Thursday, March 8, 2007

Selvaraghavan

Selvaraghavan: I'll give One among you 6 tickets for Kadhal Kondein! Get lucky!!

clive: Hello
Selvaraghavan: clive, hello

tusharbhatia: hi
Selvaraghavan: tusharbhatia, hi

Bharathi24: hai
Selvaraghavan: bharathi24, hi

Preethi: hi Director sir!
Selvaraghavan: hi preethi

ravi: A warm welcome to you Mr. Selva
Selvaraghavan: ravi, hi

anu: hi
Selvaraghavan: hi anu

vidsa: hello
Selvaraghavan: hello vidsa

ENGELS: hello Sir, May I know why r u make ur dream couple ever ''running'' from
Selvaraghavan: engels, I prefer to run with my girlfriend.

deva: what is ur favourite country?
Selvaraghavan: deva, India.

priyan: helo sir. how r u?
Selvaraghavan: priyan, I am fine.

hari: hi I am an mbbs graduate. what is ur movie doctors about?
Selvaraghavan: hari, its about how much you people suffer to complete your course.


venki: sir, who is your roleplay?
Selvaraghavan: venki, Oliver Stone.

priyan: how abt ur opinion for kadhal kondaen?
Selvaraghavan: priyan, it was a nice experience.

sumamani: hello
Selvaraghavan: hello sumamani.

hari: what is ur movie with my favourite hero surya about?
Selvaraghavan: hari, it's about gangsters.

Preethi: Hearty welcome sir!
Selvaraghavan: thanks, preethi.

jagan: what's ur educational qualification?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, BE Mechanical.

hari: my favourite music director is Ilayaraja and hence yuvan. how is it working with him?
Selvaraghavan: hari, great

kasirajan: dear selvaragavan you've said that you want to direct mr robert de nero
Selvaraghavan: kasirajan, if I get an opportunity.

jothika: hello sir
Selvaraghavan: hi jothika

rajinirao: which is more difficult - acting, directing or directing your own brother?
Selvaraghavan: rajinirao, directing my brother

Lilly: what is ur next film?
Selvaraghavan: lilly, 7 G Rainbow Colony.

kasirajan: I wish you to direct 'robert de nero'. selva but can I asst you? can I come join you ?
Selvaraghavan: kasirajan, if I get an opportunity, you can come and assist me.

Preethi: how r u thiz evening? sir?
Selvaraghavan: preethi, it's very nice chatting with you people.

jagan: do u think the other directors will reveal the talents of dhanush like u?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, we have to wait and see.

jagan: What is Rainbow Colony all about?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, it's K K Nagar story.

priyan: sir, how will I get from u (get lucky ticket for kadhal kondaen?)
Selvaraghavan: priyan, you'll have to wait till the end of the chat.

Preethi: have u ever dreamt of becoming a film director? sir?
Selvaraghavan: preethi, I was always dreaming about becoming a film director.

Guest49: hi, how to became a movie star?
Selvaraghavan: guest49, it should be your fate.

jagan: When did u feel that it is possible to direct a film by urself and make it successful?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, when I was 14.

jaya: Hearty Welcome Selvaraghavan Sir
Selvaraghavan: jaya, hi and thanks.

hari: is surya antihero?
Selvaraghavan: hari, yes.

Lilly: Being an engineering student, y did u choose this career
Selvaraghavan: lilly, engineering for my parents, film making for myself.

CHITRA: Congratulations to you and to my cousin Arvind for this beautiful film, Kadal kondein, Hi Arvind!
Selvaraghavan: chitra, hi. thanks

ENGELS: Hello Sir .....Your heroine is so cute ....Miss Soniya ....
Selvaraghavan: engels, she'd be glad to hear that.

hari: how is Rainbow Colony shaping out?
Selvaraghavan: hari, great.

jagan: What's the pitch made u as a director ---- is it ur father's inspiration/compulsion or personal interest?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, personal interest.

priyan: u like music.. (which ur favorite music director?)
Selvaraghavan: priyan, yes I like music. no comments about favs.

Lilly: ur house address ??
Selvaraghavan: lilly, I live in chennai.

Raj: vanga Sir vanakkam
Selvaraghavan: raj, vanakkam

Srinivas: Me and my friends enjoyed the Movie (kadhal kondein) But in the second half, little bit of ??????Why it happened?
Selvaraghavan: srinvas, it's always there in every film.

kasirajan: HOW CAN I CONTACT RIGHT NOW I'VE FINISHED A DIRECTION COURSE IN SIFI SIR.
Selvaraghavan: kasirajan, wish you all the best.

CHITRA: Will your team do the Hindi version of this film?
Selvaraghavan: chitra, we will be doing it in January.

nagarajan: for how long u r in this field?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, four years.

UTS: First of all, congrats on making a brilliant movie
Selvaraghavan: UTS, thanks.

jaya: Who is ur inspiration of becoming a film director
Selvaraghavan: jaya, bharathiraja.

Preethi: what is LIFE, according to u, other than cine field?
Selvaraghavan: preethi, just live for today and have fun.

nagarajan: one must have luck or influence or capacity to enter into film industry
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, more than anything, talent.

UTS: how did u decide on your cast and crew?
Selvaraghavan: UTS, we follow our instincts.

Guest76: hi selva, how r u feeling after the success of K.k?
Selvaraghavan: guest76, thanks to you all.

ENGELS: Sir...Is there any chance for us to see a film like.....Pather paanjaali, Bicycle Thieves, Roshamaan........from you?
Selvaraghavan: engels, I'll try my level best.
ENGELS: I think u can...best wishes

UTS: hai arvind
Selvaraghavan: hi

nagarajan: how u have guts to take a film with new faces?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, you dont need guts. u need a good screenplay
nagarajan: even though u have a good screenplay, someone like u must take risk to introduce new faces.

hari: Who is the heroine of rainbow colony
Selvaraghavan: hari, the heroine of 'Boys'

nagarajan: I wish that many must come into the film industry to give life to the industry

Guest49: ur hobbies sir?
Selvaraghavan: guest49, watching movies.

Lilly: how did u manage the artists to make them perform as u feel?
Selvaraghavan: lilly, I just follow what I had imagined inside.

guru: hi, mr ragav have u tried for any other heros for the movie 'Kadhal Kondain' or u have satisfied with ur brother?
Selvaraghavan: guru, I am happy with my brother

Guest49: hello sir, kadhal kondhein was xllent but is the story a real based story?
Selvaraghavan: guest49, it's a mixture.

Lilly: what do u say about the demolishing of Seeraniarangam?
Selvaraghavan: lilly, I never liked seeranirangam.

vinod: when is ur nxt movie going to b release?
Selvaraghavan: vinod, December.

Guest: hi selva. Is Rainbow Colony same type of film?
Selvaraghavan: guest, no.

nagarajan: because nowadays film industry is suffering due to high costs due to high wages to actors etc, someone like u must change this trend
Selvaraghavan: nagarjan, thanks. I'll try.

jagan: What's ur ultimate goal?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, to make you people happy with my films.

jaya: Sir, but it seems that ur films are far from Bharathiraja's films
Selvaraghavan: jaya, we're different film makers.

jagan: do u have any dream project with u like kamal's Maruthanayagam?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, everybody has. I have one too.

Guest: is Arvind krishna with you?
Selvaraghavan: guest, yes Arvind is very much here.

Raj: What's your next movie and whom you are going to work with?
Selvaraghavan: raj, Rainbow colony, A M Rathnam

jothika: how do u feel working with own famly members, selva?
Selvaraghavan: jothika, it gives you a lot of freedom.

alaipayuthey: hai, selva its a gr8 moment seeing ur movie
Selvaraghavan: alaipayuthey, thanks.

nagarajan: I wish u to be in the film industry for a long time and give us good films
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, I will try. thanks again.

UTS: Dhanush is a brilliant actor with tremendous potential
Selvaraghavan: UTS, thanks.

Subash: Dear Mr. Selvaragavan, Hats off for ur first film
Selvaraghavan: Thanks subhash.

guru: do u have any ambtion like doing film for rajini or kamal?
Selvaraghavan: guru, I am happy doing what I am doing now

UTS: The lighting is excellent in the movie so is the music. the secret?????
Selvaraghavan: UTS, it means they are good.

Guest49: arvind are you there. this is chander and family?
Selvaraghavan: guest49, hi this is aravind.

swathi: hi selva, ur role model plzzz.
Selvaraghavan: swathi, my role model is Oliver Stone

ENGELS: Sir....... Wat abt ur stand on LPG other than Cinema?.......(Libaralisation, Privatisation and Globalisation)?
Selvaraghavan: Engels, its a must for our country.

Lilly: r u aiming for Oscar?
Selvaraghavan: lilly, I am dreaming about Oscar

nagarajan: how is the film industry now when compared to previous periods?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, doing better.

guru: I think ur brother s a great actor and ur a great director so y dont u try only within u coz u can pitch ur views the society what do u say?
Selvaraghavan: guru, I need to get different experiences

hari: I like yuvan music. please extract much of him
Selvaraghavan: hari, I am already doing it.

nagarajan: do u have any idea to move toTelugu films?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, do one good Tamil film and they'll call you.

Guest35: What do say abt the cotribution of music & camera?
Selvaraghavan: guest135, without them movies won't happen.

UTS: how do you decide on the location?
Selvaraghavan: UTS, by searching.

swathi: sir, would u like to do some family subjects?
Selvaraghavan: swathi, I'll try.

Preethi: What kind of probs do u face while making a film, sir?
Selvaraghavan: preethi, every problem in the world.

