CHALO DILLI - a comedy film about a journey with two protagonists

Eros International is India's largest integrated film studio has announced the release of CHALO DILLI on 29th April 2011.

Chalo Dilli is directed by Shashant Shah (Dasvidaniya) and is a journey which along with the two protagonists showcases the real India and its colorful and funny people with their eccentricities.

Chalo Dilli expected to release on 29 April, 2011.



Actors: Lara Dutta, Vinay Pathak
Producer: Krishika Lulla, Lara Dutta, Mahesh Bhupathi
Director: Shashant Shah
Language: Hindi
Genre: Comedy


Theatrical Trailer


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Lara Dutta and Vinay Pathak launched the first look of their upcoming film CHALO DILLI at Cinemax, Mumbai. Filmmaker Shashant Shah and producer Krishika Lulla from Eros were also present.


Vinay Pathak speaks about the songs of his upcoming film, 'Chalo Dilli', and his personal favorites from the film, at its music launch.


More exclusive photo shots of Lara Dutta
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Lara Dutta New film Chalo Delhi film Launch photos

Lara Dutta New film Chalo Delhi film Launch photos

lara dutta

Profile

Name: Lara Dutta (Hindi: लारा दत्ता)
Date of birth: 16 April 1978
Place of birth: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Height: 5′8″ or 1.73 m
Weight: 58kg
Horoscope: Aries
Education: graduated in economics with a minor in communications from the Bombay University
Hobbies: Sport enthusiast with rock climbing and bungee jumping
Profession: Bollywood actress/model
Languages: Hindi, English

lara dutta

Profile

Name: Lara Dutta (Hindi: लारा दत्ता)
Date of birth: 16 April 1978
Place of birth: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Height: 5′8″ or 1.73 m
Weight: 58kg
Horoscope: Aries
Education: graduated in economics with a minor in communications from the Bombay University
Hobbies: Sport enthusiast with rock climbing and bungee jumping
Profession: Bollywood actress/model
Languages: Hindi, English

Billu Barber - Movie Review

Priyadarshan is synonymous with ha-ha-thons, but the talented storyteller has been equally proficient while handling intense dramas like SAZA-E-KALA PANI, GARDISH and VIRASAT. Like VIRASAT and MALAMAAL WEEKLY, BILLU, the accomplished director's new outing, is also set in a hamlet.

Although the story has been attempted in Malayalam [KADHA PARAYUMBOL] and Tamil [KUSELAN] earlier, the story actually takes its inspiration from the legendary friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. In this case, the story talks of the friendship between a superstar and an ordinary mortal who runs a salon.

BILLU is a simple story about simple people, told in the most simplistic manner. There's a generous dose of glamour as well, given the fact that the protagonist's friend happens to be a superstar, but what actually works for the film is the simpleton's story. He wages a daily battle to make ends meet.

Although the film is engaging, Priyadarshan reserves the best for the finale this time, when the superstar reminisces about his childhood friend and the deep bond that they shared. The end is remarkable and is sure to strike a chord with all sections of moviegoers.

Final word? BILLU is amongst Priyadarshan's finest works. And also Irrfan and SRK's. This tale of friendship is sure to steal your heart!

BILLU tells the story of a simple ordinary man, Bilas Rao Pardesi [Irrfan Khan], living in a small town with his wife Bindiya [Lara Dutta] and two kids. His life undergoes a drastic change as superstar Sahir Khan [Shah Rukh Khan] visits the village for a film shoot. Everything changes. Things go from good to bad to worse to good again.

Ten minutes into the film and you get absorbed into Billu's small world. The salon is in bad shape, the family is facing tough times, the neighbours and acquaintances are fair-weather friends... Billu's life gets grim with each passing day.

The story takes an interesting turn when Billu's life collides with the superstar's. And the assorted characters -- right from an aspiring poet/lyricist [Rajpal Yadav], to a stingy money lender [Om Puri], to the principal of the school [Rasika Joshi] -- everyone wants favours from Billu. These characters only make BILLU more interesting.

SRK's track is equally fascinating and only spices up the proceedings. In fact, Priyadarshan has amalgamated the three songs [featuring SRK with Deepika, Priyanka and Kareena] in the narrative smartly. Not once do you feel that you're watching two stories concurrently.

The best part of the enterprise is its climax. The superstar recalls his humble beginning and how his friend stood by him in times of crisis. The writing is brilliant and SRK only takes the scene to greater heights with his terrific portrayal.

