Bollywood Music Spoof - Hilarious!!

Check out Winston Spear a stand up comedian from Toronto Canada, lip synching "Kehta Hai Pal Pal" from Bollywood Hindi Film - Major Saab.



Here's Ajay Devgan lip synching "Kehta Hai Pal Pal"




more later...

Anuja Rajendra of Ann Arbor mentioned in "The Hindu"

Congratulations to the Talented Anuja Rajendra of Ann Arbor, Michigan for being mentioned in today's edition of "The Hindu" in Life & Style / Metroplus section, under the title "Jive to the Beat". Anuja was the choreographer who taught the silver medal Ice Dancing skaters Meryl Davis and Charlie White at the recently concluded Winter Olympics at Vancouver, the basics of Indian dance, made suggestions for music and spent months helping to put together the choreography.

Here's a quote from the article

The movements of skaters Meryl Davis and Charlie White are Bollywood tango, and the music is from “Devdas”. Anuju Rajendra, who combines Bollywood music and dance with exercise at her BollyFit studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is credited with showing them the Indian dance style and suggesting the music. Couldn't have chosen a better tune to enlarge the fan base, Meryl told an interviewer.

Congratulations Anuja!!

Richa Gangopadhyay makes her leading lady debut on Silver Screen

Michigan Indian Beauty - Richa Gangopadhyay makes her leading lady debut in the much-awaited film ‘Leader’, by critically-acclaimed/award-winning director Sekhar Kammula.

The film is finally in completion after 5 long months of rigorous shooting. The film is prestigious production house AVM’s 174th film, and introduces “Rana”, the grandson of movie mogul Dr.D Ramanaidu, son of producer D. Suresh Babu, and nephew of south superstar, Venkatesh. The film also introduces the two main female characters in the film, Richa Gangopadhyay, from the U.S., and Priya Anand, model and actress from Chennai.

Shooting for this film involved traveling all over Andhra Pradesh, from Hyderabad to Vizag, including many rural villages in between. As the title suggests, Rana plays the role of a leader in this political thriller, and certain scenes in the movie required huge public gatherings.

This film also marks the debut of Miss India Michigan/Miss India USA ’08, Richa Gangopadhyay, who was able to bag the female lead role in “Leader” after an extensive search done through auditions throughout India. Richa, 23 years old Public Health/Nutrition student, shifted to Mumbai after winning the title, attended the world-renowned Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares Institute for 3 months, and hit the ground running with this film. She has been quite active in Mumbai and throughout India involved with many modeling assignments in the short time frame of 9 months, and is just completing post production activities this month before the film’s release in December.

The audio of ‘Leader’ is done by award-winning music composer, Mickey Meyer, from Kammula’s “Happy Days” fame.

The audio of the film is scheduled for release on November 22nd, and the theatrical release is tentatively scheduled for this Christmas 2009.

Bollywood Celebrities join the Twitter Bandwagon #bollywood

(cross posted from MIBAZAAR)

Following on the heels of Hollywood celebrities, now Bollywood celebrities have joined the twitter bandwagon. Some of the Bollywood Celebrities on Twitter are Priyanka Chopra, Uday Chopra, Karan Johar, Dino. If you know names of more Bollywood Celebrities on Twitter than please share it with us. Thanks to these celebrities Twitter witnessed a huge traffic growth and registered a 74% jump (in terms of unique users) in March 2009 in India. (via Huffington Post).

Check out what the gorgeous looking Priyanka Chopra is upto and also her location (link)


View Larger Map

Here's the code which you can embed in your website: (for your own twitter map replace the user id with your Twitter ID)


<iframe width="425" height="425" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.mibazaar.com/twitstat.php?uid=mibazaar"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://www.mibazaar.com/twitstat.php?uid=mibazaar" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>


Times Square, NY turns into a scene from LAGAAN

Check this video out of Times Square, New York turning into a scene from Bollywood Movie LAGAAN (this in support of IFC's new mini-series Bollywood Hero, starring Chris Kattan, Neha Dhupia, and Pooja Kumar). (via Huffington Post)

Bollywood Acting classes coming to Michigan

MIICC (Michigan Indian Chamber of Commerce) has invited Anupam Kher's "Actor Prepares" school to host a 4 week "Bollywood Acting" workshop here in Michigan. The workshop would begin sometime in October 2009.

