At the Oscars four years ago, now a sex worker

When A R Rahman walked up to receive the golden Oscar statuette, her eyes misted over. Preeti Mukherjee knows exactly how it feels. Four years ago, she was on the same stage at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre, where she, too, had hugged the statuette and cried tears of joy. She hasn’t missed a single awards ceremony since. On Monday, she woke up in the wee hours to catch the live telecast — before starting the day’s grind at Sonagachhi.

Preeti, who goes by the name Puja in Asia’s largest red light district, had got sucked into the sex trade just a year after her brush with the Oscars.

In 2005, Preeti was part of the Oscar-winning documentary Born Into Brothels, directed by Zana Briski. The child cast of nine had cheered so loud that it still rings in her ears. And she still remembers the warmth of the hug Zana gave her as the award was announced.

“It seems like a fairy tale now. I still see it in my dreams. I get goosebumps when I remember the heart-stopping moment when the award was announced. All of us kept screaming with joy. Zana aunty made sure we, too, went along to collect the statuette. My head was swimming, there were so many eyes on us, the deafening applause, so many cameras flashing...” Preeti recalls.

In 2002, when not yet into her teens, Briski and Ross Kauffman chose her in the cast of nine to teach them photography and get a close-up view of their world and that of their mothers. The film was completed in 2004 and went on to win about 20 international awards, capped by the Oscar.

When the film was nominated, the directors flew the kids to Los Angeles. Life was happy for some time and the directors tried their best to rehabilitate the kids. Preeti, who was in high school, and the rest got an offer to stay back in the US and study. Some did. She backed out.

“Aunty (Zana) gave a lot of money by cheque to my mother and asked her to release me, but she was unwilling. I am a girl and an only child and my mother wouldn’t let go. Call it family pressure if you will. It’s quite simple, really,” Preeti said, with a dismissive shrug and a short laugh. “So, you see me here.”

Abhijit, one of the kids in the film, now studies in New York University. Another girl goes to school there. Preeti is in touch with both of them. Two others are studying at Future Hope, run by a charitable trust. One has got married while another girl, who was with an internationally funded NGO, has disappeared.

Dressed in jeans and a trendy shirt, Preeti could pass for any other collegegoer, until the whiff of smoke and alcohol in her breath hits you. And you look at her eyes — beautiful, aggressive and defiant.

“At this age, I have a flat in Salt Lake, a laptop, costly phones and plenty of money. What do I lack?” she looks you square in the eye. “Zana aunty and I are in touch by email. She was upset that I, too, had joined the trade like my mother, something she wanted to save me from. But this trade has really paid off for me.” A sign of her ‘prosperity’ — she has hired rooms in Prem Kamal, one of the most expensive Sonagachhi buildings.

Mother Rakhi lives in the opposite building. Preeti pays for her living expenses. Rakhi says she wanted a “normal” life for Preeti. She still has a fading photo of Preeti with the Oscar statuette stuck on a wall. “That is all I have left of her..,” she says, tears in her eyes.

There is no clear answer as to how and why Preeti became a sex worker. Police records say she was rescued from a racket while a minor, sent to a juvenile home from where she was handed to her mother by the state child welfare committee.

Police say she’s now part of a major sex racket that involves extremely powerful people, who will never let her escape into a sunnier world. Behind the I-care-a-damn stare, you can see a fleeting longing in her eyes — a longing for freedom.

Posted By: Cinewaves.blogspot.com Tags: Preeti | A R Rahman | Preeti Mukherjee | Prem Kamal | Preeti Mukherjee

Trisha New look in Vannaithaandi Varuvaayaa

Trisha ultimately seems to have decided to give up the race to the number one slot in the glamour world of commercial mainstream cinema, she is already announcing this by taking up erformance oriented roles in Tamil films, one such movie that she is doing now is a film called Vannaithaandi Varuvaayaa where she is appearing without make-up clad in cotton sarees.

Trisha no doubt is looking sexy in this new avatar also and going by what people have seen of the initial rushes she has done an excellent job in this Gautam Menon film.

Many insist that Trisha’s move to deglamorize herself without make-up in the film is a move that may hit her commercial prospects as a heroine, but will help her as an actress and be recognized as a performer, Trisha seems to be on a crossroad where she seems to have laid more emphasis on the later than the former.

For More Cine Gossips : www.cinedust.com

Ayesha Takia to start second innings after marriage.

Wedding won't tie actress Ayesha Takia away from film industry।

Hey good news for all Ayesha Takia fans, since all of us know that the actress is tying knot on March 1st with her boy friend Farhan Azmi son of Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi. But wedding won't tie the actress away from the film industry.

