Naina - *ing : Urmila

[Profiler]

http://www.bollyvista.com/data/image/picture4457_1.jpg

If you have been wondering where Urmila has been all these days, well let us give you a first look at her next feature film, iDream Production's 'Naina'. The feature film (long due for Urmila after her wonderful performance in 'Ek Haseena Thi') is a supernatural thriller where Urmila plays the role of a blind girl who is involved in some supernatural circumstances.

Considering her performance in 'Bhoot', another eery thriller, one can be sure that 'Naina' will be a film to watch out for.

[Fari]

looks good, i saw it on sweetys sig!

[sweety]

It lo0oks........ absolutely amazing!! :bigok:

THANX 4 STARTING THIS TOPIC SARAH :kiss:

[sweety]

Check out the movie's website..... IT ROX! :buttrock:

www.nainathefilm.com

[sweety]

Urmila Matondkar is Naina!

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/12-untitled.JPG


iDream 's next film ‘Naina’ releases May 6, 2005

iDream’s next presentation is a supernatural / horror thriller ‘Naina’ (www.nainathefilm.com) which is slated for a summer release. Naina, is directed by debutant director Shripal Morakhia and is shot extensively in London.

It has the talented Urmila Matondkar playing the lead role of ‘Naina’, a woman who experiences the unthinkable / unreal. She is ably supported by Anuj Sawhney, Shweta Konnur, Amardeep Jha and Kamini Khanna.

The film is to be released nationwide on May 6, 2005 by SPE Films India Release.

[sweety]

First Look: Naina..... india Fm.com

http://www.indiafm.com/firstlook/naina.jpg

[sweety]

wallpaper.... :DD

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mo_mulla/nainapromo2.jpg

[sweety]

sig........ co0ol!!

http://mercury.walagata.com/w/baadshah/Naina_Sig_By_G.jpg

[Fari]

I (l) Urmillas eyes............ THEY R soo beautiful (l)

[sweety]

http://www.nainathefilm.com/wallpapers/1024_3.jpg

[sweety]

http://www.nainathefilm.com/wallpapers/1024_1.jpg

[sweety]

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/14252NO9Z8/398255.jpg

[sweety]

GUYS... CHECK OUT THE WEWBSITE.... IT'S REEEEEEEEALYY ROX AND THERE ARE SOME MO0ORE PICS THERE!! :jump:.... ohhhhhh am so Excited ... I CAN'T WAIT 2 SEE THE MOVIE :celeb:

The WebSite: http://www.nainathefilm.com/#

[sweety]

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/1-naina.JPG

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/2-naina.JPG

[sweety]

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/5-naina.JPG

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/6-naina.JPG

[sweety]

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/3-naina.JPG

http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/4-naina.JPG

[Srkforever]

whts with Urmila and Horror films??
hope this one is scary enough

[sweety]

Hey Guyz the trailers are now available on the NAINA site.. :jump: :celeb:

Here are the links to all the promos.

http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_1_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_2_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_3_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_4_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_5_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_6_120sec-1.wmv

http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_1_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_2_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_3_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_4_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_5_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_6_60sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_7_60sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_8_60sec-1.wmv


THE PROMOS ARE GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEATTTTT!!!!....... http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/yrhCCh34.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/yrhCCh34.gif

[Khalifa]

awesome promos Noura ....The movie looks really promising ...Can't wait to see it :D
I want it to become a Super Hit :pray:

[sweety]

Hey khal :DD

I want it to become a Super Hit

Inshallah.... :pray: .... I reeeeeeeeeally hope so0o....

[Khalifa]

i was wondering .....do u think the movie gonna release b4 india by 2 days as usual :dizzy: if yes then it's gonna be great ...cuz i wanna show off a bit in front of taz, bonders and sumit :hmmm: :hmmm:

[sweety]

Lo0o0olzz :grin: .... yeah it will be greeeeeeeeeeeeeat .... 1st coz I have an exam on 20 :banghead: :banghead: May.... 2nd to show off...... hehehehehe http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/1uuu5.gif

[Khalifa]

:rotflmao: @ http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/1uuu5.gif

U have exam N i have work placement :banghead: I hate this :rolleyes:

[sweety]

:banghead: :somad: :banghead: :somad: .......

btw... how old r ya khal? :hmmm:

[sweety]

o0o0opsss .... i just saw it.... ur 20 :grin:

[Khalifa]

Looolz yeah ...older than u :biggrin: :cool:

[sweety]

:DD

btw.... Aamir looks so0o0o0o funny in ur avatar.... lo0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ollllllzzzz http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/ghghgh.gif .... am dying 2 see the ad :(

[Khalifa]

heheheheh ....haven't u seen the AD yet ...it's hilarious :rotflmao: Aamir looks so cute as a girl :wink:
give me 5 min I will pm u with the AD :grin:

[sweety]

WOOOOOOOOOOOW..... REEEEEEEELLLY!!!!!!!!!!!..... THANK U SOOOO MUCH..... U R THE BEEEEEEEEST :buttrock: :buttrock:

[Khalifa]

tell me something i dunno :grin: :grin: check ur pm :hmmm:

[sweety]

hahahahahahahah I can't stop Laughing .... hahahahaha http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/hahahaa.gif .... ur so0o0o right khal.... he looks so0o0o cuuteee as a girl :biggrina: :biggrina:

[Profiler]

awesome promos Noura ....The movie looks really promising ...Can't wait to see it :D
I want it to become a Super Hit :pray:

Same here ! I loved all the promos :thumbsup:

[sweety]

tell me something i dunno :grin: :grin:

...... http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/just_out8.jpg

[Khalifa]

Same here ! I loved all the promos :thumbsup:
BTW saroh ....for some odd reasons I don't like ur sig :stars: :((

[Khalifa]

hahahahahahahah I can't stop Laughing .... hahahahaha http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/hahahaa.gif .... ur so0o0o right khal.... he looks so0o0o cuuteee as a girl :biggrina: :biggrina:
loooolz the ad is really fantastic

[Khalifa]

...... http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/just_out8.jpg
:lol:

[Profiler]

BTW saroh ....for some odd reasons I don't like ur sig :stars: :((

kuyn ? :glare:

[Khalifa]

nahin ....the sushmita sig is absolutely Fantastic...I meant the sandra and Hrithik one :rolleyes:

[Profiler]

nahin ....the sushmita sig is absolutely Fantastic...I meant the sandra and Hrithik one :rolleyes:

I know u meant the Sandra & duggu one , infact I post that b4 I changed it .. come one now tell me why u didn't like it ? :glare: :wink:

[Khalifa]

I know u meant the Sandra & duggu one , infact I post that b4 I changed it .. come one now tell me why u didn't like it ? :glare: :wink:
come on sarah ...sandra's face was a bit huge and there was no attraction between the two faces :stars: ..... hmmm what else ?? :rolleyes: ...can't remember cuz u replace it :biggrina:

[sweety]

cheeeeeeck outttt the newwwwwww interview with Urmi (Video).... SHE LOOKS so0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o elegant.... WOWOWOW!!!!! :love: :heart: :love: :deg:

cLICK HeRE!!!!! :DD

http://ww.smashits.com/

[sweety]

cheeeeeeck outttt the newwwwwww interview with Urmi (Video).... SHE LOOKS so0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o elegant.... WOWOWOW!!!!! :love: :heart: :love: :deg:

cLICK HeRE!!!!! :DD

http://ww.smashits.com/
:kiss:

[sweety]

Some caps from the interview .... Enjoy!

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[sweety]

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/int2.JPG

[sweety]

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/int3.JPG

[sweety]

URMILA IN A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER MOVIE 'NAINA' (Apr 20, 2005)

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Mumbai. Apr 20.(ANI); After scaring performances in films like "Bhoot" and "Ek Hasina thi", glamorous actress Urmila Matondkar would be seen in a yet another super-natural thriller "Naina". In Naina, Urmila plays the protagonist who loses her eyesight in childhood in an accident in London on the day of a solar eclipse. Her parents also die in the same accident. However, she regains her sight twenty years after the accident through an eye operation. But with the return of her vision, she starts seeing a new world hitherto unknown to mankind. This sets her out on the quest to find answers behind certain supernatural mysteries. The film is a supernatural thriller directed by debutant Shripal Morakhia and is produced by Ashish Bhattnagar The film will be released on 20th May 2005.

[sweety]

http://images.smashits.com/reviews/bigimages/0421urmila.jpg

URMILA TURNS A BHOOT (GHOST) AGAIN

By Our Staff

In the News

http://images.smashits.com/reviews/2005/apr/21/gossip0421_inside1_small.jpg

I-Dream Productions, which is famous for making hat ke (different) movies, is making its next titled 'Naina'. The story of the movie moves around supernatural powers and horror. Sripal Morakhiya is directing it and Aashish Bhatnagar of I-Dreams is producing it. The director claims that it is an entertainer besides being a horror one. The movie is being made with a special camera technique that can show horror (ghost like) scenes very effectively. There is another significant feature of the movie as it shows the an underground railway station exploding in the sky and the blaze putting a gas station on fire.


These scenes have being picuturized on Rangeela girl Urmila who had acted in Ram Gopal Varma's last horror movie 'Bhoot'. There is also an amazing shoot in the movie. This pertains to Urmila being picturized in 27 ft deep water. These scenes have been enacted for the first time in Bollywood. The cast includes Anuj Sahni, Sweta Konnur, Amardeep Jha, Kamani Khanna and Sulabha besides Urmila in a lead role. This is the story of a young girl who struggles for her survival. Being a supernatural and horror movie, it doesn't have regular music. However, Salim- Suleman has given music in the background.

[Profiler]

I saw the promo today on TV , it feels different & SOOOOOOO DAMN SCARY than seeing on PC :scared:

[sweety]

I saw the promo today on TV , it feels different & SOOOOOOO DAMN SCARY than seeing on PC :scared:


YEAH... THE PROMOS ROX!!....OMG!!.... BTW .... IN WICH CHANNEL???????????

[Fari]

I havent seen any yet :(

[sweety]

I havent seen any yet :(

Hey Fari :hey:


Here are the links to all the promos.

http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_1_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_2_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_3_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_4_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_5_20sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/teaser_6_120sec-1.wmv

http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_1_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_2_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_3_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_4_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_5_30sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_6_60sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_7_60sec-1.wmv
http://www.nainathefilm.com/video/promo_8_60sec-1.wmv


BTW... ur sig is soooooooooooooo funny loooooooollllzzz :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[Profiler]

YEAH... THE PROMOS ROX!!....OMG!!.... BTW .... IN WICH CHANNEL???????????

Channel [v]

[sweety]

Channel [v]


thanx :wink: ...... OOOMMMMGGGG SARAH...... UR SIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/36_4_7.gif

[Profiler]

thanx :wink: ...... OOOMMMMGGGG SARAH...... UR SIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/36_4_7.gif

some one thought its not good and u know why :evill:

[sweety]

some one thought its not good and u know why :evill:


Lo0o0o0o0oLlzZz... http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/050103gig_prv.gif

[Profiler]

New promos are out on Star Gold :clap: :clap:

[sweety]

New promos are out on Star Gold :clap: :clap:


COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLL!!!!!! http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/36_8_8.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/36_14_2.gif :jump: :celeb:

[sweety]

'Naina is much deeper than just a supernatural thriller' - Urmila Matondkar

By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com

http://www.bollyvista.com/data/image/picture4723_1.jpg


Meet Urmila Matondkar, the actress who is one of the few who have evolved in Hindi cinema. Her next release is debutant director Shripal Morakhia's 'Naina'. Excerpts from an interview by Vickey Lalwani:

Begin with your next release 'Naina'.

The story is a tale of a young girl who loses eyesight at the age of five. This coincides with the loss of her parents, all on the day of a solar eclipse in London. 20 years later, a cornea implant helps her regain vision. However, the girl now begins to see some very unhappy dead souls. Instead of life becoming beautiful, it becomes a nightmare for her.

Is 'Naina' a supernatural thriller that will scare?

At first sight, it is. But if you see it, you will realize that it is much deeper than just that.

Is 'Naina' similar to 'The Eye'?

Honestly, I have no clue. I have not seen 'The Eye'. So I can't take a call. From all the movies I have seen in my life, 'Naina' does not come close to any of them in content and style.

http://www.bollyvista.com/data/image/picture4723_2.jpg


You are doing Anupam Kher's 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara'. What's your role in that?

I have been told not to speak on that one. Please let it be kept as a secret.

Other projects apart from 'MGKNM'?

I am doing one more film- Pankaj Parasher's 'Banares' with Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia and Ashmit Patel. Plus there are some others at the discussion stage, which would be premature to mention at this point of time.

Are you still game to do the usual glamorous roles?
Why not?

Or is there a conscious effort to do more meaningful stuff?

I simply want to do better films. I have been lucky to be offered films like 'Ek Haseena Thi', 'Bhoot', 'Pinjar', and ‘Deewangee’ where I had the scope to showcase my talent. I want to do sensible films. That's it.

http://www.bollyvista.com/data/image/picture4723_3.jpg

Do you look at films only as an artistic pursuit or do you worry about the commercial prospects to?

For me films have always been an artistic pursuit. Money is extremely important to me but I’ll never accept anything that I’ll hate doing, just for the greed of money (pauses).

Go on...

I feel it’s time artistes started looking at films as a whole and not just their roles, because filmmakers are already moving away from the regular stereotypes.

Are you going to work with Ram Gopal Varma again? Think of it, ever since you walked out of his camp, his films haven't done well.

That may be a coincidence. And let me tell you, I haven't walked out of his camp. Ramu is a great filmmaker.

http://www.bollyvista.com/data/image/picture4723_4.jpg

Disappointed that you did not receive the Best Actress Award for 'Ek Haseena Thi'?

Not really. I have had my moments under the sun as far as awards are concerned.

We hear lots of rumours that there is a jewelry designer male in your life. Comment.

I wish to keep my personal life private. I do not wish to answer this question.

Marriage plans?

I feel when it has to happen it will. It can happen tomorrow or not for another few years. I don’t think these things can be planned. Moreover, I don’t think too much into the future. The press has married me off so many times, that when it really happens I fear my friends won’t turn up.

So it’s going to be acting and films all the way for you?

(Laughs) Honestly, it’s the only thing I do fairly well. I would be miserable as a businesswoman and I would be a wreck in any other kind of 9 to 5 job.

[sweety]

Urmila happy with Naina

Manisha Deshpande (IANS)
Mumbai, April 26, 2005

Urmila Matondkar is excited about her role in the supernatural thriller Naina, set for a May 20 release.

In the film, Urmila plays the role of a blind girl who recovers her vision after 20 years, according to Bollywood Trade.

"It is nowhere close to Bhoot," says Urmila. "Bhoot was strictly in the horror genre while Naina deals with the supernatural and the paranormal. There is a strong emotional undercurrent to the story as well, which I found very appealing," she says.

It has been more than a year since Urmila has had a release to her credit, which she attributes to a conscious decision of doing only select roles.

"After Ek Haseena Thi I decided to take a break and check out the roles that were offered to me. Post Bhoot, there were a lot of horror films that came to me but none of them seemed to be inspiring enough to be taken seriously. Also, I felt that I had reached a stage in my career where I could afford to pick and choose," she says.

Does she feel upset that some of the more substantial roles that could have come her way have gone to other actresses?

"Not in the least. I am not the kind who'll chew my nails in despair about what others are being offered. It is more important to focus on your own abilities as an actor and get the best of what is being offered to you."

Urmila has got two other releases lined up this year, Pankaj Parashar's mystical and spiritually oriented film Benares and Anupam Kher's Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara.

"Without being boastful I think I am one of the few achievers who has had the audacity to do what I believe in without bowing down to the dictates of commercial constraints," she says

[anilajaykajol]

i can't wait for this movie

[sweety]

Me either! :jump: :jump:

[sweety]

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[sweety]

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[sweety]

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[sweety]

Shrek agency handles Naina :buttrock: :buttrock:

By IndiaFM News Bureau, April 27th 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/2704naina/still1.jpg

The trailer of iDream production's latest venture Naina has already hit the small screen and is generating much curiosity amongst the viewers. But do you know who is behind the promotional look and feel of the film? An international agency that worked for top Hollywood productions like Shrek, Shark's Tale and Too Fast Too Furious.

This will be the first time any Indian film production house has collaborated with a top foreign agency for designing the campaign. Zealot, a London based film promotion company is designing the promotional look & feel of Naina, a supernatural horror thriller film. It is also a first that the same campaign will be used extensively to promote the film not only in India but also in overseas markets. This is a unique attempt to raise the quality of promotional campaign wherein the audiences get a crisper, qualitatively sharper message in a distinctive international style.

[sweety]

Urmila: Horror hai na, Naina?

After 'Bhoot', Urmila Matondkar is back in a new horror film, this one called 'Naina'. When we caught up with the actress on the sets of Anupam Kher's home production, 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara', the lass seemed pretty excited about her forthcoming release. She told us, "'Naina' has really turned out well. I was hesitant to do the film at first, but the script was too good to say 'No' to. While 'Bhoot' was a scary roller-coaster ride, this film is not scary throughout, but has its fright-full moments." So has Urmi become the horror queen? "No, I'm doing very different roles in different genres of cinema," she says, smiling. But for now it's 'Naina' to watch out for, hai na?

[sweety]

http://images.smashits.com/reviews/bigimages/0427urmila.jpg

WHEN URMILA TESTED 'NAYEE PADOSAN' BOY

By Our Staff

Tete-a-Tete

http://images.smashits.com/reviews/2005/apr/21/interview0421a_inside1_small.jpg

Anuj Sahani is a new face in the Bollywood. Though hailing from Delhi, Anuj did his MBA from an American University before entering into modeling followed by films. After doing several ad films, Anuj began his career in 'Nayee Padosan' and then in 'Funtoosh'. However, it is significant that he is doing movies now with top actresses of Bollywood. He is acting in 'Naina' opossite Urmila Matondkar and in 'Chingari' opposite Sushmita Sen. We met Anuj Sahani recently and had a chat with him:

Excerpts of his recent tete-e-tete

What's your role in 'Naina'?


I am playing the role of Dr Samir Patel, who is a well-known and successful doctor in London. Urmila Matondkar is playing the lead role of Naina. Urmila comes to me for the treatment of her eyes. During the treatment, several earth-shaking incidents come to our knowledge. We come to India to uncover the secret behind these incidents. Interestingly, we fell in love with each other meanwhile.

What's the film all about?

http://images.smashits.com/reviews/2005/apr/21/interview0421a_inside2_small.jpg

This is a film based on supernatural powers and horror scenes. It is a story of a girl named Naina, who loses her eyes at the age of five and then lives in darkness for 20 years without eyes. However, one day she gets her eyes back, but this happiness turns into a problem for her. Now, she can see everything, but she sees horror in life.

How did you get this movie?

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Director Sripal Morakhiya called me after seeing my performance in 'Nayee Padosan'. I found the script very powerful. After discussion, he asked me to appear in a screen test. Later, he found me fit, and signed me for this movie.

How did Urmila agree to work with you, as she doesn't do with new faces?

Yes, it is true that Urmila Matondar doesn't work with new comers. When the producer signed her, he called and introduced me with Urmila. Urmila saw the CD of my first film 'Nayee Padosan' and accepted to work with me.

[sweety]

Urmila on Sony Television

By IndiaFM News Bureau, April 28th 2005 - 1100 hrs IST


http://www.indiafm.com/scoop/05/apr/2804naina/still1.jpg

Television thrills meet big screen chills as Urmila Matondkar makes her television debut in Sony Television's Aahat 2 to promote her film Naina.

