Naghma returns yet again
By Madhur Mittal

Let’s check out the happenings right away. Like, zero in on Naghma who just can’t seem to get over the lure of doing Hindi films. In fact, her "threats" to quit the film industry have now become an accepted joke! And so, ‘figuratively’ in a much better form, she has apparently made her own secret, little list of the heroines she could try to replace ‘n’ displace!

That’s quite evident from the way Naghma is targeting producers and directors whose set-ups have already been finalised, see?

Well, she claims she has already "grabbed" (her word, not mine) about a dozen-odd "plum assignments" and is gleefully looking forward to adding a few more shortly. Sounds like a cute, comely coup!

Film-makers fretting

Our desi film-makers continue to moan ‘n’ groan that hit films — blockbusters in the true sense of the word — have become rare nowadays. What they (strangely) fail to realise is that they’re themselves so much responsible for the same.

I mean, after paying out astronomical amounts to the cast, crew, hundreds of junior artistes (mostly professional, group dancers)... and then splurging even more on the ostentatious sets, costumes and foreign locales, they themselves kill the core of the economics of their movies.

Such over-budget films can hardly hope to recover adequately at the box office... particularly when the least care is given to the most vital aspect of the offering: A sensible story and script!

Another promising Govinda-starrer

Govinda’s starrers always enjoy a great initial pull... and it’s been no different with his last starrer, Dulhe Raja, especially since David Dhawan is the director... thereby promising plenty of cheap thrills!

What’s more, it must be admitted that Raveena Tandon has indeed put in a ravishing, uninhibited ‘display’.

Everyone is hoping and praying that this movie doesn’t go the way Govinda’s Aunty No.1 went recently — under the carpet! But then, one must remember that the director there was Kirti Kumar (Chi-Chi’s brother, a real diehard, I might add) who, frankly, can’t tell the backside from the frontside of a film....!

Suman disillusioned

Sensuous, sultry Suman Ranganathan says she will quit the big screen and opt for soaps on the small one, if she cannot emerge with a big winner by the end of this year.

"Honestly, I’am feeling damned disillusioned and frustrated. It’s so disappointing to put in your best, hard work... and then find the film flopping at the box office for no fault of yours.

That way, teleserials are less demanding and also fare much better with the TV viewers, isn’t it?

Yes, Suman, you have a point there. Otherwise, why would so many film actors and actresses change channels, huh?

Shah Rukh seeks Press support

Suddenly, Shah Rukh Khan is being rather friendly with the Press people. Perhaps, he has realised that media support is vital to even the biggest stars... in order to project them larger than life on one glossy coverpage after another, yes?

Of course, his loud "Hi’s" and bear hugs aren’t fooling anybody. It couldn’t be too long before the actor turns back to his elusive self; after all, old habits die hard....

All the same, the photographers are making the most of it by doing exclusive photo shoots, piling on pictures to sell on rainy days!