इस समय नागपुर का मौसम

सोमवार, 28 मई 2007

BHAIRAVI GOSWAMI BIOGRAPHY


BHAIRAVI GOSWAMI

Theatre 2004
LIAR LIAR – Hinglish play by Dinyar Contractor (125 shows worlwidw)
MADHOUSE – Hinglish play by Dinyar Contractor (110 shows worldwide)
P DIALOGUES – English play by Alyque Padamsee
Calenders - 2002
Palio
Bharat Petroleum
Contests – 2002 - 2003
Gladrags Megamodel 2002
Finalist and Subtitle of Best Hair
Model Quest by Times of India Group and Pantaloon 2003
Winner
AXN Hot n Wild Contest 2003
Top Three
Music Videos – 2003
Samundar Mein Nahake Remix directed by Samir Malkan
Raaghav directed by Indrajit Nattoji for HMV
AD Films - 2002 – 2004
Dabur Chavanprash
TVC Teleshoppe
MTv Plugged Perfumes and Deos
Channel V Cool Stop
Universe Spa
Star News Promo
Channel V Promo
Etc Promo
Mayur Suiting with Virendra Sehwag
Press Ads - 2002 - 2004
Videocon Washing Machines
Ria Sarees
Jaipan Cellulite Slimming Health drink
Pantaloon
.Amul Milk
Citibank
Shoppers Stop
Anita Dongre
VLCC
Television Serials - 2004
JBC with Javed Jaffery
Fashion Features & Covers - 2002 – 2004
Savvy
Meri Saheli
Gladrags
Elan
Health
Occasions
New Woman
Mans World
Gurlz
L’officiele
Society
GT – Guything
Femina Girl
Femina
La Mode
Elle
Fashion Shows - 2002 – 2004
Femina Bridal Show
Shane & Falguni Peacock
Provogue
Deepal Mehta
Rohit Verma
Anshu Modi
Gani Shetty
Amber & Shirin
Utsav Dholakia
Subiya
Aseem Merchant
Anjana Bhargav
Ritu Kumar
Satya Paul
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Prasad Bidapa
Ragini Singhania
Marc Robinson
Archana Kochhar Libas Jewellery Arabia Rehan Shah Enigma
Athena's Fashion Fridays Azeem Khan Schwarzkorf Shakir Khan Page 3 Achla Sachdev


ACTIVITIES
Activist - Animal Welfare
Compere – Corporate and Film Shows
Journalist – Free-lance for fashion and travel Magazines
Contributing Editor Elan
Languages – English, Hindi, French, German, Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada.
Dancer – Ballet, Flamenco, Bharatnatyam.

Interview with Ashish Kulkarni



भारत में एनीमेशन कि दुनिया तेजी से फलफूल रही है। इसे बुलंदियों पर ले जाने वालों में एक नाम आशीष कुलकर्णी का भी है। प्रस्तुत है आपका साक्षात्कार।



Ashish Kulkarni

"There will evolve more mature ways of relationships between studios and talent "
Half a glass full, or half a glass empty, the difference is in how you see things. An hour spent with Ashish Kulkarni, one of the prime movers and shakers in the Indian Animation Industry and one cannot avoid getting affected by his optimism and conviction.The debacle of several studios (big & small) in the last few months is a big and important question. Commenting on the issue, Kulkarni shares that "Life for the last few months has not been easy. I still wake up in the middle of night thinking about how to put all the hard working artists back in the creative environment. It's a different challenge to train the talent pool and make them production ready, its another challenge to keep the highly experienced & productive talent engaged all the time" Convinced that the Indian animation scene has matured, Kulkarni who foresees a great future points out, "I feel greatly relieved and satisfied that the maturity amongst the talent pool in India has evolved over the years. I have a great regard for all those animation artists who stick around and complete the projects. The artists have matured and become more responsible, the production pipelines have evolved, Indian studios have delivered quality projects and on time. I foresee a great future for the Indian animation industry" Animation 'xpress' Anand Gurnani met up with Ashish Kulkarni while he was in Mumbai adjudging for an animation awards function.Here are excerpts from the conversation
Jadooworks was one of the top 4 animation studios in the country. What went wrong?I wish to refrain from commenting on it.What about the artists that you had been working with for so many years?Some of them have taken up jobs elsewhere, many of them are utilizing the time to create their own short films.
Well then what about your future plans?
I am in the midst of making a business plan; I have spoken to most of the prospective clients and plan to set up a high-end digital animation studio that will cater to the animation long form and feature film market. Given an opportunity, I would like to help all the artists who worked with me in the past and those who aspire to work on high quality long form animation and feature films. I would like to really see that they are constantly working so that they keep up with their production tempos. My plan is to set up a fully animated feature film facility and also create original content from India. I am also involved in raising fund for creating and acquiring original animation content.You have been actively involved with the industry for the past 6-7 years. What has been your experience?I feel all the animation players in India have put in their best efforts by constantly marketing their services and delivering in the last 6-7 years, against all odds. All the existing studios have been able to create and establish the brand called India on the international animation front. It was not easy at all. 6 years ago we faced a lot of hurdles in pushing the industry, we had to create a brand for India in the global market and on the home turf we also had to spread across the message to parents & artists that animation was a great career. Only now, that we are able to understand the nature & challenges of animation industry. We have got used to the ups and downs of the production cycles. My experience, particularly in establishing the state of the art production pipeline, process automation for efficient working and production tracking was very good. The capability of developing the proprietary tools & plug-ins is a big achievement. This unique combination of creative & technical teams to ease out the pressures on the artist will take the Indian studios far ahead of its competition.
"I feel all the animation players in India have put in their best efforts by constantly marketing their services and delivering in the last 6-7 years, against all odds"
What do you foresee for the future?We are at a threshold in India right now when the artists have consistently delivered great quality work, it is time now to nurture most of the experienced artists to get into feature film production and get the new talent from various schools to do television and DTH production। We all have started with 2D, moved to 3D and Flash productions for broadcast quality. Worked on stabilizing the deliveries and progressively are moving on to DTH & feature film productions. What I really foresee is that there would emerge a few big studios that would get into feature film production by end of 2006 and early 2007. I foresee that as a bright future for the Indian animation industry & the beginning of a new era।The launch of the new TV networks and a deeper penetration of animation content in APAC regions is of a significant importance to the animation industry in this part of the world. Most of the stakeholders and the networks would soon look for original content from ASIAN region. This is the time that most of the creative talent can start creating original ideas and take the help of the studios to take these ideas for international production.
"What I really foresee is that there would emerge a few big studios that would get into feature film production by end of 2006 and early 2007"
How will this happen?I would like to say that the core teams would get attached to the bigger studios & most of them would constantly work on project basis। But long-term contracts cannot be ruled out. Great artists will always find long-term contracts/ relationships with studios. There would evolve more mature ways of relationships between studios and talent where both of them would be contractually bound and would ensure the well being of the talent as well as ensure the completion of the productions.I foresee in the next few years a lot more expatriates from the western world and experienced producers and directors moving to India to work on several projects and the Indian animation talent will have a first hand experience of working with most of the producers and directors not through the internet but on the studio in India. I also see placement of a high-end creative Indian talent in the pre production teams in Europe and the US. I feel it is a significant step for India to be a part of the pre production process.Indians are capable of becoming producers also rather than doing just the BPO kind of operations consistently. I understand that there would emerge a co-existence of service work and IP creation with most of the studios in the years to come. The positive side is that many studios and experienced professionals in animation are looking at a niche of IP creation alone as a business model and what India really needs is few serious joint ventures with the entertainment giants from the west and few Indian corporations to look at diversifying or logically expanding into animation as a serious business.
While talking about the future, I would also like to emphasize on the need to focus on quality.
"If content is King, then quality is queen. Timely delivery is the prince and communication is the princess"
What about it?

