Top 10 path-breaking Bollywood films

Often we see magazines coming up with ‘power lists’ or the ‘must-watch’ movie lists. We attempt to come up with a slightly different list. A list of films that attempted to do something different! A list of 10 path-breaking films! Films that attempted to go against conventions of filmmaking, break rules, redefine some and set new trends. Since the recent years have seen a steady evolution in filmmaking techniques and storytelling patterns, we restrict our choice of films to the past couple of decades.

With no new films releasing in theatres in coming weeks with the producer-exhibitor standoff, make sure you catch up with these strongly recommended films, (if you haven’t so far).

Stay tuned for more of such unusual compilations....

Hum Aapke Hain Haun! (1994)

In the early 90s when formula ruled filmmaking, Sooraj Barjatya made a simple family drama. Hum Aapke Hai Kaun had all good people and there wasn’t anybody even grey, forget black. The film had no villains if you can overlook Bindu’s character who too has a change of heart. That started the feel-good film trend in Bollywood with more filmmakers like Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar making films with no negative characters as such for that sugar-sweet feel.

The film had as many as 14 songs yet the audiences didn’t squirm in the seats or head outside the auditorium. The big fat Indian wedding was glorified with local traditions and HAHK was the trendsetter even beyond cinema since many practices like the ‘joota-churai’ custom became a trend at several Indian marriages. So did Madhuri’s green dupatta and purple sari!

Even in terms of marketing, HAHK had a different approach since it was the first Hindi film that didn’t release on the then-popular video cassette and audiences had to head to cinemas. Moreover the film released with limited prints and went on to multiply over the weeks with significant public demand

Akshay apologizes for his indecent act

Before the case takes a bizarre turn, Akshay Kumar played safe by apologizing for his impolite act, saying, “If I have hurt anyone's sentiments with my actions, I am sorry because I did not mean to do that."

Little did Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna know that Akki’s naughty act on the ramp would land them in trouble. While some section enjoyed his funny act, some took the matter to be a serious offence and an obscene act. Akki by getting unbuttoned by wife Twinkle has invited trouble for him. A case has been filed by social activist Anil Nair in the police station along with the clippings and photographs as a proof. The police will investigate the entire affair and if Akshay and his wife are found of guilty then they would not be spared and serious action would be taken against them. Then the duo have to face the consequence.

At the Lakme Fashion Week, Akshay walked the ramp for Levis jeans and suddenly he turned up to his wife who was sitting on the first row and asked her to unbutton his jeans and Twinkle acted accordingly. The incident may be very eye-catching but at the same time blew high spark among some sections.

Preity and Ness headed for splitville?

All’s not well in Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia’s love paradise. With brewing tensions in their relationship, it seems that both are heading for splitville. Preity and Ness are touted as one of the most powerful couple of tinselville and with their on-going cold war, we can take into account that another dynamic couple is to have gone kaput.

The rumor gained momentum when both headed in two different directions. Both Ness and Preity own the multi crores IPL team but instead of attending the events together, they are making individual appearances and most of the time keeps away from one another. In the past, whatever be the occasions, the sizzling duo had always be seen holding arms in arms but today they are seen nowhere jointly.

In the most publicized events like Filmfare Awards to the recent Lakme India Fashion event, Preity has been spotted without her prince charming Ness.

Whether Preity divulges the hard truth or not but the crack in their relationship could easily be traced.

Big B to launch his news channel

After conquering the film industry, superstar Amitabh Bachchan is all set to dominate the media. Buzz is doing the rounds that Big B is going to launch his own news channel by the name India 24/7.

An industry source says, "Apparently, Amitabh Bachchan is starting a news channel called India 24/7 and the preparations for starting it, is on in full swing.

It is being planned in collaboration with a big corporate house. Of course, right now nobody wants to confirm anything and everything is hush-hush."

However, it is learnt that Amitabh’s interest in owning a news channel started when he was shooting for Ram Gopal Varma's Rann
where he is in the role of a news channel owner.

Big B wants to launch the channel pre election but now it seemed quite impossible as lots of work has to be done. When asked, Amitabh denied the report, he said, "It's not true".

Shilpa to watch T20 match with queen of Jordan

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty invited the queen of Jordan to watch T20 cricket match between South Africa and Australia. Shilpa happened to share the same hotel with Queen Rania and she invited her to watch the first T20 match with her.

