Movie Review : Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap ( The Angry Man Moves The World – An Epitome of Anger )

Movie Review: Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap (The Angry Man Moves The World –An Epitome of Anger)

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Produced by AB CORP Limited and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Written and Directed by Puri Jagannadh

Music Vishal and Shekhar

Cast Amitabh Bachchan, Prakash Raj, Hema Malini, Raveena Tandon, Minissha Lamba, Sonal Chauhan, Charmy Kaur, Neha Sharma, Subba Raju, Sonu Sood, Makrand Deshpande, Vishwajeet Pradhan and Mahie Gill.

The much awaited movie of the year Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap (BHTB) has been made jointly by Viacom 18 and AB Corp Ltd. written and directed by South director Puri Jagannadh. An action genre it marks the comeback of Amitabh Bachchan (Viju) as an angry man who dislikes anyone who tries to dismiss him as an old man (bbuddah). While playing the role of a retired gangster settled in Paris running his own pub, short-tempered Viju is brought back to Mumbai for a mission. Apart from being a sharp shooter Viju’s says his Unique Selling Point (USP) has been to shoot right through the center of the brain not once but twice without missing on the target.

The character projected being arrogant designer Leepakshi has taken care to keep the looks lively and vibrant. The director Puri Jagannadh has admitted that for many years we have missed Big B in the tone of an angry man. With, BHTB we see the angry man move the world once again with his confident walk, electrifying dialogues making him the epitome of anger as always. Big B’s age does not deter him driving Harley Davidson in this movie.

Music is composed by Vishal and Shekhar and includes one song which is a potpourri of Big B’s old songs. We witness so much of energy showcased by this sexagenarian Big B in the song “Go Meera Go” that the audiences are sure to enjoy the toe tapping number where we see him dancing and singing as well. The possibility of this song getting popular during Big B’s world tour cannot be ruled out.

There is a reference made in the movie where we see Viju saying that he has seen the city of dream and dream merchants Mumbai grow with him and today’s youngsters are seen to ape him. Whatever, but Viju says the fact remains he is still the chora from ganga kinare wala.

The film revolves the story about ACP Karan’s (Sonu Sood) love inclination for Tanya (Sonal Chauhan), Viju’s past that includes his estranged wife Sita (Hema Malini) and ex-girlfriend Kamini (Raveena Tandon) who swoons over the gangster. And then there is Kamini’s daughter Amrita (Charmy) who is bewildered about her mum’s relation with Viju in the past and current.

Time changes many aspects and priorities of Viju’s life so much that post arrival in Mumbai he reminisces about his past, which causes him to change his agenda for the hit. BHTB is a combination of action, comedy, emotion, romance and songs. The movie ends with an emotional note depicting how much a father loves his son and protects him for adversities being the head of the family.

Every role or initiative Big B takes has witnessed the beginning of a great enterprise in his life many times evolving as a trendsetter. Now will the fans have many more opportunities to see Big B the brand ambassador of angry man in his forthcoming projects as well? If yes, then the towering icon is all set to captivate the heart of his audiences be it on the big screen or small screen. For all the Big B fans his age is not important but mileage is important.

"The Steve Jobs Way (iLeadership for a New Generation)" by Jay Elliot and William L Simon

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje




The author Jay Elliot had the opportunity to work in close co-ordination with Steve Jobs as the Senior Vice President of Apple Computer. The favorable combination of circumstances helped Elliot understand the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc. namely Steven Paul Jobs from a very close and professional angle.

In this new business/leadership category type book "The Steve Jobs Way (iLeadership for a New Generation)" by JAICO Publishing House the author Jay Elliot along with William L. Simon shares his understanding on the lessons of leadership he experienced by working in close association with Steve Jobs.

Elliot's articles and interviews have been published earlier in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Time Magazine and Fortune whereas William L. Simon holds the credit for being the award winning author of more than twenty books.

By dividing the book into five sections the author cites examples giving a detailed insight on the following aspects of leadership: Product, Talent, Organization and Marketing. Having shared these principles the author goes a step ahead in the last section and make us understand what should individuals do for doing business better and creating new products the same way Steve Jobs did.

Steve firmly believed that where there is passion and pride in one's work success can't be left far behind. In fact both of them (passion and pride) continued to be the assets of a creative mind. And, creativity according to him has never been a 9 to 5 job.

The author shows how Steve is very particular getting into granular level of product details along with his project team. There were occasions when the product had to be redesigned and delivered in the market place five months late as per the planned launched date. But, with passage of time Steve realized that its worth to launch one's product in the market place at the right time rather than eyeing for details. Experience enriched his life and helped Steve learn from these mistakes.

