Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and
actress Katrina Kaif, who are set to scorch the screen in "Jab Tak Hai
Jaan" (JTHJ), have come together for an ad campaign for beauty soap bar
Lux.
The actors will endorse two new
variants - Lux Peach and Cream, and Lux Strawberry and Cream - in their
first ever endorsement together, said a statement.
The ad will go on air on Diwali, Nov 13, the same day when JTHJ hits the screens.
Shah Rukh came on board for Lux in
2005, and featured in a commercial with Bollywood beauties Hema Malini,
Sridevi, Juhi Chawla and Kareena Kapoor.
This time, the Bollywood Badshah will
feature as a 'bekaboo' (uncontrollable) with Katrina. In the ad,
fragrance of the soap drives Shah Rukh 'bekaboo'.
"I'm happy to be associated with Lux yet
again! The fragrance of Lux will captivate you just as it has made me
'bekaboo'. The fragrance of Lux that stands for love and sensuality
brings out the lover in me," Shah Rukh said at the shoot.
The commercial is shot and directed by
French director Juan Delcan. It's Sufi-inspired music score has been
composed by acclaimed poet and lyricist Gulzar, and sung by Sonu Nigam.
Katrina's look in the ad is styled by fashion designer Rocky S.
"When I think of Lux, I think of fun
and spontaneity. Lux embodies a type of a woman rather than just soap
and of course the fragrance that embodies sensuality," said the
actress.
The last few years we have been witnessing this trend of young talented singers who hope to get noticed by putting up videos on YouTube singing their own version of several current hit songs. Think of Sam Tsui, Nataly Dawn and Esmee Denters, and of course one of the most famous examples, who now has a succesfull singing career, is that of teen idol Justin Bieber, who got noticed by Usher.
It seems that now in India we have found one young talented boy named Armaan Malik. Malik gained a lot of curiosity and a lot of views in the last few months when he released his version of Bruno Mars’ song ‘Just the Way You Are’.
The video went viral on Twitter and Facebook, after actress Priyanka Chopra praised the 16-year old and has since then been viewed more than 60000 times. Armaan is really happy with the response he gets on YouTube and replies personally to all who leave a comment. He assures us we can expect more exciting stuff. “Yes, I am really really happy to know that Priyanka Chopra , Gul Panag and many other people have dearly appreciated my cover. I am planning on some other exciting stuff. They too will come out soon 
.“
.“
When I heard and saw him singing his version of Bruno Mars’ ‘Just The Way You Are’, I was taken right back to SRGMP Lil Champs. I clearly remember watching this little boy on television singing songs such as ‘Tere Naam’ and ‘Thoda Sa Pyaar Hua Hai’ with such depth. And to think, he was only 10 years old. It has been six years already and here was an all grown-up Armaan Malik, ready to mesmerize India with his voice. Let’s get to know him a little better.
Armaan Malik comes from a musical family. He is the son of composer Dabboo Malik and nephew of composer and Indian Idol judge Anu Malik. Therefore it comes as no surprise that he has always wanted and has been singing. “I have always been interested in singing. Singing is one thing that defines me. Since I hail from a family of musicians, music came naturally to me.”
He started singing at a very young age. “I started singing from the age of 4. As I recall, as a kid I was always inclined to music and singing. My parents still remember the day when I cried in tune! I have learnt singing from Mrs. Rita Kaul and Qadir Mustafa Khan (son of Padmashri and Padmabhushan recipient Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab). Yes, and I am still taking singing lessons.”
And with this talent in his pocket, he participated in the singing competition SRGMP Lil Champs and also appeared in the Zee TV show Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka. So many reality shows at such a young age. According to Armaan the experience was “amazing”. “Participating gave me immense confidence and taught me what the real world out there is like. At the age of 10, I was competing against contestants of 15 or even 16 years of age. So I felt really great having reached the 7th position in the competition.”
But his singing career had taken off even before he was participating in these shows. Though participating did give him a big break. “I had already started singing for ads and jingles, before I participated in Lil’ Champs. But the competition surely did give me a strong push in my career. My biggest break was when I sang for the musical duo Vishal-Shekhar alongside Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for the song ‘Mere Buddy’. Thereafter I sang for about 15 Bollywood films, the prominent ones beingRakht Charitra, Chillar Party, Taare Zameen Par and Hanuman Returns. I also acted and sang inKachcha Limboo. Besides that, I have also acted in ads like Kurkure and Country Club.”