"While at the hotel I was staying in at Johannesburg, I got to know that Her Highness Queen Rania of Jordan was staying there too. I invited her for a match. Queen Rania was kind enough to accept the invitation I extended and join us in the president's box at the Wanderers stadium to watch her first ever T20 cricket match, South Africa vs Australia. Very sweetly she was trying to understand the game" said long legged Shilpa on her blog.

In her honour, Shilpa said that Queen Rania made her realize "the importance of charity".

"Every time I met her, respect for her just grew. Her radiance, her kindness left me spell bound. She made me realize the importance of charity and giving back to society. It really amazed me that a lady in her position is still so down to earth, her simplicity just amazed me. For me, she wasn't just the Queen of Jordan but the Queen of hearts."

Shilpa is highly impressed with queen Rania's personality and attitude.

Big B fulfills Preity's request

As IPL is around the corner, Preity Zinta is working hard to boost up the confidence level of her team, roping in her endeavor is Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. She requested Mr. Bachchan to give a short TV bite that would cheer up her Punjab Kings which has players like Yuvraj Singh, Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan.

Kareena is a Hollywood supermodel in Kambhakkt Ishq

She already has Bollywood in awe of her looks and attitude and now Kareena is all set to take the west by storm with her forthcoming flick ‘Kambakkht Ishq’.

It is believed that Bebo will be seen playing her real stylish self in this super stylish flick. The only difference between the real and reel Kareena is that she will be seen playing a Hollywood diva. Kareena’s character will be high on fashion as she plays a supermodel.

Reportedly, her makeup and hair has been done by Hollywood make up artists and hairstylists. Since she has a super glam look in the film, designer Akki Narula has designed her attires. Aki Narula had earlier designed her super hot, super trendy look for Tashan. Those who have seen the rushes of ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ feel Bebo looks simply superb.

Is Hollywood taking note of our Bebo?

Halle Berry drinks perfume on TV show

Oscar winning actress Halle Berry surprised viewers when she drank perfume on a US TV talk show hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.

DeGeneres was the first to take a sip of the perfume and then offered it to the actress, reports contactmusic.com.

Berry was on the show to promote her new perfume but got more than she bargained for when DeGeneres helped herself to a drink of vanilla and sandalwood mix.

As she was pouring herself the 'drink', DeGeneres said: "It smells good, what's in it...? It's pretty much natural, right?"

Berry replied: "I don't think we're supposed to drink it, Ellen. Wow, I didn't think you could drink it, but I guess you can."

DeGeneres added: "It's delicious."

Genelia D'Souza to endorse Cadburys Perk

Genelia D'Souza to endorse Cadburys Perk Click here to add this article to My Clips

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 26, 2009 - 12:47 IST

Genelia Dsouza In Bollywood, two sayings always reign supreme. They are 'You are as new as your last film’ and also ‘Make hay while the sun shines'. True to both the sayings, Genelia Dsouza, who has become a hot property in both the ad world as well as in Bollywood, will now be seen endorsing Cadburys Perk.

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama about this development, the bubbly Genelia confirmed the news saying ''Yes, I am endorsing two variants of Cadburys Perk. One is 'Ulta Perk' and the second one is called 'Perk Poppers', a variant that's yet to be launched''. When asked about how she feels about the whole 'Perky' episode, she summed it up saying, ''I think that the tagline describes it all: Take It Lightly.''

Way to go, 'Aditi', we mean...Genelia! We just can't wait for the Poppers!

Ranbir Kapoor talks about losing his virginity

Ranbir Kapoor Ranbir Kapoor is at his candid best in the latest issue of the famous men’s magazine 'GQ'.

Not every actor or celebrity is as open to talk about personal matters as Ranbir has been since the start of his career with Saawariya . The guy who bared his derriere for his very first film did not keep his romance with Deepika Padukone secret and the couple even gave an elaborate interview to a magazine in which they talked in detail about how they fell in love.

Now, Ranbir has bared a few more daring truths of his life in the March issue of ‘GQ’ that has the actor posing in a white suit and stubble for the cover.

Inside the mag, the Kapoor lad talks about doing the usual experiments which many youths today (not all) dabble in at some point of their lives.

"There was marijuana, there was alcohol; I started smoking cigarettes," Ranbir bares the truth in the interview to GQ.

Not just this, the actor talks about his first sexual experience and losing his virginity at the age of 15.

That’s brave, Ranbir! Wonder what Deepika will have to say about that.

Slumdog Millionaire kids to contest elections? Click here to add this article to My Clips

The Slumdog Millionaire hysteria is far from over even weeks after the film swept the Academy awards. While Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan are still basking in the glory, even the slum-kids who walked the red-carpet at the Oscars can't get over their excitement of being part of this blockbuster.

