ROAD TO SANGAM wins 3 Awards at Los Angles

Presented by Gipsy Films, feature film ROAD TO SANGAM, continues in fetching awards from various film festivals. Latest feather in its cap are three awards at Los Angles Reel Film Festival. Categories are Best Foreign Film, Best Foreign Film Original Score and Best Foreign Film production Design. Comments the producer Amit Chheda, "It's been a constant pleasure for us. Everywhere that we have gone, we have come back with appreciation and awards. When we had decided to back this project, we knew that it will be a good film, but it has surpassed our own expectations.'

ROAD TO SANGAM, a film inspired from Gandhi Ji and his principles, had received 3 awards in three different international film festivals. The first award they won was the Audience Choice Award for Best Film in MAMI in Mumbai. Immediately after, ROAD TO SANGAM also received the 'Best 1st film of the Director' award at International Films Festival of South Africa. Third award came as the 'Best Feature film Award' at the Radar Hamburg Film Festival Germany.

Check out ROAD TO SANGAM Movie Preview:-

Adds the director Amit Rai, ROAD TO SANGAM is a simple story told very simply. All my artistes are very strong actors and they have brought all the characters to life. Story idea had come from a small article in one of the newspapers that had caught my curiosity. I am proud that the audience could connect and accept them as their own.'

Even during its first public screening at CANNES, the audience had loved the film so much that makers had to arrange for second screening.

Presented by Gipsy Films & Shashikant chheda, ROAD TO SANGAM is produced by Amit Chheda and directed by Amit Rai. Star cast includes Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Javed Shaikh, Pavan Malhotra and Swati Chitnis.

Oscar winning music sensation AR Rahman turns 44

New Delhi: From `Roja` to `Jai Ho`, Allah Rakha Rahman, who turns 44 today, has endeared himself to millions with his lilting melodies and created history with his double Oscar.

Rahman`s magic reached crescendo when he became the first Indian to win double Oscars for the song "Jai Ho" in the film "Slumdog Millionaire", a BAFTA award and a Golden Globe award. On the home front, he has been honoured four times with National Film Awards.

On the occasion of the musician`s birthday, IANS goes down memory lane to recall some of his all-time hits.

"Roja" - In 1992, Rahman made his debut as a composer with the soundtrack of "Roja" and the title track struck a chord with the audiences. Time magazine included "Roja" album in its list of "10 Best Soundtracks" of all time in 2005. This poignant, romantic number in the voice of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is slow-paced, with music and lyrics so profound that made it a chartbuster.

"Ye haseen vadiyan" - The "Roja" album included another great composition in "Ye haseen vadiyan". Crooned by Chitra and S.P Balasubrahmanyam, the song is a treat to ears owing to its orchestration and vocals. Even after 18 years, the eloquent romantic number still has the same impact.

"Tanha tanha" - In 1995, Rahman`s compositions for "Rangeela" became an instant hit. The song "Tanha tanha", sung by legendary singer Asha Bhosle became chartbuster and was a song on everyone`s lips. The light, breezy track had good lyrics and was beautifully picturised on actress Urmila Matondkar.

"Tu hi re" - In the same year, he produced another winner in the form of "Bombay". The song "Tu hi re" caught the fancy of music buffs. The sad romantic number captured the angst and the loneliness of a lover. Sung by Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy, it`s an appealling and touching number.

"Maa tujhe salaam" - Rahman released his own album in 1997 and created a stir with the patriotic song "Maa tujhe salaam". Sung by the composer himself, it became one of the most sought after versions of the "Vande Mataram".

"Chaiyyan Chaiyyan" - The song from the film "Dil Se" was released in 1998 and broke many records. The song with a punch was crooned by Sukhwinder Singh and is still a hot favourite.

"Piya Haji Ali" - After churning out patriotic and romantic numbers, Rahman treated his fans with the Sufi song "Piya Haji Ali" in the the movie "Fiza" (2000). Rendered by Kadar Ghulam Mustafa, Murtaza Ghulam Mustafa and Shrinivas, the song that talks about divine power has tranquillising effect on the listeners.

