot of people who are nervous about what I have to say about their beloved Madhuri and I promise I won't drag her name through the mud and make her look stupid - but I have to be honest, which I think they'd like anyway.

Madhuri Dixit has been in the industry for 25 years. She's won several Filmfare awards and is loved by many people who watch Bollywood and for good reason. She's the most beautiful and graceful dancer I've ever seen in my life and is a master of Kathak dancing. One watches her dance and you are completely blown away. Whether it be upbeat and dance-licious like Ek Do Teen or just screams Kathak like Maar Daala, you simply wish you could dance like she does. If I were to trade places with her for just one day, that's all I would do all day - dance to her big hits. The only place in her dancing that I do not believe she masters is the western dancing. It's not her forte.

However, for an actress, I think Madhuri falls short in some areas. I've seen Devdas and Dil To Pagal Hai, Aaja Nachle, Prem Granth and Dil. She is good at showing good emotion and has very expressive eyes, but there's something about it that just doesn't do it for me. It falls flat. I think she over acts very much. Sometimes over acting is called for and is appropriate, but many times it is not and I feel that Madhuri has a hard time gauging these times. I feel that there are many times when she is overrated and I do not believe that she is the goddess or the queen of Bollywood. The only thing she reigns over, to me, is the dancing.

What can be said for her, however, is that she has a lot of screen presence and charm. She smiles and you have to smile as well. She laughs and you must laugh as well. They're the two most infectious things about her and they capture you as soon as you see it or hear it.

I would very much like to see Madhuri making another movie soon, but if Kajol, Kareena or Kangana were to make one at the same time, I would see theirs first.

Star Rating: 7/10

Kassy On Celebs - Rani Mukherjee

Rani Mukherjee



Rani Mukherjee, or more commonly know as Rani, is the queen of hearts and I believe that is a very apt title for her. She is one short actress that is full of tons of attitude and sex appeal, yet she is still one of the sweetest actresses I've seen. I hear her voice and I melt into a puddle.

I feel in love with Rani in Bunty Aur Babli where she plays a whiny con-woman, Babli, traveling with her husband Bunty, played by Abhishek Bachchan and she plays her very well. All throughout the movie, Babli would break out in instant tears in a very funny way and I was very impressed with her execution of this. It was hilarious and overdone in a good way. After BAB, I've seen Rani around in special appearances in Deewangi Deewangi in Om Shanti Om and Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and I only feel even deeper in love with her. She's got so much spunk, beauty and talent that just radiates out of her in every scene she's in, no matter how big or small.

My next to run ins with Rani were in the small bits of No One Killed Jessica and Veer-Zaara that I've seen - Both impressive, especially in NOKJ where she plays a reporter full of attitude and tells a fellow passenger on a plane to stick it where the sun don't shine.

Rani is actually of Bolly royalty, along with her cousin Kajol. Her father is Ram Mukherjee, a director and one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios. Her mother Krishna, a playback singer. So she's got talent in her blood added to the special spunk that she herself naturally has. I want to see so much more of Rani, especially Black, a movie in which she stars along side Amitabh Bachchan and plays a blind woman. She's gotten a lot of praise for this role, and I have no doubt that it will be yet another amazing performance from the queen of hearts.

Star Rating: 9/10

Kassy On Celebs - Shiney Ahuja

Shiney Ahuja



I have a feeling this post won't be very well received if you're familiar with Shiney and the legal issues surrounding him, but that's exactly why I'm doing it. So let's get started:

He has gorgeous eyes and a smile that could knock any girl over. He also has a lot of talent and has the power to make any character that he plays believable. Who is he? He's Shiney Ahuja and all these great qualities he has go right out the window when someone hears that he was recently convicted of raping his maid.

Now, normally this would make me fall right out of love with him... only the evidence is in his favor. The maid who originally accused Shiney of raping her later retracted her statement and told the courts that she only accused Shiney because a friend bribed her into doing. The courts still continued to prosecute Shiney and he was convicted and sentenced to 7 years in prison. Not long after that however, he was bailed out and is now free as the higher courts in India discuss his case. I feel terrible for Shiney since so many people assume that he is still guilty even when the woman who accused him came out and say that he never did.

But putting his personal issues aside, his acting skills are great and getting even better as time goes on. My first Shiney movie was Gangster - which is one of my very favorite movies ever. In this movie, he doesn't have as many speaking parts as his costars Kangana Ranaut and Emraan Hashmi have, but he still is able to deliver every thought and emotion through his body language, eyes and facial expressions. I was completely taken away with him and this love only grew when I moved on to watch Woh Lahme. Again paired with Kangana, he played a different role in which he is a movie director who wants to make it big and will do almost anything to get there. His feelings for Kangana's character seemed very realistic and very heartfelt. He seemed to truly get into his character and love Kangana's. But what I think is his best role is Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi which in the end he ends up mentally handicapped. He was good all throughout, but it was the last few moments that took my breath away. He did very well and even won the Filmfare award for best male debut - an award well deserved.