This Friday night thriller will have the actress doing a cameo playing her character from debutant director Shripal Morakhia's film Naina. Both the movie and the serial have a similar theme, suspense, supernatural and thrill.

" I play my screen character who is being interviewed in a chat show in which I relate my supernatural experiences," says Urmila.

This two part special episode will be telecasted on May 20 and 27 - to coincide with the film's release.


.....

[sweety]

Urmila on Naina

http://www.b4utv.com/showtime/gossip/images/urmila.jpg

When Urmila Matondkar was offered Naina her reaction was, "Oh no not another horror film!" Of course Urmila changed her mind once the story was narrated to her. "Naina is a blind girl. It is only after twenty years that she gains eyesight. The film is about supernatural. She begins to see dead people. The film has shaped out to be pretty well." Urmila said that it'd be unfair to compare Bhoot and Naina. "Only those who are ignorant will compare the two films. Bhoot was a horror film. Naina is a psychological thriller. If the stories had to be similar I would not have done the film at all," she said.

[sweety]

Urmila – The Diva is back

Article By: Neetu Singh

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/swcceet.jpg

Urmila has been away from the limelight for almost a year now. However, that does not mean she is sitting idle, as she has just finished the shooting for her forthcoming iDream productions film “Naina” a supernatural thriller. After winning great acclaim for her role in “Bhoot”, Urmila is all set for the next thriller attempt of hers, where she plays a blind girl. The entire film was shot in London with the relatively new star Anuj Sawhney cast opposite Urmila.

Recently, Urmila is shooting in Varanasi for Pankaj Parashar’s “Banaras”. Her co-stars in this film are Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia and Raj Babbar. The last time Urmila worked with Naseeruddin was as a child, in Shekhar Kapur’s “Masoom”.

We have also heard that Urmila has signed Anupam Kher’s next film “ Maine Gandhi ko nahin mara”, where she plays his daughter. She was earlier seen in Kher’s directorial debut “Om Jai Jagdish Hare”.

Looks like, Urmila is ready to set the silver screen on fire one more time.

[sweety]

Urmila ready to create sensation

Pam Bhandari
Apr. 28, 2005


Urmila is hungry for roles in Bollywood. She has agreed to appear in Sony TV serials. But according to the rumor world she will create some sensation in Bollywood with her Neha Dhupia style sensational exposure.

According to media reports, Television thrills meet big screen chills as Urmila Matondkar makes her television debut in Sony Television's Aahat 2 to promote her film Naina. This Friday night thriller will have the actress doing a cameo playing her character from debutant director Shripal Morakhia's film Naina. Both the movie and the serial have a similar theme, suspense, supernatural and thrill. " I play my screen character who is being interviewed in a chat show in which I relate my supernatural experiences," says Urmila. This two part special episode will be telecasted on May 20 and 27 - to coincide with the film's release.

[sweety]

Scaring the eyes out of you

Friday, April 29, 2005 14:58:25 IST

Urmila makes a cameo in the television serial 'Aahat 2' to promote her movie 'Naina'

SHOWBUZZ NETWORK

Urmila Matondkar is all set to chill you to the bones this month! Yes, we all know that she is playing a blind girl who starts seeing supernatural things after getting back her sight in the upcoming film Naina. But what you probably don't know is that she is all set to scare the daylights out of you on television as well. Sony Entertainment Television has tied up with the film in a unique way to promote it through its thriller Aahat 2. Viewers will be able to see this special story in a two-part series on May 20 and 27 at 9.30 p.m. Explaining the way the story of Naina has been seamlessly blended with that of Aahat 2, Anupama Mandloi, creative head of Aahat 2 said, "Nikhil (Chetan Hansraj) is a television anchor who is interviewing Urmila about her film Naina. As the actress reveals her supernatural experiences, Nikhil realises that his newly married wife is also going through similar experiences and he rushes to her midway through the interview."

Commenting on the episode, B.P. Singh of Fireworks (producer of Aahat 2) said, "Suspense, the supernatural and thrilling stories have always found a huge fan following amongst Indian audiences. This special feature with Urmila, and our show will further grip the audiences and keep them on the edge of their seat." The actress is also quite excited about being on this show. "I am extremely excited about this cameo, as I have been associated with this genre for a very long time. Also, I am an avid follower of the show and it honestly, feels great to feature on the small screen with a popular show like Aahat 2," she said. With the movie Naina releasing on May 20, this definitely is double-treat time for Urmi's fans!

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From an Interviw "sony TV"....... I want to see that Interviw :cry: :crying:

A still from Naina

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Urmila looking forward to Naina

27th Apr 2005 12.30 IST
By IANS

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Urmila Matondkar is excited about her role in the supernatural thriller Naina, set for a May 20 release.

In the film, Urmila plays the role of a blind girl who recovers her vision after 20 years.




“It is nowhere close to Bhoot ,” says Urmila. “Bhoot was strictly in the horror genre while 'Naina' deals with the supernatural and the paranormal. There is a strong emotional undercurrent to the story as well, which I found very appealing,” she says.

It has been more than a year since Urmila has had a release to her credit, which she attributes to a conscious decision of doing only select roles.

“After Ek Haseena Thi I decided to take a break and check out the roles that were offered to me. Post 'Bhoot', there were a lot of horror films that came to me but none of them seemed to be inspiring enough to be taken seriously. Also, I felt that I had reached a stage in my career where I could afford to pick and choose,” she says.

Urmila has got two other releases lined up this year, Pankaj Parashar's mystical and spiritually oriented film Benares and Anupam Kher's Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara.

“Without being boastful I think I am one of the few achievers who has had the audacity to do what I believe in without bowing down to the dictates of commercial constraints,” she says.

[sweety]

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Sight Track

Urmila Matondkar will soon be seen in another psycho-thriller.

New Delhi, April 30: Has Urmila Matondkar become synonymous with psychological thrillers? The actor does not think so. ‘‘I have tried not to repeat a film or a genre in my career,’’ she says. Matondkar was in town to promote her forthcoming film, Naina, which is scheduled to be released on May 20.

The film, directed by Shripal Morakhia, is about a woman who lost her vision due to a solar eclipse when she was a child. Twenty years later, she undergoes a corneal transplant, and is able to foresee death. Matondkar emphasises that though it deals with the supernatural and paranormal, it’s not like Ramgopal Varma’s Bhoot, in which the actor had won acclaim for her portrayal of a possessed woman. ‘‘I wouldn’t have done it if it was like Bhoot,’’ she says. ‘‘It’s unlike any horror film. Horror is a bonus here.’’ And yet she agrees that she finds such projects more challenging. ‘‘Personally, I have never been a horror film fan. But I like doing them because they are so unbelievable and you have to convince the audience,’’ she explains.

Matondkar, who was talked about for her short-haired look in Bhoot and her long tresses in Ek Haseena Thi, has done little to look different here. ‘‘The film comes first and then the look,’’ she says. ‘‘I play a soft, vulnerable girl. So there is little emphasis on her look. I have not worn heels and the clothes are very simple.’’

The actor also had to do a lot of homework for her role in Naina. ‘‘It’s so tough to play someone who has just got sight, bacause you are accustomed to feeling objects even though you can see them,’’ she says. She met eye surgeons and patients to understand the process. ‘‘Going to a blind school was just one of the several things that I did to work on the character,’’ she adds. Matondkar, however, hasn’t pledged her eyes so far. ‘‘I would love to do it,’’ she says. ‘‘The awareness level should also be higher in our country.’’

[sweety]

Another season of 'chills' for Bollywood?

Sunday May 1 2005 12:26 IST

UNI

NEW DELHI: For Bollywood, this summer promises to be another 'season of chill thrillers' but with a difference!

After a host of horror films last year like Ram Gopal Verma’s Bhoot, Darna mana hai and Vaastu shastra, Bollywood is ready to ''scare the daylights out of the cinegoer'' with another series of offerings, ones where the fright is sought to be created through the turbulent emotional state of mind of the main players, rather than the presence of ‘ghostly creatures (as in case of the horror films in the past), a trend reflective of the changing face of Indian cinema.

After Deepak Tijori’s Khamosh- khauff ki raat, released on April 15, and Karan Johar’s Kaal, released worldwide on April 29, the latest in the series of the ‘new age’ horror films, is I Dreams’ Naina, a supernatural thriller dealing with a woman’s experiences of ‘seeing the unseen’ and one which seeks to frighten the viewers by hooking them to the fright experienced by the protagonist of the film.

Starring the talented and versatile actress Urmila Matondkar in the lead, Naina, scheduled for release on May 20, ‘deals with the ''horrific state of mind'' of a woman for whom the restoration of her vision, following a cornea transplant, exposes her to a new world hitherto unknown to mankind - one where ‘unsettled souls’ at every nook and corner constantly attempt to reach out to her with stories of their unfulfilled desires,’’ the film’s debutant director Shripal Morakhia told UNI here.

He claims that the film is ‘unlike any horror films made in the past which employed ‘ghostly creatures’ to frighten the viewers.

''The film, unlike many of the previous ones in the genre, attempts to hook the viewers onto the fright and horror experienced by the young hapless soul,’ he said.

Endorsing his view his Urmila who, in the past, has brilliantly assayed roles of women undergoing a ''horrific state of mind'' in films like Ram Gopal Verma’s bhoot and Ek hasina thi, said, Naina deals with a subject never tackled before in Indian cinema. In this context, the film is different from all the horror films made in India till date.’’

Insisting that her character in Naina was something quite unlike what she did in Bhoot, Urmila said, “for me, as an actress, playing the role in Naina was different from playing a possessed woman in Bhoot. Unlike Bhoot, in Naina, the fright is sought to be conveyed through the horror experienced by my character. In this sense, my role in the film is the most challenging one of my career,’’ Urmila said during a trip to the capital to promote the film.

Shot extensively in London--it was shot at 45-50 different -- locales, the film, produced by IDreams, boasts of brilliant technical and production values.

''I would say that the film is a combination of best in modern cinematic technology and an Indian soul,'' Urmila said.

For I dreams, which have earlier produced/distributed ten films including Monsoon Wedding, Hollywood Bollywood, Bend it like Beckham, 16 December and Jajantaram Mamantaram, Naina is the first attempt at producing a film in the horror genre.

“Success of films like Raaz and Bhoot, and the above-average showing of many others in the genres, shows that the audience in India today is thrilled to be chilled. This is why, we decided to venture into a film like Naina,’’ Ashish Bhatnagar of IDreams told UNI.

In fact, as part of efforts to seek a market for the film in the West, IDreams will hold screenings of the film at the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival in France, to be held from May11 to 22, on May 12, 15 and 18.

“The film will be screened at the market segment at the festival where we will promote it to distributors and exhibitors from the West, in an effort to ensure a mainstream release for the film there, which, if materializes, could yield revenues far greater than limited release of Indian films, as is the case with most Bollywood films,’’ Ashish said.

As part of the promotion of the film, the filmmakers have entered into collaboration with Sony Entertainment Television wherein Urmila will appear on an episode of the channel’s horror series Aahat 2.




OOOMMMGGG!!!!..... I'd loo0o0o0o0o0ove to see her on the red carpet at Cannes.....wwwwoooowwww!!!! .... http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/HHHHH.gif

[sweety]

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Fear is a learnt emotion[ /B]

[B]Urmila Matondkar on time and space

HARNEET SINGH

Posted online: Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 0000 hours IST


Where did you vanish for a year?

The kind of movies I do take tremendous preparation. Also, after a line-up like Bhoot, Pinjar and Ek Hasina Thi, I didn’t want to get into just anything. Acting is my biggest passion, but it’s not the be all and end all of my life. And it’s always great to be missed. But your latest release Naina is yet another supernatural flick.
Yes, it is. But it’s unlike anything I have done before. I’ve never repeated myself.


Be it Kaun, Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, Bhoot or Ek Hasina Thi, you really use your eyes. Doesn’t that take a toll?

I know, it’s really tough. I just try to remain focussed.

Did you experience anything supernatural during shooting?

Well, I don’t know if you can call it that. But there is an underwater sequence that was shot at the Action Studios in London. I had to remain underwater for 20 seconds and I can’t swim to save my life. But somehow I managed. Everybody around me was stunned.

How do you destress?

I never take work home. I watch movies, read, travel and go out with my friends.

How do children react to you?

You’ll be surprised, but a lot of kids tell me they loved Bhoot. I remember a 10-year-old child telling me ‘You really freaked me out, especially the scene where you grabbed a dagger to stab Ajay Devgan’. This proves what I learnt as a psychology student: Fear is a learnt emotion.

Are you afraid of ghosts?

No, but if I sense that there’s someone behind a curtain, I check it out.

What spooks you out?

Snakes and lizards. They are too creepy.

Do you think you’ve got your due as an actor?

I think the media loves to label people and stars fall prey to that. Excuse my honesty, but I don’t think that any other actress has gone to the extent that I have. I’ve been more adventurous than anyone else.

Does it bother you?

It doesn’t anything me. I have never let awards or reviews govern my career. Ours is a very creative industry, but sadly it’s governed by fear and insecurity. I’m the only actress who has ventured beyond the parameters of commercial cinema. People haven’t been able to digest that, but I am happy in my space.

Do you agree with the industry’s view that you give hits only with Ram Gopal Varma?

I think that kind of talk is baseless.

But he manages to get the best out of you.

Not only me. He also gets the best out of Rajpal Yadav, Amitabh Bachchan and Fardeen Khan.

Which has been your best performance till date?

I don’t know. How can I say? But it’s unfair to say that I perform well in only Mr Varma’s films. I liked my role in Dillagi. It was a good performance that didn’t get noticed.

Did you see Naach?

No.

You must have seen the promos.

Yeah, off and on. A little bit.

Did you feel Antara Mali looked a lot like you, especially in the songs?

No comment.

Why aren’t you doing more films with The Factory?

There are two projects in the pipeline. But I still have to decide. That’ll take a while.

Don’t you miss your Chamma Chamma dance sequences?

Oh, I am dying to do a song and a comedy. But I’m not getting anything exciting. I hope someone will offer me something mad and comical.

Is it true that you are seeing a diamond merchant?

That’s utter nonsense. Every six months, somebody starts a new rumour.

[sweety]

IDREAM HIRES ZEALOT FOR NAINA CAMPAIGN

The London based company has earlier handled the promotion of Shrek…

Radio Sargam News: IDream Production has hired the world’s best film promotion company, ‘Zealot’ for its upcoming supernatural-horror thriller, ‘Naina’ that stars Urmila Mantondkar and Anuj Sawhney in the lead. This London based enterprise has earlier done top Hollywood projects such as ‘Shrek, Shark’s Tale and Too Fast Too Furious’. This is the first time in Hindi cinema’s history that a top foreign agency for promotion has been hired for a movie’s campaign in India and abroad. Let’s wait to see the crispier and qualitative results of Zealot for Naina’s promotion!

Written By GOHER IQBAL PUNN (Bollywood Analyst)

[sweety]

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Naina

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 02nd, 2005 - 1130 hrs IST


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On the day of solar eclipse, a young girl of 5 loses her eyesight and her parents, in a freak accident in London. Twenty years later, she (Urmila Matondkar) is bestowed with the gift of sight. Thanks to the marvels of modern say science, a cornea transplant restores her eyesight. Her period of darkness is over. Or is it?

With the implant through which her vision is restored, she starts seeing a new world hitherto unknown to the mankind. What is this curse that has been cast upon her? Will she ever be able to escape it?

Will this extraordinary sense she is now bestowed with, destroy her life? Will she ever be able to resume her regular life again?

Naina is the quest of this woman trying to find the answers to these supernatural mysteries. Will she succeed?

Written and directed by debutante Shripal Morakhia, Naina is an iDream Production. The supporting cast includes Anuj Sawhney, Sweta Konnur, Amardeep Jha, Kamini Khanna and Sulabha Arya. Salim-Sulaiman have composed the background score.

[sweety]

NEEEEEW MOVIE STILLS :jump:

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World Premier of NAINA at Cannes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Nitin Sethi


iDream Production's latest film NAINA will have a world premier at the Cannes Film Festival. It will be screened in the market section at the Cannes Festival on May 12, 15 and 18. The film will be aggressively marketed at Cannes with full-page adverts in top film mags, Variety and Screen International. Shot as a slick film, NAINA's original version is 1.40 hours, which is designed to suit international audiences.

Rohit Sharma, Head of Sales in iDream feels that 'though NAINA's pulse is Indian, the setting is very rich as it has been shot extensively in London. NAINA has never-seen-before scenes like Urmila in an underwater studio - a studio used only by Hollywood studios. Another powerful scene was in Charing Cross station where a train is blown up in front of 600 extras. Even the climax was shot majestically with extensive use of helicopter, scores of ambulances, police cars and hundreds of extras, army reserves and paramedics.

Sharma believes that this combination of action, thrill, fear and mystique along with a strong emotional story set in London will strike chords with Cannes audiences and is confident of selling important territories. Top studio houses, sales agents and distributors are expected to attend the screenings. A top UK distributor and a top independent US distributor have shown interest in acquiring NAINA for the US and UK territories. Sharma is confident that NAINA could sure become the first Indian horror thriller film to cross over to global audiences.



GO URMI....... GO0O0O0O URMI!! http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/bany24.gif :jump: :celeb: :jump: :celeb:

[sweety]

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Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?
Since Urmila Matondkar's performance in Ram Gopal Varma's Bhoot, the horror genre has come back with a bang in Bollywood.

Originality, however, has not – most of our slickly produced fear flicks are blatant rip-offs of either American or Japanese chillers.

Not that it makes them any less scary, of course.

rediff.com takes a look at the upcoming Naina, 'inspired' from the Chinese hit, Jian Gui, better known The Eye.

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An iDreams production, Naina's slick promos look like they're straight out of Ram Gopal Varma's factory, complete with sinister shadows and his one-time favourite heroine.
Zealot, a London-based film promotion agency that has handled films like animated success stories Shrek and Shark's Tale, is doing the promos for Naina.

The film is directed by debutant Shripal Morakhia.

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The film, shot extensively in London, is the story of a visually-impaired girl, played by Urmila.
At the age of five, during a solar eclipse in London, she loses her eyesight and her parents in a freak accident.

Twenty years later, she is told that a cornea implant can bring her vision back. The operation is successful.

http://specials.rediff.com/entertai/2005/may/03naina3.jpg

But suddenly, Naina starts to see things others cannot.
She begins to see -- a la Haley Joel Osment in M Night Shyamalan's Sixth Sense -- dead people.

Fear envelops Naina her as she gradually begins to realise the magnitude of her accursed gift.

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The film also stars Anuj Sawhney (Fun2shh, Nayee Padosan), debutante Sweta Konnur, Amardeep Jha (Devdas, Train To Pakistan, American Daylight), Kamini Khanna (Kal Ho Naa Ho, Monsoon Wedding) and television actress Sulabha Arya.
The background score, the all-important ingredient for a scary movie, has been composed by Salim-Sulaiman, who composed the music for Kaal.

Urmila fans will be happy to see her after her long sabbatical -- since January 2004's Ek Hasina Thi -- and this is her kind of comeback.

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All in all, the film is about a woman with a peculiar -- and really scary -- power that she doesn't know what to do with.
Closing her eyes doesn't quite help, even as she wishes she was blind again.

Naina centres around how she braves her fears and learns to cope with her extraordinary gift.

