JANUARY 18, 2011, AUCKLAND 16
“I have built my
success story one step
at a time”
His name is synonymous with
hard-hitting and realistic films
like’ Page 3’, ‘ Chandni Bar’,
‘Corporate’ and ‘Fashion’. But
there is also a humourous side
DIRECTOR’S TAKE Madhur
to award-winning director,
Madhur Bhandarkar, which
few are aware of. His latest film,
‘Dil To Bachha Hai Ji’ according
‘D
il To Baccha Hai’
seems to be your first
film. The film is a realistic comedy and
does not indulge in buffoonery.
Bhandarkar to him, is an expression of this
sense of humour, which he
attempt at comedy. faces for the heroines in the film.
Knowing your forte How easy was it to convince Ajay I wanted girls who were in the age
observes in simple situations
for hard-hitting and realistic films, Devgn and Emraan Hashmi for the group of 21 years and didn’t have a set in life. He talks about the film
what made you go for a comedy this role, especially Emraan since this image. Shahzahn was just one film old, and more.
time? is his first attempt at comedy? besides her brief appearance in Rocket
I do agree that my name has come to Ajay understood the film thoroughly Singh. Shraddha Das is bold in the film mark since it taught me a lesson. Then
be associated with thought-provoking well and he was gutsy enough to do the which goes well with her looks. On the my angst came in the form of Chandni
and serious cinema but comedy is not role. It took me 20 minutes to narrate other hand, Shruti Haasan is two films bar and set the ball rolling.
something that is totally alien to me. the story to him. In the case of Emraan, old but is yet to make a prominent mark
People who have been associated with me he initially thought that I was planning in films so all the three girls will have a How do you visualize yourself ten
are well aware about my humourous side. an issue based film. He was a bit shocked fresh approach in my film. years down the line?
Even my serious films have had comedy when I told him that I was planning a I wouldn’t like to really look at ten
tracks. In fact comedy is an area that I had comedy. When I eventually narrated How do you look back on your years from now, because everything
always wanted to dabble in as a director. the film he loved his character but was journey with three national awards is unpredictable here. This industry
I decided to go ahead with a full-fledged apprehensive whether he would be able to to your credit? r is a ruthless place. People here are
comedy soon after I shelved one of my pull off the one- liners. However he ended It’s been a great journey. I have built recognised by the work they do but once
other films, Heroine, when things did not up doing a splendid job. The best part my success story one step at a time. When you fade out they fail to acknowledge
work according to plan. I had a time gap about the film is that all my characters I look back, I remember I was a struggling you, let alone remember you. As long as
before I could start my next film and I felt are subtle common man characters, with man waiting to catch the bus at one you are successful, you will be known
this was the ideal film to start immediately. a middle class touch. point of time. I have experienced ground and appreciated but once you fail you are
I would however like to assert that ‘Dil To reality. My first film Tri Shakti bombed at forgotten entities.
…. Ji’ is essentiallyy a Madhur Bhandarkar You have chosen relatively new the box office but I consider it as a land By R Manishaa
work includes film music, pop, ghazals, Remix”. In 2006, she recorded an album
bhajans, traditional Indian Classical Asha and Friends, where she sang a duet
music, folk songs, qawwalis, Rabindra with famous Australian cricket player
Sangeet and Nazrul Geetis. Brett Lee, ‘You’re the One for Me’.
The World Records Academy, an Ashaji is an excellent cook and cooking
ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORI international organization which certifies
world records, recognized her as the
is her favorite hobby. When myself,
Prashant Tijore, Gopal Bhatia, and Amit
“Most Recorded Artist” in the world, in Saha met her at her residence in November
September 2009 with over 12,000 songs. L-R : Amit Saha, Ashaji, Gopal 2010 in Mumbai, she told us that she
Bhatia & Prashant Tijore
In the 1970s, Ashaji and Panchamda’s likes to cook for her guests herself. Ashaji
(R D Burman) youthful, western songs icons of the past 50 years by CNN in is also a successful restaurateur and runs
took Bollywood music by storm with Piya 2010. Ashaji has won National Film restaurants in Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Abu
tu ab to aaja (Caravan, 1971) Dum Maro Award for Best Female Playback Singer Dhabi Bahrain and UK, called ‘Asha’s’.
Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1971), twice, she has also won the Filmfare Best These restaurants offer traditional north-
Duniya mein (Apna Desh, 1972), Chura Female Playback Awards seven times. western Indian cuisine. She told us that
Liyaa Hai Tumne (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Ashaji was presented with BBC Lifetime she takes care of the decisions regarding
1973) to name a few. Panchamda also Achievement Award by the UK Prime the kitchen and the décor herself. She has
recorded many hit duets with Ashaji and Minister Tony Blair in 2002. personally trained the chefs for almost
Kishore Kumar - Jaane jaan, dhoondhta In the mid-1980s, Ashaji sang with six months.
phir raha (Jawani Diwani), Bhali bhali si Boy George (Bow down mister). In 1997, It was once in a life time experience to
ek soorat (Buddha Mil Gaya) etc. she sang a love song with the boy band meet with Asha ji. She is looking forward
In 1980s, Panchamda and Ashaji Code Red, at the age of 64. In 2001, the to come and perform LIVE right here in
recorded subtle numbers for films like CD single of Nelly Furtado’s “I’m Like Auckland along with Amit Kumar and
Asha Bhosle Live in - Khaali haath shaam aayi hai, Katra A Bird” included a “Nellie vs. Ashaji a band of more than a dozen bollywood
Auckland - ‘Rahul & I’ Katra. They also recorded the popular
duet O Maria (Saagar). Mera Kuchch
musicians.
The response from the music lovers in
Article compiled by Prashant Tijore saamaan, the R.D. Burman composition New Zealand has been very encouraging
On behalf of PGA Events Ltd for Gulzar’s Ijaazat won her the National and positive. People are buying tickets
(organisers of the concert) Award for Best Singer. now to get the better viewing location
Ashaji’s career started in 1943 and has Ashaji has also collaborated with seats. For tickets visit www.ticketdirect.
spanned over seven decades. She has done Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, the legendary co.nz or call on 0800 4 TICKET. You can
playback singing for over 1000 Bollywood sarodiya of Maihar gharana of Hindustani also buy the tickets at Yogiji’s Food Mart,
movies, and among other activities she classical music and recorded eleven fixed Mount Roskill, Auckland.
has recorded many private albums and compositions (or bandishes) in California Prashant Tijore of Titan Events, Gopal
has participated in numerous concerts in for Legacy, a private album that won them Bhatia of Sursangam Events and Amit
India and abroad. http://en.wikipedia. a Grammy Award nomination. Saha of Eco Travels under the banner of
org/wiki/Asha_Bhosle - cite_note- In 2008, Ashaji was honoured with PGA Events Limited are the promoters
4Renowned for her voice range and the Padma Vibhushan by the Government and organisers of the show here in
often credited for her versatility Ashaji’s of India. She was among top 20 music Auckland