Despite the setback that Shiney has unfortunately suffered, I have no doubt that he will be able to make his way back into the Bollywood film industry and get back on the fast track to the top he'd been getting closer and closer to until his image was scarred.

Star Rating: 8/10

10 Most Beautiful Women In Bollywood

10. Madhuri Dixit



She is called the goddess and the queen of Bollywood all at the same time. Well, I don't agree with that, but she is gorgeous. Her smile just radiates happiness, femininity and beauty and that is hard to find all in one woman.

9. Karishma Kapoor



For a long time, I thought that Karishma was... well, ugly. But the more I've looked at her the more I've realized that she has something about her face that is just... gorgeous. My favorite feature of hers is her lips which have a very beautiful shape to them. She has a beauty that isn't straightforward and isn't the kind you see everyday, but it shouldn't be ignored.

8. Aishwarya Rai



This woman is known as the most beautiful woman in the world and all one has to do is glance at her and they know that she is extraordinary beautiful. Her eyes are her most amazing feature. They're a gorgeous bluish green, which is something that we do not see in Asian women very often.

7. Deepika Padukone



Wow. That's all I can say for Deepika really. Wow. She has such presence in beauty, not only in her films but also in her pictures. Like Karishma, she has a different face, but it is seductive and breathtaking.

6. Rani Mukherjee



My favorite feature of Rani cannot be seen, but heard. Her voice is mesmerizing and incredibly sexy. She can make men and women everywhere weak in the knees with just a few words. And to match her voice is an almost equally as beautiful face. She's on the shorter side, but she's full of spunk, attitude and personality that can be rare to find.

5. Shilpa Shetty



Shilpa Shilpa Shilpa... Everything about her face is pleasant to me. She has a cute nose, nice lips and gorgeous, expressive eyes. One of the sexiest women ever to touch the Bollywood screen.

4. Kangana Ranaut



One cannot even begin to comprehend just how much this woman has captivated me, both with her beauty and with her acting skills. There's something quiet, unassuming and mysterious about both her looks and performances that is special considering how loud and overly-energetic some actresses can be.

3. Kareena Kapoor



Many people I know can't stand Kareena - and that's putting it nicely. They find her mean and ugly and the only good thing they usually have to say about her is that she is a good actress. What do I say to them? POO POO! I adore Kareena with everything in me. She's innocence, sex appeal and attitude all in one and she IS a very talented actress. Her tendency to say mean things about her costars can be unbecoming, but hey, not everyone can be perfect like our next two ladies.

2. Madhubala



This woman... is the true goddess of Bollywood and is the true star and face of Bollywood to me. She had such a beautiful, girlish charm about her that I have yet to find in any other actress, Indian or otherwise. She has a strange face that is surprisingly gorgeous and no one can quite compare to her.

1. Kajol



I know no one is surprised by this, but that's because I love, love, LOVE her. Her face is something special and her unibrow gives her more character than all the other actresses on this list combined. She has this "I'm amazing and I know it" look in her pictures that works for her and not for others. Her eyes are soulful and expressive and she has the most beautiful skin I've ever seen. For me, she is the queen of Bollywood now and forever. Forget Madhuri, forget Kareena, forget Aishwarya - she has a talent and a beauty that cannot ever be matched up with by anyone.

Who Do You Want To Hear About?

So I'm going to be doing two blog posts, one for my opinions on the actors of Bollywood and one on my opinions for the actresses of Bollywood. Because this blog is for you guys as much as it is for me, I'd like to know who you want to hear my opinions of. Just comment on this post and tell me! :)

So far I have:

Actors:
Shahrukh Khan
Aamir Khan
Imran Khan
Salman Khan
Shiney Ahuja
Akshay Kumar
Saif Ali Khan
Abhay Deol
Shahid Kapoor
Hrithik Roshan

Actresses:
Kajol
Madhuri Dixit
Aishwarya Rai
Rani Mukherjee
Kangana Ranaut
Priyanka Chopra
Kareena Kapoor
Deepika Padukone
Katrina Kaif
Preity Zinta
Anushka Sharma

Review: Break Ke Baad *Spoilers*

Break Ke Baad
Stars: Imran Khan, Deepika Padukone
Directed by: Danish Aslam
Released: 2010

Oh. My. God. I had no idea going into this movie just how much I was going to absolutely fall in love with it. Let's get right to the story:

So we have Abhay Gulati (Khan) and Aaliyah Khan (Padukone), two young adults who have been friends since they were very little and have been dating for almost as long. Aaliyah is stubborn, selfish and dreams of being an actress. Abhay or Gulati as he is affectionately called by his 'Al' is mature, dedicated and completely lost. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, but he knows it's not in his father's business. Things change however, when Al gets accepted to a college in Australia and decides to go which involves leaving Abhay for a year. Without considering his or her mother's feelings, she leaves. For the first few months, Al and Gulati do their best to talk on the phone, but after a while it becomes too stressful for Al to handle and she tells Abhay she wants to go on a break.

