Tuesday

CONGRATS - NATASHA / MALINI

T-Fare congratulates Natasha Rai and Malini Malhotra for bagging the lead roles of Meghna and Shonali respectively.

Malini Nanku Malhotra has indicated that this would be the latest challenge in her career. "I love to experiment with my roles and keep my fans waiting for more. I started my career playing a courtesan in Devdas and then moved quickly into the role of a devious teenager in GMM. With KANK I shattered my 'good girl' image by playing an unfaithful woman and then gained critical acclaim for playing a traditional housewife in Silsila. Finally, with Fashion the audience delivered the verdict that I am more glamorous than the traditionally glamorous actresses! At this stage of my career, I am not interested in doing the usual and I am only looking for roles that challenge me as an actress. Shonali's character of a top supermodel who looses her title, her morals and eventually even her life sounds very exciting. Mom will be helping me narrow down my dresses for the film between a Vera Wang and a Christian Dior. I want to thank all my fans for giving me this opportunity to play my dream role!"

Natasha also seems very excited about playing Meghna's role. She says "I am grateful to my loving fans who voted for me for the role of Meghna Mathur in Trollywood version of Fashion. I appreciate your love and trust in me and I promise I will do my best to live the role. The role of Meghna has been very dear to me as I could relate myself totally to her character. As an aspiring actress I struggled, aspired and established an identity of my own in Trollywood despite all the hurdles, lash outs and lost love. I developed a strong attitude in order to survive here and soon labelled as an arrogant and heartless. I made mistake and lost some friends and loved ones just like Meghna did but I have fans like you and family like BPP who stood by me as you could understand the Real me. So thank you and I assure you I will not freeze on the head ramp and I will do my last walk with pride and grace and who knows I may also make it to the Paris fashion show!"

Sunday

Vote for your FASHION cast now!

Irvine, CA on Sunday, November 23, 2008
By Senior Editor: Kanti R. Shah / T-Fare Online
gayfareonline@gmail.com Subject: KANTI


With less than two days before polls close, there is a dead heat for the lead roles of Kangana, Priyanka and Mugdha in BPP's upcoming FASHION. As things stand right now, there is a tie between Malini and Natasha for Priyanka's role and Monisha is being favored for Mugdha's role (assuming that either Malini or Natasha will be cast in Kangana's role).

BPP producer Bhansali remarked "this is the beauty of democracy that with polls we are able to increase awareness of our films as well as give people what they truly want. We are absolutely committed to respecting the will of the people." So what happens if there is a tie as is currently the case? "In the event of a tie, there will be a single poll lasting only 24 hours between those actors that are tied." Does Bhansali have any personal favorites for each character? In other words, is BPP endorsing any particular actress for a particular role? "First and foremost, we are committed to respecting the will of the people. Having said that, as a director I am endorsing Malini for the role of Kangana and Natasha for the role of Priyanka. I feel strongly that this would be the ideal cast and I am glad that both Malini and Natasha agree with me. Malini is very excited about playing Kangana's challenging role as a top supermodel who fights abuse and addiction and Natasha personally relates to Priyanka's role. As far as Mugdha's role, Monisha's terrific debut performance in RACE has landed her straight into the big league. She is obviously here to stay and I wish her the best."

Wednesday

RACE brings Malini & Natasha together again!

No two actresses have been as talked about, as loved or as hated as Malini Nanku Malhotra and Natasha Rai. Whether you love them or hate them, you certainly cannot ignore them! We bring you the interviews of both these divas who will battle for your attention along with Monisha (Mini) on the eve of RACE's worldwide release:

Malini N. Malhotra (SOPHIA)

Tell us how difficult it was to prepare for this role in Race and how different it is from your last blockbuster Silsila?

My role in all previous films and especially in Race have all been very simple and homely. It was not a conscious effort on my part to take on only Indianized roles. But probably Bhansaliji felt that this is how my audience wanted to see me and I don't blame him since all my movies have worked wonders at the box office. When Race was offered to me I was very hesitant because I had never done anything like this before. First, I was working for a director with a notorious reputation with films like Bistar. Plus the role was very westernized and I didn't know if my fans would accept me in such a role. Even though I initially turned it down twice, Kanti kept coming back and convinced me that he was making a very classy film this time. He even signed a contract with a long list of my conditions. Still, before signing the film, I wanted to make sure that I could carry off the role and not make a fool of myself. So I worked very hard with my fitness instructor to get a toned body and slipped comfortably into size zero outfits before accepting this film!

Early critics reviews for Race have been mixed for both you and Natasha. But most critics have lavished their praises on Monisha. Do you think the audience will agree with the critics or will you be able to meet your fan's huge expectations after KANK, LCMD & Silsila?