Here is what one-time Apple executive Jean - Louis Gasse has endorsed in this book regards Steve's Management style with a memorable phrase: "Democracies don't make great products - you need competent tyrant". People who worked for Steve forgave him, or at least tolerated his style, in part because more than anything else, he was a product tyrant, totally dedicated to delivering the products he envisioned.

One of Steve's core principles is always to hire the best - "A people," as he calls them. One of his mottoes was: "As soon as you hire a B, they start bringing in Bs and Cs." For Steve an individual's talent, passion and flair were of more prominence even if one was seen lagging a bit on technology or educational front.

Author cites the example of Steve hiring Randy Wiggington, who wrote the code for MacWord, the first real Mac application, when he was still in high school.

If you're looking to keep yourself motivated on your roads to achievements this new collection from business books category is a must read as it is well supplemented with Steve's real life experiences and examples. The book would help the readers relate their own experiences and understand Steve Jobs approach towards Leadership.

One must admit that when your product is launched the stakes are high and the pressure tremendous. Learning the principles The Steve Jobs Way it would help not only ease your pressure but also teach you Steve Jobs creative approach of iLeadership as if they were part of your own.

Author Jay Elliot with William L. Simon

Publisher JAICO Publishing House

Category Business/Leadership

Pages 256

Price Rs 250/-

ISBN 978-81-7992-768-7

Book Review : Flashback: My Life and Times in Bollywood And Beyond

Book Review
Flashback: My Life and Times in Bollywood And Beyond
Reviewed by : Niilesh A Raje

Author Bob Christo (Foreword by Tom Alter)
Publisher Penguin Books India
Pages 280
Price Rs 399/-
ISBN 9780143414629

I distinctly remember that fight sequence from the movie Kaalia where everybody is standing in line while food is being distributed and Michael (actor Bob Christo) decides to spoil the decorum and breaks the queue. While one of his crippled inmates gathers courage and decides to retaliate against this brawny white guy Michael shouts back, “Hum jahaan khade hote hain line waheen se shuroo hotee hai”(The line always start behind me). Immediately after that all the other prisoners in the queue go and stand behind Michael.

The most I knew about Bob Christo then was he was an actor from Australia renowned within the Indian Film Industry as the “bad man” of Indian Cinema who played either the role of collaborator, hostile prisoner or British Officer.
The septuagenarian Robert John Christo whom the world popularly knew as Bob Christo died in Bangalore (20 March 2011) winning the affection of millions of Indian Movie Fans for over two decades which included over 230 films and 15 television serials. There is also a society called The Bollybob Society named after Bob Christo.

The newly released book Flashback: My Life and Times in Bollywood and Beyond by Penguin Books India gives the readers wealth of information by sharing the best and bad times experienced in life by Bob Christo. The actor’s biography was to be released by Akshay Kumar in June 2011 post which he was planning to return back to work in Hindi Cinema in an Akshay Kumar film.

The book gives an interesting insight about the many roles (Engineer,Adventurer,Lover,Mercenary and Bollywood villain) played by Bob Christo in real life apart from holding the credit for being one of the renowned villain of the Indian Film Industry in reel life.

The memorable autobiography traces the journey of this Civil Engineer from Sydney, Australia. Bob firmly believed in the discipline of reading and was also a prolific writer who held the recognition for achieving top marks and prizes for writing outstanding essays right from his school days.

Bob’s wife was killed in 1974 in a car crash leaving him the responsibility to bring up his three children. In 1977 he decided to pursue his career in Civil Engineering and was deputed for his assignment at Muscat. But destiny had its own plans. No sooner he resumed his work in Muscat he was communicated that his friend American scriptwriter George Marzbetuni had a massive heart attack and was hospitalized in ICU in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai.
 
Bob decided to come back to Mumbai for a couple of days to visit his friend in the hospital. George was not able to stay for long in India to shoot for the English version of the movie Abdullah as his family was on the way to India and had decided to take him back to L.A.

George wanted Bob to write reports and ensure that the crew sticks to the same script as written by him for Abdullah. Alternatively if Sanjay Khan wanted Bob to do some role in his movie George suggested that it was his (Bob’s) call to go ahead with the same.

One big success wiped out all his previous failures and with passage of time Bob was kept busy and occupied with several opportunities coming up on his roads to achievements. Abdullah, Qurbani, Kaalia, Namak Halal, Mard, Mr. India and Agneepath were some of the opportunities that Bob got and also had the opportunity to share the screen with Marlon Brando, Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Kapoor to name a few. Bob also took special classes in Hindi by taking the help of Qadir Roomi who visited him every morning at 8 a.m., six days a week, to teach him the National Language.