The curriculum for the 4 week workshop:
(There will be 2 concurrent sessions during the four week period)

Bollywood dance
Acting techniques
Acting for Camera

Workshop Duration & Timings

Session 1 - 4 weeks total duration

Timing: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (4 hours per day)
Days: Monday to Friday (5 days per week)
Location: Novi
Cost: $1500

Session 2 - 4 weeks total duration

Timing: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm (4 hours per day)
Days: Monday to Friday (5 days per week)
Location: Novi
Cost: $1500

Early Bird Registration

15% off if registered between July 1st to July 31st 2009 - $1275
10% off if registered online between August 1st to September 1st 2009 - $1350

There will be a 5% additional discount to the 2nd member of the same family.

Visit MIICC for more details

BollyFit performs at Top of the Park, Rackham Stage, Ann Arbor, MI

The very Talented Anuja Rajendra of Ann Arbor, MI along with her BollyFit group premieres their rendition of the world - famous dance finale of the Oscar - winning film, “Slumdog Millionaire."

When: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Time: 7:40pm - 8:10pm
Location: Ingalls Mall, Ann Arbor, MI (map)

About Bollyfit:

BollyFit synthesizes artistic elements of Bollywood “film dances” with classical (Bharat Natyam) and Bhangra styles in a dynamic dance experience. A spiritual thread is woven in and consciousness awakens through dance. Guided by BollyFit Founder, Anuja Rajendra, BollyFit epitomizes a true 'mela' or 'coming together' of souls - from never-before dancers to grandmothers who haven't danced in 30 years - who experience increased athleticism and emanate aliveness into the universe!

Anuja Rajendra's Bollyfit featured on Fox 2 Detroit

Congratulations to Anuja Rajendra (Bollyfit) of Ann Arbor for being featured on Fox 2 Detroit in their Health Works segment. (video shown below).

So what is Bollyfit. From their website

BollyFit synergizes artistic elements of Bollywood film dances with classical (Bharat Natyam) and Bhangra styles in a dynamic dance experience. A spiritual thread is woven in and participants increase consciousness ("Presence", as described by Eckhart Tolle) through dance. Clock time slips by and, by the way, you've worked up a sweat and strengthened BollyMuscles!

Anuja Rajendra's "BollyFit" featured on Grand Blanc's ABC12 News

Congratulations to Anuja Rajendra (BollyFit) being featured yesterday on Grand Blanc's ABC12 Morning Show. Check out the ABC News video and article here.

Quoting Anuja from the ABC News article

"BollyFit is fitness through dance for anyone who wants to be healthy inside and out, but doesn't want the grind of a treadmill," said BollyFit founder Anuja Rajendra.

Anuja will be bringing her bollywood-inspired dance classes to Grand Blanc later this month. If you want to enroll into any of BollyFit's classes visit their website for more details.

Bollywood Dance Craze spreading to cities in Michigan

After the success of "Slumdog Millionaire" there seems to be a increase in interest in Bollywood Dance.

MLive reports that the talented

Anuja Rajendra of Ann Arbor will bring a little Bollywood to Grand Blanc.

Grand Blanc Community Education will hold a workshop on March 14 where Anuja Rajendra will demonstrate the fun and benefits of Bollywood dance. Anuja also has Bollywood dance classes scheduled at Ann Arbor, Saline, Plymouth.