Monisha is my dearly beloved sister in law and after reading her recent interview I have to say that she’s turning into a very competitive actress! I loved how she raised expectations for her senior actresses in order to come across as the surprise packet. I am sure that with time she will mature into a fine actress and possibly overtake both Natasha and myself. I applaud her strong ambition and dedication to her career but this being her first film; she has a long way to go. For a first film of course she has done wonders. When I started out, I trusted the wrong people so my make up, styling and photography were all ruined so that I would look bad. But Monisha doesn’t have to go through all that because she has an experienced actress as her sister in-law! To answer your question though, I think both Natasha and I have a huge fan following so obviously we will get a better response from the audience than Monisha. It is very unfair to compare her to us.

What made you get out of your comfort zone and accept a film directed by BPP's debutant director? Are you not scared that he might ruin your career after previous C-graders in non-BPP banners?

This is an interesting question so let me explain my reasoning for accepting RACE. I understand that the film is a risk compared to my previous choices but one must take some calculated risks in order to grow as an actress. I see this role as a great opportunity to prove that I can handle any role with any filmmaker. Honestly, the risk is not as big as you would think. Since we started our careers together just like Preity and Rani, the audience really likes my 'on screen' chemistry with Natasha. Both Preity and Rani have given many flops but never when they worked together. Similarly, every film that cast us together has become a blockbuster and I am betting that this will be no exception. I understand that the day I let my personal life interfere with my professional life, my career will be over. So no matter what our personal differences, I think Natasha and I rock on the big screen and I am committed to keeping our fans happy by working in many more films with this very talented actress.


Natasha Rai (SONIA)

Tell us how difficult it was to prepare for this role in Race and how different it is from your last blockbuster Silsila?

Preparation for Race was not difficult at all as I have done similar modern girl's role in KANK. My makeup man and dress designer deserve the credit. The role of Sonia's in Race is different from Chandani's in Silsila in the sense of wardrobe, hair and presentation. However, both roles have modern flair to it. Acting wise, Race was easy and light and lots of fun whereas Silsila was deep and intense.

Early critics reviews for Race have been mixed for both you and Malini. But most critics have lavished their praises on Monisha. Do you think the audience will agree with the critics or will you be able to meet your fan's huge expectations after KANK, LCMD & Silsila?

I have seen Monisha's acting during the shootings and she has done a great job as a debutante. Its natural for critics to do the comments on new face and talent but its not fair to make any comparison with the seasoned actresses. I have played my role to the best and now I leave it to my audience to be the judge. I have faith that Race will be a winner for all of us.

What made you get out of your comfort zone and accept a film directed by BPP's debutant director? Are you not scared that he might ruin your career after previous C-graders in non-BPP banners?

Kanti R. Shah's direction has come a long way from being a famous director of C grade movies to the top notch, realistic director of Madhur Bhandarkar fame. Though I have been a find and protégé of Bhansali's camp, I have absolute freedom to work with other directors. Kanti approached me for Sonia's role for Race, I loved the character and accepted it which was a wise decision. He has been a great director to work with and has done full justice to his debut production.

Monday

Critics Reviews - RACE

As promised, we present 2 "fair and balanced" reviews of RACE!

Shonali Kapoor
Toronto, Canada

Let's clear the misconception at the very outset. RACE is not even remotely similar to last year's spectacular KANK, as is being widely speculated. Having cleared the misconception, let's get into the analyzing mode. When the director of several successful crass thrillers decides to direct a classy film for a prestigious banner, expect nothing but the best. Right? Wrong! Director Kanti R Shah tries his best to rise above his previous films like Lage Raho Partner, Khooni Dracula and Bistar for his first prestigious film but fails to live up to the BPP name. Race seems more of the same kind of films that Kanti has been making and the BPP/Bhansali touch is clearly missing.

Much has been written and talked about the rivalry between Natasha Rai and Malini Malhotra and that their pairing would create fireworks. While this has been true for all their previous films including Devdas, GMM, KANK and LCMD, there’s no such thing in Race. Malini Malhotra looks too desperate in an effort to shake off her simple image, by wearing skimpy outfits unfit for a married woman of her age. Age also seems to have caught up with Natasha who is looking tired and very dark. The surprise packet of the film is newcomer Monisha Rai Malhotra. In her very first film she stands out from the crowd. The girl not only has the body but also a million dollar face. Not once do you get the feeling that you’re looking at a T-girl. She could give a lot of attractive female models a run for their money! Watch out for this girl who is sure to go places.

So should you go watch RACE? Absolutely. Do it for Monisha or your love and loyalty to a banner that has given us several top films in the past. No one is perfect and BPP is certainly no exception.