The young singer also compose his own songs, but admits that he loves singing the most. “I haven’t composed for movies, but I do compose my own songs as a Singer-Songwriter. As a musician I feel that composing is an integral part of your growth as an individual artist. I believe composing a song is as important as singing it. I love both, but singing is and always will be the closest to my heart. And as the trend goes…where composers have started to sing as well, Armaan says that is what he wants to do eventually. I want to sing for films and compose, write and sing my own songs. ”
Armaan enjoys Western songs as much as he loves Indian songs. We asked him about his favourites.
Who are your favourite singers?
Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal
Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal
And Western artists?
Michael Bublé and Rihanna. I also like Coldplay.
Michael Bublé and Rihanna. I also like Coldplay.
In the future Armaan hopes to release an album and sing for films. “I have already done a short course in Berkley College of Music, for which I had received a full-tuition scholarship and honours at the end of the program. In future, I want to sing for movies, come out with my album and study music production and sound designing.”
Armaan Malik is definitely one talented singer to look out for. I am sure, he will take this industry by storm.
Here is the video!
Perhaps, he has come to terms with the fact that Katrina is now his ex. "I am ready to marry but the girl should agree, na," he remarked recently. And on a funnier note he further added, "The day Susheela, the lady, who has been looking after us for last many years refuses my marriage proposal from that day I will start looking out for a girl."
Meanwhile, the entire nation has been wondering that after dating some of the most gorgeous women who next will come into his life. But his ex-flame Katrina has decided to marry and settle down in the next couple of years. Some of her close friends say that Kat has decided not to marry anybody from Bollywood. Looks like all these rumours about her being with Ranbir Kapoor seems to be false.
"She is a complete family girl and would prefer an arranged marriage," say her friends in the industry. Well, she has given marriage tips to Salman in their forthcoming film, perhaps she should give it to him in real life as well.
Ten million female fetuses are estimated to have been aborted over the past two decades in India according to ActionAid. 35 million females are also ‘missing’ according to the 2001 National Indian Census. Female feticide is an urgent and prevalent issue, and this horror does not only apply to India. Oxford University research based on birth statistics revealed that 1500 females from England and Wales have gone ‘missing’ since 1990. Sons being valued higher than daughters seem to have become ‘the norm’ in Indian Society. Whilst some parents feel their daughters to be the ‘Laxmi’ (Goddess) of the house, others are repulsed by them. The expense of paying a dowry, the responsibility of family honour resting upon a daughter, as well as daughter’s being viewed as ‘parahi’ (belonging to her husband’s family) are some factors that encourage the murdering of an unborn female child.
This shocking issue of female feticide is addressed by Nila Madhab Panda in his forthcoming film Jal Pari: The Desert Mermaid. Tannishtha Chatterjee expressed both the importance of the film’s message and her own responsibility as an actress to deliver it to the Times of India: “Being a woman and an actress, it is very important for me to support a film like this.” Furthermore Chatterjee also expressed her views on society as holding double standards – particularly towards females. She stated to IANS, “On one hand, we enjoy watching item numbers, but on the other hand if a girl goes to a party in a short skirt, she gets molested.”
Society is in desperate need to acknowledge and change its shameful preconceptions and Jal Pariencourages society to do just that. Already having been screened at the 65th Cannes Film Festival, the film received a glowing response. The issue of female feticide is tackled in a light-hearted manner in the film, being shown as a child’s adventure. Shreya (Lehar Khan) is an urban Delhi girl who spends her vacation at her father’s village. Being a curious child and always up for an adventure she ends up discovering a shockingly horrific secret that’s hidden away in the village.
Chatterjee plays a supporting role, whilst child stars Lehar Khan and Krishang Trivedi lead as the protagonists. Child star Harsh Mayar of ‘I am Kalam’ also plays a prominent role. On her experience working with child artists, Chatterjee told Times of India: “I love working with children.” She described them as “natural…They are so genuine in their acting.” Jal Pari’s star cast also consists of Parvin Dabs, Rahul Singh, Suhasini Mulay and V.M Badola.
Issues as horrific as female feticide are perhaps easier to confront through a film that has the innocence and inquisitive nature of a child’s adventure. Perhaps having child protagonists emphasises not only the beauty and importance of childhood, but also the value of children- both male and female.
To say that Yash Raj Films’ Ek Tha Tiger starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif is highly anticipated is somewhat of a ridiculous and most definitely an understatement. With each new reveal of glimpses into the thriller/action/romance the excitement from fans and people in the Hindi film industry just gets higher. It looks like in August, Ek Tha Tiger, is going to be the biggest blockbuster Bollywood has ever seen. Case in point, the song we are about to show you only released today and already it has over 31,000 hits!
