Director Mani Ratnam, who is not sure if he will make another biopic after "Guru", stresses that he takes on a project if he sees "a film in it not because it fits into a particular genre".


My next is a haunting, improbable love story: Apar
Talented Bengali actor-filmmaker Aparna Sen is working on a multi-lingual film titled "The Japanese Wife", based on a story by Indo-Anglian author Kunal Basu.


I kissed both the girls in the film: Upen
The Brit boy who kicked off his career in modeling and later switched to Bollywood has become the new heartthrob in the industry.


I'm not pursuing bestsellers: Mira Nair
NRI filmmaker Mira Nair says it's a sheer coincidence that her films 'Vanity Fair', 'The Namesake' and the ready-to-shoot 'Shantaram' are based on bestsellers.


There is no selling point in Khanna & Iyer
He might be a new name in Bollywood but he has already directed three films in Kannada, down South. Hemant Hegde marks his debut in Hindi films with Khanna & Iyer produced under the banner of Mukta Tele Media. And that’s not all for Hegde has already si


Shahrukh Khan is great
Meet Manoj Nelliattu "SHAH-ma-lawn …better known as M Night, the Indian American Scriptwriter -Director, is a guy with an uncanny Sixth Sense which has helped him to break into the Unbreakable.


Will never say no to Hollywood
Irrfan Khan’s talent was spotted when he was only a college-goer… when Mira Nair offered him a role in Salaam Bombay.


Rahman hopes to create Oscar-winning music
Top Bollywood musician A.R. Rahman says he is working to create music that strikes a chord with Western audiences so that Indian film music could one day win an Oscar.


Mehfil Mix is this new concept
Himesh Reshammiya's music has the 'it' factor to reign supreme over Bollywood charts for weeks together! Each song has the Reshammiya undertone, and yet is unique in its own sense.


Mehfil Mix is this new concept
If Gandhigiri in Rajkumar Hirani's "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" was profusely applauded by both audiences and critics, Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson Tushar Gandhi is equally proud of the film, which he says has introduced the new generation to Bapu and his id


Mehfil Mix is this new concept
Samir Nair, the former CEO of STAR Entertainment India who took the channel to new heights in a decade and is joining NDTV's soon-to-be-launched entertainment wing, wants to direct films.


Shweta most intelligent Bachchan
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is proud of the way his soft-spoken daughter Shweta Nanda conducts her new talk show "Next Gen" on NDTV Profit and says that "her intelligence comes through on her show".

Bollywood Movies

Just Married
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Music: Pritam Chakraborty
Cast: Fardeen Khan, Esha Deol, Bikram Saluja, Perizaad Zorabian, Yashpal Sharma, Sadia Siddiqui, Satish Shah, Kirron Kher, Raj Zutshi, Tarina Patel, Moushmi Chatterjee, Mukul Dev, Natassha

Big Brother
Director: Guddu Dhanoa
Music: Sandesh Shandilya, Anand Raj Anand
Cast: Sunny Deol, Priyanka Chopra, Shahbaaz Khan, Sayaji Shinde, Farida Jalal, Avtar Gill, Danny Denzongpa, Govind Namdeo, Raju Shrivastava, Imran Khan

Provoked
Director: Jagmohan Mundhra
Music: A. R. Rahman
Cast: Aishwarya Rai, Naveen Andrew, Robbie Coltrane, Miranda Richardson, Nandita Das, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nichola Irons, Deborah Moore, Steve McFadden, Raji Jame, Shaheen Khan

Shakalaka Boom Boom
Director:
Music: Himesh Reshammiya
Cast: Bobby Deol, Upen Patel, Celina Jaitley, Kangna Ranaut, Asrani

bollywood news

We heard the news that Jiah Khan has invited her debut film 'Nishabd's co-star Amitabh Bachchan on her birthday, but he didn't come due to his busyness. Big B actually sent her a huge bouquet with a note attached which read: 'Sorry I can't come because I'm protecting my vintage car.' He wrote this, because once Jiah said she would love to own the Big B's vintage car.

Tanushree Dutta never says no to item songs. Because these item numbers make her more popular "Item numbers give me more hit songs to dance on for my shows. If these are offered to me by good filmmakers, I've no reason to say no", explains she.

