CAST OF NAMASTEY LONDON:

KATRINA KAIF as JASMEET SINGH

Katrina Kaif is Jasmeet Singh (Jazz). Born and brought up in London, you understand why she loves and wants everything that's western, including a husband. You also understand her anger and rebellion when he father forces her to marry a stranger. But does Jazz realize the folly of her stubborn behavior? Or will she wake up too late? Only Katrina with her mix of western sensibility and eastern vulnerability could have pulled off this role of a confused girl, with her soul intact but her heart leading her astray.

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CAST OF NAMASTEY LONDON:

UPEN PATEL as IMRAN KHAN

Upen Patel is Imran Khan. He is a Pakistani, but born and brought up in London like Jazz. Naturally if their fathers are best friends, so are they. He completely identifies with Jazz's obsession for everything British as he himself has a Brit girlfriend. But when push comes to shove, when his very identity and religion are at stake, he realizes how much wronged he is by giving Jazz the wrong advice.

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CAST OF NAMASTEY LONDON:

RISHI KAPOOR as MANMOHAN SINGH

Rishi Kapoor is Manmohan Singh. This ˜angrezi beti ka desi baap' is horrified to discover how obsessed his only daughter is with everything western. He does what any other Indian father would do – gets her married to a boy of his choice, without realizing the repercussions. As the loving father who will go to any lengths to safeguard his daughter's happiness, Rishi Kapoor's Manmohan Singh will strike a chord immediately with all those who have faced a similar situation in their lives.

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CAST OF NAMASTEY LONDON:

AKSHAY KUMAR as ARJUN

Akshay Kumar is Arjun, whose joy knows no bounds when he marries the beautiful and sophisticated Jazz. But the joy soon turns to despair when he realizes this marriage means nothing to her and she is determined to marry her British boyfriend. As a man who is forced to watch his wife romancing another, as the determined lover who will go to any lengths to make his beloved happy, Akshay's sensitive but strong; helpless but determined Arjun will win everybody's hearts. Will stubborn Jazz be the exception?

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CAST OF NAMASTEY LONDON:

JAVED SHEIKH as PARVEZ KHAN

Javed Shaikh is Parvez Khan. This talented actor returns to his ethnic roots by playing a Pakistani taxi driver, whose best friend happens to be an Indian, Manmohan Singh. He loves his son to death but cannot accept his live in relationship with a British girl. As the anguished father of a wayward son, the pathos and dignity he brings to his role must be seen to be believed.

What happens when you transplant an English rose to a countryside in Punjab and expect her to thrive in an alien environment? The rose will either die or rebel. That's exactly what Jazz, rather Jasmeet does when her father Manmohan Singh brings her to India and gets her married to Arjun, a rough and tough farmer who can barely speak English. But Jazz too is equally determined to marry Charlie Brown her British boyfriend. Caught in this emotional tug of war between father and daughter is poor Arjun, who is helplessly and hopelessly in love with his beautiful but unyielding wife.

In Namastey London, this emotional and dramatic tug of war will determine whether love is more about giving or taking? Whether Indian values must surrender to Western culture? Whether Jazz will win or Jasmeet.

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Namaste London film is about a Punjabi boy trying to win over an NRI girl's heart. It was shot in London for over three months. It's a love story about how today's Indian youth both in India and England perceive love. The film will star Vipul's lucky mascot, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Rishi Kapoor, newcomer Upen Patel and six British actors.
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NAMASTEY LONDON: THE REVIEW:
By Taran Adarsh

First things first! It's said that NAMASTEY LONDON is the 2007 adaptation of Manoj Kumar's immensely likable PURAB AUR PACHHIM. Sure, NAMASTEY LONDON is about a spoilt British girl of Indian origin and a desi guy, but the similarities end there. In fact, NAMASTEY LONDON also bears slight similarity to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's classic love story HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM, with the husband allowing his wife to follow her heart, helping her unite with her lover.

Similarities apart, NAMASTEY LONDON stands proudly on its feet!

After attempting diverse themes such as AANKHEN and WAQT – THE RACE AGAINST TIME, Vipul Amrutlal Shah attempts a love story with panache. But let's not mistake NAMASTEY LONDON to be one of those candyfloss entertainers that makers/writers have visited and re-visited over and over again. Vipul Amrutlal Shah and writer Suresh Nair blend romance, drama and humor in right proportions and the outcome is a delicacy that whets your appetite.

