Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Tissa Hami


Tissa Hami is one of the world's few female Muslim stand-up comics. Her unique act
and fresh perspective on life as an Iranian-American woman leave audiences in
shock and awe. From Islamic fundamentalists to white liberals to good
old-fashioned racists, no one is safe from her sharp wit. Tissa hopes her comedy
will help break down stereotypes about Muslim women and foster understanding
between Iranians and Americans.

Tissa grew up in a traditional Iranian family in a predominantly white suburb of
Boston. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in international affairs from Ivy
League universities. Her parents are thrilled that she is using her expensive
education to pursue a career in comedy.

People who disapprove of her act will be taken hostage.


Tissa performed for 10,000 people at First Night Boston 2005. She has been
featured in the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune,
as well as on BBC radio and Australian and European television. In the US, Tissa has
appeared on ABC's The View, the Hallmark Channel, and NPR. Her radio interview on
Commonwealth Journal was awarded first place in the Public Affairs category for 2004
by the Associated Press of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Tissa is one of five
comedians featured in the documentary, Stand Up: Muslim American Comics Come of
Age. The film, which won a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award, aired on PBS in May
2008 and on BBC World News in September 2008.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Ahmed Ahmed

Born June 27, 1970
Helwan, Egypt
Medium Stand-up
Years active 1989–present
Genres Observational comedy, Satire
Subject(s) Racism/Race relations, Islamophobia, Muslim-Americans
Ahmed Ahmed (Arabic: أحمد أحمد; born June 27, 1970) is an Egyptian American actor and comedian.
Career
Ahmed Ahmed moved to Hollywood when he was 19 years old to pursue a career as an actor and stand-up comedian, and he has been working there ever since.
He has appeared in several films and television shows such as Executive Decision, Swingers, Tracey Takes On, Roseanne, JAG, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn on Comedy Central, and MTV's Punk'd with Ashton Kutcher. He has also appeared on CNN, The View, and National Public Radio, and was featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal in December 2001, as well as in Newsweek. He was featured in the PBS television documentary America at a Crossroads series in "STAND UP: Muslim American Comics Come of Age", an episode about Muslim American comedians.
Ahmed Ahmed is a regular performer at The Comedy Store in Hollywood and tours all across the US and Europe. He was the winner of the first annual Richard Pryor Award for ethnic comedy at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland in the summer of 2004. Ahmed is currently with the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour. He was also a notable guest for Axis of Justice which is a rock and heavy metal concert which fights for social justice.
Personal life
Ahmed was born in Helwan, Egypt. His family came to the United States when he was three years old and he grew up in Riverside, California. Ahmed says his role models include his parents, Muhammad Ali, Mitzi Shore, and Vince Vaughn.[1]
Following 9/11, and through 2004, Ahmed Ahmed and the comedian Rabbi Bob Alpert toured the USA with their ground-breaking show "One Arab, One Jew, One Stage" about interfaith harmony and essential human dignity.[2]
Filmography
Actor
City of Life (2009) .... Nasser
The Legend of Awesomest Maximus (2008) .... Slick Slave Trader
Iron Man (2008) .... Ahmed
The Onion Movie (2008) .... Ahmed
Knight Fever (2008) (in production)
You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008) .... Ahmed
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (2005) .... Escort
JAG .... Jalal Sharif (1 episode, 2005)
All In (2005/I) .... Amir
Girlfriends" (1 episode, 2001) - Bad Timing (2001)
Roseanne .... Hakeem (1 episode, 1996) - Roseambo (1996) .... Hakeem
Swingers (1996) .... Party Mystery Guy
Executive Decision (1996) .... Terrorist
Steel Sharks (1996) .... Lt. Noussavi
Virtuosity (1995) .... Cameraman
Self
America at a Crossroads: "STAND UP: Muslim American Comics Come of Age" (2008) .... Himself
The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour (2007) (V) .... Himself
I Am Ahmed Ahmed (2006) (TV)
Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland (2006) .... Himself
Last Call with Carson Daly ..... Himself (1 episode, 2006)
National Lampoon Live: The International Show (2004) (TV) .... Himself
Punk'd (2003) TV Series .... Field Agent (unknown episodes, 2003)
Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn .... Himself (1 episode, 2003)
The View .... Himself (2 episodes, 2001)

