Singer Madonna dazzles in Super Bowl half-time show

INDIANAPOLIS: Madonna dazzled the Super Bowl crowd with a high-octane half-time show that started with an army of Roman gladiators and ended with plea for world peace written in lights.

The glittering 12-minute performance at Lucas Oil Stadium featuring several guest stars had legions of fans racing to Twitter to give their thumbs-up, with some going so far as to declare it one of the best in Super Bowl history.

“Now THAT was a halftime show!” said @michaelsette7 of Toronto in a typical tweet of approval. “All hail the queen. Bow down everyone, bow down!”

Entertainment Weekly critic Ken Tucker agreed, calling Madonna’s performance “joyous, unironic, open-hearted … She was both in full command and full of generosity towards her massive audience.”

With a new album titled “MDNA” out March 26, the 53-year-old Madonna teamed up with choreographer Jamie King and Canada’s Cirque de Soleil for the most-watched musical interlude of any major sporting event in the world.

Her challenge was to redeem last year’s dismal showing by the Black Eyed Peas, whose futuristic performance failed to impress spectators already put out by Christina Aguilera botching the lyrics of the US national anthem.

With muscular spear-wielding gladiators in gold marching onto the field, Madonna — styling herself as a Roman empress with a diamond-studded crown and kinky thigh-high boots — kicked off the show with her 1990 dance hit “Vogue.”

She then shifted into hip-hop mode, bringing out breakdancers — and an impressive tight-rope walker — for “Music” from 2008, accompanied by electro duo LMFAO who sampled their 2011 hit “Sexy and I Know It.”

Rap queen Nicki Minaj and irreverent M.I.A. then joined Madonna for the just-released “Give Me All Your Luvin” set to a “Glee”-like cheerleader theme, complete with golden pom-poms and marching band.

In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, M.I.A. — real name, Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam — flipped a middle finger to the camera while singing a four-letter word that is part of “Luvin”‘s original lyrics.

The image on the screen then scrambled just as briefly, suggesting that NBC television — the official broadcaster of this year’s Super Bowl — was caught off-guard.

For the finale, Madonna rolled out her 1989 hit “Like A Prayer” with crooner Cee-Lo Green, a black-robed gospel choir and the stadium illuminated with thousands of tiny lights, concluding with the words “world peace” set against the darkness of the field — and Madonna disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Half-time at the Super Bowl has been one of the most coveted gigs in American pop music since the late Michael Jackson performed with a 3,500-child choir in 1993, but hit a bump with his sister Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004.

“This is a Midwestern girl’s dream to be performing at the half-time show,” said Madonna, a Michigan native, prior to Sunday’s show.

Performing the national anthem before kickoff was “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, with country stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert adding to the patriotic mood with a duet version of “America the Beautiful.” AGENCIES

Banned promo of Bittoo Boss cleared by Censors

‘Bittoo’ is all set to ‘Boss’. After some tense moments that were spread for over almost a month, the makers of Bittoo Boss heaved a sign of relief as their promo was cleared by the Censor Board on Monday morning. The promo, which had to suffer the ignominy of being ‘banned’ with no reasons being stated whatsoever, came out unscathed once the revision committee saw it and felt that there was nothing objectionable in it that would have warranted a ‘ban’ per se. As things stand today, the promo has been granted a ‘U/A’ certificate.

“Once the promo of this film from the makers of Pyaar Ka Punchnama went viral on social network, there was nothing stopping it. In fact the word ‘ban’ only helped the film’s popularity soar further. However, (producer) Abhishek Pathak and (director) Babul always wanted the blessing of Censor authorities in order to take the promotion forward the right way. They submitted the promo all over again to the Censor Board and had their hearts in their mouths before the verdict was announced. It was the moment of triumph once it was declared that the promo was free to be aired on television and further screened in theatres”, informs a source attached to the production house.