Guest: any comical films from you?
Selvaraghavan: guest, maybe my next film.

nagarajan: my best wishes for all ur films in the future.
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, thanks.

jagan: would u like to share about ur dream project with us?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, if I share it with you, it won't be a dream anymore.

hari: hi aravind, ur photography was incredible
Selvaraghavan: thanks, hari.

ENGELS: Hi Arvind .....congrats.....U made us mad ......That fight with dance..........superb
Selvaraghavan: engels, thanks.

shyam: hello sir
Selvaraghavan: hello shyam

guru: raghavan I think some directors will fall in love with their heroines . have u ?
Selvaraghavan: guru, yes.

alaipayuthey: selvargavan ur screenplay is grt but concentrate on technical aspects such as lighting & cinematography.
Selvaraghavan: alaipayuthey, I will

jothika: but won't it be embrassing when ur first film is bit romantic?
Selvaraghavan: jothika, I dont think so.

UTS: Who is the cameraman's role model?
Selvaraghavan: UTS: P C Sreeram

mickey: hi mr raghavan which heroin u like the most?
Selvaraghavan: mickey, Meg Ryan.

nagarajan: how is the film industry in chennai compared to other states?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, can be better.

swathi: selva! what do u think about love?
Selvaraghavan: swathi, ask twice and I'll fall in love with you.

Guest85: thanks for the response. Arvind wish you all the best.
Selvaraghavan: guest85, thanks.

UTS: what is your favourite shot in the movie mr arvind?
Selvaraghavan: UTS, the mirror shot.

nagarajan: if u concentrate on good stories, u can get Oscar awards.
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, we'll do that.

Guest85: this movie, especially the camera gave a feeling of a Hollywood film.
Selvaraghavan: guest85, I love you.

latha: I am latha from chennai
Selvaraghavan: hi, latha.

Lilly: do u have any idea of acting?
Selvaraghavan: lilly, one day.

nagarajan: I wish u to get cinema express etc awards to ur film
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, I wish Express people are listening.

Guest39: the music was great. rerecording shall win an award for sure
Selvaraghavan: guest39, thanks.

ENGELS: Ohhhhhhh.......Can you accept the MNCs to exploit our nation?.....
Selvaraghavan: engels, you can't avoid them.

UTS: yuvan, arvind and u are a brilliant team
Selvaraghavan: thanks UTS.

jagan: selva, u have proved with ur brother that smart looking is not an essential one for a person to survive in the film industry. But may I know the reason for selecting cute heroiens --- just to compensateaa, is it so?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, I love to see good heroines in my films.

UTS: Mr.arvind what is your favourtite shot and why??
Selvaraghavan: UTS, the one with mirrors cos it was quite difficult shooting it

Guest72: ru doing any oter film with dhanush?
Selvaraghavan: guest72, I am doing two movies with him

nagarajan: how is ur personal life and I wish it to be good also.
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, I just fought with my girlfriend.

nagarajan: any other field u r interested?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, I can't think of anything.

UTS: Next movie are you planning overseas release as well, like Australia and US
Selvaraghavan: UTS, yes.

hari: what is the experimental aspect of doctors?
Selvaraghavan: hari, you wait and see.

nagarajan: do u follow someone as ur admiror?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, nobody.

Pandian: When'll we get good cinema from Tamil directors?
Selvaraghavan: pandian, you are already getting.

nagarajan: any other news to ur visitors?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, thanks for chatting.

nagarajan: how is ur relationship with press?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, very good.

UTS: Overall KK is a clear depiction of excellent team work and dedication
Selvaraghavan: UTS, thanks.

nagarajan: keep friendship with them (the press) as they are also responsible for success of films
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, that's the secret.

Guest63: hi, all feeling on top of the world at home?
Selvaraghavan: guest63, yes.

nagarajan: tell me something about our chief minister
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, would love to see her and talk to her.

saran: hai - how r u - tell me about ur family
Selvaraghavan: saran, it's like your family.

rajinirao: working with big stars is easier or new faces is easier?
Selvaraghavan: rajinirao, everything is same.

UTS: I am writing from Australia and I am a big fan of your work
UTS: I saw your first movie too and excellent.
Selvaraghavan: UTS, thanks.

Guest35: how many movies do accept at a time?
Selvaraghavan: guest35, only one.

jagan: Arvind, camera work is excellent in k.k. Its is really difficult to believe that its ur first film ---- selva ur comment abt arvind's contribution.
Selvaraghavan: jagan, he's the best cameraman I could ever work with.

UTS: alright sir good luck to u and mr.arvind
UTS: keep up the good work.
Selvaraghavan: UTS, thanks.

Guest1032: which actor do you like most, among the old timers I mean?
Selvaraghavan: guest1032, Amitabh, Dileep kumar

Guest8: selva we wish u & ur team of yuvan & arvind all the best.
Selvaraghavan: guest8, thank you.

tamil_kirukkan: how did u think to take these kinds of films with adults?
Selvaraghavan: tamil_kirukkan, explain your question.

godcalling: To Arvind Krishna - After Kurudi Punal and KK - anymore acting roles??
Selvaraghavan: godcalling, any good offers I'll take it up.

godcalling: What do u think can be done NEW and DIFFERENT in cinematography??
Selvaraghavan: godcalling, every film is new and different.

godcalling: What do u think of the "CASTING COUCH"? Does it happen? - Just asking as ur a director and had a new heroine?
Selvaraghavan: godcalling, sometimes it happens.

tamil_kirukkan: what is ur next film, whose production
Selvaraghavan: tamil_kirukkan, Rainbow Colony, AM Rathnam

rajinirao: Mr. Selva is there a chance, some day Tamil film will also get International audience's attention?
Selvaraghavan: rajnirao, it's already getting and so many films won international awards.

kluivats: Can we expect an "Art film" from you?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, yes.

Guest46: hi arvind great lighting. good camera work. lively music.
Selvaraghavan: guest46, thanks.

rajinirao: with young talent like you?
Selvaraghavan: rajnirao, maybe.

Guest10: what made you to come into the cine field?
Selvaraghavan: guest10, passion.

ssm_ooty: do u have any idea to enter into current politics?
Selvaraghavan: ssm_ooty, no way. maybe international politics.

Guest75: all the best to u in ur future projects.bye.
Selvaraghavan: guest75, thank you

tamil_kirukkan29: what is ur next film, whose production?
Selvaraghavan: tamil-kirukkan29, I have already answered that 29 times.

Guest75: who all r there with u right now on this chat
Selvaraghavan: guest75, my cameraman arvind

Guest2: hi
Selvaraghava: hi guest2

Pritty: how can Tamil cinema improve its aspects? What new things do u plan to introduce?? Like the freeze frame in devathai song??
Selvaraghavan: pritty, planning so many things, technically and story-wise. tough to explain

rajinirao: digital cinema - is it going to benefit producers & distris or not yet?
Selvaraghavan: rajnirao, it is.

kluivats: Why is this confrontation between producers and distributors happening?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, you've to ask them, I am only a film maker.

NILA: hi sir! howz life?
Selvaraghavan: nila, as bright as you.

guru: hello selvaragavan
Selvaraghavan: guru, hello.

kluivats: If your film gets stuck in their tuzzle will you remain mute?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, still I cant do anything it's for them to sort out.

ajay93: hi
Selvaraghavan: hi, ajay93

purushothaman: why u choose the kadal konden story to make it a flim?
Selvaraghavan: purushothaman, why can't I?

sridhar: hi selva congratulations on the movies success - i saw ur shooting in breeze hotel, but hw come the scenes were cut?
Selvaraghavan: sridhar, I felt it wasn't necessary.
Selvaraghavan: the breeze carried it away, sridhar

villain: ennappa chat mudinchudutha???
Selvaraghavan: villain, illai.

purushothaman: r u try current heros like vijay, ajith for ur following flims?
Selvaraghavan: purushothaman, if they are available.

BALA: hello
Selvaraghavan: hello bala

godcalling: Why do u wear glasses?
Selvaraghavan: godcalling, I feel good wearing them.

mub: hi mr. selvaraghavan. do u follow any well known style of script writing?
Selvaraghavan: mub, I follow my own style.

sundar: do you feel your goal is acheived?
Selvaraghavan: sundar, 0.5 per cent.

kluivats: Which is your fav. English movie and director?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, there are a lot of films, fav director is F F Coppola

ram: can I know about Mr. selva?
Selvaraghavan: ram, you can know about me in my films.

sundar: do you have plan to help who are in orphanages?
Selvaraghavan: Yes.

sundar: your unforgatable person met in your life time still now
Selvaraghavan: sundar, still to meet one.

sundar: you have any guru in your life?
Selvaraghavan: sundar, Mani Ratnam

sridhar: ok why did u make the bad guy -dhanush lose the girl - why shud the good win- dhanush could have got the girl. in life good guys always finish last.
Selvaraghavan: sridhar, you wouldnt be asking the question if it was like that

sundar: in your busy schedule whom you like to spend time your wife or your mom?
Selvaraghavan: sundar, I prefer to be alone.

kluivats: Fav. Indian film and Bollywood director?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, pathinaru vayathinalae
Selvaraghavan: Yash Chopra, kluivats

Guest: Are you married?
Selvaraghavan: guest, no I am not.
Selvaraghavan: looking for one, guest.

killerkishore87: when did u thought of directing a movie Mr selvaraghavan
Selvaraghavan: killerkishore87, when i was 14.

kluivats: When is your birthday? How old are u?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, 5-6-1976

Karan: hai selva
Selvaraghavan: hai karan.

kluivats: How about directing "chappaani" and "parattai"?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, won't miss a chance.