Akshaye Khanna is no more private introverted person. Recently, he flew down from South Africa to Goa to attend his cousin's wedding ceremony. Where he was the life of the part. He not only dance but also made other dance

Salman Khan often visits the sets of 'Namaste London' to give Katrina Kaif moral support. Even he invited his family and close pals for a special screening of the same film. Director Vipul Shah informs, "Yes, there was a show. It was first screening of the film and the reaction to the film was very good." Salman was seen raving about the film and Katrina's performance

Kangana Ranaut is not only a good actor, but she is a great dancer too. She has been learning dance for a long time now. "I love dancing. It's a graceful art and I practice it for three hours daily," informs she.


Ashley Judd was in India to spread HIV/AIDS awareness. While in Mumbai she met Shah Rukh Khan. She shares, "While I was in Mumbai, he hosted a party to raise funds for a charity. I was invited too. But I did not get to meet him, because he arrived after I left. In the morning, he called me, and we met. He gallantly offered to sign up for my cause. I was floored by his charm and grace."

Madhuri Dixit finds the new sync sound shooting a bit uncomfortable. This technology is using in her comeback film 'Aaja Naachley'. She reveals, "Earlier, studios would be full of noise. From the irritating sound of the camera to technicians chitchatting, I was comfortable with all sorts of disturbances. Now there's complete silence and I have to be very conscious about both aspects of acting, expressions and lines, during a shot. Frankly speaking I am enjoying every bit of the shooting because the process of filmmaking has become so refined."

Amrita Rao wants her work only speak for herself. Right now, she plays a Catholic chic in E Niwas's flick 'My Name is Anthony Gonsalves'. She shares, "Sooraj Barjatya portrays his heroines in the most ideal way an Indian woman can be showcased on screen. I loved my role in 'Vivah', and I know my fans love me that way too. But when other directors watch me, I'm sure they want to portray me differently. To play an assistant director in this film, I had to shed that sweet, coy image...but isn't this what acting is all about?"

Hindi film stars have huge fan following not only in Indian but also abroad. Have a look at personal profiles/biography of some Bollywood stars.

Personal Profile
Mallika Sherawat is an Indian model and actress born on October 24, 1981 in Rohtak, Haryana, India. Her original name is Reema Lamba. She has graduated in Philosophy from Miranda House, Delhi University. She has used her mother's maiden name as a tribute to her mother's love and support. Mallika Sherawat was an airhostess initially. She married and divorced Captain Karan Singh Gill, a Jet Airways Pilot. She is 5' 6". She speaks Hindi and English.

Family Background:
Ex- Spouse: Captain Karan Singh Gill - Jet Airways pilot

Film Background:
Debut Film: Jeena Sirf Mere Liye
Famous Movies: Jeena Sirf Merre Liye, Kis Kis Ki Kismat, Khwahish, Shadi Se Pehle, Murder, The Myth, Bachke Rehna Re Baba.
Latest Movies: Sivakasi, Bachke Rehna Re Baba, Shadi Se Pehle.
Upcoming Movies: Darna Zaroori Hai, Don.

Likes & Dislikes:
Favourite Dish: Non-greasy food

Personal Profile:
Arjun Rampal is one of the model turned actors in the Hindi film industry. Arjun Rampal's nickname is AR. He was born on 26 November 1972 in Jabalpur. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. His height is approx. 6'. His eyes and hair are black in color. He belongs to Hindu Religion. He has done BA in economics from Hindu College, Delhi. Before coming to the Hindi film industry, Arjun Rampal was a well-known model. He is married. His hobbies are Computers, Cricket and watching movies. He resides at 104, Hill Post, Shirley Rajan Road, Opp. Stringfield High School, Bandra. Mumbai 400 050.

Family Background:
Father's Name: Armajeet Rampal
Mother's Name: Gwen
Spouse: Mehr Jesia
Daughter: Mahikka and Myra

Filmography:
Debut Film: Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat
Hit Movies: Ashambhav, Elaan, Dil Ka Rishta, Aankhen, Moksha, Vaada, Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai, Deewaanapan, Yakeen, Tahzeeb, Dil Hai Tumhaara.
Latest Movies: Ek Ajnabee.

Likes & Dislikes:
Favourite Bollywood Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
Favourite Bollywood Actress: Madhuri Dixit, Smita Patil and Manisha Koirala.
Favourite Hollywood Actor: Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt
Favourite Hollywood Movies: Goodfellas
Favourite Movies: Sholay, Satya, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Favourite Cloths: Track Pants and T-Shirts
Favourite Color: Black and Blue
Hobbies: Watching Movies, Cricket and Computer.

