Bhagbaan preview

BAGHBAAN

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Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Mahima Chaudhary, Paresh Rawal, Aman Verma, Suman Ranganathan and Asrani
Director: Ravi Chopra
Producer: B. R. Chopra
Music: Aadesh Shrivastava

PREDICTED RATING: 6/10

Bollywood's living legend Amitabh Bachchan returns to the big screen once again the family drama Baghbaan, supported by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Hema Malini, Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhary. The film, which is directed by Ravi Chopra, looks at the changing relationship between parents and their adult children. The inspiration actually came after producer B. R. Chopra visited an elderly people's home abroad and talked to residents about their experience of living away from their children. He was so moved by the stories that he decided there and then to make a movie covering the subject.

However since some time has passed between making this decision and the film actually being produced, there have been quite a few changes in the cast of Baghbaan. For starters, Dilip Kumar was the original choice for the lead role, which has now been enacted by Amitabh Bachchan. The adopted child in the film, now played by Salman Khan, was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan, whilst the girlfriend of the character was given to Juhi Chawla and later Mahima Chaudhary. One of the sons, now played by Aman Verma, was originally offered to Mohnish Behl too. However the game of musical chairs in the casting department eventually settled down and the final lineup has proved quite impressive.

Baghbaan is the story of a large Indian family, headed by Raj Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan), together with his glamorous wife Pooja (Hema Malini) and their four sons. The two parents have raised the family with dedication and love. The end result is full of success since all four sons have eventually settled down nicely in their respective professions. However following Raj Malhotra's retirement, the emotional man is devastated when neither of his children wants to support the parents in their old age. The aging couple must even depend on the kindness of strangers. Must they struggle alone or will their sons return the love they were given during childhood? Salman Khan, in a special appearance, plays Raj Malhotra's more kind hearted adopted son whilst Mahima is his girlfriend who eventually becomes his wife.

SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 2003

PREVIEWED BY ROBEEL HAQ

The Chopra´s are ready with their next, but this time it is not the Yash Chopra group, it is B.R. Chopra´s production team making their return after quite some time. Makers of films like Waqt and Zameer are coming back to the foray with what is another Bollywood biggie "Baghban". The film has been in the news from the beginning, if not for pairing Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan once more, but for its "holi" song composed by Aadesh Shrivastav, sung by Amitabh Bachchan. Then for having Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhary in short, but meaningful roles. Baghban is a family film in its entirety and touches the heart with its sensitive subject which once again has Amitabh at its helm.

Complete from the production house of style and panache, Baghban also features newcomers in pivotal roles, as well as character artistes like Yash Pathak, the lovable young boy from Rahul, Paresh Rawal, Suman Ranganathan, Divya Dutta, etc. Directed by Ravi Chopra, Baghban asks the question; will they be there for you when you need them?

As philosophical as the question seem the question asks for the simplest of them all and presents a problem in society that is constantly throttling elders today. Raj Malhotra is a hard working man who has worked endlessly to secure for his wife Pooja (Hema Malini) and his four sons. The writers of the film have paralleled his life, his work and his dreams to that of a gardener who plants his seeds, tends to his garden and watches his products reap the benefits. The dilemma comes when Raja becomes old and feeble and unable to take care of himself. Now, the seeds that he has planted, the kids that he have taken care of, nurtured and brought to wealth and happiness do not reap him any benefits. He has helped his kids take their first step, but will his family help him take his last? The struggles he goes through dealing with this and trying to implement that taking care of one´s family and at the same time questioning "Can We Depend On Our Family?", describes the struggle of Baghban.

SHO0TING REPORT
In Leicester Square!

Leicester Square has always been a popular location for Bollywood movie shoots, being featured in classics such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenga and more recently Mujhse Dosti Karoge. Indian film fans will watch the popular London landmark on the big screen once again in Ravi Chopra's forthcoming family film Bhagbaan. The director arranged a recent shooting schedule at the location, which featured popular film stars Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhary. The duo managed to attract a modest British Asian crowd thanks to their presence and there was also plenty of curious looking people that had never watched a Bollywood movie in their life and kept questioning people about the identity of the two celebrities.

Salman Khan, of course, has been involved in headline hitting controversies lately and the trip allowed him to temporarily leave his problems at home. Although he didn't appear completely carefree, the actor did manage a few smiles for his excited fans. "Oh my god, its Salman Khan," a local girl screamed into her mobile phone after spotted her idol. "Oh my god he's looking at me. Oh my god, I've got to buy a camera quickly," she continued before abruptly disconnecting the call and running to a nearby shop. The reaction seems rather common amongst the crowd of people that quickly gathered. Countless people are going through their mobile phone address books and calling everyone to tell them the news. Some had heard about the film shoot and some happened to visit Leicester Square at the right time.

The scene being shot involved both Salman and Mahima with their backs turned to the camera. They then turn around and it's revealed that Salman is having a telephone conversation with Amitabh Bachchan's character, whilst Mahima is sipping on her Starbucks coffee. The Big B is not present at the shoot and a crewmember mouths off the lines. The conversation is a friendly chat, where Amitabh asks Salman when he is coming home as they all miss him terribly. He then tells Salman they will look for a girl when he returns home so that he can settle down. Amitabh is then informed that Salman has found someone himself and she's very beautiful. Amitabh is happy and says he looks forward to meeting her. The call is finished and Salman has a quick chat with Mahima and loving strokes her hair. The end.

The nearby crowd gets very familiar with this scene because it's enacted over and over again, with different angles, lightening and backgrounds. After a series of takes, its time for a break. An opportunity for the crowd to flock towards the two stars and get their autographs. Both Salman and Mahima are happy to sign away, although they are obviously affected by the cold weather. They are both literally shaking like mad. Mahima decides to run into a nearby cinema for a little heat. The attendant at the door looks puzzled, contemplating whether to ask Mahima for her ticket. Meanwhile Salman is handed his mobile phone and smoked a cigarette. His call looks important but a local homeless man interrupts it by approaching the Bollywood star for some spare change. Salman gives him a smile and searches through his pockets. Nothing. He then calls over an assistant and tells him to hand over his change. The assistant complies with the request and the homeless man leaves with a happy face and a pocket full of coins.

Before long its time to pack-up and leave. A cold Mahima quickly puts on her large coat to warm up. She then leaves with two crewmembers. Salman hangs around a little longer and then makes his exit too. "That was amazing," a local lad tells us. "I'm a huge Salman Khan fan and Mahima looked stunning. I got their autographs too. I won't forget their day in a hurry and I can't wait to watch the film now".

WRITTEN BY ROBEEL HAQ
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