Abhay gets worried about what might be going on there, so he comes to see Al in Australia, where she breaks up with him - really breaks up with him. He however is determined to stay there and win her back, so he gets a room in the house she shares with Nads and Cyrus - a hilarious brother and sister. At first Al completely repels against "Mission Gulati", or Abhay's plan to get her back, but it isn't long before they become friends again. Near the end of her school year, Al gets offered a movie deal and excitedly takes it until she finds out just how unhappy it makes her mother. She goes back to Delhi, leaving Abhay behind heartbroken but with his new and booming restaurant.

After some convincing from her mother, Al decides to go back to Australia and take the movie deal. While there, she has a heart to heart with Abhay and tells him that she hopes he'll get married so that he can move on from her. He doesn't deserve to be unhappy because of what she did to him. So Gulati goes back to India and very soon after, Cyrus gets a call from Abhay who tells him that he is getting married. After realizing that she still loves him Aaliyah gets on a plane and goes to tell Abhay that she wants to marry him. After arriving and giving Abhay a long speech abut why they should get married, she finds out that she was the one he was going to marry the entire time. During the credits, we see that they are living a happy life, spending their honeymoon on the set of Al's movie and have a daughter named Sarah.

This story completely blew me away. One of the taglines for the movie is that it's a love story that's a little different - and I couldn't agree more. I thought it was great. We see so many Hindi love stories about the couple who fight the urge to love each other, but we don't usually see a couple that is together, breaks up and slowly gets back together. Put a great story together with comedy and some very sweet scenes and you have a great film.

The acting was superb as well. I found this to be Imran's best role yet (which I believe is partially thanks to having Deepika as his costar). He was very convincing when Abhay was supposed to be happy and when Abhay was supposed to be sad. I was very impressed and his comedy was great as well. He's making his way everyone and he's definitely the next big Khan - look out! Deepika was amazing as well. I hated... hated Aaliyah. Al was way too selfish (and coming from me, that's saying a lot) but Deepika's performance as her was top notch and completely different from her role in Om Shanti Om, the other movie I've seen her in. With Imran as her hero, she had more room and time to shine, which was in a way stolen from her when she was with Shahrukh.

The music was... Let's just say, it's been a while since I've loved a song as much as Adhoore. Because I know very little Hindi, most of the time my liking for a song is because of the way it sounds, but with Adhoore, I also love it for the lyrics. They're amazingly sweet and fit perfectly with the movie (which they should). The other songs were great as well and fit very nicely with the scenes. I'm downloading the entire soundtrack as we speak.

I would also like to mention that I was never once bored with this film. Again, coming from me that's saying a lot. I didn't think it was possible, but I actually fell in love with this film completely and has now become my new favorite movie over My Name Is Khan (don't get me wrong guys, that movie will ALWAYS be top notch to me and will always be deeply loved, but come on..). This movie affected me in the way I think Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge affected a lot of other people. It just hit me in so many ways and I loved the chemistry that Deeps and Immy shared in the movie. I said a while back that they looked like the new SRKajol and although there will never truly be another one of those, Imrika looks very promising to me.

Shahrukh Aur Sunita Hamesha!

Rating: 10/10

Review: We Are Family *Spoilers*

We Are Family
Stars: Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal
Directed by: Siddharth Malhotra
Released: 2010

We Are Family is a remake of the western/Hollywood film Step Mom starring Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. This is the first time I've seen a western film remade in Bollywood and actually thought that the Hollywood version was better. This isn't really my type of film, as I tend to stay away from those extra sappy films, but I was on a Kajol kick and was interested in seeing Kareena Kapoor.

So we have Maya (Devgan), a divorced mother of three spoiled brats named Aleya, Ankush and Anjali. Although these three kids live with their mother most of the time, they also visit their father, Aman (Rampal), often. However, what used to be a fun trip to daddy's house soon became a nightmare when Aman begins dating Shreya (Kapoor). Shreya makes a terrible first impression when she falls - literally - into Anjali's cake and the kids hate her right from the start. Maya shares their feelings and is not at all crazy about having her children around this stranger. That is, until she finds out that she has terminal cervical cancer. After which she begins on a quest to get her children to like Shreya, and to get Shreya ready for the motherhood she never thought she'd be asking for.