Ashoka Rao of Flint Township who has taught classical Indian dance classes for more than three decades said she's noticed an increase in interest in Indian dance since the hugely popular Oscar-winning best picture "Slumdog Millionaire" hit the screens.

Checkout Anuja Rajendra's bollyfit. After you enroll, this might become way too easy :)

Host of Indian Radio personalities to appear together on Stage - November 15th, 2008

Musical Charity Event - "The Musical Odyssey" which is scheduled for November 15th, 2008 at the Seaholm High School Auditorium in Birmingham will feature leading Indian Radio Hosts from Michigan.

Rajiv Sanghvi - host/producer of Swar Bahar (heard every Sunday from 11 AM - 12 noon on WNZK 690 AM) will appear on stage along with Amin Sayani of Michigan Indian Radio - Dr. Subhash Kelkar. Subhash Kelkar is host/producer of Geetanjali (heard every Saturday from 9 AM - 10 AM on WPON 1460 AM).

Along with Rajiv Sanghvi and Subhash Kelkar the community will get to witness legendary Michigan Indian Radio Host - Narendra Sheth. Narendra Sheth is host/producer of Geetmala (heard every Saturday from 11 AM - 1 PM on WPON 690 AM).

Musical Odyssey is a program of old melodious and new Bollywood songs. This event will include a multi-media live musical program with 15 singers and 30 musicians of International Repute including the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra.

This event is supported by Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (MAPI). The Funds raised from this event will support MAPI charitable medical clinics.

Check out more details at detroitindia.com.

Get Into Shape this Fall - Bollywood Dance Style

Anuja Rajendra of Bollyfit is bringing to you this fall (2008) Fitness program through Bollywood Dance. She has made it very convenient for Suburban Detroit residents. She is offering classes in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Plymouth area. Hey she is offering special pricing when you take 2+ classes and/or when your friends take BollyFit classes with you!

Check out the schedule and pricing at bollyfit.com

After you enroll, this might become way too easy :)

How to do a Bollywood Dance

I bumped into this video of how to do a Bollywood Dance! at a site called monkeysee.com. There are a bunch of other useful "how to" videos avalaible at monkeysee.com.

This particular video has been put together by folks at Dhoonya Dance from the Washington DC area. So if you are in the DC area and want to learn some Hrithik Roshan moves then check out Dhoonya Dance.

But if you are from the Ann Arbor/Metro Detroit Area and want to learn some Hrithik Roshan moves then check out Anuja Rajendra's bollyfit.com

"Unforgettable Tour 2008" forgets Detroit

Detroit is not in the schedule of "Unforgettable Tour - 2008" which starts on July 18th, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. The Bollywood stars performing in the "Unforgettable Tour 2008" are Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty, Ritesh Deshmukh, Vishal and Shekhar.

So if you are loaded with money and you must see Bollywood's 1st Family then here are the cities you can travel to see "MINDBLOWING MAGIC and UNLIMITED MASTI" (BTW that was promo from the show)

• Toronto, Canada - Rogers Center (18th July 2008)
• Los Angeles, California - LA Sports Center (26th July 2008)
• San Francisco, California - Oracle Center (27th July 2008)
• Houston, Texas - Toyota Center (2nd August 2008)
• Atlantic City, New Jersey - Broadwalk Arena (9th August 2008)
• Chicago, Illinois - Sears Center (10th August 2008)
• New York - Nassau Coliseum (15th August 2008)
• Vancouver - General Motors Place (17th August 2008)
• London - O2 Arena (24th August 2008)

Who in United States is searching for your favorite Bollywood Stars

Ever wondered who is GOOGLING for your favorite Bollywood Stars or Cricketers in United States? I have put together a Google Maps Mashup which shows you which city tops the list in Google Search for a given keyword. You can filter the result by country and by date (from last 30 days to January 2004).