Priyadarshan is adept at handling relationships and with BILLU, he proves he can handle emotions with as much flourish as comedy. To tell a simple, uncomplicated story, without the usual frills, is an arduous task indeed and Priyadarshan tackles the material with remarkable ease. The humour here is subtle, not loud, and a constant smile remains on your face all through.

Mushtaq Shiekh and Priyadarshan's screenplay is foolproof. In fact, the writing never loses focus and the highs and the lows in Billu's life are sensitively penned by the duo. Manisha Korde's dialogues are simple, gelling with the mood of the film.

Pritam's music is energetic. The songs, promoted aggressively prior to the release, only get an impetus thanks to the presence of the three actresses. 'Mar Jaani' and 'Love Mera Hit Hit' are, of course, the pick of the lot. V. Manikandan's cinematography is top notch. The locales [Pollachi] are breath-taking.

In the recent years, Irrfan has emerged as a force to reckon with, his performances have appealed to all strata of moviegoers and his work in BILLU will only cement his status as a remarkable actor. Shah Rukh Khan needs to be admired for two reasons. The show belongs to Irrfan, although SRK could've forced himself in every scene. Also, he has chosen to opt for a film that's not one of those run-of-the-mill types. In terms of performance, SRK shows his true potential towards the finale.

Lara Dutta springs a pleasant surprise. She goes through her part with complete understanding. Om Puri is excellent. Rasika Joshi is too good. Rajpal Yadav is really funny in the penultimate scene, when he recites a film song of an SRK film. Asrani and Manoj Joshi are passable.

On the whole, BILLU is a sweet-n-simple film that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded. The final 20 minutes are the highpoint of the enterprise and that elevates the status of the film to great heights. The film has the potential to grow with a strong word of mouth. Recommended... Take your family for this one

B.O. update: 'Billu' starts slow, but actual test on Sat./Sun.

The much-awaited BILLU opened to a tepid response of 25% to 35% at various screens across the nation. However, the silver lining is that the film is enjoying positive reports and the next two days [Saturday and Sunday] will be crucial. Most exhibitors aren't surprised with the slow start, since it was evident from the promotion that the story revolves around Irrfan and that it wasn't the conventional SRK film, like OM SHANTI OM.

The other two releases, THE STONEMAN MURDERS and JUGAAD, have also opened with dull collections.

Billu premiere for barbers and hairstylists

In a move to appease the Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan is planning to invite various barbers and hairstylists for the premiere of "Billu", which was earlier titled "Billu Barber".

"As far as I know, Shah Rukh is planning a premiere for the various barbers and hairdressers' associations, so they'd see and know that the film doesn't ridicule them in any way. In fact, the film is a homage to the hair-cutting technique. I can't understand how there can be a protest about the film or its title without anyone seeing the film," Priyadarshan told IANS.

According to Priyadarshan, Shah Rukh is not inviting friends from the industry for the screening.

The film was earlier titled "Billu Barber", but when Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai objected to the use of the word "barber" in the title, Shah Rukh, who is producing the film and making a guest appearance, decided to change it.

"I'm in Chennai. Shah Rukh Khan tells me all the posters hoarding with credits will blacken out the word 'barber'. If it was hurting anyone's sentiments, I'm okay by it," Priyadarshan said.

He wonders how the word 'barber' could be okay in other languages and not in Hindi.

"Does it mean half the Indian population is not put off by the title and the other half is upset about it? I don't understand the controversy. And I've left it entirely to Shah Rukh to deal with it."

The director has no plans of being in Mumbai for the release of "Billu". "I've done my best. And Irrfan Khan in the title role is the best homage that can be paid to any profession."

Priyan does wonder, and so do we, if we as a collective nation protest too much.

Irrfan Khan plays the title role and is paired with Lara Dutta in the film, which is releasing on Friday (Feb 13). Shah Rukh will make a guest appearance along with Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.

Miss India Worldwide 2009 contestants watch 'Billu'

Priyadarshan's comedy "Billu", which features a large number of top-notch Bollywood actresses, saw bevy of Indian origin beauties from 25 countries at its premiere in Durban, South Africa.

The 25 young women have assembled here to vie for the Miss India Worldwide 2009 title at the Suncoast Entertainment resort on Saturday (Feb 14) night. And they were excited to take a break from rehearsals on Tuesday (Feb 10) evening to join local celebrities at the premiere of "Billu", hosted by young South African Indian cinema magnate Abie Moosa.