The film’s promo had earlier shocked the Censor authorities due to elements including ‘meri bhi le le’ and stuff alike (which basically referred to a picture being clicked). Also, the lyrics of ‘Bittoo Sab Ki Lega‘ were feared to be way too risqué for the family audience. Once Kumar Mangat Pathak sat down with Abhishek and Babul, it was mutually decided that the lyrics would be tweaked a little while a couple of shots would be tailored. Even though the spicy-n-naughty elements in this Pulkit Samrat-Amita Pathak film still stayed intact, this time around, Censor authorities were more entertained than shocked.

Says Babul, “Our film is as real and healthy in entertainment as a Band Baaja Baaraat or a Munnabhai. Of course, it does need an audience with sense of humour. The producers, the entire crew, cast and myself as a storyteller are committed and all have a common purpose and intention in purity to reach out to the audiences & entertain them. By the end of it, the Censor Board would be thankful and happy for the film due to its emotions expressed as well as the feelings and thoughts stirred”.

In the meantime, the producers are currently going through thoughts of a different kind. Apparently, their earlier plan of attaching the promo of Bittoo Boss with Agneepath have been quashed now since the Censor certificate has come too late in the day. Since the prints of the Hrithik Roshan starrer are already in the middle of a dispatch, Bittoo Boss has no other choice but to arrive in theatres independently.

Confirms Abhishek, “Yes, we are now working out the logistics to bring Bittoo Boss with Agneepath. Though Thursday is quite difficult, we are going all out to ensure that our promo hits the screens over the weekend at the least. Meanwhile on television, we would be out as well in a couple of days. While social networking has really helped us reach so far, now it is time for us to create some good momentum on conventional forums as well.”

Watch ‘Bittoo Boss’ promo:

French first lady Carla turns to music again

PARIS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife Carla Bruni is currently recording her fourth album in Paris and not as reported in Los Angeles, her agent said Friday.

The supermodel-turned-pop star is writing the lyrics and the music for the new album, the release date for which has not yet been made public. Some press reports said she was planning to record the work in the United States.

The French first lady’s last album “Comme si de rien n’etait” (“As if Nothing Had Happened”), a collection of folk-pop songs mostly penned by Bruni, was released in 2008 and has sold about two million copies.

Bruni made headlines last week when the Cannes film festival announced that a Woody Allen movie in which she has a tiny part would open the glitzy 10-day event.

The romantic comedy “Midnight in Paris,” with a starry cast that includes Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard and US actors Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody, will be shown out of competition at the world’s most prestigious film bash. AGENCIES

Dharmendra turns lyricist for Yamla Pagla Deewana

‘Kad Ke Bottle Dabjo, Jat Muh Na Lag Jave, Dafli Baaje Aapo Aap, Nasha Sar Nu Chad Jave’. Those are the lyrics penned by one of the most loved person of Bollywood – Dharmendra. Everyone knows of his acting prowess but few are aware that he is extremely fond of writing poetry. A few verses of this particular song was sung by Dharmendra at a show in America, but now he has written it into a whole song and is planning to use it for his film Yamla Pagla Deewana.

The three minute long song has been recorded in Sukhwinder’s voice though the video is not yet shot. There is a chance that it would be used in parts through the narrative of the film. Dharmendra who is yet to hear the recorded version is extremely elated about it.