Zain Bhikha Biography

Zain Bhikha was born on the 9 August 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa to parents Rashid and Mariam Bhikha. The only son, with three sisters, Zain showed a keen interest, from a young age in entertaining his friends and family with his beautiful singing.
Zain was not aware of his full potential until 1994 when he won a singing competition on Radio 702, a local radio station. A simple song which he recorded on his home karaoke system brought him out tops among mostly professional participants. After this great accomplishment, he seriously considered recording an album. This consideration was put into action after he was approached by The Pretoria Muslim School who asked him to write and record their school anthem. Zain took it a step further and composed a full album, entitled “A Way of Life”. This was a compilation of basic Acapella Islamic songs, mostly in English covering the various tenets of Faith. The album, which was the beginning of greater things, only took Zain two weeks to complete.
“A Way of Life” sparked the beginning of many more album releases namely “Praise to the Prophet (SAW)” (1996), “Fortunate is He” (1997) and “The Journey” (1998). Zain Bhikha’s song served to be very popular throughout South Africa, especially for young children who found the songs educational and inspiring. Its popularity caused it to filter abroad and come to the ears of World Renowned Muslim activist Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens.
Yusuf Islam was working on a momentous project entitled “A is for Allah” and believed Zain could contribute by lending his voice to some of the songs. In 1999, Zain flew to the United Kingdom to join Yusuf Islam’s Mountain of Light Studios to begin recording. This opportunity was a life long dream for Zain. To top it off, he was given the chance to perform in seven of the eight songs on the album. Zain also gained much experience from Yusuf Islam as he had no previous formal music training. It was during the production of this album that Zain was brought on board as an artist under Mountain of Light’s cultural label called “Jamal Records. With the backing of Jamal Records, Zain planned the world-wide release of two compilation albums incorporating all material he had done thus far. These albums were entitled “Children of Heaven” and “Towards the Light”, featuring some remixed songs.
Under the guidance of Mountain of Light and the world-wide distribution power of Jamal Records, Zain released his first new album under the label entitled, “Faith” (2001). The songs in this album deal with a broad spectrum of emotions from hardships to happiness but always invoke a constant consciousness of Allah. The album also brought about collaborations between Zain and well-known Nasheed artist, Dawud Wharnsby Ali. It also introduced the children from Madressah-Tul-Banaat in Benoni, South Africa on backing vocals.
With his popularity rising and live performances around the globe, Zain Bhikha released “Our World” in 2002. This album was a portrayal of the unity which Islam brings to all cultures, languages and traditions through the Will of Allah. Zain’s eldest son, Rashid’s, melodic voice is introduced to us on this album. The title track for his album is a prayer for a better world for all people, one free of prejudice and war.
In 2005 Zain established a South African company called Zain Bhikha Studios. This company serves to house all of Zain’s present and future works in all fields be it song albums, educational projects through schools or theatre productions. Zain also began this with the intention of giving local and international artists the platform to gain exposure through his experience and resources in the industry.
After the establishment of Zain Bhikha Studios, Zain continued his long time relationship with Jamal Records. The two companies formed a partnership with Jamal Records being Zain’s exclusive international distributor. Jamal Records are the driving force behind Zain’s international recognition and his albums’ distribution.
With the birth of his new company came the first album to be produced under the Zain Bhikha Studios label, “Mountains of Makkah”. This album was inspired by Zain’s pilgrimage to Makkah in 2004. Both the content and composition of this album shows much maturity. The lyrics are a ‘personal reflection’ of his thoughts and feelings while partaking in this profound spiritual journey.
A long way from his first appearance on Zain’s “Our World” album and on Yusuf Islam’s momentous kids project “I Look, I See” (2003), Zain’s son, Rashid, released his first single entitle “Can’t You See” (2006). This is a hard hitting rap which stresses the importance of living a drug-free life. It features Zain as well as the well known hip-hop artist, Abdul Malik, from Native Deen who also wrote the song. This song was produced by Zain Bhikha Studios and given world-wide publicity by Jamal Records.
From the time that Zain joined Mountain of Light to establishing Zain Bhikha studios, his experience as an artist has grown tremendously, increasing his exposure both at home and globally. Zain was a pioneer in the Nasheed genre. When Zain started singing, Islamic songs were not being sung in English. As one of the first English Islamic singers he opened the door for many other artists. His albums have been launched in many countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Malaysia, France, Turkey, The Middle East, and Australia. He has performed live in cities across most continents and has become somewhat of a household name when it comes to Islamic Music.
In addition to music, he also writes and directs plays written specifically for schools. One of his many successful school plays, “An Orphans Tale”, which he produced in conjunction with the Pretoria Muslim School, was a great success and brought a full house for all three nights that it ran in October 2003.
Zain has performed with a long list of artists such as Dawud Wharnsby, Ashiq al Rasul, Hasan Kalicitan, Khalid Belhrouzhi, Native Deen, Qatrunada, Imad Rami, Sami Yusuf, Dewan Chinekar, Irfan Makki, Khaleel Mohamed and not forgetting his mentor, Yusuf Islam. In his many local performances for Islamic schools, launches, fetes and dinners, Zain has performed with local artists like Faeeza Malinga, Ziyaad Patel, Imran Dhaya and of course, his son Rashid Bhikha.
Zain’s songs are mainly self written or adapted from poems and traditional Arabic songs. His songs are driven by emotion and the need to reassure people that Islam is the answer of hope and the core for our everyday questions and confusion. Many of his songs represent different times in his life when he is learning and remembering how necessary Allah’s presence is. Zain’s songs provide young and old with an alternative to the modern music which often carries a destructive message. His music is Islamic propagation and encourages every Muslim to be proud to proclaim there faith.
Zain confidently adds that much of his support has come from his parents and family over the years. He lives with his wife, Zaheera and three children in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Shahrukh Khan

My mother was born and brought up in Hyderabad. She was a strong and beautiful woman. She resemble Waheeda Rehman. My father also was extremely handsome. I don't think I'm good-looking but they were a very good-looking couple. The met incidentally under strange circumstances. Injured in a car accident, my mother needed blood. My father who happened to be at the hospital at that time gave her blood. In this process of helping my mother to revive, they fell in love.
And though my father was about eleven years older than my mother, her family consented because he had sort of saved the family. In bringing up my sister Shehnaz and me, my parents never made any difference, though I think my sister was closed to my parents because she is six years older to me. I was born at a time when my parents weren't doing well financially. But I don't remember facing any hardship on that account. My father was a chief engineer. My mother was a social worker, a first class magistrate. She had studied in Oxford. She was among the first few Muslim women to have achieved so much. She has been an executive magistrate for the longest tenure recorded. She used to deal with juvenile delinquents. I was not a stubborn kid.
 