The film releases on May 20.
819825

[a_aishashafiq]

i m anxiously waiting for this movie to release. Thanks sweety for all the update. it seems a really nice movie. i have seen the promos as well. tfs Sweety :)

[sweety]

same here.... am dying to see it...... I JUST CAAAAAAN'T WAITTTT!!!! :jump: :jump:

[sweety]

'Naina' world premiere at Cannes

By Taran Adarsh, May 04th 2005 - 1030 hrs IST

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iDream Productions' NAINA will have a world premiere at Cannes Film Festival. It will be screened in the market section at the Festival. The film will be aggressively marketed at Cannes with full page adverts in top film mags, Variety and Screen International.

Top studio houses, sales agents and distributors are expected to attend the screenings. In fact, a top U.K. distributor and a top independent U.S. distributor have shown a keen interest in acquiring Naina for the U.K. and U.S. territories.

The film, slated for May 20 release, will be distributed in India by S.P.E. Films India.



:celeb: :jump: :celeb: :jump: :celeb: :jump: :celeb: :jump:

[sweety]

Desperately seeking formula

Wednesday May 4 2005 09:43 IST

HYDERABAD: Has Urmila Matondkar become synonymous with psychological thrillers? The actor does not think so. ‘‘I have tried not to repeat a film or a genre in my career,’’ she says.

Matondkar was is now excited about her forthcoming film, Naina, which is scheduled to be released on May 20. The film, directed by Shripal Morakhia, is about a woman who lost her vision due to a solar eclipse when she was a child.

Twenty years later, she undergoes a corneal transplant, and is able to foresee death. Matondkar emphasises that though it deals with the supernatural and paranormal, it’s not like Ramgopal Varma’s Bhoot, in which the actor had won acclaim for her portrayal of a possessed woman. ‘‘I wouldn’t have done it if it was like Bhoot,’’ she says.

‘‘It’s unlike any horror film. Horror is a bonus here.’’ And yet she agrees that she finds such projects more challenging. ‘‘Personally, I have never been a horror film fan. But I like doing them because they are so unbelievable and you have to convince the audience,’’ she explains.

Matondkar, who was talked about for her short-haired look in Bhoot and her long tresses in Ek Haseena Thi, has done little to look different here. ‘‘The film comes first and then the look,’’ she says.

‘‘I play a soft, vulnerable girl. So there is little emphasis on her look. I have not worn heels and the clothes are very simple.’’ The actor also had to do a lot of homework for her role in Naina. ‘‘It’s so tough to play someone who has just got sight, because you are accustomed to feeling objects even though you can see them,’’ she says.

She met eye surgeons and patients to understand the process. ‘‘Going to a blind school was just one of the several things that I did to work on the character,’’ she adds. Matondkar, however, hasn’t pledged her eyes so far. ‘‘I would love to do it,’’ she says. ‘‘The awareness level should also be higher in our country.’’
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‘Naina is not another Bhoot’

Returning to the big screen after a prolonged hiatus, URMILA MATONDKAR storms back in and as Naina. The missing star tells Pratim D. Gupta about her new film, about not being like other actresses, and more

Where were you all this time? Everyone was missing Urmila…

It’s great to be missed rather than being around and not doing anything. There used to be lots of offers and even as I speak, there are lots of offers. But I do not want to do something just to prove to other people that I can. I want to do a great comedy. I want to do a great dancing number. But I also want to grow as an actor and as a person.

The Naina promos are so reminiscent of Bhoot. Why are you doing another horror film?

If you look at my film career in the last 10 years, I have always done different types of films. I have never done something remotely similar to anything I have done before. After the success of Bhoot, I was offered four to five films similar to it. I refused all of them and all those films released last year with other actresses. The character, setting, genre of Naina do not have anything to do with Bhoot.

The same thing happened when Daud released — everyone started comparing it with Rangeela. Now, Daud and Rangeela were as different as North Pole and South Pole. Similarly, Bhoot was a horror film meant to scare you. Naina is a much-detailed and in-depth story with a strong emotional line. It is not only unlike anything I have done before. I also haven’t seen a film like this in India.


What is Naina all about?

It’s a story of a girl who loses her sight as a child, but regains her vision 20 years later through cornea transplant. But such an operation is not as easy on the person as people think. There has to be a tremendous co-ordination between the eye and the brain. So she starts seeing images beyond the general surroundings. What’s normal to everyone else is not normal to her. And that’s what I had to constantly make people believe. You have seen people playing blind characters, but this was something beyond just being blind and regaining eyesight. It’s more about this meek girl who gets stronger as life throws challenges at every step.

Naina’s not a chhoti-moti B-grade horror film meant to be just a scary ride and boggle the mind. It’s a big film shot on a huge canvas with shooting happening in 45 London locations including Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly. It has also been shot in the interiors of Gujarat. There is a special underwater sequence shot at the same studio where the James Bond film Die Another Day was shot. Naina also boasts of the most expensive climax shot in the underground of London. There has been no compromise whatsoever and I am very proud to be part of such good cinema.


Weren’t you apprehensive of working with a first-time director like Shripal Morakhia?

I didn’t have any apprehension because the script was so good with so many angles. It has such a lovely graph for the characters and some very touching moments. Naina is someone you want to reach out to. Her strength is her vulnerability. When I met the director, I realised that he had seen the movie over and over again in his mind. Here was a man who has tremendous clarity about his film. In an age where people don’t have a script with them, he knew the final product.


This is not the first time that you are carrying an entire film on your shoulders. Is it a lot of pressure to handle?

Quite honestly, it’s not a burden at all. Rather, carrying the media is a problem. I’m not a media-savvy actor — I don’t use the media to make my life colourful. As far as the size of the characters goes, if it’s meaty it’s fine but even small roles will do if they are good. As you said, I am aware that I am the only star of Naina. But then again, I have been the only star in India who has used her stardom to do different subjects and lure the audiences to the theatres. I am not like the other actresses who sit in their air-conditioned rooms and say: “Achhi picture banti kahaan hai?”

You are also coming on the small screen for the first time as part of a cross-promotion between Naina and Aahat 2?

Yes, I found the idea quite exciting. Aahat is already an established serial on Sony. I am sure that my appearance on the show will have an interesting impact on the viewers.


Which are the other films you are working on?

There’s Anupam Kher’s home production Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara, which is an intense hard-hitting film directed by Jahnu Barua. Then there’s Pankaj Parashar’s Benaras, extensively shot in Varanasi. It is about spiritualism and mysticism in the standard Hindi film format of song-and-dance.


What about your reported return to the Ram Gopal Varma camp?

A couple of scripts are being worked out. Once the scripts are ready, only then can we take a call.


Any plans of coming to Calcutta for Naina?

I would love to. During the promotional tour of Pinjar, I forced the team to go to Calcutta. How could we have missed out on the biggest culturally-oriented city in the country for a film like Pinjar? Of course, there’s the added attraction of rosogolla, sandesh and mishti doi, not to forget the amazing fish.
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[sweety]

Flaunting the X factor

You either have it or you don't, says Urmila Matondkar. She does have it, as she has proved time and again

For Urmila Matondkar, the only constant factor in life is change.

Her tremendous body language in Rangeela catapulted her overnight to fame.

Not one to rest on her laurels for too long, Urmila, much to the discomfort of her detractors, proved that she is a good actress too.

She had brilliant performances in films such as Kaun, Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, Bhoot and the most recent Ek Haseena Thi.

It is not only her performance that has improved. She has managed to transform herself from a Plain Jane to a stylish diva.

This is commendable, considering that this girl comes from a non-film background and had no Godfather, until Ram Gopal Varma took her under his wing.

Today, she has carved a path for herself in meaningful cinema.

Excerpts from an interview:

It is surprising that someone like you, who rose to fame with glamorous roles in films such as Rangeela, is not doing them anymore.

It is not like I have consciously decided not to do glamorous roles. I have always believed in growth and I think one should constantly reinvent oneself.

I would love to do glamorous roles.

But even after years if I am expected to do a role like the one I did in Rangeela, then I am sorry.

If I get to do something better than what I have already done, then I am game. I love being referred to as sensuous.

I think being called a sensuous actress is a great compliment.

But I also know that just being sensuous is not a great idea. It is not the be all and end all of an actress's life.

I also believe that one does not need to drop clothes to look sensuous.

If you have it, you will look it, even when you are fully clothed. It is either there or not there. You can't fake it.

Now it seems to have become mandatory for every new actress to appear in minimal clothes.

I don't agree. There will always be two categories of actresses, some who do it for the heck of it and some who are after performance-based roles.

The truth is, you will be successful only if you have the requisite talent, no matter how bold you are on screen.

You have been fortunate to bag some wonderful roles.

I wouldn't just call it good luck. Of course, luck has some part in it. But largely, it is because of the choices that I have made. I chose to be choosy (laughing).

In the process, I have said no to a lot of money, too. Like when I took up negative roles in Pyar Tune Kya Kiya and Kaun people tried dissuading me, saying after I do those films I will end up getting only negative roles all my life.

In spite of giving some brilliant performances you are not in the top slot anymore.

I think it is ridiculous to even get into this numbers game.

The number one hero or heroine business ended with Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi.

I seriously think now it doesn't matter to the audience who plays which role, as long as the film is good. If the film is bad it will be rejected, no matter who is acting in it.

For me success is when you are constantly striving to grow and manage to do that.

And we must compliment you on having managed to hold your position on your own, without much of a support.

Thanks. I do not belong to a film family. So when I entered the industry I was so naive that I didn't even know how to handle situations or people.

My contemporaries who have come from film families have been far luckier as they have had constant backing and support from the people around them.

I had to manage everything myself and in the process, ended up getting a lot of flak, too.

But I have learnt a lot, and thanks to those experiences I managed to handle a lot of things very well.

I do regret doing a few films early in my career that I shouldn't have. But that's alright.

Is it because you are so passionate about your career that you are single, while your contemporaries such as Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon are married?

Yes, I am passionate about my career because I love what I am doing. But I also realise that there is life beyond my career.

I know I am not going to be an actress all my life. So, I have not made the film industry the be-all and end-all of my life. I have hobbies and friends outside the industry.

As for me being single, what can I say? You cannot plan these things.

I know people are wondering more about my single status since Karisma and Raveena got married and are now blessed with babies.

I do think of marriage and would like to be involved in a beautiful relationship. But it takes a lot for me to get involved with a man.

I haven't met the man as yet. Till I do, let me enjoy my career and my freedom!

Not so long ago, you were said to be involved with a married businessman.

Not true. The time when these rumours started circulating, I was so busy that I didn't know if I was coming or going.

Where did I have the time to romance anybody? I guess I will have to keep myself busy denying these so called romances till the actual thing happens.

Which film are you most excited about now?

I am very excited about Naina. It is a psychological thriller where I play the role of a blind girl who acquires sight midway through the film. It was a tremendously tough role.

I am waiting for the release of the film. It is easy to play a blind girl. But to play someone who's just gained the blessing of sight is crazy.

Imagine someone who has been starving for days and then there is a feast in front of him. It is the same thing. I am also excited about Benaras.

It is a very interesting film. I play a modern, normal girl studying in Benaras.

I loved doing the film as I was acting with stalwarts such as Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia and Raj Babbar.

The film is mainly about the cultural orientation of Benaras.

You know, after we started shooting in that place, I realised that we don't know so much about Benaras.

In fact, Westerners seem to know more about the place than us! I read a couple of books about the place and I felt so much more enlightened.

How was it working with Naseeruddin Shah again, considering that the last time you acted with him in Masoom you were a small girl?

It was wonderful and terrifying at the same time. As a child you don't know whom you are working with and you tend to go with the flow.

So, as a child artiste, I hadn't realised the impact of working with a great actor like him.

But now I do and I was totally overwhelmed. Benaras should release by the end of this year.
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[Profiler]

'Naina' world premiere at Cannes

By Taran Adarsh, May 04th 2005 - 1030 hrs IST

iDream Productions' NAINA will have a world premiere at Cannes Film Festival. It will be screened in the market section at the Festival. The film will be aggressively marketed at Cannes with full page adverts in top film mags, Variety and Screen International.

Top studio houses, sales agents and distributors are expected to attend the screenings. In fact, a top U.K. distributor and a top independent U.S. distributor have shown a keen interest in acquiring Naina for the U.K. and U.S. territories.

The film, slated for May 20 release, will be distributed in India by S.P.E. Films India.

[sweety]

yeah.... I've read this wonderfullll article..... that's a reeeeeeally greeeeeat Achievement..... am so0o0o0o0o HAPPY..... YAAAAYYYYIIIII :jump: :celeb: :jump: :celeb:....... GO URMI... GOOOO URMIIIII http://losaan.com/uploader/pic/bany24.gif

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:love: :deg: :heart: :lovie:

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Urmila at Cannes?


France has become more Indian than ever this ye ar. Besides Nandita Das (now Sen), who will be seen on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival, the Hindi film 'Naina', starring Urmila Matondkar, will be seen there as well, with its first screening. Rohit Sharma from the production team believes, "Though 'Naina's pulse is Indian, the setting is very rich. It has been shot extensively in London." A slick film, the almost two-hour-long entertainer is well-designed to suit international audiences, Sharma opines. Like he says, "This combination of action, thrill, fear and mystique, along with a strong emotional story set in London, will strike chords with Cannes audiences." The movie will be screened in the 'Market' section of the Festival on May 12, 15 and 18. Director Shripal Morakhia is excited about his Cannes entry and says, "It's always an honour to showcase your product on a global platform. I've made this horror thriller with conviction and I hope it evokes a positive response." Well, now we wonder if the sexy mulgi Urmila will be there, too - and not just in spirit!

[sweety]

WHO ME, GHOST?

Actress Urmila Matondkar is back with a bang. She was in Delhi recently to promote her new horror flick , Naina. But why is she besotted with ghosts? “There is no such fantasy. This will be my last ghostly adventure. I have signed a number of comedy films,” she said. However, it is a movie based on the Mahatma and his assassination, which Matondkar is looking forward to. Called Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, the film is being directed by National award-winning Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, and stars Anupam Kher, Rajat Kapur and Boman Irani.

[sweety]

Open your Eyes to Fear...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Harish Sharma


This Year, open your Eyes to Fear...
'NAINA'
20 Years of DARKNESS,
7 days of HELL.
No Man could SURVIVE IT.
She Did.
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The scariest horror flick ever churned out in Bollywood's history is creeping towards the theatre near you. And it's not very far way as the horrifying tale of dread NAINA, an iDream production is going to hit the theatres on the 20th of May 2005. NAINA is a bone-chilling tale of horror, which will leave audiences petrified yet entertained. In this film under the i-Dream banner the main protagonist is being portrayed by non other than Urmila Matondkar, who scared the hell out of everybody in Ram Gopal Varma's BHOOT. Even in her last release EK HASEENA THI, she stunned audiences in the role of a young girl who seeks revenge on her delinquent lover. Though she had almost announced that she wouldn't take up any horror film again, nevertheless the script of NAINA was so enticing that she gave a positive nod immediately. NAINA both technically and otherwise will make horror genre skip to a new level in Bollywood.

An insidiously creepy tale, the story begins with a day of solar eclipse when a young girl of five loses her eyesight and her parents in a freak accident in London. Twenty years later, she is bestowed with the gift of sight. Thanks to marvels of modern science, a cornea implant brings her vision back. Her phase of darkness seems over, but then a new one unfurls; it brings an unimaginable and disturbing twist in her life. With the implant through which her vision is restored, she starts seeing a new world hitherto unknown to mankind. What is this curse that has been cast upon her? Will she ever be able to escape it? Will this extraordinary sense she is now bestowed with destroy her life? Will she ever able to resume her regular life again? Well the answers to these sinister questions lie in this supernatural horror thriller.

NAINA is a slick film shot by debutant director Shripal Morakhia. The director has managed to shoot the film without a hefty star brigade. It stars Anuj Sawhney and actors like Shweta Konnur, Amardeep Jha, Kamini Khanna and Sulabh Arya who have portrayed other attention-grabbing cameos in NAINA.
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Not just acting and direction, iDream has paid heed to the technical part of the film. Special effects are particularly mind-blowing in the film, which have been used to enhance the effect of spook lurking throughout the movie. Some special scenes which merit a mention are the ones like where a whole petrol pump is blown up or when Urmila is submerged 20 feet underwater. Actually the film features one of the most explosive climax sequences ever filmed in Hindi cinema. NAINA is replete with difficult to shoot scenes, especially the one where underground trains and petrol stations have been blown up in central London involving scores of ambulances, fire brigades, police cars, hundreds of extras, army reserves and paramedics. Urmila's underwater scene has been shot in a high profile underwater studio - Action underwater studio. As a matter of fact earlier this scene was shot in a studio in India. But then the scene appeared to be tacky and unreal. Hence the sequence was re-shot at the London studio. In this particular sequence Urmila who is otherwise not a swimmer had to sink under water right to the floor of a 20 feet tank and then come up quickly. It was painstakingly shot with big underwater camera teams, light men, health and safety officers involving a lot of effort. And believe it or not this shot was finalised simply in three takes.

Though NAINA is a song less film yet the background score and sound mixing has been given special attention and has been completed at Future Post in central London, which is one of the biggest sound studios and has worked on Hollywood blockbusters like King Arthur. Salim Sulaiman has rendered the background score for NAINA.
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One of the reasons why NAINA is expected to work well as a horror film is because of Urmila's strong and convincing performance that holds the story together and makes it easy for the viewer to suspend all disbeliefs. So wait to fasten your seat belt to a spine-chilling journey of dread, thrill, suspense that will keep you nail biting even after the film ends. NAINA is the quest of a young woman trying to find the answers to supernatural mysteries. Will she succeed? Don't miss this flick if you want to find out the answers.
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[sweety]

Ghostbusters with Anuj Sawhey [/size]

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Bollywood more often than not messes it up when it comes to horrors. And the off-screen incidents end up being scarier than the onscreen ones. When we talked to Naina herself, she shooed us away saying “Don't come to me digging for creepy stories. I don't believe in the supernatural, so don't experience it either!” Urmila declares. “But Anuj might have something for you guys…” she hinted.

So Anuj it was, and must confess the guy didn't disappoint. So we settle with the young actor for a scare dip. “One day during the shoot, Shripalji asked me to wait in my van while the shot was being readied. So I went to my trailer van and picked a book to read. Suddenly I hear someone tap on the door. I opened and looked but nobody. I told myself that I must have mistaken it for the noise on the sets and settled back with my book” Anuj informs us.

“But in 5 minutes, I heard the tap again, and this time I was pretty sure that I hadn't mistaken it for something else. So I went & checked but didn't see anyone. This happened 7-8 times. Thinking it might be a prank, I parked myself next to the door and flung the door open when I heard the next knock, but believe me, to my disbelief, there wasn't a single soul. Now I asked the spotboy to keep a watch to know if someone were playing the fool, but the knocks continued & he didn't see a soul”

“Finally I did what I could best, I got the guy inside and we both waited indoors to hear the knock, but once again, there's simply noone to be seen! Looking at me uneasy the guy asked me not to fret, because I wasn't the only one, and that there were several bizarre incidents happening on the sets. The guy told me that in good faith but that simply added to my scare factor!” he smiles. “I just couldn't figure it out…” he coils up. We guess certain things are better left unfigured…huh?

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[Fari]

Urmi looks beautiful above.
An interesting film :hmmm:

[a_aishashafiq]

thanks for all these pics and info. i m getting excited abt this movie, day by day. can't wait to c it :)

[sweety]

saaaaaaaaame hereeeeeee!!!!!!!! :jump: :jump:

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Naina's sound at London's biggest studio

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By IndiaFM
Saturday, 07 May , 2005, 11:43

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iDream Productions's latest flick Naina recently completed its final sound mixing at Future Post in Central London. Future Post is one of the biggest sound studios where big Hollywood films like King Arthur, About a Boy, etc have worked.