What works? Plenty of things!

NAMASTEY LONDON is not one of those usual romantic films. The clash of cultures, the widening gap between parents and kids, also racism -- judging someone by the color of the skin -- NAMASTEY LONDON tackles it all. At the same time, it evokes patriotic feelings at vital points in the story.

The engagement ceremony -- when Akshay gives it back to the arrogant Englishman -- deserves brownie points and also an ovation. Besides, when the Indians/Pakistanis win the game of Rugby against the goras, your joy knows no bounds. The game involves you, you feel as if you were one among those cheering for the Indians/Pakistanis.

NAMASTEY LONDON abounds in humorous moments. The entire ˜Bharat Darshan' track, starting with Rishi Kapoor interviewing the prospective grooms, and also Rishi's large Punjabi khandaan [especially Bebe], tickle your funny bone. In fact, the Bebe-Katrina interaction is truly funny!

There's an undercurrent of tension beneath the cool exterior. Katrina's volte-face minutes before the intermission hits you like a ton of bricks. In the second hour, Akshay's simple strategy to win back Katrina is very believable. The reason why this character works is because the guy never indulges in any herogiri or adopts any illogical steps to woo her back. He loves her unconditionally and that's his ˜weapon' to crush the gora rival, who happens to be Katrina's lover.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah impressed you in his directorial debut AANKHEN. With WAQT, he climbed the ladder. Now, with NAMASTEY LONDON, it's a leap. In fact, NAMASTEY LONDON is his most accomplished work so far. Love stories are done to death in Bollywood and no matter how different you claim your film is, comparisons with the successful films of yore are inevitable. Despite that, NAMASTEY LONDON retains its individuality!

To sum up, NAMASTEY LONDON is addictive stuff. You watch it once, you wanna watch it again!

What happens when you transplant an English rose to a countryside in Punjab? Will it thrive in an alien environment? The rose will either die or rebel. That's exactly what Jazz aka Jasmeet [Katrina Kaif] does when her father Manmohan [Rishi Kapoor] brings her to India and gets her married to Arjun [Akshay Kumar], a farmer.

But Jazz is equally determined to marry Charlie Brown [Clyde Stenden], her British boyfriend. Caught in this emotional tug of war between father and daughter is poor Arjun, who is helplessly and hopelessly in love with his beautiful but unyielding wife.

NAMASTEY LONDON fits the description of a true-blue Hindi film to the T. Writer Suresh Nair's screenplay is most convincing, the writing is foolproof, with no loose ends. Only thing, while the first hour moves at a lightening pace, the pace drops in the second half. In fact, minimal trimming in the post-interval portions would only make the narrative tighter. Another aspect that might curtail its prospects [at smaller centres mainly] is the generous usage of English language at vital points. Agreed, there are sub-titles in Hindi to decipher what's going on, but it could prove to be an obstacle.

Himesh Reshammiya's music is excellent. The tunes come instantly on your lips and what elevates the songs are its picturization. ˜Chakna Chakna' and ˜Dilruba' are compositions that merit a mention. Jonathan Bloom's cinematography is exceptional. The D.O.P. does complete justice to the stunning locales of U.K. as also the lush green fields of Punjab. Dialogues [Ritesh Shah, Suresh Nair] are natural to the core.

If you felt Akshay Kumar was getting typecast in comic roles in film after film, you need to watch him in NAMASTEY LONDON. One of his finest performances so far, NAMASTEY LONDON also marks the coming of age of an actor who was often dubbed as an action hero or a funster. Akshay not only wins the heart of Katrina on screen, he's sure to win the hearts of millions of moviegoers with a terrific portrayal in this film.

Katrina is a revelation. The actor surprised you with a confident performance in HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE and now, in NAMASTEY LONDON, she comes up with a spirited performance yet again. She handles the complex part with remarkable ease. The pretty lass is only getting better with every film!

Rishi Kapoor is in terrific form. Upen Patel is highly competent. The actor has a substantial role which he carries off skillfully. Ritesh Deshmukh [sp. app.] is wonderful.

Nina Wadia [Katrina's mother] is first-rate. Clyde Stenden [Katrina's fiancé] is excellent. Javed Sheikh is proficient.