So for United States

• Amitabh Bachchan - Piscataaway, NJ and Pleasanton, CA are top 2 cities.
• Shahrukh Khan - Piscataaway, NJ and Brooklyn, NY are top 2 cities
• Aishwarya Rai - Pleasonton, CA and Newark, NJ are top 2 cities
• Sachin Tendulkar - Quincy, MA and Jersey City, NJ are top 2 cities

Events - June 2008

• Michigan India Chamber of Commerce meeting on June 11th at 5:30 pm.
  
  The meeting wil be held at the Dykema Gossett Offices located at 39577 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48304.
  
  Topic: Social Media Marketing to grow your business or visibility. If you've wondered how to use social media to grow your business, here's your chance. You will learn about Web 2.0, Blogging, Linkedin, etc.
  
  Contact Nipa Shah at nipa [at] miicc [dot] com or via phone at 248-470-6299 to talk, learn more, present an idea, present a program, etc. etc.


• Critically acclaimed Bollywood Hindi Movie LAGAAN will be screened at Michigan Theater on June 14th at 7 PM. This screening of LAGAAN will be the centerpiece of a special evening celebrating Indian culture at the Michigan Theater. The contemporary Bollywood classic will screen along with a live Indian dance presentation by Anuja Rajendra from BollyFit during intermission. Group rates are available by calling (734) 668-8397 ext. 21. Advance tickets and reserved seating available at ticketweb.com.


• Missed Mother's Day Celebration! Not to worry because Gujarati Samaj of Detroit has the solution. They have an event scheduled for June 14th to celebrate both MOTHER'S DAY and FATHER'S DAY. The event starts June 14th, 6 PM at UAW Local 228, 39209 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. For more on event details and ticket pricing visit Gujarati Samaj of Detroit.

Atif Aslam, Amanat Ali, Kailash Kher and Richa Sharma coming to Michigan on June 20th

(UPDATE: Just heard on Narendra Sheth's Radio Program that this event has been cancelled)
Atif Aslam along with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame Amanat Ali will be in the Metro Detroit Area on June 20th. They will be accompanied by Richa Sharma and Kailash Kher.

They will be performing live in the Summer Beats Concert at Detroit Opera House on June 20th at 8.00 PM. Ticket Prices are $38/- $58/- $78/- and V I P. For more details call 586 506 0043 or visit palace-entertainment

Here's the amazing Amanat Ali in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa

Richa Gangopadhyay of Northville sets her eyes on Bollywood!

Richa Gangopadhyay, Indian Beauty and Miss India USA from Northville, MI is exploring opportunities in modeling and Bollywood.

This is what Richa had to say to NDTVMOVIES

Currently I am little busy with the many responsibilities that have come with the Miss India USA title. Besides this I am also actively exploring modeling and Bollywood.

I will be playing the lead female role in a Hindi movie being made by an independent Indian Director in the US.

I took this opportunity to explore what is involved in movie making and acting. The movie will give me a chance to play a very versatile role of a young woman journalist, settled in New York.

Apart from this, I have acted in school plays, but plan to take refresher classes as soon as I get more time. I was offered a sponsorship last year to attend Anupam Kher's 'Actor Prepares' school. Hope I can do that some day.

I absolutely love Bollyood films and am a huge fan of Hrithik, who is the perfect man in my mind. He is intense, thoroughly professional; master in his art yet a soft-spoken, non-snobbish person in real life.

Shah Rukh Khan has always been one of my all-time favourites from the first time I saw him in Baazigar.

Yes Richa I agree that Hrithik Roshan is a soft-spoken, non-snobbish person, a quality which is rare at that position. Good Luck Richa!

Blog Fever/War hits Bollywood

Guess what? Amitabh Bachchan is now blogging. Now that Big B has entered the blogging world its just a matter of time before other Bollywood stars start blogging. The other Bollywood Star that has his own blog is Aamir Khan. Do you know of any other Bollywood Stars with their own blogs?

With these blogs have come controversies. BBC is reporting that

Veteran superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, on his blog, first described Shah Rukh Khan's new television quiz show as a flop.