I sincerely believe that, "If content is King, then quality is queen. Timely delivery is the prince and communication is the princess".Nothing in the creative world would be really respected or successful if we don't look into the quality aspect. Two other important factors are communication with the artists and directors, and production teams ensuring timely delivery.
What about the talent base? What about training?I have been spending good amount of my time visiting various cities and small towns to address the students and their parents on making careers in animation. It's been a very encouraging time for the industry to really see a great support from the media and especially the effort by all animation educational academies trying to spread the message on careers in animation and reaching out to the smaller centers.
"We still need to establisha proper university recognizedlong term degree course after 12thfor animation art and filmmaking"
The biggest hurdle had been convincing the parents that their child by drawing painting, sculpting and acting could make a serious and successful career. By virtue of being in animation, the work created by these young artists sitting in India will be watched and appreciated by global audiences for years to come.Over the past 3 years we have established a good amount of penetration of animation training schools all over India and built an ecosystem for the industry. Secondly we have done timely analysis and course correction in the curriculums to cater to the industry needs, we anticipate that the existing effort in training will not only bring in a fresh and production ready talent pool but also add 1000 to 1500 artists every year for the next 3 years and the number is bound to grow beyond 2008.A positive thing about India is that the industry is growing in several cities. The first few studios had started in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai and then into Trivandrum, New Delhi and Bangalore and now Kolkata, Pune and Nagpur are getting added as production destinations, this way the talent pool is getting to know about animation as a career and having an opportunity to work closer to the hometowns. Of course the high-end creative talent will associate themselves with the bigger studios doing high-end work and would be willing to relocate.In contrast the trend has been very different in many countries where the concentration has been mostly in & around one major city in the country.
Having said all that, I also wish to point out that we still require establishing a proper university recognized long term degree course after 12th for animation art and filmmaking. We also need to train the trainers. The biggest weakness that we had was the quality of trainers. While most of the good and experienced talent was always busy with production deadlines. The nurturing of the new talent is generally not done full-heartedly. We need to define a rotation programme amongst the high end & specialized industry-experienced artists to visit training institutes in the region and share knowledge regularly. This I believe is of outmost importance especially in the areas of animation, lighting, rigging, texturing, story boarding, character design, styling etc.
"We need to define a rotation programme amongst the high end & specialized industry-experienced artists to visit training institutes in the region and share knowledge regularly"
What message would you have for aspiring animators and artists?We have mostly seen that the sense of timing and acting in new animators is hard to find. Nobody tells them how the learning of all the process from "script to screen" is important for the first few years. How an artist can map the special skills they posses to the area of specialization? I have seen that each and every person wants to become an animator. An animator's requirement is the sense of timing, proportion, acting & composition. A great sculptor must concentrate on becoming a 3D modeler. A good painter can concentrate on texturing skills. A good break-dancer may become a rigging artist…. just joking. A good architect can be a set designer. A good painter with lighting sense can concentrate on becoming a lighting expert and experiment with various lighting tools in the software.We had to concentrate and spend valuable resources within the studio to sharpen these skills so far. Now the training institutes must concentrate on these areas & the studios in the region must send the best talent as a visiting faculty to the institutes to ensure the fine results. At the same time most of the talent is in a hurry to get on to the studios to work. The guidance must be provided at the institute level to do more then one course before getting into the studio. If the doctors have to spend 5 years for MBBS, two years in internship & two years for specialization, even before they start operating on their own. How can we take it so easy in animation to do short cuts in 6-9 months and get into the production? The basics in film making frame by frame, scene composition, acting, lighting, expression, camera & each and every aspect has to be learned before stepping into the studio.The large number of youngsters jumping into the animation sector considering it to be a multimedia and multi-stream opportunity mostly ends up in them spending a lot of money and no jobs. This is my serious concern.
My advice to the parents and young artists inspiring into making a career into animation is that, one must select the right course, complete multiple courses and specialize in the interest areas and then step into the studio. After all, selecting to be a professional in animation is stepping into the serious business of film making with universal appeal. The developing budgets for broadcast quality content per minute can rang from $10,000 low end to $ 40,000 for high end animation from script to screen. For the fully animated feature films its been over one million US dollars per minute. How do you expect that the studio to take a chance by selecting a young artist who is not trained enough to create animation to match these quality and high budgetary content development!
There have been quite a few figures about the size of the Indian animation industry and the potential. What do you make of them?
My background has been in media analysis & space selling and so I respect all the figures that have been put out after a lot of research. These figures were put together in 2002 projecting revenues for the next 5-6 years. We have already lost 3 years discussing and disputing these figures. The time has come that we sit together and talk about how to achieve the figures rather than dispute them. Else we will have to put up with the lower figures and be contented with them.
"The time has come that we sit together and talk about how to achieve the figures rather than dispute them"
It is high time that the top 20 IT companies and top 20 industry houses start looking at investment in animation seriously in some form or the other. It is just about time, for the consolidation within the Indian animation industry. We have already seen a great response from advertising agencies, ad filmmakers and live action producers. In the last few years you must have definitely seen India cinema using a lot more animation, the frequency of animated advertising films has increased on Indian television. An overall appetite and acceptance of animated content has certainly increased in the Asian region.
At the same time, we must encourage the top 10 global TV networks, entertainment companies and gaming companies to have an India strategy and relationships with Indian studios. This will help establish a higher degree of quality standards in the overall system.
I think that this is the most appropriate time for the Indian animation industry to position itself in the global arena. If we get delayed, the global industry will position India differently.


