Amitabh Bachchan to receive Sayaji Ratna Award

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be visiting Baroda tomorrow, 20th November to receive the BMA's prestigious, national level Sayaji Ratna Award, a tribute to the people’s king Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad Ill. The award shall be presented to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan on 20th November 2018 in a glittering ceremony. 

The award recognizes and acknowledges living legends of India, for their iconic character and outstanding contribution in the field of Business, Sports, Arts, Humanity, Education, Governance or Medicine. 

He is the third personality to receive this prestigious award. The 1st Sayaji Ratna Award was presented to N. Narayana Murthy (Founder, lnfosys Ltd.) and the 2nd was presented to Ratan Tata, Chairman of TATA Group.

Based on the guidance of Jury, it was decided to confer the next Sayaji Ratna Award to a person of eminence from “Arts & Culture”. The Award Jury noted Shri Amitabh Bachchan’s key contribution in promoting various social cause, inspiring millions of artists across the globe and establishing highest standards of excellence. Jury also felt that Shri Amitabh Bachchan is an institution himself and hence this award. The process solicits presence of awardee at Vadodara, so that local talent and people at large derive inspiration to attain excellence.

Sayaji Ratna Awardees:

In 2013, it was conferred upon Shri N R Narayana Murthy

In 2015, it was conferred upon Shri Ratan Tata

In 2018, it is being conferred upon Shri Amitabh Bachchan

About Sayaji Ratna Award: 

A unification of vision. tradition and modernisation, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was the legendary ruler of Baroda State from 1857 to 1939. With a keen eye for exceptional talent, he had an astounding ability to recognise hidden gems with exceptional talent and abilities from all walks of life. Supporting their education and training he would also ensure they received the right platform to reach the pinnacle of their prowess. Thanks to his foresight. Baroda became a hub for artists and scholars and one of the most progressive territories in India in early 1900s. His vision, compassion, philanthropy, institution building ability, patronage of experts and leadership uplifted all sections of the society. Inspired by his ideals The Baroda Management Association instituted The Sayaji Ratna Award on his 150th birth anniversary. The award continues Baroda's tradition of honouring rare gems by recognising and acknowledging the living legends of India for their iconic character and outstanding contribution in the field of Business, Sports, Arts, Humanity, Education, Governance or Medicine.

Amitabh Bachchan as Khudabakhsh in film Thugs of Hindosthan

YRF’s Thugs of Hindostan to release worldwide on November 8th

YRF's forthcoming Diwali extravaganza Thugs of Hindostan will be the biggest release that Bollywood has ever seen. This mega-action film has achieved a casting coup in the history of Bollywood by bringing together two of the biggest icons of Hindi cinema Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan for the first time.

Today, YRF unveiled the logo of this action entertainer and announced the release date as November 8th, a national holiday.

Thugs of Hindostan also stars Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh. It has been directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and promises to deliver a never-seen-before cinematic experience on the big screen this Diwali

What to watch out for in the 10th Season of Kaun Banega Crorepati

As the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan gears up to welcome you in his deep baritone, addressing one and all with the warmest “Deviyon aur Sajjano, swagat hai aapka….” starting 3rd September at 9:00pm on Sony Entertainment Television,  we thought of listing out a few things that you would want to watch out for this season! 

#1 – Kab Tak Rokoge 

This season of KBC unveiled with the campaign - #KabTakRokoge evoking the emotions of every KBC aspirant. This year KBC celebrates the spirit of resilience in people. 

#2 – Will enthrall audience for 12 weeks 

The show will air 60 episodes this season – 5 episodes per week. While the previous season was much shorter, leaving the audience asking for more, this season, the makers have planned the episodes over 12 weeks!

#3 – KBC Karamveer 

While previous season celebrated the Friday special episodes with Nai Chah Nai Raah, this season, the makers have titled the Friday special episodes as “KBC Karamveers”. This episode will see individuals whose heroic actions and good deeds have brought about a positive change in the society thereby becoming an inspiration for many. Some Karamveers will be accompanied by celebrities championing their cause. 

#4 – Ask the Expert 

While 50:50, Audience Poll and Jodidaar, the much-appreciated Lifelines, have been retained, this year will see the return of ‘Ask the Expert’ lifeline wherein one expert will be available to the contestant via video call link to help the contestant with an appropriate answer. 

#5 – Use of Augmented Reality for the first time on Indian Television

With the participants trying to crack the ‘Fastest-Fingers-First’ to get to the Hot Seat, this year, the show promises to be a visual delight for the viewers with the well-integrated use of Augmented Reality (AR) making television viewing a truly phenomenal experience. Amitabh Bachchan will be seen interacting with elements like – Dhanalay (the money pyramid), Ghadi Buddy (the timer) and the Lifelines. Apart from this, the 10 contestants on the show will be introduced via an AR map of India.

