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For the last few years we all have been constantly hearing stories about the cold war between Amitabh Bachchan (Big B) and Shahrukh Khan (King Khan), as to who is better amongst the two. Do you really think that it is valid to compare the talent of a senior actor with an actor who is in league of his son’s generation? While Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his 67th birthday few days back, Shahrukh Khan is 42 years of age. While Amitabh Bachchan has 128 films to his credit, Shahrukh Khan has only 49 films in his kitty. While Amitabh Bachchan has been able to experiment with varied types of roles over the span of 3 decades, Shahrukh has just started deviating from his comfortable cocoon of romanticism. If Shahrukh claims to be a competitor of Big B then he needs to correct himself first as Big B has already reached the summit of acting while King Khan has just entered the arena of mature acting.

Though the box office statistics show that King Khan is more successful with a success rate of 67.4 percent in comparison to 53 percent of Big B, we should not forget the difference in the experience level of both the actors.

Apoorv Phalle, a student from Pune says, “Shah Rukh has been very good with all his romantic roles, but he has a long way ahead of him to be near to Big B, who has already reached the summit, where no one can reach. Of late Shah Rukh has often been seen following Big B’s footsteps in the entertainment world after doing Farhan Akhtar’s Don, which was a flop.”

Saurabh Shirsath studying in FTI (Film Television Institute) says, “Shah Rukh has made a mockery of himself by comparing himself with Amitabh Bachchan, its too childish of him to do remakes of his films and doing shows like KBC. All these are making him earn a bad name; an actor of his class deserves to stand distinctly and should not fight to reach the summit, which Amitabh has already reached.”

In my opinion they both are fine actors in their own leagues and they should simply continue to entertain us with their tremendous talent. All this hype of there being a cold war between the two actors is media created. Gossip hungry media has never spared any celebrity so how can these two be left behind?

Tags: Amitabh, Amitach Bachchan, Bachchan, Big B, Box Office, Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity News, Don, Farhan Akhtar, FTI, Gossip, KBC, Khan, King Khan, Mumbai, Pune, Shahrukh, Shahrukh Khan

The Bollywood most popular super star Amitabh Bachchan remarked India as a developed country. While in a press conference promoting the latest leg of his “The Unforgettable Tour” in London Amitabh Bachchab said : India should no longer be dismissed as a “Third World” country but should henceforth be given due respect as a “developed nation”.

He made this statement replying the question - what it meant to be an Indian today and about the nature of the relationship between India and the diaspora, increasingly third or even fourth generation, scattered across the world?

Bachchan stated: “India today is a recognized force and I hope to see that India is no longer referred to as a Third World country or a developing nation – it should be referred to as a developed nation and a first (world country).”

He said: “Primarily we are very proud of our country, we are proud of our history, we are proud of our culture – it goes back thousands and thousands of years. We are proud that we fought for our independence, we are proud that we are the largest democracy in the world and we are very proud now of the way India is progressing after the economic liberalization.”

Bachchan is on world tour with his wife, Jaya, his son, Abhishek, and daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai. With other stars, including Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh, have entertained Indian audiences in Toronto on July 18, Port of Spain in Trinidad on July 20, Los Angeles, on July 26, San Francisco on July 27, Houston on August 2, Atlantic City on August 9, Chicago on August 10, and New York on August 15. Shilpa Shetty is going to join the latest leg of “The Unforgettable Tour” by Bollywood actors which is to take place on Sunday at the 14,000-seat O2 Arena in London.

The current reports said that the tour will end after concerts in Amsterdam on August 29 and in Oberhausen in Germany on August 30.

Tags: Abhishek, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya, Aishwarya Rai, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Bollywood, Developed Nation, Entertainment, India, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, Shilpa Shetty, Third World, Unforgettable Tour

After winning Big Brother show in the United Kingdom, Shilpa Shetty has made her place in the A- list of the bollywood stars. The small Britain stint has brought not only an inflow of cash and movie offers but has added her name in the most talked about people of the tinsel town.

After her recent success of Life… in a metro and being in the news for her relationship with a certain Mr. Kundar, Shilpa had recently come out with a yoga cd of hers in which she has revealed her yoga knowledge for a toned up body like hers. But most recently she has made news for herself by committing her dancing skills to be showed off at the ‘unforgettable’ world tour being organized by the Bachchan family.

Confirming the news of her being a part of the world tour Shilpa informs that she would be dancing in two acts sharing the stage with the very new bahu of the bachchan parivar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She explains her excitement to be working with Aish by stating that as both of them belong to Mangalore, she hopes that they would get along very well. Adding to this she claims that Preity, who is also a part of the show, is a hassle free person and would be good to work with. With this she recalls that it isn’t the first time she would be doing a stage show with Amitji but her excitement is at a different level when she has to work with the whole family.

When enquired about the sudden entry of her in the show, she replied that it wasn’t a sudden decision, they were planning it out and when it got finalized, it was announced. An all charged up Shilpa would be a part of the show throughout whereas Madhuri would perform in the United States and Canada and Akshay Kumar would be present at the inaugural show at Toronto.

Tags: Aish, Aishwarya, Aishwarya Rai, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Bachchan Family, Bollywood, Britain, Madhuri, Preity, Preity Zinta, Shilpa, Shilpa Shetty, UK, United Kingdom, Yoga

The much talked film of the Bachchan’s family has hit the theatres across the country. The much acclaimed trio from the Bachchan’s family: Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya are coming together on screen for the first time in this highly anticipated film. The entire fortune of the family is at stake.

With son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya, Amitabh Bachchan is all set to pull in crowds for Sarkar Raj, a sequel to Ram Gopal Verma’s Sarkar which focused on one powerful family of Nagres in the politician-underworld nexus in Mumbai. Although Amitabh Bachchan is always saying that Sarkar Raj is not the sequel of Sarkar. The movie was a big hit with wonderful direction, brilliant performances and most importantly, excellent climax.

‘Sarkar Raj,’ directed by maverick Ram Gopal Varma extends the storyline of Sarkar. Two years later Sarkar- Subhash Nagre (Amitabh Bachchan) inherits most of his power to the son Shankar (Abhishek Bachchan) who is happily married to Avantika (Tanishaa).

Then comes Anita Rajan (Aishwarya Rai - Bachchan), CEO of Sheppard power plant, an International company, who brings a power plant proposal to set up in rural Maharashtra before the Nagres. After convincing Sarkar (Amitabh Bachchan) who is initially against it for various reasons, Shankar undertakes a journey along with Anita to the villages of Maharashtra to mobilize support of the masses. Trouble as expected comes when millions of people stand against the highly controversial project in a state that is witnessing the worst of coalition politics. Shankar’s dream project gradually becomes a political minefield and the evil forces mightier than ever mushroom and gang up to bring down the regime of Sarkar and obliterate Shankar’s name from the political horizon.

Prashant Pandey’s story was primarily good but he disappoints in the later part of the story. The first half of the story is convincing and interesting but the same is missing in the later part. Sequences in second half are unacceptable. However climax is strong and superb.

Villains give a cool feeling to the story. All the baddies-Govind Namdeo, Siyaji Shinde, Upendra Limaye and Rajesh Shringapure stand out because of the coolness of their characters.

Abhishek Bachchan has done a wonderful job. The movie can said to be belonged to Abhishek. Amitabh Bachchan gave a superb climax while Aishwarya gave brilliant performance. Her expressions, performance and dressing sense, all are appreciable. Tanisha’s work is also satisfactory.

Music is given by Bapi-Tutul. The song ‘Jalwa Re Jalwa’ is appreciable. Cinematographer Amit Roy was very unusual and better than in Sarkar. Dialogues are quite sharp.

Ram Gopal Verma who got a lot of criticism by his previous movie- Ram Gopal Verma ki Aag, can regain the lost prestige of him by this movie. Though his direction is as usual great but it seems hard if he could do this. Once again the second half part of the movie regrets the expectations of the viewers.

Bachchan’s family respect and prestige is also at stake on the movie as the trio is coming together first time on the screen after Abhi-Ash marriage. Earlier they have been seen in Bunty and Bubbly’s very famous item song- “Kajrare- Kajrare”. This is the first time the three are acting in a movie. But it seems hard to crack the nut by Bachchan family!

Tags: Abhishek, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya, Aishwarya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Ramu, Sarkar, Sarkar Raj

With the start of a new blog of Super star Amitabh Bachchan, a hot debate between him and Shatrughan Sinha is started. (Also see Amitabh targets Shatrughan Sinha in his blog!)

Replying to the recent statements of Big B regarding the IIFA awards in his blog, Shatrughan said, “I don’t know why Bachchan is taking these things personally.”

Recently Sinha has said that the nominations list of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards was fixed and Amitabh talk about it in his blog taking this comment on him.

While talking to a channel Sinha said, “I am not talking about fixing of IIFA awards only but I am saying about every award.”

He blamed that there is no fairness in any award because it is emphasized to any particular person or organization or politics.

Sinha said that it is conflict of interest because Amitabh is brand Ambassador of IIFA. Hence it is natural that he will favor IIFA awards.

Amitabh said that IIFA awards are based on voting and computerization.

Replying to this statement Sinha said,” Amitabh is bigger than me in film industry and he knows the truth. I am in film industry for last 35 years and I don’t have to tell how the awards are given.”

He also questioned that Aamir Khan’s movie ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is highly appreciated by the public but why it was not nominated for awards? It is done to benefit some special persons. Sinha tells Big B’s comment unimportant.

Sinah said, “Amitabh is my good friend and I have done many hit films with him. But I couldn’t understand Amitabh’s rage. I didn’t specify any name. I only said that IIFA awards are only the function of a Bollywood family. Bollywood includes Khan family, Kapoor and Roshan family too but how Amitabh thought that I am talking about his family.”

However Amitabh said, “I believe that these types of gossips are trying to make the public think that there is some fixing in IIFA awards. There is only one family which is pointed for this and it is not hard to guess it.”

IIFA will be held in Bangkok this year from June 6-8.

Tags: Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Blog, Bollywood, Entertainment, Shatrughan Sinha

The Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who has recently stepped into the world of blogs to share his views with his fans, hit out his co-star Shatrughan Sinha’s statement in which Sinha has said that the nominations list of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards was fixed.

In his blog http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/04/21/day-4-blog/, he wrote, “A section of the print media carried comment from my colleague and friend and neighbor, Shatrughan Sinha. It reportedly quoted his reactions to the nomination list of the IIFA awards, wherein he has purportedly stated that ‘sab kissika beta hai, ya kissiki bahu, ya kissiki biwi’, and the media adding there interpretation to it, stating that this was directed to a particular family of ‘guru’ fame.”

The Mani Ratnam directed Guru, starring Amitabh’s son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, has been nominated in all the main categories of the IIFA awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Performance in a leading role.

Amitabh stated that these comments are similar to that happened past years when the National Award for best actress was honoured to Raveena Tandon. Brother of Raveena’s mother, MacMohan was one of the members of the jury that time. It was alleged that Shatrughan Sinha’s wife, Poonam, a great friend of Raveena’s mother had recommended the appointment of MacMohan. Shatrughan Sinha was minister of state at that time.

“If this alleged story is true then I do value Mr. Sinha’s alleged statement of sab kissika beta, kissiki beti, kissiki biwi - you are so right Shatru,” he wrote.

Commenting on the IIFA nominations, Amitabh said the names were finalized through computerized voting system.

“And may I also state that IIFA nominations come from the film fraternity through computerized voting systems, audited and compiled by PriceWaterhouse Coopers, an international company of repute and standing.”

Commenting on Shatrughan Big B said, “And Shatru! I have seen some very encouraging reports of the film, where your son is being introduced to this great industry. May he prosper and succeed even more than his illustrious father and may he never have to face a slighted accusation of ‘fixing’, when his name comes up for an award in future.”

IIFA will be held in Bangkok this year from June 6-8.

Tags: Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Big B, Bollywood, Shatrughan Sinha, Shot gun

After Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan stated not to leave Mumbai against the remarks of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, the party chief Raj Tackray said on Friday that he had never asked Bachchan to leave Maharashtra.

Three days back, Bachchan said that he was not an outsider in Mumbai and that he would not leave the city at any cost.

Raj Thackray replied to his statement at a function at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hall while addressing employees of an airlines saying that he didn’t asked him to leave.

For last many days, there is going a verbal war between the two public figures. At first, Raj attcked Bachchan blaming him for taking more interest in his native state Uttar Pradesh as compared to his work place, Mumbai.

Later, MNS workers made fun of him through a poster on Bachchan’s going back of decision of donating his land to farmers.

Bachchan broke his silence after a series of attcks on him by MNS. Bachchan had said, “I am not leaving this city (Mumbai) and going anywhere. Let them chuck a thousand bottles. Let them burn my effigies. Let them attack me with stones and lathis or whatever is their arsenal. I will not budge”.

The actor had made the remarks as he was hurt by the campaign that was unleashed by the MNS against him.

Tags: Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Big B, Mumbai, Raj, Thackrey

Once again Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan broke his silence and reacted strongly against the remarks of Thackerays saying that he will not leave Mumbai city at any cost.

In an interview to the tabloid Mumbai Mirror, Bachchan said, “I am not leaving this city and going anywhere. Let them [the MNS] throw bottles and stones. Let them burn my effigies and bring morchas in front of my house — but I won’t budge.”

In the interview he directly challenged the Maharashtra Navnirman Seva (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and his supporters. He said that he is not an outsider for Mumbai city. He has been living in Mumbai for last 40 years. He said that he need not to give any kind of explanation to anyone. Whatever they say about him or whatever they do, he will not leave the city.

“I am a public figure, not a public official. I am not a democratically elected representative of the people; neither do I hold any public office. I am answerable only to the three C’s: courts, Constitution and conscience”.

“This land is my land as much as it is for every other citizen of our beloved country. I came to Mumbai in 1968 to pursue a vocation and I did not need a visa to come here.” He added.

This interview came soon after the star was targeted in an editorial of Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Samna’ comapring him with Tollywood star Rajnikanth who was supporting the Tamil cause in the Hogenekkal controversial issue despite of the fact that he is a Maharashtrian from Karnataka while Amitabh is not very loyal to Maharashtra.

However soon after the editorial was published, Bala Saheb Thackray the head of Shiv Sena dismissed the words and told Bachchan as superstar of the country.

Bachchan said that Balasaheb is like his father figure.

“Balasaheb has been a father figure to us and shall remain so. In my growing up years, my parents taught me that when elders speak, the young listen quietly. I quietly accept whatever my elder or his outfit has expressed,” He said.

On comparison to Rajnikanth, he said,”I feel honored that I have a friend in Rajnikanth and even more honored that, despite my insignificance, I am brought into comparison with him.”

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Tags: Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Bala Saheb, Big B, Mumbai, Thackrey

After criticizing Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan through an article in Shiv Sena mouthpiece Samana, party chief Bal Thackeray on Monday put to rest all rumors against the actor and taking a U-turn called Bachchan a ’superstar of the entire country’.

Two days before Bal Thackeray praised Tamil super star Rajnikant for his stand on the Hogenakkal issue and inversely criticized Bachchan. He said that Amitabh is more loyal to Uttar Pradesh where he born but showing no concern for Mumbai where he is living presently and got stardom. He called Amitabh ‘dwarfed’ on the issues relating to Maharashtra.

But in today’s editorial he dismissed the words and told Bachchan as his family friend. He said that he has high regards for the actor.

“Amitabh is not just star of one particular state, but the superstar of the whole country. Hence it is improper to drag him into needless controversy of regionalism,” Thackeray said in the editorial.

Thackeray also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in the editorial for ‘harassing’ Bachchan by raking up trivial issues and said this ‘is worthy of contempt’.

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Tags: Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Bal Thackeray, Mumbai, Rajnikant

The unique drive “No Honking Day” in Mumbai today left 3061 motorists fined between 10 a.m. to 2p.m. during the four hours campaign.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shahaji Solunke told that the motorists were fined for not following the ‘no honking’ rules.

Rs 100 were charged from those who were blaring the horns of their vehicle for no reason and Rs.500 were charged for excessive honking.

The campaign was first of its kind is started to control the useless honking by vehicles in the high traffic areas of Mumbai. The city has a whopping 1.5 million vehicles, including 110,000 auto-rickshaws and 55,000 taxis. The drive is expected to create awareness among public about the social and health ill-effects of honking and noise pollution.

Sumaira Abdulali, head of voluntary organisation Awaaz that is part of the ‘No Honking’ initiative, told that they got a mixed response from public for the campaign. Of course police supported the environment friendly drive. High traffic areas like Bandra were given special alert by volunteers to make the campaign successful.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan also supported the drive by affixing a white sticker on his car reading “No Honking Today”.

Mumbai Police and other agencies distributed over 100,000 no-honking stickers in English, Hindi and Marathi to vehicles owners, including two-wheelers, cars, taxis and autos.

“In high traffic areas of south Mumbai like Byculla and VT, there was hardly any difference and drivers continued to honk as usual,” Sumaira said, as the campaign clocked half-day.

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Tags: Amitabh, Amitabh Bachchan, Bachchan, Honking, Horn, Mumbai, No Honking Day