"O rey chhori" - In 2001 he compsoed another hit romantic number "O rey chhori" for the Oscar nominated film "Lagaan". It is a sweet, mushy outing with intermixed Indian and western influences. While the Hindi lyrics have been voiced by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, the English part in the song has been rendered by Vasundhara Das. It is surely a pleasing and melodious song.

"Saathiya" - The title track of 2002 release "Saathiya" is worth repeated listening. The love ballad is perfect for all moods. Rhythm is the overpowering factor in the number and it clicks instantly. Sonu Nigam`s silken voice gives the already brilliant song an edge.

"Roobaroo" - The hip, young, carefree song from 2006 hit film "Rang De Basanti", became an instant hit. Sung by Rahman and Naresh Iyer, the track belongs to the Indi-pop genre and was a favourite of people from all age groups.

"Tere bina" - Rahman has proved his mettle time and again, but his proficiency in creating romantic tracks is unmatchable, something he proved with "Tere bina" in the 2007 film "Guru". Sung by Rahman himself along with Murtuza Khan, Quadir Khan and Chinmayee, the track is hummable and melodious. Fabulous string arrangements coupled with guitar move you effortlessly.

"Jai ho" - His composition for the song "Jai Ho" in the film "Slumdog Millionaire" turned out to be a turning point in Rahman`s career. It fetched him his first Oscar. Sung by Sukhwinder, the fast-paced, high-spirited, energetic song was liked not only nationally but internationally too.

"Kabhi kabhi aditi" - It is a light, uplifting song that makes you feel nice. Crooned by Rashid Ali, the song from the film "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na", is beautiful from the word go, the guitar strumming and the casual lyrics made it a favourite among the youngsters.

"Khawaja mere khawaja" - "Khawaja mere khawaja" is another Sufi track from the talented composer and it hit the right chords with the audiences. The song, which was a part of the soundtrack of the 2008 movie "Jodhaa Akbar", is a fabulous qawaali-based song sung by Rahman himself. The notes of harmonium are interwoven with those of stringed instruments that produced a sweet harmonic sound, making the song highly relaxing.

"Masakalli" - Rahman hit the bull`s eye last year with "Masakalli" from the film "Delhi-6". The free flowing, addictive, fun song is crooned by Mohit Chauhan.

Shilpa's excited about reception in House of Commons

After a giddy round of partying and holidaying, Shilpa Shetty is now in London for her wedding reception on Wednesday in the House of Commons. Much excited, the actress feels she should have gotten "married earlier".

Shilpa said on Tuesday: "The House of Commons reception is being thrown for Raj and me by British MP Keith Vaz who's a dear friend of ours."

Speaking from London after her majestic Mediterranean cruise with her husband and their families, Shilpa said: "I don't know why I didn't get married earlier! Marriage is wonderful when the man whom you marry is good, and mine is wonderful! Touch wood, I'm loving every minute of the marriage."

Now Shilpa can't wait to get back to Mumbai on Jan 8. "I'm missing Mumbai and can't wait to get back."

I'm not getting married to anyone: Genelia

Genelia D'Souza is upset with rumours of her wedding with actor Riteish Deshmukh. The actress says she isn't getting married to anyone for the time being.

"To set the record straight, I am not getting married to anyone. I have always maintained that my personal life is not something I would like to discuss. But this time since it was something that would affect my family, I decided to take a stand," said Genelia in a statement released here Tuesday.

"My films and my brands are my priority as of now and I'd like to keep it that way. And if I do decide to settle down, you will hear it from me when as and when it happens," she added.

A tabloid had reported the romance brewed between Genelia and Riteish on the sets of Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003) and that they are planning to get married this year.

"It's rather funny that we have to read about the progress in our lives in the press before we even know it ourselves. I wonder how news like that can be put out without any confirmation from the people whose lives are being discussed," she said.

Genelia is right now looking forward to the release of Chance Pe Dance. She is paired with Shahid Kapoor in the film, which is releasing Jan 15.

Flops can't dent Bebo's influence

It looks like Kareena Kapoor's stars are in her favour. How else would you describe her grabbing a place in CNN go's list of '15 People Who Mattered Most in 2009' in India despite delivering a string of flops last year? Her much- hyped films such as Kambakhht Ishq, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna and Kurbaan bit dust, before she scored a hit with 3 Idiots.