Do Dooni Chaar Movie Review

Do Dooni Chaar Movie Review
Director :Habib Faisal
Music :Meet Brothers
Lyrics :Manoj Muntashir
Starring : Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Aditi Vasudev
The dream couple of the 80s, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh return on the silver screen after a good 30 years. The job is half done by getting the real life couple, who created magic on screen once upon a time. Debutante director Habib Faisal couldn’t have asked for more.
So is the film worth their presence? You bet it is!
There mustn’t be a single middle class family in India who doesn’t dream about having a car. It’s considered to be a matter of prestige and gives a major ego boost in today’s society. Keeping the middle class family dream of owning a car as its central point, Do Dooni Chaar touches upon several little things that affect our day-to-day life. It’s about our dreams and aspirations, corruption, values, father-son relationship, call centre generation and more. And most importantly, it does that with precision, without getting preachy.
Santosh Duggal (Rishi Kapoor) is a Delhi-based Mathematics school teacher who’s finding it so difficult to make ends meet that he even takes up a second job of teaching in a coaching class. His family comprises of a doting wife, Kusum Duggal (Neetu Kapoor), a college-going daughter, Payal Duggal (Aditi Vasudev) and a notorious son, Sandy Duggal (Archit Vasudev).
One fine day, Phupho, Santosh’s sister arrives from Meerut. She invites them to a wedding at her in-laws. The Duggals just start worrying about the expenses for the wedding when she states a lethal condition – the Duggals have to come by a car. Problem is, they don’t own one and can’t afford to buy one.
Somehow, after a lot of convincing, they manage to take their neighbour’s car for the wedding. On returning, the car is damaged and in a heated argument with his neighbours, Santosh promises to own a car within a couple of days. Thus begins a tumultuous ride as the Duggals are in hot pursuit of buying a car.
Debutante director Habib Faisal’s has incorporated many slice-of-life moments through his sensitive writing which is real and invigorating. It’s not exactly an out an out funny affair, but the relatable moments maintain that smile on your face. The story-telling and the handling of a social issue reminds one of Anusha Rizvi’s recent film, Peepli [Live].
Habib throws light on the precarious condition of teachers in India today. He shows how the students that are taught by the teachers have gone miles ahead in life but the teachers are still stuck at the same place. It’s hard not to shed a tear or two in the endearing climax.
Anshuman Mahalay’s cinematography is noteworthy which shows Delhi in a new light. Music by Meet Brothers and Anjan goes well with the film’s flow. Aarti Bajaj’s editing is spot on.
The scene in which the Duggal family is trying to find a car coupon in copious washing powder packets is uproarious. The way in which Habib shows News along with the happenings in the Duggal family is marvelous. Also, what the father-son duo, Santosh and Sandy do with the money which Sandy got by betting is noble and amazing.
Rishi Kapoor is infallible. You never think that he’s Rishi and only consider him as Santosh Duggal. Neetu Singh is outstanding. She plays the role of a middle class housewife to perfection. The chemistry between them rocks even today. The kids, Arti Vasudev and Archit Krishna are tremendous. They’re completely natural. Supriya Shukla is decent. Akhilendra Misra is excellent.
Do Dooni Chaar promises 100 percent entertainment. It’s a simple, heartfelt and riveting story told with a lot a heart. Watching this ‘chaar’ming little gem should top your priority list this weekend.

Imran & Deepika shoot special music video for Break Ke Baad

Click above for more movie stills

What happens to an on-screen couple in love after the film is over? It seems filmmaker Kunal Kohli won’t make us wait for a sequel to get an answer.

For Break Ke Baad, the film Kohli is producing with Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan in the lead, the team recently shot an additional epilogue, after the screenplay had its say.

Explains Kunal Kohli, “When I made Hum Tum, everyone wanted to know what happens to Saif and Rani after THE END. Do they live happily ever after? I’ve lost track of how many people have suggested a sequel to Hum Tum. That’s something I won’t do. Why go back to a film when there’re so many virgin stories waiting to be broken into?”

What Kunal would henceforth do is add an “after-story”.

“In Break Ke Baad, we’ve shot a story beyond the screenplay narrating a small improvised screenplay about the life that Deepika and Imran lead after the film is over. I could be using the same device in my other films in future if the characters seem to have a life after the film.”

Last week, Kohli and his Break Ke Baad director Danish Aslam also shot a music video which was initially cut down by Kunal Kohli. But the director and his lead pair Deepika and Imran insisted on it.