While Lara Dutta is cast opposite Irrfan, who plays the title role, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone feature with Shah Rukh Khan in three different item numbers in the comedy.

"It will be delightful to have a complement of such lovely Indian ladies from across the globe to complement the Indian beauties on the screen," Moosa told IANS.

In keeping with the traditions of the Miss India Worldwide Pageant, started by Dharmatma Saran of the US nearly two decades ago, the contestants have been engaged in a series of visits to local communities and welfare projects for several days now.

On Monday, they were shown the massive Hare Krishna Temple in the huge Indian township of Chatsworth, which has become a popular tourist attraction.

Many of them expressed surprise that there were so many Indians in South Africa, and even that they had been here for nearly 150 years. "It is also wonderful to see the huge cultural diversity in South Africa," said Miss India Australia, Kanchan Verma, a health professional.

Miss India Oman, geneticist Shruti Dilip, said she had watched an impressive Indian dance by "a pint-sized" Indian dancer when they visited historic Gandhian sites in Pietermaritzburg, where the young lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi started his path to becoming the Mahatma after being kicked off a train by a white conductor.

Miss India Singapore, Asmaa Pandit, a business development consultant, and Miss India India Deepthi Varughese said that Durban with its large Indian population felt "just like being in India".

This is the second consecutive year that South Africa is hosting the Miss India Worldwide Pageant after Shagun Sarabhai of India was crowned the winner in Lenasia, the huge Indian township south of Johannesburg, at a gala event last year. Sarabhai will hand over the crown to her successor on Valentine's Day as another former winner from India, Fareisa Joemmanbaks of Suriname, looks on.

Saran said that he definitely had a soft spot for South Africa: "I have been coming here since 1991, when South Africa was just beginning to regain its international stature ahead of the first democratic elections, and the local franchisee for the Miss India Worldwide Pageant, Farook Khan, started it off here."

Saran said from just 12 countries participating in the initial event, this has now more than doubled, and the high standard of entries was most gratifying as young women in the Diaspora gained the international recognition denied to so many of their forebears.

Lara Dutta in Man's World

The leggy beauty shows you don't need to strip to grab eyeballs. Take a look at lovely Lara posing for the February issue of Man's World.

Vision in White: The short white dress does full justice to her curvy figure and long legs


Enchanting: Lara's smile could melt hearts. The silver sandals, pink nail polish and chunky accessories add the right amount of colour.


Natural Beauty: The windswept hair shows off her beautiful face and showing just the right amount of skin, Lara knows how to keep it classy and subtle.

Lara sparkles in white on the cover of Man's World

Since the time she stormed onto the scene winning the Miss Universe title, there has been no looking back for Lara Dutta. Lara is on every man's wish-list and hence it comes as no surprise to see the beautiful actress gracing the cover page of Man's World in the February issue.

Lara who has a major film Billu up for release this week is seen in a short white dress. In an exclusive interview, Lara talks about her experiences portraying a de-glam role for the first time and how she feels proud to be known as a comedian.

However, what makes the issue a complete must have for all Lara fans is the fact that it gives you 15 ways to impress Lara and take her out on a date. With Valentine's Day round the corner, this issue will indeed come in handy.

Showbiz 24X7

Rahman at the Oscar Luncheon, Shilpa with her beau and business partner, Amitabh Bachchan and more.

Almost There: Rahman's embroidered blue sherwani is majestic and classy, exactly what the red carpet requires. We can hardly wait for the Oscar!

Batwoman: Shilpa looks like a million bucks in this body hugging navy blue mini with peep toes. And that expression is so naughty!

Perfect Jodi: Shilpa and Raj Kundar who have bought a 12% stake in Rajasthan Royals are all set to bat

Net Savvy: Lara Dutta launches her own website and has a new short hairdo to go with it

Naachne-wala: Much can't be said about his acting but Harman sure loves to dance. He is seen here at the Sri-Lanka premiere of Victory. But, whoever danced at premieres? How desperate!

Fit and Fat: At 66, Amitabh is fit and lean enough to play golf. Madhavan, half his age is so fat that he is just watching the superstar play!