Both the Indian sound design team of Parikshit Lalwani and Salim-Sulaiman and the UK technicians complimented well to create one of the best sound designs done for any recent Indian film. Peter Maxwell the UK sound mixer has done work on films like 12 Monkeys, About a Boy and Four weddings and a Funeral to name a few.

With all the technical expertise Naina starring Urmila Matondkar promises to be a slick product.


GO URMI.... GOOOOOOOO URMIIIII..... :woohoo: :woohoo: :buttrock: :buttrock:


.....

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Go here to watch the urmila interview (about Naina)...... she's looking awesome!!!!!!!! :heart: :love: :deg: :lovie: :heart:

http://nowrunning.com/broadband/video.asp?...eNo=2186&id=224

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Check out the official website of Naina ....... IT Ro0o0o0o0o0oX!!!!!!! http://kajol-boards.net/Board/images/smilies/buttrock.gif http://kajol-boards.net/Board/images/smilies/buttrock.gif


Chlick here!....

http://www.nainathefilm.com/

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`Naina`, `Kaal` bring back terror into Bollywood

by Subhash K Jha
Monday, 09 May , 2005, 10:11

When debutant Soham Shah’s film Kaal got an overwhelming opening everyone said it had to do with Karan Johar’s marketing acumen. But now this supernatural thriller has sailed across the first weekend to become a sure-shot winner.


Producer Karan Johar can’t believe the departure from his patent style has paid such rich dividends. “Let’s admit it, I could’ve never directed Kaal. It’s much too scary for me to watch, let alone make. I guess Kaal has shocked many, specially by getting a better opening than my own films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. It’s caused a lot of anxiety in the trade,” chuckles the proud producer.

So is this the beginning of a new phase in the hoary history of the supernatural thriller? Barely a month after Kaal it would be time for another debutant director Shripal Morakhia to create a hellish haven out of Urmila Matondkar’s supernatural experience in Naina.

Urmila describes it as one of her most challenging roles ever. “It’s relatively easy to play blind. But to play someone who regains her eyesight after 20 years and to get a grip of a world of vision after an eternity of darkness… this was something unbelievably hard to do. I had to take professional advice on how a girl would behave under these circumstances.”



Filmmakers, specially the younger lot, are certainly getting more cautious and meticulous about how they project the much-abused horror genre to the public.

Even Saurabh Narang, another debutant who directed Vastu Shastra for Ram Gopal Varma went into great details about the ambience that he created. Much of the suspense in Vastu Shastra depended on a little boy’s responses to the eerie happenings in the house.

The producers of Naina, I Dreams are pulling out all plugs as far as the promotion of the film is concerned. The budget for the film’s publicity seems to be higher than its production costs. This is understandable in the light of the fact that apart from Urmila there are no stars in the film. Besides her fee all the resources have gone into creating an eerie terror through the experiences of a blind girl who can ‘see’ ghosts.



According to Ashish Bhatnagar of I Dreams, “Naina is one of our most prestigious products. And we’re certainly proud of it. The locations (London) and special effects are of an international caliber, if we may say so ourselves.”


After Kaal if Naina works we’re sure to have many spooky spinoffs. “That’s dangerous,” says spook specialist Ram Gopal Varma. “Because all the supernatural thrillers that came after Bhoot were disasters including my own Darna Manaa Hai and Vastu Shastra. Still I’m going ahead with the sequel to Darna Manaa Hai. I love the horror genre. In fact people keep asking me questions about Kaal and Naina, as though they’re my films.”

Though Soham Shah is going to make another thriller next Sourabh Narang intends to go into a totally different genre.

Whether more directors, new or otherwise, come forward to stake their claims in the supernatural genre depends entirely on the fate of Naina.

“I feel as though I’m being held responsible for the future of our cinema. But horror is a serious matter. I’m glad we’re realizing that,” says Urmila.

[Ladyhawke]

The promos look good!

Yep, this is definitely a remake of The Eye. I watched that movie several months ago and it scared me so bad!! It was really freaky. Let's just say I never look at elevators the same way now *shiver*

Can't wait to see this version!

As an aside, I heard George Clooney's production company bought the US rights to The Eye so a Hollywood remake is most certainly going to come out soon too.

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The promos look good!

Yep, this is definitely a remake of The Eye. I watched that movie several months ago and it scared me so bad!! It was really freaky. Let's just say I never look at elevators the same way now *shiver*

Can't wait to see this version!

As an aside, I heard George Clooney's production company bought the US rights to The Eye so a Hollywood remake is most certainly going to come out soon too.


yep... I know that is it a remake of The Eye...... I am soooooooooooooooo Excited…...... I can’t wait to see Naina….. especially because Urmi is the leading actress! :jump: :jump:

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'Naina': Spine-Chilling!

By Taran Adarsh, May 10th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

Bollywood is slowly mastering the art of making horror films!

Scary movies are meant to send a chill down your spine. If the viewer bites his/her nails in anxiety, if the eerie goings-on on the silver screen bring about a cold sweat on your forehead, if the supernatural moments raise the nape hairs, it only means that the storyteller has succeeded in scaring the daylights out of you.

NAINA is one of the most imaginative and pulse-pounding horror films to come along in recent times. It leaves the viewer frightened, terrified and petrified. As a horror movie, it packs one genuine scare after another, right till its finale. Those who get unsettled by ghost stories are sure to freak out by NAINA. The film is definitely not for the weak-hearted!

NAINA tells the story of a young woman, Naina [Urmila Matondkar], blinded in childhood by an accident. Twenty years later, she receives a cornea implant and with it, the ability to see again. When the bandages come off, Naina opens her eyes to see not only the world she left behind, but also the unsettling presence of people who aren't really there -- dead people.

The problem is, no one believes Naina -- not her grand-mother [Kamini Khanna], not even the sympathetic psychiatrist [Anuj Sawhney], who seems to have taken more than just a clinical interest in her.

NAINA marks the birth of an outstanding storyteller in Shripal Morakhia. In both concept and execution, NAINA has a great deal more to offer than the thrillers made in the recent times. Morakhia has studied his predecessors [who've mastered the art of scaring moviegoers] very minutely and understands exactly what it takes to create the perfect scary moment.

NAINA works due to several factors; topping the list is, without doubt, a taut screenplay [Sagar Pandya, Shripal Morakhia]. The plot is refreshingly different and the narrative is laced with twists and turns that keep you on tenterhooks all through.

Besides a captivating script, NAINA scores in those four vital departments that contribute enormously to a horror film -- sound design [Parikshit Lalwani], visual effects [Biju D.], cinematography [C.K. Muraleedharan, Jonathan Bloom] and background score [Salim-Sulaiman].

Yet another reason why NAINA works so well as a horror film is because of Urmila Matondkar's strong and convincing performance. Her performance here is nothing short of perfect and she handles the frightening episodes and the quiet, contemplative scenes with equal skill. The young actress, who proved her versatility in three contrasting roles [PINJAR, BHOOT, EK HASINA THI], drives home the point yet again that she can carry a film on her able shoulders.

If you're expecting scares from NAINA, you will not be disappointed. The film delivers the goods without insulting anyone's intelligence. Highly recommended!

This writer was invited for an exclusive screening of the film early last week. The detailed review will appear on the day of its release [May 20].

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Naina Ki Aahat

Television thrills meet big screen chills as Urmila Matondkar makes her television debut in Sony Television's Aahat 2 to promote her film Naina.

This Friday night thriller will have the actress doing a cameo playing her character from debutant director Shripal Morakhia's film Naina.

" I play my screen character who is being interviewed in a chat show in which I relate my supernatural experiences," says Urmila.

This two part special episode will be telecasted on May 20 and 27 - to coincide with the film's release

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Urmila awaits Naina's release

Wednesday, May 11, 2005:

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Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar is awaiting the release of her next film Naina.

It has been more than a year since the Rangeela girl has had a release to her credit, but she attributes it to a conscious decision of doing only select roles.

"After Bhoot, I refused to even read scripts for horror movies because I don't believe in repeating roles," Urmila said.

"But when I heard this story, I was struck by the clarity with which the movie is conceived. The smallest details which have been taken into consideration to define a character are so clear, that after this if I had not agreed to do the film, it would have been a stupidity," she added.

Naina deals with the supernatural and the paranormal. There is a strong emotional undercurrent to the story as well, which made Urmila sign this film.

While Naina is set for a world wide release next Friday and boasts of being original, many accuse that the story has been lifted from Hong Kong thriller Jian Gui, which also means the eye.
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Career Management

Newbie actor Anuj Sawhney says he has no qualms about being choosy, so long as it gets him ‘meaningful roles’.

Paromita Chakrabarti

New Delhi When you hear him talk, it’s difficult to believe that the 20 something actor is just two films old. ‘‘I belong to the Aamir Khan school of thought. I focus more on quality rather than on quantity. That’s why I’m so choosy about the roles I take up,’’ says Anuj Sawhney, with breezy confidence. We are sitting in his hotel room at Le Meridien, and the actor is telling us about his latest movie, Shripal Morakia’s Naina where he stars opposite Urmila Matondkar Apparently, when Matondkar heard that Sawhney was to do the movie she did some asking around, and saw his earlier flicks Nayee Padosan and Funtoosh. She even met up with him informally at her place, before signing on the dotted line. The background check was mutual. For his part Sawhney too, claims to have done adequate research. ‘‘I saw all of Urmila’s psycho-thrillers, and went over my lines to prepare myself for the role. Urmila is an introvert on the sets, but she’s a powerhouse in front of the camera. I learnt a lot from her,’’ he says.

For all his good looks, and snappy conversation, Sawhney makes for an unlikely hero. In fact, his credentials are more suited to a yuppie corporate. The former Delhiite graduated from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and followed it up with an MBA from a university in Tennessee, USA. But acting, he insists, was always his chosen career. ‘‘The only reason I studied so much was because my parents insisted I have a solid academic background to fall back upon if things go wrong, and I couldn’t argue with their logic,’’ he says.



But it doesn’t look like he will need to exercise his management skills for a while. He has already got a host of meaty roles lined up ahead.

There’s Kalpana Lajmi’s Chingari, opposite Sushmita Sen and Girish Acharya’s Brides Wanted, in both of which he plays the protagonist. ‘‘I try not to do things half-way,’’ he grins knowingly.
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8 more days...... Yaaayyyyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii... . :jump: http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/yaiiHH.gif :jump:

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5 films that scared me!

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 13th, 2005 - 1400 hrs IST

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Exorcist takes the Number 1 slot.
Fear Factor: That movie almost took the life out of me. The atmosphere was chilling!

Stephan King's short stories were extremely spooky!
Fear Factor: Again, it induced fear through its eerie ambience. I almost froze through it. The people who created have to be geniuses!

Naina is next. It's the most complete horror flick I have done.
Fear Factor: Trust me; the fear will knock you dead

Bhoot It broke every stereotype of horror in Bollywood
Fear Factor: No meow-meow cats, no white saris, no fog. The fear showed in the eyes of the characters!

Madhumati from the B&W era.
Fear Factor: Though it wasn't scary, scary, I quite enjoyed the punarjanam thingie. I thought the music was brilliant!


Scare Fare with Urmila Matondkar

'She's talented but not on top!'


'In Rangeela, yes but she's not hot anymore!'


'Urmila isn't doing well for herself'

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All this is clay and crumbles in exactly 2 minutes of meeting her! Ditto happened when we caught up with the gutsiest actor of Bollywood for some natter-chatter on Naina. She might be riding 31 but her gorgeous face puts most Bollywood Barbie dolls to shame. She is proud of her success but not bitter of other's. She's there to pick an award when she wins one as much to cheer for a Rani when she looses it to her…

Urmila is the sexy surprise packet you come across on a bright day. She will talk, yak and mock, all in her adorable Maharashtrian accent. And the Matondkar mulgi has some very chatpata takes on movies-n-media. Now prepare for a scare dip with the oomphmatiz…

Ek Hasina Thi was among the most criminally overlooked films at most film awards of 2004. Do you agree?
I can vouch that I loved playing the role. Most actresses would give an arm for a role like that. As for awards, I have never let that guide my choices and I like to keep it that way. Awards are nice but the reaction to my performance was nicer!

2005, Naina will be the first Urmila starrer to hit theatres this year. Tell us about the film
Oh, I can't stop talking about this one. For starters, I did like to declare in big block letters that it's nothing like Bhoot or Kaun.


We never said that…
You may not think so but media for some strange reason likes to believe that 'all is one'. Kaun was a psychological thriller; Bhoot belongs to the horror genre whereas Naina deals with the supernatural. It's easy to put everything into a single bag and label it as horror but that's not the case.

We were talking about Naina…
My director Shripal Morakhia wanted to create good cinema and that's the reason Naina has shaped up the way it has. In terms of the visual content, technical brilliance or characterization, there have simply been no compromises.

Would this be another songless thriller?
Know what; even I suggested that we create some songs atleast as a promotional device. But my suggestion was completely vetoed. Because the director felt that a gimmick like that would dilute the essence of the film which is high on the fright. Just goes to show how honest Shripalji has been to the script. But the background score has been used in the most powerful manner. You have got to hear it; it makes you run for dear life!

You play the central protagonist, what is the character of Naina like?
Ah, to play Naina was a revelation! She as a young girl lost her eyesight in an accident and now 20 years later, she undergoes a cornea transplant. Her eyesight is now restored but life isn't that easy for the girl. Because from seeing nothing she can now see things that normal people don't! She sees objects, people, images all of which isn't visible to others and here beings her horrific journey from a dark world to a darker one.

So to play Naina was fascinating because on one hand she is this mild, meek, vulnerable girl but shows great strength and courage when she has to deal with something as extraordinary as supernatural. And here's when she begins to realize that the thing that she considers curse might actually be her destiny!

Do you believe in the supernatural?
I don't. I think I am too bull headed to pay heed to the presence of spirits and supernatural elements around me.

So never experienced anything queer?
Never! Like I told you, I am too thick skinned to let myself experience or 'feel' anything supernatural. And like me most of us are so engrossed in the nitty-gritty of everyday life that we simply brush away the thought of spirits and souls saying that, 'Ah, I am just having a bad day'. We almost shut our eye to the 'beyond'. But I guess just like out world, there must be a world of theirs too.

It's always a new Urmila one walks away with every time a person watches your film. So what's Naina looking like?
Since Naina was blind, there were a lot of details that went into her look and costuming. A blind girl will use flat footwear so we couldn't have shown her tottering around in stilettos. Same goes with her look, the girl who is used to 20 years of blindness won't suddenly cake her face with makeup, so it's minimal. As for the costume, we have kept away from things like buttons because as a blind person, they like to keep it as simple as possible. So it's more of intelligent designing rather than fancy wear.

The men already frowning; you aren't going deglam, are you?
(Laughs) Nah, tell the boys not to worry. You can't take 'sexy' away from Urmila. But I would like to remind people that I was the only actress to have done a Rangeela and a Satya, a Pyar Tune Kya Kiya and a Pinjar. So try as hard but I will not get slotted. There is nothing like 'deglam' or 'hot' or 'glam' there are only characters. People take home characters not looks.

Any scene in particular that you thought was particularly challenging?
There is one scene where I supposed to be in water and I can't swim to safe my life. So we created a water tank and shot it at film city but Shripal wasn't happy with the results. So we flew to London to shoot it. It is a scene when I am caught between the two worlds and am trying to transcend. The helplessness, the anguish, the disturbance, it is simply superb! It is easily among the most technically brilliant shots that I have done. Watch out for the climax too, its mind boggling!

Sounds fascinating, when is Naina hitting marquee?
It should be in theatres on the 20th of this month.


And what would you say is the best thing about Naina?
(Smiles) Besides me…the fact that nothing about Naina is 'chalta hain!'

Finally, what do you think of the Ramsay movies?
(Laughs uproariously) Hey, come to think of it, Ramsay movies have more of less defined horror cinema in India. Its all masala nah, now that you have asked me, I think I will soon rent a copy of Chudail No.1!

[sweety]

Naina

Screen India, India

iDream Productions’ latest film Naina will have a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It will be screened in the market section at the Cannes Festival on May 12, 15 and 18. The film will be marketed at Cannes with full page adverts in top film mags, Variety and Screen International. Naina has never-seen-before scenes like Urmila in an underwater studio - a studio used only by Hollywood studios. Another powerful scene was in Charing Cross station where a train is blown up in front of 600 extras. Even the climax was shot majestically with extensive use of helicopter, scores of ambulances, police cars and hundreds of extras, army reserves and paramedics.

[sweety]

http://www.indiafm.com/interviews/05/urmilanaina/still4.jpg

Next Week - 20th May

- Naina

Producer: iDream Production.
Director: Shripal Morakhia.
Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Anuj Sawhney, Shweta Konnur.

[sweety]

7 DAYS TO GO...YOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOO :jump: :jump:

[sweety]

5 DAYS TO GO0O0O........... YAAAAAAAYYYYIIIIIII :jump: :jump: :jump:

[sweety]

'Naina', 'Nazar' ready to shock:-

Mumbai | May 15, 2005 9:40:10 AM IST


Mumbai, May 15 : Our cinema houses are in for a shock. Both the films scheduled for this week are chillers and, that too, with similar titles - "Naina" and "Nazar".

Quite easily, the one to watch out for is debutant director Shripal Morakhia's unusual thriller "Naina" featuring Urmila Matondkar in the horrific and yet gripping role of a woman who regains her eyesight after several years of darkness only to find herself being able to 'see' ghosts.

IDreams, the makers of the film, claims that the concept, theme and treatment are totally untried. There's very little reason to doubt that claim. The conception, execution and promotion of "Naina" seem totally novel.

The special effects, which have been done entirely in London where the film has been shot, offer hitherto unravelled dimensions to celluloid diabolism.

This isn't the first time that Urmila has done a shiver giver. Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot" is indelibly etched in viewers' minds as the ultimate spook story.

However, "Naina" promises to be a totally different experience. Urmila's look and personality are transformed much beyond "Bhoot". The location and the ambience exude a different flavour.

The producers are charged about the film. The film's distribution has been handed over to Columbia Tri-Star, which is pretty much treating the film as an international product rather than a desi scare-fest.

After the success of "Kaal" there's no doubt that films about ghosts have a spirited chance at the box office. Unlike "Kaal", there are no item songs bracketing "Naina". And while "Kaal" had a cluster of stars, "Naina" has just one.

Can Urmila equal the box office draw of John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi, Ajay Devgan, Lara Dutta and Esha Deol in "Kaal"? She's the only star attraction of the film.

(IANS)

http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=82164&cat=Entertainment

[a_aishashafiq]

With no major interest in Nazar i am definitly looking forward to Naina.. I like the story and am a fan of Urmila's acting.. She really can act. I hope it's a good horror movie coz i love horror, thriller, chiller.... :wink:

[sweety]

Me 2.... I love horror movies.... and I looooooooooooooooooooove Urmi :heart: .... lo0ol :grin:..... I can't wait 2 see "Naina" I really missed her...

[sweety]

http://www.indiafm.com/headline/1605middle.jpg


Urmila's scary underwater sequence!

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 16th, 2005 - 1230 hrs IST

http://www.indiafm.com/feature/05/may/1605nainawater/still1.jpg

“I can't swim to save my life!” mocks Urmila.

“And here I was asked to give an underwater shot. A tank was created at Film City and we shot there. I had just told myself that we are done that my director Shripal Morakhia informs me that we are going for a re-shoot. Apparently, he was dissatisfied with the final results and wanted to better it. I should have known that, because there is nothing 'chalta hain' with Shripal.

