BBC - Asian Network - Bollywood

Mumbai Callling

Raj&Pablo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:10:44 +0000

Thank you for all your responses for interview with Saif and Kareena. Did you check it out on the the BBC homepage? Can't wait for 'Kurbaan' next week and we should be watching it in Mumbai. The buzz is Vivek delivers a powerful performance and is the surprise package.

]]>It's been a hectic week - we thought we were all organised - tickets booked; clothes packed; toiletries decanted; schedule sorted - we were all set to fly to Mumbai. But - aaaaaaaargh a hiccup with the visas!! After phoning and continuously rushing to the visa office those lovely people have now sorted it and we are all systems go. Can't wait!!

On another note our saga to watch Bollywood continues. We ended up in the middle of nowhere in a local Indian owned cinema to watch TUM MILE as it wasn't on a general release. We both love supporting local cinemas but have to say the standard were awful. It hadn't been cleaned for months with popcorn all over the place, hard seats, smelly toilets and rude staff........aaaaaaargh! Maybe that's why we were totally underwhelmed by the movie.

Watch out Mumbai - here we come!!

Love Us Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xx

Simply the Best

Raj&Pablo — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:11:34 +0000

What a week it's been! We met up with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor (you can hear that on Saturday) we said a quick hi-bye to Karan Johar and we trekked deep into the suburbs to watch Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Jail - why can't Bollywood Films be shown everywhere? Meanwhile in my more personal time (!) I was shivering and enjoying "balti baths" while waiting for my boiler to be fixed; organising a dinner party that I'd totally forgotten I'd promised I'd cook for and anxiously waiting for my passport to arrive and waiting ages for a visa. Who says I'm disorganised?!

Watch the full interview below | Gallery

]]>Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is Ranbir Kapoor's breakthrough performance - he has most definitely arrived. The chemistry between him and Katrina Kaif is infectious and it's the first time in a long time that a Bollywood comedy doesn't make you cringe into your hotdog. Jail sees another feather in the cap for Neil Nitin Mukesh; his performance is restrained and intense - although the film is not as fast paced as Madhur's previous release Fashion.

Wonder what Ranbir and Neil's respective late grandfathers - the legendary Raj Kapoor and Mukesh would have made of their grandsons' competing at the box-office in the same week? Mukesh was THE playback voice for Raj Kapoor and both were great friends.

The icing on the cake for us this week was when we received a call to meet Mr Amitabh Bachchan. There are very few people in the world whose charisma, charm and sheer magnetic presence leave you mesmerised.

Mr Bachchan was in town to raise awareness for The Maharaja of Jodhpur's charity and invited us to ask him all about his forthcoming release, Paa. It was a magical moment for us - despite the hurly burly that surrounded us Mr Bachchan made his way towards us and personally asked how we were and apologised for the delays. The legend of Bollywood - he celebrates 40 years in the industry this year - was as considerate as ever. We couldn't believe he was taking the time to ask us how we were?! We were flabbergasted.

Despite Mr Bachchan being in considerable pain with a shoulder injury - he was in high spirits. Paa should be a landmark film for the Indian Film Industry as it has Amitabh playing a 12-year-old child suffering from progeria - a condition that accelerates ageing. The film is directed by Balki - who previously made Cheeni Kum with Amitabh and Tabu. Paa also stars Abhishek as the father and the sparkling Vidya Balan as the mother. The promos take your breath away with their touching sensitivity.

We can't wait to see the film. Hope your week proves a little less hectic than ours! Catch you this weekend from 9am.

Love Us, Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xx

Bolly here, Bolly there, Bolly everywhere

Raj&Pablo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:07:12 +0000

As ever, it's been a busy week for us; watch out for our interview with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. They came down to our studios yesterday to talk about their new film 'Kurbaan'. Not only will you be able to hear the interview on Love Bollywood, but you'll also be able to watch it on the BBC Asian Network website very soon.