Check out this new hot glimpse into the world of Tiger with the song ‘Mashallah’, which features the totally gorgeous Katrina Kaif, the hot Salman Khan, and a killer cool beat with vocals by Wajid and the always amazing Shreya Ghoshal! Since you have hit play a long time ago, we will just say get ready to groove!
A nervous Deepika Padukone spoke to BollySpice reporter Sunny Malik ahead of the release of her latest film Cocktail. Directed by Homi Adajania and also starring Saif Ali Khan, Diana Penty, Boman Irani and Dimple Kapadia, Cocktail is a story about three friends living in London.
The 26-year-old actress, last seen in Desi Boyz, which was also extensively filmed in London, is returning to the silver screen after a gap of eight months. In her second Illuminati Films production, Deepika plays the character of Veronica, a sexy Londoner who pretty much likes to go clubbing and get sloshed.
Here the Love Aaj Kal actress opens up about her love for the British capital, her character, co-stars Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan, director Homi Adajania and much more.
You shot films in London before as well for example, Housefull, Desi Boyz and Love Aaj Kal. Does it not get boring to shoot in almost the same locations again and again?
Absolutely not, in fact, I must tell you that this time I am missing London a lot. Ever since I started my career about three to four years ago, something or the other has always brought me back to London. It started with Om Shanti Om, my first film premiere was in London after which I shot Love Aaj Kal and the following year I shot Housefull in London. Last year, I felt like a resident of the UK because I filmed Desi Boyz and Cocktail back-to-back here. Now we are six months into this year and I have not been to London. I am getting withdrawal symptoms already. I keep telling people that London to me feels like second home.
Absolutely not, in fact, I must tell you that this time I am missing London a lot. Ever since I started my career about three to four years ago, something or the other has always brought me back to London. It started with Om Shanti Om, my first film premiere was in London after which I shot Love Aaj Kal and the following year I shot Housefull in London. Last year, I felt like a resident of the UK because I filmed Desi Boyz and Cocktail back-to-back here. Now we are six months into this year and I have not been to London. I am getting withdrawal symptoms already. I keep telling people that London to me feels like second home.
Can you tell us about the London locations that you shot the film in?You’ll know better than I do (laughs).
I was on set only for two days (Laughs).We shot at The Grand nightclub in Clapham Junction, where I met you last year. We also shot a lot in Hyde Park and Battersea Park. We have also filmed a lot on the streets and in houses. But primarily, we have shot a lot outdoors.
You also shot in Cape Town. Will it be shown as Cape Town in the film or are you cheating locations?No, No. It will be shown as Cape Town in the movie. How can you cheat London in Cape Town? (Laughs)
I don’t know. People sometimes do these things. (Laughs) Also, was it difficult to shoot outdoor in London with fans watching, taking photos and screaming out your name?I actually prefer shooting outdoor than shooting on a set. I am always happier shooting outdoor than shooting on a set. But, yes, sometimes it does get difficult. If you are doing say an intense or an emotional scene, when you are trying to focus on your work and people are sometimes screaming out your name, which is also lovely but sometimes you wish that just for those few moments, you were on your own.
There has been a kind of online war between Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty fans. I am sure you have noticed it.
(Laughs) No, I haven’t actually.
(Laughs) No, I haven’t actually.
Well, Diana fans compare you two and praise her and your admirers do the same vice-versa. How do you feel about this because I know that you got along well on the sets in London?
Yes, we did. We got along on set. But that is actually my only interaction with her, on this film. I think we did one or two shows together while we were both modelling but we did not really interact back then. My real interaction with her started only on this film.
Yes, we did. We got along on set. But that is actually my only interaction with her, on this film. I think we did one or two shows together while we were both modelling but we did not really interact back then. My real interaction with her started only on this film.
Tell us a little bit about your character Veronica. What is she like?
Veronica is a girl who lives life on her own terms. She is fearless, super confident and a very sexy girl. She did not have the most stable upbringing because her parents were divorced. She did not have the love of a family. She has grown up surrounding herself with a lot of friends. She loves going out and enjoys drinking. She likes being out with people and with friends. They sort of fill that void in her life until she meets Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Diana Penty) who are actually much more than that. They give her emotional support that she probably did not have while growing up. She does not live life the way society expects her to be. She has no qualms about that. Veronica is not apologetic about the way she is. She does crave attention once in a while when she goes out. She knows when she walks into a nightclub, she will get all the attention. But deep down inside she is a very loving girl, she wants a normal life. In spite of her living this lifestyle, she is from a really rich family and her father gives her this fat juicy cheque every month, she wants normalcy.