Personal Profile:
Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967. Akshay Kumar used to work as a chef in Bangkok before coming into films. He also pursued martial art training in Hong Kong. He is also popular as the "Bruce Lee of India". His debut film was Saugandh. Most of his earlier movies were action movies. Recently, he has also acted in some comedy films such as Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Garam Masala. All these movies stood well at the box office and he is constantly raising his status in the film industry. Akshay Kumar does lots of stage shows as well.

Family Background:
Spouse: Twinkel Khanna
Son: Arrav

Filmography:
Debut Film: Saugandh Famous
Movies: Dosti, Mohra, Khiladi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Khiladi 420, Dhadkan, Family, Garam Masala, Sangharsh, Khakee, Hera Pheri, Waqt, Bewaffa, Aitraaz, Ajnabee, Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye.
Latest Movies: Mere Jeevan Saathi and Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye.
Upcoming Movies: Saamna & Don.

Likes & Dislikes:
Favourite Recipes: Home Cooked Dishes
Hobbies: Martial Arts, Sailing, Volleyball and Cricket.


Personal Profile
Priyanka Chopra was born on 18 July 1982 in Jamshedpur, India. Her father was in the army. She has studied at La Martiniere Girls Hostel in Lucknow. She completed her 12th class in Bareilly. She started her graduation from Jai Hind College in Mumbai. She left the college after winning the Miss World pageant in the year 2000. Her nicknames are Yanka, Sunshine and Mimi. She is a Cancerian. She is unmarried. She speaks Hindi and English. She resides at 803, Karan Next to Green Acres, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, Mumbai 400053.

Family Background:
Father's Name: Dr. Ashok Chopra
Mother's Name: Dr. Madhu Chopra

Film Background:
Debut Film: Thamizhan
Famous Movies: Thamizhan, Andaaz, The Hero, Plan, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Bluffmaster, Kismat, Krrish, Barsaat, Waqt, Blackmail, Yakeen, Karam, Asambhav.
Latest Movies: Bluffmaster and Krrish
Upcoming Movies: Don, Happy New Year

Likes & Dislikes:
Favourite Bollywood Actor: Kishore Kumar
Favourite Bollywood Actress: Sushmita Sen
Favourite Hollywood Actor: Mel Gibson
Favourite Hollywood Movies: Pretty Woman, Walk in the Clouds
Favourite Cloths: Sari
Likes: Bulging Biceps, Fudge and Hot Chocolate
Hobbies: Singing and Writing Poetry, Listening R&B Music.

Personal Profile:
Aaftab Shivdasani was born on 25 June 1978 in Mumbai. He had graduated from HR College of Commerce, Mumbai. Aaftab Shivdasani has been well known as a child star in Bollywood. He entered the Indian film industry/Bollywood with Ramgopal Verma's "Mast". Urmila Matondkar starred opposite Aftaab in this movie.

Family Background:
Sister's Name: Afsana Shivdasani

Filmography:
Debut Film: Mast Hit
Movies: Awara Paagal Deewana, Mast, Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, Kasoor, Masti, Muskaan, Hungama, Mr. Ya Ms., Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai,
Upcoming Movie: Loot Latest
Movie: Mr. Ya Ms.

Likes & Dislikes:
Favorite Actor: GOD
Favourite Recipes: Chicken Curry Rice
Favorite Color: Black
Favourite Actress: Madhubala, Nutan, Madhuri Dixit.
Likes: Fitness, Natural Beauty, and Music.
Hobbies: Cricket Dislike: Hypocrites, Liars


Personal Profile
Celina Jaitley was born on 9 June 1981 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She won the title of Miss India in 2001. Her nicknames are Chinto and Chinki. She is 5' 6". She is B Com graduate. She is unmarried. She has performed in music videos also. Her mother is a native of Afghanistan and her father is a Punjabi-Kashmiri. Her brother is in Indian army. She was a finalist in the Miss Universe contest. She has also won MTV's Most Wanted awards and Miss Margo Beautiful skin, Indiatimes Surfer's Choice.

Family Background:
Father: Punjabi-Kashmiri
Mother: Afghani

Film Background:
Debut Film: Janasheen
Famous Movies: Janasheen, Zinda, Aksar, No Entry, Mazhab: The Religion, Khel, Tom Dick and Harry, Silsiilay.
Latest Movies: Tom Dick and Harry, Zinda

Likes & Dislikes:
Favourite Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
Favourite Actress: Sushmita Sen
Likes: Papaya
Hobbies: Reading, Surfing the net, Sketching and Listening to music

Red - the dark side

Director Vikram Bhatt
Producer Sunil Chainani, Sameer Srivastava
Starring Aftab Shivdasani, Celina Jaitley, Amrita Arora, Sushant Singh
Red – the darkside is dark romantic thriller based on intensity, passion, love, lust, fear, mystery and deception of its three main characters.