Karan: congrats for ur achievement.
Selvaraghavan: karan, thanks.

anon: do you like "The Good Son" a lot? or you just found the ending apt?
Selvaraghavan: anon, i didn't like the good son. and I wrote the screeplay before seeing Good Son. sorry about similar endings.

killerkishore87: u have done a great job behind the screen for the movie kadal kondein, raghavan
Selvaraghavan: killerkishore87, thanks.

killerkishore87: what is ur future plans Mr raghavan?
Selvaraghavan: killerkishore87, to make movies.

killerkishore87: are u married or have u been in love ????
Selvaraghavan: killerkishore87, i'm in love.
kluivats: oh? whom? can u let us know?
Selvaraghavan: kluivats, no no no.

Jagan: Do u have any idea of acting in any films in future?
Selvaraghavan: jagan, no.

anon: when is your next movie with Dhanush?
Selvaraghavan: anon, December.

SENTHIL: hai
Selvaraghavan: hi senthil.

rajinirao: Arvind, u have acted in Kurudhip punal, will yougive up camera work for acting?
Selvaraghavan: rajnirao, I like being behind the camera.

vanaja: hi, is yuvan also there with u?
Selvaraghavan: vanaja, no
Selvaraghavan: I just punched him on his nose, I won't be seeing him for a couple of days, vanaja.

sundar: In Kathal Kondan movie your hero is Danush I am not able to understand wether is feeling is right or wrong he is been affected in his small age but after that he had got a good care taker (father character) But after he saw the heroin he changes is style but he started likeing that girl too in that stage what you want to convey
Selvaraghavan: sundar, I just want to convey someone's emotions. we don't behave the same all the time.

shahjahan: performance of dhanush?
Selvaraghavan: shahjahan, good.

sundar: Do you felt that you have chosen the right hero for your picture even though he is your brother you have thought we should have done with some one
Selvaraghavan: sundar, he is the best and he did justice to the role.

sarak: hai
Selvaraghavan: hai sarak

satyanara: hi to selava
Selvaraghavan: hi satyanara

nan: how r u
Selvaraghavan: nan, feeling great answereing your questions.

vanaja34: how did u feel after the comments abt thulluvadho?
Selvaraghavan: vanaja34, I felt good.
Selvaraghavan: good films come with such comments.its part of the package, vanaja34

anon: are u planning to remake any English movie? or are u going to stick with original scripts?
Selvaraghavan: anon, i'll stick to original scripts.
Selvaraghavan: and why do Ii have to remake an English movie, anon?

vanaja34: did'nt those comments put u off. being called a soft porn film?
Selvaraghavan: vanaja34, did you see the film? what is porn about?

subash: what is ur new film?
Selvaraghavan: subash, Rainbow colony

oviam: which impressed you to get invloved in these kind of films?
Selvaraghavan: oviam, I love to just make my own scripts.

subash: how many colours in it?
Selvaraghavan: subash, more than seven.

anon: because there are several good English movies. And it would surely be a challenge for a director to make it into a Tamil movie.
anon: like Maniratnam did for "A Walk in the Park"
Selvaraghavan: anon, sorry, I dont believe in copying.

vanaja34: any plans of making a complete romantic movie? I saw I liked it but general reaction was that.
Selvaraghavan: vanaja34, Rainbow Colony is a romantic movie

Guest16: I am a toughie who wants to play tough guy roles, will you give me a chance?
Selvaraghavan: guest16, when I have a script like that.

bd: Hello, Mr Selva, loved your movie...
Selvaraghavan: bd, hello and thanks

vanaja34: how r ur parents feeling. top of the world? i liked ur fathers writing in kumudam
Selvaraghavan: vanaja34, right now parents are happy.

subash: i am just hearing to ur song
Selvaraghavan: subash, keep listening all your life.

sibi: hello selva huv r u?
Selvaraghavan: sibi, hello

bd: Mr Selva, would just like to ask this...where was the hope in your movie ? There needs to be some hope for humankind to carry on ...even though your movie had a fantastic climax, where was the hope?
Selvaraghavan: bd, it's not necessary to give hope in every film.movies are different.

shahjahan84: explain about dhanush performance
Selvaraghavan: shahjahan84, it's good

vanaja34: i'm sure u will always keep them happy.
Selvaraghavan: vanaja34, let's see. after I tell them about my girl friend.

anon: are u going to stick to making your own kind of movies? or are u going to make these wierd formula tamil movies? will really apreciate if you stick to your own time.
Selvaraghavan: anon, I'll stick to my own kind of movies

vanaja34: what r u as a person?
Selvaraghavan: vanaja34, I'm genuine and honest.

prakash: what do u think of your cameraman, arvind?
Selvaraghavan: prakash, he's very good, he's one among the best today.

kliv: Do u have any plan to cast Arvind in front of the camera?
Selvaraghavan: kliv, if he is willing.

shahjahan84: have any idea of making a action film?
Selvaraghavan: shahjahan84, in the immediate future.

kliv: how many movies per year?
Selvaraghavan: kliv, one.

prakash: tell about uour experiance with him
Selvaraghavan: prakash, he's a very nice person, very good cameraman.

subash: then what is ur next plan?
Selvaraghavan: subash, making movies.

kliv: in what way your celeb status affect your personal life (like being mobbed at shopping centres etc)?
Selvaraghavan: kliv, since I am behind the camera nobody recognises me and I'm happy

subash: any plan of getting married?
Selvaraghavan: subash, thinking about it.

bd: your actors delivered a sterling performance, though young... did you spend alot of time training them?
Selvaraghavan: bd, yes I do.

subash: can u send me ur photo
Selvaraghavan: subash, I won't look that good.

cheyaan: hi
Selvaraghavan: cheyaan, hi

harie: haaaaaaaaaaaaaaai
Selvaraghavan: harie, hi to you too

Vijay: How r u
Selvaraghavan: vijay, I am fine.

shahjahan84: we want u in front of the camera

sanny: selva sir, tell me who's your favourite director, let me see it coincides w.th me or not.
Selvaraghavan: sanny, Francis Ford Coppola.
sanny: sorry sir you don't. mine is mani ratnam.

prakash: do u have plans to work some more movies with arvind?
Selvaraghavan: prakash, he's too busy to work with me. tell him to give me an opportunity

Vijay: planning to do films in other languages?
Selvaraghavan: vijay, I'm doing one Telugu and one Hindi film.

balki: hello
Selvaraghavan: hello balki

Guest: what is ur aim in ur life Selva sir!
Selvaraghavan: guest, just live my life to the fullest.

bd: they were very natural and the scenes though simple in some way, were very interesting...how were you able to depict such every day nuances into something so poignant ?
Selvaraghavan: bd, I love to relate my movies to day-to-day happenings.

BHUVAN: hello
Selvaraghavan: hello bhuvan

balaji: How is ur brother Dhanush, ur father and u?
Selvaraghavan: balaji, everybody is good.

kissu: hi
Selvaraghavan: hi kissu

sun: hello selva sir, hru, I like ur movie
Selvaraghavan: sun, hi and thank you

Vijay: Who r the hero's in Telugu and Hindi film?
Selvaraghavan: vijay, ravi krishna in telugu and vivek ovberoi in hindi

vanaja34: i wsh u all the best once again.bye.
Selvaraghavan: bye vanaja take care

sankar_salem: hai
Selvaraghavan: sankar_salem, hi

prakash: how did u get to arvind?...His camera work was simpy superb.
Selvaraghavan: prakash, I was lucky.

kliv: why not dhanush in other languages too?
Selvaraghavan: kliv, in the future

real: hi
Selvaraghavan: hi, real.

Malemodel68: hai
Selvaraghavan: hai, malemodel68

sun: your fav. music dir?
Selvaraghavan: sun, A R Rahman

Vijay: how many languages do u know?
Selvaraghavan: vijay, three. Tamil, Telugu and English.

Guest16: while directing your brother in love scenes, how u will express your idea to him
Selvaraghavan: guest16, through words.

bd: Well, all the best for your future work, hope we will see some happy endings to take the weight off the chest...take care and bye Mr Selva...
Selvaraghavan: bd, take care.

anon: you said only one movie per year; but your forthcoming list seems slightly longer than that
Selvaraghavan: anon, I have commitments but will do one at a time.

sanny: sir, which is the film u luv the most, thuluvatho illamai or kadal kondain, please choose any one.
Selvaraghavan: sanny, thulluvatho ilamai.

balaji: I am from madurai. have u visited madurai?
Selvaraghavan: balaji, so many times.

sun: when u work with ARR?
Selvaraghavan: sun, when he has time for me.

Guest10: do u act with the heroine and tell or only through words?
Selvaraghavan: guest10, if it's a heroine I prefer acting.

raghav: I heard that ur going to direct movie abt medicos
Selvaraghavan: raghav, yes.

prakash: apart from camera and music, what do u think are plus point in making this movie a successful one?
Selvaraghavan: prakash, audience taste.

Srikanth: hello mr. selva, i'm from Malaysia. a very good evening to u.
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, a very good evening to you too.

kliv: in case of heros?
Selvaraghavan: kliv, depends on how they smell!!!

