Top Entertainment India News Stories of 21st October 2008

Daily news summary

Indian, UK filmmakers to co-produce 10 movies in next 2 years
As part of bilateral film treaty between Bollywood and UK government, filmmakers of the two countries are expected to co-produce 10 new movies over the next 2 years. The treaty gives financial incentives, including tax-breaks and funding for Indian filmmakers, said British culture department officials. The treaty is expected to strengthen cultural ties between India and the UK. ‘London Dreams’, would be the first title under the co-production treaty and was approved by Indian cabinet in April after months of delay. In a symbolic start to the treaty British Culture Minister Barbara Follet will meet Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and director Vipul Shah on the sets of ‘London Dreams’ at Trafalgar Square in central London tomorrow.

‘Tahaan’ to enthrall Rome film fest viewers
After Pusan and London, Santosh Sivan’s ‘Tahaan’ is all set to enthrall Roman International film fest viewers starting tomorrow. He is extremely delighted to be a participant at the Rome Festival, and from there he will go to attend a fest in Netherlands. He further added that he is really very happy because 'Tahaan' has got good openings in European and Asian markets. ‘Tahaan’ has also been invited to Sundance film festival. ‘Tahaan’ is about Kashmir and its people. It not only talks about cross-border terrorism, but also good and evil, unlikely friendships and also carry a bit of philosophy.

Street pups inspired ‘Roadside Romeo’!
Cute pups playing by roadside, yawning, scratching, winking at one another and chasing vehicles on Mumbai streets which are common sight for all, inspired Jugal Hansraj to write and direct his animation film ‘Roadside Romeo’. “Once I was stuck in a traffic jam and I saw some stray dogs playing near a garbage pile. They were so involved in their game that I decided to tell about their story and that’s how idea of ‘Roadside Romeo’ came to my mind,” said Hansraj. He further added that ‘Roadside Romeo’ wasn’t planned, it happened by chance. Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Javed Jaffrey have lent their voice for the lead characters Romeo, Laila and Charlie Anna respectively in this firstever 3D mainstream animation venture in India.

Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher slash price for ‘A WEDNESDAY’
Even after 50 days of release ‘A WEDNESDAY’, one of the most bona fide and consistent success stories of the current season, is busy minting money at the box office. Anupam Kher played a meaty role in this Neeraj Pandey film, and found it satisfying an involving one. “If I am convinced about a role, genre doesn't matter. It may be a comedy, thriller or a love story – the subject should interest me,” said Anupam Kher. He further added that he along with Naseer were so excited about working in the film that they slashed their price for this. “We both worked at one–third of our market price,” Kher said.

Shruti Haasan to sing for Imran in ‘Luck’
Shruti Haasan is going to sing for Bollywood’s new heartthrob Imran Khan in upcoming film ‘Luck’. Imran Khan, who is acting opposite Shruti, wanted her to sing in the movie. He discussed the idea with director Soham Shah and who was enthralled by the idea. A song is being designed for Shruti, said Imran. Shruti, who is daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika, is childhood friend of Imran. According to him Shruti is unconventional type and not the usual heroine in terms of look, talent and body language.

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