Neel Oberoi (Aftab Shivdasani) is a billionaire bachelor. He had everything going his way until he is diagnosed with a life threatening heart ailment. His only cure is a Miracle. A deadly crash leads him to a miracle named Anahita (Celina Jaitley).

Anahita is a young sensuous, gorgeous but a lonely widow. Neel and Anahita get involved in a passionate relationship. Anahita has a friend named Ria (Amrita Arora) who has been her supporter through tough times. Ria is a mysterious and flirt girl. Neel’s love leads him into the dark past of Anahita’s past and Ria’s mysteries which eventually leads to far reaching consequences.

Delhi Heights

Producer Prabhu
Director Anand Kumar
Music Rabbi Shergill
Lyrics Rabbi Shergill
Release Date 09-Mar-2007
Starring Jimmy Shergill, Neha Dhupia, Om Puri, Rohit Roy, Simone Singh, Vivek Shauq, Kamini Khanna

Movie Report
Delhii Heights is the story of Denizens of a Multistoried Apartment called ‘Delhii Heights’ in Delhi itself. These Denizens in particular are three couples, a mystery man and a bunch of youngsters.

The first couple is of Abi (Jimmy Shergill) and Suhana (Neha Dhupia). Both have been recently married and are successfully pursuing their careers. Though their marriage life is healthy there is competition amongst them as they work for rival companies. Their story is thus about the struggles and resolves in this conflicting situation.

The second couple is of Bobby (Rohit Roy) and Saima (Simone Singh). Both seem to have a perfect marriage but it they have problems too. Bobby was a compulsive flirt and Saima who had been patient all this time comes up with a way to make their relationship work and change Bobby's attitude and his responsibility towards her.

The third couple is of a Timmy Kohli (Om Puri) and Ruby (Kamini Khanna). They are a Sikh couple. All the time this couple has lived a life of happiness, fun and enjoyment. But now Timmy is bothered by his own two daughters in a big way. He is unable to accept that his daughters are big enough to make their own decisions and live life independently.

Apart from the couples the other people of the apartment are Lucky (Vivek Shauq) who is a cricket bookie and a funny guy. Then there are a bunch of four boys who want to fun and chase girls. The crux of the story is however as to how the lives of these denizens gets interconnected.
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New Releases

Water

Director Deepa Mehta
Producer David Hamilton
Starring Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, John Abraham, Sarala(introducing), Manorma, Raghuveer Yadav, Khulbhushan Kharbanda, Waheeda Rehman

Water is the last installment of Deepa Mehta’s Trilogy after Fire and Earth. It takes up the cause of widows focusing on pains and struggles of widowhood. It also sheds light on issues like religion, corruption, poverty, child prostitution, and forbidden love during the late 1930's. The element Water is symbolic in the movie as it marks the beginning and ending.

During the late 1930's when Mahatma Gandhi led the independence struggle against British colonial rule a child widow, Chuyia (Sarala) arrives to a house of widows in a Hindu temple. Like her all widows here are supposed to live a life of grief and solitude in accordance with ancient Hindu religious beliefs.

Chuyia rejects this restrictive life and plays around. Her cheerful manners and playful acts bring in a new lease of life in the ashram. Her presence deeply affects the lives of the other residents, including a young widow, Kalyani (Lisa Ray). Kalyani is different from other widows. She is charming, has long hair and is modest. She falls in love with Narayana (John Abraham). Narayana is an intellectual who is a reformist law student.

Another widow by the name Shakuntala, resides in the ashram. She is a dedicated Hindu who accepts the hardships of being a widow as it is her faith but her conscience is in conflict with her faith. Through the lives of these three widows, Water brings forth the plight of widows.
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I Factor

Bollywood is full of beautiful actresses with brains. Yes, I factor - intelligence factor is always important in every sphere. Boston educated Amisha says, "The thing that turns men towards me is my intelligence." Former miss Universe Sushmita Sen admit the fact and said, "People may believe that men have an edge over women in the film industry; but I don't envy them, because I feel they are constantly doing the same thing over and over again." And the new face of current Bollywood Soha Ali Khan told that, " I think one needs to look intelligent even while acting. After all, acting isn't a mindless job!"