This movie was... well, terrible. The only thing that saved it for me was the acting. As my friend Ally says, Kajol is one of those actresses that can't be bad - this was no exception. But the person who really shone through for me was Kareena. I'd hear some good things and some... not so good things about her and was hesitant to see how she acted, but I was very pleasantly surprised. She was absolutely fantastic. Arjun really just annoyed me, as he usually does - I really can't stand him or his acting. However, the fabulous acting on the two heroine's parts couldn't save the movie. The lines were terrible and cliche (and not in the way I like..) and the music was terribly misplaced. Don't EVEN get me started on the Jail House Rock number they did, which wasn't too bad until Arjun came in and danced with the girls. It was all a colossal joke to me, and in the end I was surprised Maya wasn't ready to die in order to get away from her incredibly annoying and spoiled children.

Rating: 4/10

Review: I Hate Luv Storys *Spoilers*

I Hate Luv Storys
Stars: Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor
Directed by: Punit Malhotra
Released: 2010

For a month or two now, I've been perusing the Bollywood section of Netflix Instant Watch and noticing I Hate Luv Storys. I'd heard about it a few times outside of that, and knew that I thought Imran Khan was the hottest thing since a summer in the desert. However, I'd heard that Sonam's acting was terrible and Imran reminds me of someone I'd much rather forget, so I was hesitant. Finally, after sucking it up, I decided to watch it. At first, like with most Bollywood movies I turn on, I was alarmed by the length of the film - 2 and a half hours - and I was sure that I would quickly get bored with it - I. Was. Wrong.

I was instantly captured by the beauty of a certain hero, humor, cliches and mentions of other films that I'd seen. I got a kick out of hearing mentions of Devdas and going "I understand that!" - But that's mainly because I'm just a spaz. There was a point where I began to wonder if perhaps it was going to get boring when Simran and Jay were doing their "I HATE YOU" act, but the movie quickly moved onto more interesting scenes and began to develop their friendship and then romance.

But like all romances in Bollywood, the hero and heroine can't just be together and be happy - noooo, Simran has to be with a man named Raj (Ha. Ha. Ha) since childhood and be completely dedicated to her Mr. Right, who doesn't even realize that she hates the color white although that's the only type of flowers he ever gets her. (Needless to say, Jay gets her red, which she loves). However, after a while, Simran realizes that she loves Mr. Wrong as well but when she confessed it to Jay, he is befuddled and turns her down - not understanding where her feelings had come from. But, again, as we often see in BW, he soon realizes (about half way through the film and too late of course) that he loves her as well and begins his quest to win her heart.

The acting was so/so. As much as I love Imran Khan, he does have a long way to go with his acting. He delivers comedy very well and made me laugh numerous times throughout the movie, but there were several times when I just got annoyed with him - such as when he was upset over his relationship with Simran and had the same look on his face in every. single. scene. However, my annoyance with him can't be at all compared with the large annoyance I had with Sonam Kapoor. She's a pretty face and had her moments, but she can hardly be called an actress. She needs to take lessons from Kareena. Funnily enough, I actually got a kick out of Bruna Abdullah. In the beginning of the movie, she is just a dumb girl with an annoying voice that Jay picks up at a night club, but later she comes back into the movie to help with his plan to get Simran and, although still annoying, she delivered some nice comedy. I just wish she didn't sound so out of place speaking Hindi..

The music was FABULOUS I think. I adored I Hate Luv Storys, Jab Mila Tu, and Sadka Kiya (Sonam and Imran's little number was super cute!) See for yourself:






Overall, a good movie I think. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and for the first time in a long time - was not bored with it at all! Check it out!

Rating:7/10

Review: Fanaa

Fanaa
Stars: Kajol, Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Tabu
Directed by: Kunal Kohli
Released: 2006

Okay so, there is a lot wrong with this film, let me just start by saying that so you're prepared. We start off with Zooni, a sweet young but blind girl who is looking for Mr. Right. She travels with her friends to Delhi to perform in a dance for independence day. And of course, if you're going to the capital of your country, you don't just dance right? And of course you're going to find someone to show you the sights, right? Right! So they hire sweet, handsome and poetic Rehan who seems to fall instantly in love with Zooni despite her blindness. Her friends do not take kindly to this, but that doesn't stop Zooni from going out to meet her charming tour guide so he can give her a private tour of Delhi.

Going against the odds, Zooni and Rehan slowly fall in love with each other. The night before Zooni is due to board the train and go back to her home in Kashmir (really shot in Poland with gorgeous scenery) Zooni and Rehan meet up at his house and find themselves in a not-so-innocent situation. After a night like that, the two lovers decide that they cannot be apart any more, and they decide to get married. But first, Zooni goes to the doctor the get her eyes examined and discovers that there is a surgery that will give her her eyesight back. She quickly agrees to it and prepares for the day of her surgery. Her parents come down from Kashmir to support their daughter and their future son-in-law, but disaster strikes and Rehan is presumed dead due to a terrorist bombing. Zooni finds it hard to move on, but goes back to Kashmir with her parents. Little does she know, Rehan is far from gone and has a huge secret - one she never saw coming.