शुक्रवार, 25 मई 2007

Dream Date by Sign




Who's the perfect date according to your stars?



Are you pondering how to get the attention of a hottie who caught your eye? Then do your homework and find out what sign your love interest is before asking them out। Now arm yourself with insight into that sign's perfect date! The stars, can give you a lot of insight about a person's likes and dislikes because, after all, what works for a sultry Scorpio might scare the begeezes out of a home-loving Cancer। Here are some astrologically correct ways to avoid dating disasters and ensure your encounter is a sizzling
Chemistry is a mysterious thing. But with astrology as your guide, understanding your date's sun sign can give you priceless insight into a potential lover. What excites a hedonistic Archer may make a Pisces freeze up like a cold fish. Check out our second installment of Dream Date by Sign, featuring the six remaining signs of the Zodiac, to give you a head-start on romance.


Aries: Rams Like it HotRams are impetuous and fiery creatures। They thrive on excitement. If you're planning a date, consider an activity that involves a little bit of adventure. Break a sweat on a difficult hiking trail, then grab some Ethiopian fare where you get to eat with your hands. By the way, don't worry about being a little sweaty, your Aries won't mind. Oh, and don't forget to play hard to get since most Aries prefer to be the cat rather than the mouse. These types can also come on strong so don't be surprised if they swoop in for a kiss before the date concludes. Yeooowza!



Taurus: Lover of the Finer Things in Life Ruled by Venus, your Taurus will appreciate the finer tastes of life। Bring them flowers and make the bouquet consist of Gerber daisies or Sunflowers rather than cheap carnations or boring roses. For dinner, take them to a fine dining establishment replete with tablecloths, soft (hip) music and romantic lighting. Taurus loves soft, sexy fabrics that feel good against the skin, so leave your favorite jeans in the closet and reach for a silky skirt or shirt instead. Once you're alone, don't be afraid to let your intentions known in a tender, firm manner.


Gemini: Social Butterfly Your Gemini date is verbal, quick-witted and impulsive। They expect you to be the same. The twins don't do boring. Escort them to an underground book reading, energetic concert or poetry slam session. Then walk the streets until you spontaneously find a quaint little bar where you can sip mojitos and engage in mental banter. Always stay on your toes and ask a lot of questions. If you want to really romp later, you'll have to make stimulating mental love first.


Cancer: Domestic BlissTo impress your Cancer and lure them come out of their shell, you must show a nurturing, attentive nature। Bust out a cookbook and invite them over for a candlelit meal. Too much stimulation in a public place can backfire with a sensitive crab. Make sure your place feels cozy and warm. The more you fuss over them, the more they will trust your intentions. Ask: "Are you okay?" or "Is there anything you need?" a lot. Consider yourself warned, Cancers go with their own flow. Meaning, these water signs are moody. So make sure you pay attention to the feelings behind their words and don't come on too strong.


Leo: King of the JungleYou're dealing with the King of the Jungle here। Meaning, your Leo date needs to be wined and dined and taken out in high style. Factor in a little bit of drama for good measure - invite them to a loud concert or theatrical production followed by the hippest new late-night eatery. Be sure to discuss culture, politics and the most recent worldly events. While you're at it, don't forget to pet their mane (read: ego) by dousing them with compliments and making sure they get to speak most of the time. Play with their hair and whisper into their ear to make them purr with pleasure now, and roar for you later.


