DHOBI GHAT: One more look at a city called Mumbai

Murzbaan Shroff, the writer based in Mumbai would be mightily pleased that the first story in his book BREATHLESS IN BOMBAY also is the name of the directorial debut of Kiran Rao, named as DHOBI GHAT. As Shroff has underlined in the story, DHOBI GHAT, is one of the biggest melting pots of cultural extravaganza in a city called Bombay aka Mumbai where the dirty linen is washed in the public and then packed and consigned to its original owners. DHOBI GHAT is also a microcosm of what city of Mumbai is all about, a platform where the caste and class identities subsume into each other once it picks up the cloth to beat it on the stone slab. After a long-long time, the architectural fa�ade of South Mumbai, which is seen to be believed, has been made a part of the narrative to tell the world how architecturally as well, Mumbai is richly endowed. Scores of movies have been made using Mumbai as the backdrop, but the fa�ades that have been depicted through these movies either have been incorporated in the cinematic oeuvre through the studio creations or are the famous landmarks like Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Taj�s Lands end etc., all. But for DHOBI GHAT Kiran Rao has traversed into the underbelly of the city and has shot the movie in real locations. It would probably be the first film, which depicts famous Bhendi Bazaar in its actuality. As a matter of fact whole of South Mumbai has been given a new interpretation by Kiran Rao through DHOBI GHAT, and DHOBI GHAT could give a new character to the city of Mumbai. Cinema after all is a narrative about characters, and what better way to develop a character than use the city as a metaphor, as Kiran Rao claims to have done for Mumbai through DHOBI GHAT. After all, Mumbai is a city having a character of its own, and it keeps on evolving and may be the time has come to use the cities like Mumbai and Delhi as a character in the cinema and explore their evolution through other live characters in cinema. New directors like Kiran Rao seem to be setting the tone with DHOBI GHAT, and with Arwind Adiga of THE WHITE TIGER fame and Booker Prize winner also releasing his new book LAST MAN IN THE TOWER centered on Mumbai, it could be an interesting combination on offer. It could also spur more writers and filmmakers to use the backdrop of their cities and interpret it in a new way, as Kiran Rao is trying to do with DHOBI GHAT.

'Dhobi Ghat' 2011 - Official Theatrical Trailer Promo

DhobiGhat Release Date >>> 21 Jan. 2011

Aamir Khan Sahab envious of Pratik Babbar

Pratik Babbar, who recently celebrated his 25th birthday, is making some one green with envy these days. And that someone is no mere name. He is none other than superstar Aamir khan Sahab.

Even Kiran Rao admits to this fact. Talking about her film and its cast, Kiran says, "I wanted non actors for my film. Initially I tried real characters but later settled for fresh talent. I hadn't thought of Pratik while writing the film, it just happened and his screen test was incredible. When Aamir read the script, he fell in love with the central character which is played by Pratik in the film. Though he was eyeing the character but I wanted someone in his twenties to play the lead."

Well, Aamir might have lost the role to Pratik, but the film cannot miss on his signature style given the fact that it is his production.

Aamir Khan Sahab Named Entertainment Business Leader of 2010

MCX Stock Exchange, India's news stock exchange and CNBC-TV18, India's No. 1 business medium, honoured India's most promising visionaries and front runners leading nation's business conglomerates at Asia's most distinguished awards for excellence - 'India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) 2010' recently held in the city.

Aamir Khan Sahab was named 'Entertainment Business Leader of the Year' for his contribution to Cinema. Mr. Raju Hirani humbly received the award on behalf of Aamir Khan from our Honorable Finance Minister, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee. The CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards are aimed at recognizing leaders who have made a difference by carving a niche for themselves, thus creating an edge above their peers.

Commending the winners, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Hon. Finance Minister said, "It gives me immense pleasure to be here at 'India Business Leader Awards 2010'. Let me start by congratulating CNBC-TV18 for the sixth edition of this wonderful initiative that recognizes exceptional entrepreneurial talent and leadership in diverse fields of our economy. Over the years, the recipients of these awards in different categories have been individuals who epitomize courage, knowledge, ingenuity, vision and a drive to succeed and inspire. This year's list is no different."

Mr. Mukherjee further added, "Although a society can never thank enough the people who devote their time and energy in the pursuit of excellence within their respective domains of work, I believe recognition of their achievements and their contribution to the society through events like this can encourage them to explore new frontiers and inspire others to follow in their path. Your achievements send a very powerful message that success is achieved through hardwork and dedication. On that note, let me congratulate the Business Award Winners of the previous editions and the current edition for their effort."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Joseph Massey, MD and CEO, MCX Stock Exchange said, "The Award showcases the best of Indian Business Leaders who have helped built India as one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. This acknowledgement further encourages Indian entrepreneurship to build the foundation of futuristic India. We would like to congratulate all the winners, the distinguished panel of judges and CNBC-TV18 for organising the event."

Adding further, Mr. Udayan Mukherjee, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 said, "The Indian Business Leader Awards 2010 seek to recognize stellar efforts of individuals who epitomize strength, ingenuity, knowledge, foresight and successfully driven the growth of their businesses with vision and inspiration. IBLA 2010 is synonymous to excellence and achievements and hence has acclaimed a benchmark within the Indian business fraternity."

IBLA 2010 has witnessed the finest jury comprising of eminent names such as Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairperson of the Jury along with his members - Mr. Adi Godrej, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Mr. K.V. Kamath, Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, and Mr. Raghav Bahl.