In 2001, Bob decided to retire and left Mumbai for Bangalore to work in Sanjay Khan’s hotel, The Golden Palms Hotel and Spa starting off as gymnasium manager and yoga master. Once the hotel was fully operational by 2002 Bob had become the Fitness Director. Spine Injury made Bob to quit his job from the hotel and in 2006 he started his work on his autobiography.

The book is divided into three parts giving the reader a detailed account of how experience enriched his life. His journey is covered in the book in the following manner (Part 1 – Hong Kong-Philippines, Part 2 – Africa to India, via the Middle East and Part 3 – Odyssey in India).

In Foreword by Tom Alter Bob questions, “Tom, why don’t they give me romantic roles?”. To which Tom replies, “The truth is, my friend, your own life was the most romantic role of all”. Bob agrees that as he looks back on his life, he feels blessed.

Behind every success lies an untold pain in one’s heart and the pain is usually revealed when the individual rises to the top. The key message the author (Bob Christo) wants to convey to all his readers is the great mixture of bliss and sorrow that he experienced in his life. It was life that he fully lived. And why not, as long as there is life there are bound to be struggles.

Movie Review: Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (The lady who created her own future)

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje





There goes an old adage, “Education is one of the surest ways to escape from poverty”. Many individuals have taken this route in their odyssey of life and SindhuTai Sapkal was no exception. But, the realness compelled Sindhutai to give up her education after fourth standard and settle down for an early marriage at the age of 12 to a man more than twice her age.

Her passion towards the discipline of reading continued even after her espousal but her partner in marriage was of the opinion that his wife was trying to demonstrate that she was more educated than him. The end result was the hands of destiny put Sindhutai through failure for a purpose. By coming out of the woods of a broken home and marriage the only obvious choice Sindhutai witnessed was her two failed attempts of suicide.

Directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan and produced by Sachin and Bindiya Khanolkar the director’s first Marathi film reveals the reality of life based on the Book “Mee Vanvasi" by Sindhutai Sapkal.

Even before its release the film has been greeted with applause in the community of International Film Festivals. “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal” had its world premiere at the 54th London Film Festival last month followed by screening at the South Asian International Film Festival in New York. It was also the closing film at the Third Eye Ninth Asian Film Festival, Mumbai. Tejaswini Pandit from the cast gets nominated for the Best Actress Award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards to be decided by international jury in December 2010 in Brisbane.

The biographical movie showcases the journey of survival of Sindhutai Sapkal who grew up in the interiors of Vidharbha who had to beg for money and food to earn a living for herself as well as for her young daughter. While all was lost in the battles of life the only thing that propelled Sindhutai in the forward direction was the lamp of hope.

Today, this sexagenarian is a proud mother to more than 1000 orphaned kids who gives speeches to earn livelihood for the orphans as Sindhutai firmly believes “Bhashan hai to rashan hai”. Her one big success (commitment towards the orphanage) made her wipe out all her previous failures.

The climatic stage portrays Sindhutai now at the age of 60 is invited to address her first ever Marathi Vishwa Sammelan in San Francisco. On the humor side it is equally interesting to see the journey of first time air traveler Sindhutai across the seven seas.

Rightly said, behind every success there lies an untold pain in ones heart and this pain is usually revealed when the individual rises to the top. Today, Sindhutai Sapkal with benchmark of authority says if there is someone who needs a mother there is a helping hand of “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal”.

Cast and Crew

Director (Ananth Narayan Mahadevan), Producer (Sachin Khanolkar and Bindiya Khanolkar), Screenplay (Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, Sanjay Pawar) Cinematography (K.Raj Kumar), Cast (Tejaswini Pandit - Sindhutai 24 to 40 years, Jyoti Chandekar - Sindhutai 60 years, Pranjal Shetye - Sindhutai 12 years, Upendra Limaye, Suhas Palshikar, Neena Kulkarni, Charusheela Sable and Ganesh Yadav.

The Maestro of Saxophone Manohari Singh Expired

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

The Senior most as well as renowned saxophonist from the Indian music industry Manohari Singh who was a close associate and music assistant of legendary music composer R.D.Burman, died on Tuesday 13th July 2010 following cardiac arrest. Singh was also the Mumbai film industry's last surviving links with members of RD's original band who played the saxophonist and mandolin.

Manohari Singh nicknamed as "Manohari Da" or simply "Dada" was bestowed with the Dada Phalke Academy award for his invaluable contribution to cine music as well as O.P. Nayyar Award for his contribution to the Hindi film industry.
Be it a small segment of just five seconds or a solo of five minutes but the passion and pride with which Dada worked and gave complete justice to his brass reed instrument with gradually widening tube popularly called as the "Saxophone" is absolutely mind blowing. Dada ensured that he kept his gold-plated Saxophone away from the dust neat and clean.