Says Kunal, “I really didn’t want to do a music video. I was the first one to do music video in our films for Hum Tum. But now everyone is doing it. So I was against doing one in Break Ke Baad.”

What convinced Kunal were the lyrics. “I wanted a song about separation. But I didn’t want the words, ‘Break Ke Baad’. Prasoon Joshi came up with such a wonderful line. ‘Dooriyan Zaroori Hai’. I was like, wow! All our love songs talk about separation being not worth considering. And separation was seen as important in every relationship. Every relationship needs space. I liked that concept.”

The music video would be part of the newly-shot epilogue in Break Ke Baad.

Sin City inspiration for Allah Ke Banday

There is Hollywood inspiration for Bollywood’s very own Allah Ke Banday which is aiming for a late October release. Since the film is a gritty tale of children taking to crime, it required an edgy narrative for itself. While debutant writer-director-actor Faruk Kabir promises that and a lot more in his dramatic affair, he has also created a graphic music video to lend out the right mood and feel of the film. The song is titled ‘Maula’ and has been self confessedly designed on the same lines as Hollywood’s graphic tale Sin City (2005).

“‘Maula’ is a visual interpretation of reality and through this song, I am giving a visual treat to my audience”, says Faruk who has patiently waited for a while before his debut flick became a reality by itself, “My target audience is youth and being a 28 year old myself, I am a part of this generation. I am making a contemporary film about today and for that I have lend an edgy hardcore energy to it. The music video of ‘Maula’ has a lot of attitude to it and for that the graphic tone of Sin City came in handy.”

When released, Sin City had met with instant diverse reactions due to the graphic nature of violence and sex. The film, though carrying a comic undertone to it, was mainly for the adult segment of audience and went on to become a cult flick over a period of time. In fact it stands amongst one of the most studied movies of all times and had led to quite a few cheap imitations globally with far lesser success.

“Ours is a tribute to that genre though”, Faruk is quick to add, “You would see a distinct (Quentin) Tarantino touch to it, something which was a conscious approach. Of course the video is quite real and disturbing so it has to be seen with caution. I don’t mind that though; after all it was intentional.”

Making of this video was a challenge in itself for Faruk and his team, more so because Faruk is playing the double role of a director and actor here.

“The whole video has been shot on croma where we have created the entire backdrop pretty meticulously”, informs Faruk, “The video features Sharman and myself. Technically, it was a very challenging exercise and the song took around six months to be totally ready. While three months went into pre-production, the same amount of time went into post production as well.”

While Chirantan Bhatt has scored music for this song, Sarim Momin has written the lyrics. However, this is not the only music video that Faruk has shot for his flick. “That’s right”, says Faruk, “We have shot another music video with Kailash Kher. It is an association with UNICEF. This one took its own time to be done since it features children.”

Whoever said that it was a child’s play to make a film!

Vidya Balan to star in Sanjay Gupta’s Milte Hain

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Sanjay Gupta may be busy casting for his remake of the Spanish film Ladron Que Roba Ladron but before that film goes on floors, Gupta will be producing another film Milte Hain to be directed by Meghna Gulzar.

Vidya Balan has been signed for the lead role while the hunt for the male actor is still on. Vishal Bhardwaj would be composing music for this flick while Gulzar saab would be penning the lyrics. Milte Hain is apparently based on an Australian play Double Act and Gupta has gone ahead and legally acquired the rights to remake.

Pakis to celebrate Azadi festivals on Aug 6, 8 in US

i>By Raja Zahid A Khanzada/i>
DALLAS: In America’s Texas state, where a large number of Pakistani communities live, various organizations have announced festivities to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.

In the metropolis called Dallas Forth Worth (DFW), the preparations to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day have picked up momentum. In this connection, two representative organizations of Pakistani community have finalized their separate programs.

Pakistan Council of Dallas Fort Worth (PCDFW) has planned to hold a program on August 6th in Bismillah Restaurant Plano, which would be split into two sessions.

