Director Ang Lee has teamed up with the Slumdog Millionaire crew

Oscar-award winning director Ang Lee has teamed up with the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ crew to scout for locations for the big screen adaptation of Booker prize-winning novel ‘The Life of Pi’, which is set in Puducherry.

"He (Lee) has been here for a couple of days and he even visited the place a year ago. He was here with the `Slumdog Millionaire` crew - the line producers and others to do the logistics, scout for locations and other local work," a source from the tourism department, Puducherry, told reporters.

"We are not sure whether he (Lee) has left but he is definitely leaving today (Sunday)... He is not really talking to the press," the source added.

Lee`s film is based on Canadian author Yann Martel`s novel of the same name. Set in Puducherry, the story is about a well-to-do zoo keeper`s son, Piscine Molitor Patel, known as Pi, who is inclined to religious texts and literature and curious to know about the world.

The political changes in India force Patel and his family to move to Canada where Pi finds himself adrift in a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The rest of the story chronicles Pi`s 227-day voyage across the Pacific and the powerful story of faith and survival.

The book covers almost all major locations in the union territory like the Botanical Garden, Mosque, Church, India Coffee House and Beach Road, among others.

"The shooting (for the movie) begins sometime next year, probably in January or February," said the source.

After Puducherry, Lee is supposed to head to Taiwan and Thailand for location hunting.

Having made films like ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, ‘Hulk’ and ‘Brokeback Mountain’, Lee`s last outing was critically-acclaimed comedy-drama ‘Taking Woodstock’.

Reportedly Puducherry-born Holywood director M. Night Shyamalan was very keen to adapt Martel`s novel.

"Even before the novel won the Booker prize, we were trying to use it as a marketing tool for Puducherry as half of the book is set here. We were also hoping Shyamalan will make a film on the book as he hails from here. But it came as a surprise to us that it`s being done by someone else (Lee) now," said the source.

Dhoom 3 is in scripting stage and will go on floors soon

The third instalment of action thriller `Dhoom` is in scripting stage and will go on floors soon, revealed actor Uday Chopra, who starred in both `Dhoom` and `Dhoom 2`.

"For all those asking about `Dhoom 3`, it`s still being scripted so cannot tell you much yet...but will let you all know as soon as I can," Uday posted on his Twitter page.

While "Dhoom" starred John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan, in the sequel, John was replaced by Hrithik Roshan.

Badmaash Company about four friends doing con jobs to become rich overnight

Shahid Kapoor-starrer `Badmaash Company`, about four friends doing con jobs to become rich overnight, has got good reviews and viewers have enjoyed their capers but first time director Parmeet Sethi says he wrote the script of the film in frustration.

"The bell actually rang three years back when I was sure that I will direct a film. This is the second script that I have written," Parmeet told reporters.

"Yash Raj Films (YRF) had approved my first script too, but we couldn`t make it. I waited for one and a half years, but the film didn`t take off and I was frustrated. I was in a dilemma whether to stick to my plans to direct a film or go back to acting. Then in frustration, I wrote this script," he added.

"I had five ideas with me out of which two were most compelling. I wanted to write another script before this but that required research work in Canada, which would have taken six months. I didn`t have the money. I didn`t have the time. So I chose this one because I enjoy the genre very much. I think no one has done a full-on con film intelligently," the actor-turned director said.

Set in the 1990s, "Badmaash Company" is about four young friends - Shahid, Anushka Sharma, Vir Das and Meiyang Chang - from middle-class Mumbai who get together to start a company. Their business is an instant hit because they find a way to beat the system by doing all the wrong things in a right way.

The critics have praised the film despite it being too long.

"First, I worked out the whole con thing in my head, then I put it down on paper as script and then wrote dialogues. There are four con jobs in the film and I had to come up with interesting ideas each time to make it as believable as possible," said Parmeet.

To get the right feel of the 1990s, he shot some scenes in Hyderabad.

"The cars, the houses and other locations that we shot in Mumbai, I was particular about everything because I wanted to bring the essence of the 1990s. I actually went to Hyderabad to shoot the airport scene. Mumbai airport of today is very, very modern. But the Hyderabad airport still looks like the old Mumbai airport," he said.

The director, who worked with freshers like Vir and Chang, says he signed Anushka Sharma on Aditya Chopra`s recommendation.

"I wanted some very fresh faces and Vir and Chang were the perfect choice. I didn`t want to have predictable faces. Anushka was Adi`s recommendation. I didn`t know her personally. I was a little doubtful, but Adi assured me that I`ll like her once we meet," he said.

Parmeet, who featured in Aditya`s directorial debut "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), says he was sceptical while approaching YRF to produce the film.