The first hour or so of Fanaa when Zooni and Rehan are falling in love is my very favorite. I love watching them grow closer, and it was these scenes that made me start to like Aamir Khan and, more importantly, my very favorite actress Kajol. It was just about everything a Bollywood romance should be. With singing and dancing in the rain in Dekho Na and lighthearted flirty songs like Chand Sifarish. I felt that the plot twist in the middle was a little odd and definitely unexpected, but that can be good or bad depending on how you look at it. Fanaa is most definitely a movie that had not been seen before (although similar stories would come about ie: Kurbaan) and it was a chance to see one of the best jodis in Indian cinema shine.

The acting was a sheer and epic win on all the main actors' parts. Kajol very much deserved her best actress Filmfare award and made a very good choice picking Fanaa to be her comeback film after marriage and the birth of her daughter Nysa. Aamir Khan is an actor with a lot of charm and masculinity, but surprisingly enough, I always find that who he is paired with in a movie is very crucial to his performance and whether or not I will end up enjoying it. But, as I stated earlier, he and Kajol are amazing together and really should get doing some more movies soon. Perhaps the most surprising person was Rishi Kapoor. This was the first look I'd ever had of him and boy am I glad for that! I would soon come to realize that he spent a lot of time during his prime as a hero romancing girls that looked too young and innocent for him, but he is bloody fantastic as a father in a film. He was a sweet old man and very loving towards his little Zooni.

Besides the great acting and mindblowing scenery, Fanaa had great music to go along with it. There is not one song from that film that is not on my iPod. I love it all - from Chand Sifarish to Chanda Chamke to Mere Haath Mein. All were great and it was very nice to see the classic random Bollywood songs with the multiple costume changes that I adore more than any other.

Despite the half-ridiculously predictable/omg I didn't see that coming plot line, Fanaa has enough great assets to make it a good and enjoyable film. A win in my book and a must-see if you like true chemistry between a hero and heroine.

Rating: 7/10

Review: Gangster: A Love Story *Spoilers*

Gangster: A Love Story
Stars: Shiney Ahuja, Kangana Ranaut, Emraan Hashmi
Directed By: Anurag Basu
Released: 2006

Gangster: A Love Story is a unique tale about Simran (Ranaut), a girl who has no care for her life, Daya (Ahuja), the much feared gangster that she is in love with, and Akash (Hashmi), a sweet young singer that is in love with her and wants to make her forget about her troubled past. At the beginning of the film, one probably falls in love with Akash and believes that he is the big hero there to rescue to sweet, curly haired heroine. I promise you, that will change.

As the two get closer, Simran confides in Akash about her past in which she fell in love with, lived with, and ran with a powerful, wanted gangster named Daya. It provides some very interesting and fun flashbacks into Simran's life with Daya and what tore them apart (My favorite part of the movie). It is then that one begins to understand why this girl is so heartbroken and sad. Once Simi is able to open up to Akash, they begin to have a real relationship. However, their happiness is cut short when Mr. Gangster shows up and is not very happy to see Akash warming his girlfriend's bed. Simran is conflicted. The man she's been in love with for so long has finally returned to her and is vowing to change his ways, but she loves Akash as well. Then, when prompted by the police, she leaves with Daya. They find a place to hide out and he begins to work, finding that he actually quite enjoys doing an honest job. However, Simran still is not very happy as she misses Akash and then discovers that she has yet another problem to worry about. She calls her sweet singer and tells him what is going on, and he prompts her to turn Daya in. She does, and realizes much too late that her darling Akash had a very dark secret that shifts the hero label from him to the sexy, dangerous Daya. Want to know what that is? Watch and find out! ;)

Let me first say that this movie was amazing, mainly because of the story. I'd never heard of a tale like this before, and was very satisfied with it in the end. At the end of the movie, Daya and Simran both end up dead but until I watched this movie for the third time, I didn't even think of it in a sad way. They were finally together and able to be happy, which was something they weren't allowed to have when they were alive. At a first glance, that makes you happy, but when you look at the cracks you do begin to feel sad and wish that Daya hadn't been executed (Okay, maybe I'm a little biased..) and that the dirty dodgy Akash had gone in his place.

The acting was somewhat iffy, in my opinion. Kangana gained much praise for her role as Simran and even won the Filmfare award for Best Debut. Although she was impressive, especially since this was her very first role, there were several times when I thought she overacted and then there were times when she showed me nothing. As for Shiney, he was a bit better. He still overacted in some parts, but I always, always felt his emotions, whether it was anger, sadness and in rare moments, happiness. I find this especially impressive since he didn't have as many lines as his costars. It was all in his eyes and body language. He too won an award - the Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow (Male). Emraan? He was impressive, not amazing, but impressive. For what it's worth, until Daya came along (oh you know.. at 30 minutes..) I was falling for him (didn't last long, obviously..) He was very sweet and I now think that he is one of the better looking actors in Bollywood.

