Aishwarya’s denial about Ravan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is currently camping in Kolkata where Mani Ratnam’s forthcoming film Ravan is being shot. Ash disclosed that though her role is similar to the epic character Sita, the name in which she is called in the film is different.
However, the actress refused to divulge any further details about Ravan although she added that Ravan is an intense film. While Ash joined the Ravan team
the Ravan team on February 17th, Abhishek Bachchan is expected to join her sometime soon. Sources close to the Ravan unit say that the shooting will go on till the end of March
Ravan also has Vikram and Priyamani in important roles. The film is directed by ace director Mani Ratnam.

Asin’s constant escort

It is quite common in the film circuit for mothers of actresses to accompany them where they go. However, in Asin’s case it is her father who has taken up the role. Joseph Thottumkal is accompanying her wherever she goes. Recently, the star’s dad was spotted by her side when she attended the Women Achievers’ Awards function.
Sources have it that Joseph Thottumkal is now spending so much time with his daughter that he
could end up winding his business. Mr. Thottumkal is currently in Mumbai scouting for a home for Asin, raising the speculations that the actress could shift her base to Bollywood permanently.

Aftermath of the Oscars

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ won eight Oscars out of the ten nominations at the Academy awards presented on 22nd February. But seldom, the ceremony had an aftermath effect which is now prevalent all over India. Things kicked off when Fox Pictures volunteered to sponsor the kids who were part of the cast, for their trip to Los Angeles to grace the Academy award function. The elated children’s joy knew no bounds as they flew from Mumbai straight to Hollywood. A special treat awaited them on the other side when they were also escorted to the Disney land for a pleasure trip followed by their elegant attendance during the Oscars. Child actors Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, and Rubina Ali, 9, who are slum dwellers will be sponsored for their education till they turn 18 by the production house. Similar to the rags-to-riches story, these kids are now going to live on the brighter side of life with proper education and maybe in a posh apartment as the government of Maharashtra has announced two flat allotments for their family. A tax exemption has also been proclaimed for the Oscar winners for the cash awards received. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has revoked the life of slums in Mumbai as foreign tourists are keen to take a tour into the locales, especially Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi. Tour operators worked round-the-clock and designed special packages to guide tourists around the area. News reports says that even Mumbai residents are showing interest to walk through the slums which they used to pass through without a second glance in the past. Latest updates reveal that Fox Pictures are raising funds to facilitate Dharavi and develop it into a residential area for the people to live in a healthy atmosphere. Till now, it is being said about 6 crores have been collected and it is expected to increase with the time to come. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is not just the story of an ordinary guy who becomes a millionaire but also the messiah for the slums and its residents in Mumbai who are looking forward for a change in future. All said done, now will our production companies volunteer to undertake such efforts for people’s well being? Or at least a step forward to help the cast for a better living? When they are all busy thriving to rake in moolah with the star value, we really wonder if this is possible for reality.

Jaycee Chan’s desires to act in Bollywood film!

Jaycee Chan, son of Jackie Chan admits that unlike his famous dad he is scared of stunt scenes and getting hurt. The actor entered the limelight in the year 2004 with Twins Effect II, a Chinese film. Jaycee Chan has several facets to his personality such as actor, singer, lyricist, composer, and guitarist.
He also revealed that he is open to experimentation. Jaycee said that he likes Indian music and songs and is eager to star in a Bollywood film. The actor’s
Taiwanese film The Invisible Target, will hit the screens in India on Friday (27th February) in both English as well as Hindi.

Obama’s connection with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’

Maybe the theme of ‘Rags to Richs’ or ‘ A boy from slums turning into millionaire at a overnight’ should’ve admired Obama as he wants United States to lead now ahead away from Economic crisis. Perhaps, not alone this one, but ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ sweeping on with 8 Oscars should’ve urged him to watch this film.
Yeah! US President Barack Obama would be watching ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ shortly. As one of his spokesperson from White House conveyed this message to the media channels, the entire team of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was awestruck.
Perhaps, it would be another gracious occasion where A.R. Rahman would be shaking hands with the Obama now.

‘Slumdog’ Kids acquire luxurious apartments

Again, it happens to be ‘Slumdog’ Mania all over the World. Now the kids Azharuddin Ismail and Rubina Rafiq who played the role of little Jamal and Lathika would feel-like-paradise. They can now quit their slum homes and enter into a luxurious apartment offered by Government of Maharashtra.
On Tuesday Night, the Government made an official statement that each kid would be offered with a new apartment.
Azharuddin Ismail Shaikh Usman and Rubina Rafiq Asghar Ali Qureshi are residents of Garib Nagar slum in Bandra East, Mumbai.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan much elated with their History-Making Oscars announced gifting the two a flat each from the chief minister's quota.

Exclusive - interview with A.R. Rahman

Winning laurels at Oscars, A.R. Rahman returned Chennai yesterday and there he met the media channels. Tamilomovie.com brings you the exclusive chat with the Modern Day Mozart who hadn’t given up his simplicity though he had created history.
A.R. Rahman with ‘2 Oscars’ for his ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ speaks…
Much before taking up the project, did you think ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ will win Oscars?
Not at all! I did my earnest best for the film. The film won awards…
How did you feel while receiving the award?
Nothing different from the feel I had while bagging award for ‘Roja’.
Did Director Mani Rathnam greet you?
While I had set to Los Angeles for awards, he greeted me. But then, after reaching Chennai I’ve been trying for his mobile, but he’s not reachable.
Is it true that you will tuning a new melody for ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazthu’?
Sure, once Vairamuthu completes penning lyrics, I will start composing melodies. Also we’re planning to tune ‘Thirukural’.
And now, being an ‘International Personality’ would you score music for new directors?
Definitely, why not. But they should be brimming with a good script and indeed the team should be good. If the film isn’t fine, audiences will throw even the music.
How come did you speak Oscars at Award Function?
It was an intrinsic feeling and my inner soul urged me to do so.
You have been composing for enormous films. Can you tell us which film did you think would fetch Oscars?
I was so confident that Aamir Khan’s ‘Lagaan’ would take on for a great show. Your opinion about criticisms of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’…
It’s only in our country we treat dogs so badly. But in foreign countries they are taken care as pets with more respect.
We heard that you’re going to come up with new plans in your Trust….
Surely, all my concern is about eradicating poverty throughout the World that none should struggle for their basic necessities.
How do you feel about Sri Lankan issue?
Not just in Sri Lanka, I always pray that there should be peace all throughout the globe and everyone should live happily without wars.
Any plans about getting into politics?
Oh!! (Laughs) Definitely not…
So, how would you like to connect ‘Oscars’ with ‘Tamil Cinema’ now?
At the moment, a strong bridge has been established between our Tamil Film Industry and ‘Oscars’. Youngsters inspired by this should go ahead fulfilling their dreams with the mantra ‘Nothing is impossible’…
Finally, A.R. Rahman lifting his Oscars for photo session thanked everyone for being supportive to him. He took off so gently with an enchanting smile…