"I spoke over phone and asked for an appointment with Adi and I got it. That`s all I did. In the last 15 years I hardly met Adi as he hardly socialises...everyone knows that. I was hoping he hadn`t forgotten me. But he not only gave me the appointment but gave me respect and was pleasantly surprised by my script," he said.

Parmeet now wants to be behind the camera and make more films but doesn`t rule out the possibility of getting back to acting.

"I haven`t said good bye to anything. I don`t want to be cocky about life. But as of now it`s only direction for me. I think this is my main career now."

Reliance acquired an undisclosed majority shareholding in LA

Reliance Big Entertainment Limited Friday acquired an undisclosed majority shareholding in the Los Angeles and London-based international film sales company IM Global, which was founded by Stuart Ford in 2007.

In February 2010, the two companies formed a sales alliance after which IM Global began distributing Reliance`s Hindi film output internationally.

The successful sales alliance has now progressed to Reliance acquiring a majority stake in the company, a press release said.

"After a phenomenal first three years, the company is ready to move onto the next stage of its strategic growth. I simply could not wish for a more dynamic partner to help nurture that progression," said Ford, the chief executive officer of IM Global.

"We`re also looking forward to support Reliance extend its presence in Hollywood and the worldwide film community," he added.

This extended relationship between the two companies will ensure an increased capability for independent film financing by IM Global, an expansion into sales and financing for top tier non-English language cinema as well as selective rights acquisitions for India and other Asian markets.

However, Ford`s holding company Ancramdale will retain a significant equity position in the business, and 40-year-old Los Angeles-based Stuart Ford will continue to hold his position under a multi-year deal.

Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots has bagged maximum number of nominations at IIFA

Aamir Khan-starrer ‘3 Idiots’ has bagged maximum number of nominations at the 2010 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards to be held in Colombo from June 3.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, ‘3 Idiots’ marked its presence in all categories except best supporting actress. It has received 14 nominations including best film, best actor, best director and best actress, among others.

Other films nominated are Saif Ali Khan`s ‘Love Aaj Kal’ that has bagged nine nominations, while IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Paa’ and Shahid Kapoor`s ‘Kaminey’ both got eight nominations each.

"Colombo marks the second decade of IIFA. The nominees for the Micromax IIFA Awards 2010 are a compilation of the best work from the previous year and the suspense and celebration of these worthy nominations will undoubtedly create another magical IIFA," said Sabbas Joseph, one of the directors of Wizcraft, in a statement.

The nominations were released after voting in March. Results were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The event will take place June 3-5 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Rakhi Sawant made a public apology to Abhishek`s mother

Item girl Rakhi Sawant has reportedly buried the hatchet with ex-beau Abhishek Awasthi and apologised to his mother for her mistakes on the reality show ‘Zara Nachke Dikha’.

A source said that Rakhi became emotional and made a public apology to Abhishek`s mother who was present on the sets for the mother`s special episode shoot. Rakhi even hugged her.

Abhishek`s mother too became emotional on seeing Rakhi and Abhishek dancing together and confessed that Rakhi always was and will continue to be like her daughter and that she wants them to reunite.

Abhishek and Rakhi are sharing a public platform for the first time after their much-publicised breakup. Earlier, they were seen as a couple on ‘Nach Baliye’.

The biggest ever release for any Indian Bollywood production

In what is being touted as the biggest ever release for any Indian Bollywood production, `Kites` starring Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori will be screened in 200 theaters across the US and Canada.

The romantic drama which has been shot on location in Las Vegas, Sante Fe and Los Angeles, will open simultaneously in India, the US, Canada and other countries on May 21.

`Kites` is also the first Bollywood film to get a remix version made by a Hollywood director, none other than Brett Ratner of `Rush Hour` and `X-Men 3` fame.

The remixed version, which will be 90 minutes long with more action scenes, will open one week later on May 28.

The Rakesh Roshan production, directed by Anurag Basu will open in several major markets, including New York and Los Angeles, for the Memorial Day holiday weekend beginning May 28.

Actor Chunky Pandey has reportedly self styled himself as George Clooney

Hollywood hottie George Clooney’s hardly gonna be amused. Chunky Pandey has reportedly self styled himself as "India’s answer to George Clooney". Hah, ha.

Reportedly, the ’Housefull’ crew, canning scenes in Italy wanted a couple of Italians to show up
for a scene. Pronto… the word was spread around… that "India’s George Clooney" was shooting sequences in the vicinity.

Soon, a posse of Italians did zoom in… and instead of meeting up with Akshay Kumar, the intended "Clooney", they crowded around Chunky Pandey who was mouthing his dialogues. Action Kumar, meanwhile, was merely practicing his stunts.