Now he says his comments have been misunderstood by the media.

Aamir Khan, star of such Bollywood blockbusters as Lagaan and Mangal Pandey, has caused displeasure by blogging about his pet dog, Shahrukh - note the change in the spelling.

The canine, it seems, is always begging for attention and licking his feet. What's more, the dog is "too smelly".

Khan has gone on the defensive, saying he had nothing to do with the naming of the dog.

"In fact Shahrukh is the dog of the caretakers of our house. When I bought this house it came with the caretakers and their dog! Apparently Shahrukh (the actor) was shooting for a commercial in this house a few years ago, and that very day the caretakers bought a pup, and named him Shahrukh," Khan says.

Hastey Hastey a Bollywood Hindi Movie with a Michigan Connection

Hastey Hastey a Bollywood Hindi Movie has been co produced by the President and Founder of Jaya Travels (based in Southfield, MI). Incidentally Arvin Shah was interviewed today on WKBD Channel 50 by Nipa Shah of Michigan India Chamber of Commerce. Arvin Shah talked about making of Hastey Hastey which was 95% filmed in United States

Starring in lead roles in Hastey Hastey are Jimmy Shergill and Nisha Rawal. The world wide release for Hastey Hastey is set for later this month.

Hastey Hastey Synopsis (via)

Neel (Jimmy Sheirgill), a brilliant student at Columbia University and the pretty Maya (Nisha Rawal) the love of his life, are on the verge of starting a new life together in New York. Sunny Malhotra (Rajpal Yadav) is Neel's roommate, teammate and conscience. Academically challenged and a compulsive flirt, he gets involved in a series of hilarious situations with his American love Tina (Sarah Thomas).

Just when life seems perfect, Neel accepts a career opportunity that requires him to go to India to set up a call centre business. Much against Maya's wishes Neel travels to India with Sunny.

Tanvi (Monishka) is a young executive who goes out of her way to help Neel and his team in India. Attractive & aggressive she is instantly attracted to Neel and tries her best to win his heart. Neel being deeply in love with Maya rejects Tanvi. Now seeking revenge, Tanvi creates a trap which leads Neel in to deep trouble professionally and personally. Will Tanvi succeed in her plans? Will Neel win Maya's heart again? Will Neel succeed in clearing his name from all the accusations?

Hastey Hastey is youthful, musical, romantic comedy with a twist in the tale.

Canadian Comedian doing a Ajay Devgan

I had blogged on this back in July, 2006 at mibazaar.com when I did not have a separate "Michigan India" related blog.

Once again here is Winston Spear a stand up comedian from Toronto Canada, lip syncing "PYAR KIYA TO NIBHANA" from Bollywood Hindi Film - Major Saab starring Ajay Devgan. It is hilarious...

Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor - Bollywood's Best for 2007

The 53rd Filmfare awards were held today in Mumbai, India. Shahrukh Khan bagged the Best Actor award (male) for his role in "Chak De! India" and Kareena Kapoor bagged the Best Actor award (female) for her role in "Jab We Met".

Aamir Khan won the Filmfare Best Director Award for Taare Zameen Par, which was also adjudged the best film.

Deepika Padukone of Om Shanti Om won the Fresh Face of the Year Award as well as the Best Female Debutante, while the Best Male Debutant Award went to Ranbir Kapoor (Saawariya).
Note: For Filmfare awards history check out mibazaar.com

Best Actor - Shahrukh Khan	Best Actor - Kareena Kapoor

Why is Sanjay Dutt so happy?

Because earlier this week Sanjay Dutt got married to his girlfriend of 2 years Manyata.

After the marriage ceremony at Andheri, Mumbai a beaming Dutt asked the media, "Are you happy with my marriage?". On getting an affirmative reply, he thanked the media and said, "I am also very happy and I thank you for the positive support." (via NDTV)

Munnabhai! we desis here in Detroit, MI are also very happy for you.

