As you pour your bubbly, make resolutions about losing weight, and put on your 2009 hats don’t forget about the movies that made 2008 a bangin’ year in Bollywood. The year began with the majestic Jodhaa Akbar that took us back to a time that we had only seen in our dreams. Hrithik and Ash graced the screens with the historical epic that served as a time machine back to the Mughal Empire.
The RACE began in spring leading to Yash Raj’s Tashan. Sexy music , sizzling stars, and of course style! Summer came and went leaving us remembering that pyar dosti hai with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Along came Bachana Ae Haseeno and then summer ended with the smash hit Singh is King.
As fall Fashion week commenced around the world, Bollywood presented it’s own Fashion in the hit film showcasing the always fashion forward Priyanka Chopra. The leaves fell and winter came. Despite the cold weather we were kept warm by the hotties of Dostana! Then came Yuvvraj with the pretty Katrina Kaif, and now we have the Khans ending the year with Ghajini and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi!
Should old flops be forgotten, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang Saavn! Find all the hit songs from all of 2008’s flops and nots at Saavn.com. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Bolly bon mot of the hour is race. The game is afoot, and our filmi folks are in it to win it.
Leading the pack is, of course, Race, playing to full houses all over the world. The film follows the exploits of two inescapably different brothers…but, let’s be honest, it’s all about heat - the kohl and steam kind. With lissome lass Katrina Kaif and bewitching Bongshell Bipasha Basu shaking a leg, there couldn’t be a film more worthy of playing Bollywood ambassador to Pakistan. That’s right, Race was chosen to open in India and Pakistan simultaneously, an unusual feat for a Bollyfilm. Here’s to brotherly love!
Alas, the Bolly bonhomie doesn’t translate over to the industry race for top billing. The Khans are at it again, with Aamir claiming Shah Rukh actually prefers playing second fiddle to his number one. Caught in the middle, as always, is Juhi Chawla. Do tell, Juhi, do tell.
If he can’t outrun SRK to become King Khan of Bollywood, Aamir can at least be King Khan of changing hairstyles. First the spiked look in Dil Chahta Hai , then those lustrous moustaches in Mangal Pandey, followed by the Taare Zameen Par faux-hawk…and now, for the Ghajini remake, a slice. Oh Aamir, what Krazzy coiff will you think of next?
Realizing the race he’s more likely to win is a relay, Aamir is all set to carry the Olympic Torch partway to China this month. We would be surprised that Mr. Righteous has nothing to say about Chinese democracy or Tibetan sovereignty, but it’s cola wars over real ones as Coke is footing the bill. Who says you can’t beat the real thing?
Certainly not Soha Ali Khan, who is in a mad dash to clear her name from faked permits in a firearms scandal. It seems daddy Pataudi took out a gun license in her name when she was underage, then used the weapon to hunt endangered black bucks, landing his little girl in quite a predicament.
The rest of Bollywood took a break from the rat race for Holi. Best in show were Kajol and hubby Ajay Devgan, who took advantage of the holiday to get down and dirty. Most of our other stars spent the holiday indoors, preferring to stay clean, dry, and away from the masses. All we want to know is, what about bhaang?
Finally, April marks the launch of IPL Cricket. The Twenty20 marathon has begun, and ICL, trying to stay in the race, has convinced Mithun Chakraborty to take over the Kolkata Tigers. Of course, Shah Rukh has devised the perfect plan to foil the original Disco Dancer - he’s partnered with Disco King Bappi Lahiri to create more team songs for his Kolkata Knight Riders. We think Bollywood’s had enough dard-e-disco, but this is one dance-off we’ll be watching closely. One thing’s for sure - with so many stars involved, it’ll be a photo finish. It’s a three-legged disco dash. Aaaaand…they’re off!
