July 27, 1998

Maybe Suresh Oberoi has a problem with geography. Bollywood actors usually head for Hollywood. But Oberoi found himself in Japan, acting in Pride, The Fateful Moment, based on the life of wartime prime minister Tojo Hideki. The film is a big hit in Japan, but reviled in the West for it depicts Tojo as a hero and suggests the Rape of Nanking never occurred. Oberoi plays Radha Binode Pal, a barrister from India who became a hero in Japan because he was one of the dissenting judges at the Tokyo Tribunal in 1948. Still, Tojo was eventually convicted for war crimes. Says Oberoi, understandably noncommittal: "The Allies painted Tojo as a villain; this just shows how Japan looks at him."

Macho Melody

If Aamir Khan can talk his way through Aati kya Khandala why can't the Baron of the Bicep, Sanjay Dutt, do the same? Well, he is. The actor who doesn't even croak in the bathroom is singing a rap number Aye Shivani in the film Khubsoorat. Fine, but can he sing? Says Dutt: "I surprised myself, I actually can." It wasn't easy though, he was nervous. As we get ready to listen, so are we.

His Own Man

Maybe Nitin Bali got tired of being known as ex-veejay Ruby Bhatia's husband. So now he's got his own claim to fame: a music album. No doubt, Ruby had nothing to do with it? "Not at all," says Basheer Sheikh of BMG Crescendo, "he's got the voice, looks and performance." Ah, another hidden talent.

Dance of Silence

Astad Deboo never sits still. His latest show, touring India, features hearing-impaired students from America's Gallaudet University. Called Road Signs, it combines mime, dance and sign language. Says Deboo: "How does one communicate complex, creative ideas without using words and sounds?" Clearly, he's found an answer.

BUZZ...

An aide, briefing the PM on the Women's Bill, said that in 15 years every constituency would have had a woman MP. The logic: with 33 per cent reservation every election, in three elections every constituency would be covered. Replied Vajpayee: "Are you sure India will have only three elections in the next 15 years?"

Issue Contents | Write to us | Subscriptions | Syndication

© Living Media India Ltd