Jodhaa Akbar releasing on February 15th in Novi, MI

Jodhaa Akbar starring Hrithik Roshan and Bollywood Beauty Aishwarya Rai is being screened at SR Movies, Novi starting Februray 15th. Check out mimantra.com for show times.



Synopsis (via Wikipedia)

Jodhaa Akbar is a sixteenth century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess, Jodhaa.

Political success knew no bounds for Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan). After having secured the Hindu Kush, he furthered his realm by conquest until his empire extended from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, and from the Himalayas to the Godavari River. Through a shrewd blend of diplomacy, intimidation and brute force , Akbar won the allegiance of the Rajputs. But little did Akbar know that when he married Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), a fiery Rajput princess, in order to further strengthen his relations with the Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking upon a new journey – the journey of true love.

The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer, Jodhaa resented being reduced to a mere political pawn in this marriage of alliance, and Akbar’s biggest challenge now did not merely lie in winning battles, but in winning the love of Jodhaa – a love hidden deep below resentment and extreme prejudice. Jodhaa-Akbar is their untold love story

Sanjay Dutt goes back to Jail

Sanjay Dutt returns to Yerawada Jail, Pune after a 2 month freedom. His freedom ended when he was handed a copy of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case judgment by the TADA court.

Sanjay Dutt's acting skill will take a back seat for a while. His new skill which he is acquiring while in jail is cane furniture making. (Sources: BBC, Mid-Day)

Here's a Google Maps View of Sanjay Dutt's new home (Yerawada Prison - Pune, India)

Aishwarya Rai to star as Mumtaz Mahal

BBC is reporting that Aishwarya Rai will play the role of Mumtaz Mahal in a major movie on Taj Mahal. Oscar winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley who is the producer of this movie will play the role of Shah Jahan.

Bipasha Basu will be playing the role of Shah Jahan's daughter, Jahanara.

This film is scheduled to be shot in India in 2008. (more at BBC)

Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag being pulled out of cinemas in India

Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (remake of Sholay) has been dubbed as "Biggest flop of our generation." It is estimated that the filmmakers will lose about $3 million.

The Distributors have decided that instead of paying rent to the theater owners and getting nothing in return its better to pull the movie out of the theater (yes just after a week of it being released). (Source: BBC)

So have you seen Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. Is it that bad?. I have not seen it yet. Will wait and watch it on video.

Note: In Michigan Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is being screened at SR Movies, Novi. For show times check out MIMANTRA

Sonu Nigam in a "Sexual Favor" controversy

Sonu Nigam who will be here in Detroit on September 7th, 2007 has leveled serious charges against a prominent film critic, Subhash K Jha. Sonu Nigam alleges that Mr. Jha has a grudge against Sonu Nigam because Sonu Nigam refused Mr. Jha's sexual advances.

So what prompted Sonu Nigam to come out with this accusation? It so happens that Mr. Jha wrote a article in Times of India asking Sonu Nigam not to be jealous or whine about Himesh Reshammiya's success. This ticked Sonu Nigam off and Sonu Nigam decided to spill the beans.

यह मामला कोम्प्लिकातेद है - आप खुद ही यहाँ क्लिक करके स्टोरी परिये (This is complicated. So click here for more details)

Himesh Reshammiya enters a mosque wearing a Burqa

Himesh Reshammiya visits a famous muslim shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishti which is located in Ajmer, India to pray that his upcoming movie Aap Ka Surroor does well at the Box Office. Nothing wrong with that. That's great. The Bizarre thing about this prayer visit is that Himesh wore a Burqa so as to avoid being recognized. But someone did recognize him and the word spread. Some people were offended. (read more at BBC).

For all Himesh Reshammiya fans in Michigan: Aap Ka Surroor is all set to be shown on the big screen (starting June 29th) at SR Movies, Novi, MI. Check out MIMANTRA for showtimes.