The CNN list includes scientists, politicians and people from the arena of sports and music. From Bollywood, the only others to make the cut are Ranbir Kapoor, music maestro A. R. Rahman and Abhay Deol.

Anil`s American series premieres Jan 14

Mumbai: Anil Kapoor, who recently turned 50, has many a reason to be happy - his American television series "24" is set to premiere in New York Jan 14 and his presence in the series has been extended from 10 to 16 episodes.

"Initially, I was under contract for just 10 episodes. Then seeing the way my role developed, they decided to have me in 16 episodes. I must say I was as happy with the whole experience as I was with `Slumdog Millionaire`," Anil told reporters.

The versatile actor, who turned 50 Dec 24 last year, agrees 2009 has been a phenomenal year for him

"And now 2010 starts for me with the premiere of my television series `24` on January 14. I`m flying down to New York on January 12 for the premiere. In fact, all through the shooting of the series I`ve been flying in and out of India and the US." he said.

"At one point, I thought I wouldn`t be able to do Anees Bazmi`s `No Problem` because I was committed to do `24`. I even spoke to Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan about my role. Finally, I did manage both, thanks to Anees` co-operation. But I must say doing `24` and `No Problem` side by side was quite a cultural and continental shuffle," he said.

Anil plays a Middle Eastern character in "24".

"I`m now waiting to see how audiences react to it. I`ve always believed in doing all kinds of work. Just like my friend A.R. Rahman who scores music for Shankar and Mani Ratnam, I`ve also done `Eeshwar` and `Rakhwala` side by side. I think variety is a very strong incentive for growth," he said.

Anil recalls how a lot of people advised him against doing an American television series.

"But I was also advised not to do `Slumdog Millionaire`. I took it up because my wife and kids were in favour. Can you imagine how I`d feel right now if I had turned it down? If I see 2009 as the best year of my life, it`s partly because of `Slumdog?`," said Anil.

"Then, of course, there was `Aisha` my two daughters` gift to me. Yes, that`s how I see it. It isn`t my gift to them, but their gift to me. While Sonam plays the lead, Rhea is producing `Aisha`. I`m proud of both of them."

He is now ready to take on his third international project.

"But I am very clear that I won`t play Indian characters in international projects unless they`re really special. I won`t do the stereotypical Indian characters in American films. I`ve told my agent to seek out parts that are not culture-specific but have character."

Another project with Danny Boyle after "Slumdog Millionaire" is not ruled out. "Yes, Danny has gone on record to say we`re working together and we will. At the moment I`m not signing anything new until I`m sure of what to do next."

Anil feels a strong support system at home and at work is the key to his successful journey as an actor.

"I hope my children have imbibed the values that I grew up with. I`m very proud of my three children. They are all doing well for themselves. My son Harshvardhan is enjoying his student days in the US, just like I did at his age, though not abriad like him."

‘3 Idiots’ is setting new records in India

‘3 Idiots’ is unstoppable. That's the truth! No distributor, no trade expert, no soothsayer can, at this moment, predict the magnitude of business of this film. No one has an answer, frankly!

‘3 Idiots’ is setting new records in India and also in the international markets. In fact, the second weekend numbers are approx. 70% to 80% of the first weekend numbers. Unimaginable!

No one expected ‘3 Idiots’ to surpass ‘Ghajini’. As I pen this piece, ‘3 Idiots’ has already surpassed ‘Ghajini’ and is already seated on the throne. Only goes to prove yet again that if a film has the merits, the sky is the limit. It can set new records, scale dizzy heights of success and work magic at the ticket window.

Given the fact that the ‘3 Idiots’ wave was so omnipotent, why were the producers of ‘Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi?’, ‘Accident On Hill Road’ and ‘Bolo Raam’ hell-bent on releasing their movies a week later, on December 31? They could've shifted the film to a latter date. That would've ensured more screens and better show timings.

All three films have been badly affected by the ‘3 Idiots’ wave. The numbers are poor. Not that their luck would've changed for better had they arrived later, but, I guess, the numbers would've been marginally better.