In Mumbai Dada was invited in the Bombay Lab Studios for the first time to give background music. It was the song Tumhe Yaad Hoga Kabhi Hum Mile They from Satta Bazaar that made Dada famous overnight. Dada also has an album titled 'Sax Appeal' to his credit, which contains the artistic expression of his saxophone.

Growing popularity of stage shows in recent times had given more visibility and recognition to Dada. In spite of being up in age the passion and pride which Dada took in his work was instrumental in captivating the heart of his music lovers. Dada was known to get a standing ovation each time he came on the center stage. May his soul rest in peace.

Huppa Huiyya to be screened at United Arab Emirates

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

Akshara Films Division's new Marathi film release ‘Huppa Huiyya!’ presented by Samit Kakkad and Dream View Productions Pvt. Ltd, directed by Anil Surve will now be screened in United Arab Emirates (UAE) beginning on May 7. The movie is produced by Amar Kakkad and Pushpa Kakkad. Sachin Kakkad is the executive producer in charge.

Set in rural Maharashtra the story gives a glance at 11 Hanuman temples, formed by Shri Ramdaas Swami. Renowned thespian, Siddharth Jadhav as Hanmiya has been showcased in the lead role for the first time. The two hour length film is about an innocent boy Hanmiya, son of Sarpanch and also a great devotee of Lord Hanumaan who works unselfishly for the people in his village. The only lady that melts his heart like a jelly is Girija Oak (Vasanti).

The film also features Mohan Joshi, Usha Nadkarni, Ganesh Yadav, Mangesh Desai, Maansi Magikar, Vaibhav Mangale, Kushal Badrike, Nilesh Divekar, Poonam Jadhav and special appearance by Kashmera Shah.
“Apart from Maharashtra a Marathi cinema made on a small budget is now getting global recognition is indeed a testimony that the efforts of the whole unit members are widely acknowledged” admits Samit Kakkad.

Actor Girija Oak feels that “In recent times the Marathi Film Industry has produced many films which are widely appreciated for their good content. Shwaas was instrumental in setting benchmarks and getting the critical acclaim. The movie Huppa Huiyya gives a good message about faith, hope and love which should appeal the Marathi movie lovers across the globe.

Music is by Ajit Parab. The film is written by Hemant Edlabadkar and lyrics by Baba Chavan. A.K.Bir who has won the National Award 9 times is the Cinematographer. Javed who was awarded at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Bangkok for the action packed thriller 'Shootout At Lokhandwala', is the action director of the movie.

Apart from his future plans, Samit says “To me the story, screenplay, message and content all of these serve to be the baseline that can arouse interest in the movie and can captivate the heart of the audiences. I am very positive Huppa Huiyya would easily connect to the global reach of the Marathi audience as their roots are still Indian. Jai Bajranga”.

Dev Anand, Pran, Dr.Shreeram Lagoo honored by Dadasaheb Phalke Academy

Contributed by ~ Niilesh A Raje

The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy celebrated the 141st birth anniversary of Late Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema on 30 April 2010 at Bhaidas Auditorium Mumbai. To grace the occasion we had the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Chagan Bubal who presented the awards.

The Legendary Filmmaker and Evergreen Star Dev Anand received the Phalke Ratna Award. The most popular villains of Hindi Cinema, who appeared in over 350 films Pran, received the Phalke Icon and Legendary Cine Versatile Cine Star Award. The thespian who is best remembered for his roles in plays and Marathi films, the highly talented Dr.Shreeram Lagoo was felicitated by actor Sachin as the Cine Artiste (Marathi Films).

The annual ceremony which marked Phalke’s 141st birth anniversary was presented by GV Films Ltd. The Phalke Academy Awards presentation this year concluded with 59 awards across various categories handed out to members of the Film Industry.

Singer Lata Mangeshkar received the Phalke Golden Era Singer Award. Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra bagged the Phalke Memorial Commercial Film 2009 award for his film “3 Idiots”. Veteran actor Chandrashekar received the Phalke Golden Era Award for his selfless services to the Film Industry. Lyricist Yogesh and music director Pyarelal of Laxmikant Pyarelal team were also felicitated on this occasion. Comedian Jagdeep was named the Phalke Legendary Actor Award (comic roles). Aamir Khan for his film “3 Idiots” received the Phalke Memorial Performance Award.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy has been known for recognizing the good work of talented artists for their contribution towards Indian Cinema. Apart from the above many other legendary personalities associated with the Film Industry were present for the occasion.