Srikanth: sir, do u have plans of getting new faces from malaysia ...we have lots of talents here
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, send me the ticket. i'll come and have a look
Srikanth: sir, hahaha thats a good one...im smiling here.

raghav: w abt ur next subject?
Selvaraghavan: raghav, its about your experiences when you were 17.

balaji: In that devathaiyai kandaen song everything comes to halt except dhanush. How was it taken. I liked it.
Selvaraghavan: balaji, I am happy you liked it. it was a very simple technique used

anon: is it possible to implement "bullet time" with the technology available here?
Selvaraghavan: anon, no it has to be borrowed.

raghav: i am from tirupur

Vijay: Any idea of working with actor Vijay or Rajinikanth?
Selvaraghavan: vijay, if they ask me.

Guest: have u gone to theatres to c the result of your move. did anyone recognise you there
Selvaraghavan: guest, i was there at the theatres for 10 days. unfortunatley no one spotted me

prakash: do u think this movie is more successful than "thulluvatho illamai"?
Selvaraghavan: prakash, yes.

sun: now u r a good dir. in future it will change to best Dir.
Selvaraghavan: sun, thank you.

raghav: selva how do u rate kamal and vikram
Selvaraghavan: raghav, you've put the numbers right.

sun: your role model of your life & dir?
Selvaraghavan: sun, my father is my role model in life. movies, nobody

raghav: y u prefer new faces?
Selvaraghavan: raghav, they prefer me.

balaji: what was that simple technique?
Selvaraghavan: balaji, come and see me. I'll show you.

Guest84: I want to c u, where, I can meet you?
Selvaraghavan: guest84, welcome.

raghav: r u confident to direct kamal?
Selvaraghavan: raghav, ready all the time.

Srikanth: sir, does good looks is main key factor for a new comer or how they`ll be evaluated for their talents..pls comment
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, you need talent more than looks.

Frank: Hai selva how r u?
Selvaraghavan: how are u, frank?

kliv: what was ur role in KP - Arvind?

Guest: How many pictures have you directed?
Selvaraghavan: guest, two

balaji: Why don't u take village based films
Selvaraghavan: balaji, I'll do it in the future.

prakash: what is your next film with arvind?
Selvaraghavan: prakash, Rainbow Colony

Srikanth: sir, I have this burning desire in me to be an artist...how shall i meet my goal
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, keep trying.

sun: any plan for acting?
Selvaraghavan: sun, no

raghav: selve shall I come to chennai to c u
Selvaraghavan: raghav, I wont be in chennai for the next four months.

raghav: ur mail id plz
Selvaraghavan: raghav, s_raghavan@yahoo.com

balaji: Where to meet u?
Selvaraghavan: balaji, in my office

Frank: selva do you remember me? i'am ur RKM school class mate.
Selvaraghavan: frank, give me more details.

Vijay: other than movies what do u do?
Selvaraghavan: vijay, I prefer to be selva.

raghav: ALL THE BEST JUNIOR MAINIRATNAM
raghav: BYE SELV
raghav: GOD BLESS U
raghav: thank u

sridhar4: why should all movies be only about love and difeerent forms of it, why cant u make a movie about ambition or , jealousy or pure anger at the society.cant the people release their frustrations thro the movie
Selvaraghavan: sridhar4, do you lead your life without love or pain? love is a part of life.

balaji: Ok . Thank u. I Pray god for ur welfare. bye
raghav: mail me ranaisk@yahoo.com

Chiyaan: will u direct a film with me
Selvaraghavan: chiyaan, if you meet my standards

balaji: Ok bye see u
Selvaraghavan: balaji, bye take cre

Kadhalmannan: Selvaragavan hai
Selvaraghavan: hi kadhal

prakash: when is rainbow colony releasing? we are eagerly waiting for it..
Selvaraghavan: prakash, december.

sun: r u single or married?
Selvaraghavan: sun, I am single.

Frank: I am short and black coming from kodambakkam by 12B bus and close friend of Mohan Raj -break dancer.
Selvaraghavan: frank, I am very absent minded, sorry I don't remember.

Chiyaan: what standards ?
Selvaraghavan: chiyaan, meet me and I'll tell you.

Srikanth: sir, I have a real exp in my life abt an internet affair and how it turns out later....would u like trying these subjects ...well ofcourse we have had b 4 some of internet love affair subjects but i think this is a bit different instead of gals being cheated a guy is been victimized..enna sir eppadi irukkum intha subject ?
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, romba nalla irukku. I hope its not your true story
Srikanth: iyooo nijam sir...haha...

nagarajan: when can I know the winner?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, at the end of the chat.

santhiya: when u r going to get married?
Selvaraghavan: santhiya, when I feel like.

Chiyaan: Today heros r getting more hit than directors Am I right ?
Selvaraghavan: chiyaan, by the people or the press?
Chiyaan: both

sun: ok bye sir. now my office time is finished
Selvaraghavan: sun, ok. take care

Brother_For_U: Good Evening Mr. Selva, is ur Real Name "Selvaraghavan" or something else
Selvaraghavan: Brother_for_u, its my real name.

Kadhalmannan: Selva Thulluvatho ilamai mathiri ethirparthuttu vanthom aana Kadhal konden antha alavukku glamour illaye yen???????
Selvaraghavan: kadhalmannan, every film is different.

nagarajan: what do you think of today's cinema when compared to previous era
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, today's cinema is at its best.

Srikanth: I feel real good today ...its my first exp with a celebrity ....
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, it's my best experience too.

Chiyaan: selva sir after kaadhalar dinam film no film used an internet song famous will u direct and make a internet song hit?
Selvaraghavan: chiyaan, will do when I feel like it.

nagarajan: why nowadays many films become failure?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, stop seeing it on VCD, come to the theatre.

Brother_For_U: Mr Selva, u can call me "Brother" what was ur aim when u were in school days, what was ur aim when u were in college days?
Selvaraghavan: brother, to pass in mathematics.
Selvaraghavan: both in school and college, brother

nagarajan: is it because of bad story or pirated cds?

Srikanth: most welcome sir....

Kadhalmannan: i think yuvan is a fisrt hero for ur kadhalkonden movie I am right.
Selvaraghavan: kadhalmannan, no way.

Frank: ok no problem. Ur latest flim kadal kondain is very tremendous and classic. I enjoyed it very well.
Selvaraghavan: frank, thank you

Chiyaan: ok selva sir, I am sashi and I work in a netcafe
Selvaraghavan: chiyaan, good to know you.

nagarajan: r u happy with the present environment of the cinema field
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, I don't get involved in industry

Srikanth: sir...kai valikaliya ungallukku...konjam rest eduthungga sir...paavam neenga
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, thanks.

nagarajan: I never see films in cds
nagarajan: yesterday also I went to theatre only with my family
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, hats off to you.

Chiyaan: If u shoot any pic with internet please give me a chance to show my face
Selvaraghavan: chiyaan, will do that.

Frank: I am very happy when i saw ur photo in HINDU and also proud of it
Selvaraghavan: thank you frank.

Brother_For_U: how did u got diverted to film Mr.Selva ?
Selvaraghavan: brother, it was my first choice from the beginning.

Kadhalmannan: dhanush is a extrodinary performance but song is very very nice u know
Selvaraghavan: kadhalmannan, thank you.



PREETHI: hi again sir!
Selvaraghavan: hi again, preethi.

Frank: i will send my photo to ur email ID pls. tell whether this is correct ID - s_raghavan@yahoo.com
Selvaraghavan: frank, yes it is
Kadhalmannan: haha frank is trying o get in cinema industry

anu: wat made u to take such a film?
Selvaraghavan: anu, I felt like making it.

Srikanth: sir, future le may be ungakitta varalaam chance kettu ...athukku konjam ice vaikren ...haha
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, innum koncham ice vainga.

nagarajan: well thank you for chatting with me
nagarajan: I am chatting with you from 4.30 onwards
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, thank you.

ramas: hi
Selvaraghavan: hi ramas

prakash: How about danush? his acting was simply beautiful in kadal kondain..what do u say about it?

nagarajan: whether the Tamil film industry is going upwards or downwards
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, surely upwards

vaalpaiyan: hi all
Selvaraghavan: hi vaal

Srikanth: hahaha...sir ippadi casual ah pesarathu ki romba thanks ..we feel like u r one among us..thanks again
Selvaraghavan: srikanth, ippa kulurithu, ice romba vechitteenga

nagarajan: why some songs only are hitting out of many?
Selvaraghavan: nagarajan, based on quality.

Frank: selva I want to talk to you in person. can I have ur contact number ? If you wish pls. send to my ID frankdani@yahoo.com
Selvaraghavan: frank, will do that.

Selvaraghavan: thanks everybody, it was great chatting with all of you. I'll let you know the winners of the competition for the best question in a day or two.
Selvaraghavan: Keep watching chennaionline for the results. bye
Thank you all for participating and making this chat session a great success just like Selvaraghavan's movies.



Published on 12th Aug. 2003


Profile of Selvaraghavan




Selvaraghavan, who launched straight into direction after doing his BE in Mechanical Engineering, relies on the Net and books for his story ideas. He loves doing horror films and admits that he likes to scare people.


His favourite directors are Oliver Stone and Francis Ford Coppola and the hero he'd like to direct is none other than Robert de Nero. He loves reading, mostly Wilbur Smith. He considers his strength lies in writing a good screenplay.

The best compliments he has received are from the Press and from Bharatiraja who said of 'Kaadhal Konden' that "After Nayagan, it's the best film I've seen".

And on brother Dhanush's strong points, he says it's his boy-next-door looks. But that is his weakness too, Selvaraghavan says.



Of his family, Selvaraghavan says they are very orthodox. His two sisters are both doctors.

His favourite food is Chinese too. He has not travelled much, but says he would love to go to Venice.

His future projects include 'Rainbow Colony' for producer A M Rathnam, a film for Lakshmi Movie Makers and one for producer Dorairaj.