On the whole, NAMASTEY LONDON is a superior product that blends romance, drama and humor beautifully. At the box-office, the film has all it takes to woo the moviegoers. However, the opening [evening shows on Friday specifically] would be affected due to the crucial India versus Sri Lanka cricket match [World Cup], but this truly well-made film should gather speed from Saturday onwards. In Overseas too, the film should fare exceedingly well.

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Punjab meets London

A British girl of Indian origin is married to a Punjabi guy against her wishes. She decides to leave her farmer husband to be with her British boyfriend. How the husband wins her love is what the film is about.

˜Namastey London' is about discovering one's roots. Through a touching love story the movie raises a very pertinent question: Do our Indian values need to surrender to western culture?
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WHO SAYS YOU CAN BUY MILK BY THE PINT WHEN YOU HAVE THE ENTIRE COW:
Arjun is a rough and tough farmer full of trademark Punjabi humour. His heart almost bursts out of his robust chest with joy when he marries a beautiful and sophisticated girl from London. Proudly he says to his friends: "I'll be the first guy in my entire clan to have suhaag raat in London". Little did he know that his joy would be short-lived.
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Her real name is Jasmeet. But she prefers to be called Jazz. She has been raised in Britain and is absolutely obsessed with western culture. To bring her closer to her Indian roots, her father marries her to Arjun, a farmer from Punjab. But she refuses to acknowledge the marriage.

Manmohan is Jasmeet's father. He is worried about his daughter's obsession with everything western. The only solution he finds is to get her married to an Indian who will make her realize the importance of Indian values. So he gets Jazz married to Arjun, without realizing the possible outcome.
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Imran is a Pakistani living in Britain. Like Jazz, he too has been born and brought up in London and is therefore out of touch with his roots. He has a British girlfriend.

Javed Sheikh as Parvez Khan
Javed Sheikh is a famous Pakistani actor. In the film he plays a Pakistani taxi driver. He is a very good friend of Manmohan Singh and is worried about his son Imran's (Upen Patel) inclination towards everything western. He also cannot accept Imran's live-in relationship with a British girl.
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MORE MILK FOR NUFF FOR SURPASSING 100K:

Jazz (Katrina) is married to Arjun (Akshay) against her wishes. Although Arjun loves her more than anything, Jazz sees him as just a rustic farmer who cannot even speak English properly. She refuses to acknowledge the marriage and longs to be with her British boyfriend Charlie Brown.

Arjun's love for Jazz remains unchanged even when he realizes that she feels nothing for him. A good-hearted man that he is, he won't force anything upon her. He decides to win her love instead.

The movie also stars Shaana Diya who plays Katrina's close friend. Shaana, too, is shown born and raised in London, but her character is very close to Indian culture and tradition and wants Katrina to get married to an Indian. Jazz returns to her former life and wants to marry her British boyfriend.
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In pursuit of his beloved, Arjun lands in London. Soon he begins to win everyone's heart with his simple, straight-hearted and jubilant nature. But the question is: will he win Jazz's love?
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The intrinsic message of ˜Namastey London' is that true love means giving, rather than demanding. The movie's protagonist Arjun is the embodiment of this.

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The movie also gives a message that Indian culture or values are in no way inferior to the western ones. The film's story is about returning to one's roots.

There is also an angle of Indo-Pak friendship provided by Rishi Kapoor and Javed Sheikh.

A scene from Namastey London, looking more like one from India

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˜Namastey London' is Akshay and Katrina's second film together after Humko Deewana Kar Gaye . The two look so good together on the big screen that they have also been signed for director Anees Bazmee's comedy film Welcome .

In an interview, Akshay said that he finds a great deal of untapped potential in Katrina.

Look out!!!!!Salman.

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˜Namastey London' has story and screenplay by Suresh Nair. Himesh Reshammiya has composed the songs while Javed Akhtar has written the lyrics.

The movie's producer and director Vipul Amrutlal Shah wanted to capture London like never before in this film. So he roped in noted cinematographer Jonathan Bloom to shoot the film. ˜Namastey London' hit the theatres in March 2007.
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The music of the film brings together a unique combination, two maestros for the first time - sensational Himesh Reshammiya and stalwart lyrist Javed Akhtar. As you set out for the album, have a time of your own with the 18 tracks, comprising 7 original songs and 7 remixes of them along with 4 Mehfil versions. Vipul Shah directs the film starring Akshay Kumar, Upen Patel, Katrina Kaif and Rishi Kapoor along with other Hollywood actors.