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There are two big film releases this weekend, 'Ajab Prem Ke Ghazab Kahani' starring Ranbir Kapoor & Katrina Kaif and 'Jail' which stars Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse. We think that Ajab will be another feather under Ranbir's cap and with Jail, Neil may just attain the critical acclaim he's been after. We did manage to catch the trailer of Jail at this years IFFA's in Macau; let's just say a lot was being said about "that nude scene."

It really has been a week of Bolly talk. Many of you will know that Harshita Kohli, a friend of the BBC Asian Network has been visiting us form Mumbai. So you can well imagine our dinner table conversation, bollywood, our wine bar chat, bollywood, let's take a jog in the morning, heavy breathing talk, bollywood, let me make some parathas and chat whilst I cook, Bollywood! Yes we truly live our lives like this.

See you this weekend

Love Us, Love Bollywood

Pablo

Raj&Pablo xxx

Magic Dreams

Raj&Pablo — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:42:06 +0000

Now the dust has settled and Diwali is over, 'All The Best' has emerged as the surprise leader of the lacklustre releases from that weekend. The annual celeberations for Pablo's birthday have also died down, so we all thought we'd have a moment to breathe. Ahhhhh.

]]>But NO! It's been a hurly burly Bollytastic week with two big releases: London Dreams and Aladin. They both had us busy like chickens running around to be tandooried!

On Monday we caught up with Rithesh Deshmukh and Jaqueline Fernandes - both were excited about their movie 'Aladin' and apart from the pre-release nerves they were both in awe of the magical prescence of Mr Amitabh Bachchan.

On Wednesday, we were with Salman Khan - he'd flown in from Dubai for whistlestop visit to promote 'London Dreams'. We had a good catch up and Salman told us all about his charity work; and how he feels about having a fatwha against him, and how he felt about being reunited with Ajay Devgan ten years after "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam".

In our opinion, 'Aladin' is magical all-round family entertainment and 'London Dreams' is Salman's show all the way.

Do listen again to the shows.

We have got a big Bollytastic surprise this week - so watch this space!!

Love Us, Love Bollywood,

Raj&Pablo xx

Cheers and Thanks!

Raj&Pablo — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:15 +0000

Thank you to everyone who got in touch with Diwali wishes for us, our team and the BBC Asian Network. We hope you all had a great time and the new year is prosperous for all.

]]>Raj will not forget this Diwali in a hurry! Amongst some of the Bollywood stars who texted us Happy Diwali on our phones was the legendary Zeenat Aman. No more fire works, food or music needed, his Diwali and New Year began and ended right there!

All The Best seems to have favoured quite well at the box office out of the three releases last week. I really felt quite bad for the cast of Blue, there was just so much hype and very little substance - if only the script had been a bit better then the film would have stood a chance.

Salman Khan fans are happy that they can catch the few scenes of him in Main Aur Mrs Khanna.

Aladin is the next big release that I'm looking forward to, I only hope it does not suffer the same fate as Blue, style over substance.

The second part of the Vivek Oberoi interview will be on this Saturday, I can promise you it's not something you want miss - he gets really personal even chatting about snogging in his films!

I'm off to celebrate my birthday - catch you over the weekend,

Love Us, Love Bollywood,

Pablo,

Raj&Pablo xxx

Diwali Delights

Raj&Pablo — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:20:18 +0000

It's been a bumper Bollytastic Diwali for us this weekend - three BIG film releases - BLUE, MAIN AUR MRS KHANNA and ALL THE BEST.

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Well what can we say - BLUE left us cold and we almost drowned in the shallowness of its plot - even the effervescent Kylie Minogue could not save this film.

MAIN AUR MRS KHANNA is a whimsical sweet movie with excellent performances - Preity Zinta in a cameo as the courtesan from Pakistan is superb, Sohail Khan's comic timing excellent; Salman is understated and Kareena delivers another powerful performance as the jilted wife.

ALL THE BEST - We are so annoyed that this movie has been given a limited release. This Ajay Devgan produced starrer with Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu and Mughda Gose is rip roaring comedy and the buzz seems to be good.

