Trumpet fan fare… rolling of drums … clashes of cymbals … and ..

ta .. daaaah ..!!

The pictures and stills from forthcoming “Aladin”

Thats Ritesh Deshmukh as Aladin running through the corridors of the city he lives in, chased by his tormentors. The story of Aladin is known to all, we all grew up with it. Sujoy Ghosh who directs and produces it has con-temporized it to modern times, but with a flash of fantasy.

And that be the dude, Genius the genie. I thought the use of the name ‘genius’ was rather ingenious. In the fairy tale he is always depicted as a large XXXXXXXXXL sized, humongous, Arabic costumed, Turkish capped voluminous humanoid. But here … well what can I say ! Didn’t one of the FmXt say something about aviators..? See, guys I listen and read and comply.

This is Genius Rap - ‘Aladin give me a taali’, sung by… you got it.. yours truly ! Choreographed by the lovable and talented Shiamak Davar and shot inside an abandoned and old times movie theatre, opposite the VT Station in Mumbai. Fascinating cute little place, with a lot of old world charm. The decorated and ornate stage, the filigree worked exclusive boxes by the side, velvet curtains .. man those were the days …

Same stuff.. but now with ‘the Ritesh’ in duplicate attire … still rocking !!

The climax - the song - the ensemble cast - everyone in fancy dress ball times - the leading man the leading lady the villain and the Genius…and .. er… the balloons too !! Shot at the Mehboob Studios on the largest floor available in the city, on a massive set.. I mean…MASSIVE !! Over 200 dancers, artists junior and senior, ending up with a show of some of the most inventive special effects and the mastery of the South Asian stunt and action coordinator … Its one helluva scrap in the end !! haven’t done something like it in years - may be more actually !! Ha

‘O re sawariya’ - with the lovely Jacqueline Fernandez, the beautiful Miss Sri Lanka and our leading lady, along with ‘the Ritesh’. Her first film and I promise, you shall never make out that it is. Gentle and tender with an infectious smile and such an endearing presence on screen. The pink ’saafaa’, written often by the media as reminiscent of NamakHalal and the song ‘Pag Gunghroo’ … naah !! Just a mere coincidence, but ‘o re sawariya’… that has a story.

West Indies Concert tour 1983 Trinidad and Tobago, and something that Viju Shah - the music director and son of Kalyanji of Kalyanji-Anandji duo - and I hurriedly made up before going on stage by ad libbing some of the popular calypso folk indian numbers. This tune and words are from there. Sujoy Ghosh, the director, then leading a pedantic life in good ‘ol London in the year of the Lord 1990, witnesses our Jumma Chumma Concert at Wembley Stadium among the 65,000 odd crowd, hears me belting this number out and 20 years later bullies Vishal & Shekhar the music directors of Aladin to weave an entire song for the film .. Cool eh !!

Sanjay Dutt, the Magician. He that conducts the story of the film with his desire to overcome the might of the genie. Here in almost grand mother fox like disguise, from the tale Little Red Riding Hood, enticing the ‘A’ … Aladin . Strong, ambitious, smart, wily … effortlessly played by Sanju !!

Little Aladin running away from the bullies at school, unaware of the magic of the lamp that he carries in his hand !! Until …

So there…!! FmXt … spread the word, talk scream and shout - 31st July 2009, the first promo of ‘ALADIN’ shall be up on the blog … TAK DHINA DHIN.. !!

My friend got discharged from Hospital this morning and it was a fulfilling sight to see him walk out on his own. He has tremendous will power and mental strength and for someone who rose from the most humble beginnings from the streets of Calcutta to his present position, this is a remarkable journey of immense determination and resolve. He left his father’s house as an 18 year old in disagreement; his father wanting him to be involved in their family business. He did not have a penny and did not have a roof. And he never asked for either from anyone ever. Today, without any backing or support from any quarter, without compromise, he has through his hard labor, worked his way up to a position, which is the envy of many a leader in the country. He is a friend of friends, devoted and committed. A quality most rare in todays world.

Today I wish to thank all from FmXt that sent good wishes and prayers for his well being. I am certain that they all played an important part in his recovery. We all pray that he continues to enjoy good health.

The inconsistent nature of life brings within us a constant fear of imbalance. The good is often balanced with the bad and vice versa. As I rejoice in the recovery of my friend, little Navya-Naveli my grand daughter battles with high fever in New Delhi. I am torn between two diverse emotions. My constant concern and the anguish for Navya continuously being balanced with other more pleasant thoughts here in Singapore. It tears your insides up. It is the most trying experience to see little loved ones in pain and discomfort. You almost wish ever, that they be relieved of it and it be transferred to us.

The entire day has gone by in such a state and just a short while ago the news comes in that she is settling down. I hope that she remains good. Some tests tomorrow shall determine the course of medication that need to be administered and what the reasons are for the fever. Shweta informs us of how bravely and with steely determination Navya took her blood test routine, her very first. Not a squeak from her. No screaming or tears, just a very strong brave little girl.

‘Just like her Nana !’, I joked with Shweta after it was over.

Abhishek and Aishwarya struggle in another part of the country. They are shooting in Kerala, in the forest interiors, for Mani Ratnam and Ravana. It is pouring there and they are in waist deep water in the scene, throughout the day. Wet and drenched from 5 am till late at night every day, is not what most believe to be the ‘good life’ in being an actor.

‘Paisa badi mushkil se milta hai ‘, my Father would always warn us with sage advice. Money is acquired with much difficulty. And throughout our existence this shall always be our belief. Nothing gainful in life comes with ease. We shall have to work for it, fight for it and struggle for it !

Good night my friends ~

With hope, prayer and fulfillment ~