Recently, two of the slum-kids who featured in the film (Azharuddin Mohammad and Rubina Ali) were asked to make a special appearance in Vashu Bhagnani's Kal Kissne Dekha and the kids surely couldn't have asked for more. They played themselves in the film and shot with debutant Jackky Bhagnani for a pivotal scene in the film.

Now with elections round the corner, don't be surprised if you see these very tiny tots riding the current wave and campaigning for a particular political party, is what this artist seems to be hinting. After all, a leading political party has already bought the rights of the popular track 'Jai Ho' to use in its campaign so the day may not be far when the Slumdog kids would be seen shouting 'Jai Ho' along with political bigwigs.

Bollywood's new Love Guru

She's sweet yet vain and lives in a bubble of her own making. Over the decades, the 21 year-old Victorian heroine of Jane Austen's Emma has infallibly amused us with her brand of misguided idealism and endearing naivete.

Often said to be one of Austen's personal favourites, the light-hearted pages of Emma revolve around an affluent young lady and her penchant for creating happily-ever afters.

Indulged by her father, Henry Woodhouse and best friend, George Knightley, Emma finds herself in a rather awkward spot after her challenge to find a match for the gullible Harriet Smith misfires badly. Not to mention her own misadventures with a couple of suitors -- Frank Churchill, Philip Elton -- before she realises what and who she truly wants.

Now the matchmaker is back. And this time, it's Bollywood that's caught her fancy.

While official announcements are still underway, it is widely reported Sonam Kapoor will don a desi albeit stylish avatar of Emma Woodhouse for dad Anil Kapoor's home production, namely Ayesha, along with Abhay Deol, Cyrus Sahukar and newcomer Arunodoy Singh under the direction of US-based filmmaker Rajshri Ojha.

Sounds promising, right? Here's a look at the previous adaptations of Jane Austen's trouble-inviting heroine on screen:

Power yoga, the fitness mantra of Bollywood beauties

NEW DELHI: In this age of treadmills and ab crunchers, Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Kangana Ranaut are among those banking on power yoga to shed extra pounds and look picture perfect at all times.

New age fitness gurus and yoga teachers who train Bollywood stars say the benefits of power yoga - a fast-paced and strenuous variant of the traditional Indian fitness technique - are indeed rewarding.

Power yoga and fitness consultant Leena Mogre, who has trained the likes of Katrina Kaif, Kangana and Sameera Reddy among others, says celebrities are increasingly getting hooked to power yoga.

"Most celebrities go for power yoga, which is a dynamic form of the art. They are getting inclined towards it because the benefits are beautiful and it has spiritual, meditational and overall advantages," Mogre told IANS.

"Suddenly everyone has realised the importance and the worth of this form, which is really good. It is great for the body and if a good combination of yoga and other exercises are adopted, the results are great," she said.

Power yoga includes strenuous exercises and this trend started during the mid-1990s. The who's who of Bollywood now boast of having adopted the method to acquire a perfect figure.

"I am completely into yoga. I think yoga has changed my life. My morning yoga practice that I do for an hour-and-a-half every day is something that keeps me going," said Kareena, whose toned body and size zero became the talk of the town.

"The day I don't do it, I feel that my day doesn't go well and I haven't completed a task that I had to do," she added.

Shilpa, who has one of the best bodies in Hindi filmdom, is into yoga in a big way and even brought out a CD called "Shilpa's Yoga", which was released in June 2008.

"Yoga keeps my mind, body and soul fit. I had a neck problem and suffered from chronic spondylitis. So I started practicing yoga. I took professional training and it really benefited," the actress told IANS.

"I don't believe in starving myself to remain thin. I eat well, work out and practise yoga to remain healthy. If you want to get peace for the mind, body and soul, yoga is the only answer," she added.

While young actresses have opted for power yoga, yesteryear beauties like Hema Malini and Rekha stick to the traditional yoga form and maintain that the practice has helped them maintain their charisma and keeps health problems at bay.

"Apart from dancing, one thing that I swear by is yoga. That's the secret of my fitness," Hema Malini had said.

Getting inspired by the well-toned frames and sculpted bodies of our cine stars, health-conscious Indians too are embracing yoga in a big way.

"I have been gymming for the past two years, but somehow didn't get the desired results. Then I came to know that most people from the film world are making yoga a part of their fitness regimes and getting desirable bodies. So I also took to yoga and do it regularly," Pallavi Dasgupta, a 22-year-old MBA student, told IANS.

