Vidya Balan

Versatility is his middle name and he is known for his hard-hitting issue-based films like Ghayal and Daamini among others. Now, Raj Kumar Santoshi is back with yet another thought-provoking offering, Ajay Devgan-Vidya Balan starrer Halla Bol . Produced by Abdol Samee Siddiqui, the film targets today's youth and delves on how each man has a role to play in the upliftment of society. “ Halla Bol is about how we make the vital difference to society, and how each of us should be ready to attack wrongdoings with our togetherness and collective spirit, and how only this change in thought and action can bring the change in society,” says Santoshi

Ajay Devgan dons innumerable caps in Rajkumar Santoshi's Halla Bol . But the most interesting cap that he dons, according to th is that of a man who meets his conscience on his journey of life. "It is a beautiful role. Ajay is a versatile actor. Only he could have done justice to the character," says Rajkumar Santoshi, who is looking forward to the thought-provoking entertainer hitting the marquee this August. "The thought of the film appealed to me. It was hard-hitting. The first person, in fact the only person who came to my mind, was Ajay," he reveals. "And now, we are ready with the film. Ajay has more than done justice to the character of Ashfaque aka Sameer Khan. His portrayal of a small-town boy becoming a successful film star, and his struggle, and confronting his own conscience will bring to light various facets of the actor and human being."


In Vidya Balan's simplicity, lies her sensuousness, avers Rajkumar Santoshi who has Vidya essaying the difficult role of the woman behind Ajay Devgan's success in Halla Bol . Says he, "Vidya has a very responsible role in the film. Her transformation from the small-town girl who loves a struggling actor to the woman who is a successful star wife, and her strife and how she confronts him with moral ethics is a remarkable graph of Vidya's character and she has the role with aplomb."


Sayali Bhagat's musical side has been discovered by ace director Rajkumar Santoshi, who has cast her in the role of a crooner in his film Halla Bol. Naturally when the offer came from Santoshi's camp, Bhagat was only too to grab the opportunity that came her way. From what we hear from the little bird, Sayali, though in a cameo, sure has outdone herself in this phillum . For more info on Bhagat, watch this space.

When Rajkumar Santoshi had with Pankaj Kapur in a Govind Nihalani film, the actor's intensity had left an indelible mark on the director. Today, years later, Rajkumar Santoshi has cast Pankaj Kapur in the role of a reformed dacoit who takes to street theatre to bring about a change in the society. "There is so much to Pankaj Kapur than what has been tapped," avers Santoshi. Here is looking forward to the talent bank in on the Santoshi flick.

’’Mumbai has energy and history to spare, so it's fitting to begin at the Gateway of India. the large arch that overlooks the harbor.

Directly across the way is the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, the city's best hotel. Each room has beautiful period furniture and artwork (91 -22-6665-3366; tajhotels-com; doubles, $330-$580). After you check in, head to an area called Colaba, where you should have a snack at Indigo Deli. which feels like a Parisian cafe (4 Mandlik Rd.; 9 1 - 22-5636-8999; entries, $7-$32|.



Since I'm an actress-my most recent film, a sequel to Munnabhai MBBS, just opened-! Stick to salad, but the gooey chocolate mousse looks sinful. At sunset, everyone goes to Chowpatty Beach, on the south side of town, where many Hindi movies are shot. Take a stroll and buy a vade pav, a type of veggie burger, or a gala, powdery ice dipped in flavored syrup, from one of the local vendors. Later. go to the Bandra neighborhood, home to the city's hottest clubs and restaurants.

I'm a vegetarian, but I love the scene at Seijo. which has fabulous sushi (206 Krystal, Water-field Rd.; 91 -22- 2640-5555; entries, $4-$ 12. At midnight, check out the Hawaiian Shack. where you'll feel like you've been transported to Goa. The DJ spins great hip-hop, and the buzz is infectious! ( 16th Rd )”