#6 – Contestants 

This year, the show received the highest ever, record-breaking registrations of over 31 million within a span of 15 Days. Only time will tell who makes it to the Hot Seat!

#7 – Opening episode

This year the show opens with a heartfelt poem recital by none other than Amitabh Bachchan himself!

#8 – Audio-Visual questions 

For the first time in the history of the show, audio-visual questions, on varied subjects ranging from sports to politics, have been included in the format.

Kaun Banega Crorepati salutes the spirit of resilience with #KabTakRokoge

Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is about the power of knowledge. Knowledge that empowers the common man & woman to achieve what they aspire for, despite unsurmountable obstacles. In its 10th season, KBC with its iconic host Mr. Amitabh Bachchan will applaud the undying spirit behind every struggle. Celebrating the spirit of resilience, Sony Entertainment Television, is proud to unveil the theme for this year’s KBC campaign – Kab Tak Rokoge. 

Conceptualized and written by Nitesh Tiwari and Nikhil Mehrotra, the campaign beautifully highlights three relatable stories with a soul. We often face situations in life that tend to deter us from achieving our goals. Often, we encounter people who discourage our attempts and obstruct our progress. When the odds are against us, one can only stand up to them and ask… #KabTakRokoge? Known for their unique brand of film making, these inspiring films have been directed by Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. 

Watch the first look of this year’s KBC campaign here - #KabTakRokoge 

Comments- 

Aman Srivastava, Head – Marketing at Sony Entertainment Television 

“KBC is an Iconic show. It’s campaigns in past years have touched and moved millions of Indians. It has won National and International awards and has successfully built anticipation for the show. This year’s theme of ‘Kab Tak Rokoge’ is both inspiring as well as upbeat and reflects Indian society’s prevalent “Can Do, Will Do” attitude. Nitesh Tewari has always created magic with KBC campaigns and this year again, he continues to weave the same magic with relevant insight captured with great cinematic impact. This time around, we also have Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari who will direct a film for the campaign.” 

Writer-Director, Nitesh Tiwari 

“Sony and KBC hold a special place in my heart. I am always excited to do a KBC campaign. This year’s campaign is extremely relevant, and I hope the Indian audience will like the campaign and make KBC a big success.”

Amitabh Bachchan revisits the classic song 'Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam' for his upcoming movie 102 Not Out

Mere Paas Aao from Mr Natwarlal (1979) was the first time that Amitabh Bachchan used his rich baritone to add depth and drama to a Hindi film song. Since then, his soulful voice has graced many memorable songs like Neela Aasman So Gaya and Rang Barsefrom Silsila (1981), Mere Angne Mein from Laawaris (1981) and Main Yahan Tu Wahanfrom Baghban (2003) to tracks like Ekla Cholo Re from Kahaani (2012) and Piddly Si Baatein from Shamitabh (2015) in recent years. 

Now, in his upcoming film 102 Not Out, directed by Umesh Shukla, apart from playing one of the leading men, the actor also took a keen interest in the music. He has already shared with us his experience of creating the track Badumbaaa, which was entirely his idea. Big B has also sung the song along with his co-actor in the film, Rishi Kapoor. The actor revealed that there is another track that he has sung, which is extremely special and close to his heart. It is a new rendition of the timeless classic, Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam, from the movie Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959). However, there is a mention of this song in the film.  The film’s original music was composed by SD Burman and this song was beautifully rendered by Geeta Dutt. 

Big B, who plays a 102-year-old man in the film, recorded the track in his characteristic deep and booming voice.The song was arranged by Rohan Utpat and Vinayak K Salvi. 