Even yoga instructors are getting lucrative deals in terms of increased clientele.

"In the recent past, my clientele has increased. Especially young girls inspired by Kareena Kapoor, who lost oodles of weight owing to yoga, are coming to me to lose those extra kilos," said Yatharth Sehajpal, a Delhi-based yoga instructor.

Abhishek to enter Guinness Book?

Stars are known to aggressively promote their films, but few can match Abhishek Bachchan's enthusiasm, as he attempts to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by making maximum public appearances in at least six cities in a span of 12 hours to promote his latest film "Delhi 6".

Starting on Friday morning when "Delhi 6" releases, Abhishek will travel to as many events in as many cities as possible within 12 hours.

Speaking from Dubai Wednesday where he was attending the film's premiere, Abhishek excitedly said: "It's an idea that has been with me for a while ever since I heard about some German actors who set a world record by attending five public events in twelve hours. I want to beat their record. I'd do at least 6-7 appearances in 12 hours in six cities. It could go up to seven cities."

"By the look of it, we could do Gurgaon, Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Chandigarh, Baroda and Mumbai and break this record on the 20th itself or on 21st... starting time could be 10 a.m. or 12 noon doing a 12 to 12. We could do seven cities instead of the current record of 5 cities," said Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft International who would be manoeuvring the record-breaking endeavour for Abhishek.

The current record-holder in the category of the greatest number of public appearances by a film star at different cities in 12 hours promoting the same film is five by J?rgen Vogel and Daniel Br?hl (Germany). They walked the red carpet, signed autographs and introduced the film "Ein Freund von mir" (Germany 2006) at cinemas in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, D?sseldorf and Cologne, Germany, on Oct 22, 2006. They were accompanied by the director of "Ein Freund von mir" Sebastian Schipper.

Would Abhishek be able to break that record?

"I hope so. And I think I will. Actually I'm quite excited by the idea, more so because I'm implementing it for a film that's so close to my heart."

Guinness Book officials are expected to be present to watch Abhishek make history.

Weekly Box Office Report: Billu is below average

Shah Rukh Khan’s Billu opened with 35% to 45% collections on Friday, which is certainly low for a Shah Rukh Khan film. Perhaps the audience had a fair idea that Irrfan plays the lead. The figures were comparatively better over the weekend but dropped again on Monday. The coming days will prove Billu’s fate at the box-office.

The other two releases were much smaller in comparison to Billu and even in itself since they lacked star value or publicity factor. Kay Kay Menon starrer The Stoneman Murders despite being a decent effort couldn’t get a good opening. Manoj Bajpai’s Jugaad was outright rejected.

SRK discharged from hospital

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who underwent a successful shoulder surgery at the Breach Candy hospital here Monday evening, has been discharged, said a hospital source.

"Shah Rukh has been discharged from the hospital. He left at around 5 p.m.," a source at the south Mumbai hospital told IANS Tuesday evening.

The actor had to undergo an arthroscopic surgery for acute pain in his left shoulder. Though he had planned to fly to London for the surgery, he chose to get it done in Mumbai under the guidance of Sanjay Desai, the orthopaedic surgeon at Breach Candy.

For now, Shah Rukh has been advised by doctors to refrain from indulging in any heavy-duty action scenes.

"It's a normal precaution that one has to take. The surgery was long pending and it is good that he finally took out time for it. Keeping in mind that he would only become busier in months to come, it made sense that he got himself operated before it was too late," Desai had told IANS.

The 43-year-old superstar will be on a forced break for six weeks to recuperate completely. However, he will host the Filmfare Awards on March 7, which were scheduled for Feb 28 earlier. The organisers postponed the date for Shah Rukh's sake.

SRK, Priyanka sizzle in Billu Barber

SRK seems to have adopted the guest appearance routine since it worked for Om Shanti Om. Even his last release of 2008, Rab Ne bana Di Jodi had a song with multiple Bollywood stars.

The third diva who shakes a leg with SRK in Billu Barber is the sizzling Priyanka Chopra. The other two are Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

When SRK said that Billu Barber is based on the Krishna-Sudama story, he wasn't joking, what he didn't say was that his character may be based on Krishna and there are indeed gopis all around him.

People misunderstood marjani song: SRK

First it was the name of the film, which created a controversy and now it's the song that has kept Shah Rukh Khan on the defensive.