One more high point of the film was the music. Ya Ali, Mujhe Mat Roko, Bheegi Bheegi, and Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai were especially entertaining. I felt that the music went very well with the scenes it was paired with, and that came sometimes be an issue (We Are Family, anyone?) Altogether I found that this movie was quite enjoyable. I think it had a great story, but in some areas failed to deliver. However, being the huge huge huge Shiney, Kangana and Emraan fan that I am, I can watch it over and over and over again. I would especially recommend it for those who love those tragic romances that's a little rough around the edges. Who to watch it with? A sweetheart mainly. Maybe a friend. Not children though. It got violent at times (Hello, GANGSTER) and had some rough and vulgar dialogue. I hope you enjoy it :)

Rating: 8/10

Review: My Name Is Khan *Spoilers*

My Name Is Khan
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol
Directed by: Karan Johar
Released: 2010

Where do I start? I guess with saying this is not your average Karan Johar or SRK film for that matter. If you've seen Khabi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) you know that this very popular director doesn't shy away from song and dance and especially the cheesy love lines. So, assuming that you're familiar with his work, which also includes Kuch Kuch Hot Hai (1998), you would sit down to watch My Name Is Khan expecting a rather light hearted love story with some tears thrown in here and there. Well, you're partially right.

MNIK begins lighthearted and sweet, and tells the story of a young man, Rizwan Khan (Shahrukh Khan), who happens to have Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism. Rizwan is born and raised as a Indian Muslim and grows up with the strong idea that there are only two types of people in the world, good people who do good deeds, and bad people who do bad deeds. When he grows older and his mother dies, he moves to San Francisco to live with his brother Zakir, who has become quite successful in the business world selling beauty products. He quickly sends Rizwan to work selling them at local beauty parlors. His life changes when he walks into Karma, the workplace of single mom Mandira (Kajol). She sees past the his odd quirks - his intense hatred for yellow, his incredible intelligence, and his dislike for being touched - and becomes his friend while he falls in love with her. Because this is a Karan Johar movie, they get married and start to live happily ever after. Until the fateful day of 9/11.

Six years after the event, and after many incidents of hate against their family, the Khan's suffer the greatest loss of all - the death of Mandira's teenage son Sameer. Mandira blamed Rizwan for this and angrily tells him to go to the president and tell him that his name is Khan, and that he is not a terrorist, and that Sameer wasn't one either. So, determined to prove his love for his wife, Rizwan leaves and goes to find the president while Mandira searches for the boys who killed Sam.

That was a lot of spoilers! You're going to have to watch the movie now to see whether he does meet the president though :) Anyway, for me, this film did wonders. I laughed and cried, sometimes simultaneously. My Name Is Khan is a movie that teaches even the most closed minded individuals that people are not always what they appear. Just because someone happens to be a Muslim, does not mean that they're a terrorist, and just because someone isn't 'normal' does not mean they are inferior or do not have feelings. MNIK is a movie for everyone to watch, whether you're American, Indian, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, black or white.

What made this film even better was the fantastic acting. The two main characters, Rizwan and Mandira are played by what might be the most popular jodi in Bollywood history - SRKajol. They give top-notch performances and even won the Filmfare awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role Male and Best Actor in a Leading Role Female respectively. SRK makes his portrayal of an Autistic man incredibly believable without overdoing it and making it a joke. Kajol effortlessly goes from the funny, kind, accepting mother and wife to a sad, heartbroken and vengeful woman in the blink of an eye. I also believe this movie would be no where without the spectacular music. Sajda, Tere Naina and Noor-E-Khuda are personal favorites and will not soon be forgotten, just like this film.

Rating: 10/10

Some Changes :)

Hello my dears! Well, now that my Bollywood song challenge is over, I've decided to make some changes to my blog.

As you can probably tell, it's for many many different things. I've written a movie review, posted about my favorite Tudor jewelry and even had some personal postings. I love having my blog for this purpose, but I'm also going to be making it a little more oriented around movies, Bollywood in particular. As she always does, my dear friend Ally has inspired me to write about the amazing world of Indian culture. So from now on, you can expect to see Bollywood, Bollywood, Bollywood :) Although I will be posting about the same things as always (as stated above, Hollywood, shows, personal etc.) it will mainly consist of BW. As much as I try to deny it to myself and to others, blogs really are best when they focus on a specific subject. For now, that subject I want to write about is.. what's the word? Bollywood! :) I hope you'll continue to enjoy my blog, though, and will find all my posts and reviews useful. <3

Top 10 Bollywood Songs: 1 - Dola Re Dola

Ah, the countdown comes to an end with my very favorite song, Dola Re Dola from the movie Devdas :D I wasn't a huge fan of this song from the beginning, but when I started going back through the BW music I'd heard, I fell in love with it. I also got my cousin hooked on it and she's always demanding I dancing with her to it! I love the choreography, the music, the lyrics and especially the dancers. How perfect is it to have two of the most popular Bolly dancers in one scene? :)

Top 10 Bollywood Songs: 2 - Kajra Re

Ah Kajra Re!! The first Bollywood song I've ever heard. I love everything about it from the dancing to the beat and the lyrics - a truly sexy song. It's also a favorite of mine to dance to. My love for it only grew when I realized who all the dancers were. I mean, how great is it to have Aishwarya Rai dancing with her husband and father-in-law, only to be seducing the one you wouldn't expect.