On directing his brother, Selvaraghavan says the relationship is just that between a director and an artiste.

published on 7th Aug. 2003

Deepa Mehta

The Deepa Mehta Chat



At 2230 hours IST we approached Deepa Mehta's home at Gulmohar Park, New Delhi. An intimate family gathering was in full swing. But the celebrated director excused herself from the proceedings, draped her petite frame in a black shawl. Within five minutes she was ready to leave for the Cybercafe at the Maurya Sheraton.

"You have only a limited time on this planet, it's best you lead your life without any regrets," she told Suparn Verma, who had flown to Delhi to host the event.

Before the chat, she had only two fears."I am not very savvy with computers," she said. "In fact, I write my scripts by hand. My daughter uses the Internet, I have never really done so."

And just before she got out of the car at the Maurya, she asked, "Will there be anybody in the room to actually talk to me about the film?" Her doubts were soon put to rest.

Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:9 IST)
HI EVERYONE, I'm here, SHOOT!


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Sanjay (Mon Nov 16 1998 9:45 IST)
Ms Mehta: What inspired you to make the film?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:11 IST)
SANJAY: Lack of choices people have. We're told we have to do something when we want to do something else.I guess a desire to do something else was expected from us.


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Jeevan (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:10 IST)
Ms Mehta: Do you think people will accept the concept of lesbianism in India?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:12 IST)
Jeevan: I certainly hope so because it is a reality as is homosexuality.


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kgmohan (Mon Nov 16 1998 6:55 IST)
Were you apprehensive how the Indian audience would react to a film like Fire?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:13 IST)
K G Mohan: Extremely apprehensive, we have a population of 1 billion people and yet people pretend that sex doesn't exist.


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sri (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:14 IST)
What was it like to work with A R Rahman during the film shooting?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:17 IST)
Sri: Brilliant, I think he is the consummate composer that I know of in the world. His music comes from the characters and is an extension of them. I think he is the best.


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Nidhi Sharma (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:12 IST)
Deepa: Why do you think producers and directors in India don't take a risk of making your kind of films?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:14 IST)
Nidhi: No they don't. Because they are entrenched in what they think people want which is popular cinema and anything that is a deviation is too risky for them.


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k g mohan (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:16 IST)
Hi Deepa, would you agree that lesbianism in India, is prevalent both in the urban and rural areas, but under some shroud or other?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:20 IST)
K G Mohan: Yes it is, we don't wanna talk about sex so you start talking about bisexual sex. Everybody just freaks out. It is shocking when we are going towards the 21st century that we are still so inhibited about love, caring and emotional nurturing and we are so judgmental about people who make choices that are their own and don't affect us in anyway

Rajesh Sawant (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:15 IST)
Ms Deepa Mehta: Why did you choose this subject?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:22 IST)
Rajesh Sawant: Because I really wanted to talk about the lack of choices available to men and women and women in particular as far as self worth, self dignity and love is concerned and the constant tug of war between the desire for an independent voice and what is expected by us from society.


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Vishaka (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:22 IST)
Ms Mehta: You have received an international award. Do you expect to get an award in India too?


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Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das in Fire
Click for bigger pic!

Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:24 IST)
Vishaka: If I do I'l probably die of an heart attack*lol* It has actually received 14 international awards and if I get an award from India I'll be really thrilled. I think if Shabana gets one for best actress it will be the way to go.


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Joy (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:23 IST)
Deepa, two thumbs up for Fire!! When can I get to see Earth in Canada?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:25 IST)
Joy: Earth is being released all over the world in February 1999 including Canada.


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Nakul (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:25 IST)
Ms Mehta: How did you convince Shabana Azmi? I mean, was it difficult to convince her to act in your film?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:27 IST)
Nakul: Actually she said "NO!" after reading the script and the next morning she called me up and was feeling terrible because she had said no and would I give her two weeks to think about it. Because if she was not committed to it she would not want to do it. Two weeks later she called me up and said she had thought about it and she was totally supportive and would love to do that.


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Joy (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:26 IST)
Deepa, I loved every bit of Fire. It was very well done... don't have enough words to express myself. :)


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gaurav (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:25 IST)
Are there any internationally successful directors in India. If not, what would you blame for it?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:29 IST)
Joy: Thank you, thank you ..Gaurav: Definitely: Shekhar Kapur is, Mani Ratnam to a certain extent, Mira Nair... can't think of anybody else. Ray being a given.


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Jeevan (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:29 IST)
Ms Mehta: Can you tell us something more about you? I mean about your family and how did you come into films?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:31 IST)
Jeevan: I was born in India, went to boarding school in Dehra Dun, Univ in Delhi, masters in philosophy, father was a distributor of Bollywood films. Was crazy about movies, my first film I ever saw was Mamta, I saw it forty times, and have named my daughter Devyani after Suchitra Sen's character.


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Manoj Nair (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:28 IST)
Deepa: Can you tell us how did the word 'fire' come from? I mean, does it mean something in the film?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:32 IST)
Manoj Nair: It is the fire of passion and desire.


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sri (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:32 IST)
Is the background being released as an audio cassette or CD? In many of the movies for which Rahman has given music for, the music alone can tell most of the story. I would like to listen to this before watching the film.


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:33 IST)
Sri: It already has been released in Europe by Colosseum. I dunno about India, it doesn't have songs!!!! DOES ANYBODY WANT TO PUBLISH THE SCRIPT OF FIRE IN A BOOK FORM???


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Jeevan (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:33 IST)
Ms Mehta: Do you think you should have not released your film this time considering the fact that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan have just been released? It was a wrong time...


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:34 IST)
Jeevan: They're very different films and I hope Fire can find its own audience.


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gaurav (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:32 IST)
was Fire your first film, Deepa?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:35 IST)
Gaurav: No it was my third film. The first was Sam and Me, the second was Camilla.


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sri (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:35 IST)
I would like to hear your thoughts on Dil Se. It flopped because it was not a typical Indian film. But I believe there were some subtle points made in the film. Your views if any?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:36 IST)
SRI: I haven't seen Dil Se, but I'm a big Mani Ratnam fan and not all subtle films have flopped.


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Prem (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:36 IST)
Ms Mehta: Tell us something more about it?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:37 IST)
Prem: Earth is set in 1947, it is about the Partition of India and Pakistan. This particular holocaust was one I wanted to explore. The film is very particular and it took place in South Asia and it is totally universal considering Bosnia, Rwanda, Ireland etc.


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Nakul (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:37 IST)
Ms Mehta: Who are your favourite directors abroad? And why do you like the film Mamta so much?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:40 IST)
Nakul: I like the Yugoslavian director Emir Kusturica, the Chinese director Zhang Yimou, the Cohen Brothers and Jonathan Demme, because all of them explore emotional elements in our lives. They are not art film directors nor are they commercial film directors. They walk that line which I really admire which entertains as well as informs.


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Joy (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:38 IST)
Deepa, what do you think of Aamir Khan? He was in awe while working with you.


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:42 IST)
Joy: I think Aamir is brilliant for a director to work with. A talented actor is a boon, but to work with one who is also intelligent is like icing on the cake. No, he wasn't in awe of me. We respected each other as I do all my actors.


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Joy (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:41 IST)
Deepa, what is your favorite scene from Fire? I like the one where Sita slaps Jatin back. Then another one in the end, where Shabana tells her husband that she has desires "because she wants to live."


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:45 IST)
Joy: I like those, but my favourite one is when Shabana tells Ashok that the concept of duty is over-rated.


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Nakul (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:41 IST)
Ms Mehta: Is the film Earth based on some novel then?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:45 IST)
Nakul: Yes, Earth is based on Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Cracking India.


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Joy (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:45 IST)
Deepa, why did you name it "FIRE"? Don't you think "In Your Face" would have been a good one as well. :) Just Kidding!


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:46 IST)
Joy: I like your sense of humour keep it up.


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Komal (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:45 IST)
Ms Mehta: Where are you chatting from? I mean, where are you based most of the time?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:46 IST)
Komal: I'm chatting from Delhi. These days I feel I'm based on a 747! :-) Seriously, mostly between Delhi and Toronto.


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Prem (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:46 IST)
Ms Mehta: Do you think your film will be a hit?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:47 IST)
Prem: I certainly hope so, but if Indian men have any say to it then maybe not ;-)


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gaurav (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:47 IST)
This is a difficult one Deepa. Whose acting do you rate best in Fire?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:48 IST)
Gaurav: Ummmmm, as a director I think Shabana is luminous and as a person I feel Nandita sparkles. Both are extremely good in their respective roles.


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Rohit Chopra (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:48 IST)
Ms Mehta: Pardon me for asking you. Do you believe in marriage and if not will you practice lesbianism if you don't get a proper guy in your life. I think your film is encouraging all these things, isn't it?


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Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das in Fire
Click for bigger pic!

Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:51 IST)
Rohit Chopra: I was married for 14 years. I have a daughter. Subsequently I got divorced, now I'm living with a man who I love very much. Fire is not a solution to a bad marriage. This is a film for god's sake. The two women make a choice which is not a conventional choice and which gives them a shot at happiness. Surely we should applaud people's choices. Which give them a feeling of self worth instead of passing judgement on them. Nobody is a moral guardian on anybody's sexual preferences, and if they are they are full of shit!


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Kiran (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:52 IST)
Ms Mehta: Why didn't you show some hot scenes in your film? Or were they censored?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:55 IST)
Kiran: Nothing was censored in the film. I make films not pornography. If you want hot scenes rent Basic Instinct. Besides, sexuality is far more erotic than pornography.


