Kaka's Aashirwad to be his museum

Remember Rajesh Khanna’s sea-facing bungalow Aashirwad on Carter Road, Bandra west? Rajesh Khanna



The residence of the 70s’ superstar is a landmark that GenNow just zips past in its fast cars and superbikes without a second glance. The actor himself, despite a messy attempt at making a comeback this year with the disatrous film Wafaa, is in the wilderness for close to 25 years. But, the buzz is that Aashirwad is being readied by ‘Kaka’ to be the ‘Rajesh Khanna Museum’ very soon.

The former superstar is in the news this week for turning out to be a higher taxpayer the last financial year at Rs 6.87 crore than Bollywood’s current heartthrobs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Rs 4.7cr), Kareena Kapoor (Rs 3.6cr) and even one-time arch rival Amitabh Bachchan (Rs 1.25cr). This is a mystery, given Kaka’s dubious history with the tax man, that is explained by a close friend who said Kaka is worth over Rs 100 crore because he has sizeable assets in the form of property in Mumbai and Chennai, some of which he sold recently.

But what is more interesting is that Aashirwad, which at one time was reported to be attached by the IT Department because Kaka had defaulted on his taxes, is likely to be converted into a museum. Time was when this bungalow was the nerve centre of Bollywood. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai says, “I have seen legendary filmmakers like Shakti Samanta and Manmohan Desai be a part of Khanna’s coterie here.’’ Apparently renovation is on at Aashirwad and people speculate that Kaka’s son-in-law Akshay Kumar will inherit this property someday.

The former actor, who has a battery of cars, shelves of trophies of his hits films, artefacts and several other valuables inside Aashirwad that are meticulously maintained by a retinue of servants, told BT from Delhi, “Yes, I’m planning to open India’s first star museum here. By the grace of the Almighty, my daughters Twinkle and Rinke are married, settled and have huge houses themselves. They don’t need my property.’’ Then, with some of his old flamboyance, he added, “Aashirwad is the home of the first superstar of Bollywood, and I would like it to remain that way. Of course, my daughters will take the final decision because it will be their inheritance in the future.’’

Link from :

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Kakas-Aashirwad-to-be-his-museum/articleshow/4409553.cms#write

Legendary producer-director Shakti Samanta passes away

By V Manohar | 10:30 | 11/Apr/2009 |0Comment(s) |








Legendary producer-director Shakti Samanta passes away

Mumbai, April 10: Noted filmmaker Shakti Samanta, who made superhit movies for Super Star Rajesh Khanna died here on Thursday ( 09-04-2009) after a brief illness.

He was 83 and is survived by wife, two sons and two grandsons.

"He passed away at around 5 pm at his suburban Santacruz residence. He was recovering from a stroke which he suffered over two months ago," a family member told reporters.

"Samanta was discharged two weeks ago from Jaslok Hospital where he was treated for two months. He was slightly paralysed and was recovering slowly," Ashim Samanta, son of the filmmaker, told reporters.

"However, his health deteriorated today," said Ashim, also a film director.

Samanta's funeral would be held at Santacruz crematorium at 11 am on 10-4-2009, the family member said.

The Shakthi Samanta-Super Star Rajesh Khanna pair was responsible for some of Bollywood's memorable classics like Aradhana - 1969, Kati Patang - 1970, Amar Prem - 1971, Anuraag - 1972, Ajanabee - 1974, Mehbooba - 1976, Anurodh - 1977, Ayash - 1982, Awaaz - 1984, Alag Alag - 1985 & Dushman - 1990. All movies with Super Star Rajesh Khanna is super hit for ever.

'Samanta magic' with Rajesh Khanna didn't work with Bachchan


Samanta, a former president of Indian Motion Pictures Association of India (IMPAA), directed 43 feature films, including 37 Hindi and 6 Bengali films.


Shakti Samanta directed his first feature film, 'Bahu' in 1954. After the success of his next few films like 'Inspector' (1956), 'Sheroo' (1956), 'Detective' (1957), Samanta started his own film production house.