अमिताभ बच्चन की फ्लॉप फिल्मों के साथ ख़त्म मनमोहन देसाई और प्रकाश मेहरा

अमिताभ बच्चन के कथित सुपरस्टारडम के पीछे दो फिल्म निर्माता निर्देशकों की फिल्मों का ख़ास योगदान है। यह दो  निर्माता हैं प्रकाश मेहरा और मनमोहन देसाई।  प्रकाश मेहरा की फिल्म ज़ंजीर ने लगातार  फ्लॉप फिल्म दे रहे अमिताभ बच्चन के पैर फिल्म इंडस्ट्री में जमा दिए।  उनका एंग्री यंग मैन बॉलीवुड फिल्मों की कहानियों के इमोशनल नायकों पर भारी पड़ने लगा।  ज़ंजीर के चार साल बाद, मनमोहन देसाई ने अमिताभ बच्चन को लेकर अपनी पहली फिल्म अमर अकबर अन्थोनी बनाई।  इसके बाद इन दोनों फिल्मकारों ने अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ परवरिश, सुहाग, नसीब, देश प्रेमी, कुली, मर्द, हेरा फेरी, मुकद्दर का सिकंदर, लावारिस, नमक हलाल और शराबी जैसी सुपर हिट फ़िल्में बनाई।  इन फिल्मों ने अमिताभ बच्चन को सुपर स्टार, मेगा स्टार, वन मैन इंडस्ट्री जैसे न जाने कितने खिताब दिलवाए।  लेकिन, इन दोनों ही फिल्मकारों का करियर अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ फ्लॉप फिल्मे देने के साथ ही ख़त्म हो गया।  पहले मिडास टच रखने वाले मनमोहन देसाई गए।  उनकी अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ फिल्म गंगा जमुना सरस्वती २९ दिसंबर १९८८ को रिलीज़ हुई।  इस फिल्म में अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ मिथुन चक्रवर्ती, मीनाक्षी शेषाद्रि, जयाप्रदा, अमरीश पूरी और निरूपा राय भी साथ दे रहे थे।   उस समय मिथुन चक्रवर्ती अपने डांस के कारण

भारतीय माइकल जैक्सन बने हुए थे।  उम्मीद की जाती थी कि यह स्टार कास्ट एक सफल फिल्म देगी।  फिर तीन साल पहले ही तो मनमोहन देसाई ने कुली जैसी हिट फिल्म दी थी।  लेकिन, हुआ बिलकुल उल्टा।  यह फिल्म पूरे हिंदुस्तान में २७० थिएटरों में रिलीज़ हुई।  लेकिन, दो हफ़्तों में ही बॉक्स ऑफिस ने फिल्म के धराशाई होने का ऐलान कर दिया।  गंगा जमुना सरस्वती ने जहाँ पहले हफ्ते में १२.७६ लाख के कलेक्शन के साथ ९५ प्रतिशत की दर्शक संख्या बटोरी।  वहीँ दूसरे हफ्ते में यह फिल्म २८ प्रतिशत की दर्शक संख्या में आ गई।  उस समय किसी फिल्म के लिए आठ हफ़्तों तक ७५ प्रतिशत बिज़नेस करना ज़रूरी होता था, ताकि हिट का टैग मिल सके। १९८९ अमिताभ बच्चन, प्रकाश मेहरा और मनमोहन देसाई के करियर के लिए खतरनाक साबित हुआ।  इस साल मनमोहन देसाई के बैनर की फिल्म तूफ़ान और प्रकाश मेहरा की फिल्म जादूगर रिलीज़ हुई।  कहा जाता है कि जादूगर और तूफ़ान एक ही दिन रिलीज़ हुई थी।  लेकिन, वास्तविकता यह नहीं है। तूफ़ान ३ जुलाई १९८९ को रिलीज़ हुई, जबकि जादूगर २५ अगस्त १९८९ को रिलीज़ हुई थी।  लेकिन, बॉक्स ऑफिस पर दोनों का हश्र एक सा हुआ।  यह दोनों फ़िल्में काफी बड़ी और दर्शकों की नब्ज़ पहचानने वाले फिल्मकारों की फ़िल्में थी। हालाँकि,  तूफ़ान के डायरेक्टर मनमोहन देसाई नहीं थे।  इस फिल्म का डायरेक्शन  मनमोहन देसाई के बेटे  केतन देसाई  कर रहे थे, जिनका  फिल्म अल्लाह रक्खा से फ्लॉप डेब्यू हुआ था।  उम्मीद की जा रही थी कि तूफ़ान  केतन का करियर संवार देगी।  लेकिन यह फिल्म बॉक्स ऑफिस पर औंधे मुंह जा गिरी।  इसके बाद जादूगर रिलीज़ हुई।  जादूगर उस प्रकाश मेहरा की फिल्म थी, जिसने अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ शराबी जैसी हिट फिल्म बनाई थी।  लेकिन, प्रकाश मेहरा और अमिताभ बच्चन की जोड़ी का जादू नहीं चला।  जादूगर भी बॉक्स ऑफिस पर बुरी तरह से असफल ही।   गंगा जमुना सरस्वती और तूफ़ान के बाद जादूगर अमिताभ बच्चन की तीसरी बड़ी असफलता थी।  इस फिल्म के फ्लॉप होने के बाद अमिताभ बच्चन का करियर ख़त्म मान लिया गया था। मैं आज़ाद हूँ की असफलता ने इसकी पुष्टि जैसी कर दी थी। अब यह बात दीगर है कि  आज का अर्जुन और हम ने अमिताभ बच्चन के करियर को नई दिशाएं दे दी।  लेकिन, उन्हें सुपर स्टार बनाने वाले प्रकाश मेहरा और मनमोहन देसाई का फिल्म करियर बिलकुल ख़त्म हो गया।  

Amitabh Bachchan Sings Ganesh Aarti for Sarkar 3

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his fabulously baritone voice in all its glorious anger, is back for Ram Gopal Varma’s Godfatheresque Sarkar 3, releasing on 12th May.