Shootout at Lokhandwala coming to SR Movies, Novi, MI

Shootout at Lokhandwala a Bollywood Hindi Movie comes to SR Movies, Novi on May 25th. Check out MIMANTRA for showtimes. Starring in Lead Roles are Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Vivek Oberoi, Abhishek Bachchan, Arbaaz Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, Sunil Shetty.

The film is based on Aftab Ahmad Khan's encounter with five members of Dawood Ibrahim's underworld gang and the true story behind these events

Bollywood's one hit wonder

Couple of weeks back I asked Michigan's legendary Indian Radio Host - Subhash Kelkar as to who he thinks can be categorized as "Bollywood's One Hit Wonder". He came up with the name - Nazia Hasan who sang "Aap Jaisa Koi...." from Qurbani. Here's a video clip of that song. Do you know of any other Desi "One Hit Wonders".

Related: Non-Desi One Hit Wonders on Google Maps

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan at 30,000 ft

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan high above at 30,000 ft in Mr. Ambani's private jet.





Looks like we need a little more head room here.

An Evening dedicated to Talat Mahmood

एक शाम तलत महमूद के नाम. Mark your calendars. Khalid Mahmood son of legendary bollywood singer Talat Mahmood will be performing on Friday May 4th at University of Michigan, Social Sciences Building (Room SSB-1500), 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128 (map). The program begins sharp at 7.15.

This event bought to you by Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations of America. Entire proceeds will support Girls education in India. (more at MIINDIA)

You just might be lucky enough to hear "Jalte Hain Jiske Liye"

Richard Gere - "Wanted" in land of Kama Sutra

A court in Jaipur, India has issued a arrest warrant for Richard Gere for kissing Shilpa Shetty on the cheeks. The court calls the kiss "an obscene act" (Source BBC).

So does the court consider this obscene? (Sadhus at Kumbh Mela)

Aishwarya and Abhishek at Tirupati

Bollywood couple Aishwarya and Abhishek visit Tirupati after their marriage. Here are couple of pictures (via Hindustan Times)
Google Maps view of Tirupati

Ta Ra Rum Pum comes to Novi, Michigan

Ta Ra Rum Pum a Bollywood Hindi Movie starring Saif Ali Khan and the gorgeous Rani Mukherjee comes to SR Movies, Novi, MI on April 27th. Check out MIMANTRA for showtimes.

Ta Ra Rum Pum is a story of Rajveer Singh (Saif Ali Khan) a race car driver and Radhika (Rani Mukherjee) a music student. The two fall in love and get married and are blessed with 2 children.

Rajveer is soaring new heights as he becomes one of the best race car drivers. Then one day he gets into an accident in the racing circuit and is hospitalized. He recovers months later, but because of the mental scars he is not able to perform like before. After a string of failures, financial woes set in. Rajveer and Radhika are forced to auction off their house and move into a run down neighborhood.

Got to see the movie to find out how Rajveer and Radhika try to make the best out of a bad situation.

Shilpa Shetty in a Kiss Controversy

Shilpa Shetty and Richard Gere were preaching safe sex to truck drivers in India. Then in the midst of the preaching, Richard Gere swooped on to Shilpa Shetty and kissed her on the cheeks. That cheeky kiss was good enough reason for some in India to react by burning Shilpa Shetty's poster.

Miss Shetty said the reaction to the kiss made India look 'regressive'. (source DailyMail)

Lord Tirupati invited to Aishwarya-Abhishek wedding

Amitabh Bachchan visits Tirupati Temple to offer prayers and hand out the 1st wedding invitation card to Abhishek-Aishwarya wedding. In addition Mr. Amitabh Bachchan donated Rs. 51 lakh to the temple. (Source ZeeNews)

Related: Aishwarya-Abhishek's wedding location on Google Maps

Congratulations to Subhash Kelkar on the 30th Anniversary of his Indian Radio Show in Michigan

Last week was the 30th Anniversay of Subhash Kelkar's Geetanjali Radio Show which is heard every Saturday from 9 AM to 10 AM on WPON 1460 AM. Last Week on his show Subhash Kelkar played the 10 best bollywood songs from the past 30 years.