But if I wanted something badly enough I would go out and get it. I was exposed to the Ram Leela, I acted in it as one of the monkey. I wrote short stories.. shairis.. my father made me recite them. I remember once there was this aunt who wore horrendously pink lipstick and I composed a corny poem in praise of her lipstick. I think she was secretly pleased. My parents let me do my own thing, they only wanted me to do well in my studies...which I did. There were no restrictions. I could sleep at any time, go out anytime. If I bashed up some child's teeth, my father saw to it that I dealt with the child's father myself... I realized that parents weren't authority but they were friends. I would imitate Mumtaz, I would mimic people. I'm doing all this even today. And guess what? I'm being paid handsomely for it.
An outgoing kind of person, mom took a lot of initiative in everything. I remember when my father was ill, he had cancer for eight months, we lost everything we had.                       One injection used to cost about Rs 5000 and we had to organise about 23 injections in ten days. It was an expensive affair and our business went down. At that time my mother would work day and night. She would get the money some way. She really looked after my father.
After his death in '81 she revived his business and ran it proficiently. I inherited workaholism from her. She never said no to anything. Like when I went to college, I said I wanted a car. And the next day, there was a car outside. She never forced me to do anything. She never even forced me to take over the big business that we had finally when she died.
When I told her I wanted to act, join films she did not stop me. I wanted to do my masters in film making. I was very good. I had got admission in NSD. I didn't want to do it but she told me, "just get admission". So I gave my admission test and got in. I remember I used to be very bad in Hindi. I would get zero on ten. And she used to tell me, "If you get ten on ten, I'll take you for a film". And from that day to date I have topped in Hindi at all times I remember the first film she took me to see was Dev Anand's Joshilaa. Her favourite actors were Bishwajeet and Joy Mukherji.
I think I inherited my sense of humour from my father, who too had a lot of respect for women. I remember once I had gone and blown somebody's letterbox. And this south indian lady came down and complained to my father, "Your son troubles my daughter". He looked at her and said, "If she is as pretty as you are and if I was as young as my son, I'd probably do the same thing". She started laughing. He said it so gently and nicely. He was very respectful to women because he had an older sister and a mother whom he was very close to. He taught me how to be gentle with women.
When my father died, I didn't cry. I thought it was heroic. I was one of the pall-bearers, I thought I had become a little big man. But I felt cheated despite the fact that he had prepared me for his death... And my mother's death made me realize that nothing is permanent. I stopped hoping for anything. I cried a lot. Nothing shocks me anymore.

 Films  


Year Film B/O Status  
2008 Rab Na
2006 Don Super Hit
2006 Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Hit
2005 Paheli Flop
2004 Veer Zaara Super Hit
2004 Swades Average
2004 Main Hoon Na Super Hit
2004 Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke Flop
2003 Kal Ho Naa Ho Super Hit
2003 Chalte Chalte Super Hit
2002 Saathiya Hit
2002 Devdas Super Hit
2002 Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam Hit
2002 Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Blockbuster
2001 Asoka Average
2001 One 2 Ka 4 Flop
2000 Mohabbatein Super Hit
2000 Hey Ram! Flop
2000 Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani Average
2000 Gaja Gamini Flop
2000 Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega Hit
2000 Josh Hit
1999 Baadshah Average
1998 Dil Se Average
1998 Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Blockbuster
1998 Duplicate Average
1998 Achanak Flop
1997 Dil To Pagal Ha Super Hit
1997 Gudgudee Flop
1997 Pardes Super Hit
1997 Yes Boss Super Hit
1997 Koyla Average
1996 Dushman Duniya Ke Flop
1996 Army Average
1996 Chaahat Average
1996 English Babu Desi Mem Flop
1995 Zamaana Deewana Flop
1995 Ram Jaane Hit
1995 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Blockbuster
1995 Guddu Flop
1995 O Darling Yeh Hai India Flop
1995 Trimurti Flop
1994 Karan Arjun Super Hit
1994 Anjaam Average
1994 Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa Hit
1993 King Uncle Average
1993 Baazigar Super Hit
1993 Darr Super Hit
1993 Pehla Nasha Flop
1993 Maya Memsaab Hit
1992 Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman Hit
1992 Deewana Super Hit
1992 Chamatkar Hit
1992 Dil Ashna Hai Average
1992 Idiot Flop
1988 In Which Annie Gives It Those One Flop



Shah Rukh Khan Facts
First Name:
Shah Rukh
Last Name:
Khan
Called:
The King Khan, Baadshah of Bollywood
Day of Birth:
2nd of November, 1965
Place of Birth:
Talwar Nursing Home (Rajinder Nagar) New Delhi-India

Shah Rukh was born with the umbilical cord entangled around his neck. A nurse said that it was by the blessings of Hanuman and that he would be a very lucky child.
Mother:
Fatima Begum
(a social worker and a first class magistrate, who died of complications from diabetes in 1991)
Father:
Mir Taj Mohammed
(a lawyer and a freedom fighter, who died of cancer in 1981)
Siblings:
one sister named Shehnaz fondly called Lala Rukh

Zodiac Sign:
scorpio

Religion:
Muslim

Height:
5'9'' (around 1,75 m)
Weight:
around 75 kg

Eyes:
magic brown
Hair Color:
shiney black





Education:
High School: St. Columbia High School In New Delhi.
College: Graduated from Hansraj College, & then Masters in Mass Communication from Jamiya Miliya Islamiya, New Delhi
Qualifications and Achievements:
·  Masters; A Brilliant Student
·  Sword of Honour to the most outstanding student
·  The Ravi Subramani award
·  The Sujit Memorial award
·  He captained all teams in football, hockey, and cricket
·  He was also good in dramatics
·  He was a king in Hindi, Electronics, Biology
Occupation:
actor, producer
If not an Actor:
In the arm force or a school teacher.
Start his Career:
in a TV serial called "Fauji"
Film Debut:
Deewana (2002)

Hobbies & Interests:
his family, his work, playing computer games

Martial Status:
Married, since October 25, 1991 with Gauri Chibber / Khan
(born 8th of October 1970)
Children:
son Aryan (born on the 13th of November, 1997)
daughter Suhana (born on 22nd of May 2000)








Personal Quotes
(December 2001, about Hrithik Roshan): I wish I looked as good as he does. And I wish I danced as well as he does!