So we flew to London and shot at the Action Underwater Studio. Supposedly, the place has been host to the shootings of a lot many biggies like Die Another Day. The sequence was one where Naina's character is caught between the two worlds and is trying to transcend into the other.” Urmila explains excitedly. “I remember I was a bunch of nerves when they asked me to sink to the floor of the tank and then quickly come up” the sex-kitten tells us.

“But the battery of professionals ready to attend me blew away most of my fears. Unlike here, there was a complete underwater camera team, assistants, an underwater lightman & safety officers incase of an emergency. They leave nothing to chance. It took me sometime to get comfortable with the shot but I got it right in 3 takes” she smiles. “Talking of the shot, the fear, anguish and despair captured is awe inspiring!”

“You got to watch this one!” she signs off.



I JUST LOOOOOOOOOOOVE THAT SCENE.... IT ROX!!:thumbup: ....... GO URMI :buttrock:

[sweety]

4 DAYS TO GO!!...... :jump: :celeb: :jump:

[sweety]

http://im.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/16naina1.jpg

Win exciting prizes with Naina!

May 16, 2005 14:53 IST


After more than a year, the marquee will see Urmila Matondkar once again!

Her new film, Naina, is due for release on May 20.

And you have much to cheer! For you could be one of the lucky people to watch this horror film absolutely free!

All you have to do is SMS NAINA to 7333, and answer the five questions that follow. Those who get all questions correct will be eligible for exciting prizes!

Twenty-five Mumbai winners will get two movie tickets free, while 20 winners outside Mumbai will get Naina posters, autographed by Urmila herself!

So hurry up! Pick up that phone and start messaging!

Contest closes at 4 pm, May 20.

[Parwana]

does anyone know if smsing outside of india will work or do we need another number before that?

[sweety]

sorry buddy :donno:

[sweety]

Shripal Morakhia: ‘‘Naina’ is horror re-defined’

URVASHI ASHAR

INDIATIMES MOVIES

http://movies.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=1111759

His directorial debut is premiering at the Cannes Film Festival but, sadly, the director is not going to be there to attend it. “I will be in New York attending my daughter’s graduation ceremony,” he tells us. He was a stockbroker and investment banker before ‘Naina’; so what made Shripal plunge into the dangerous waters of Bollywood where, like the Sensex, the success or failure of a film can’t be predicted? Confidently, he replies, “Life is full of changes and progression, otherwise it comes to a halt. All of us are confident of ‘Naina’. What we have attempted to do is create an experience that the average movie-goer will find difficult to miss. The sum total of ‘Naina’ is an excellent script, great performances, sleek editing, excellent background score and music, and an experience of a lifetime.”

http://movies.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=1111760

Naina’ may be an honest effort by Morakhia and his team, but it has, nevertheless, attracted its share and more or flak. Some claim that it is a copy of the Chinese film, ‘The Eye’, made by the Pang Brothers; others insist that it’s just another ‘Bhoot’. “I wouldn’t need to even reply to this question once people have seen the movie,” states the director. “Yes, there may be a few similarities between ‘Naina’ and ‘The Eye’ - maybe the DNA of the story is inspired by ‘The Eye’. But I am proud to say that my movie is nowhere comparable to that of the Pang Brothers’ film. The enormity of the scale of ‘Naina’ is much superior to the film people are comparing it to. Trust me when I say that ‘Naina’ is horror re-defined.”


http://movies.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=1111763

Shripal adds, “‘Bhoot’ marked the beginning of the horror genre in India. It successfully brought horror into mainstream Indian cinema, and ‘Naina’ will take that effort at least three steps forward. There are love stories and there are films like ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’. ‘Naina’ is the ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ of horror films.”

The movie doesn’t boast of an enviable star cast. “What we had was so brilliant a script that the film became the star and the star became immaterial. And that’s how we got everyone on board for the movie,” Shri explains. And why Urmila? SM avers, “I was not very confident of directing an actress of Urmila’s stature. We did think about a few other names, too, but after we met her, she became the obvious choice - and since then, we have never looked back.”

http://movies.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=1111764

Naina’ has had some great beginnings. And the news of it being premiered at the Cannes Film Festival must have definitely been very encouraging for the cast and crew. “That’s right,” agrees Morakhia. “We were always very confident about ‘Naina’. From the music director to the sound designer, from the editors to the performers...all have done a brilliant job. And, honestly, we are overwhelmed more by the movie and its quality than by it being screened at Cannes. It’s an honest attempt made on an enormous scale. Be it the performances, the locales, the sound effects - every aspect is par excellence. And the final product has emerged as compelling as a film can be!”

[a_aishashafiq]

It has already started giving me goosebumps :rolleyes:

[askprincess_askme]

4 DAYS TO GO!!...... :jump: :celeb: :jump: u r truly an Urmi fan without any second thought! lemme give a compliment to her n u! urmi :thumbup: and u re fav actress!:hmmm: :hmmm: :hmmm:

[sweety]

It has already started giving me goosebumps :rolleyes:


Lo0o0ollllzZz.... :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[sweety]

u r truly an Urmi fan without any second thought! lemme give a compliment to her n u! urmi :thumbup: and u re fav actress!:hmmm: :hmmm: :hmmm:


thanx 4 the compliment!... lo0ol :grin:

and Oh Yeah.... am a HUGE Urmi fan!!..... sheeeeeeee ROX!!!!!! :thumbup: .............. GO URMI!! :celeb:

[sweety]

3 DAYS TO GO..... Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/yrhCCh34.gif :jump:

[sweety]

‘Naina is the K3G of horror’

An Interview With Shripal Morakhia

You have a completely business background…

Yes, I did my MBA from New York University and assisted the executive president of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1981, I came back to India and took over our broking firm Kantilal Ishwarlal, which is now known as SSKI. Our retail brand is called sharekhan.com. Ours is a full-fledged broking house with 1,100 employees.

Why did SSKI float a film company named iDream Production?

I wanted to set up a film company which would not only produce or finance Indian films but also include the wider Indian diaspora. That’s why, apart from producing our own films, we also backed films like Monsoon Wedding, Bend It Like Beckham and Bollywood Hollywood. We have also had a creative say in our productions like 16 December and Jajantaram Mamantaram, apart from financing them.

What prompted you turn to direction?

I wanted to make a children’s film way back in 1996 but my business engagements didn’t allow me to get into film-making in a full-fledged manner. When our last two films, Samay and King of Bollywood, flopped, I decided to take the challenge head-on, get into directing and resurrect the iDream banner.

When and how did the Naina idea originate?

The Naina dream was born one-and-a-half years back. Horror is one genre which does well everywhere. The Ramsay brothers used to make these really low-budget horror films. I want to take the horror genre in India a step ahead by giving the audiences a cinematic experience they have never seen before. I want to drag the mainstream Indian audiences into the genre. I am targeting the 18 to 40 age range and those who spend Rs 200 to Rs 300 in a single outing at a multiplex. I have also tried to extend the age limit to 50-55 by adding emotions. The scale, sound design and special effects add up to make Naina a composite product that people would find hard to ignore.

That’s on paper. Will it actually happen?

We will all come to know on May 20 when the film releases. What we are trying to achieve is to somehow make the viewers come to the theatres. These days, they don’t mind watching a film on a pirated DVD for Rs 50. We do not want to repeat the mistakes we made with Samay and King of Bollywood. We have packed in enough masala so that Naina is only enjoyed on 6.1 Dolby digital. All this is theory but we have tried our best to put the theory into practice.


What about allegations that Naina is an out-and-out copy of the Japanese supernatural blockbuster The Eye?

The modern-day Hollywood horror genre has been born in the Far East. Had Naina been just a copy, I don’t think we would have showcased it at Cannes. The film is not a rip-off of any film but there is a lot of inspiration in substance, style and execution. It also has a lot of Indianness.

Why did you pick Urmila, who looks straight out of Bhoot?

Naina is a far more complex character for Urmila than Bhoot. Her character hasn’t seen light for so many years and then once she gets her eyesight back, she starts seeing things. Is it hallucination or something else? Although I don’t want to put down Bhoot, Naina is a far more emotional story. And it is one of her best performances till date. Urmila is the only star-actor in the Indian diaspora.

You have spent so much money on the film which boasts of only one star...

We wanted Naina to be the K3G of horror. In horror, the packaging is more important than the stars. Naina is do-or-die for us. The last two years haven’t been good. Naina has to revive the iDream banner.

Wow it's too much now..I can't wait anymore
841117

[sweety]

http://www.indiafm.com/headline/1705left.jpg

The most explosive climax of Indian cinema!

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 17th, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

http://www.indiafm.com/feature/05/may/1705nainaclimax/still1.jpg


True, untrue or overrated, you decide that when the supernatural thriller hits theatres this Friday. But the team of Naina and Naina herself seem super excited about the climax. “This isn't among one of those Bollywood climax which keeps dragging on and on. That's the reason you find me all jumpy about it” Urmila says with gusto.

The sequence in question is filmed in London and has been created and shot on a grand scale. The shot apparently has underground trains and petrol stations blowing up in central London involving scores of ambulances and fire brigades, police cars and hundreds of extras, army reserves and paramedics. With such a huge canvas, were there any mishaps during the shoot? we ask.

“None! Had it been back home, there would have been a hundred hassles before we could even commence shoot. But the units there are so systematic and meticulous. Their sense of organization and safety precautions stunned me. Bollywood has light years to go before we touch their standards of production discipline. Everything was spot on and we pulled it off real smooth!” the gorgeous actor comments. “Getting back to the shot, it's the finale where all the loose strings are plugged, all questions find answers. And the fear, fright and horror will have you biting your nails. The action, emotion, images and SFX all collide to make it a visual wonder! Mind boggling!” Naina exclaims.

[sweety]

Preview: Naina

By Subhash K Jha
Monday, 16 May , 2005, 18:26

http://www.indiafm.com/stills/05/naina/still12.jpg

This week, our cinema houses are in for a shock. Both the films scheduled for this week are chillers, and that too with similar titles.

Quite easily the one to watch out for is debutant director Shripal Morakhia’s unusual thriller Naina featuring Urmila Matondkar in the horrific and yet gripping role of a woman who regains her eyesight after several years of darkness only to find herself being able to ‘see’ ghosts.

The makers of the film I Dreams claim that the concept, theme and treatment are totally untried. There’s very little reason to doubt that claim. The conception, execution and promotion of Naina seem totally novel. The special effects which have been done entirely in London (where the film has been shot) promise to offer hitherto- unrevealed dimensions to celluloid diabolism.

This isn’t the first time that Urmila Matondkar has done a shiver giver. Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot is indelibly etched in viewers’ minds as the ultimate spook story.

However Naina promises to be a totally different experience. Urmila’s look and personality are transformed much beyond Bhoot. The location and the ambience exude a different flavour.

The producers are charged about the film. The film’s distribution has been handed over to Columbia Tri-Star who are pretty much treating the film as an international product rather than a desi scare-fest.

After the success of Kaal there’s no doubt that films about ghosts have a spirited chance at the boxoffice. Unlike Kaal there are no item songs bracketing the bhoot truth in Naina. And while Kaal had a cluster of stars Naina has just one.

Can Urmila equal the boxoffice draw of John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi, Ajay Devgan, Lara Dutt and Esha Deol in Kaal?

She’s the only star attraction of the film. And by God! She has pulled it off earlier in Urmila-centric films like Pinjar, Bhoot and Ek Hasina Thi.

[sweety]

NAINAs success and Urmila!!

By Manissha Despaande
Send to Friend

Download Naina WallpapersUrmila Matondkar will be glad to know that her forthcoming release NAINA seems destined to capture the box-office, going by its numerological equation. According to numerologist, signature and handwriting consultant, Niraj Mancchanda, the name of the film adds to the number 13, which vibrates excellently with Urmila's number. "The audiences are sure to love her performance in the film. Besides the number 13 means that one can very well expect the unexpected, so we can all watch out for the unexpected box-office verdict on Friday," Niraj says.

He also has an interesting observation to make on why Urmila has not got her due despite being acclaimed as a great performer and having some of the biggest hits like RANGEELA and BHOOT to her credit. According to him, Urmila's number comes to 17, which is a very powerful number and indicates a great start. However he points out that her birth number 4 does not vibrate well with her full name, which is also the reason why she chooses the wrong films. "For instance, her decision to leave Yash Chopra's "DIL TO PAGAL HAI for JUDAAI. Had she agreed to do DTPH, she would have been in all future Yash Chopra films. She badly needs to change her signature angle. It is very important to have a numerological correct name and perfect signature angle for progress in life," he points out.

:jump: :celeb: :jump:

[sweety]

Bollywood banks on spooky thrillers


MUMBAI: Horror has a new face. It has morphed into thriller format. Oatmeal-faced monsters, wailing banshees and women in white have been shown the creaking door. The genre has in recent years moved away from the gory and macabre to the dark and brooding. Sound is engineered and screenplays carefully structured to send shivers up the spine. Taut editing and an emphasis on evoking the primal fear of the unknown have seen small-time thrillers give viewers bang for their buck. Correspondingly, budgets and returns have shot up to eye-popping levels.
Supernaturals, serial killers and pyschos are the flavours of the haunting season. Close on the heels of Karan Johar's Kaal, whose ghost helped the film's distributors earn their commissions, two scaremongers—Shripal Morakhia's Naina and Soni Razdan's Nazar—will try and rattle the box-office. Also in the pipeline are Vikram Bhatt's next thriller for producer Ramesh Sippy, while Ram Gopal Varma's Factory will dish out two chillers, Amavas and Darna Zaroori Hai. A slew of other Z-graders bearing titles like Shaitani Ilaka, Chudail Ki Raat and Kabrastan are also queuing up to cash in on shock value.

Soham Shah, the director of Kaal, admits to being influenced by the undisputed king of scarefests, Ram Gopal Varma. "So far horror films had been unfairly slotted as being the sole domain of the Ramsay brothers. I wanted to break away from that armless monster stereotype. There are interesting themes to be explored in horror and I wanted to move away from the bedroom-bungalow scenario. That's why I based my film in a jungle," he says.

Prawal Raman, who directed the Varma-produced Darna Mana Hai, says, "None of the six stories in my Darna...was really scary. We spooked the audience even without ghosts. The Boman Irani or Raghubir Yadav episodes were explorations into the darker side of the mind."

Vikram Bhatt's Raaz, a rip-off of Hollywood's What Lies Beneath, was the biggest cash cow of 2002. Bhatt insists that his film while being spooky, was essentially about a wife in search of an errant husband. Bhatt says, "I think there's a huge audience for horror. Fear is the key, there is a solid market for that sensation." He should know. Raaz, made on a shoestring budget of Rs 3.5 crore, reportedly garnered close to Rs 20 crore for its producer Mukesh Bhatt.

The Ramsay brothers could be credited with pioneering the chill-and-thrill genre with their first monster hit Do Gaz Jameen Ke Neeche in the early 70s. In the 80s, the Ramsays became synonymous with schlock like Purana Mandir, Sannata, Dahshat and suchlike replete with deformed monsters, sirens in distress and oodles of raw skin. Says tradesmith Indu Mirani, "In those days, loads of money was to be made from the B and C centres, which is why the Ramsay brand of horror clicked."

Varma is undoubtedly the cradler of Ghosts and Monsters Inc. His brief to actress Urmila Matondkar before starting on Bhoot was succinct: "The audience must be scared of you and must be scared for you." The fear must be unrelenting, maintains Varma, don't give the audiences a chance to breathe. "Everything in Bhoot was in opposition to what one expects in a supernatural film," he adds. "In a typical horror film, the camera would follow a character from behind. In Bhoot the audience is privy to all that is happening."

With the runaway success of Bhoot, A-list actors too started gracing desi horror shows, hitherto considered the domain of B-line actors. Witness Amitabh Bachchan and Dimple in Hum Kaun Hai, the remake of The Others, Tabu in Hawa, ripped off from The Entity and Sunjay Dutt in Rakht, a souped up version of The Ring. In a shift from the saas-bahu conundrum, Ekta Kapoor too attemped the dark Kuch to Hai and Krishna Cottage, but they bombed at the box-office.

Today, multiplex audiences are clearly the catch. Budgeted at approximately Rs 11 crore, this Friday's release Naina, which was shot in 45 locales, has a climax in which an entire tube station is gutted. The film is aimed at the 14-36 age group, which comprises almost 60 to 65 per cent of the multiplex audiences. Director Shripal Morakhia says, "The scale is so expansive you have to go to theatres to feel its aural and visual impact. No one will want to see it on pirated DVDs." Morakhia also begs off comparisons with Nazar. It's rumoured that both films have a theme based on Dany Pang's horror flick The Eye.

However, not everyone is thrilled. One of the Ramsay brothers says, "With due respects to the filmmakers, today's horror films are cartoon flicks. A horror film must be edge-of-the-seat entertainment. In that sense, I would call even Spielberg's Jaws or ET horror films. Horror films need to be made on that lavish a scale. The reason I gave up making horror films is because new entrants started making cheap movies on shoestring budgets. Their quality really sucked."

Clearly, the genre is pushing the envelope. "Today if you need to have make a decent horror film, your budget must be at least Rs 30 crore," says the Ramsay brother. Scary food for thought or what.

[sweety]

Urmila face-to-face with her fears


Actress Urmila Matondkar came face-to-face with her fears while shooting an underwater sequence for her movie Naina .

Directed by Shripal Morakhia, Naina is a supernatural thriller with Urmila playing a girl who regains her eyesight after 20 years of blindness. After she regains her sight, she discovers that she sees the world that other people don’t see.


Naina features an underwater sequence in which her character is shown caught between the two worlds. To shoot the scene, a tank was made in Mumbai’s Film City. The scene was meant to show Urmila sinking to the bottom of the tank before swimming to the surface.

It happened that the movie’s director was not satisfied with the results of the shoot in Mumbai. The team then decided to shoot the sequence at the Action Underwater Studio in London.

Speaking to an entertainment website, Urmila admitted that she was very nervous and scared while giving the shot.

“I remember I was a bunch of nerves when they asked me to sink to the floor of the tank and then quickly come up,” she is quoted.

However, Urmila’s fears were placated because of the presence of professionals, technicians, assistants and lifeguards. She gave the shot in three takes.

Naina will hit the theatres on May 20.

[sweety]

2 DAYS TO GO..... YaaaaaaaayyyYYYYYYyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/1022569.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/dYUUTy.gif

[sweety]

Click on the link to see the article..... It's so0o0o interesting!..... Enjoy :enjoy:

http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/18naina1.htm

[sweety]

'BHOOT WAS SCARY, NAINA IS A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER''

http://specials.rediff.com/entertai/2005/may/18naina2.jpg

One question Urmila Matondkar hates answering is, 'when are you getting married?'
It never fails to put her off and she wonders why people want her to get married off.

For the moment, Urmila is focussed on her new film, Naina, which releases on May 20. Directed by debutant Shripal Morakhia, Naina is a horror film about a girl who starts seeing mysterious things.

Urmila spoke to News Editor (Entertainment) Syed Firdaus Ashraf about the movie. Excerpts:

Whenever I'm not seen on the big screen, people start speculating about my disappearance and arrive at the conclusion that I'm getting married.

It's the most boring question I've been asked, even though it's great to be an eligible girl.

If marriage has to happen, it will happen at the right time.

Earlier, I would get angry when I was asked this question, but now I stop reacting because it comes up every six months.


