Aamir Khan: Limelight Stealer (?)

So I've decided to do some fun write ups and features on all things related to Bollywood. And as first, I decided to do one on the uber talented and slightly selfish, Aamir Khan. Talented, well you know why. But selfish! "How dare she?" you're probably thinking. However, I had this thought today while reviewing Dhobi Ghat (which I personally lurved by the way). What really changed Aamir Khan and made him slightly edgy and unconventional was perhaps when he meddled in Deepa Mehta's Earth. Prior to that, Aamir pretty much was yet another mainstream actor. Soon after came Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti, Fanaa, Taare Zameen Par, Ghajini, 3 Idiots and more lately, Dhobi Ghat. All of the films listed have worked critically and commercially which went on to establish Aamir Khan and his genre of films; zara hatke. In fact, despite being entertaining and winning awards, all of the films put him on a pedestal which pretty much gave him reins as a filmmaker and actor in the industry. So amidst all this talk of accolades, where does this idea of selfishness come from?

Okay hear me out. What do most of the films above have in common? Some are ensemble casts while the others have seen Aamir launch new talent. But besides Aamir, which of the actors have actually come out on top? And really, all of them are fabulous actors. Gracy Singh may have gotten lucky with Lagaan but post the film, Gracy had to really fight tooth and nail for her role in Munnabhai M.B.B.S. and even then, Sanjay Dutt walked away with the fruits of it all. Dil Chahta Hai made Aamir a youth icon but not the same can be said about Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan. Rang De Basanti created waves but the rest of the cast didn't flourish as much as Aamir did. What did RDB do for R. Madhavan or Sharman Joshi or even Soha Ali Khan? Asin is basically a forgotten deal and yet again post 3 Idiots, Maddy and Joshi are still where they were 5 years ago.

Okay so maybe selfish isn't the ride word; maybe Aamir is a glory hogger and because of his innate popularity has managed to steal the limelight from actors who are as talented as him. And that in itself is selfishness, no?

January 2011 Sneak Peek!

Happy New Year Bollywood lovers! Hope you all have a completely Bollyfied year filled with lots of good films. Now, January has arrived and you can expect lots of films. There's drama, action and love all around. Take a look!

No One Killed Jessica: Rani Mukherji and Vidya Balan take on this real-life drama as they look to create fireworks with their performances. The ladies look like they are in for major awards post the release. Looks fantastic and has generated immense curiosity.

Yamla Pagla Deewana: You know you're headed for fun-ville when the entire Deol clan comes together in a comedy. Needless to say there will be a number of Singh is King moments but with Dharamendra, you can expect major laughs.

Turning 30: A real chick flick! Gul Panag features as a young 29 year old whose 30th birthday is on the verge of arrival when she realizes she has hit a real thud in her life. It looks at taboos, issues and the life of a 30 year old Mumbai girl.

Hostel: The writer of Sarkar is back with Hostel. Manish Gupta gives viewers a look into the life of a hostel livers and the intense ragging that leads to suicides in the country. It looks to create immense awareness in a more glamourous way.

Dhobi Ghat: Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan come together for the first time in Dhobi Ghat. Those who have managed to catch a preview of the film call it sheer genius. Besides the performances, the city of Mumbai has apparently been captured superbly.

Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji: It's complicated love in Madhur Bandarkar's Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji. And while the normally realistic director takes a break from what he knows best, he has managed to bag the likes of Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Omi Vaidya.

So lots to watch and enjoy! Watch out as I bring you best from Bollywood throughout the year!

Dhobi Ghat Trailer

I'm super excited for Dhobi Ghat because it will bring together some of the best in the industry including Aamir Khan and Prateik Babbar. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film is set to be one that will make you think as it explores the city Mumbai from a totally different perspective. Having already making waves at international film festivals, Dhobi Ghat is slated for a January 2011 release. First look anyone?

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