India probes Google over forex transaction
Indian authorities are probing whether online giant Google broke domestic foreign-exchange transactions rules while shifting funds abroad, the Press Trust of India reported on Friday.
Quoting unidentified sources, the news agency said India s Directorate of Enforcement, which monitors foreign exchange dealings, has informed Google about the probe.
The department is scrutinising the shifting of money by Google to its foreign entities and also its receipt of funds from abroad, the news agency said.
Google did not respond to telephone calls seeking comment.
But the Press Trust quoted a company spokeswoman as saying that Google s tax structure “is compliant with the tax rules in all the countries where we operate”.
The reported investigation comes as Google, which employs close to 2,000 people in India, is embroiled in a controversy involving Internet censorship in India.
Google and social networking site Facebook said earlier this month they had removed allegedly offensive content on their Indian sites as part of a court case seen as a test for Internet control and censorship.
Indian regulations oblige Internet companies to remove material that is “grossly harmful” or “ethnically objectionable”.
The two companies have been named alongside another 19 Internet firms in cases being heard in a New Delhi court which will determine whether they can be held responsible for obscene material generated online by users.
The groups, including Yahoo and Microsoft, have appealed to the Delhi High Court asking for the case to be quashed on the basis that they cannot be held responsible for the actions of users of their platforms.
Communications Minister Kapil Sibal in December pledged a crackdown on “unacceptable” online content, saying Internet service providers had ignored India s demands to screen images and data before they were uploaded.
Critics have said such demands cannot be enforced and smack of state censorship.
No smoking scroll in Chikni Chameli not a norm
If you stare hard enough at the screen during Katrina Kaif’s item song in Agneepath you will see a scroll repeatedly being flashed at the bottom of the screen. Each time Katrina croons ‘Beedi chillum jalaane aayee‘ there’s a statutory warning at the bottom of the screen warning cigarette smoking is injurious to health.
But there is no reason for the film industry to go into a panic mode. As Pankaja Thakur, CEO of the Censor Board Of Film Certification (CBFC), says it doesn’t mean every sequence showing a character smoking would be required to run a warning scroll.
“Not at all!” states Pankaja Thakur emphatically. “I think the intention of the scroll is being misinterpreted by a section of the film imdustry. An actor smoking on screen is a different matter from an actress saying, ‘Beedi chillum jalaane aayee‘. We did ask for the scroll in Agneepath. As per the Cinematograph Act, glamorization of smoking is not to be allowed on screen. We in the censor board thought nothing can make smoking more alluring than Katrina Kaif offering to light the crowd’s beedis and chillums.”
Pankaja Thakur is all praise for Agneepath producer Karan Johar for accommodating the censor board’s decision into the item song. “He was gracious enough to agree to insert the scroll. The scroll shows the CBFC’s and the film industry’s commitment to ensuring that smoking is not made to look glamorous on screen.”
Contrary to the widespread concern in the entertainment industry, the censor board doesn’t intend to ask for a warning scroll every time a character on screen takes a smoke. “As long as lyrics like ‘Beedi chillum jalaane aayee‘ offering smoking temptations are not prevalent, the scroll in Agneepath would be a one-off thing. Glamorization of smoking is to be discouraged as per the guidelines of the Cinematograph Act.”
Industry spokesperson Mahesh Bhatt adds, “This (the scroll for the Agneepath song) is a stand-alone case. The industry need not go into a panic mode. The CBFC has acted with great sagacity. If there is no editorial justification for the images of character’s smoking on screen the censor board is within its rights to ask filmmakers to do what it did in Agneepath. We have to act responsible towards the nation.”
Legal complaint filed against Big B in Australia
He may be the toast of Indian cinema, but this veteran actor has had his share of controversies over the years. Now, Amitabh Bachchan faces a serious legal
issue following a criminal complaint that was lodged by US-based Sikh human rights group for his alleged role in November 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The complaint that was filed against Bachchan has been lodged under Australia’s “criminal code Act 1995″. The complaint was made by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ),
a US-based human rights organisation. Apparently, Amitabh Bachchan has been charged for allegedly giving the murderous calls – Blood for Blood / Blood stains
of Indira Ji must reach the homes of Sikhs – on October 31, 1984.
The 69-year old actor is currently in Sydney shooting for The Great Gatsby that co-stars Leonardo Di Caprio. He will also be honoured by the
Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane on Thursday where he will receive an honorary doctorate.
SRK gets fresh notice from Maharashtra Costal Zone Management Authority
Shah Rukh Khan, who is busy with the release of his film Ra.One, may find himself in troubled waters, literally so, with a fresh notice being sent to him by the Maharashtra Costal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for flouting coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) norms with his latest construction behind his bungalow Mannat.
This comes after the actor was sent a notice a while ago for the apparent illegal construction of a six storied building within the grounds of his bungalow Mannat.
The said notice has been served, asking Khan to respond to the allegations of a six-storey structure on the plot without the permission of the MCZMA. The coastal body’s approval is needed as the Bandstand structure falls in the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ).