Apart from his movies, the director is remembered for introducing actress Sharmila Tagore in Kashmir Ki Kali , who went on to form a legendary pair with Samanta's blue-eyed boy Super Star Rajesh Khanna.

Samantha was never cheap. There is something to be said for a filmmaker who helmed movies which in many ways defined the core character of Hindi cinema in the 1960s and 70s. Apart from everything else Samantha will be remembered for creating all of Super Star Rajesh Khanna’s films Super Hit from Aradhana to Dushman which were all super hit.Quite easily one of the last giant names of that period, Samatha’s passing ought to mean a great loss for bollywood cinema.

Of sobs and tears - Haathi Mere Saathi : 1971

The first time I cried at the movies was during Haathi Mere Saathi. Rajesh Khanna's elephant had died. I could not believe an elephant could die, either in real life, or in the movies. I felt it was unfair that someone had written in the elephant's death so easily. Baw.

In my defence I was ten. I am now four times that age and I am still crying at the movies.

Hindustan Times
dt. 20-3-2009.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=CinemaSectionPage&id=2415bd3a-cfa5-4a4e-bd66-6e5bf0356704&Headline=Of+sobs+and+tears

Super Star Rajesh Khanna defends his movie Wafaa

Rajesh Khanna defends his movie
By: Sonal ChawlaDate: 2008-12-20
Mumbai:

Young at Heart: Rajesh Khanna in a still from Raghukul Reet Sadaa Chali Aayee

Says a defiant Rajesh Khanna, insisting his role in Wafaa isn't everyone's cup of tea

After seeing the intimate pictures of Rajesh Khanna in Wafaa, I wanted to go visit Rajesh Khanna to understand why he accepted such a role.

I just needed to know. And also, for the sake of my mother, who was anguished that her once upon a time favourite hero had stooped to conquer.

I just barged into his sets in Film City, Goregaon, where he was shooting for a Hindi serial, Raghukul Reet Sadaa Chali Aayee and demanded he speak to me. Here are excerpts from my conversation with him...

Tell me about your role in Wafaa?

It has released today... you can go see it! (Smiles)

What motivated you to choose such a role?

What do you mean, motivate? (Pauses) It's a powerful script and a powerful role. It's a dynamic role, which is not every actor's cup of tea and so I chose that role. I know what you really want to ask me.

Okay then, so tell me. What made you do those scenes...
It is a bold script, undoubtedly. It is so bold that the Censor Board has given it a 'U' certificate (laughs).

It received a 'U' certificate after the bold scenes were chopped? As far as I know, it has an 'A' certificate...
I don't think so. I haven't seen the film after the censorship decision. But I've been told that there were very minor cuts. I know you want to ask me I am doing such scenes at this age with a heroine half my age.

Especially after doing 175 films which have been so beautifully oriented in terms of characterisation, in story matter, lyrics and songs. You would want to know that if in the song Roop Tera Mastana (Aradhana) the hero doesn't even touch the heroine, and yet the song had romance as well as sex, why I have done this?
Exactly...

My answer is because the subject demanded it and I'm sure once you see the movie, you will know and understand and will agree that it is justified. I will say that the romantic scenes are not Bollywood, but Hollywood. I'm brave enough to say that to own up to it. I am not at all shy or even reluctant to say this: I am proud of those scenes because behind those scenes there is a story. I am not a fool that at this age, given what I am today, I will do a Hollywood style romance with an actress half my age. I am a very sensible guy. I have my head on my shoulders. I have no dearth of films.

Your fans are very disappointed.

Seeing the photographs and trying to judge and pass judgment is not justified. It is no justice done to Mr Rajesh Khanna because I would not do a thing that would bring me dishonour, or be below my dignity. All my films are not like this. I have not done it in 175 films, why will I do it now??? The story demanded it. The subject demanded it. It is a very new kind of subject, and so I went for it. When one sees the photographs it gives you a wrong impression but when you see it in the film, it gives you an impression that it had to be this way! And it is not done deliberately or to attract audience into the theatre. That's the publicity or game plan of the producer or the director and not the actor! When my fans see the film, they will write in to say they got the wrong impression from the photographs.