After Ek Hasina Thi last year, I took a break because I had done three films before that (Bhoot, Pinjar and Tehzeeb) and it had been very taxing.
But yes, the break lasted too long.

I was listening to scripts but nothing exciting came my way. I did not want to work to prove a point by appearing busy.

Moreover, I have few friends in the film industry. Abhishek Bachchan calls me a social recluse and I told him he is wrong, but not completely wrong either. It is difficult to keep friends in the industry because one is always under the media glare. Right from the days of Narsimha, I have maintained my stand that I will only let my work speak and nothing else.


My career was not doing well at that time and my films were flopping at box-office. I was not written or spoken about in media circles or in the industry.
At the same time, I found out that there was another actress who had had 11 flops but was still written about because she was talking about her personal life.

I could have done the same. But I prefer to keep quiet on that front. I was clear then and even now, that I don't want to make a magazine cover because of my personal life. I would love to be a magazine cover only because of my acting abilities.

You see, I am such a rooted person that I want a life outside our (film) world. Some actors don't have a life beyond our industry and that scares me. I don't want that to happen to me. There are too many things in life that have to be learnt.


But I would also like to say that the biggest high in my life is when it comes to facing the camera. I love to be in front of the camera.
It's one of the things I've always wanted to do as a child.

Acting is an interesting profession because you get to do things that you do not do in real life. I have played a girl next door, a sexy girl, a psychopath, a vengeful woman and so many things. But I don't want to repeat what I've done.

Naina is not in the same genre as Bhoot. Bhoot was scary, but Naina is a supernatural thriller.

I got at least six scripts based on the horror genre but I did not take them up because I felt the story was on same lines as Bhoot.


In my new film, my name is Naina. When she is five, she goes blind. After 20 years, she gets operated upon and gets her eyesight back.
Her grandmother says she is God's child. She always questions things that happen around her. If you ask me is it scarier than Bhoot, I will definitely say yes. The rest of the film is her journey. But I cannot reveal anything more about this film. You better watch the film in theatres!

When I was acting in this film, I realised it is easier to act as a blind person than a person who gets his eyes after being blind for 20 years. Such patients have to undergo psychological treatment too. Imagine a blind man getting his eyesight back suddenly. He is obviously going to react in a strange manner because he has never seen anything in his life. So it was quite challenging.


The two factors that run our industry are fear and insecurity. I don't want to succumb to these factors.
Stardom happened to me when I was least expecting it.

I am happy that I have managed to keep my identity in every film even if I was not a central part of the film. When I did Satya, I knew the film was about the other performers but I felt that I would be able to make my presence felt and I did.

At present, our industry has come to a stage where you don't need to have star attraction to bring audiences to the theatres. This was proved by Madhur Bhandarkar after his Page 3 did well at the box-office.

There are many stars today who don't have star status anymore but they still behave like stars. Aamir Khan is one of the real stars in our industry. Though he is not doing any film, people want to know what he is doing in his life. He has star appeal. But the same thing does not hold true for many other actors.


People ask me if I got my due in the industry and I tell them that it is a funny terminology. Only the media feels this way. I have only used my stardom to make films that I liked. If you get awards, it feels good because your work is appreciated. But I must say after Pinjar, my work was praised in other countries too and I really felt good about it.
And about Ram Gopal Varma, I can say he is a great director. If people ask me whether I complement his career like he did mine, I say that I never think in those terms. I am too busy at work and don't have time to make such observations.

[sweety]

1 DAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!............. OMG!................. *FAINT*

[sweety]

“You want to reach for the panic button with Naina!”

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 19th, 2005 - 0945 hrs IST

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Just as they were going to be labeled as specialists of songless thrillers, Kaal happened. And you got to give it to them, the duo did create some serious dhamaal. And now they are back to their niche slot of scoring music that is novel, edgy, & folksy…yeah, the brothers for some reason like to hang on to that one. We talked to Salim, one half of the Salim-Sulaiman composer duo who warns us for some cold fear this Friday…

Tell us the first thing you felt when you heard the score of Naina?
It was interesting; because the first time we played it back for ourselves, we thought it was scary! It's not often that once you have created a music piece, it scares you. But it happened with Naina. There are certain music pieces in the film that really frighten your senses and you want to reach for the panic button! I can safely say that we touched Hollywood standards with the effects that you'll get to hear.

Did you consciously try to sound unlike Bhoot?
If it had been any other film, we probably would have had to do what you said. But in this case, the script of Naina was very unlike Bhoot, so not much effort there.

So what does Naina sound like?
There are certain sound and shock effects that are a mandate with this genre but since the theme of the Naina was different, the color of sound is different too. And most importantly, Naina as a film travels from London to Kutch so that gives the music a huge music palette, from western flavor to the more folksy stuff.

Is there anything new that you tried with Naina?
For sure. To begin with we used a slightly bigger choir, as in there were 8 people who were doubling and tripling. Now this amplifies and gives the impact of 32! Also since the film travels from London to rural India, it gave us the opportunity to use Ustad Sultan Khan's sarangi.

One another thing that made composing for Naina special is that we got the chance to work with a talented Gujrati singer like Shubha Joshi. She has a strong folk flavor to her voice and we used her alaaps for the bands that needed pain and a sad element. This gives a real twist to Naina.

How was Shripal to work with?
Very nice, he gave us complete freedom to do our thing. We have worked really hard and Shripal had complete faith in our hardwork. So composing was a breeze!

Finally, a music piece that you think was impressive?
I quite like what we have done for Being Cyrus. The film is yet to release but we had good fun scoring for it.

[sweety]

Naina actors go the Ash way!

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 19th 2005 - 1400 hrs IST


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This one's an eye opener, pun intended. Actors Anuj Sawhney and Shweta Konnur have pledged their eyes to the Eye Bank Association of India. “I am happy to be a part of the cause,” said the Nayee Padosan star. “The thought that someone is going to see the world through my eyes is a wonderful feeling,” adds newcomer Shweta Konnur.

While there are people who believe that it is a pure publicity stunt, E.P.Ruia of the EBAI believes that filmstars can be a powerful medium of creating awareness for cornea donations that is relatively low in India due to traditions and beliefs. Meanwhile this supernatural thriller starring Urmila Matondkar in the lead releases this Friday. Naina tells the story of a girl who regains her eyesight after losing it in an accident 20 years back. But Naina now begins to see visions of things and people that others can't! The film is touted to be a real scare fare with some mind numbing background score by Salim-Sulaiman.

[sweety]

IGNORE......

[sweety]

Naina

By Taran Adarsh, May 20th, 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

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Bollywood is slowly mastering the art of making horror films!

Scary movies are meant to send a chill down your spine. If the viewer bites his/her nails in anxiety, if the eerie goings-on on the silver screen bring about a cold sweat on your forehead, if the supernatural moments raise the nape hairs, it only means that the storyteller has succeeded in scaring the daylights out of you.

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NAINA is one of the most imaginative and pulse-pounding horror films to come along in recent times. It leaves the viewer frightened, terrified and petrified. As a horror movie, it packs one genuine scare after another, right till its finale. Those who get unsettled by ghost stories are sure to freak out by NAINA. The film is definitely not for the weak-hearted!

NAINA tells the story of a young woman, Naina [Urmila Matondkar], blinded in childhood by an accident. Twenty years later, she receives a cornea implant and with it, the ability to see again. When the bandages come off, Naina opens her eyes to see not only the world she left behind, but also the unsettling presence of people who aren't really there -- dead people.

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The cornea's former owner was a girl with psychic powers, Khemi [Shweta Konnur], who could see dead people. A resident of Bhuj [in Gujarat], Khemi had witnessed and suffered much and her journey into the next world isn't complete.

As Naina comes closer to finding the ill-fated donor, she begins to understand the truly horrific Cassandra complex with which she is cursed: Naina sees the future and yet is powerless to change it.

No one believes Naina. Not her grand-mother [Kamini Khanna], not even the sympathetic psychiatrist Sameer [Anuj Sawhney], who seems to have taken more than just a clinical interest in her.

NAINA borrows the thrust of its plot -- the ability to see dead people -- from Pang Brothers' Cantonese-Thai language film JIAN GUI [THE EYE, starring Angelica Lee], besides bearing a striking similarity to Manoj Night Shyamalan's THE SIXTH SENSE [starring Bruce Willis].

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NAINA mutates from a horror movie to a psychological drama to a disaster flick [a twist in the climax]. It casts a spell strong enough that viewers won't want to look away.

NAINA marks the birth of an outstanding storyteller in Shripal Morakhia. In both concept and execution, NAINA has a great deal more to offer than the thrillers made in the recent times. Morakhia has studied his predecessors [who've mastered the art of scaring moviegoers] very minutely and understands exactly what it takes to create the perfect scary moment.

NAINA works due to several factors; topping the list is, without doubt, a taut screenplay [Sagar Pandya, Shripal Morakhia]. The plot is refreshingly different and the narrative is laced with twists and turns that keep you on tenterhooks all through.

A few sequences in the first half do send a chill down the spine:-
Urmila's initial encounters with the dead, after she regains the ability to see again.

Urmila's experiences in the art gallery and also in the restaurant.

The intermission point -- when Urmila looks at the mirror, but what she sees is something else.

The underwater sequence [filmed in London with U.K.-based professionals]. One of the most outstanding underwater sequences witnessed on the Indian screen.
The post-interval portions lend a different color to the story. The story shifts from the streets of London to a hamlet in Gujarat and the flashback portions -- when Khemi's past comes alive -- keep you glued to the goings-on.

The finale -- when Urmila again gets the visions at the Charing Cross station -- is expertly executed, although it only adds to the length of the film. Ideally, the film should've ended when Urmila returns to London, once the Khemi chapter closes. Also, the entire exercise of how the station gets blown up should've been better explained!

Besides a captivating script, NAINA scores in those four vital departments that contribute enormously to a horror film -- sound design [Parikshit Lalwani], visual effects [Biju D.], cinematography [C.K. Muraleedharan, Jonathan Bloom] and background score [Salim-Sulaiman]. The art direction [Muneesh Sappel] is noteworthy, especially the 'Gujarat look' in the second half.

Yet another reason why NAINA works so well as a horror film is because of Urmila Matondkar's strong and convincing performance. Her performance here is nothing short of perfect and she handles the frightening episodes and the quiet, contemplative scenes with equal skill. The young actress, who proved her versatility in three contrasting roles [PINJAR, BHOOT, EK HASINA THI], drives home the point yet again that she can carry a film on her able shoulders.

Anuj Sawhney is efficient, handling his part skilfully. Kamini Khanna is effective. But it is Khemi's mother, essayed by Amardeep Jha, as well as Khemi, enacted by Shweta Konnur, who attracts your attention in the post-interval portions. Dinesh Lamba, as the villager, is first-rate. Sulbha Arya is adequate.

On the whole, if you're expecting scares from NAINA, you will not be disappointed. The film delivers the goods without insulting anyone's intelligence. At the box-office, the slow and classy treatment in this horror show will meet with some diverse reactions. Some will love it, while others may not give it their whole-hearted approval. Its business should be best at multiplexes!

Rating:- * * *.

[sweety]

Premiere of Naina :jump: :celeb: :jump: :celeb:


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I am back to rock: Urmila calls for attention

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Happy to be: Urmila seen here with close pal Manish

[sweety]

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Wait and Watch speak Urmila's eyes

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With and without the dresscode: Shabana and Javedsaab make a pleasant entry

[sweety]

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Can't fight the limelight: Anuj Sawhney looks jittery!


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Sense and Humour find its way: Javedsaab and Satish Kaushik share a joke

[sweety]

Check The Link :DD

Full Naina Coverage :cool:

http://www.bollyvista.com/fullcoverage/naina/

[sweety]

Naina releases amidst controversy

Friday, May 20, 2005: (New Delhi, Bangalore):

Despite a public interest litigation attempting to block the release of the Urmila Matondkar-starrer Naina, the film was released nationwide today.

The thriller begins with the protagonist getting back her eyesight after a corneal transplant.

But the dark visions she then sees has some ophthalmologists concerned that the film would discourage eye donation.

Denying allegations

However, Urmila, who plays the title role, says she has a strong sense of social responsibility and chose the role with her eyes wide open.

"Before making this allegation the people concerned should have found out what it was all about. They are not even aware of how things are portrayed in the film. Besides, it's fiction," the actress said.

"I hope to really do some work in this field and make people actually aware of the good effects of eye donation," she added.

Popular mandate

There's always a cynical view that any controversy helps a film at the box office.

But the Bangalore audience, who were greeted by the star before the show, seemed to like it anyway.

"It was very nice with excellent sound effects. Urmila was very good," a viewer said.

With the screening of the film cleared by the court, the producers can now take their eyes off the legal battles and keep them firmly on the box office.

[a_aishashafiq]

wow nice pics Sweety

i was just wondering that y there are people who are keen to register a case against a new coming movie. :hmmm:

[Parwana]

because they want attention nothing else, these are idiots who dont realize that movies are fictitious forms of entertainment and think that people will get scared by watching these movies and wont get corneal transplants

[sweety]

because they want attention nothing else, these are idiots who dont realize that movies are fictitious forms of entertainment and think that people will get scared by watching these movies and wont get corneal transplants


I agree.... LOSERS.... dont they realize its all fiction.... GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! :somad: :banghead: :somad: :banghead:

[sweety]

HEY GUYS....... CHEACK THIS OUTTTTTTTTTTT :jump: :celeb: :jump:

yaaaaaaaaayyyyiiiiiiiiiiiii...... GO URMI :buttrock:


'Naina' opens to nearly 100% in Mumbai

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[sweety]

What Shobha De told Urmila?

By IndiaFM News Bureau, May 21st, 2005 - 0930 hrs IST


Flak, flatter, barbs & bouquets
She takes it all with pride and that quintessential pout
Handshake with the most accommodating actor of Bollywood, Urmila Matondkar

Tell her that she is hardly in the limelight these days and she retorts with, “Just because I am not smiling from 5 magazine covers, doesn't mean that I am not doing good work!” Ouch! okay. So she is gearing for Naina this may, right? “Yes and I am thrilled about it. It's the most complete horror film I have done!' she exclaims. Ek Hasina Thi last year, now Naina, Benaras in September, when is returning in her all-glam avatar? It's been a while since we saw her sizzle the screen.

“Actually I am myself dying to do a formula film, so it won't be too long” she reassures. “Actually, this reminds me of something that Shobha De told me some moons back. I had just done Satya and compliments were pouring in thick for my deglam role of Vidya. I was flying to Mauritius for a shoot and met Shobha De at the airport. She came up to me and said that she had seen Satya and was upset with me! Now that kind of made me uneasy…

As I stared at her blank, she explained, 'Urmila, why do you do such roles?' As if the first remark wasn't enough, this added to my anxiety. She continued, 'Anybody could have worn a cotton sari and played a chawl girl. But not everybody can do a Rangeela or a Daud. You are made for bigger and better stuff. The role of Vidya doesn't do justice to the glam bod that you are. There is no one in 15 yards of your distance to match your sex-appeal! Don't let that fade away, woman!' I remember her telling this to me. Most heroines would have taken offense at that but I realized the point Shobha was trying to make.

[sweety]

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URMILA KE NAINA KAREN KAMAAL

By Pankaj Shukla - Eye TV India Bureau

Critic's I-view


Everyone wonders why filmmakers like Ram Gopal Verma and Mahesh Bhatt have opened factories of filmmaking and have been churning out film after film without even bothering to check the likes and the dislikes of the audiences. These filmmakers also agree that they do not bother for unique and original stories and borrow from films that are being made abroad. No one has ever questioned this trend of recycling the films in India. The question, however, remains why to increase the quantity, if there is the quality. The answer lies in 'Naina', which has Urmila Matondkar working out of the Ram Gopal Verma camp and giving a superb performance in a film that is made by a new director.


Film factories are losing because their heads are not listening to the people. This one-way communication mars the spirit of creativity, and also kills the soul that is the basic necessity of any art. 'Naina' says a lot just by its making. It has a heroine who is always ready to take on challenges. But her mentor thinks otherwise. 'Naina' is one step forward for Urmila Matondkar after 'Pinjar' and 'Bhoot'. Now, she can move in any direction without the help of her mentor. She has a position that can command the roles of her choice. We have had many technically brilliant films but without a good story. 'Naina' has both.



'Naina' is the story of a woman who loses her eyesight in an accident. She is helpless to do any thing on her own. She has the energy, but not the channel to make it beneficial. After several years, one day it is decided that she will get the light for her eyes courtesy an eye donor. She gets the cornea transplant done, but alas, her life turns worse. The problem arises when with the sight of the donor also come all those visuals that have been witnessed by the donor of the eyes.



The donor Khemi (Shweta Konnur) was a girl who had some supernatural powers and could see dead men walking all around her. At the very first, 'Naina' is not able to understand as to what is happening because she cannot distinguish between the normal and the abnormal. But once she comes to know the fact, she wants to explore the reasons behind all this. Her doctor (Anuj Sahney) also fails to understand the real problem.



Did any one say, love is blind? The story progresses as a horror film and eventually culminates in a psycho thriller, a kind of narration not witnessed often in Hindi cinema. Urmila Matondkar as 'Naina' also travels with her newly found 'power' to unknown places to find out the truth. Eventually, she comes across many revelations that are shocking as well as horrifying. Her travel includes dark bylanes of London to eerie daylights of Gujarat. 'Naina' tries to cross over in terms of audience too, and tries it best to relate with masses as well classes.



As a product, 'Naina' belongs to its director Shripal Morakhia. In Shripal, Bollywood gets a new director who is not only brilliant in technique but also sensitive enough to catch the emotions in a horror story. He is a perfect blend of modernity and traditions. Shripal also showcases a truly new horizon to Indian filmmaking that started with Ram Gopal Verma's films, but got lost somewhere in the middle.



Shripal also wins the race at the box office despite the heavy competition from veterans like the Bhatt camp's 'Nazar' and 'Star Wars'. His team is perfect for the job and does full justice to a tight screenplay by Sagar Padnya and Shripal Morakhia . The story cannot be cent percent original because it draws inspiration from western classics --- 'The Eye' and 'Sixth Sense'.



Still 'Naina' is a true horror film. Attempting a totally archetype film in debut making is not an easy task, but Shripal has proved it that he dares to be different for the best. 'Naina' also boasts of some scenes with very good visual effects that look real in the final effect. The credit for goes to the good work done by Parikshit Lalwani in sound department, C.K. Muralidharan and Jonathan Bloom's camera and once again a perfect blend of background music by Salim Sulaiman.



If Urmila gets a handful of awards for her performance in this film, it will not be a surprise for those who have watched this film. She has been growing as an actress for the last few years, especially post-'Pinjar'. She proves that there was something in her that made films like 'Rangeela' work.



She also proves that when it comes to portraying a character that is well drafted, she can give her best in each role of this type. 'Naina' belongs to Urmila, and Urmila now to 'Naina'. There are not many known names in this film except her's. But the film gets good help from likes of Shweta, Amardeep and Sulbha Arya. The film is a sure hit among fans of horror films. This will be liked by those who always look for something new.
846544

[sweety]

Every film gives me a certain space: Urmila

Subhash K Jha

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Urmila Matondkar is high on her new film Naina. She tells Subhash K Jha why.

You seem to be very charged about Naina?
Yes, I feel it’s one of the most challenging roles written for an actress. In fact I’d go as far as to say this is something that no actress on the Indian screen has done. Just like Bhoot which was the only supernatural thriller with no special effects. To play someone who gets her eyesight back after years of blindness isn’t easy.

I had to attend acting workshops, meet specialists who told me about how a girl in this situation would react. Naina isn’t the simple story of a girl who can’t can’t see, and then can see.