Yes, I do have a close circle of friends and I am very fortunate to have them as friends. I feel very close to them I think friends are everything in life after your family. You come across lots of people all the time but you only make very few friends and you have to be true to them otherwise what's the point in life?

I'd rather sink trying to be different, than stay afloat like everyone else

I cannot repay my fans for what they have done for me, they have given me so much love and that love has taken me to the number 1 position where I am today, the only thing I can do for my fans is to never stop working, and to do films till the very end, it is the only way I can express my love for them.

To me, Devdas is the end of love stories. I've portrayed an obsessed lover, a nice lover, an angry lover, a romantic lover. And now I've played Devdas. For someone who doesn't even like love stories, I've played an awful lot of lovers. Personally speaking, I wouldn't see any of the romantic films I've acted in.

I'm the luckiest man in the world and I don't want to hide from the faces I'm acting for. So I don't surround myself with guards, I've never given an interview in which I've said I feel bad that I can't go shopping or I can't go to Chowpatty and eat bhelpuri without being mobbed. I'm not the kind of guy who goes out wearing dark glasses (I don't think I'm a big enough star to hide behind them, honest). I go to see movies in the cinema theatres, I go to restaurants with my family and friends even though I know people are going to disturb me there.

God has become a generic term like `mind blowing.' It is embarrassing. I would have said that to Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah, Nana Patekar. I used to tell them I want to stand in the same space as you. I've told Kamal Haasan, I just want to touch you. They are the gods of acting. When people call me God, I say, no, I'm still an angel or saint of acting. I still have a long way to go.

(August 2004): Awards that ignore me are losers.

(August 2004): I'm try-sexual. I try anything that's sexual.

(August 2004): I have no competition. Every year the names I'm pitted against keep changing. You can't cream the competition, you have to kill it.

I keep hearing that our films are escapist and unreal but I find our films the most real in the world. We don't have people going up in a rocket and single-handedly blowing up a meteor. We don't have a president on Air Force One saving the world or things coming out of people's stomachs. Our fantasies and escapism are real. It's just people singing and dancing in the street. If England had won the World Cup you would have seen people singing and dancing like that.

I don't like wearing dark glasses. I'm happy with the fact that people know me. I want people to scream and shout at me, I want people to trouble me when I'm having lunch, I like six bodyguards around me. I love being a star. I find it very strange when people who are famous say they don't want to be photographed. I don't want to be photographed first thing in the morning, I don't want people peeping into my bedroom, but besides that, it's a wonderful life.

"I haven't given up smoking. I'm very clear about it, it's a personal choice. I want to cut down on it. It shouldn't be made into an issue to say, damn good or damn bad. Whether I give it up or not shouldn't be an issue." (Movie Mag, May 2006)

"I was supposed to have done Rang De Basanti (2006), the guy on the motorbike. I didn't have the dates. They were shooting in Delhi and the dates were clashing with Paheli." (Movie Mag, May 2006)

"It's not like Steven Spielberg is waiting with a script for me. I don't think I'll ever be offered a great international film in my lifetime, so I'd rather be a king here. Moreover, Indian cinema is the greatest in the world. But of course, after spending three months in LA, London, and New York I found that our cinema is a little exaggerated. To make a mark in the West we have to reach their level without losing our identity, culture or songs. I don't want to star in a Hollywood film, but want to make a film that crosses over universally." (Movie Mag, May 2006)

On trying to get Paheli (2005) an Oscar nomination: "There's a misreport here about our lobbying at the Oscars. The understanding that we have of the Oscars is very different from how it really is. Because Indian film, foreign films are not known, you're supposed to hire a PR company which we did. It's not as if you just go there, show your films, lobby and talk to them. You're not allowed to lobby as in you're not allowed to meet the Academy members, talk to them or even make a call to them. You just keep advertising in the 'For Consideration For Oscars' category. We took out full page ads in papers like Variety and Hollywood Reporter. The only good thing we did was that we advertised very frequently, it was promoted on the same scale as the biggest of films. We did it because we could afford it." (Movie Mag, May 2006)

"I felt Asoka (2001) should have been chosen for the Oscars. We had worked towards that. We had these international distributors for it. We were the first to actually release an Indian film internationally in traditionally non-Indian theaters. We spent a lot of money and lost a lot of money too. We were the first to put up boardings in London, in tube stations. We did speak to everyone who was anyone here, wondering if Asoka could go to the Oscars. But the one that got chosen was Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) which was even better. So we had no complaints. After that I didn't make any film for the foreign market." (Movie Mag, May 2006)

You must respect your seniors, bu never get intimidated by them. Winning should be a habit, not an option. The four Hs are important when you play to win --- honesty, humor, hard work and a bit of haraamipan.

I don't look at the figures that my movies make. The only figures I look at are girl's figures. (When asked to comment on what he felt about the figures his movies gross.)

Whenever I fail as a father or husband... a toy and a diamond always works.

