Dutt promises Gandhigiri, not to contest against vajpayee

Sanjay Dutt made his political debut in style in Lucknow on Saturday, with a roadshow which he himself led riding on a bike. But the newly minted ‘neta’ also declared he would not contest against Vajpayee.

"I respect Atalji a lot. He is like my father....If he contests election from here, then netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) has also asked me not to contest elections", Dutt told reporters here.

Asked about the reaction of Congress MP Priya Dutt to Sanjay's contesting the elections, Amar Singh said that she was like her younger sister and he himself, if Priya would permit, would campaign for her along with Sanjay in the coming Loksabha polls.

In reply to a question, Dutt, who appeared in the Munnabhai series of films based on Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, said his plank would be Gandhigiri in coming elections.

About what would he do against Mayawati government charged with corruption by SP, Dutt, reflecting Gandhigiri, said he would like to give her flowers.

On whether he would prefer Manyatta to be in fray for the seat if he would not be allowed by the court to contest the elections, Dutt said it would be decided by SP leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh.

Sanjay Dutt, who will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Lucknow constituency on a Samajwadi Party ticket, said at his first press conference as a ‘neta’ that he was looking forward to becoming a politician and serve the nation. Dutt also said that he was thankful to SP for giving him a chance to serve the people.

It was a star-studded press conference where Dutt was flanked by actors Manoj Tewari, Jaya Prada and Jaya Bachchan. He was also accompanied with his wife Manyatta and SP party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh.

On his decision to join to the SP, Dutt stated that post the demise of his father Sunil Dutt, he felt lonely. In this bleak time, it was Amar Singh who stayed alongside him, he added. After coming to Lucknow, Dutt said further, he feels that he is not alone.

Dutt thanked Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh for their support and especially mentioned Digvijay Singh -- a senior Congressmen -- for saying that it was wrong to arrest him (Sanjay) under TADA. Dutt noted that it was after 17 years when Congress had said something on his arrest.

He reiterated that his father did a lot for the nation and he looks forward to doing the same for the nation.

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Ghajini gets 100 per cent collections

Actor Aamir Khan's latest film Ghajini rocked the box office, taking in 100 per cent collections across the country on its opening day Thursday, an executive of the movie's India distributor said.

Aamir Khan, who was present at the trial run of the movie at a preview theatre in Mumbai Wednesday, reportedly said that "Ghajini" has created a record by becoming the first Bollywood movie in recent times for which the tickets had been sold in advance for all five days of the opening week across the country.

According to trade reports, in view of the unprecedented audience expectation for the film, the multiplexes are asking the distributors to increase the number of prints. The decision in this regard has not yet to be taken.

The movie has been released within the country with 1,400 prints. Reliance BIG Pictures has released 213 prints overseas.

Meanwhile, Ghajini raked in Rs 70 million during 650 paid previews at multiplexes in India on Wednesday. "Although the movie has not received uniform favourable reviews, the hype created around it has worked wonders and there is little doubt that the movie will turn out to be a superhit," said trade analyst V Verma.

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Aamir is the best! - Mrs. Aamir Khan

Before the release of Ghajini it was Amir Khan who was doing everything to promote his film. Now, a day after its release, it seems his wife is out to share that responsibility and do her own bit for the film’s promotion.

Kiran Rao says, “It’s an excellent film. I like Aamir’s Ghajini look a lot. The way this film has opened, I can say with confidence that my husband is number one. Aamir has performed exceptionally well in the film. In fact the whole team of Ghajini deserves praise for giving an excellent performance."

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I was completely devastated after Mumbai attacks: AR Rahman

AR Rahman and music are synonymous. The mellifluous magic that the maestro composes enchants the very being of listeners across the world. His soulful music is a balm in these chaotic times, when India wreathes in pain after repeated terror attacks on its integrity and bloodbath in the name of region and religion.

And now he has won the prestigious Golden Globe nomination for his compositions for the internationally acclaimed ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’

In an exclusive interview to Spicezee.com’s Swati Chaturvedi in ‘Kahiye Janaab’, AR Rahman shares his views on these turbulent times, his music and much more.

Swati: Being an artist, you are all the more sensitive to the problems that are plaguing the nation. What is your reaction to the terror attacks in Mumbai?

Rahman: I was completely devastated. The whole week was very bad. I had to finish a film. I finished the film and left for America. I was going through stress and extreme sadness. It took me almost a week to return back to my normal self.

Swati: Are you sad or angry after the attacks?

Rahman: Both. I am angry because it is inhuman to take lives. People who are responsible for our protection (read politicians) should not only inform and alert everyone, but also provide proper security. Rich or poor, every human being is entitled to proper security against such attacks. The good thing is that people are mature, they understand the problem and are not getting involved in the blame game. People are trying to tackle the problem intellectually. It’s important for educated masses to understand and work towards preventing such terror acts in the future.

Swati: You feel that the country is developing but do you think, somewhere the politicians are holding back the nation?

Rahman: No. India is a young country. Indians are strong and are progressing. Nobody can hold us back. I firmly believe that Indians are sensible and spiritual. Of late, the understanding has become better. We know what is true and what is false.

Swati: Your good friend Aamir Khan refrained from celebrating Eid. Did you celebrate Eid?

Rahman: No Eid this time. Even my wife called up and said that she doesn’t feel like celebrating Eid. There was so much sadness everywhere.

Swati: Of late, Islam is being labeled. What is the message of Islam for you?

Rahman: I became spiritual because of Sufism and it is a universal phenomenon. Sufism has followers from all religion. Because of Sufism, I have got success. India is a blessed place; even the Prophet has said this. Religion should not be labeled. Education is the message of Islam. Everyone should get proper education so that they gain wisdom.

Swati: How much does the political situation in the country affect your music?

Rahman: It actually kind of exhausted my energy. I had to take a break. I was in shock last week, but music is my medicine. Music transports and heals you. I feel that I am blessed and I want to share the same feeling with others. That’s why I don’t take hiatus from work because it is work that rejuvenates me. It is great to give something as beautiful as music to others.

Swati: Your song ‘Rubaru’ was very well received. Please tell us about it.

Rahman: ‘Rubaru’ means light and it is relevant in these dark days. Right now, there is so much confusion, negative feelings and anger. As an artist, what you can give is love and free hugs.

Swati: You have got stupendous success as a music composer. Which is personally your favourite album?

Rahman: My latest Nokia Connections album gave me a lot of creative freedom. I did what I wanted to do. The song collection in the album is diverse. There are songs, which have never been done before. I have used a different style. The internal feedback that I have received is very good. Let’s see what people have to say about it. The compositions include a song from old Tamil literature, a love song - Jiah se Jiah, Punjabi song – Dil and other tracks.

Swati: Your music is becoming more meditative with age. Your take on this…

Rahman: I became old when I was 12 due to the circumstances in my family. May be I am getting younger now.

Swati: What is your inspiration while composing a romantic song?

Rahman: Love is definitely a phenomenon that transports you into a different world. Love is such a feeling that is beautiful. Even if a person is coming to murder you, love can change that person.

The interview ended on such a ‘lovely’ note, the maestro even crooned ‘Jiah se Jiah’ love song.

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