The complaint filed by Amit Maru further alleged that MCZMA’s permission was not obtained before the demolition of two heritage structures which existed on the plot. Also, the plot on which Mannat stands was earlier reserved for a public art gallery. The MCZMA’s permission was not obtained before the BMC approved a proposal to modify the reservation to residential purpose.
Strings compose qawwalli for Shootout At Wadala
Pakistan based band Strings has recorded their first song for director Sanjay Gupta’s directorial venture Shootout at Wadala. The song is question is a qawwalli number that has been sung by Farid Ayaz, who was last year’s winner of Coke Studio in Pakistan.
Ayaz who makes his debut in India as a playback singer has previously sung in the Aman Ki Asha concert as well. The singer idolizes Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and is an admirer of his voice. Ayaz also plans to visit India along with Strings later this month in order to meet other producers.
Incidentally, the film was initially suppose to be without any songs but Sanjay Gupta left it to Strings to see if any song could fit into the script. The song was sent to Sanjay and he really liked what he heard and decided to incorporate the song in the film. This is the first time Strings has composed a qawwali.
Bilal Maqsood of Strings says, “In our first meeting, Gupta narrated the story without any song situations. Since it was in its early stages he left it up to us to come up with songs that we felt would complement the theme. The movie is set in Mumbai, and knowing a few scenes will be shot around the shrine of Haji Ali, we strongly felt we should pay homage to it by doing a qawwalli. We shared this idea with Gupta and he loved it. The central idea of this qawwalli revolves around asking for forgiveness. Pakistan has been blessed with a history of great qawwalis. Fareed Ayaz was our first choice and we were very fortunate that he consented. Doing a qawwali was something very new for us but we are enjoying every bit of it.”
Anu Malik’s daughter, Anmol Malik, launches her first single
Anmol Malik, singer of the hit song ‘Talli Main Talli Ho Gai’ from the movie Ugly Aur Pagli is all set to follow her father Anu Malik’s footsteps with the launch of her new song, which is composed, written and sung by her. The versatile singer is going the new age way and will be releasing her first song digitally in association with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the largest aggregator, developer, publisher and distributor of Bollywood and South-Asian entertainment content in the world. The song will be available for digital download on Hungama’s distribution network, including Hungama.com, ArtistAloud.com, iTunes and various mobile portals from October, 2011.
With music in her genes, the multi- talented singer recorded her first song at a young age of 8 for David Dhawan and Vashu Bhagnani’s Biwi No.1 and then at the age of 15 for J.P. Dutta’s Umrao Jaan. Continuing her formal education from Dhirubhai Ambani International School, she wrote a song at her graduation while bidding adieu to her friends. When she was in the University of Warwick, England, she completed the composition of this song and made her father hear it, who instantly decided to produce the song. The first song to be released to a worldwide audience is a melodious English track with beautiful lyrics on friends, hope, life and goodbyes. It’s about graduation from the comfortable school life and to a new and exciting stage in life.
On the release, Anmol said, “Goodbyes are painful because they make you remember all the reasons you don’t want to leave. This is also a song about hope. The hope of meeting your old friends somewhere down the line, and cherishing those precious memories stored at the back of your mind forever.” Talking about her excitement on the launch, Anmol added, “I am very excited about the launch of this single. For artists likes me who have ideas for extremely offbeat topics, the quickest way of reaching our friends is through the web. That is how we finalized on the idea of releasing the song with Hungama.”
Anu Malik, on this occasion said, “I am very proud of Anmol. All that she has achieved today has been due to her own talent and hard work. She is my ‘precious’ child and I wish her the best of luck in all her future projects. I have and always will support any decision she makes about her career. I am enjoying taking the back seat this time as she turns composer and singer with this venture.”
After listening to Anmol’s song ‘The Graduation’ for the first time, Aamir Khan was so floored and captivated that he posted the song with the video on his Facebook page complementing Anmol on her lovely voice, wishing her best of luck! Others like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Rohan Sippy too expressed their appreciation for the song.
‘Bol’ actress Humaima Malick is looking at Bollywood
She impressed everyone with a superlative performance in BOL. Now Pakistani model turned actress Humaima Malick is ready to explore newer horizons. She has arrived in India with the intention of acting in Bollywood films. “Let’s face it. Bollywood is making loads of interesting films and who wouldn’t like to be a part of it?” she asks. But we don’t make many films like BOL, which have the lead actress enacting the pivotal part. Bollywood survives on masala films, it’s a male-dominated industry. “Agree! But I would like to work in masala films. I am well aware that Bollywood films are packed with song and dance, loads of humor and action, but that’s what everyone enjoys, including me. Of course, I wouldn’t like to do item songs at this juncture of my career, but I’d love to act in Bollywood,” Humaima states.
Humaima, the brand ambassador of Lux and Sunsilk in Pakistan, aspires to work with Amitabh Bachchan in a film like BLACK. “Also, it’s a desire to work with someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who presents his heroines so well,” she says, adding in the same breath, “I have been meeting lots of people in Mumbai and believe me, the response is most favorable.”