Top 10 Bollywood Songs: 3 - Marjaani

I have loved this song ever since I heard it. At first I went mainly because of SRK, but now I'm there for Kareenaji too! Although since I started this countdown I've discovered quite a few new great songs, Marjaani remains one of my favorites.



Lyrics:
Theek hai theek theek sab kuch theek hai
Everything is fine, everything is just right
Paas hai sab kuch rab nazdeek hai
You have everything when God is with you

Oho Oho
Oho Oho

Hey Rab ke hazur mein kasmein bhi kha li
We kept the promises we made to God
Duniya ki auni pauni rasmein nibha li
We followed the rules of the world

Oho Oho
Oho Oho

Phir bhi na maane koi to dafa kar
If people still have a problem, avoid them
Maane jo maane na maane to bhala kar
If they accept, fine, if not it’s ok too
Duniya na maane khasma nu khaye
If the world doesn’t care, dont sweat it
Khasma nu khaye marjaani
They can go to hell
Haaye Marjaani marjaani
The hell with them
Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Oye khasma nu khaaye marjaani
They can go to hell

[Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Oye khasma nu khaye marjaani] – 2

Haye khayal bhi jaane kya kya
So many thoughts
Sochata rehta hai ga uff
Keep circling in my head
Ki nochta rehta hai ga
And gnawing at me

Hey Tu mud ke dekha na kar
Don’t look back now
Jo sar mein soch aayegi
If you get thoughts in your head
To paun mein moch aayegi
You’ll get cramps in your feet

Uth uth ke raathon mein dard yeh paala hai
I’ve nursed this pain through many sleepless nights
Andhi jawani mein dard ek chaalA hai
It’s like an open wound pricking my youth
Dil tera na rogi baliye
Your heart is not sick, love
Dil tera na jogi baliye
Your heart is not a saint either, love
Dil tera sansari hai ga
It’s human
Lage dil ko beimaani
It can feel betrayed

[Marjaani marjaani
The hell with them
Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Oye kashmanu khaye marjaani ]2
They can go to hell

Haan chalo ab door yahan se
Let’s go somewhere far away
Paahadon se bhi aage who
Beyond the mountains
Jahan par subah jaage
Where dawn awakens

Ho bade sab kehte hain yeh
Elders always say
Chuno acche humsaaye
Choose the right life partner
Samajh ke jo samjhaye
One who is understanding and wise

Ro ro ke raathon mein ankhein bhi khali ki
I cried my heart out till my eyes were empty
Likh likh ke taarikhen diwarein kaali ki
I wrote dates on the door till they ran black
chup kar chup chup kar baliye
Calm down love, hush now!
Bhaag le chup chup kar baliye
Run away quietly, love
Duniya se bhage duniya mein
Run away from the world, into the world
Duniya ko hui hairaani
So the world gets confused

[Marjaani marjaani
The hell with them
Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Oye khasma nu khaye mar jaani]2
They can go to hell

Theek hai theek theek sab kuch theek hai
Everything is fine, everything is just right
Paas hai sab kuch rab nazdeek hai
You have everything when God is with you

Oho Oho
Oho Oho

Hey Rab ke hazur mein kasmein bhi kha li
We kept the promises we made to God
Duniya ki auni pauni rasmein nibha li
We followed the rules of the world

Oho Oho
Oho Oho

Phir bhi na maane koi to dafa kar
If people still have a problem, avoid them
Maane jo maane na maane to bhala kar
If they accept, fine, if not it’s ok too
Duniya na maane khasma nu khaye
If the world doesn’t care, dont sweat it
Khasma nu khaye marjaani
They can go to hell

Haaye Marjaani marjaani
The hell with them
Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Oye khasma nu khaaye marjaani
They can go to hell

[Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Marjaani marjaani
Oye khasma nu khaye marjaani] – 2

Top 10 Bollywood Songs: 4 - Crazy Kiya Re

Crazy Kiya Re.. Where do I start? This is probably going to go against me terribly, but I think one of the reasons I love Crazy Kiya Re so much is because of it's western feel. The outfits aren't terribly Bollywood-ish, and the dancing isn't either. But then you get Aishwarya Rai, who I love dearly in there and it's great. Not to mention Hrithik Roshan who is walking all sexy-like in the video - Those EYES! This is another movie I have yet to see, but it's on instant watch, so hopefully that'll be happening in the near future. I'm really looking forward to it.