No threat calls from underworld: Nagma

New Delhi, March 8 : Rubbishing rumours of threatening calls from mobsters, actor Nagma Thursday said that it was some "immature, mad person" making intimidating calls and sending obscene messages to her.

"The rumours that I am receiving threatening calls from the underworld are absolutely false. It is a mad, childish person who is behind all this," Nagma told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Nagma registered a complaint at the suburban Bandra police station, Mumbai, on Wednesday.

Before Nagma, Bollywood film financier and diamond merchant Bharat Shah had also filed a similar complaint. The actress is, therefore, sceptical about the credentials of her caller.

"He is probably the same person who is harassing many other stars as well. But I am sure he is not a professional because he is sending messages and making calls from the same number," the starlet said.

However, Nagma, who has films like "Baaghi" and "Yalgaar" to her credit, admitted that the messages disturbed her.

"He could be a fan, may be not. He keeps on calling and messaging me day and night. I don't pick up his calls at all. With so many serial killings and unforeseen incidents taking place these days, such obscene messages definitely torment me," she said.

"I have filed a complaint and the police are looking into the matter. I will not be able to provide you with more details as the police are trying to get hold of him," she added.

A senior official of the Bandra police station confirmed: "We registered a complaint from actor Nagma Wednesday. She has alleged that some unidentified people have been sending her threatening SMSs and making calls on her mobile phone."

"We are investigating the matter and checking the numbers of the callers from the inbox of her mobile phone," he added.

Preity leaves Women's Day press meet in huff

New Delhi, March 8 : Bollywood actor Preity Zinta, who was to address the media in the capital as part of celebrations of the International Women's Day Thursday, left the venue in a huff, leaving reporters clueless.

Preity, the brand ambassador of Godfrey Phillips Bravery, was present during the Bravery Award felicitation ceremony at Dilli Haat as part of the women's day celebrations. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur gave away the awards.

Once the award ceremony was over Preity invited the reporters for interaction at Maurya Sheraton. After obliging those from four TV channels, she suddenly stepped out of the lounge in a huff, leaving both media and the Godfrey Phillips Bravery representatives clueless.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) organised the celebrations in association with Godfrey Phillips. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Choudhury and DCW chairperson Kiran Walia also attended the event.

Gursharan Kaur said that on this special day, women must pledge to deal with society's ills like female foeticide, dowry deaths and child marriages.

Dikshit said: "This is a special day, a day of celebration for all women who should take a pledge to stop from this moment all the injustice done to them."

While addressing the crowd, which had gathered to get a glimpse of the Bollywood diva, she added, "Lord Krishna had asserted that tolerating injustice is a bigger sin than committing injustice. Indian women must shed all fear to fight injustice."

Supermom and Superdancer Dream-Girl- Hema Malini will soon be read widely among the book-loving and film-loving community world wide as her biography written by Bhawana Somaaya will up on the stands soon. The starry eyed actor made waves in the industry by marrying Dharmendra at the peak of her career and then later on made a successful come back in the industry. Her talent as a Danseuse has also been tapped widely in the book. The book is sure going to bring not just the book-lovers but also the film buffs to the book stalls!

The news that Rani Mukherjee and Konkona Sen have come together for Yash Raj Films’ “Laga Chunari Mein Daag” (which was earlier known as ‘Chooriyan’) has become stale but the surprise is that the two Bong beauties get along very well, irrespective of their experience in the film industry. A recent incident stood proof for this rapport. Rani and her co-star Konkana were both doing a dance sequence when accidentally Rani got a cut on her nose which began to bleed. Kokona, who is not comfortable dancing, said it was her clumsiness and was very apologetic about the incident. Rani was very calm and didn’t throw any star tantrums for this. She quietly went back to her make-up room and emerged in some time to finish some close-ups of her with the wound covered by make-up. However Konkana was visibly upset and though she had apologized to Rani, she also sent a huge bouquet of flowers along with an apology note to Rani. However, Rani was quite cool about the entire accident and spoke with Konkana and assured her that everything was fine. That sure was appreciative about Rani! This Pradeep Sarkar movie has Jaya Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kunal Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan. The movie is slated to release for Diwali.

After Omkara looks like Vishal Bharadwaj will surely try for more variety. He’s really raving to give the Indian audiences as much variety as he can, and as soon as he can!

Though he won’t be relying on Shakespearean talents this time, he’s gonna trust Anurag Kashyap (of Black Friday) to deal with ‘No Smoking’. Along with Kumar Mangat, Vishal plays the producer for this John Abraham and Ayesha Takia starrer!