Virgo: Willing and Wise If you're planning a date with a Virgo make sure you appear fresh and polished! Shower, use Q-tips and iron your shirt or dress। These perfectionists won't tolerate slovenliness। These virgins (who aren't really virgins) are also conscientious about their health, so take them to your gym for a tag-team workout and then to a healthy Vegan restaurant. Over a desert of soy ice cream and goji berries ask if they'd be willing to organize your office or help you draft an important email. That will really get their attention since this service-oriented sign is often attracted to people who need their help. But don't be fooled, they can be sexy beasts in the bedroom.


Libra: Starry-eyed Glamour PussIf you ask a Libra out, elegance and romance should run in your blood। These airy creatures thrive on all things wistful and beautiful. Think a candlelit dinner at your place, with soft, exotic music, rose petals scattered all about and a small gift presented at the door. Spring for something other than flowers - a shiny, tasteful trinket or a box of chocolate covered strawberries, perhaps? Creativity goes a long way here. FYI: Libras don't fare well being single and love being in love. Although, they are good at fooling themselves, which may mean you too. Take things slowly.


Scorpio: Mysterious SexpotYour Scorpio likes secretive, dark places। Go for the unusual like strolling through a cemetery at dusk to get up-close-and-personal with a few gravestones. Then head over to the seediest Italian restaurant you can find, where just the two of you can tell ghost stories and sip red wine at a candlelit table way in the back. Make sure you wear something sexy and splash on an alluring scent. The more mysterious you are, the better. Remember, you're dealing with the sex god of the zodiac here. Try a come-hither look or a mysterious stare on your scorpion. Then, brace yourself for intensity like you've never felt before.


Sagittarius: Nimble Flirt or Sexy Beast?The Archer likes movement, so come up with action-packed date ideas. Consider dancing under the stars, take a power yoga class, go rollerblading along the beach or climb a mountain with bread and wine in your backpack to celebrate at the top. Don't hold back on conversation either. Your Sagittarius can handle it so talk about your wildest dreams and your desired adventures. By the way, this fiery half animal/half human is full of optimism and enthusiasm and they're actually quite the sexy beast. So if they dig you, they'll want to explore you more deeply. In other words, they're probably up for more, if you are.

Capricorn: Straight-up Rambunctious LoverCapricorns love responsible, authentic and intelligent people. So if you want to impress them, show your smarts and don't be a fake. Goats are ruled by Saturn (the planet of structure and authority), meaning they'll appreciate a rundown of your proposed itinerary. Take a trip to the botanical gardens (Cappies are creatures of the earth) followed by a trip to a crystal shop for a perusal. Conclude the evening at a fancy restaurant where reservations are required. Capricorns are a bit reserved, so you may find yourself wondering if they are attracted to you. Be patient, behind that cool exterior lies a rambunctious lover.

Aquarius: Lover of Offbeat SensibilityYour Aquarian is a lover of knowledge with a streak of unpredictability. Dazzle them - take them to a lecture on global warming, to a debate on immigrant reform or ask them to check out the new museum of Neon Signs. They'll be ecstatic! Next, have them escort you to that benefit you've been invited to. Don't expect to get serious right away, these idealistic souls are unconventional and love freedom. However, if your water bearer can openly share their thoughts with you, they'll want to ravish you in bed later.

Pisces: Sensitive and True!Pisceans need to feel safe, cozy and comfortable. Take your fishy date to a spa for tandem foot massages followed by a trip to an aquarium. Then, top the evening off with romantic drinks and nibbles from the sea. Pisceans don't like confrontation so if the date is going sour they may simply excuse themselves to go to the restroom and then swim away. But if there's an attraction, you'll know it - they'll touch you and gush for no reason when your eyes meet. They tend to get caught up in the moment, so if a date is going smoothly they can be very impulsive. Wink. Wink.