Even after her marriage Ayesha will be seen acting in the films as she enjoys working in films. Apart from acting, the actress and her fianc are also planning to build chain of hotels in Goa and as this project completes and will be on track then further they have plans to have hotels around the country too.

Well this is something called brilliance, now Ayesha will not just be an actress but also a business person.

Currently she is having many films in her kitty that includes 'Eight by Ten' with Akshay Kumar, 'Wanted Dead or Alive' with Salmaan Khan, and an animated movie 'Ab Dilli Door Nahin' with Govinda and Akshaye Khanna and Paathshaala.

AR Rahman - Jai Ho Lyrics ( Hindi & English )

AR Rahman - Jai Ho Lyrics

jai ho
jai ho

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

jai ho
jai ho

ratti ratti sachi maine jaan gavayi hai
nach nach koylo pe raat bitayi hai
akhiyon ki neend maine phoonko se uda di
neele tare se maine ungli jalayi hai

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

chakh le ha chakh le ye raat shahad hai chakh le
rakh le ha dil hai dil aakhri had hai rakh le
kala kala kajal tera koi kala jadoo hai na

kala kala kajal tera koi kala jadoo hai na

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

jai ho jai ho
jai ho jai ho

kab se ha kab se tu lab pe ruki hai kah de
kah de ha kah de ab aankh jhuki hai kah de
aisi aisi roshan aankhe roshan dono bhi hai hai kya

aaja aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale

jai ho
jai ho
jai ho
jai ho

*****************************************************************
AR Rahman - Jai Ho Lyrics - Hindi

जय हो
जय हो

आजा आजा जींद शामियाने के टेल
आजा जरिवाले नीले आसमान के टेल

जय हो
जय हो

रत्ती रत्ती सची मैंने जान गवई है
नाच नाच कोयलों पे रात बितायी है
अखियों की नींद मैंने फूंको से उदा दी
नीले तारे से मैंने ऊँगली जलाई है

आजा आजा जींद शामियाने के टेल
आजा जरिवाले नीले आसमान के टेल

चख ले हा चख ले ये रात शहद है चख ले
रख ले हा दिल है दिल आखरी हद है रख ले
कला कला काजल तेरा कोई कला जादू है न

कला कला काजल तेरा कोई कला जादू है न

आजा आजा जींद शामियाने के टेल
आजा जरिवाले नीले आसमान के टेल

जय हो जय हो
जय हो जय हो

कब से हा कब से तू लैब पे रुकी है कह दे
कह दे हा कह दे अब आँख झुकी है कह दे
ऐसी ऐसी रोशन आँखे रोशन दोनों भी है है क्या

आजा आजा जींद शामियाने के टेल
आजा जरिवाले नीले आसमान के टेल

जय हो
जय हो
जय हो
जय हो

Kamal comments about his Shruti issues!

Addressing at the first anniversary celebrations of Kalaignar Isaiyaruvi TV and the launch of a new comedy channel Sirippoli, Kamal was candid about various issues। When referring to his singing talent, Kamal said that initially his singing attempts were received with criticism during the earlier days . "They used to comment that my Shruthi was not perfect. And now that she's grown up I've no issues with that," Kamal mentioned referring to his daughter, intending pun.

Kamal also appealed to the fraternity not to address Tamil cinema as Kollywood. "It rhymes with Kaali Payale – a swear word my father used on me when I was a kid," he quipped. He signed off by offering two choices to the audience - to either take his words seriously or to take it lightly since it was delivered during a comedy channel's event.

The event, held at Taj Coramandel Hotel last night, was attended by Rama Narayanan, Abirami Ramanathan, R B Choudry, Napoleon, Charlie and other celebrities.

Resul Pookutty makes history by getting Oscar honour

After winning the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), 36-year-old Resul Pokutty has created history by becoming the first Indian to bag the Oscar for best sound mixing for the critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".

Pokutty shared the Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for their work in the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle.

"This is unbelievable. I share this stage with two magicians...I dedicate this award to my country," Pookutty said while accepting the award here Sunday.

Pookutty, who lives in Mumbai with his wife and two young children, got his big break in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed 2005 film "Black" that was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

He subsequently engineered sound for productions like "Musafir" (2004), "Zinda" (2006), "Traffic Signal" (2007), "Gandhi, My Father" (2007), "Saawariya" (2007) and "Dus Kahaniyaan" (2007) apart from several others. He also designed sound for the 2008 blockbuster "Ghajini", starring Aamir Khan.