In the first session, the eminent scholars from among the Pakistani community would read their papers on Pakistan, in order to educate and enlighten the new generation about the history of Pakistan. The session would be presided over by a former Pakistani ambassador Syed Ahsani.

The second sitting would be for Mushaira (Poetry Recital Symposium). The local poets would recite their poetic compositions in this session with themes to pay tribute to Pakistan.

The Council’s presidents, AK Khan, General Secretary Saeed Qureshi, the executive body members and popular social figures Syed Hassan, Amir Salahuddin, have called upon the community to overwhelmingly attend these programs. There is neither entry nor any other charges to participate in the Jashn- e- Azadi Pakistan program.

Additionally, to commemorate Pakistan Birthday, Pakistan association of Texas (PAT) is arranging another program on august 8, that would be held in Flag Polo Hill Park, which will continue till late night.

The showbiz, film and television celebrities Saud Qazi, Javeria Saud, singer Adil Chaudhry, Analti, the comedy actor Shakeel Siddiqui, Ahmed Janbaz, are taking part in this colorful carnival.

The PAT administration has said that there will be a special interesting program in which comic skits would be presented. In addition, the artists would sing the lyrics, songs, and national anthem about Pakistan.

There will be children rides, and various games for the children entertainment. The stalls presenting Pakistan dishes, and products would be installed. At the end, there would be a massive fireworks display. The fireworks would especially prominently display the white and the green colors adorning Pakistan’s national flag.

The PAT leaders John Hamid, Sharik Hamid, Pervez Shahed, and others have announced that the program would be totally free, so that all community members can attend it with the needed passion and zeal. It is learnt that the Pakistani community is waiting for these programs with eagerness.

In Houston city too, the Pakistani American Association of Greater Houston (PAAGH) has chalked an ambitious and comprehensive program to celebrate Jashn-e- Azadi Pakistan in a befitting manner.

These programs would be presented by celebrated artists from Radio, television and film. The president of PAAGH Khalid Khan has appealed to the community to come in huge numbers to participate in the Pakistan festival.

Javed Akhtar to pen down special poem for Katrina’s character in Zoya’s film

A poem of couplets written by a fan in celebration of Katrina Kaif’s beauty and virtues that has surfaced on numerous websites and blogs, has inspired an entire song devoted to Katrina in Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Says a source close to the project, “Katrina plays a free- spirited girl, a wanderer at heart and a bohemian gypsy by nature whom the three male leads Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol are quite seriously fascinated by. She inspires the boys into chasing their dreams and not being afraid of reaching into the darkness to find light.”

And that’s precisely the character that the film’s director Zoya Akhtar’s father, the sensitive poet Javed Akhtar, will have to describe in his lyrics for a song devoted to Katrina’s character.

Says the source, “There was only a vague idea for such a song in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. But when the poem by Katrina’s fan surfaced on the net, everyone felt the lyrics describing Katrina’s character beauty and zest for life was needed.”

Katrina neck-deep in shooting with Hrithik, Farhan and Abhay in Spain is flattered by all the attention she’s getting online and in person. “I can’t think of anything but how to get into character. This role requires a lot of physical preparation. I had almost no time to prepare for Zoya’s film. I delayed my departure from Mumbai till the very last minute because I wanted to enjoy the attention that Raajneeti was getting. I get attached to a film and need a transitional period between one project and another. I didn’t get that space before coming to Spain.”

The pleasure comes with a price. Katrina’s preparation for her zany character in Zoya’s film is half-complete. She needs to master many outdoor sports. Most of them are new to her. But she is learning on the job in Spain. “I landed here in the night and started shooting next morning completely unprepared. But now I’m getting a hang of it.”

About the ode by her fan, she says, “It’s flattering to have people write such wonderful lines for you. I can’t pretend to be unaffected by all the attention I’m getting. At the same time I can’t let it go to my head. There’s so much more to be done.”

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