सोमवार, 21 मई 2007

एनआरआई बाज़ार ने बदले समीकरण






एनआरआई विषयों पर बनी फ़िल्में विदेशों में ख़ूब पैसा कमाती हैं
दस साल पहले तक शायद किसी ने सोचा भी नहीं होगा कि हिंदी फ़िल्मों के लिए विदेशों में इतना बड़ा बाज़ार खुल जाएगा कि फ़िल्म की आधी कीमत वहीं से निकल जाएगी.
मगर आज ऐसा हो रहा है. मिसाल के तौर पर करण जौहर की 'कभी अलविदा न कहना' को लीजिए. ये फ़िल्म भले ही पूरे भारत में सिर्फ़ 22 करोड़ का ही व्यवसाय कर पाई लेकिन विदेशों में इसने 32 करोड़ कमाए.
अक्षय कुमार-बॉबी दयोल की 'दोस्त-फ़्रैंड्स फ़ॉरएवर' हो या फिर अमिताभ-रानी-जॉन इब्राहम की बाबुल....ये भारत में फ़्लॉप हो जाती हैं मगर ब्रिटेन में ये दोनों फ़िल्में साल की टॉप पाँच में रहती हैं.
कहने का मतलब है कि अब भारतीय निर्माता,निर्देशक और लेखक ग्लोबल दर्शक को अपने ज़हन से बाहर नहीं कर सकते- अगर उन्हें पैसे कमाने हैं तो.
ये सिलसिला 10-15 साल पहले शुरू हुआ. अब फ़िल्मों का बजट विदेशी मार्केट को ध्यान में रखकर बनाया जाता है. अगर कोई निर्माता 35-40 करोड़ की फ़िल्म बनाता है तो उसे पता है कि विदेशों के मार्केट से करीब 10-12 करोड़ तो वापस आ ही जाएँगे.
हालांकि इसका मतलब ये नहीं है कि हर फ़िल्म जो पैसा कमाती है उसमें विदेशी बाज़ार से कमाए गए पैसा का ही हाथ होता है.
चंद सितारों का क़ब्ज़ा
ब्रिटेन में ब्रिटिश एकैडमी ऑफ़ फ़िल्म और टेलीविज़न आर्टस ने बाफ़्टा वीक मनाया था
चंद फ़िल्मी सितारें हैं जो विदेशों में बहुत चलते हैं और उन्हीं की फ़िल्मों को बड़ी कीमत मिलती है.
इस सूची में सबसा बड़ा नाम आता है शाहरुख़ खान का. उनके अलावा अक्षय कुमार, सलमान खान, ऋतिक रोशन, आमिर खान, काजोल, ऐश्वर्या राय, प्रीति ज़िंटा और रानी मुखर्जी भी विदेशों में काफ़ी मशहूर हैं.
ब्रिटेन में बॉलीवुड की अब तक की 25 टॉप फ़िल्मों में दस फ़िल्में शाहरुख़ खान की हैं- कभी खुशी कभी ग़म, कभी अलविदा न कहना, वीर ज़ारा, देवदास और कुछ-कुछ होता है.
अमिताभ बच्चान अकेले ऐसे कलाकार हैं जो चरित्र भूमिका करते हैं लेकिन इतने लोकप्रिय हैं.
लेकिन ये भी सच है कि अब भी हिंदी फ़िल्मों को क्रॉसओवर दर्शक नहीं मिल पाएँ हैं.
मीरा नायर की 'मॉनसून वैडिंग', गुरिंदर चड्ढा की 'बेंड इट लाइक बेकम' और दीपा मेहता की वाटर विदेशियों को पसंद आई हैं मगर असल में ये भारतीय फ़िल्में नहीं गिनी जा सकती क्योंकि इन्हें बनाने वाले भारत से तो जुड़े हैं पर वे सब भारतीय मूल के लोग हैं.
नए दर्शक, नई कहानी
विदेशों का बाज़ार खुलने से हिंदी फ़िल्मों की कहानियाँ भी बदल गई हैं
विदेशों के बाज़ार खुलने से अब हिंदी फ़िल्मों की कहानियाँ भी वहाँ के दर्शकों को ध्यान में रखकर लिखी जा रही हैं.
अगर 'कल हो न हो' या 'कभी अलविदा न कहना' में किरदार अमरीका में बसे हैं तो सिर्फ़ इसलिए नहीं कि वहाँ शूटिंग के लिए ख़ूबसूरत लोकेशन हैं बल्कि इसलिए भी कि वहाँ रहने वाले लोग फ़िल्म की कहानी को अपनी कहानी से जोड़ सकें.
सलाम नमस्ते के मुख्य किरदार ऑस्ट्रेलिया में इसलिए रहते हुए दिखाए गए हैं क्योंकि भारत के कई दर्शकों को शायद विवाह से पहले बच्चा पैदा करने जैसा विषय रास नहीं आता.
लेकिन अगर किरदार ऑस्ट्रेलिया में रहते हैं तो लिव-इन और विवाह पूर्व बच्चे जैसा चलन आसानी से मानने में आता है. फिर ऐसे फ़िल्में विदेशों में धंधा भी खूब करती हैं.
चोपड़ा कैंप और करण जौहर जैसे फ़िल्मकारों पर कभी-कभी आरोप लगते हैं कि वे विदेशों में बसे भारतीयों के लिए ही फ़िल्में बनाते हैं. मगर सच ये भी है कि कोई भी व्यक्ति ऐसा ही सोचेगा.
किस्सा पैसे का..
डॉलर और पाउंड रुपए के मुकाबले बहुत मज़बूत हैं. भारत में दस लोगों के देखने से जो कमाई होगी वो लंदन या अमरीका में एक या दो लोगों के देखने से हो जाती है.
ऐसे में क्यों ने कोई निर्माता-निर्देशक विदेशी दर्शकों के बारे में सोचे? आख़िरकर अंत में तो बात पैसों पर ही आकर रुकती है.
जो निर्देशक इस चलन से नाखुश हैं वो ज़्यादातर ऐसे लोग हैं जिन्हें विदेशी दर्शकों को भा जाने वाली कहानियाँ शायद मिलती नहीं हैं.
और यही कारण है कि आज कल बड़े बैनर नए हीरो को इतनी आसानी से मौका नहीं देते.
शाहरुख खान की फ़िल्म सिर्फ़ विदेशों में ही 20-30 करोड़ का व्यापार कर सकती है मगर किसी नए हीरो की फ़िल्म शायद दो-चार करोड़ पर ही रुक जाए.
इतना घाटा कौन सहना चाहेगा? आदित्य चोपड़ा और करण जौहर जैसे फ़िल्मकार तो हरगिज़ नहीं.


साभार : बीबीसी हिंदी

मीडिया और मनोरंजन का बढ़ता कारोबार

मल्टीप्लेक्स सिनेमा के आने के बाद अर्थशास्त्र बदल रहा है
भारत का मीडिया और मनोरंजन जगत नई ऊँचाइयाँ छू रहा है और ऐसा माना जा रहा है कि साल 2011 तक इस क्षेत्र का कारोबार दस हजार करोड़ रूपए का आंकड़ा छू सकता है.
पिछले ही साल मीडिया और मनोरंजन क्षेत्र में 20 फीसदी की बढ़त दर्ज की गई है.
बॉलीवुड के दिग्गज डायरेक्टर और यशराज फिल्म्स के कर्ताधर्ता यश चोपड़ा कहते हैं, '' फिल्म इंडस्ट्री का कार्पोरेटाइजेशन होने की वजह से इसके काम करने के तरीके में काफी बदलाव आया है."
वे कहते हैं, "पहले हम जहाँ किसी फिल्म के 100-50 प्रिंट निकालकर खुश होकर अपनी पीठ थपथपाने लगते थे, आज समय बदल चुका है, अब हम उससे कहीं कम समय में ज्यादा प्रिंट निकाल रहे हैं. डिजिटल सिनेमा के आने से इस क्षेत्र का बहुत तेजी से विकास हो रहा है.''
यश चोपड़ा इंडस्ट्री में कई कार्पोरेट घरानों के आने से भी खुश दिखाई देते हैं. उनका कहना है कि फिल्म इंडस्ट्री में तेजी से कार्पोरेटाइजेशन हो रहा है, जिसकी वजह से यहाँ काम में पारदर्शिता आ रही है और गुणवत्ता भी सुधरी है. साल 2006 में रीलिज हुईं आधी से ज्यादा फिल्में, कार्पोरेट्स ने बनाईं.
फिल्म इंडस्ट्री का कार्पोरेटाइजेशन होने की वजह से इसके काम करने के तरीके में काफी बदलाव आया है