BUT the big thing apart from laddoos and candles in the studio and all your DIWALI messages was our special with the zesty Preity Zinta - do watch it again..

PREITY ZINTA VIDEO

Catch you soon

Love Us, Love Bollywood

Raj

Raj&Pablo xx

Happy Diwali from the Love Bollywood Team

Raj&Pablo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:45:02 +0000

Diwali isn't just a time for lots of food, fireworks and family. It's also a time when some of the biggest movies of the year are released. This Diwali, there's Blue, Main Aur Mrs Khanna and All The Best. I'll go out on a limb and say that Main Aur Mrs Khanna will be the one to clean up at the box office.

]]>We have a big special for you on Saturday's Love Bollywood Diwali Show. Last week we meet up with Priety Zinta in London. She was very funny and completely honest, tune in to find out what all the fuss was about when the police arrived at her much talked about birthday party!

You'll be able to hear the full interview on the show and watch it online a few days later too.

Raj and I took part in a photo shoot earlier this week too. It was about making dream images come true and being photographed in that particular look. I think we pulled it off rather well; keep an eye on the blog to find out what look we went for, we may even show you a picture or two over the coming weeks.

Have a wonderful Diwali and celebrate with us this weekend.

Love Us Love Bollywood,

Pablo

Raj&Pablo xxx

Three For One

Raj&Pablo — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:35:14 +0000

Its been a Bollytastic whirlwind of a weekend - stars and stars galore. On Friday we caught up with Asin, who stars in the forthcoming "London Dreams" opposite Salman Khan and Ajay Devgun. Asin is delightful - she told us how she solved her sinus problems, how delighted she is at the success of "Ghajni" and how she's made Mumbai her new home..

]]>One of our favouritea ctresses Preity Zinta was in town for a charity event and it was great to have a good old fashioned chinwag with her over a hot chocolate at TV Centre. We ad a blast and talked about cricket, dogs, SRK, her new flat and Abhishek Bachchan! And guess what? You can hear it all in our Diwali Special next Saturday.

On Saturday Vivek Obreoi - who was also here to raise money for charity, eventually made it to the show! His taxi took him to the wrong studios and he belted it across London to make it to the show with just a half hour to spare - phew! He is the most sincere of stars and after the show we all sat down and chatted about high profile relationships, kissing scenes, how he changed his life, and his relationship with his mum was affected. And for all you Vivek fans - you'll be able to hear all our post show chat on air next week.

Its going to be a Bumper Diwali!

Love Us, Love Bollywood

Raj&Pabloxx

October Birthdays

Raj&Pablo — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:08:05 +0000

This weekend the Love Bollywood studios will have another star sitting in the hot seat. Vivek Oberoi will be live with us on Saturday, we'll be talking to him about the charity work he's doing here, any questions get them in to us lovebollywood@bbc.co.uk.

]]>Acid Factory is the big release this week. The film has been around for the past two years. Why has it taken so long to release ? On Sunday we'll be talking to Dia Mirza, a friend of the show, and one of the stars of the film.

Love Us Love Bollywood

Pablo

Raj&Pablo xxx

Clash of the Titans

Raj&Pablo — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:18:30 +0000

It was 11 years ago when Karan Johar's directorial debut 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' opened alongside David Dhawan's 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'. Almost a decade later history has repeated itself with Karan's 'Wake Up Sid' and David's Do Knot Disturb releasing together.
]]>We caught both films on Friday, and six hours later, we have to say could have gone to see WUS again, it's fresh, well shot and sensitive - almost a latter day 'Dil Chata Hai' with terrific performances. 'Do Knot Disturb' on the other hand is a leave your brains at home film - all singing, all dancing, multi starrer that goes for the lowest common denominator - sexual slapstick comedy.

It was fun catching up with Konkona Sen Sharma and the last time we met was at a coffee lounge in Mumbai was back in February. Currently she's one of the most talented actors in the industry and despite her intensity on screen- she does love to have a laugh and she's so down to earth! Modest as always she gave all credit of WUS to Ranbir Kapoor and first time director Ayan Mukerjhee. She also revealed her excitement about working in her mum, Aparna Sen's movie about an actress looking back on her life.