Veronica is a girl who lives life on her own terms. She is fearless, super confident and a very sexy girl. She did not have the most stable upbringing because her parents were divorced. She did not have the love of a family. She has grown up surrounding herself with a lot of friends. She loves going out and enjoys drinking. She likes being out with people and with friends. They sort of fill that void in her life until she meets Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Diana Penty) who are actually much more than that. They give her emotional support that she probably did not have while growing up. She does not live life the way society expects her to be. She has no qualms about that. Veronica is not apologetic about the way she is. She does crave attention once in a while when she goes out. She knows when she walks into a nightclub, she will get all the attention. But deep down inside she is a very loving girl, she wants a normal life. In spite of her living this lifestyle, she is from a really rich family and her father gives her this fat juicy cheque every month, she wants normalcy.
Does Veronica believe in love?There is a part of her that is not completely for it. Maybe she is not very trusting at a certain level because she has seen her parents go through so much that emotionally somewhere it is clear in her mind. But at the same time, when she sees romance and real people around her, she craves that and not just in terms of a relationship. She also craves for family and some form of stability.
I have heard about your adventures in Cape Town with director Homi Adajania. How was it working with him?
We actually keep making fun of him saying that he is only doing Cocktail because Being Cyrus did not do really well and he never tasted success. He finally succumbed to making a so-called commercial film in his head. He is great fun. For me playing Veronica was a lot easier because I had him as the director. He is the male version of Veronica actually. (Laughs)
We actually keep making fun of him saying that he is only doing Cocktail because Being Cyrus did not do really well and he never tasted success. He finally succumbed to making a so-called commercial film in his head. He is great fun. For me playing Veronica was a lot easier because I had him as the director. He is the male version of Veronica actually. (Laughs)
Have you become friendlier now with Saif as he told us that it was slightly awkward between you two during Love Aaj Kal?
I think, I am a lot more comfortable working with him with every film that I do. You know, we both feel that in spite of us having done four films together, it does not feel repetitive. Maybe it is the kind of films that we are doing or maybe it is the characters we are playing. But I don’t feel like I have done four films with him.
I think, I am a lot more comfortable working with him with every film that I do. You know, we both feel that in spite of us having done four films together, it does not feel repetitive. Maybe it is the kind of films that we are doing or maybe it is the characters we are playing. But I don’t feel like I have done four films with him.
You said in an interview that it took you some time to get out of the character of Veronica. What was it about the character that was stuck with you ?
It was the emotional journey Veronica went through and I went through with that character. (Laughs) I got attached to the character very early on in the film and even Homi says that there was a point after a few days of working with each other, he stopped directing me. He had to give me no direction and he believes that only happens when the actor and director are on the same page. I think, it was an emotional roller-coaster for me and that is why it took me so long to get out of it.
It was the emotional journey Veronica went through and I went through with that character. (Laughs) I got attached to the character very early on in the film and even Homi says that there was a point after a few days of working with each other, he stopped directing me. He had to give me no direction and he believes that only happens when the actor and director are on the same page. I think, it was an emotional roller-coaster for me and that is why it took me so long to get out of it.
You said no to quite a lot of fans when they asked you for photographs in London during the shoot. Was that also because you were so attached to your character?Yes, while I respect people wanting to take pictures and autographs this is exactly what I was saying earlier on. When I am on set, especially with this character, it needed a lot of focus and concentration. I think, emotionally it was seriously like a yo-yo for me. There days when it was really, really draining. I needed more than a hundred percent focus on some of my scenes and on certain days.
There is some online negativity that comes your way on Twitter. How do you cope with that?
You know, for all the love, the entire fan following and all the appreciation that I get, a little bit of negativity is okay. I can deal with it. I guess, at the end of the day, I work to hopefully convert all of them my fans as well. (Laughs)
You know, for all the love, the entire fan following and all the appreciation that I get, a little bit of negativity is okay. I can deal with it. I guess, at the end of the day, I work to hopefully convert all of them my fans as well. (Laughs)
What are your expectations from the UK audience for Cocktail?
I hope people relate to the film and I am pretty sure, they will. It is very relatable which is why people feel that it looks fresh. Ever since the first promo came out, there has been a lot of positive reaction towards the film and promos. A lot of that comes from people identifying with situations or characters. With this film, I am going to be a bit selfish and say that I hope when people watch the movie, people feel for the film as much as I do.
I hope people relate to the film and I am pretty sure, they will. It is very relatable which is why people feel that it looks fresh. Ever since the first promo came out, there has been a lot of positive reaction towards the film and promos. A lot of that comes from people identifying with situations or characters. With this film, I am going to be a bit selfish and say that I hope when people watch the movie, people feel for the film as much as I do.
Cocktail releases worldwide on 13th July 2012. Be sure to check out our exclusive with Saif Ali Khan too!