The character’s entire reflexes and instincts had to undergo a change after she begins to see. I spoke to the doctors about how a girl would react if she had to see herself for the first time after years.

Sounds like a really tough task.
I had to open up a new world for my character. There are sights and experiences which we take for granted. While playing Naina I had to unlearn the comforts of the familiar without overdoing it. The simplest of visuals and gestures are an ordeal for someone who regains vision. And believe me, the character coming to terms with the loss of blindness isn’t even one-tenth of the script. From there she goes into a completely harrowing experience that could destroy anyone’s sanity. This was a tremendously challenging character.

Again you’ve worked with a new director.
I enjoy working with new directors. When Shripal Morakhia met me to narrated Naina I could see a tremendous clarity in his vision. He had the entire film in his mind, and he was viewing it over and over again long before he put it on camera. My entire character of this vulnerable childlike girl who’s suddenly confronted by a horrific reality and then comes to the conclusion that it’s her destiny to fulfil whatever she has to….all these intricate details were narrated to me during our first meeting.

I was very impressed. Shripal wanted a minimalist look for my character. I don’t have a single glamorous trapping on screen. The director was so clear about his ideas I just had to act out his thoughts before the camera. I had to bring my character from abject darkness to this big bustling world of noise and hyper-activity.

Does Naina live up to the levels of intensity and excellence you’ve created in Pinjar, Bhoot and Ek Hasina Thi?

I’d think so. Naina comes under my classification of superior cinema. It was a pleasure working with people who haven’t compromised at all. There isn’t a single shot in the film that has been done carelessly. Unfortunately in our country horror films are treated rather carelessly.

There was a beautiful underwater sequence that we first shot in India, and then when it wasn’t conveying the required mood we re-shot it in London. Incidentally I had to swim when I can’t do so to save my life. There’re scenes shot in the underground railway of London that are of international caliber. There’re no short-cuts in Naina. In fact if I wasn’t in this film, it would look like any Hollywood film.

You’ve just shot in Varanasi for a film called Benaras.
Yeah, ask me about it. Shooting this film with an ensemble cast that included everyone from Dimple Kapadia to Ashmit Patel, in a city I had never visited before was a thoroughly fascinating experience. I can’t describe what Varanasi does to a visitor. For me, to experience the sights and sounds of any new city is a pleasure. But this time I felt it to be a throroughly unique experience. Director Pankaj Parasher has made a spiritual film. But he has treated the theme in a very mainstream way with songs, etc. I’ve never done a film like this.

But in Benaras with so many people in the cast would you be as pivotal to the plot as you are to Naina?
I don’t think being pivotal to the plot is such an issue for me. If in Pinjar, Ek Hasina Thi, Bhoot or Naina I had the author-backed role I was also happy sharing the female lead with Sridevi in Judaai. In Benaras everyone is important to the plot. As long as I’ve an interesting role to play I am happy to be part of a cast, no matter how vast. The variety of roles that’s coming my way makes me wonder if I need to complain that actresses get a raw deal in this country.

Is carrying a film like Naina on your shoulders a burden?
Not as much as carrying the responsibility of a film’s publicity when you’re the central character. You’re expected to sell the film to the public. And that’s really tough. To compound the problem, sections of the media take it on themselves to use these press coverages to ask questions that they cannot otherwise ask me because I’m not available to them.

Otherwise shouldering a film isn’t a problem. I don’t really look at a film as ‘my’ film. If I did I would be guilty of ruining the balance of the films that I do. Every film gives me a certain space. And I respect and value it. Naina gave me more space than most of my recent films.

What else do you have on the anvil?
I’ve just shot for Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara with Assamese director Jahnu Baruah. It’s definitely going to be a very different experience for me. In terms of genre theme and backdrop all my three releases this year are all totally different.

More awards nominations?
I don’t think of awards at all. But yes, I’m proud of my awards nominations for Ek Hasina Thi. It was a role that I worked really hard on. I think it was one of the most interesting thrillers in recent times.

And now you’re supposed to be doing another film with Ram Gopal Varma?
I might be doing another film for Mr Varma. There’re scripts being worked on. If a section of the media wants to make a national issue of something as routine as an actress working with a filmmaker, what can I say? It’s extremely flattering!


So why don’t you give them real news?
Yeah, tonight I’ll go to the discotheque and bash up someone

[sweety]

Exclusive Urmila Interview!!!

'I'm the only actress in India who has been offered drastically different roles and had the courage to take them!
DOMINIC FERRAO

INDIATIMES MOVIES

Where did Urmila Matondkar disappear to for so long? [B]
“Come on! I think it’s strange that people think you have disappeared if you don’t have any releases for a while. I had four releases last year and they were back to back. It’s difficult to churn out a movie every Friday. I needed a break and I did that. Also, I had reached a point in my career where I didn’t want to do each and every project that came my way. I am way beyond that. I will do only films that excite me. It could even be a small tiny role – if I like it, I will take it. This year I will have three releases and I have been busy shooting for them. There’s ‘Naina’, then Anupam Kher’s ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’, which is being directed by Jahnu Barua, and ‘Benares’, directed by Pankaj Parashar and has Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia and Naseeruddin Shah. So I haven’t disappeared at all.”

[b]A public litigation suit was recently filed against ‘Naina’ claiming that it would dissuade people from donating eyes and that it would scare them away from opting for transplants. What’s your take on the case?

“I think it’s pure harassment. Because the movie has been publicised for four weeks now and if they had any problems, they should have clarified then. Secondly, this kind of cinema is ‘FICTION’, in capital letters. For someone like me and my family, who have pledged to donate our eyes, this comes as quite a shock. The very fact that they filed a case just before the release says a lot. Also, if you haven’t seen the movie, how can you comment on it, or file a case against it? And the whole story is about me receiving an eye transplant, so where is the issue of people getting scared to donate their eyes? Instead of filing a case, I would have appreciated it more and also cooperated to the best of my ability if they had used my star status to promote eye donation. Incidentally, we’ve just won the case, so I don’t need to say anything more. Anyways, I think it’s a great sign - because when a movie is hot, everyone wants to cash in on it.”

What do you have to say to people who claim ‘Naina’ will have a negative impact on the audience mind-set?

“All I will say is that the movie has nothing negative. The film is about a girl who has a corneal transplant and begins to see all kinds of weird images. But if people file a case for that kind of story, then they should have done so when ‘Bhoot’ was released, too, because real estate dealers could have said that people will stop buying new flats, or newlyweds should have filed a case saying that they would not be able to shift into new houses. It’s that weird!”

Have you sworn off commercial pot-boilers?

“Not necessarily. I love pot-boilers. They represent Hindi cinema. I have nothing against them. I like watching them and doing them. It’s just that there comes a point in your career when you want to go beyond that and do a little bit more – like a regular pot-boiler with a fantastic role. Cinema cannot remain the same for 50 years. And things are changing. Like a ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ is a commercial film, but it was still so refreshingly different. Only such films are exciting today. There are enough people to do the regular stuff. Choosing different scripts and roles helps you grow as an actress and that is what I want. I’m the only actress in India who has been offered drastically different roles and had the courage to take them and go to the next level.”


What is the USP of ‘Naina’? What makes it stand apart from any other horror film?

“What we’ve done with ‘Naina’ is made it world class. I think what our filmmakers aren’t understanding today is the fact that when you have a technically brilliant Hollywood film playing in the next theatre, there has to be something even better to draw audiences away from it. Excellent songs and dances are one way to do that, or you have to make it technically great. The makers of this film made it not with the intention of making a small budget horror film, but with the intention of making a good film. That makes all the difference. Whoever has seen it has been impressed by the special effects and the performances.”

Any memorable incidents during the shooting of the film...?
“We were shooting in London and there was this strange man who would come up to the director and keep asking him questions like ‘What kind of film is this?’ or ‘Who’s acting in it?’ or ‘Who is this actress?’. Of course, director Shripal Morakhia was very patient with him, in spite of getting irritated at the constant interruption. We later found out that the man was none other than the Mayor of London himself! And he later helped us get permission to shoot in various locations - which we would never have been able to do otherwise. That’s how strange life is.”

[sweety]

Gorgeous!!! :heart: :deg: :love: :lovie: :heart:

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/untitled[p.JPG

[sweety]

WWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! ...... MIND-BLOAWING!! ...... http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/36_FG_j3.gif

http://www.indiavarta.com/gallery/images/2005/may/21/urm3.jpg

http://www.indiavarta.com/gallery/images/2005/may/21/urm1.jpg

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[Parwana]

HEY GUYS....... CHEACK THIS OUTTTTTTTTTTT :jump: :celeb: :jump:

yaaaaaaaaayyyyiiiiiiiiiiiii...... GO URMI :buttrock:


'Naina' opens to nearly 100% in Mumbai

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/box-naina.JPG

nice, finally a hit :wink:

[sweety]

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/HGH9.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/3SS4_2.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/3F8_8.gifhttp://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/moFFyy.gif

[sweety]

MO0ORE PICS............. WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!! :love: :lovie:

http://www.indiavarta.com/gallery/images/2005/may/21/urm2.jpg

Urmila Matondkar addresses the media during nationwide release of her film 'Naina' at Forum Mall in Bangalore.


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[a_aishashafiq]

wow she is lookin really cute in the last picture. She prefers to wear sky blue and white :D

[sweety]

wow she is lookin really cute in the last picture. She prefers to wear sky blue and white :D

Yeah... she lo0o0oks Gorgeous!!! :love: :heart: :love:

[sweety]

MO0ORE PICS.... MORE PICS :jump: :celeb: :jump:


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[sweety]

The thrill of being Urmila

Sunday May 22 2005 12:03 IST

http://www.newindpress.com/images/may05/22urmila1.jpg

You seem to be very charged about Naina?

Yes, I feel it’s one of the most challenging roles written for an actress. To play someone who gets her eyesight back after years of blindness isn’t easy. I had to attend acting workshops, meet specialists who told me about how a girl in this situation would react. Naina isn’t the simple story of a girl who can’t see, and then can see. The character’s entire reflexes and instincts had to undergo a change after she begins to see. I spoke to the doctors about how a girl would react if she had to see herself for the first time after years.

Sounds like a really tough task.

I had to open up a new world for my character. There are sights and experiences which we take for granted. Playing Naina I had to unlearn the comforts of the familiar without overdoing it. The simplest of visuals and gestures are an ordeal for someone regains vision. And believe me, the character coming to terms with the loss of blindness isn’t even one-tenth of the script. From there, she goes into a completely harrowing experience that could destroy anyone’s sanity.

Again you’ve worked with a new director.

I enjoy working with new directors. When Shripal Morakhia met me to narrate Naina, I could see a tremendous clarity in his vision. My entire character of this vulnerable childlike girl who’s suddenly confronted by a horrific reality and then comes to the conclusion that it’s her destiny to fulfil whatever she has to….all these intricate details were narrated to me during our first meeting. I was very impressed. Shripal wanted a minimalist look for my character. I don't have a single glamorous trapping on screen. The director was so clear about his ideas I just had to out his thoughts before the camera. I had to bring my character from abject darkness to this big bustling world of noise and hyper-activity.

Does Naina live up to the levels of intensity and excellence you've created in Pinjar, Bhoot and Ek Hasina Thi?

I’d think so. Naina comes under my classification of superior cinema. It was a pleasure working with people who haven’t compromised at all. Unfortunately in our country horror films are treated rather carelessly. There was a beautiful underwater sequence that we first shot in India, and then when it wasn’t conveying the required mood we re-shot it in London. Incidentally I had to swim when I can’t do so to save my life. There’re scenes shot in the underground railway of London that are of international calibre. In fact if I wasn’t in this film, it would look like any Hollywood film.

You’ve just shot in Varanasi for a film called Benaras.

Yeah, ask me about it. Shooting this film with an ensemble cast that included everyone from Dimple Kapadia to Ashmit Patel, in a city I had never visited before was a thoroughly fascinating experience. I can’t describe what Varanasi does to a visitor. For me, to experience the sights and sounds of any new city is a pleasure. But this time I felt it to be a thoroughly unique experience. Director Pankaj Parasher has made a spiritual film. But he has treated the theme in a very mainstream way with songs, etc. I’ve never done a film like this.

What else do you have on the anvil?

I’ve just shot for a Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara with Assamese director Jahnu Baruah. It’s definitely going to be a very different experience for me. In terms of genre, theme and backdrop all my three releases this year are all totally different.

And now you’re supposed to be doing another film with Ram Gopal Varma?

I might be doing another film for Mr Varma. There’re scripts being worked on. If a section of the media wants to make a national issue of something as routine as an actress working with a filmmaker, what can I say? It’s extremely flattering!

So why don’t you give them real news?

Yeah tonight I’ll go to the discotheque and bash up someone.

[sweety]

So why don’t you give them real news?

Yeah tonight I’ll go to the discotheque and bash up someone.

Lo0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ollllzZz....... :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[Profiler]

Perfect for horror film buffs

Film Review:Naina
Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Anuj Sawhney, Shweta Konnur and Amardeep Jha
Director: Shripal Morakhia

If our filmmakers have to rip off foreign films, why not pick better ones? Naina, directed by first timer Shripal Morakhia, uses Korean horror flick Jian Gui (The Eye), as its source. Though it is technically superior to most horror films made in Mumbai, it is ultimately too predictable and formulaic. Using the ridiculous premise — rightly objected to by eye doctors — that transplanted body parts carry something of their original owners, the blind Naina (Urmila Matondkar) starts getting scary visions when she receives a corneal transplant. (Isn’t it the norm to use just one cornea per person? And with a shortage of eye donors in India, why would healthy corneas be sent to a recipient in the UK? But put the questions aside.

The horror tap is turned on full force as Naina starts seeing dead people, gets the power to predict death and also terrifying nightmares. Her doctor, Sameer (Anuj Sawhney) thinks that the sudden gift of sight is causing her mental disturbances. The first half of the film uses standard horror tricks, creepy cadavers, startling sound effects and a wildly screaming Naina; the second half when she goes to Bhuj to solve the mystery gets the story moving towards the big climax, which turns out to be grand in execution but disappointing in content.

In many places, director Morakhia revels, rather sadistically in sickening the audience, rather than frightening them — or why the grisly visuals of charred corpses and such?

|Still, Naina is gripping in most parts, and quite a good debut effort. Urmila Matondkar is undoubtedly Bollywood’s scream queen — it takes guts to keep doing such roles, especially since all those facial contortions are most unflattering. Anuj Sawhney is a good-looking prop. None of the other actors have much scope. Horror film buffs would go for this one.

[a_aishashafiq]

i saw both naina and nazar today and u know wat???? They are based on the same idea i.e. to have the power of seeing future :rolleyes:

Naina was not upto my expectations. It cd have been much better. thought Urmila acted very well despite of the fact that there was nothing interesting in the movie to act for :banghead: No drama, no horrour, no mystery :confused:

As far as Nazar is concerned the best thing abt that was the mystery involved. The killer which i cdnt identify till the end :confused:

Urmila has for sure put on some weight but was still looking really cute :D

[Parwana]

can u send me a copy of the dvd u watched it on or guide me to where u saw it :D

I have heard mix reviews for Naina, but they all say urmila rocked

and nazar the less said the better

[sweety]

Urmila has for sure put on some weight but was still looking really cute

Yeah.... but she lost all of these extra weight now.... she is just so0o0o Gorgeous!!!! :heart: :love: :deg: :heart:

i saw both naina and nazar today and u know wat???? They are based on the same idea i.e. to have the power of seeing future :rolleyes:

Naina was not upto my expectations. It cd have been much better. thought Urmila acted very well despite of the fact that there was nothing interesting in the movie to act for :banghead: No drama, no horrour, no mystery :confused:



Hmmmm.." but I'm still eagerly awaiting Naina..Coz for every negative review..there's a positive one as well!.... and according to Indiafm Naina opened to packed houses that is 100 % collections on the first day..don't know what happened after that though and according a lot of sources Naina is doing well at the box office.

I agree Taz!! :bigok:

[Parwana]

Yeah.... but she lost all of these extra weight now.... she is just so0o0o Gorgeous!!!! :heart: :love: :deg: :heart:




Hmmmm.." but I'm still eagerly awaiting Naina..Coz for every negative review..there's a positive one as well!.... and according to Indiafm Naina opened to packed houses that is 100 % collections on the first day..don't know what happened after that though and according a lot of sources Naina is doing well at the box office.

I agree Taz!! :bigok:

whose taz :stars:

[sweety]

whose taz :stars:


lo0ol.... he is my frind (an urmi fan from another forum) :grin:

[a_aishashafiq]

can u send me a copy of the dvd u watched it on or guide me to where u saw it :D

I have heard mix reviews for Naina, but they all say urmila rocked

and nazar the less said the better


i watched it on my cable tv :wink: as far as Umila's acting is concerned i give her full marks for that... but i thought there wd be more horrour in this movie which was not the case so that is why i felt a lil :hmmm: hehe but the movie is not a bad one. It just depends on ones taste :D

[sweety]

Urmila tours for 'Naina'

By Taran Adarsh, May 24th 2005 - 1000 hrs IST

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Trust iDream to promote their films to the optimum. Whether it's the star-studded premiere of MONSOON WEDDING at Regal or the marketing strategies adopted for every film they are associated with, iDream sure knows to create all-round awareness.

Although most producers feel that their job ends when a film hits the screens, it's the reverse with iDream. After premiering NAINA on Thursday night in Mumbai, Urmila and Ashish Bhatnagar [of iDream] flew to Bangalore on Friday morning, interacted with viewers at PVR multiplex, then flew to Delhi on Saturday morning and visited three PVR multiplexes in the city.

That's not all! Since the flight from Delhi to Jaipur got cancelled on Sunday, Urmila decided to travel to the city by car and visited two theatres in Jaipur the same evening -- Golcha and Space. Bhatnagar and Urmila returned to Mumbai on Monday, after a whirlwind tour of three different cities. Quite a Bharat darshan, what say?

[sweety]

Hey guys :grin:

cheack this out......

2 urmi's Intervirws (video).... :jump:

thanx u sarah (Profiler).......... I lo0ove u... u r the best :kiss: :heart: :kiss: :heart: :kiss: :heart:


1) aahat

http://s33.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=164KE90...PJ0DTD6PR9AT7VY

2) From NDTV

http://s33.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=09FU6CO...KO3DL21WSQPP5BM



Enjoy!!.... :biggrina:

[sweety]

:heart: :love: :heart: :love: :heart: :love: :heart: :love: :heart:

http://images.smashits.com/reviews/2005/may/23/gossip0523_inside2.jpg

[sweety]

Anything can happen any time

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2004 proved an eventful year for Urmila Matondkar. The actress gave four remarkable films Ek Hasina Thi, Tehzeeb, Bhoot and Pinjar all reflecting different genres and sensibilities. The performances got her a lot of acclaim both from her critics and her peers. It was a triumphant phase and other stars in her place would have turned complacent but not Urmila. Inward looking and forever checking her pitfalls, the actress stepped off the treadmill to pause and ponder. In the meantime, showbusiness wooed her with tempting offers, in cinema and connecting mediums but she waited, taking her time to strike the right choices. Hopping in and out of the city to complete various assignments, Urmila Matondkar is in town after a very long time. Screen meets her one sunny afternoon to talk about her forthcoming release Naina produced by iDreams Ltd. In a cheerful mood, the beautiful babe tells us what makes her tick as an actress.

For someone who has consciously refrained from repeating roles, what made you say ’yes’ to Naina after Bhoot?