Lyrics:
Yeah! Sexy

Sexy lady on da floor
keep you coming back for more

Sexy lady on da floor
keep you coming back for more

Chori chori kiya re
Dil yeh dil liya re
Chori chori kiya re
Dil yeh dil liya re

Jadu se jadu kiya re

Kiya re 2

Jaagi soi rahoon
khoi khoi rahoon
uski yadoon mein uske khwaabo mein
jhome jiya re

Crazy Kiya Re 3
kiya re
Crazy Kiya Re 3
o crazy
Crazy Kiya Re



(Na usko pata
Na uski khata
Mein us pe margai
Zara usko bata)2



Dheree dheere ikraar mein
kabhi kabhi intezaar mein
uske hi pyaar mein jhoome jiya re

Crazy Kiya Re 3
ho crazy



(Mein yahan bhi gai
Mein wahan bhi gai
socha pal pal use
Mein jahan bhi gai)2

Din ho ya raat ho
woh mere saath ho
jab uski baat ho
jhoome jiya re


Crazy Kiya Re 3
o crazy

Sexy lady on da floor
keep you coming back for more

Repeat

Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmasti.com/song/1373/get_lyrics_of_Crazy-Kiya-Re.html

Top 10 Bollywood Songs: 5 - Love Mera Hit Hit

Okay, so I've never seen this movie (trust me, I'm bummed about it "/) but there are two songs from it that I absolutely adore! One of them being Love Mera Hit Hit. I like the song, but the video is what really tops it off for me. SRK and Deepika are both sexy as hell and make me want to dance!



Lyrics:
(dekha tujhe dekha mene hua mein to crazy
when i saw you i became crazy

tauba meri tauba meri kudi hai to sexy
o my girl you are sexy

aaja meri bahon mein tu aaja baby love me, aa aa) - 2
come in my arms, come o baby love me, come, come

mujhe tu zara si, haan is dil mein entry de
give me little entry into your heart

chupa le yun mujhko na rahe koi exit
hide me like this that should never have exit

(hai love mera hit hit soniye, to phir kaise khit pit soniye
my love is hit hit sweetheart, then why should there have any quarrelsome

to baby badi fit fit soniye na kar aise khit pit khit pit) - 2
you are very fit fit sweetheart, don't do such quarrelsome


(ek bas tu hi meri pheli pheli arzoo hai, tu hi meri aakhri tamana
only you are my first wish, and last desire as well

naam bas tera mere dil pe likha hai meri
only your name is written on my heart

aankhon mein basa hai tera sapna) - 2
your dream is residing in my eyes

guma na nazar mein, magar tu dil mein jagah de
even if you make me disappear in your eyes, but give me place in your heart

tu jaane bahaane love koi jaane na limit
you are giving excuses, but love knows no limit

(hai love mera hit hit soniye to phir kaise khit pit soniye
my love is hit hit sweetheart, then why should there have any quarrelsome

to baby badi fit fit soniye na kar aise khit pit khit pit) - 2
you are very fit fit sweetheart, don't do such quarrelsome

(dekha tujhe dekha mene hua mein to crazy
when i saw you i became crazy

tauba meri tauba meri kudi hai to sexy) - (2)
o my girl you are sexy

aaja meri bahon mein tu aaja baby love me
come in my arms, come o baby love me


(janu mein toh janu teri baatein mithi mithi
i know that your talks are sweet

par karu kaise, karu mein barosha
but how should i trust on it

badi muskil hai yeh, darta yeh dil hai
its difficult, my heart is afraiding

ho na jaye kahin koi dhoka) - 2
hope its not a lie

hai dhoka toh khale, kabhi toh ajmale
even if its a lie, take it, test me sometime

jo maine tha kehana, keh diya bas thats it!
whatever i had to say, i said thats it

(hai love mera hit hit soniye to phir kaise khit pit soniye
my love is hit hit sweetheart, then why should there have any quarrelsome

to baby badi fit fit soniye na kar aise khit pit khit pit) - 2
you are very fit fit sweetheart, don't do such quarrelsome

dekha tujhe dekha mene hua mein to crazy
when i saw you i became crazy

tauba meri tauba meri kudi hai to sexy
o my girl you are sexy

aaja meri bahon mein tu aaja baby love me, aa aa) - 2
come in my arms, come o baby love me, come, come

mujhe tu zara si, haan is dil mein entry de
give me little entry into your heart

chupa le yun mujhko na rahe koi exit
hide me like this that should never have exit

(hai love mera hit hit soniye, to phir kaise khit pit soniye
my love is hit hit sweetheart, then why should there have any quarrelsome

to baby badi fit fit soniye na kar aise khit pit khit pit) - 2
you are very fit fit sweetheart, don't do such quarrelsome

Lyrics from:
http://www.hindilyrics.net/translation-Billu-Barber/Love-Mera-Hit-Hit.html