Pandey, needless to say, revelled in all the Italian attention. And paid a price for it. Assuming that CP had initiated the ’Clooney’ number for his publicity, Akki and Sajid Khan made him pay for it.

The end credits of ’Housefull’ reveal a stunned Chunky being beaten up by the duo…. when, in reality, he had nothing to do with it. Teeeeeeee heeeeeee ;)

A terrible showdown between Shah Rukh Khan and Anubhav Sinha

Shah Rukh Khan’s assumed full charge of ’Ra.One’ in the absence of his ailing CEO pal Bobby Chawla. And the cracks are beginning to show up.

Reportedly, there was a terrible showdown between SRK and Anubhav Sinha, director of the Khan home production. Apparently, Sinha strode into ’Mannat’ to pay a courtesy visit to SRK and discuss further matters. Nursing a nagging cold and cough, King Khan wasn’t really in the most upbeat of moods.

Creative differences over a significant scene in the flick lead to a showdown, as SRK shot down an idea suggested by Sinha. Initially, Sinha stuck to his guns, but ultimately gave up and agreed to toe the starry vision of SRK.

SRK’s mounting frustration over his flick is amply reflected in his latest tweet: "Random thought. It’s so difficult to give form to your vision, when so many people are not even on the same page but reading some other book." New chapter for the media?

Abhishek Bachchan to give the right expression while speaking Hindi

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who will be seen in the Hindi version of Mani Ratnam`s "Raavan", feels it is easier to give the right expression while speaking Hindi dialouges.

"Hindi is such a beautiful language that you just have to say your dialogue and mean it. If you say it honestly, your performance will come automatically," he said.

"Hindi is a very simple language. What you speak is what you write and that translates into action. As opposed to English, which can be interpreted in so many different ways," Abhishek added.

Hrithik Roshan gave three DVDs of his films to Barbara Mori

Before Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori began filming for Kites, there was something extremely critical that Hrithik wanted Barbara to do; he needed her to watch some of his films on DVD.

The reason being, Hrithik explains, “When Dad approached Barbara for Kites and told her I will be her co-actor she logged looked me up on the internet and came across some of my silliest videos on YouTube and I believe she was not very excited.”

So when Hrithik and Barbara met before the shooting of Kites, he gave her three DVDs of his films to watch - Koi Mil Gaya, Lakshya and Dhoom. “When she met me I made sure to show her some of my ’good’ work to let her know I could really perform. I made sure that she watched all the DVDs because she didn’t have a clear picture about Indian Cinema and ofcourse to set right her impression of me” he adds.

So what was Barbara’s reaction after watching the films? “Not only was she but everyone who saw these three films very, very impressed. They were very excited and full of compliments for me so I was happy,” exclaims Hrithik.

captain MS Dhoni arrived at Asin's Lokhandwala home

Bollywood belles and sportsmen have been a great combination since the days of Tiger Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore. And the latest one to join the list is Southern beauty, Asin, and Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni.

Dhoni was spotted at Asin’s apartment to watch the first IPL semi-final between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.Dhoni arrived at Asin’s Lokhandwala home before the match.

His presence created a buzz in the locality and a crowd gathered on the premises. Dhoni stayed till the end of the match and made a quiet exit.

Michael Jackson"s Thriller voted the most influential promo in the history

"King of Pop" Michael Jackson"s hit video "Thriller" has been voted the most influential promo in the history of pop music. The 14-minute clip for the pop icon"s popular 1983 track, which has been credited with merging music with filmmaking, scored 15.2 per cent of the votes in the poll conducted by social networking site MySpace, Contactmusic reported.

The video saw off competition from rock band OK Go"s homemade video for their song "Here It Goes Again", which became a huge hit in 2006 as fans logged online to see the group dancing on treadmills. Pop princess Britney Spears" music video for her debut single "Baby One More Time" was voted third, while rock/pop music band from Norway A-Ha"s "Take On Me" and Johnny Cash"s "Hurt" rounded out the top five.

The top 10 influential pop music videos are: 1. Thriller - Michael Jackson 2.

Here It Goes Again - OK Go 3. Baby One More Time - Britney Spears 4.

Take On Me - A-Ha 5. Hurt - Johnny Cash 6.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen 7. Around the World - Daft Punk 8.

Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim 9. Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel 10.

Sabotage - Beastie Boys.

Akshay Kumar plays modern-day extra smart conman in Tees Maar Khan

Akshay Kumar plays a con man in Tees Maar Khan and director Farah Khan says his role is inspired by English folklore hero Robin Hood.