Pookutty is now looking forward to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. But he is currently busy doing the sound of Rajat Kapoor's "Rectangular Love Story", Suarabh Shukla's "Pappu Can't Dance Saala" and new director Sharad's "Rangeen In Love".

Pookutty, who hails from Kerala, did his schooling in Malayalam medium. He was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days.

Though Pookutty's father was keen that he should become a doctor, he failed the medical entrance examinations.

After finishing his graduation, he took admission to a law course in 1990. Going against his father's wishes, he dropped out of law college in Thiruvananthapuram and joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune in 1995.

Story of UP village girl Smile Pinki wins Oscar

Heath Ledger, the late Australian actor, has won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the Joker in Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight.

The 28-year-old star, who died from an accidental drugs overdose a year ago, is only the second actor to receive a posthumous Oscar after British-born Australian Peter Finch won for Network in 1976.

Ledger had already won a clutch of industry honours, including a Bafta, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award, for his lauded performance in the Christopher Nolan-director comic book film and an Oscar win was considered almost a given ahead of Sunday's ceremony.

The award was accepted by Ledger's parents and his sister. Kim Ledger, the actor's father, thanked the Academy and British filmmaker Nolan for "allowing Heath the creative licence to develop and explore this crazy joker character".

"This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, within an industry he so loved," Mr Ledger said.

Presenter Kevin Kilne, a former best supporting Oscar winner, described Ledger's portrayal of the villainous character made famous by Jack Nicholson as "menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical".

As his name was announced, cameras cut away to show fellow stars Anne Hathaway, who starred in Brokeback Mountain with Ledger, and Angelina Jolie, battling back tears.

Ledger's sister, Kate, dedicated the golden statuette to his young daughter with actress Michelle Williams, saying, "we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda." The Perth-born star, who was previously nominated for a best actor Oscar in 2006 for Brokeback Mountain, was found dead in his New York apartment in January 2008.

His death was attributed to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs including sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and painkillers.

Ledger, also known for his roles in films including Monster's Ball, Ten Things I hate about You, A Knight's Tale and the Bob Dylan-inspired I'm Not There, beat fellow nominees Josh Brolin, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr and Michael Shannon.

Since its release last summer, The Dark Knight has made more than one billion dollars at the global box office.

Earlier, Penelope Cruz won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in the Woody Allen comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

2009 Oscar Results |81st Academy Awards Results

The Stars have already dazzled the Red Carpet with their presence. A warm welcome to the Oscar 2009 by Hugh Jackman who tied up on stage at the Kodak Theater in LA with his funniest ever live performance.

1. Best Supporting Actress: The first Academy Award of the night, Best Supporting Actress, went to Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a film by Woody Allen. In her acceptance speech the actress said, “Has anyone fainted here before, because I may be the first one” and gulped to pay tribute to Allen as well as Spanish mentors Pedro Almodóvar and Bigas Luna.

2. Best Original Screenplay: The Oscar in this category went to Dustin Lance Black for Milk. Black was in tears while receiving the award. He recalled how he drew inspiration from the assassinated gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

3. Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog had its first pick with a win by Simon Beaufoy in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.This could just be the beginning for the rags to riches story. Beaufoy in his acceptance speech offered thanks to director Danny Boyle and proucer Christian Colson referring them as “the other two musketeers”.

4. The Best Animated Feature Film: The award in this category was picked up by Wall-E as it was expected.

5. Best Art Direction: Sarah Jessica Parker along with co-presenter Daniel Craig nervously opened the envelop to announce the award for the Best Art Direction. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button leveled itself with Slumdog with its 2nd pick.

6. Best Costume Design: Michael O’Connor for Dutchess. This was the 2nd British success in the 81 Academy Awards.

7. Best Make-Up: Its a make-man’s job to make the characters look realistic. And it was undoubtedly a tough job for Greg Cannom to make Brad Pitt look old and unattractive. The award for the best make-up was picked up by Greg Cannom for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

8. Best Cinematography: If directors are the heart of a film, actors the body and sound the soul and cinematographers must be the eyes. The award in the Best Cinematography category was scooped by Anthony Dod Mantle.

9. Best Supporting Actor: The posthumous Oscar went to Heath Ledger for his outstanding performance of Joker in the 2009 Batman Movie - The Dark Knight. Ledger’s family dressed in special costumes offered by Armani came up on the podium to receive the award on his behalf. From Kate Winslet to Angelina Jolie, every stars we seen flashing tears in their eyes. Ledger received a standing ovation by all those who were present.

10. Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

11. Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

12. Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire

11. Best Editing: Slumdog Millionaire