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Rohit Chopra (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:53 IST)
Ms Mehta: So you think what Ashok Row Kavi is doing is right. So are you supporting his cause. As far as my knowledge is concerned no religion permits to act in such foolish things. So why are you going against the dharmas of all religions?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:57 IST)
Rohit: Preference of sexuality has nothing to do with talent. Religion when it is misinterpreted by human beings to serve their own cause does the greatest disservice to religion. To be a good person is far more important than to be religious in my humble opinion:-)


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gaurav (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:56 IST)
Rohit: Homosexuality has been around since the Vedas buddy.


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:58 IST)
Gaurav: Definitely it was.


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Vishaka (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:57 IST)
Ms Deepa: Between Toronto and India. Does it mean that you are an NRI? If yes, how come you know so much about Indian society?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:59 IST)
Vishaka: I was born here and I was brought up here and I spend more than 6 months in India!


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garib (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:50 IST)
Ms Mehta: If you want to make a film, why didn't you highlighted garibi in your films? These are the things which you need to fight in our country and not lesbianism. How can you show a subject which is restricted to only a certain class? So, are we seeing some film on our lives in the near future from you?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 11:1 IST)
Garib: For me Fire is not about lesbianism. It is about the plight of women in India. The lack of choices in a patriarchal society that takes women for granted. I'd say were a large part of our society, wouldn't you. Besides Manoj Kumar has already done Roti Kapda aur Makan.


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Rohit Chopra (Mon Nov 16 1998 10:59 IST)
Ms Mehta: Thanx for smiling at me. I agree with you that there is certain sense of belonging in our society, between two bahus of a family. But I feel that your film inspires them to try lesbianism, isn't it folks? PS: NO HARD FEELINGS.. :)


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gaurav (Mon Nov 16 1998 11:0 IST)
Are people more openly talking about sex in India than they were when you were in college? What do you attribute this to?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 11:2 IST)
Gaurav: Satellite television and the Internet.......Rohit: I'm not trying to advocate lesbianism to two bahus, it was a film, it is fictional. Why can't we live and let live?


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indiann (Mon Nov 16 1998 11:1 IST)
Hi Ms Mehta, Welcome to the Rediff chat. I have heard a LOT about your movie Fire. I am based in New Jersey, USA. The next trip to the video store I will surely be looking for it. Meanwhile, I have a question for you. Which are the INDIAN directors that have inspired you the most? And more specifically, which movies? Do you believe that non-arty (to (ab)use a term) movies are meaningless and should not be made? Do you have any plans to make some non-arty movies?


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Deepa Mehta (Mon Nov 16 1998 11:4 IST)
Lovely talking with you folks, see Fire and be nice to women:-) Ciao........................Indiann: I love Bollywood, its unpretentious pure entertainment. I personally don't know where I would put a camera to shoot a film song. Surely one can make commercial films without compromising one's integrity, I'm not averse to trying that.

Nagesh Kukunoor

'I am the cheapest actor I can find'

Nagesh Kukunoor's day had been organised from the minute he got off the plane early in the morning -- and it was crammed with interviews. Finally, at 4pm, a thoroughly jet-lagged Kukunoor -- he had just returned from the US -- entered the Rediff premises, his nerves on the edge but his sense of humour intact. The bright young director had a lot of fun during the chat and even discovered a new cure for jet lag. Read on...



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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:30 IST)
Hi... I made it, let's go... :-)
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Sumedha (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:33 IST)
Mr Kunnor: Why Rockford didn't click like Hyderabad Blues?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:37 IST)
Sumedha: Where are you writing from? Just curious because, so far, the film is doing well in Bombay, Pune, Delhi and Bangalore. It didn't fare well in Hyderabad. Also, Hyderabad Blues did one theatre, one show in most cities, whereas Rockford is playing in multiple theatres. Seriously, it's hard to predict the box office. I can only make films the way I know and leave the public to decide for themselves.


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Ranjini (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:30 IST)
Nagesh: Hi, what made you make a film like Rockford. A film from adulthood to childhood?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:33 IST)
Ranjini: My typing sucks, but I'll try. This was another story that I always wanted to tell. However, it isn't exactly a children's film. It is about children, yes, but I really wanted adults to take a trip down memory lane because most of us have been there at one point!


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utt (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:29 IST)
hi! how about a real light question from me? do u have a gf? :) and can u please lose that american accent?...although i know its not fake


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:40 IST)
utt: Interesting name. Do I have a gf? NO. Drop the accent? Sorry, that is the only way I can speak now -- a bastardised version of the Indian and American accents. But why should that bother you? It is just a stupid accent.


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Ila (Thu Jan 6 19100 3:54 IST)
Nagesh, what kind of stories excite you and why do u act in all your films?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:49 IST)
Ila: You take chances and sometimes it pays off. Yeah, I was shit scared putting in my own money. But -- guess what? -- it makes you work that much harder. I guess I am the cheapest actor I can find. But, on a sidenote, both Hyderabad Blues and Rockford had specific roles that I figured I understood best. As the movies get bigger, I will stick to smaller roles and focus more on direction. But do u have a problem with my acting? :-) The stories are always the same, it's just the way you tell them. And I like every genre of of films like horror, comedy, action.... just depends on the mood I am in.


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ketan (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:43 IST)
hi nagesh any reason you opted for nandita das for the cameo role in rockford?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:57 IST)
Ketan: Tell me which self-respecting male would not like to have Nandita walk by smiling!!!


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varsha (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:56 IST)
nagesh,we like it when u include some telugu wisecracks in ur movies ,wat makes u go bout tat?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:0 IST)
Varsha: Since I can't read or write Telugu, I want to make up in someway hence the Teuegu comments!(I'm jetlagged and can't think straight so just bear with me!!)


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sumita (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:58 IST)
Did i touch a raw chord about padmini kolhapure? Would you rather talk about Manoj Shyamlan?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:2 IST)
SUMITA: I honestly have no idea what you are talking about... but I shall be sure to ask Padmini about my not being here tonight! :-) What about Manoj?


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prabhu (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:0 IST)
WHY YOU CHOSEN A ENGLISH MOVIE RATHER THAN A REGIONAL MOVIE FOR YOUR FIRST MOVIE?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:3 IST)
PRABHU: What is a regional movie? I'm only doing movies in the language I'm most comfortable with.


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Ridhi (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:1 IST)
u aren't answering my qs. at all. NOT FAIR!!!


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:6 IST)
Ridhi: What was your question? Please ask me again!


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Mikey (Thu Jan 6 19100 4:57 IST)
Nagesh, how you doing? No plans of returning to the US of A? What are you next films about? You need to get out of the autobiographic mould, pal?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:9 IST)
Mikey: I still shuttle between the US and India. The next film, Bollywood Calling, is about an American actor who gets cast in a Bollywood masala film. Are the autobiographical stories boring?


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SIMRAN (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:2 IST)
WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDATE?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:10 IST)
Simran: 30th March, Aries rule the world..


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sumita (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:7 IST)
well, i wanted to know what you think of Manoj and the Sixth Sense... i honestly think there's a huge gap between where Manoj is and where you and kaizad gustad are. Why do you think have you not able to sell a film to studios abroad?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:14 IST)
Sumita: There are 10 million lukhas like me out there who are all trying to sell their films and scripts to the studios so the probability of me striking gold like Manoj are pretty slim. Still, we all have to keep trying... Someday we'll get there.


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ReelGenius (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:8 IST)
Nagesh, I really want to get some insight into what you did before HB esp. here in the US.


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:15 IST)
ReelGenuis: I was a boring chemical engineer. But, honestly, that job paid much more than these low budget films.


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cleona (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:11 IST)
Nagesh, I think you make amazing movies, and wish you all the best forever. And a great 2000 for now.


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:18 IST)
Cleona: Thanks... and you have a gorgeous name


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sips (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:18 IST)
Nagesh, please don't leave without saying at least a hi to me...


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:18 IST)
sips: HI and what kind of a name is sips?


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sheeba (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:16 IST)
Which is the next lukha movie you are making ( u just mentioned to sumita)


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:21 IST)
Sheeba: Bollywood Calling, that's the next film about an American actor working in a Bollywood masala film.


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karishma (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:22 IST)
nageshhhhhhhh are you there please say hi and can you give me your email address as well


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:23 IST)
Karishma... I can say Hi but do you really think it is wise for me to send out my e-mail address?


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krisnee (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:22 IST)
Under wat nick do i logon 2 get a reply from ya?????


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:24 IST)
Krisnee: I'm trying to reply to all you guys, THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY ARGGHHHHHH and my typing sucks! And I'm jetlagged and...


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karishma (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:24 IST)
hi angesh again well im sure you have some fan mail kind of email address when are you going to be in delhi?? i wanted to invite you for a talk to my college and that why i asked about for your email address im from the st stpehens college in delhi


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:25 IST)
Karishma: You can write to sicproductions@hotmail.com


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star (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:23 IST)
Hi! I just found out that Hyderabad Blues on video cassette. Is it complete version or edited?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:26 IST)
Star: Every tape of Hyderabad Blues that's out there is pirated. PLEASE DON'T BUY OR RENT THEM! Let's kill the blackmarket guys.


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ally (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:25 IST)
see ur so popular? why r u complaining so much about that jetlag?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:28 IST)
Ally: I NEVER knew that popularity or fame killed jetlag! I'm gonna have to think about that seriously! You have any more home remedies like that?


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ashok (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:27 IST)
Man, you dont want serious questions i think,like what cam did you shoot HB on?Why are prodn values so bad? You seem to getting more exicted about women's names in the chat here.