If I talk to a girl, it's assumed that I'm having a scene with her. If I don't, then it's assumed that I'm gay.

I don't kiss on screen. Period.

There are only two Khans. Ghenghis Khan and Shahrukh Khan

Sex is not required to sell my film. My name is enough.

You never win the silver, you only lose the gold.

I am very shy. If I am flying British Airways and the air hostess asks me two questions, and I don't understand her accent - I will go hungry for the entire flight.

The dream I chased, took me on a journey. A journey more rewarding then the goals, the achievements. When I look back it's like facing a million mirrors. Each reflection opens a window. A window to the world I've just discovered. The world I want to share with all of you.

If I am a role model, I must be the worst one in the world.

I've never had a girl make a pass at me.

Togetherness, passion, laughter, faith, trust and jealousy are the essential ingredients of love.

The collar-bone is my favorite part of the human body.

If asking me whether sleeping with X or Y gives the media pleasure, then so be it. It's a small price to pay.



Where Are They Now
(September 2004) He is doing a world wide concert with Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Arjun Rampal, and Priyanka Chopra.

(June 2009) Shooting for My Name is Khan in San Fransisco.
 

Friday, February 5, 2010

Salman Khan

Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan ,  born December 27, 1965) is an Indian film actor who appears in Bollywood films.
Khan, who made his acting debut with the film Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), had his first commercial success with the blockbuster Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), and won a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award for his performance. He went on to star in some of Bollywood's most successful films, such as Saajan (1991), Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994), Biwi No.1 (1999), having appeared in the highest earning films of five separate years during his career.
In 1999, Khan won a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his extended appearance in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), and since then has starred in several critical and commercial successes, including Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Tere Naam (2003), No Entry (2005) and Partner (2007). Khan has thus established himself as one of the most prominent leading actors of Hindi cinema.

Biography

Career

Salman Khan made his acting debut in the 1988 film Biwi Ho To Aisi where he played a supporting role. His first leading role in a Bollywood movie was in Sooraj R. Barjatya's romance Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). The film went on to become one of India's highest grossing films.It also won him a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award, and a nomination for Filmfare Best Actor Award.
1990 saw only one film release starring Khan, Baaghi, co-starring alongside southern actress Nagma. The film was a box office success,and was followed by another successful year in 1991 when he starred in three hit films, Patthar Ke Phool, Sanam Bewafa and Saajan.Despite these tremendous early box office successes, all of his 1992-1993 releases resulted in box office failures.
Khan clawed back his previous success in 1994 with his second collaboration with director Sooraj Barjatya in the romance Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, co-starring Madhuri Dixit. This film was the biggest hit of that year, and turned out to be one of Bollywood's highest grossing films ever, becoming the fourth highest earner of all time. Apart from being a commercial success, the film was widely acclaimed and Khan was praised for his performance, earning his second nomination for Best Actor at the Filmfare. Three more films released that year featured Khan, none of which making a significant impact on the box-office as was the case with the previously mentioned title. He did however win praise for his performance in Andaz Apna Apna, alongside co-star Aamir Khan, which has gained a cult status since its release. In 1995 he cemented his success with Rakesh Roshan's blockbuster Karan Arjun, co-starring alongside Shahrukh Khan.The film was the second biggest hit of the year, and his role of Karan once again put his name among the nominees for the Best Actor award at the Filmfare, which was eventually won by his Karan Arjun co-star Shahrukh Khan.
1996 was followed by two successes. The first one being Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directional debut Khamoshi: The Musical, co-starring Manisha Koirala, Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas. Though a box office failure, the film was critically acclaimed. He next starred alongside Sunny Deol and Karisma Kapoor in Raj Kanwar's action hit Jeet.
He had only two releases in 1997: Judwaa and Auzaar. The former was a comedy directed by David Dhawan co-starring Karisma Kapoor, where he played a dual role of twins separated at birth. The film was a box office hit. The latter, co-starring Shilpa Shetty failed to do well, but developed a cult following after its video release.
Khan worked in five different films in 1998, his first release being the comedy Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya opposite Kajol, one of the biggest commercial successes of that year. This was followed by the moderately successful drama Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai.Khan played a young man who has to take a child who claims to be his son, under his custody. Khan's performance in the film earned him several positive notices and favourable reviews from critics. He rounded of the year with Karan Johar's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Co-starring alongside Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, he had only an extended cameo playing the role of Aman. However, it eventually turned out beneficial to him, as his performance earned him his second Filmfare Award under the Best Supporting Actor category.
In 1999, Khan starred in three hit films: Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United, which reunited him with Sooraj Barjatya for the third time; Biwi No.1, which became the top grossing film that year; and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which was a major critical success, and earned him another Best Actor nomination at the Filmfare. In 2000, Khan acted in six films, most of which failed critically and commercially, except for the two moderately successful films, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, both of which co-starred Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta. His performance in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, the release of which was delayed until 2001, was received well. The film was one of the first Bollywood movies to handle the issue of surrogate childbirth; Khan played the role of a rich industrialist, who hires a surrogate mother after his wife becomes infertile. Critics noted his turn towards a more serious role, which reportedly had more substance in comparison to his previous roles.In 2002 he starred in the delayed release Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam which was semi-hit at the box office.
Khan's following releases failed at the box office until he made a comeback in 2003 with Tere Naam. The film was a major earner and his performance was praised by critics, with film critic Taran Adarsh noting, "Salman Khan is exceptional in a role that fits him to the T. He breathes fire in sequences that demand uneasiness. But beneath the tough exterior lies a vulnerable person and this facet in particular comes to the fore in the latter reels. His emotional outbursts are splendid..." He subsequently continued his success at the box office, with comedies like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and No Entry (2005)2006 was an unsuccessful year for him when Jaan-E-Mann and Baabul both failed to do well at the box office.
Khan started 2007 with the ensemble film Salaam E Ishq which failed to do well at the box office. His next release Partner did very well at the box office, receiving a blockbuster verdict.He next appeared in his first Hollywood movie, Marigold: An Adventure in India opposite American actress Ali Larter. Telling the love story of an Indian man and an American woman, the film was a major failure, both commercially and critically.
Khan starred in three films throughout 2008, all of which underperformed. God Tussi Great Ho was a remake of the Jim Carrey Hollywood hit, Bruce Almighty. The film performed abysmally at the box office.  His second film of the year, Heroes, met with praise from critics but performed just moderately at the box office, even with the aid of the Diwali season.