He says that the song Marjani from Billu has been misunderstood by some people. He said his house was attacked for no fault of his own. SRK who is currently in London ahead of his shoulder surgery, said he was worried about his family after the attack.

Talking about the song he said: "I think people misunderstood the lyrics of the song marjaani and that's why the whole controversy surfaced. There is a line in the song rab ke huzoor mein kasmien bhi kha li, duniya ki auni pauni rasmein nibha li. Now huzoor has two meanings one is prophet and the other is 'in the presence of'. Some people misunderstood and didn't hear the song correctly. They heard the song like rab ke huzoor ne kasmien bhi kha li, which is incorrect. The correct line is rab ke huzoor mein which means in the presence of God. So, Huzoor doesn't refer to god at all anywhere in the song. But people who didn't hear it properly misunderstood the whole meaning."

Shah Rukh said he was paying the price of his stardom and there are people who wants media attention by creating all these controversies. "As a celebrity I have to take good with the bad. I know we are vulnerable but we have to continue to do work and perform our duty."

Slumdog becomes millionaire despite giving wrong answer

NEW DELHI: The 'slumdog' was not entitled to be a 'millionaire'.

Call it his destiny or an oversight by the Oscar-front runner team protagonist Jamal is shown winning Rs 2, 50,000 in the film despite giving a wrong answer.

"Slumdog Millionaire" is based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel "Q and A" and was adapted into the movie by scriptwriter Simon Beaufoy, who changed some parts of the story to make it fit in the film's narrative.

The result of it is that Jamal ends up giving a wrong answer to a question with wrong options.

Swarup's book refers to "Ankhiya Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi" as the song by saint-poet Surdas. The question for the protagonist in the book is a different one.

The song, "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi", that features in the movie, is from 1957 film "Narsi Bhagat" which was directed by Devendra Goel.

The film was based on the life of 15th Century Gujarati saint-poet Narsinh Mehta, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna.

The song, based on one of the oldest ragas — "Rag Kedar", was written by eminent Hindi poet and Bollywood song writer Gopal Singh Nepali.

However, some people believe that it was originally written by Narsi which was later translated by Nepali.

Surdas, a contemporary to Narsi, wrote "Ankhiya Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi" which expresses a similar sentiment.

In the movie Jamal is asked to name the poet who wrote song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi" during the show- Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He has four options from the show host- Surdas, Tulsidas, Meerabai and Kabir.

Obviously, none of these is the right answer. The producers of the film were unavailable for comment.

I am a good husband : Abhishek Bachchan

Not so for Abhishek Bachchan, who has already carved out his niche in Bollywood in his nine-year long film career. Riding high on the box-office success of Dostana , Abhishek took time out for a candid chat with TOI. We caught his many moods. Exclusive excerpts:

Different strokes
“I know what is required out of an actor. I think I have become more experienced and I am prepared as an actor. I have learned many things over the years. As an actor I want to play a variety of characters. I am fortunate to get to do such roles. I have never deliberately tried to do different roles, I just happened to get them. I don’t regret doing any film.”

Rakeysh & Sonam
“I am nervous about Delhi 6. I always get nervous on Fridays when my film releases. We put in so much hard work for a film, that’s why Fridays make me so nervous. But Delhi 6 is a good film and made very well. It is a very realistic film and its music is really appealing. As an actor I hope to meet the expectations of people. Rakeysh Mehra and I had wanted to work with each other for very long. He met every expectation of mine. It was wonderful working with him. Sonam (Kapoor) is a wonderful person and a very promising actress. It was a pleasure having her on the sets. She is really hardworking.”

Family album
“I do consult my family before taking up a film, but I take the final call. I would be dumb not to take their advice.”

Ash you like it...
“I don’t think I have changed after marriage. I am still the same guy I used to be. I guess I am a good husband. Aishwarya is extremely down-to-earth. She is very humane.”

Beyond movies
“I am passionate about cinema and acting. I never get time for myself because I am always working. But I am happy that I am getting that much work. When I get a little time off work, I like listening to music, watching movies and reading autobiographies. My favourite autobiography is Marlon Brando’s Songs My Mother Taught Me.”

Fashion code
“I know people say, I’ve often been spotted wearing blue denims and white shirt but that’s coincidental. I wear whatever comes in my hand when I wake up from bed.”

Fit hai to hit hai
“As an actor I have had to put on and shed weight to fit into the character that I am playing. That’s what my directors expect from me. But in personal life, I don’t follow any diet or any fitness chart.”

I, me, myself
“I don’t look within myself to find out what my strengths or weaknesses are. I am just another normal guy.”