Not only is Subhash Nagre back, & angrier than ever but as a special treat for the loyal coterie of movie lovers who have waited eight long years for Sarkar 3, the film features a song sung by none other than Bachchan himself!Yes, Amitabh Bachchan has sung a mellifluous and soulfully striking Ganapati Aarti for Sarkar 3 which is composed by Rohan Vinayak.The poignant Ganapati Aarti, rendered by the Bachchan baritone, has been shot on the locales of a Mumbai beach, featuring a stunning larger than life Ganesh idol, and the grandiose holy process of immersion-Visarjan. Symbolizing a significant and unifying cultural aspect of Maharashtra and its people, the special Ganesh Aarti will be launched today, and we speak to Mr Bachchan himself, on the experience of singing again for the big screen 

Mr Bachchan speaks on the song, "There is something about the Ganesha Aarti that invokes great divinity ; an emotion, that is rare and lasting.Sant Ramdas created this Aarti in the 1600’s in a Rag ( Rag Jogiya ), that was befitting of such great character and eminence. The words are vernacular Marathi - a rarity for most other Hindu bhajans and devotional songs. Yet the way the Aarti has been structured, it cuts across all language barriers, if at all there are any. I feel privileged and blessed, to have been asked to sing it for the film Sarkar 3. I sang the Aarti for the Siddhivinayak Mandir at Prabha Devi, and when discussed with Ram Gopal Varma, I suggested we do the same for the film as well. We have given it a different tone, but the sentiment the emotion and the divinity, remains in as much prominence, as the original." 

Joining Amitabh Bachchan is a unique ensemble cast of Indian Cinema's finest from the veterans to the rising stars: Manoj Bajpayee, Ronit Roy, Amit Sadh, Yami Gautam, Jackie Shroff, Rohini Hattangadi and more are bringing the Sarkar 3 epic to the big screen. 

An Eros International & Wave Cinemas Ponty Chadha in association with Raju Chadha presentation, produced by Alumbra Entertainment and AB Corp, directed by Ram Gopal Varma releases on 12th May, 2017.

Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan laud Amaan-Ayan's musical journey

The packed ballroom resonated with the sound of melifluous music as Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sons of sarod legend Amjad Ali Khan, set the stage afire with a spellbinding sarod performance alongide rabab maestro Daud Khan Sadozai. The album by the trio aptly called "Journey--Rabab To Sarod" was launched on stage by superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Also present at the event were Vikram Mehra, Ashrafi Matcheswala, Jaya Bachchan, Pankaj Udhas, Saba Ali Khan, Kailash Surendranath, Ira Dubey and Omer Haidar, MD, Showhouse Events.

When Amitabh Bachchan took selfies with students

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his team PINK comprising of Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, Angad Bedi, Shoojit Sircar and Producer Ronnie Lahiri visited one of the top college festivals of Mumbai and launched their song Jeenay De Mujhe live!

A pumped up Mr Bachchan interacted with the screaming student fans and even took selfies with the crowds!!

Shoojit Sircar, Ronnie Lahiri, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, Angad Bedi and Mr Bachchan launched the youth anthem and first song from PINK "Jeenay De Mujhe" amongst thousands of passionate college students and jammed live with them as well!! The megastar and his team took selfies with the thrilled crowd as well who were roaring thunderously their support.

PINK releases on 16th September 2016.