What reactions have you received since the photos were published?

We do our role and go away. We are not forced in to it. There is grace in every scene. There is dignity in every scene. Other wise Rajesh Khanna is not game. I went from being an actor to a star, and then a superstar. My audience has made me who I am. I have their love and affection and I don't want to lose that.

Your co-star Laila Khan says you treated her like a daughter, was it difficult to do intimate scenes with her?

No. Laila might have said that but I don't say that. It is not a father-daughter relationship. It is two friends who could happen to be of a different age group but we are friends, we are colleagues and she is my heroine and the only difference is the age barrier.

Laila might have said that but I don't say that. It is not a father daughter relationship. It is two friends who could happen to be of a different age group but we are friends, we are colleagues and she is my heroine; the only difference is the age barrier

I am not at all shy or not even reluctant to say this: I'm proud of those scenes because behind those scenes, there is a story. I am not a fool that at this age, given what I am today, I will do a Hollywood style romance with an actress half my age

It's a powerful script and a powerful role. It's dynamic and isn't every actor's cup of tea and so I chose that role Rajesh Khanna

http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2008/dec/201208-Rajesh-Khanna-Raghukul-Reet-Wafaa-Film-City-Roop-Tera-Mastana-Bollywood.htm

Super Star Rajesh Khanna's Wafaa at Box Office

After going through the long interview of Kaka on 20.12.2008, it seems that media is highlighting some bold scenes of Wafa in an exaggarated manner. There are other factors as well in this film,such as performance of Kaka, his most dynamic and perfect characterization as Multimillionaire of Thailand and he looks really most handsome and glamorous in the role, especially in the song of Tere Bagair... . But strange the media only creating nonsense about some bed scenes and kissing scenes. First of all we should look after that upto what extent these scenes are present in the main film. As per Kaka versions it has given a U certificate. So if this is true, then there is no question of controversial scenes.

SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA'S BIRTHDAY ON 29TH DECEMBER, 2008

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SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA : An actor par excellence
On his SIXTY SIX birthday on 29th December, 2008, I may highlight some inner capabilities of the GREATEST LIVING LEGEND & THE REAL AND ONLY SUPER STAR OF INDIAN CINEMA as a most refined actor, rather, an actor par excellence, which have experienced for the last four decades through his outstanding performances. These are in addition to his classic facial ex-pressions which emerge effortlessly on his face and the style and arrogance brought by him on the silver screen. The rigorous use of his voice to communicate a character’s lines and express emotion, which he achieved through attention to diction and projection through correct breathing and articulation. It has also achieved by him through the tone and emphasis that an real actor puts on words. Characterization/Physicalisation of a role in order to create a believable character for the audience and to use the acting space appropriately and correctly. Use of gesture to complement the voice, interact with other actors and to bring emphasis to the words in a play, as well as having symbolic meaning.

SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA'S BIRTHDAY ON 29TH DECEMBER, 2008

SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA'S BIRTHDAY ON 29TH DECEMBER, 2008
























































· SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA : An actor par excellence
On his SIXTY SIX birthday on 29th December, 2008, I may highlight some inner capabilities of the GREATEST LIVING LEGEND & THE REAL AND ONLY SUPER STAR OF INDIAN CINEMA as a most refined actor, rather, an actor par excellence, which have experienced for the last four decades through his outstanding performances. These are in addition to his classic facial ex-pressions which emerge effortlessly on his face and the style and arrogance brought by him on the silver screen. The rigorous use of his voice to communicate a character’s lines and express emotion, which he achieved through attention to diction and projection through correct breathing and articulation. It has also achieved by him through the tone and emphasis that an real actor puts on words. Characterization/Physicalisation of a role in order to create a believable character for the audience and to use the acting space appropriately and correctly. Use of gesture to complement the voice, interact with other actors and to bring emphasis to the words in a play, as well as having symbolic meaning.