After Bhoot I was lured with atleast five horror film subjects and I declined them all without even bothering to listen to the subject. Then Shripal Morakhia sent me the script of Naina and my first reaction was ’no’. But something held me back. The script was gripping and besides it wasn’t just a horror film. There was more to the story… detailed characterisations, exciting plot and new locales, so I took a few days, thought long over it and agreed.

What attracted you to Naina?

That it is the story of a girl who has lost her vision as an infant and then 20 years later after a cornea transplant, she gets her vision back. It was a fascinating concept. I felt that as an actress there would be many opportunities for me to play a blind girl but it’s very rare to get to portray a character who gains vision after many years of darkness. I felt it was a big challenge as a performer.

Did the exercise involve any special training?

Before seeking expert help I needed to prepare myself on the perception of vision. How can somebody who has never seen light understand it … or relate to it…? With my director’s help we were able to locate some victims who have been through similar experiences but they were secretive and unwilling to share the hardships. It could be because the memory of the awakening was so traumatic.

So how did you find the solution?

One had to rely on one’s imagination and sensibility. I had to find order in the utter confusion. We started with some audio workshops, which were helpful but not completely reliable. Everyday on the set was a learning exercise. One needs to understand that the film is not just about losing and gaining eyesight, the film explores deeper issues using eye as the metaphor. It’s about the girl’s journey and her awakening. On the surface it appears a simple story but it is very complex and disturbing.

You seem to have a penchant for new directors and experimental subjects?

On the contrary new directors seem to have a penchant for me. Go through my list of films and you will discover that I’m one actress who has done maximum films with debut directors. Not to forget that all my directors have also repeated me in the next projects. (Laughs)

Like Anupam Kher’s Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara?

After Om Jai Jagdish, when Anupamji approached me, I said ‘yes’ to Jahnu Barua’s story. It’s a hard hitting subject and more important, it was to be shot on a start-to-finish schedule in India. I had been travelling too much abroad for too many months and felt the need to be rooted.

Didn’t you enjoy your long stay in London during the shooting of Naina?

The story demanded being in London but we have portions shot in rural Gujarat as well. Every film has a USP that makes the process special for a performer. In Naina what was fulfilling was that there have been no compromises, either creative or financial. If the scene called for under water shots, they have done it in the best studio. You will understand what I mean when you watch the film. Also, I was impressed with the conviction of the director. There were times I made suggestions but they were not always included. I recommended songs, if not for the film atleast as a music promotion, but he refused. I appreciate his clarity and vision.


You’ve said that you always learned something from your films and characters, so what did you learned from Naina?

I learned that one can change one’s destiny if one is determined. Naina is reared by her grandmother to believe that she is God’s special child… Miracles happen to her because she has faith to surrender. The other lesson I have learned is to never take anything for granted. In life anything can happen at any time.

Do you believe that?

Absolutely, it’s being proved all the time, both in one’s personal life and career. That is why no matter what comes my way it has been my sincere effort to push the envelope a few inches further. It’s the only way I can grow and that is why I consciously pick up roles and subjects I have not attempted earlier.

How different would you say is Punkaj Parashar’s Benaras?

It’s different in concept and treatment. It deals with spirituality and mysticism, all intricately woven into the main plot. The film works on two operative levels. My character starts as a Physics student and spans over 25 years, her explorations and connections with other characters like Dimple Kapadia who was an utter delight to have as a co-star.

What about your one time screen father Nasseruddin Shah? After Shabana Azmi in Tehzeeb was this completing a circle?

It was scary, here was an actor I have been in awe of, played his daughter and now we are sharing screen-space again. There were too many mixed feelings. I don’t think I can ever complete a circle with someone so extra-ordinary. I felt almost frozen.

Did you tell him that?

I don’t have to tell him… An actor does not need to express to his co-star when facing the camera … Both know it. Naseerji could see it all - He could sense my anxiety. It was more than a professional moment for me. It’s when I’m watching these silent traits of my idols that I discover why co-stars like him and Shabana Azmi are so magnificent.

Despite so many versatile performances you are not considered a front runner. Is it because you don’t belong to any camp?

That’s a new version. All these years I’ve been accused of belonging to a certain camp even though it wasn’t true. Call me an idealist but I believe that there is room for an actor without belonging to a clique. I’d like to believe that camps don’t exist and that a well meaning filmmaker will look for me because I fit the bill.

And what kind of a role would turn you on at the moment?

Nothing intense or complex for the time being, please! My performances last year have drained me completely and even the current crop is very demanding. Frankly what would turn me on at the moment is an outright comedy or a kick-*** dance number. I’m dying to rock and have some fun.

And what’s your idea of having fun?

Seriously doing nothing. Folding my legs and spending time at home. Ever since I’ve moved into my new home, I’ve hardly lived there. I would love to get acquainted with the surrounding and eat home cooked food, give attention to my dog. Keeping a pet is a huge responsibility.

And would you say you are responsible?

I think so. I’m always conscious of my commitment and put my passion on a back burner to honour my word. I’ve been dying to learn Spanish, Italian and French but keep postponing it due to my erratic schedule. I’m dying to learn the piano but even that’s on hold because I’d rather give time to my family than pursue a hobby at this stage. But it will happen some day. As I said, everything is possible and anything can happen any time

[sweety]

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Remember the young girl with curly locks sitting on a toy horse with her younger sister singing Lakdi ki katti kaati pe ghoda, ghode ki doom pe jo maara hothoda, from Masoom? Her innocent looks had absolutely mesmerized movie buffs and even filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. She was none other than Maharashtrian mulgi Urmila Matondkar. A simple girl hailing from middle class family, Urmila had always nursed a dream to be an actress. When Kapur offered a role to play an elder sister to Jugal Hansraj she lapped up immediately. "I was very curious to see how a film was shot," she said. But films took a back seat for a while when Urmila completed school and stepped into college. After graduating in Arts in English major, Urmila began to pursue her dream once again. And when director N. Chandra approached her to play the lead in Narsimha opposite newcomer Ravi Behl, she accepted it immediately.

Predictably the film bombed at the box-office and Urmila Matondkar was practically written off. Even films like Drohi and Chamatkar could not salvage her sinking career. The turn of events were so bad that even co-stars refused to work with her. Saif Ali Khan who himself was trying to piece his career during those days, refused to do Aa Gale Lag Jaa with her. The producer finally zeroed in on the delicate Jugal Hansraj to play the lead in the film and that itself raked up another controversy. How could a guy who had played her brother in Masoom be her lover in the film? However when released the film failed to create any kind of stir at the box-office. Urmila Matondkar was back to square one trying to find her bearings once again. She desperately needed a hit... some way... some how!

Director Ramgopal Varma, who made his debut as a director with Shiva, signed the Masoom gal to play the lead in Rangeela. The film had Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff has her co-stars. What’s more the film had music by AR Rehman the ace music director. This was the only film that Urmila had pinned her hopes heavily on. Rangeela stood to be her last chance. It was either do or die situation for her.

Rangeela hit theatres in Mumbai and was declared to be the biggest hit of 1995. It not only breathed a new lease of life in Urmila’s dead career but also brought over a complete change in her image as an actress. Designer Manish Malhotra set a trend. He became the most in demand designer amongst other actresses too.

Rangeela brought her dozen offers. While film with other directors was considered to be nothing unusual but a lot of eyebrows were raised when mentor Ramgopal Varma repeatedly cast her in his films. Tongues wagged when he replaced Mahima Chaudhary with Urmila Matondkar in Satya. After Satya practically all Ramgopal Varma films had Urmila Matondkar in the lead including Daud, Kaun, Mast. She was permanent fixation in his films till much recently when it was rumoured that the director and his muse had a fall out. There were also talks about how Urmila was upset for not having been cast in Company. When she saw the film at a special preview that Ramu had organized for her, the film had her eating her hand out, she loved it that much and insisted that Ramu make her part of it no matter what the cost. Ergo the title song where one saw Matondkar gyrate to Kaun like expressions. But Urmila Matondkar always maintained that she and Ramgopal Varma had always been professionals and the link up was the imagination of the media.

Varma and she finally patched up and he cast her in Bhoot. To say that she was excellent in Booth would be undermining her performance. Besides critical acclaim, Bhoot fetched Urmila critic’s award. Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s Pinjar based on the Pakistan-India partition and Ek Hasina Thi with Saif Ali Khan, Urmila continued to dish out noteworthy performances. It is now iDream Production’s Naina that she is excited about. Bhoot had taken a toll on her as an actress. “Oh! No! Not another horror film,” she said when she offered Naina. But when she heard the story about a blind woman who when she regains her eyesight can see dead people. “Naina was completely different from what I had done in Bhoot. The story had me completely charged. I said a yes.”

As for Ramgopal Varma, in a recent interview to the media Urmila put all rumours to rest when she said that she was to do a film with mentor Ramgopal Varma soon. “The gossip that we had separated is just that—gossip! Ramu and I have always been professionals,” she said.

[sweety]

'Naina' - Not in Overseas yet

By Taran Adarsh, May 25th 2005 - 0930 hrs IST

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More on NAINA. It's a practice to release every Hindi film worldwide simultaneously, but NAINA is an exception!

iDream, the producers of NAINA, did release the film in India on May 20, but haven't released it anywhere in Overseas. Why? “There's a reason behind it,” Ashish Bhatnagar of iDream divulges, “Well-made horror films have a lucrative market in the U.S. and we plan to tap that area. Besides, we are in negotiations with some foreign distributors and hopefully, we should clinch the deal in a month from now.”

Bhatnagar continues in the same breath, “Had we released the film anywhere in Overseas in the conventional way, what we would've got is mere peanuts, but with foreign distributors showing a keen interest in the film, we hope to explore new horizons.” If all goes well, NAINA would be released by a leading studio in U.S. and would be dubbed/sub-titled for the remaining markets.

[sweety]

:celeb: :celeb:

Mid-Week Top 5 Movies of the Week

By Taran Adarsh (As on May 25th, 2005)

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[sweety]

A Little Spice!

http://www.gmagazine.com/magazine/june2005/images/Urmila-1.jpg

La Matondkar is back on the big screen, after a long time, in Naina. ‘g’ meets her for a chat on her life and career. A few excerpts from a conversation with the Marathi mulgi!

Don’t you think you’ve got stuck in a groove?
I do think so! I’m sick and tired of doing ‘ghostly’ as well as grief-stricken roles. When I look back at my career I realize that to a large extent I’ve been doing either mad or totally crazy characters, be it Kaun or Bhoot or even a serious film like my latest, Naina.

Is it true that you’re dying to do a comic role?
Yes, it’s true. I have a funny bone in me. That’s because I love comedy a lot and am actually dying, as you’ve said, to sign up for a funny role. I love them the best. I’m totally fed up doing serious roles and want to shed this ‘serious actress’ image. This has been given to me courtesy, the media as well as the film industry!

Is Naina yet another horror film on the lines of Bhoot?
Naina is not a horror film in the real sense of the term although it falls under the supernatural thriller genre. However, I personally would not term it as an out ‘n’ out scary film although and element of horror does seem to be a part of it. There is far more to Naina than horror. There’s also a lot of emotional content too in Naina in which I play a girl who turns blind. It was one more challenging role in my career. I went through a workshop to prepare for the role. It is comparatively easier to play a blind girl than to play one who gains her sight in the second reel. The approach to the film by director Shripal Morakia is very unique. I enjoyed working in Naina.

You’re also in Pankaj Parashar’s Benaras. What’s the film about?
Within the commercial format, it deals with mysticism and culture in a big way. I was amazed when I read the script, which, incidentally, has been written by the producer L.C. Singh who hails from the IT industry. This is his first film. Benaras sets out to show certain aspects of our culture. I have till date never acted in a film like this. What’s interesting about the film is that it does not set out to either sermonize or whitewash facts. Pankaj Parashar will shoot the title sequence in Mauritius to give the film a grand look.

What character are you essaying in it?
I have a challenging role and have been teamed up with Ashmit Patel while Raj Babbar and Dimple Kapadia play my parents. Ironically, Raj Babbar had played my father in Shyam Benegal’s Kalyug, almost two decades ago, in which I had played his little ‘son’. Besides my role I also lay a lot of emphasis on the scripts, which have to have intensity. Benaras does. It also has a straight story with many twists and turns to it. I play a normal college-going science student called Shwetambari. But certain incidents occur that change the course of my life.

To what extent do you identify yourself with this character?
Partially, yes! I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t identify with the character of Shwetambari. She is a city-bred girl and so am I. At the beginning of the film, I could identify with her to a large extent but half way through the film, I stopped doing so. In real life I wouldn’t say I am a spiritual person though I had learnt philosophy and psychology while in college.

How did you prepare yourself to get into the skin such a character?
I took a few books from Pankaj including ‘The Autobiography of a Yogi’. Pankaj also screened for me a couple of documentaries, which enabled me to understand my character thoroughly.

As an actor, do you believe in taking risks?
I consider it important for an actor to take risks because a risk entails a challenge. I was criticized when in the initial stages of my career I refused to get stagnated by doing stereotyped roles in stereotyped films and attempted different kinds of films instead. This was because I wanted to grow as a person as well as an actor. This comes only if you do different genres of films. And that comes when you take a risk.

Today you seem to work more in offbeat films than in commercial ones. Why?
I’ve nothing against commercial cinema! However, I wouldn’t like to play safe and thus be typed with a particular image. I am aware that folks believe that an actress has to have a particular image. I’ve done in my first year in the movies what my co-actors did after acting for five years. I have also to my credit lesser number of films because, though it may sound like a cliché, the fact is that I prefer quality to quantity.

After ‘Chamma chamma’ we haven’t seen you gyrating to any item number.
The only item number which I did in my career was the ‘Chamma chamma’ one in China Gate. Though initially I did not believe in the concept of item numbers, now after doing many serious films, I want to do one more… just for a change. I want to do a heavy-duty dance number and shock the audiences.

Do you in general take work home after pack up has been announced?
Generally speaking, I do not take work home. However at times you just cannot help it. It happens especially when you do a film in a single non stop-shooting schedule like we did Kaun, where the character got to grow on you.

You seem to be doing only heroine-oriented films where you can hog the limelight.
It’s wrong to presume that I have an issue as far as playing second fiddle is concerned. I did Satya in which I hardly had any role. Didn’t I? Deewangee was not a film with a heroine-oriented role for me. I was the third actor in it. I cannot expect every film that is dangled in front of me to be a heroine-oriented one. Can I? So that defeats the purpose of your question.

Why did you let Tanuja Chandra’s film Sugar & A Little Spice slip out of your hands?
It is really very, very unfortunate that I couldn’t do Tanuja Chandra’s Sugar & A Little Spice. This is because I could not afford to reschedule my dates to suit her convenience.

Is it true that you are working in a film based on Godse?
Yes, I am. I am working in Anupam Kher’s production Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara, directed by the internationally renowned director Jahnu Barua who has to his credit several award-winning Assamese films. The script is beautiful and very interesting. The story of the film is its hero. Parvin Dabbas has been teamed opposite me.

Other than Benaras and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara you are working mostly with new directors and actors. Why?
It is true that I have worked with a maximum number of new directors and heroes. It is interesting to work with newcomers because they are full of enthusiasm. Anuj Sawhney is my leading man in Naina while Ashmit Patel has been teamed opposite me in Benares. Shripal Morakia is directing me in Naina.

How would you evaluate your growth as an actress from Narasimha till Benaras?
It is not possible to evaluate one’s growth in this industry. For, here one does not lead a normal life. In the industry one tends to grow ten times more than one would in any other profession. Experience and maturity contribute a lot in shaping one’s growth here. I was completely naïve when I started out in this career. Today I can manage my career single-handedly.

Are you contemplating on taking up direction?
I find that it is easier to sit next to the driver than to drive the car. I do not think I can ever take to direction because I do not have the patience for it. In any case, I enjoy acting tremendously to plan a switchover in careers.

Do you crave for awards?
Awards are the ultimate recognition of one’s work. I’d be lying if I were to state that I did not yearn for them.

[sweety]

From Naina's Success celebration Party!

http://download.glamsham.com/download/picturegallery/events/naina_celebration/01.jpg



Yaaaaaaayyyyyyiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!! :flower: http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/030104_emM7_prv.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/030104_emM7_prv.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/030104_emM7_prv.gif ..........
http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/36_8f1.gif

[sweety]

:jump: 'Naina's Celebration of Success' :jump:

By Shailesh Kumar


The box office has been going through a lull period, as no movie has been able to set the box office jingling in the last 4-5 months. Last week two big banner films NAINA and NAZAR hit the theatre and have been doing good business. However Urmila Matondkar NAINA has managed to score over NAZAR. So to celebrate the success of their film, Urmila along with producer Ashish Bhatnagar from iDream production had come to Delhi as renowned ad company Graphisads threw a bash at Hotel Nikko in their honour.

Before the party Urmila went visiting the PVR theatre across the capital before going to chutney at Hotel Nikko where Mukesh Gupta of Graphisads welcomed them.

In a Yellow Trousers and a Black Top Urmila looked gorgeous as ever and was the main attraction of everyone present there. All the people crowded her, as they wanted a photograph with her along with an autograph. After the round of introduction and get-together Urmila and Ashish along with other guests enjoyed the delicious food and cocktails of 'Chutney'.

On this occasion Mukesh Gupta with family, Rashtriya's Dinesh Gupta, AEZ's Sanjeev Aeron, Executive Director of MTNL A.K. Girhotra, Gaur Galaxy's Rahul Gaur, Blaze Flash Courier's S.D. Aggarwal, Counselor Aarti Mehra, Bharat Bhushan, Surendra Rana, Dipali Narula, Ajeet Kapoor, Kapil and Shilpi along with others were seen enjoying the party. The party was on till late hours of the night with Urmila being the centre of attraction.


GO URMI.... GO URMI!!...... :celeb: :celeb:

[sweety]

http://download.glamsham.com/download/picturegallery/events/naina_celebration/06.jpg

[sweety]

OOOOOOMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...... http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/34k6.gif

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/FirewM03.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/denGani.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/stHskip.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/FirewM03.gif

GGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOO URMIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/FirewM03.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/FiCks-09.gif http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/FirewM03.gif

[sweety]

Some caps from Naina :bigok:

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/naina-pic1.jpg

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/naina-pic2.jpg

http://www.g11g.net/uploader/pic/naina-pic3.jpg

[a_aishashafiq]

Nice caps... I loved the scene where she was drawing something and was so excited about it just like a little girl... She looked really cute there :)

[sweety]

Yeah.... she is soooooooo cuteeeeeeeeeee :kiss: :kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

BTW.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY a_aishashafiq!! :birthday: .....All the best and may all ur dreams come true :rose:

[askprincess_askme]

Wow! Gotta Catch It!

[Fari]

I watched Naina in pakistan.
Urmilla looked fantastic and did a great job. The film is good to watch but I didnt think it was too scary. The ending is sad! :( I would give it a 7/10. Btw: I thought of sweety when I watched it! :D

[sweety]

Hey Fari! :hey:

Glad you liked the movie :DD ........ It didn't even release in my local theater, and it hasn't even come out in DVDs yet :down: .... ive downloaded it, but the quality is bad.... I don't wanna watch the movie with bad quality..... OH God ..... the DVD is taking forever to release :banghead: :cry:

Btw: I thought of sweety when I watched it!

Awwwwww........ :kiss:

[Fari]

yea!
I saw it in Pakistan... movies release earlier down there ...
We rented a bad DVD too.. but the quality was so bad we didnt watch it.... and The next day we rented it out again!
Anyways,.. you should get a DVD and watch it at night!!!