Personal life

Khan is the eldest son of celebrated screenwriter Salim Khan and his first wife Salma Khan (maiden name Sushila Charak). His stepmother is Helen, a famous yesteryear Bollywood actress, who has co-starred with him in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). He has two brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, and two sisters, Alvira and Arpita. Alvira is married to actor/director Atul Agnihotri.
Khan is a dedicated bodybuilder. He trains everyday and is famous for taking off his shirt in movies and stage shows alike. In 2004, he was voted 7th best-looking man in the World and the best looking man in India by People magazine, U.S.Khan has been involved in several charities during his career.
Despite being romantically linked with several actresses, and having relationships with ex-girlfriends Aishwarya Rai, Somy Ali and Sangeeta Bijlani, Khan is frequently featured by Indian media as Bollywood's most eligible bachelor. He has been dating model-turned-actress Katrina Kaif since 2003.
On October 11, 2007, Khan accepted an offer from Madame Tussauds wax museum in London to have a wax replica made of himself. His life-size wax figure was finally installed there on January 15, 2008, making him the fourth Indian actor to have been replicated as a wax statue in the museum.

Controversies

Legal troubles

On September 28, 2002, Salman was arrested for rash and negligent driving. His car had collided into a bakery in Mumbai; one person who was sleeping on the pavement outside the bakery died and three others were injured in the mishap.Charges of culpable homicide were laid against him, but later dropped, and he was found not guilty. However, he will still have to stand trial for a series of lesser charges pertaining to the incident.
On February 17, 2006, Khan was sentenced to one year in prison for hunting an endangered species, the Chinkara. The sentence was stayed by a higher court during appeal.On April 10, 2006, Salman was handed a five year jail term for hunting the endangered Chinkara. He was remanded to Jodhpur jail, and remained there until April 13, when he was granted bail.On August 24, 2007, the Jodhpur sessions court, upheld the 5 year jail term for Khan in the Chinkara poaching case by turning down his appeal against the 2006 judgement. At the time of the hearing, he was busy with a shooting elsewhere, while his sister attended the proceedings.[22] Day after, he was placed under police arrest in Jodhpur after a Rajasthan court upheld a prison sentence passed upon him for poaching. On August 31, 2007, Khan was released on bail from the Jodhpur Central jail where he has spent six days.

Relationship troubles

His turbulent relationship with actress Aishwarya Rai was a well publicised topic in the Indian media, and had constantly filled gossip columns.After their break-up in March 2002, Rai accused him of harassing her. She claimed that Khan had not been able to come to terms with their break-up and was hounding her; her parents lodged a complaint against him.
In 2005, news outlets released what was said to be an illicit copy of a mobile phone call recorded in 2001 by the Mumbai police. It appeared to be a call in which he threatened his ex-girlfriend, Aishwarya Rai, in an effort to force her to appear at social events held by Mumbai crime figures. The call featured boasts of connections to organized crime and derogatory comments about other actors. However, the alleged tape was tested in the government's Forensic lab in Chandigarh, which concluded that it was fake.

Fatwas

In September 2007, a Muslim organisation issued a fatwa against Khan for attending a Ganesh puja. Stating that Islam prohibits idol worship, the organisation stated that unless Khan reads the kalmas - the declaration of faith, all over again, he will not be considered a Muslim. In addition to that, Khan celebrated the Ganesh Mahostav with his family in Bandra; they brought a Ganesh idol for one day for the sake of his stepmother, Helen. Khan was among the group who danced in the procession. His father responded by criticising the fatwa, and stated that Salman had done nothing wrong.
Another fatwa was raised against Khan by a Muslim cleric in India, mufti Salim Ahmad Qasmi, for allowing Madame Tussauds in London to make a wax model of himself. The mufti said the statue is illegal and the Sharia forbids depictions of all living creatures. This created speculation in the press, as no fatwa was released against fellow Muslim, Shahrukh Khan who also has a wax model in the museum. Salman responded by saying, "These fatwas are becoming a joke".
The fatwa was raised upon Khan again in September 2008, for celebrating the Ganeshotsav Hindu ceremony at his home with the family. The fatwa was raised by the member of the Advisory Council, Jama Masjid, in New Delhi. On this occasion, his father, Salim, again questioned the fatwa and criticised those who raise it.