Shaleen and Daljeet win Nach Baliye 4

TV actors Shaleen Bhanot and Daljeet Kaur emerged winners of the popular reality dance show "Nach Baliye 4" on a glitzy finale episode late on Sunday (Feb 1) and received the award from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

The couple pipped finalists Megha Gupta and Naman Shaw and took away the "Nach Baliye 4" trophy, a car as well as a cash prize of Rs.5 million.

Adding glitter to the show were Shah Rukh and actress Lara Dutta, who came to promote their forthcoming film "Billu Barber", releasing on Feb 13.

The finale saw performances by former participants of the show as well as judges Arjun Rampal and Karisma Kapoor as director, choreographer and co-judge Farah Khan looked on.

Showbiz 24X7

Nach Baliye 4 finale, Kareena's Rotary Club honour and Bappi Lahiri with kids from Dharavi

Scarf Love: SRK loves his scarves. He was probably fed up of the red one so now he is sporting one in brown


Can't Get Enough: The catty firang dancers just don't seem to get enough of our desi SRK as he dances with them on Nach Baliye 4's grand finale.


Dancing Queen: Lara Dutta with the finalists of the show. SRK and Lara were there to promote Billu Barber


Dekhta Hai Tu Kya? Item girl Rakhi Sawant dances with Shaleen and Naman. Shaleen's got his eyes in the wrong place but we don't blame him


Green Goddess: Super slim Karisma Kapoor is a picture of perfection in this saree that matches the colour of her eyes


Winner: Farah, Arjun, Karisma present the Nach Baliye 4 trophy to Shaleen Bhanot and Daljit Kaur as SRK looks on


Young Achiever: Kareena Kapoor with her Rotary Club award that says 'Make Dreams Real'. It is great to see her after so long!


Ditched! Kareena has ditched her favourite blood red nail polish for maroon


Jai Ho: Bappi Lahiri with slum kids from Dharavi, Sion.

Lara denies wedding with Dino

We started with a retro mood and she bowled us over instantly.

And we just couldn’t stop laughing. Wondering what we are talking about. When we asked actor Lara Dutta about her career in 2008, she said, “A super busy year but no one will believe. Unfortunately there is nothing to show.” But then this year will be different.

Lara has a huge line of impressive movies coming up in 2009 — Billu Barber, Banda yeh bindaas hai, Blue and Do not Disturb. Inspite of having a full fledged role in SRK’s production Billu Barber, she is hardly seen in the promos. “I don’t interfere in the marketing strategy of a film. In a male dominated tinsel world, where the female actors are only adding glamour or glorifying the hero’s existence in the film, you have to be happy that you added value to an interesting product like Billu Barber.”

Her friendship with actor Dino Morea has generated much interest but she still continues to maintain a dignified silence. Lara maintains that she shares a wonderful friendship with Dino because they have known each other since they were in school. “We have known each other since I was five years old. So just because people want me to proclaim my friendship with him and shout from the rooftop, I am not going to do it. There is certainly no wedding happening here. You need to find a partner who supports you emotionally. I am yet to come across a person like that.”

Next, you ask her about the ‘camps’ in Bollywood and why isn’t she a part of any camp? “There are no permanent friendships or enemies in Bollywood. The stakes are too high here to have a friend because the next minute he would be backslapping you. Stardom gets you a table in a five-star hotel but it can really drive you insane. So I prefer to have the same set of people in my life than change them. I am not a very pushy person so I am not visible.”

Now Lara has discovered a new passion for scriptwriting. She has penned some three scripts for films and emphasises that they are not “woman-oriented subjects. If I pen women oriented subjects, none of the hot selling men in the industry will work for me.” She also tells us about her adventures in the Bahamas whilst shooting for Blue with Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar. “I became a certified diver and swam with the sharks, dolphins, wild turtles and dolphins. Initially I was really scared of diving in, but then I realised that it is a myth that all sharks attack humans as soon as they see them. It was awe-inspiring.”

Lara shakes her head when we ask her if she would want to be a part of international projects. “A 3-4 minute scene in the film does not really excite me. It would be interesting to work in a European film instead. There are few actors like Hale Berry or Penelope Cruz who get to do interesting roles.” She appears perfectly fine about her “not really interested in being called sexy because it is more fun with the guys, when you are one of them. I like this ‘tomboy’ image that the guys have coined for me. After a while, it becomes boring to be just an ‘object of affection’ for the guys. That’s the reason why I just love spending time with Akki, Sallu, Sanju and my other co-stars. They make me do all sort of naughty things.” And right now, Lara is loving the way life is moving.