Laila Gudwani
Mumbai, India


As I saunters in a preview theatre to watch a select screening of RACE, a few questions cross my mind:

• Will RACE match up to the high standards of AL Bhansali’s earlier flicks, Devdas, KANK, LCMD and Silsila in terms of style, substance and success?
• Will the Malini/Natasha combo magic work the fifth time round?
• Will a lack of top male leads like Niraj and Rajiv work at the box-office?
• Will Malini be convincing as glamorous Sophia?
• Will the reel like pairing of real life couple Saagar and Monisha work?
• Will Monisha be able to make an impact in a multi-starrer debut film?

And as the magic unfolds on the big screen, the doubts, if any, are set to rest:
• Yes, RACE does live up to the expectations. Will it be as successful as Bhansali’s earlier flicks, only time will tell.
• Yes, the Malini/Natasha sizzling magic does cast a “spell” the fifth time around. The film works, courtesy Malini’s incredible screen presence and Natasha’s outstanding performance. Both seem to bring out the best in the other and both have NEVER looked better than this.
• Yes, Saagar makes a strong impact and Kanti’s brilliant styling will ensure that he will soon be in the same league as Niraj and Rajiv
• YES YES YES! Malini has never looked better and arguably stands out as the most glamorous of the 3 actresses
• The subject that RACE boasts of and the tremendous on screen chemistry, only a director with mettle would've been able to do complete justice to it. While watching this flick, not once does the viewer feel that it has been directed by a first-timer. And that's a compliment for debutante director Kanti R. Shah
• Yes! Monisha manages to hold her own in a debut film where she’s pitted against seasoned actresses like Malini & Natasha

One can't imagine RACE without Saagar Malhotra. The actor delivers yet another bravura performance that he can be proud of, when he looks back in life. The role gives him immense scope to exhibit a gamut of emotions and the actor carries not just his role, but the entire film on his firm shoulders. This film will surely put him in a powerful position to rival the current numero uno – Niraj Khan!

Malini Malhotra has never looked so pretty, nor has she ever played a part with such conviction. The film will further cement her position as the numero uno actress. Natasha Rai looks every bit the stylish Sonia and if there were any doubts about her future in Trollywood, they will disappear. This film will consolidate her status as an actress of style and substance. Monisha Malhotra is a revelation. The actress manages to stand on her own despite towering performances by Malini and Natasha. Not only does the actress look suave, she even carries off her role with complete conviction.

On the whole, RACE has all it takes to emerge victorious. At the box-office, the face-value and the track record of its makers have resulted in tremendous hype and hoopla. Keeping in mind its merits and the opening that the film has generated, RACE should emerge a winner, setting new records in days to come!

Friday

'Nothing less than PERFECT is expected from Natasha & Malini in RACE!' - Monisha Malhotra

- Monisha Rai Malhotra (Mini) takes on Trollywood queen bees Malini & Natasha in her first interview with T-Fare -

Irvine, CA on Friday, November 7, 2008
By Senior Editor: Kanti R. Shah / T-Fare Online
gayfareonline@gmail.com Subject: KANTI


Congratulations on your wedding, your first interview and your first movie release. How nervous are you?

I have to say I am disappointed that inspite of my high profile marriage into the Malhotra family and a big upcoming film, you guys continue to give me the step-sisterly treatment. So, even though there's so much going on in my life, it has not quite sunk in because there's been no publicity. I suspect that it might be because the Trollywood press is biased in favor of a select few individuals. However, I'm excited about bagging this role and really excited to see the audoence reaction. After all, it’s the audience and not the press that is going to decide my fate.

Even though Race is your debut, no one seems to be talking about your role. All the discussion has been focussed on Malini's new look and her rivalry with Natasha. Do you feel left out?

Of course I do! But it's okay. I strongly believe that if it's meant to be, it will be and no producer or press can keep a good actress down for long. Besides, I love being the underdog. It's great when the audience does not have any expectations from you because you can actually surprise them. On the other hand my respected contemporaries have such huge expectations from the audience. After movies like KANK, LCMD and SILSILA nothing less than perfect is expected from them. But will they be able to meet these big expectations and that too in their first film without AL Bhansali direction? Many people seem to forget that both of them have never worked outside Bhansali's direction. So, this will be a big test to see if they are accepted in a newcomer's film. If I was them I would be EXTREMELY nervous right now. Unfortunately in the film world I am their contemporary so I can't wish them luck but I do wish them well. (smiles)

What made you accept a multi-starrer like Race for your debut film? Wouldn't it have been wiser to make your entry in a solo role?

It's really the content of a character that appeals to me and not the length of role. I have full faith in my director and I don't believe that he would do me wrong. But to get the true answer for your question, all I have to say is - go watch Race and find out for yourself!

RACE - RELEASING ANYTIME

BPP Presents

II RACEII

A KANTI R. SHAH FILM

Malini N. Malhotra I Natasha Rai I Saagar Malhotra I Monisha Rai Malhotra