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:30 IST)
Ashok: Hey, that was a good way to get my attention. But why the same boring questions over and over again?


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Santanu (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:27 IST)
This is not fair..Why Karishma is getting all the attention :-(


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:31 IST)
Santanu: Can u ask your question again and I promise to answer your before Karishma's.....


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star (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:30 IST)
if it is pirated... it's got the manufacturers name on the back... as well as copyright... I bought it


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:32 IST)
Star: Send me a copy of the tape if you can... send me the manufacturer's address and I'll track them down. sicproductions@hotmail.com


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Akshay (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:31 IST)
By the way, why there so lil telugu content in rockford while Hyd blues was brimming with so much telugu velugu.


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:34 IST)
Akshay: Different movies, different stories. I'm not attempting to push Telugu through my movies.


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juliaa (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:31 IST)
nagesh when can ew expect to see ur next movie? r u there in it?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:36 IST)
Hi Juliaa! The next movie should be out in June, I play a small, cheesy, philmi, badass villian, with bad hair and a bad moustache...


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Santanu (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:34 IST)
Don't you feel that your accent was bit out of tune in the context of your characterisation in the movie??


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:37 IST)
Santanu: What are you talking about, dude? I did not have an accent in Rockford.


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star (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:34 IST)
manufacturers: Excel Audiovisuals - Bombay Tel: 8216661 excelp@bom5.vsnl.net.in Is that sufficient?


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:39 IST)
Thanks, Star


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Nagesh Kukunoor (Thu Jan 6 19100 5:43 IST)
Sorry sorry sorry... I have to run. I'm in Bombay for just a day and I have to leave for Hyderabad. But will be doing a lot with Bollywood Calling on Rediff. I promise to come back when I'm more coherant and stay much longer. Bye

Gotham Chopra

CosmoGIRL! presents


Gotham Chopra

January 6, 2000

CosmoGirl presents the son of Deepak Chopra, Gotham Chopra who discusses issues on spirituality, meditation, stress, and relationships.




CosmoGIRL: Welcome to CosmoGIRL! LIVE! Our guest today is none other than Gotham Chopra son of mind-body guru Deepak Chopra, news anchor and accomplished author he is currently working on a new book about spirituality. Getting to know yourself can make living in this world much easier--and make you a lot happier," says Gotham. Welcome to our chat with Gotham and get in touch with your inner girl! This chat is sponsored by CosmoGIRL! --a magazine for REAL girls with REAL issues. www.cosmogirl.com Welcome, Gotham!

Gotham Chopra: I'd just like to say that I am thrilled to be here, and excited to take as many questions as possible. I'm really interested in finding out what our audience has to say about spiritual ideas because whatever they say, is the truth.

CGCHATTER: Are you close to your father, Deepak Chopra?

Gotham Chopra: I am VERY close to him. We speak probably about 3 times a day. I also consider him a friend of mine and the key to our relationship is that we don't get stuck in traditional roles of 'he's the father and I'm the son'. Or that he is the teacher and that I am the student. We just know how to have a lot of fun together.

Auburngirl417: How has your spirituality influenced your career

Decisions? Gotham Chopra: Very much so, in that I make a lot of my decisions via my intuition - how I feel about what it is I want to do, and the people that I want to work with. I consider that the ultimate expression of spirituality. I guess you could call it "spirituality in action".

Tracieme: Was it hard growing up with a religious guy for a father?

Gotham Chopra: Not really, but more importantly, I'd like to draw the distinction between religion and spirituality. I think that religion is something we think of as revolving around a lot of rituals and rules, whereas spirituality is really about exploring freedom. When that is really your goal, it allows you to experience so many different things without restrictions. So both of my parents were really good in giving my sister and I a lot of opportunities, and not telling us what to do.,

Curiouscindy: What is the single most spiritual experience you've had?

Gotham Chopra: I would say probably being in a relationship with my girlfriend. It's an ongoing thing because it is full of so much energy and emotion. There are good times and bad times, but when you are in a relationship where you really feel you are connecting with someone, you lose a sense of time and you find yourself just present in that relationship. That's a very spiritual experience.

Harrison56: What's the best way to deal with stress?

Gotham Chopra: The best way to deal with stress is probably whenever you are feeling stressed or feeling stress coming on, to take a step back. To be quiet. To focus your attention on yourself. I'll say the word "meditate" but even meditation is just a moment of witnessing and removing yourself from whatever the stressful situation is. The most stressful thing is when you are tied into something and you can't remove yourself.

AbaCCCa: Aromatherapy is wonderful.do you recommend any particular herbs?

Gotham Chopra: Aromatherapy is a very subjective thing. Different people have different aromas that they enjoy and that are better for their body type. I love Sandalwood, Jasmine, Cinnamon, but those are the best ones for my body type. The best way to find out what is the best thing for your body type is to go online and search under "aromatherapy" and you will get a lot of information.

Emilia: How much is stress related to overall health?

Gotham Chopra: I am not a physician so I don't know the exact figures but stress has a direct result in our physical health. Everything from great diseases like heart disease to cancer to other serious ailments all have a direct relationship to levels of stress. More people die in our civilization on Monday mornings at 9 AM than at any other time of the week. And one assumes that is because they are stressed about their lives, their jobs, school, etc., so there is definitely a strong connection between stress and health.

Daphne: Do you recommend any supplements (vitamins) for dealing with stress?

Gotham Chopra: I'm not sure that there is a single vitamin that you can take to deal directly with stress. I know in my own life, I take everyday multi-vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E, because they help me maintain physical well-being. That keeps me less stressed. So I suppose there is some sort of relationship between that and my level of stress.

Goodone: I get really stressed out during exam time. Anything I can do to relieve that sort of spot stress that isn't ongoing?

Gotham Chopra: I would say break up your study habits. Whenever you are studying for an exam and you really feel the stress coming on, take a break. Go for a walk. Do something you know gives you a lot of enjoyment, even if it is eating chocolate or something like that. Make an effort to "chill out". Also, focus your attention on bigger things - that even the exam that you are studying for is just a means to a larger end.

Kidfears33: I'm going through a definite growth stage, it's different this time; very solitary. How do I enjoy this time to get to know myself without spending most of the time trying to figure out the big pic.

Gotham Chopra: I would say not to worry about the big picture so much. It's great to spend time with yourself. One thing I like to do when I'm feeling in a mood like that, is I write a lot, either in a journal, or I write poetry. I just enjoy being in that creative phase and I don't worry so much about big questions. I think about them, but I don't worry about whether or not I have the right answers.

Cheerleader78: What about if I stress about the future and not the right now? Would I deal with it differently?

Gotham Chopra: Yes. Definitely. What you want to do is have goals and intentions for the future but not get attached to them. Because if you are always focused on the future, then you are not in the present. Don't feel like you have to control everything in the future because that generates a tremendous amount of stress. No one can control the future. In fact, the best way to achieve your goals in the future is really to be rooted in the present moment. So any time you find yourself caught up in future events, remind yourself to focus on what it is that you are doing in the present moment.

Naturegal: What do you think of herbal oils? any you recommend and what do you recommend them for?

Gotham Chopra: Again, this is something similar to the aromatherapy question. And aroma oils are very subjective in terms of dealing with everyone's likes and dislikes. So I would recommend anywhere where you can get the aroma oils. Ask the people who are selling them, because they will have the most information, and it's very important that you suit your own sensibilities.

MatthewTaft: Do you find that humanity has gone off course? That goals have changed? And what direction would you like to see people as a whole take to better ourselves?

Gotham Chopra: That's a great question, first of all! I don't think that humanity is off the course. I think that we do have a tremendous amount of problems that, as young people, we have to confront. But I also think that there are a lot of young people who are doing a lot already just by being present at this chat shows that young people are concerned not only about themselves, but about their collective futures. I think the best thing and the first thing that we can do is to have the intention of making things better. You start with yourself. Before you can contribute too much to the world, you have to have a sense of security yourself. My wish, then, is that each of us make subtle changes in ourselves and our priorities, and then together, we can bring about some change on a grander level.

Mich37: I sometimes feel like there's part of me that doesn't want success, and I do everything I can think of not to achieve that goal, when simply achieving it would be easier? Why do I sabotage my own chances of success?

Gotham Chopra: Without knowing too much about you, there is probably some part of you that is afraid of achievement because of something that has happened in your past. Maybe at one time, you were really looking forward to achieving something, and you were disappointed. So now, you are operating from a very fearful place. The key to solving this problem would be to find out what that experience was. When you find it, understand it and then realize that you can let go of it. You can let go of it and move on.

COLTON2: How would you go about finding yourself spiritually?

Gotham Chopra: In my life, what I do is, I start by meditating twice a day. I practice one traditional technique, but meditation is really just spending some time with yourself. That can be in a number of ways. That can be sitting by yourself for 10 minutes at a time just in reflection. It could be in writing a journal. It could be in taking a walk all by yourself. Only you know when it is that you are at your most reflective place. And a lot of us are afraid of being by ourselves. But the first step to finding your "inner self" is really just to spend time with yourself.

Jackiep: How do I get to know myself?

Gotham Chopra: With spending some time with yourself and understanding the things that are most important to you. If I were to ask you what are the things that are really important to you, and why, would you be able to give me the answers?

Mich37: What's the secret of motivation. I'm very good at starting things but not good at finishing them? How do I get motivated and find closure with the activities I'm involved in?

Gotham Chopra: I understand that very well. I am also good at starting things but not so great at finishing them. I have found that the best way to complete things is to remind myself of why I started them. Usually, when we start something, it's because of a pretty powerful intention and sometimes along the way, we forget what that intention was, so we get off track. But if you remind yourself, then you have a better chance of finishing off what you started.