And then he is also busy preparing for Mr.Mehta & Mrs. Singh, and this too ain’t no Shakespearean story! With his Chatri Chor about to be released, looks like 2007 is really shaping out well for him, and even for his audience (atleast so far)!

The impending and the most looked forward marriage for Abhishek and Aishwarya is believed to be on the 19th of March. And Rajasthan is setting the red carpet ready for it. Umaid Bhavan Palace might be the venue for the much awaited wedding. Sources said that Abhishek Bachchan has sent two of his friends to finish the initial formalities of booking the Hotel. Besides Umaid Bhavan, four more hotels at Jodhpur and Jaisalmer will be booked. Before that though, Umaid Bhavan will play host to the much talked about post-wedding parties of Hurley and Nayar. So lets hear the wedding bells ringing.

HOLI Bollywood`s Holi songs

Holi Aaye Re! That`s one of the oldest songs one can recollect from the film of the same name - Holi aaye re (1970).

But my first memoir of the Holi festival in Bollywood goes way back to the film Mother India (1957) where Rajendra Kumar and Sunil Dutt get in the Holi mode in the song Holi aaye re kanhayee. The song terminates to twist the tale when Sunil Dutt is accused of getting unruly with a village girl and is exiled from the village.


One of the most interesting songs based on the Holi festival, Arey jare hat natkhat comes from the film Navrang (1959). The uniqueness of the song lies in actress Sandhya`s inimitable dance steps where she plays the role of both the male and female characters by just turning through a swift 180 degrees.


Cut in to the early 70`s when Rajesh Khanna symbolized many a Holi songs. In Kati Patang (1971) he wooed Asha Parekh, who played a widow leading a colorless life, to forget everything and get into the Holi mode in the song Aaj na chodenge bus humjoli.

In Namak Haram (1973), he was out of his senses after boozing liberal doses of the special Holi drink bhaang in the song Nadiya se dariya.

Jai jai Shiv Shankar from Aap Ki Kasam (1974) was not exactly a Holi number but depicted the aftermath of the bhaang. The intoxicating track is still played on Holi to get along with the bhaang hangover.
Move over to 1975, where Gabbar Singh yells Holi kab hai? and there opens the song Holi ke din dil mil jaate hai in the open grounds of Ramgarh village in the blockbuster hit Sholay. The song terminates with Gabbar Singh`s first interaction with Jai and Veeru and gives the film its first climax.

Also the same year saw another Holi song in the film Zakhmee where Sunil Dutt in a revolting temper crooned Zakhmi dilo ka badla chukane.


Needless to say, the most popular Holi number to date is Rang barse from Yash Chopra`s Silsila (1981). Any music lover cannot imagine a Holi without Rang barse! With his on and off-screen wife Jaya Bachchan taking the backseat in the song and Amitabh matching his dance steps with the ravishing Rekha, this song did play a major role in igniting the Amit-Rekha-Jaya controversy post Silsila.


Then there was O Holi Aaye from Yash Chopra`s Mashaal (1984), which starred the inimitable Dilip Kumar and Rati Agnihotri. Dilip Kumar Blazes the screen in this Yash Chopra classic and the song went on to become a huge hit!

Ang se ang lagana from his obsessive love story Darr (1993). The latter one even had an interlude of Rang barse lipped by Shah Rukh Khan who lands up at Juhi Chawla`s house camouflaged in Holi colors and scares Juhi at the end of the song. The song is followed by Sunny chasing Shah Rukh but in vain.

In the recent past, Aditya Chopra`s Mohabbatein (2000) illustrated the Holi song Soni soni akhiyo wali wherein the master Shah Rukh guided his youthful pupils to play Holi with the girls.

And then we had Amitabh Bachchan once again dipping into the Holi aura self singing Holi khere raghubeera with the gorgeous Hema Malini in Ravi Chopra`s Baghban (2003) and proving that when playing Holi `Age does not matter`!

Last, but definitely not the least, how can we forget the horribly high-pitched and not to mention besura Annu mallik crooning - Do me a favour, lets play Holi..with Akshay and Priyanka cavorting in the background! Holi has indeed come a long way in Bollywood. Holi is also one of the most celebrated events in tinsel town, with the best parties being thrown by the Bachchans and the Chopras. If your not lucky enough to get an invite to any of these big do`s, just indulge in some gatecrashing. With all the bhaang, do you think anyone will even notice?