EXCLUSIVE: अभिषेक बच्चन के साथ ज़ंजीर का रीमेक बनाना चाहते थे प्रकाश मेहरा

प्रकाश मेहरा की मृत्यु १७ मई २००९ को हुई थी।  उनके खाते में बिना अमिताभ बच्चन के हसीना मान   जाएगी, मेला, समाधी, एक कुंवारी एक कुंवारा, हाथ की सफाई, खलीफा,  ज्वालामुखी, आदि फ़िल्में दर्ज़ हैं। उन्होंने अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ ज़ंजीर, हेरा फेरी, मुकद्दर का सिकंदर, लावारिस, नमक हलाल और शराबी जैसी सुपर हिट फ़िल्में दी थी ।  हालाँकि, अमिताभ बच्चन के साथ फिल्म जादूगर के बाद  प्रकाश मेहरा कोई हिट फिल्म नहीं दे सके।  लेकिन, एक समय उन्होंने ज़ंजीर का रीमेक बनाने का इरादा किया था।  इस रीमेक फिल्म में इंस्पेक्टर विजय का किरदार अभिषेक बच्चन को करना था।  अमिताभ बच्चन उसके पिता अजय बने थे और प्राण को खान साहेब का किरदार करना था।  लेकिन, कुछ कारणों से यह फिल्म ऐलान से आगे नहीं बढ़ सकी।  इसके बाद २०१३ में प्रकाश मेहरा के बेटे अमित मेहरा ने कुछ दूसरे निर्माताओं के साथ  अपूर्व लखिया के निर्देशन में ज़ंजीर को रीमेक किया।  फिल्म में अमिताभ बच्चन, जया भादुड़ी बच्चन, प्राण और अजित वाला किरदार क्रमशः रामचरण तेज, प्रियंका चोपड़ा, संजय दत्त और प्रकाश  राज ने किया।  लेकिन, फिल्म बुरी  तरह से असफल हुई।  

Mr Bachchan playing football on sets of TE3N

Amitabh Bachchan was shooting at the famed club grounds Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkatta for TE3N and the megastar also had quite some fun kicking around the ball during breaks! We hear that post the shoot, the club has bestowed upon Mr Bachchan honorary life membership! The club which celebrates 125 years of its inception, has inducted Mr Bachchan in their club 

A source close to the team says, "Mr Bachchan was quite nostalgic when he was shooting at the football club grounds as they have been the same benches since 1950s! He used to often attend matches, sometimes straight from the train station upon arrival, given the passion Kolkatta has for football! It brought back many fond and nostalgic memories for him on the sets."  

Endemol, Reliance Entertainment, Cinemaa, Kross Pictures and Blue Waters  Motion Pictures, have come together for “TE3N”, an emotional thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with Vidya Balan in a pivotal guest appearance. The film, which has Sujoy Ghosh as creative producer and Ribhu Dasgupta as its director, is scheduled for a worldwide release on June 10th, 2016.

आँखे २ में नहीं होंगे जॉन अब्राहम !

बॉलीवुड गलियारों से खबर है कि जॉन अब्राहम ने २००२ की हिट फिल्म आँखे के सीक्वल आँखें २ को छोड़ दिया है।  इस फिल्म में जॉन पहली बार एक अंधे का किरदार करने जा रहे थे।  २००२ की आँखें में अक्षय कुमार, अर्जुन रामपाल और परेश रावल अंधे किरदारों में थे।  यह फिल्म एक गुजराती नाटक पर थी, जिसमे एक बैंक मैनेजर तीन अंधे आदमियों से अपने ही बैंक में डकैती डलवाता है। फिल्म में बैंक  मैनेजर का किरदार अमिताभ बच्चन ने किया था।  सीक्वल फिल्म आँखें २ में  अमिताभ बच्चन निगेटिव रोल में ही हैं।  लेकिन, अक्षय कुमार और अर्जुन रामपाल ने सीक्वल फिल्म  में काम करने से मना कर दिया था।  अक्षय कुमार की जगह जॉन अब्राहम आ गए थे।  आँखे २ का निर्देशन अनीस बज़्मी कर रहे थे।  अनीस बज़्मी और जॉन अब्राहम ने पिछले साल ही वेलकम रिटर्न्स जैसी हिट फिल्म दी थी।  जॉन ने दो कारणों से फिल्म छोड़ी।  पहला यह कि वह फ़ोर्स २ के सेट पर घायल हो गए थे।  फिल्म का शिड्यूल पिछड़ गया था।  दूसरा यह कि जॉन अब्राहम ने अपनी फीस बढ़ा कर १२ करोड़ कर दी थी, जिसे फिल्म के निर्माता गौरांग दोषी नहीं दे पा रहे थे। अनीस बज़्मी ने भी जॉन को बनाये रखने की भरसक कोशिश की थी।  अब खबर है कि जॉन अब्राहम के बदल के रूप में किसी ए ग्रेड के अभिनेता की खोज की जा रही है।  अनिल कपूर फिल्म में आ गए हैं।  फिल्म में एक हीरोइन के लिए कैटरीना कैफ से संपर्क साधा गया है।  आँखें (२००२) में बिपाशा बासु और सुष्मिता सेन नायिकाएं थी।