"In Tees Maar Khan, Akshay plays modern-day extra smart conman, who steals the money from the rich and gives it to the poor, someone like Robin Hood," Farah said.

"Around 50 to 55 per cent of the film is complete and we plan to finish shooting by September. Like always, in this film also you will see a mix of action, comedy and emotions."

This is Farah’s third film after Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, but first one without Shah Rukh Khan who played main lead in both her previous movies.

The choreographer-turned-director is expected to release the film on Christmas. Apart from Akshay, Tees Maar Khan also stars Katrina Kaif, Akshaye Khanna, Arya Babbar, Aman Verma and Ali Asgar.

With Tees Maar Khan, Akshay is gearing up for an image makeover - he will be seen sporting an Indian Muslim look. Renowned designer Aki Narula has worked on his costumes alongside an international team of make-up artists and hairdressers.

Apart from choreographing and directing, Farah has hosted the chat show Tere Mere Beach Mein on STAR Plus. She was also a judge on dance reality shows - Nach Baliye 4 and season one of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.

Farah has once again taken the judge’s seat on Zee TV’s dance reality show Dance India Dance Li’l Masters, where she will be seen judging kids aged 5-14 years old.

"I am a reality show junky. I enjoy judging because these shows make us believe there is so much talent here. I feel reality shows are a great platform as it gives great exposure as well as recognition to individuals. As a judge I’ll try not to be harsh to the kids," said Farah who was recently here to promote the show.

When asked what does she think of the government guidelines that children under a certain age should not be a part of reality shows, Farah said: "If these kids are not brought forward how will we get to know they are so talented.

"I feel it depends upon the parents how they mould their children, whether they turn out to be aggressive or take the competition in a healthy way."

Shahid Kapoor in a more sophisticated avatar in Badmaash Company

Remember Shahid Kapoor doing con jobs in Vishal Bhardwaj’s hit Kaminey? The actor does the same, but in a more sophisticated avatar, in Badmaash Company releasing on Friday.

Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films, the movie is actor Parmeet Sethi’s directorial debut. Shahid has teamed up with Anushka Sharma in the film that also stars comedian Vir Das and reality show star Chang.

Describing the film, Shahid said: "There are very interesting characters, extremely fresh dialogues, con jobs which I have not seen in any other film, but yet very easy to understand. It’s not complicated at all. It’s a very fun film and there was no reason why I shouldn’t be doing it."

Set in the Bombay of 1990s, Badmaash Company is about four youngsters who come together to start a business.

What makes their venture a stupendous success is that they find a way to beat the system and soon become the undisputed kings in their business. Living the life of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, the four realise that to make a business successful they don’t need big money but a big idea.

With their larger than life schemes, Karan, Bulbul, Zing and Chandu go on a wild roller-coaster ride into the world of sheer glitz and glamour where the stakes are high and risks even higher. They succeed in making quick money by doing all the wrong things... but the right way.

All is hunky dory till the four entrepreneurs are forced to shut shop. They come up with yet another perfect plan to beat the system for the last time.

Shahid said a lot of research went into their looks as the film is set in the 1990s.

"We spent a lot of time deciding the look and styling of the film. We wanted it to represent the 1990s correctly but at the same time we did not want it to look boring," he said.

"We researched on the scenario of the 1990s and used them in the film. For example, we used clothes that were in fashion like high-waisted jeans, simple t-shirts which used to be tucked in, the aviators, which were all in vogue.

"Also the calculator watch that was very much in fashion at that time has been used in the movie. The film starts in 1994 and goes on for five years," he explained.

The songs of the movie have already become a hit.

Hrithik Roshan is all set to play a Roman emperor in a new TV commercial

He’s played the role of Mughal ruler Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar, and now the Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is all set to play a Roman emperor in a new TV commercial.

Directed by Indrajit Nattoji, the ad is for cookie brand Milano for which Hrithik is the brand ambassador.

"Set against a background of 10,000 warriors, we are almost filming Gladiator in 30 seconds. We’ll be going the way of the Hollywood hit 300... 20 extra warriors are going to multiply into 10,000 (and) putting Hrithik in an uber-cool period, packaging in 30 seconds was a high," Nattoji said in a statement.

"I was also influenced by his classical good looks reminiscent of a Greek god," added the director, who admits Hrithik’s regal bearing as a Mughal emperor in Jodhaa Akbar helped in determining his new avatar.

The first phase of the ad has been shot in Mehboob Studios in Mumbai and the second phase that involves a war scene is scheduled to begin in Gran Sasso Campo, 150 km from Rome, around mid May.

Hrithik’s costume for ad has been designed by Sanjeev Mulchandani.

The post-production of the ad will be done in Malaysia.