    Films


The Mahabharata

Subhash Ghai - Salman Khan Film

Hello

Amar Akbar Anthony Remake

Mera Bharat Mahaan

My Punjabi Nikaah

Sahib Biwi Aur Gulam

Bajirao Mastani

God Tussi Great Ho

London Dreams
Saanwariya

Marigold

Partner

Salam-e-Ishq

Baabul

Jaan-e-Man

Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar

Saawan

Kyunki

No Entry

Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya

Lucky
 
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa

Phir Milenge

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

Garv

Baghban (Special Appearance)

Tere Naam

Stumped (Guest Appearance)

Love at Times Square (Guest Appearance)

Yeh Hai Jalwa

Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam

Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye

Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (Friendly Appearance)

Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega

Chal Mere Bhai

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge

Hum Saath Saath Hain

Hello Brother

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

Sirf Tum (Special Appearance)

Biwi No.1

Janam Samjha Karo

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Special Appearance)

Bandhan

Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai

Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya

Sar Utha Ke Jiyo (Guest Appearance)

Deewana Mastana (Guest Appearance)

Auzaar

Judwaa

Jeet

Khamoshi

Majhdaar

Dushman Duniya Ka (Guest Appearance)

Veergati

Karan Arjun

Sangdil Sanam

Chand Ka Tukda

Hum Aapke Hain Koun

Andaz Apna Apna

Dil Tera Aashiq

Chandramukhi

Nischay

Jaagruti

Ek Ladka Ek Ladki

Suryavanshi

Love

Saajan

Kurbaan

Pathar Ke Phool

Sanam Bewafa

Baaghi

Maine Pyar Kiya

Biwi Ho To Aisi

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan (born Aamir Hussain Khan on March 14, 1965) is an Indian film actor, director and producer. Khan worked in a number of critically and commercially successful films and has established himself as one of the leading actors of Hindi cinema. He is also the founder-owner of Aamir Khan Productions.

Starting his career as a child actor in his uncle Nasir Hussain's film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Khan began his professional career eleven years later with the film, Holi (1984). He had his first commercial success with his cousin Mansoor Khan's film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), for which he won a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award. After seven previous nominations during the 1980s and 1990s, Khan received his first Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance in the major grosser Raja Hindustani (1996).



In 2001, he made his debut as a film producer with the Academy Award-nominated Lagaan. Khan played the lead role in the film and earned his second Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance. After a four-year break from acting, Khan made his comeback with Ketan Mehta's Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005), and later won a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance for his role in Rang De Basanti (2006). In 2007, he made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par, for which he received a Filmfare Best Director Award. This was followed by Ghajini (2008), which became the highest-grossing Indian film of all-time, unadjusted for inflation.





Early life

Khan was born in Bandra's Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai, India, to a Muslim family that has been actively involved in the Indian motion picture industry for several decades. His father, Tahir Hussain, is a film producer while his deceased uncle, Nasir Hussain, was a film producer as well as a director and a actor.

He is a descendant of the Muslim scholar and politician Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and a second cousin to former Chairperson of Rajya Sabha Dr Najma Heptullah.



Film career

Actor

Khan began his film career as a child actor in a home production, made by Nasir Hussain, titled Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973) and Madhosh (1974). Eleven years later, he made his adult acting debut in a role that went quite unnoticed in Ketan Mehta's Holi (1984).

Khan's first notable leading role came in 1988 in the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak which was directed by his cousin and Nasir Hussain's son Mansoor Khan. This film was a breakthrough commercial success, effectively launching Khan's career as a leading actor. Having the typical 'chocolate hero' looks, he was publicised as a teen idol. He also starred in critically acclaimed film Raakh, for which Khan got his first National Award for Special Jury Award. After that, he went on to appear in several other films in the late '80s and early '90s: Dil (1990), which became the highest grossing film of the year,[5] Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1991), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993) (for which he also wrote the screenplay), and Rangeela (1995). Most of these films were successful critically and commercially.Other successes include Andaz Apna Apna, co-starring Salman Khan. At the time of its release the movie was reviewed unfavorably by critics, but over the years has gained a cult status.



Khan continued to act in just one or two films a year, an unusual trait for a mainstream Hindi Cinema actor. His only release in 1996 was the Dharmesh Darshan directed commercial blockbuster Raja Hindustani in which he was paired opposite Karisma Kapoor. The film earned him his first Filmfare Best Actor Award, after seven previous nominations, and went on to become the biggest hit of the year, as well as the third highest grossing Indian film of the 1990s. Khan's career had seemed to hit a plateau at this point of time, and most of the films to follow for the next few years were only partially successful. In 1997, he co-starred with Ajay Devgan and was paired opposite Juhi Chawla in the film Ishq, which performed well at the box office. In 1998, Khan appeared in the moderately successful Ghulam, for which he also did playback singing. John Mathew Matthan's Sarfarosh (1999)Khan's first release in 1999 which was also moderately successful gaining an above average box office verdict, although the film was highly appreciated amongst the critics and Khan's role as a dedicated, honest and an uncorrupt cop engaged in fighting border terrorism, was well received, as did his role in Deepa Mehta's art house film Earth. His first release for the new millennium, Mela, in which he acted alongside his real-life brother Faisal Khan, was both a box-office and critical bomb.



In 2001 he appeared in Lagaan. The film was a major critical and commercial success, and received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards. Additionally, the film gathered critical acclaim at several international film festivals, in addition to winning numerous Indian awards, including the National Film Awards. Khan himself won his second Filmfare Best Actor Award.



The success of Lagaan was followed by Dil Chahta Hai later that year, in which Khan co-starred with Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan, with Preity Zinta playing his love interest. The film was written and directed by the then newcomer Farhan Akhtar. According to critics, the film broke new grounds by showing Indian urban youth as they really are today. The characters depicted were modern, suave and cosmopolitan. The film did moderately well and was a success mostly in urban cities.

Khan then took a four year break citing personal problems, and returned in 2005 with Ketan Mehta's Mangal Pandey: The Rising playin

g the title role of a real-life sepoy and a martyr who helped spark the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the 'First War of Indian Independence'.



Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's award-winning, Rang De Basanti, was Khan's first release in 2006. His role was critically acclaimed,earning him a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance and various nominations for Best Actor. The film went on to become one of the highest grossing films of the year, and was selected as India's official entry to the Oscars. Although the film was not shortlisted as a nominee, it received a nomination for Best Foreign Film at the BAFTA Awards in England. Khan's work in his next movie, Fanaa (2006) was also appreciated, and the film went on to become one of the highest grossing Indian films of 2006.

His 2007 film, Taare Zameen Par, was also produced by him and marked his directorial debut. The film, which was the second offering from Aamir Khan Productions, starred Khan in a supporting role as a teacher who befriends and helps a dyslexic child. It opened to excellent responses from critics and audiences alike. Khan's performance was well-received, although he was particularly applauded for his directing.

In 2008, Khan appeared in the movie Ghajini. The film was a major commercial success and became the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time in nominal terms (i.e., without taking inflation into account). For his performance in the film, Khan received several Best Actor nominations at various award ceremonies as well as his fifteenth Filmfare Best Actor nomination.



Producer

In 2001 Khan set up a production company knownn as Aamir Khan Productions. Its first film was Lagaan. The movie was released in 2001, starring Khan as the lead actor. The film was selected as India's official entry to the 74th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. It was eventually chosen and nominated in that category but lost to No Man's Land. The film won numerous awards at several Indian award functions such as Filmfare and IIFA, and won the National Film Award for Most Popular Film, an award shared between Khan and the film's director, Ashutosh Gowarikar.Khan later commented on the loss of Lagaan at the Oscars: "Certainly we were disappointed. But the thing that really kept us in our spirits was that the entire country was behind us".

In 2007 he produced the drama Taare Zameen Par which marked his directorial debut. Khan also played a supporting role in the film, sharing the screen with the debut of child actor Darsheel Safary. The film was initially conceived of and developed by the husband and wife team, Amole Gupte and Deepa Bhatia. It was a story of a young child who suffers in school until a teacher identifies him as dyslexic. The movie was critically acclaimed,as well as a box office success. Taare Zameen Par won the 2008 Filmfare Best Movie Award as well as a number of other Filmfare and Star Screen Awards. Khan's work won him two awards at the Filmfare, the Best Movie and the Best Director awards, which established his status as a competent filmmaker in Bollywood.

In 2008, Khan launched his nephew Imran Khan's debut in the film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na under his production house. The film was a big hit in India, and eventually earned Khan another nomination for Best Movie at the Filmfare.



Personal life

During the years of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Khan married Reena Dutta. They had two children, a son named Junaid and a daughter, Ira. Reena was involved, briefly, in Khan's career when she worked as a producer for Lagaan. In December 2002, Khan filed for divorce, ending the 15-year marriage, with Reena taking the custody of both their children. On December 28, 2005, he married Kiran Rao who had been an assistant director to Ashutosh Gowariker during the filming of Lagaan.



Though nominated many times, Khan does not attend any Indian film award ceremony as he feels "Indian film awards lack credibility".

In 2007, Khan lost a custody battle for his younger brother Faisal to their father, Tahir Hussain.

In 2007, Khan was invited to have a wax imitation of himself put on display at Madame Tussauds in London. However, Khan declined stating that, "It's not important to me... people will see my films if they want to. Also, I cannot deal with so many things, I have bandwidth only for that much.

In a 2009 interview, Khan states that he tends to take an independent approach to the world of filmmaking, noting that he does not "do different things; I try to do it in a different manner. I think every person should follow his/her dream and try and make it possible to create an ability to achieve it backed by its practicality." He has also indicated that he is more interested in the process of filmmaking than in the end result: "For me, the process is more important, more joyful. I would like to have my entire concentration on the process right from the first step." When asked about his role model, he stated that, "Gandhiji is one person who inspires me.





* Actor

* 3 Idiots (2009)
* Dhobi Ghat (2009)
* Luck By Chance (2009)
* Ghajini (2008)
* Taare Zameen Par (2007)
* Fanaa (2006)
* Rang De Basanti (2006)
* Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
* Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
* Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
* Mela (2000)
* Mann (1999)
* Sarfarosh (1999)
* Earth (1998)
* Ghulam (1998)
* Ishq (1997)
* Raja Hindustani (1996)
* Rangeela (1995)
* Aatank Hi Aatank (1995)
* Baazi 1995)
* Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)
* Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
* Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
* Parampara (1993)
* Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
* Sahebzaade (1992)
* Daulat Ki Jung (1992)
* Isi Ka Naam Zindagi (1992)
* Time Machine (1992)
* Afsana Pyar Ka (1991)
* Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991)
* Dil (1990)
* Tum Mere Ho (1990)
* Awwal Number (1990)
* Deewana Mujh Sa Nahin (1990)
* Jawani Zindabad (1990)
* Love Love Love (1989)
* Raakh (1989)
* Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
* Holi (1984)
* Madhosh (1974)
* Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)



* Music Department

* Rang De Basanti (2006) (playback singer)
* The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005) (playback singer)
* Mann (1999) (playback singer) (uncredited)
* Ghulam (1998) (playback singer)



* Producer
* Anusha Rizvi's untitled film (2009)
* Delhi Belly (2009)
* Dhobi Ghat (2009)
* Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
* Taare Zameen Par (2007)
* Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)



* Director
* Taare Zameen Par (2007)



* Writer

* Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)


OFFICIAL WEBSITE : http://www.aamirkhan.com/

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