यश चोपड़ा
पिछले कुछ सालों से जिस तरह से कार्पोरेट सेक्टर ने मीडिया और मनोरंजन जगत में तेजी से अपने हाथ आजमाने शुरु किए हैं उससे काफी हद तक तस्वीर बदली है. हाल ही में यूटीवी और मशहूर निर्देशक ओमप्रकाश मेहरा ने एक साथ छह फिल्में बनाने का करार किया है.
यूटीवी के उपाध्यक्ष सिद्धार्थ कपूर भी मानते हैं कि कारपोरेट जगत के इस क्षेत्र में दिलचस्पी की वजह से काफी बदलाव आया है.
वे कहते हैं कि ''ऐसा होने से इंडस्ट्री को काफी फायदा मिल रहा है. कम समय में फिल्मे बन रही हैं, सब कुछ नियमित ढंग से हो रहा है. फिल्म मेकिंग अब एक सीरियस बिजनेस बन चुका है और अब इसमें भी कारपोरेट जगत की ही तरह काम होना शुरु हो गया है जिससे इस क्षेत्र से जुड़े लोगों की सोच में परिवर्तन हो रहा है.''
इसके अलावा महानगरों में मल्टीप्लेक्स सिनेमा के आने से इस इंडस्ट्री की कमाई पर काफी असर पड़ा है. साथ ही डीजिटल सिनेमा अब लोगों की खास पसंद के तौर पर उभर रहा है. मल्टीप्लेक्स का दायरा बी ग्रेड शहरों से होता हुआ अब कस्बों तक धीरे-धीरे पहुँच रहा है.
फ़िल्म कारोबार पर नज़र रखने वालीं इन्दु मिरानी का कहना है कि '' आज लोगों की पसंद बदल रही है, उन्हें ज्यादा और ज्यादा की चाह है. दर्शक अब अलग-अलग तरह का मनोरंजन पसंद करता है. ऐसे में इस सेक्टर का तेजी से विकास हो रहा है और ये आने वाले समय में और बढ़ेगा. ''
तेजी से विकास
मीडिया में भी तेजी का रुख देखा जा रहा है, बात चाहे टेलीविजन की हो या रेडियो या फिर प्रिंट की तीनों ही क्षेत्रों में तेजी से विकास हो रहा है.
टीवी चैनलों का कारोबार तेज़ी से बढ़ा है
टेलीविजन इंडस्ट्री ने पिछले तीन सालों में नई सफलताएँ हासिल की हैं. टीवी चैनलों की कमाई 2011 तक लगभग दो हज़ार करोड़ रु होने की संभावना है. इस क्षेत्र में अगले पाँच सालों तक 22 फीसदी की बढ़त होने की उम्मीद की जा रही है.
मुंबई में हिंदुस्तान टाइम्स के संपादक समर हलंकर भी मानते हैं कि ''पिछले दिनों तेजी से आए टीवी चैनलों की वजह से मीडिया में तेजी से बदलाव आया है. अब लोगों के पास ज्यादा मात्रा में चुनने की स्वतंत्रता उपलब्ध है. लोगों के पास समय कम है और लोग अलग-अलग तरह का मनोरंजन चाहते हैं. साथ ही भारत की तेजी से बढ़ती हुई अर्थव्यवस्था भी एक बड़ी वजह है जिससे कि मीडिया सेक्टर में तेजी से विकास हो रहा है.''
एफ़एम-2 पॉलिसी के आने के बाद रेडियो के क्षेत्र में भी तेजी से विकास हो रहा है. अगले पाँच सालों में इसमें 28 फीसदी की विकास दर रहने की उम्मीद की जा रही है. रेडियो आज भी इस देश में मनोरंजन का सबसे बड़ा और सस्ता साधन है.
साल 2005 में सरकार के विदेशी निवेश के रास्ते खोलने के बाद और एफ़एम-2 रेडियो पॉलिसी के तहत कई बड़ी विदेशी कंपनियों के आने से भी इसमें तेजी का रुख देखने को मिल रहा है.
पिछले तीन सालों में घरेलू मीडिया और मनोरंजन उद्योग में 40 करोड़ रूपए का विदेशी निवेश हुआ है, जिसके भविष्य में और बढ़ने की संभावना है। पिछले साल सूचना और प्रसारण मंत्रालय ने इस क्षेत्र में 13 नए विदेशी निवेश के प्रस्तावों को मंजूरी दी, जबकि लगभग 22 ऐसे मामलों पर मंजूरी मिलना अभी बाक़ी है.

साभार : बीबीसी हिंदी

मंगलवार, 15 मई 2007

"Naya Daur" (colour) releasing on June 22


Ravi Chopra's tribute to his father



After 50 years of its first theatrical release, B.R.Chopra's evergreen classic "Naya Daur" (1957) will now be released all over India on June 22 in its colour version with (remastered 5:1) Dolby digital surround sound.