WUS director Ayan Mukerjee is fun, single and he was slightly surprised at the reaction to his movie. He's told us his love life (like mine) is a disaster! He's proud of his dad's performance in 'Kaminey' and yes he is related to Kajol and Rani Mukherjee!

One of the hardest things to own up to is gaining weight and then losing it - Karan Johar revealed his weight pressures to us last week. Hats off to former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen who made no bones of the fact she was 12 kilos heavier for her role in 'Do Knot Disturb' and how hard it was to loose it in 45 days!!

That's it - no more popcorn or hotdogs for us at the cinema - not at the prices they charge!

Love Us, Love Bollywood,

Raj x

Raj&Pablo xx

Our Love Lives

Raj&Pablo — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:44:47 +0000

It's another big week for Bollywood with two releases coming out - Karan Johar's Wake Up Sid and Do Knot Disturb. It's going to be interesting to see the dynamics between Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe) and Lara Dutta (Miss World) in Do Knot Disturb. ]]>You'll be able to hear our interview with Sushmita Sen on Sunday. In the meantime you can watch our IIFA interview from Macau with Govinda and Sushmita Sen on the bollywood player at bbc.co.uk/asian network.

Where are all your loved up Love Bollywood Stories? We are incredibly nosey here. Are you in the most loved up relationship ever? Have you had the worst break up in town or are you the one doing the cheating? Get in touch with us, we are totally fed up with our own love lives, put us out of our misery! email lovebollywood@bbc.co.uk

Also ladies and gents the Karan Johar video will be up any minute, please check it out and let me know if you agree with me - Karan's jacket is nearly as hot as me!

Love Us Love Bollywood

Pablo

Raj&Pablo xxx

Garam Garam Chai with Raj & Pablo....and no coffee for Karan!

Raj&Pablo — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:42:58 +0000

We had a blast with one of the most articulate, talented and focussed guys from Bollywood, Karan Johar. He was on a whirlwind tour to promote his new movie - "Wake Up Sid! " which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. ]]>Both of us took a double take - Karan looked suave in a really cool leather jacket that I've had my eyes on. Pablo and I have both known Karan for a while - we first bumped into him in Bond Street a few years ago and shared a bagel together, and we've kept bumping into him whenever he's in London - usually when shopping. The running joke we have is who's the better dressed - so far I win hands down.

We always have a candid giggle with Karan - on Saturday he gave us loads of gossip, everything from Farah Khan's dreadful taste in nightwear to what happened when his phone with all his bollywood star numbers got stolen and how me Kareena finally buried the hatchet.

Raj

Raj&Pablo xx

Priyanka Set to Impress

Raj&Pablo — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:20:39 +0000

We're really looking forward to this week's big release, 'What's Your Rashee'. Priyanka Chopra playing, not one, not two or even ten, but twelve different characters! Will she be able to pull this off? Is this too ambitious, even for the brilliant director Ashutosh (Lagaan) Gowarikar? Whilst filming for 'What's Your Rashee' the former Miss World collapsed from exhaustion. Who can blame the poor girl? Learning the lines for ONE role is too much for some starlets!

]]>I hope Harman Baweja will deliver, or I'll never hear the end of it from Raj! By me, I mean you too, he will go on and on about Harman's shortcomings on Love Bollywood for weeks on end! I wonder if the release of the film will reignite the flames between the 'Love story 2050' couple? Probably not, if the promiscuous nature of Bollywood gossips to be believed! I think she makes a better couple with me!! Don't you agree?

Talking of Bollywood hotties, if you missed Sundays show listen back to us talking to a now married Ayesha Takia Azmi. The actress dispelled the rumours of retirement after getting hitched, and proved she is still 'Wanted' by sizzling on screen next to Salman Khan. Maybe tying the knot is the best thing she could've done!

Now onto the soapbox - can everyone just lay off Kylie!!! We love Chiggy Wiggy, yes we said it! We'll say it again....we LOVE Chiggy Wiggy!