I asked Mr. Kelkar to email me the list of the 10 best songs. He was kind enough to email me the list. Here is the list:

Years
77-78-79    Dafliwale, dafli baja - Sargam (Video)
80-81-82    Tere mere beech mein - Ek Duuje Ke Liye (Video)
83-84-85    Sun Sahiba sun   -   Ram, Teri Ganga Maili
86-87-88    Ek do teen        -   Tezaab
89-90-91    Dekha hai pehli baar  - Saajan (Video)
92-93-94    Ek ladki ko dekha   -  1942, a love story (Video)
95-96-97    Tujhe dekha to ye jaana  - 
            Dilwale dulhaniya le jaayenge
98-99-00    Chhaiyan chhaiyan  - Dil Se
01-02-03    Mitwa, sun mitwa    -  Lagaan
04-05-06    Kajrare kajrare - Bunty aur Babli

एक लडकी को देखा (Ek Ladki ko Dekha)

One of the many songs Subhash Kelkar played this morning on his Michigan Indian Radio Show at WPON 1460.

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan to wed on April 20th, 2007

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are all set to get married on April 20th at Amitabh Bachchan's House in Mumbai, India (Google Maps View). (more at Rediff)



Google Maps View of Amitabh's House

Rani Mukherjee: Happy 29th Birthday

Rani Mukherjee one the most gorgeous and successful Bollywood Actress celebrates her 29th Birthday today (Born: March 21st 1978).

नमस्ते London - Bollywood Hindi Movie comes to Novi, MI

नमस्ते London - a Bollywood Hindi Movie comes to SR Movies, Novi, MI on March 23rd. For showtimes check MIMANTRA.

Starring in lead roles are Akshay Kumar (as Arjun) and Katrina Kaif (as Jasmeet Singh).

Arjun is a Punjabi dude from Punjab and Jasmeet is a transplanted desi girl in London. Jasmeet loves everything western but her dad (Rishi Kapoor as Manmohan Singh) forces her to marry Arjun the desi dude. (Read more here).

Nishabd - A Desi Lolita comes to Michigan

Nishabd a love story between a 60 year old man(Amitabh Bachchan) and a 18 year old girl (Jiah Khan) is scheduled to be shown at SR Movies, Novi, MI from March 2nd thru March 8th.

Story sounds somewhat similar to Vladimir Nobokov's novel Lolita

For showtimes visit MIMANTRA

Hrithik Roshan and Kajol - Bollywood's Best (2006)

Hrithik Roshan got the best actor award for Dhoom 2 and Kajol got the best for Fanaa. The awards were given at the 52nd annual Filmfare awards held at Mumbai (02/24/07).

Best Picture award went to Rang De Basanti.

Related: Bollywood's Filmfare awards History.

Bollywood's Filmfare award history

The 52nd Filmfare Awards will be held on February 25th, 2007.

Here's a Google Maps Mashup of the Best Actors and Actresses from 1953 to present day. There's also YouTube video clips embedded in the Map for some of the actors and actresses.

OP Nayyar - Bollywood Music Director Passes Away

Bollywood Music Director OP Nayyar dies of Heart Attack today at his home in Thane, India. He was 81. (more at Hindu).

OP Nayyar was born on January 16th, 1926 in Lahore.

Here is a video clip of one of OP Nayyar Classic from Bollywood film Naya Daur.

Amitabh Bachchan or Shahrukh Khan - who does a better job?

Here's a look at "Khaike Paan" song from the original DON and the new DON.

The Legendary Amitabh Bachchan:


The Badshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan