The Asian News Blog

The forthcoming international release, Gandhi My Father, based on the untold story of Gandhi’s tragic relationship with his eldest son, has already begun attracting international attention, with former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, requesting a private screening of the film.

Often referred to as the living legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the Gandhi of SouthAfrica, Mandela is now looking forward to seeing a film based on his “favouritehero”. The leader who, of late, has cut down on his public appearances, willmake an exception primarily for the screening which will be heldin Johannesburg on July 29th 2007.
ActorAnil Kapoor, who’s turned producer with this film says”Itis an absolute honour that Nelson Mandela will be seeing my film. He is,perhaps, the biggest world leader that we have, and also someone who comesclosest to Gandhi.”
Also, in her current visit to India, Sienna Miller was invited to a special screening of Gandhi My Father yesterday night. She says: “I just want to say what a beautiful piece of work it is, fantastically acted, beautifully directed, the way it is shot is stunning. And I’m so over whelmed, its just wonderful, wonderful piece of work and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to see the film so very early, so thank you and congratulations to everyone involved.”
Hollywood actors Will Smith and Goldie Hawn, who are known as Gandhi supporters, have already seen the film’s initial showreel and were deeply affected by the film. Smith was quoted as saying he was “very impressed with the canvas of the film and the emotional intensity of the actors”.
Gandhi My Father is heralded as the best Indian film of 2007*. Releasing on 3rd August 2007, Gandhi My Father is a powerful study of the nature and sufferings of the patriarchal relationship between one of the world’s most loved figures – ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi – and his misfortunate eldest son Harilal. The film delves into a territory that has never before been visited by film, and will spark debate by bringing to light an unknown facet of the personal history of a man who transformed the soul of a nation, but who could not save the soul of his own son.
Gandhi My Father is released and distributed worldwide by Eros International. Eros International remains committed to giving Indian cinema a global platform and backing socially relevant films with commercial distribution and marketing muscle.

Shilpa Shetty’s Fragrance, S2, Reaches Number 3 in UK Fragrance Charts… in less than two weeks!

Shilpa has championed the highly competitive beauty and fragrance market within less than two weeks, as her matchless fragrance, S2, has already risen to the Number 3 Spot in the UK Fragrance Charts, after it was launched in London on 6th July.
Shilpa has beaten off stiff competition from the likes of other international stars such as Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton, as her inimitable S2 perfume has proved itself to be a cut above the rest, amid the sea of other celebrity fragrances to have been launched on the lucrative perfume market.
Describing the victorious fragrance, that has been created by the oldest French perfumer, Robertet, Shilpa says, “The perfume is truly unique because of the whole edge we have with the ethnic aroma. We have an amalgam of jasmine and citrus and it’s a very strong aroma.”
S2 by Shilpa Shetty is now available in stores across the UK.

Gandhi Fever continued to sweep through the UK as ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi’s direct ancestor and great grandson, Tushar Gandhi, joined the cast and crew of this year’s most anticipated film release from Indian cinema, Gandhi My Father, at the London press conference that took placeat the Courthouse Kempinski Hotel.

Releasing on 3rd August 2007, Gandhi My Father is a powerful study of the nature and sufferings of the patriarchal relationship between Gandhi and his unfortunate eldest son Harilal. The film’s UK and international release aptly coincides with the current international and UK domestic climate of Gandhism, as India celebrates 60 years of Independence from British rule, and the teaching of Gandhi and his principles is placed back on the national curriculum in British schools.
Tushar Gandhi joined director Feroz Abbas Khan, producer Anil Kapoor and lead actor Akshaye Khanna at the London location to endorse and support the biggest film to emerge from Indian cinema this year that so profoundly explores, for the first time ever, the personal tragedy behind one of the world’s greatest men.
Writer and advocate of the principles of his great-grandfather, Tushar Gandhi arrived in London to show his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the film, which has already received huge international acclaim from critics and public figures such as Nelson Mandela, Sienna Miller, Will Smith and Goldie Hawn. At the press conference, he told of his huge admiration for the sensitive filmic portrayal that has been presented by the film’s director and thespian of Indian theatre, Feroz Abbas Khan, and producer and Bollywood veteran, Anil Kapoor. Tushar stated: When I first heard that the film was being made, I was a bit anxious, as it delves into such an intimate subject for our family, and there was a fear that it would be exploited. But when I found out that Feroz was making it, I was totally reassured. I never cry in films, but when I saw this one, I wept throughout.
“ My grandfather, Manilal, was very close to his brother, Harilal, so my family was extremely affected by the issues that the film uncovers. Seeing the film was the first time that I had witnessed how and what happened back in my family’s personal history. It feels like Feroz has shot the film in real time – it is so accurate. There could have been the temptation of Feroz becoming a voyeur into our family affairs, but he has made the film as if he were a part of our family. This film is essential for anybody who believes in family ties and the importance of community. Nowadays, we don’t talk with each other, but to each other. I thank the filmmakers for allowing me to be a part of this creation, and I will be obliged to them forever.
“By referring to Gandhi as ‘Mahatma’ (the Great Soul), it is a way of saying that no one can emulate him. This film shows him as a human being, a father, a sensitive man. The strength of this film is that we see Gandhi as a person, in the kinds of situation that every human being faces.”
Gandhi My Father is directed by world-renowned thespian of Indian theatre, Feroz Abbas Khan, on whose acclaimed stage play, Mahatma v/s Gandhi, the film has been based. On deciding to realise such affecting subject matter on film, he described, “Because of the limitations of time and space in theatre, when you enter into a subject of this nature, with so much scope, a stage play is too limiting. What has emerged is something far greater than just a film. There were some people in India that were against the film’s release and, for the first time, I realised how fiery one group of people can become. Five well meaning people based in Patna, who do some very worthwhile work, had heard about the film, they got anxious, and wrote to the prime minister to look into this film, and their anxiety was expressed by the media. You can take their objections as information, rubbish or the democratic right to freedom of speech.”
The film has been produced by prolific Indian film actor, Anil Kapoor, who has a 30-year history of hit films and industry accolades under his belt. On speaking about the film – his first venture into production under his Anil Kapoor Films Company banner – he was compelled to tears, telling, “The story was so moving. My family have never wanted me to produce and I told my wife and kids that I would only produce this film if they said yes to me. Knowing how much it meant to me, they told me to go ahead and make this film.”
When told how Gandhi My Father will raise the profile of Indian cinema across the entire globe, Anil commented, “I have travelled all over the world and seen amazing films from all over, often thinking, why can’t Indian cinema make a film like this, of international standard? That’s the vision that I had for this film, just as I have for all of my future films.”
One of Indian cinema’s finest actors, Akshaye Khanna, has championed his acting career with his deft portrayal of Gandhi’s eldest son, Harilal, and described how it has been his most challenging role to date: “Researching the role was extremely hard, as there is very little material or documentation about Harilal Gandhi, compared to the vast amounts that have been recorded about Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi). My focus was to get a glimpse of the spirit of Harilal Gandhi and his character. I got that glimpse through the letters that I saw, from Harilal to his father, and to his mother, Kasturba. This is a film that spans 42 years of their lives. The underlying emotion is the constant love Harilal and his father share with each other. If you don’t love someone, you don’t keep trying to connect with them, in the way that Gandhi and his son continued to do.”
Gandhi My Father is released and distributed worldwide by Eros International – a film company that is committed to giving Indian cinema a global platform and backing socially relevant films. On discussing Eros’ privilege to be delivering such a phenomenal film on an international level, Jyoti Deshpande, COO and Commercial Director, Eros International commented, “Gandhi My Father is a film that everyone will feel deeply. It has been made with the most amount of passion on the part of everyone that has been involved in its creation. The term ‘labour of love’ has been used tonnes of times, but Gandhi My Father truly is.”
Gandhi My Father is releasing in cinemas worldwide on 3rd August 2007.

Leeds Metropolitan University presented icon of Indian cinema Shilpa Shetty with an Honorary Doctorate for outstanding contribution to cultural diversity.

The niversity confers honorary degrees to select recipients every year. On the occasion of India celebrating 60 years of its independence, Leeds wishes to commemorate India’s struggle for freedom by honouring prominent Indian personalities who have contributed to the emergence of India as a fast developing, cinema-proud nation.
Shilpa was delighted while expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Leeds Metropolitan University for bestowing this esteemed gesture upon her. She said, “I am sincerely grateful and humbled by the honour that such a prolific academic institution has so kind heartedly presented to me. I have utmost respect for Leeds Metropolitan University for its constant strive for cultural diversity and representation through the rich programme of study that it offers, ensuring that people from all walks of life are equally represented.
“Education and knowledge are the tools we pick up while we’re growing and they last a lifetime. Leeds Metropolitan University gives those tools to thousands of its alumni and I’m proud to join those alumni as a honourary graduate from this university and that too as a doctor. No filmmaker has been so bold as to give me the role of a doctor in any of my films but you managed to do what even the magic of cinema hasn’t!”
Shilpa also encouraged the university to “keep teaching future generations and making tomorrows pioneers today.” “It is with great honour I humbly accept this doctorate and thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Shilpa Shetty joined the ranks of other luminaries of Indian cinema, such as actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and filmmaker Yash Chopra, who were also recently presented with honorary doctorates by the institution at the IIFA Weekend that took place in Yorkshire last month.

On her current visit to India, international star Sienna Miller, the green ambassador for ‘Global Cool’ – an organisation that is committed to creating awareness about the harmful effects of global warming – met IIFA brand ambassador and Indian cinema’s first citizen, Amitabh Bachchan.

IIFA is partnering with Global Cool in its initiative to educate people to join the effort to save the earth. The two ‘planet savers’ discussed global warming at a press meet held in Mumbai, today, at the J.W. Marriott poolside where they posed for the photographers sporting IIFA and Global Cool T – shirts and umbrellas.
Global Cool has a ten year campaign to get a billion people worldwide to reduce their carbon emissions by a ton a year.
Sienna comes to India with the aim to spread awareness against the growing harmful effects of global warming and to remind us about our duty as global citizens towards Mother Nature. The agenda in association with IIFA included easy tips on how to protect the earth from increasingly damaging effects of global warming.
Sienna is excited to be in India. Her excitement was evident as she spoke about India, “For a country like India, environmental awareness is crucial. I’m glad to know that an international platform like IIFA with tremendous reach has taken up this responsibility to make Indians aware about global warming. It makes me immensely proud to be partnering global superstars like Mr. Bachchan for this serious cause. We need to understand that, we have to stand together and work together to conserve the bounty of nature. Hence, it is my sincere request to my friends, fans and citizens of India to do their bit to keep global warming from harming this beautiful country.”
Speaking at the meet, Amitabh Bachchan said, “IIFA has been the frontrunner in promoting Indian cinema and culture around the world. And this year marked an important addition to IIFA’s message to the world – the concern for environment. IIFA is partnering ‘Global Cool’ in its endeavor to save the planet. The concern that IIFA has shown for the environment is something we, as world citizens, should adopt and work towards. UN research has shown that even if the developed world reduces its greenhouse gas emissions dramatically, growth in emissions from rapidly emerging economies like India will drive up emissions beyond the climatic tipping point.”
Mumbai faces a serious threat due to this. Dharavi will possibly be the first place in India to go underwater due to rising sea levels! Sienna Miller during her Mumbai visit will also visit the Dharavi area and various other areas that are likely to be affected by global warming.
With climatic challenges looming large, IIFA has decided to address the concerns that the world has towards the hazardous effects that human activities are causing. Hence, was born the association with Global Cool – a movement across the world to create consciousness about the issue of global warming and to find new technologies to make our lives more eco efficient.
To know more about what you can do, log on to www.globalcool.org and click on ‘iifa myCO2′.

When I was in Bangladesh, my khala (mum’s sister) stayed over with us. She’s three-years younger than my mum and has about eight grandchildren which she’s very proud off.
Anyway she slept next to me most nights and when I wasn’t sneaking off to talk to Dante on the roof, I use to speak to him late at night and we use to chat till 3am (Bangladesh time) and it was around 9ishpm UK time. Anyway the calls always woke my aunt up and she always use to ask who it was. I told her it was a friend and he was just interested in what i was doing in Bangladesh and that he was fascinated by the country and wanted to know everything. She also use to find the English language fascinating.
Twice I put my aunt on the phone to Dante. The only word she knew was ‘hello.’ She use to talk to him in Bangla and he would talk back in English. She was really chufffed about talking to him. I told her he was Jamaican, and she asked if he was single. I told her he was and jokingly asked her if she had a bride in mind for him. She told me there were plenty of brides and to leave it with her. Well she never mentioned it again until yesterday.
I got a number of missed calls and then my sister text me to tell me that khala wanted me to ring her. So I rang her after work and my excited aunt told me she had two brides for Dante and that she will be sending the pics to my mum to show to him. I told her he can’t speak Bangla and they can’t speak English, but she told me not to worry and that English can be learnt quite easily. I told her he wasn’t even Muslim and she said that that was OK and that she’ll have no trouble converting him once he arrived in Bangladesh. I couldn’t get too defensive cos I didn’t want to arouse any suspicion and said to her to send the pics if she must.
I later told Dante who finds it very amusing and is even looking forward to the pics, despite me getting jealous over nothing! My sisters of course find it hilarious and have been winding me up as well as encouraging my aunt.
Khala told me all about the two girls. One is called Salma, she’s nearly 30 and has been waiting to come to the UK for years. She doesn’t care who she marries as long as she gets her ticket out of Bangladesh, her parents died years ago, she has one brother and she’s been supporting herself as a school teacher for the past 10 years. My aunt assures me she is very pretty.
The other girl has been married once before to a guy from England, however when his first wife found out, she made him divorce her. She’s got one child and wants to marry for love even if it means marrying a guy who cannot speak her own language. My aunt said she is very open minded and again assured me she looks like Aishwarya rai – one of Dante’s favourite Bollywood actresses.
I told Dante he will never see those pics, but he thinks I should leave jealousy aside and let him have a look and get rid of the pics. Now he’s winding me up cos he wants to ring my aunt and tell her that he is thankful for all her help and that he can’t wait to visit Bangladesh.
But am not amused at all, my aunt reckons Dante should choose which one he likes and then take a visit to see her and if he likes her she will arrange the wedding. Khala reckons she is doing a good thing by helping a poor woman out of poverty and leading a fulfilling life in Manchester.
Maybe i’ll laugh about it in a couple of weeks but right now am not pleased at all especially if my mum gets on the case!

Shilpa Shetty joins the London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, at 11am, Tuesday 17th July at London Bridge Pier, as one of the cultural ambassadors to unveil India Now – a three-month festival of events and exhibitions dedicated to Indian art, film, theatre, music, fashion, food and business.

Shilpa Shetty and Ken Livingstone will join other ambassadors of the festival, including actress Joanna Lumley and captain of the Indian national cricket team, Rahul Dravid, as they launch the event with a visual spectacle, receiving a replica of the Taj Mahal as it comes to rest at London Bridge Pier, following a sail down the River Thames, past London’s most iconic landmarks.
Commenting on the India Now festival Shilpa says, “The India Now season of cultural events taking place across London this summer is an apt reflection of the city’s enriched diversity of ethnicities. London is a unique melting pot of cultures, providing a space for people from a multitude of backgrounds to come together and share with each other the wealth of their experiences.
“Cultural respect and encouraging a deeper understanding of Indian traditions through a celebration of diversity, art, dance and food is obviously an issue close to my heart, which is why I am delighted to be a part of these events. Celebrating India in London is an opportunity for all Londoners and visitors to London to see, taste, hear and experience some of the amazing gifts India has to offer.”

Eros International announces its next global release, Gandhi My Father, the most captivating and revolutionary film ever to emerge from India, telling the untold story of Gandhi’s tragic relationship with his eldest son.

Releasing on 3rd August 2007, Gandhi My Father is a powerful study of the nature and sufferings of the patriarchal relationship between one of the world’s most loved figures – ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi – and his misfortunate eldest son Harilal. The film delves into a territory that has never before been visited by film, and will spark debate by bringing to light an unknown facet of the personal history of a man who transformed the soul of a nation, but who could not save the soul of his own son.
Based on his thought-provoking play, Mahatma v/s Gandhi, veteran thespian of Indian theatre and cinema Feroz Khan has combined his unparalleled talents as a writer and director with the production skills of fellow industry stalwart Anil Kapoor, to create the most affecting film of modern times.
Although inspired by the philosophies and teachings of one of the greatest men of the modern world, the groundbreaking Gandhi My Father is far from a biopic account or portrayal of Gandhi’s struggle towards India’s independence. Delving deep into the personal tragedy that Gandhi kept secret from the world, Feroz Khan’s filmic tour de force focuses on the doomed relationship between a father respected by an entire nation, but rebuked by a son who was disowned, and whose bitter end was the result of years of abject alcoholism.
At the forefront of Indian theatre today, Feroz Khan is recognised as much for exploring new forms, as for bringing Hindi theatre and film, mainstream recognition. In a career spanning more than two decades, he has directed some of India’s finest acting talent, both from stage and cinema, and his English theatre production of Mahatma v/s Gandhi created a sensation wherever it was staged.
Coming from a family that has been involved in the art of filmmaking for the past 50 years, actor Anil Kapoor has entered the realm of production with Gandhi My Father, and brings thorough knowledge and wide experience to the craft. He forays into independent production with his banner, Anil Kapoor Films Company, joining hands with the London-listed, leading integrated media and entertainment Company Eros International, to bring to the audiences a story that gives fascinating insight into Gandhi’s life; not so much as father of the nation, but as a father to his son, Harilal.
Gandhi My Father is released and distributed worldwide by Eros International. Eros International remains committed to giving Indian cinema a global platform and backing socially relevant films with commercial distribution and marketing muscle.
Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO of Eros International says: “Gandhi My Father marks a milestone in the 30 year history of Eros International. This colossal piece of filmmaking, unparalleled by anything that has come before, makes its debut on the global platform of cinema, and we are exceedingly proud to take ownership of the distribution rights of a film that will make its own mark in history.”
Gandhi My Father is releasing in cinemas worldwide on 3rd August 2007.

Bollywood’s first ever superhero flies in to living rooms this summer, as the eagerly anticipated television network premiere of Rakesh Roshan’s award-winning superhit Krrish, starring heartthrob Hrithik Roshan and the demure Priyanka Chopra, wings its way onto TV screens exclusively on STAR Gold on Sunday 29th July at 8pm.

One of the all-time biggest budget movies ever to emerge from Bollywood, Krrish championed international Box Offices and wowed both audiences and critics alike, with its triumphant combination of state-of-the-art special effects, compelling storyline and superb performances by the ensemble cast of Indian cinema’s finest talent.
The most talked about film release of 2006 and the spectacular sequel to the blockbuster, Koi… Mil Gaya, Krrish was nominated for a staggering eight awards at IIFA 2007, including Best Picture, and scooped Best Actor for Hrithik Roshan and Creative Person of the Year for Rakesh Roshan.
To celebrate the network premiere of the spectacular Krrish on Star Gold, STAR have launched an exciting competition to win an amazing home entertainment system. Prize includes a 40”HD Ready LCD with Digital Tuner, and a DVD Home Theatre Kit with stylish floor standing speakers with matching 3-tier chrome/glass stand. For your chance, of winning, simply visit www.startvprizes.com and answer the simple entry question.
Rohit (Hrithik Roshan) and Nisha (Preity Zinta) are married and they have a child, Krishna. Rohit apparently dies in a lab accident in Singapore and Nisha also dies shortly after childbirth at the news of her husband’s apparent death. The child, Krishna, grows up under the care of his grandmother Sonia (Rekha) and discovers that he has inherited the superpowers that were, transferred to his father by the alien Jadoo in the previous installment, Koi… Mil Gaya. The movie shows how Krishna (Hrithik Roshan) transforms into Krrish and uses his powers to save the world from a megalomaniac scientist, Dr. Siddhant Arya (Naseeruddin Shah), aided by his journalist girlfriend Priya (Priyanka Chopra).
Be sure not to miss the international television network premiere of Krrish, exclusively on STAR Gold on Sunday 29th July at 8pm.

Fancy yourself as the next Sanjeev Bhaskar or Shazia Mirza? Could you give the Funjabi’s a run for their money, or laugh the socks off Nina Wadia? If so, be sure to enter The Great Indian Laughter Challenge – the television comedy event of the decade, brought to you exclusively on STAR One.
For all aspiring comedians and jokers out there, who effortlessly and notoriously entertain guests at family dinner parties with their outlandish jokes and non-stop gags, well now is your opportunity to step off the sidelines and into the limelight, as STAR hosts a unique, televised opportunity of a lifetime. Think X-Factor, but rather than Simon Cowell’s high-wasted pants providing an endless source of amusement, it will be the scores of comedic entrants queuing up to entertain the expert panel of comedy kingpins with their uproarious jokes and painstaking pranks.
To partake in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, all promising comedians out there should submit a short video clip in which they let their humour shine to its fullest, to the website www.startvprizes.com. Alternatively, they can phone 0870 803 0441 and tell one of their most laughter-inducing jokes and stories.
The entrants will be shortlisted by a panel of judges, to attend a live audition. The finalists will go on to perform at the Watermans Arts Centre in London, in front of the STAR One cameras!
One lucky winner will be crowned with the jester’s cap, and prized with an opportunity of a lifetime trip to India, to meet the Great Laughter Champions.
Jokes aside, get your gag-filled video clips in now, to www.startvprizes.com or tell your best joke on 0870 803 0441, and make sure you step up to The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.