"This is a tribute to my father in the fiftieth year," says son Ravi Chopra, " There is an emotional attachment with the film. We have such splendid films in black and white and I want today's audiences to watch them too."

The entire procedure of change in colourisation and background score of the film was done over a period of two and a half years and on a budget of Rs 35 million (Rs 3.5 crore) in a studio in Goa.

Produced and directed by B.R.Chopra under the banner of B.R.Films, the film features Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Ajit, Chand Usmani, Johnny Walker, Jeevan, Nazir Hussain, with lilting music by O.P.Nayyar.

COLOUR RESTORATION PROCESS

The 180-minute Indian classic B&W film "Naya Daur" (1957) starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Ajit, Chand Usmani, Jeevan and Nazir Hussein, directed by B.R.Chopra was colourized using a host of processes and skilled technicians by Westwing Studios at U.S.A.

Restoration of this film was completed in four months by Prasad EFX,Chennai with technicians working 24 hours a day/ 7days a week. The only surviving composite dupe negative had to be physically restored from mis-handling, dirt, dust particles and repaired of frame perforation tears and more.

SYNOPSIS

Naya Daur is the story of two friends. Shankar the tongawala, Krishna the wood-cutter and the happy peaceful village of Karanpur in which they lived. Karanpur, far away in the valley of the hills crowned by timber forests, first stop to the sacred temple of Shiva, twelve miles away, to which came pilgrims every day and journeyed forth in the tongas. A village peopled by robust, rugged, simple men and women who despite the lack of an agricultural economy remained happy because of the money earned by the tonga-walas and the wood-cutters working for Seth Maganlal, the kind hearted Timber factory owner who believed his prosperity was entirely due to the people who worked for him and that he owed it to them to see they remained happy. Into this village comes Kundan, the Seth's city-bred, money greedy son and Rajni, a beautiful young lady. Kundan in his greed for quick profits mechanises the saw mill and brings misery to the once happy village of Karanpur. Rajni with her beauty and her preference for Shankar generates bitterness between the two friends who both loved her. The friends who were ignorant of each other's feelings for Rajni realise this only when Shanker goes to Krishna to propose the marriage of his sister Manju, who secretly loved Krishna; as a way out of the dilemma they decide to leave the decision as to who should marry Rajni to the deity on the hill. A pact is made but Manju who overhears the conversations between the friends, and because she wanted Krishna for herself–puts a spoke in the possibility of the decision being in favour of Krishna–an incident which infuriates him and leads to a bitter enmity between the two inseparable friends. Burning with a rage, Krishna aligns himself with Kundan in his plan to make some quick money and a bus is introduced–resulting in throwing the tonga-walas out of employment. Charged with trying to destroy the villagers by his evil schemes, Kundan takes shelter under the guise of trying to march with the rest of the world that is fast progressing and offers to withdraw his bus if the tonga-walas can take their tongas faster than the bus to the temple. Shankar realising the futility of begging for consideration and kindness from Kundan accepts the challenge. From this bet arises the spirit of Community Effort which Shankar infuses in his fellow-villagers and they en-masse proceed to construct a road that by a short cut would enable Shankar and his tonga to reach the temple as fast as the bus. From these two incidents arise the emotional and economic conflicts that provide the dramatic thrills, emotional upheavals and the story's moral that it is wrong to misuse the immense potentialities of the machine to create prosperity, by making it create money for the sake of a few rich and generate unhappiness and misery for thousands.

Watch the action that unfolds as Shankar unites a divided village, and how he sets about to keep his faith in winning this race between man and machine।


बुधवार, 2 मई 2007

पारिवारिक संबंधों की मीमांसा (?) करता भारतीय मीडिया

पारिवारिक संबंधों की मीमांसा (?) करता भारतीय मीडिया

काफी अंतराल बीत चुका है देश के इलेक्ट्रानिक चैनलों पर पटना के प्रो. मटुकनाथ और उनकी प्रेमिका जूली के प्रेम प्रसंग को महिमामंडित किए हुए, लेकिन जनता के जहन में अब भी उस प्रसंग की याद ताजा है और जब भी सब कुछ भूलने के कगार पर पहुंचता है, किसी न किसी मुद्दे पर फिर से इन दोनों को स्क्रीन पर लाकर उन भूलीबिसरी यादों को ताजा कर दिया जाता है. तमाम टीवी शोज के माध्यम से कहीं न कहीं इस संबंध पर आम सहमति बनाने का प्रयास किया गया और कुछ हद तक मीडिया इसमें सफल भी हुई. मिश्रित प्रतिक्रियाओं का दौर चलता रहा. न तो समाज के रहनुमा ही अपनी बात ठीक से रख पाए और न ही प्रो. मटुकनाथ और जूली को सही तरीके से पेश किया जा सका. शायद यही कारण रहा कि समय बीतने के साथ ही मटुकनाथ लवगुरू के रूप में चचिॆत हो गये.

अब नया मामला

इस विवादित प्रेम प्रसंग का अभी खात्मा भी नहीं हुआ था कि २ मई को इंडिया टीवी और जी-न्यूज चैनल ने एक बार फिर पंजाब के एक ५५ वषीॆय व्यक्ति की उसके बीवी और बहुओं द्वारा की गई पिटाई का लाइव कवरेज परोस दिया। इस लाइव कवरेज के फुटेज में इस व्यक्ति और इसकी कथित प्रेमिका की बेददीॆ से पिटाई की गई और कथित प्रेमिका के कपड़े फाड़ दिये गए. इतना ही नहीं उस कथित प्रेमिका के अंतवॆस्त्रों के दशॆन भी फुटेज में कराए गए. इस विसंगतिपूणॆ कवरेज के बाद भी जब मीडिया का मन नहीं भरा तो मारपीट करने वाली उस व्यक्ति की बीवी और दोनों बहुओं से लाइव साक्षात्कार का सिलसिला शुरू हुआ. इसमें इन औरतों ने जायदाद का आलाप शुरू कर दिया. न तो वह व्यक्ति कहीं दिखाई दिया और न ही उसकी कथित प्रेमिका.