Wastingtime: What do you feel are the three most important things to achieve personal happiness?

Gotham Chopra: One is to be rooted in the present moment. That is something that we talked about a little bit before. That goes with number two, which is not to get obsessed with either the future or the past. Because then it is too easy to live in fear or in guilt. Number three is just to have fun. As you can tell, all three of these are really intertwined and my best advice is just to have fun. When you think about it, life is pretty magical and it's silly to waste our time by concentrating on things that create stress in our lives.

Mich37: You mentioned gaining a sense security of self, how is this attained, and is there anything to read on this?

Gotham Chopra: Yes, there are lots of books to read about this. You can go to any bookstore and find tons of books on spirituality, on well-being, etc. There are definitely a lot of tools that can help you in gaining a sense of spirituality. My book is called "Child of the Dawn", and that's available in most bookstores either online or otherwise. It deals with one young person's journey to finding "self".

Bubblegunprincess4: How long did it take you to write your first novel, Child of the Dawn?

Gotham Chopra: It took me only about nine months to write the first draft and then a subsequent one year to go through the editing process. I think I did it rather quickly because I was so determined to do it.

COLTON2: How do we find closure in a relationship that has gone bad?

Gotham Chopra: This is something that is very difficult, and I know that from experience. Realistically, sometimes the best remedy for a relationship that has ended, is only time. But what you can do, in addition, is to focus again on the things that matter to you. Hang out with your friends. Start to laugh. And also be content with the fact that every once in a while, you are just going to be sad and feel pain. And that that's OK. Just trust that ultimately things always work out.

Cruisin99: My beliefs are different from my parents spiritually, how do I keep the peace with them at least until I am out of high school?

Gotham Chopra: I would say one is to be open with your parents about what your beliefs are, but try not to be confrontational. That means you don't have to try to change your parents' view but you should politely tell them that they shouldn't feel the need to force you to convert your beliefs and hopefully, if you can have a mature dialogue with your parents, they will respect that.

Geniefrancis: My father died in a car accident last year and I still am having a tough time dealing with it. any suggestions?

Gotham Chopra: My suggestion is that you find people that you can talk to about it that you feel comfortable talking to about it. Whether that is a parent, a sibling, a friend, or a teacher, you need to be able to express your pain somewhere, otherwise you will bottle it up. Only you know who that person is that you can share your feelings with most comfortably. But again, it's okay to feel sad and hurt.

Lis-: Yes it's ok to feel the pain, you can grow from it, but how do you get over the relationship even though you know that its the wrong kind?

Gotham Chopra: If you know that it's a contaminated relationship, then you really have to be strong and determined in yourself not to keep re-hashing things with that person. Don't talk to them. Try to stay out of their space. But be mature about it. And don't keep going back to something that you know is bad for your well-being.

Joniel: How does one know if a relationship is worth salvaging, or is better to just move on, with confidence that there is someone out there more suitable?

Gotham Chopra: One is that there are lots of people out there, and the best thing about being alive is having the opportunity to meet people. That being said, a relationship where you really love somebody is worth making the effort to salvage. If, after making a lot of effort and putting in a lot of energy, things don't work, you still keep feeling the same pain, then most likely it's time to move on.

Teeniebopper564: I live a few cities over from a school where a terrible tragedy happened. What can we do here to not feel so terrified?

Gotham Chopra: The first thing is, again, to talk about your feelings. Talk about it with teachers, school administrators, parents, and your friends. Because the longer you keep your fears internalized, the larger they grow. So, my advice is really to get in touch with your feelings and share them because most likely, others feel the same way.

Ramona: Do you think it's harder to be spiritual in today's world, and if so, why?

Gotham Chopra: I suppose you could say that it is difficult because there are a lot of distractions. It's easy to lose your perspective with so many different things going on, but by the same token, I think we live in a truly unprecedented time where there is so much available to learn from. And so many people to interact with. In that sense, spirituality is really in what you would call "a golden age".

Elsie: Who has most influenced you in coming up with your theories on spirituality? Who do you look to for guidance (besides your dad)?

Gotham Chopra: I would say other people in my family. I'd say even my mother more than my father. And as much as I hate to say it, my sister as well. They are really my role models. Because I know them the best. Among my friends, or even certain celebrities, I think I can draw on qualities that I admire, but I'm pretty careful not to invest too much in someone that I don't know too well.

Cameoats: I am highly religious but I feel like a social outcast for it how can I fit in?

Gotham Chopra: Most likely, there are a lot of other people who feel the same way as you. I'm not sure what religion you are, but I suspect that you have someplace where you go to practice your religion. When you are there, find young people and share your thoughts with them. Find out if they feel the same way. There are a lot of ways of finding people who you can share your thoughts with.

IdealWolf: What is your feelings about the lack of respect today's youth has in general.the fact that there seems to be an "entertain me or go preach elsewhere" mentality ?

Gotham Chopra: I think there is that attitude and that tends to get a lot of attention in mainstream media. Because we have always looked at youth as rebellious and irreverent, but there are also a lot of young people who are hungry for some sort of guidance. I think even the rebellious young people know that they are searching for something, as well. Maybe we can create a language where they also feel comfortable listening and talking about their ideas.

Blueblueblue: How do I avoid peer pressure? People always want me to do stuff I don't want to do, and I don't want to lose friends.

Gotham Chopra: It sounds cliched, but anyone who forces you to do something that you don't want to do isn't worth having as a friend. Real friends respect one another and allow one another to be themselves. You should practice that in your own life in terms of not forcing your friends to simply fill out the roles that you want them to. Trust me, if you are confident in who you are, you will project a certain strength that people will be attracted to.

Orion: I am troubled by things I see on the news. Do you think there are things I can do to make myself feel better about that?

Gotham Chopra: Yes. I work in news, and one thing you should know is that what you see in the headlines isn't all that there is. Tune into Channel One, for example, which is where I work, and you will see that there are a lot of good stories out there, too. I know that it is easy to get discouraged but you should also know that there are a great deal of young people that are doing tremendous things.

Luvscosmogirl: How did you get to be a Channel One news anchor?

Gotham Chopra: It sort of just happened by chance. I had another job on a television show and a friend of mine recommended that I look into Channel One, which I did, and at that time, they were looking for a new anchor, and I got lucky.

Girlforyou: I've totally given up a lot of sin in my life that was controlling me before. But by doing that a lot of my friends feel as if they don't know me. I love my friends, but I don't know how to tell them that if they keep up the kinds of things they do then I shouldn't be hanging out with them

Gotham Chopra: Again, it's important that your friends know how you feel but it's also important that you don't force your friends to change just for you. The best thing to do is to understand that sometimes things end naturally, and that's okay. Most importantly, you need to be open about what it is that your friends do that bothers you, and then understand that things will work themselves out.

MVP123: Do you believe in the use of objects such as stones to improve your spiritual or physical well-being?

Gotham Chopra: I don't not believe in things like that, but in my own practice, I don't integrate things like stones into my life. I practice different forms of spirituality that enhance my own activity. I enjoy that, but I don't advocate any specific thing.

Overleaf: What kind of education did you get that helped you with your writing?

Gotham Chopra: My best advice is to really pursue the fields that interest you, because ultimately your own writing will be influenced by the energy and level of excitement that you can bring to it. I think you can take writing classes and those are important, but you should also embrace other fields of study, like history, literature, even science, because ultimately, those are the things that will influence what you write about.

AbaCCCa: I believe that massage therapy is a wonderful way to ease tension. do you agree?

Gotham Chopra: Yes! I love a good massage! Again, everybody has different things that they like to do. I also find that, for me, a great way to relieve stress is to exercise, to play a game of basketball. I think that most people know what it is that gives them a sense of enjoyment.

Danilla: How do you enjoy spending free time?

Gotham Chopra: I like to hang out with my friends. I like to walk my dog. I like to travel and read good books. I like to meet strangers. I like to meet strangers who have great stories to tell. Please don't go off with any strangers. That's not what I am saying, but be open to people who come from different walks of life, who can teach you about things that you may never have thought about.

Jenny007: Do you have any plans to do any book tours?

Gotham Chopra: I'm currently working on a book and when that is finished, probably at the end of this year, I will definitely go out and do a book tour. So I hope to see you there.

Loral: Do you have a website?

Gotham Chopra: I am currently working on a website, but don't have anything available right now. My father has one at www.chopra.com where you can find out a lot of information on spirituality.

Ornella: I'm glad to get to chat with you! What can you say is the best advice your dad ever gave you?

Gotham Chopra: I think the best advice was not to take life so seriously, and it wasn't something that he said, but something he showed me by having a lot of fun with me. By taking me to new places, by learning about new things with me and really making me understand that life is full of so many mysteries that are worth learning about.

CosmoGIRL: Wow Gotham! Looks like we are running out of time. Any last words for our girls today?

Gotham Chopra: I just want to say thanks for having me, and that, again, spirituality is really about opening yourself up to the things that are most important to you, and you are as much experts as anyone. So, just have some fun! And thanks again.

CosmoGIRL: Thanks, Gotham for joining us tonight! This chat was sponsored by CosmoGIRL! --a magazine for REAL girls with REAL issues. Guys, beauty, fashion, money, parents, school, your body--you name it and we're talking about it. Think of us as a girls-only club that meets every other month, with fun fixes available 24-7 at: www.cosmogirl.com Brought to you by CosmoGIRL.com and Talk City, Inc. Copyright 2000. All rights reserved.