Are we looking for deeper meanings in lyrics? Can we remind everyone it's part of a Bollywood soundtrack!? You danced to Dhan Ta Nan all summer, and we predict you'll be Chiggy Wigging on the dancefloors this Autumn!

If anyone on the planet can make Chiggy Wiggy sexy, it's Kylie! Let's not forget, what you couldn't get out of your head a few years ago... Na Na Na, Na NaNa Na Na! And make sure you join us on Saturday for Love Bollywood - we've got Karan Johar live in the studio with us!

Love Us, Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xxx

GOD HELP YOU !!

Raj&Pablo — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:28:54 +0000

It's been a mad mad week! When isn't it in Bollytastic world??

On Monday, we hooked up for a quick chat with Rani Mukerji, she was rushing in between flights from Toronto and Mumbai after her gala showing of DIL BOLE HADDIPA at the Toronto Film Festival. She looked as elegant as ever, but a tad nervous at the pending release, which has been described as her comeback by some.

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DBH is up against Rani's former co-star and filmi friend Salman Khan's "WANTED" and you've responsed to our dilemma on Facebook based on what to see first.

It was very heated; die hard Rani fans vs. Sallu Bhai's army.

In the end our cinematic viewing choices were made by the showtimes. We caught DBH first at Shaftesbury and then hotfooted to Marble Arch to watch WANTED.

Our verdict: DBH is what you'd expect from a Yash Raj Film; a jalebi version of Punjabi tackling women's rights, cross dressing and romance - all the ingredients that could have made a mind blowing entertainer, with just one pinch missing - the ' IT ' factor.

Rani is fantastic, she looks great!! Shahid, despite his thin ankles, is growing more sure of himself and performed well. Rakhi is wasted and Poonam Dhillon is totally underused. Our Message - watch it for Rani!

Listen to the Rani interview again at the link below:

Rani Mukherjee on Love Bollywood 19/09/09

WANTED on the other hand is gory, gusto and an all out no-holds-barred entertainer.

Salman is great and his chemistry with Ayesha Takia Azmi is sizzling.

Prabudeva's direction is spot on and the action sequences are thrilling. It's a fantastic masala movie.

The movie uses all the good old fashioned ingredients from the 80's; the flawed handsome hero, the damsel in distress, hordes of baddies, a vamp, great music and that age old battle between good and evil!

During our marathon movie evening, Farah Khan text us from Mumbai, after we'd congratulated her on the success of her huge TV success with "Tere Mere Beech", we replied to say we were watching both of her films back to back, her response was three words; "GOD HELP YOU!"

Love Us Love Bollywood

R&P

Shut Up and Bounce

Raj&Pablo — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:20:43 +0000

Last weekend on Sunday's edition of Love Bollywood we spoke to Urvashi Sharma, about her role in Baabaar! If you remember she made her debut in Naqqab along side Akshay Kumar ! And we have to say we were really surprised to find her quite honest and candid!

Listen to Urvashi Sharma on Sunday's Love Bollywood

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One of the biggest highlights this month, was visiting the sets of Abbas Tyrewala's new film, shot in London. It was one big building, which included a production office, storage for props....like cars, a make up room, a canteen, and then finally different rooms that feature in the film. It was a great insight watching Abbas directing John Abraham, Can't wait to see the scene in the film.

On Monday we met Rani Mukherjee, who flew into London literallly for a few hours and told us she quite liked acting the man in her latest film - listen to what else she had to say on Saturday's show!

On Tuesday Pablo was at an award ceremony with Sophyia Haque; you'll remember her from her item number in Indian with Malika Aroa Khan and Amir Khan's The Rising, we may see her on the box skating next, on Dancing on Ice.

With Eid Weekend fast approaching, there's two big film releases this week- Salman Khan's Wanted and Rani Mukherjee's Dil Bole Hadippa. Which one will you be watching ? We'll be talking about both so tune in this weekend and find out which one gets our thumbs up.

Love Us Love Bollywood

Raj&Pablo xxx