परिवार सलाह केंद्र बना मीडिया

उक्त दोनों घटनाओं के बाद अब लगता है कि हमारे देश का मीडिया एक परिवार सलाह केंद्र की भूमिका भी अदा करने लगा है और वो भी ब्रेकिंग न्यूज के माध्यम से. ऐसा लगता है किसी परिवार के अंतकॆलह को उजागर करना ही अब इलेक्ट्रानिक मीडिया के लिए ब्रेकिंग न्यूज बन गया है. अगर परिवार सलाह केंद्र की भूमिका ही अदा करनी है तो मीडिया को इसके लिए अलग से एक कायॆक्रम बना लेना चाहिए जिसमें विशेषग्यों को शामिल करना चाहिये. मीडिया को यह अधिकार किसने दिया कि वह किसी व्यक्ति को अपराधी करार दे. आरोपी को अपराधी नहीं बनाया जा सकता. लोकतंत्र में यह अधिकार न्यायालय को है कि वह किसी व्यक्ति को अपराधी करार दे. जी न्यूज में इस व्यक्ति को बाकायदा अय्याश, रंगीनमिजाजी बता दिया गया.यह सब क्या इंगित करता है. शायद अपने कुछेक स्ट्रिंग आपरेशन की सफलता ने इलेक्ट्रानिक मीडिया को अहंकार का शिकार बना दिया है. यह ऐसा अहंकार है जो टूटते देर नहीं लगेगी अगर लोकतंत्र के तीन स्तंभ मजबूत बन जाएं. कम से कम अगर ऐसे मामलों पर विधायिका एक हो गई तो इस प्रकार का दुस्साहस करना इनके लिए मुश्किल हो जाएगा.

पत्रकारिता की आत्मा के साथ खिलवाड़

भारत देश विविध संस्कृति, सभ्यता, गौरवपूणॆ इतिहास के साथ ही संवेदनशील पत्रकारिता के लिए भी जाना जाता है. संवेदनशीलता इसकी आत्मा है. हालांकि, बाजारवाद के इस दौर में कई बार हम पत्रकारों को अपने उसूलों से समझौता करना पड़ता है परन्तु यह सच है कि संवेदना प्रदशिॆत करते समय हम किसी भी मिथ्यापन से समझौता नहीं करते. किसी घटना को सामने रखते समय सिफॆ उसके तथ्यों को सामने लाया जाता है. उस पर अपनी प्रतिक्रिया देने का अलग मंच होता है. मटुकनाथ और अब २ मई के प्रकरण ने तो ऐसा साबित कर दिया कि किसी पुरुष का अपमान करना ही मीडिया का काम है. कहीं न कहीं मीडिया उन ह्यूमन राइट एक्टिविस्ट की तरह हो गई है जो सिफॆ सनसनी पर विश्वास रखते हैं. क्या सनसनी फैलाना ही एक मात्र उद्देश्य बचा है. इसका समाज पर क्या असर हो रहा है, उस व्यक्ति के मानवाधिकार का किस प्रकार उल्लंघन हो रहा है, यह देखना क्या मीडिया का धमॆ नहीं? क्या सनसनी की आड़ में मीडिया संवेदनहीन हो गई है.

विवाहित जीवन का स्याह पक्ष

बड़े भारी मन से यह कहना पड़ रहा है कि अब तक शोषित, पीड़ित समझी जा रही महिला के पक्ष में ही तमाम कायदेकानून हैं। कुछ दिनों पूवॆ सुप्रीम कोटॆ ने एक निणॆय दिया था जिसमें शारीरिक संबंधों न बनाने को मानसिक प्रताड़ना का अंग माना गया। यह निणॆय क्या हुआ, महिलाओं के कथित ठेकेदारों के तेवर तल्ख हो गए. किसी ने भी इस बात की वकालत नहीं की कि उपेक्षित सेक्स संबंधों के समय पुरुष क्या करे. इन मामलों में मनोचिकित्सक की राय क्यों नहीं ली जाती. सेक्स संबंधों की उपेक्षा का असर किस प्रकार शारीरिक और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर पड़ता है, यह इस लेख का मुद्दा नहीं है परन्तु है जगजाहिर. देश में दहेज प्रताड़ना, स्त्री प्रताड़ना से जुड़े कई कानून हैं परन्तु इनका गलत इस्तेमाल करने के लिए कोई कानून नहीं है. स्त्री-पुरुष एकता की बात करते हुए दूसरे पक्ष को क्यों भूला जा रहा है. धारा ४९८ ए का उपयोग कोई भी स्त्री कर सकती है. कई बार पति-पत्नी के अहं का टकराव भी इन धाराओं के इस्तेमाल का कारण बन जाता है.

अंत में

इस प्रकार के प्रसंगों को भविष्य में प्रसारित करते समय मीडिया को दोनों पक्षों का गंभीरता से विचार करना चाहिए. वेस्टनॆ देशों की तजॆ पर मीडिया को सनसनी फैलाने से बचना चाहिए. अन्यथा जनता का जो विश्वास इतने सालों से मीडिया पर बना है, उसे टूटते देर नहीं लगेगी.