Kangna all set to break free post Rascals?
Kangna may well be counting days till the release of Rascals post which she would be glad to break free. The Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn starrer hasn’t really left a good taste in her mouth
and with the makers clearly putting the film’s (distant) second lead Lisa Haydon much ahead of her; picture is quite clear on the wall. However, the end is
not as near as it seems. Reason being that Kangna still has one more film with Ajay Devgn – Tezz – up for release and there is still a sword hanging
on her neck, what with Sameera Reddy as another leading lady in the film, ready to hog all the limelight.
“Kangna has been quiet through all this mayhem and that has been with a reason. However, she would be on her toes when it comes to Tezz. No one can be
sure of how this Priyadarshan directed film works for her. Perhaps everyone would get an answer depending upon how she is treated in Rascals once the
film releases this weekend”, says a source who has been closely following Kangna’s career journey during last few months.
Though Ajay Devgn is hardly known for playing games when it comes to his films, one suspects if there would be other influences that may could be creating a
sense of apprehension for Kangna. In any case, she has competition in the form of Sameera Reddy who has worked with Priyadarshan before as a female lead in
De Dana Dana and an item girl in Aakrosh.
“Anything is possible”, the source continues, “Look at Lisa, she was a nobody when signed for Rascals and today she is almost being projected as the main
female lead. On the other hand, even though Kangna is a much bigger name and was signed for this very reason in Tezz, Sameera’s promotion for the film
has been on full swing for so many months. Makers have a ready female protagonist up there to be promoted as a main lead if the need arises. Obviously Kangna
can’t take it easy.”
For a multi starrer action thriller which in any case is testosterone driven with Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and Zayed Khan arriving with a mighty punch,
Mohanlal along with Boman Irani expected to add on to the drama and Sameera Reddy turning a biker girl with quite a fare dare devil stunts to her name, one
just hopes that Kangna’s worst fears don’t really come true.
Once a hot favourite with Sanjay and Ajay, Kangna could well be looking forward to her newer bunch of films like Miley Naa Miley Hum, Dedh Ishqiya and
Tanu Weds Manu Season 2. And then there is Sunny Deol starrer I Love New Year that should be released soon and may just about begin a New Year,
professionally at least, for Kangna.
Makers claim to have delayed Soundtrack release for Soha Ali Khan
The Pataudi family has never felt more closely-knit together. Having come to terms with their loss, they are now in Delhi looking after Sharmila Tagore, who is down with a viral fever, and making arrangements for a memorial service on Saturday for the late Nawab Pataudi. Many of Saif, Kareena, and Soha’s friends from Bollywood are expected to fly into Delhi on Saturday for the memorial.
Curiously, the Bollywood brigade is being uncharacteristically discreet about sharing the Pataudis’ grief. Said a prominent star, “I am going on Saturday and a lot of others are, I believe. But it’s a private moment of condolence and grief.”
It’s been a tough fortnight for Soha Ali Khan. She was in the middle of promoting her new film Soundtrack when he father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi had to be hospitalized. Bravely, the daughter continued with her nationwide promotion.
And then the worst happened. Soha Ali Khan’s father passed away leaving her too broken to even think of the film.
The film’s producers from Saregama and director Neerav Ghosh had two options. Either to go ahead with the promotion of the film without Soha or postpone the release.
They opted for the latter option and chose not to talk about their postponement as some sort of a sacrifice. The official reason given for the postponement was too many releases on September 30.
Says the director Neerav Ghosh, “Ha, it was certainly not the crowd of releases that bothered us. Because we’ve gone from one clutter to another the following week. No. It was Soha. All of us, me, Rajeev Khandelwal, Mrinalini Sharma and Soha have become one closely-knit family. And if one of us is in distress, the rest of us can’t go on normally. We definitely postponed because of Soha’s bereavement.”
The decisive moment came in Delhi when the Soundtrack director was live on air with Soha on the day the Nawab Pataudi passed away. “It was ghoulish. We were in a segment promoting our film. During the break we could hear them loudly talking about Soha’s father. To her credit, Soha was very composed. But we decided, that was it. We decided to put aside the film until she was ready to face the world and her work again.”
Neerav has been in touch with Soha. She will join the promotion of the film from next week after the memorial service. For those who wish to be present, the memorial service for Nawab Pataudi is on October 1 at the Chinmaya Mission, Lodhi Road, Delhi, from 4-5 pm.
Usha Uthup records song for Don 2
One of the most versatile singers Usha Uthup has been quite choosy when it comes to singing for films. Recently, Usha Uthup sang the popular track
‘Darling’ from 7 Khoon Maaf and now she will be heard next in Farhan Akhtar’s SRK starrer Don 2.
Farhan tweeted, “Recorded a song with Usha Uthup for Don 2. What a voice and what amazing energy and attitude… a rockstar in a kanjivaram saree!”
Music of Don 2 has been composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and is definitely among the most anticipated soundtracks of the year.