Next we listen to selections from Namastey London

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SELECTIONS FROM NAMASTEY LONDON:

1) Aanan Faanan
Singer : Akiriti Kakkar, Jayesh Gandhi

2) Chakna Chakna
Singer : Himesh Reshammiya

3) Dilruba
Singer : Alisha Chinai, Zubeen Garg

4) Main Jahaan Rahoon
Singer : Krishna, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

5) Rafta Rafta
Singer : RDB

6) Viraaniya
Singer : Himesh Reshammiya

7) Yahi Hota Pyaar
Singer : Himesh Reshammiya, Sunidhi Chauhan

There is a Remixed version of each song; will listen to the remix and maybe link later:

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MUSIC REVIEWS NAMASTEY LONDON:

If you have been constantly following dozens of UK Bhangra pop albums that have been hitting the stands on a regular note during last couple of years then chances are that you would be instantly able to identify with 'Chakna Chakna'. Shot innovatively, the track has been choreographed on Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in a night club and has 'sufi' elements fused well with 'bhangra' and pop. Reshammiya comes forward to croon the track and does well in bringing along the Punjabi nuances to the proceedings.

While the original version is decent enough, the real fun begins in the remix version of the song because this is where the song takes a true-blue 'bhangra' approach. A number that has good potential to be popular.

There is an about turn soon after with 'Viraaniya' coming in next. Javed Akhtar saab keeps it simple when it comes to penning this sad track that has Reshammiya scoring good marks for both his composition and rendition. Even though the song has some shades similar to his 'Tanhaiyyan' that was used for the first round of promotion of his debut film 'Aap Kaa Surroor - The Moviee', 'Viraaniya' is still an enjoyable hear and keeps you hooked on. The number moves slowly with the arrangements resembling a lounge outing and appropriate pauses coming at the right places. A good number for the broken hearts, it appears in 'remix' and 'Mehfil Mix' versions.

The remix version, as expected, picks up the pace with pepped up arrangements but is entertaining nevertheless. Expect a promotional music video to be woven around it. What comes as a real surprise though is the 'Mehfil Mix' that has none other than Javed Akhtar saab reciting his own poetry as a prelude to the song. Now that's special since the song that follows too keeps arrangements to the minimal and lets Reshammiya and Akhtar saab take turns behind the mike with their unique collaboration being allowed do the talking!

Is it really a Himesh Reshammiya song for an Akshay Kumar film that you are hearing? That's the instant thought that comes to mind as soon as you are 30 seconds into 'Main Jahaan Rahoon'. The reasons to feel elated are more than one. First and foremost the presence of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan itself makes one sit up and take notice of the song. Secondly the music is so fine paced and rendition by Khan along with Krishna (who arrives for some interspersing portions) is so beautiful that there is no other choice but to hail the song.

A delightful love song that is music to ears (pun intended) with no unnecessary frills and thrills and just plain and simple melody, 'Main Jahaan Rahoon' is a kind of number that matches the brilliance of 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak' [Kalyug]. On looking at the credits, one is a little apprehensive to find a remix version coming next. Thankfully, 'Main Jahaan Rahoon' retains its essence even in this format and one doesn't mind it at all. What one actually looks forward to is the 'Mehfil Mix' since none would want an opportunity to be missed out when Javed saab recites his poetry. And yes, one actually gets what was expected in this arrangements-light version which only sounds better!

By the time 'Yehi Hota Pyaar' comes, one starts wondering why the promotion of 'Namastey London' has been so 'Chakna Chakna' heavy? With 'Viraaniya' picking up fast, 'Main Jahaan Rahoon' sounding quite impressive and 'Yehi Hota Pyaar' showing indications of another very good number, there are good reasons for Reshammiya to be elated as he maintains good quality of songs in the album so far.

A 'ghazal' with Reshammiya crooning in a low pitch and Sunidhi Chauhan joining him, 'Yehi Hota Pyaar' is so beautifully arranged and presented that the only thing you want to do next is search for that 'Repeat' button the music system remote! For those looking for their share of masala tracks, 'Chakna Chakna' or an item number from some other album may be a better option but for those who want their music to have a certain 'thehraav', 'Yehi Hota Pyaar' is the song to play.

Yet again, the 'remix' and the 'Mehfil mix' versions entertain as the former picks up the pace while the latter brings it further down to create different moods for the situations as appropriate.

'Rafta Rafta' that comes next turns out to be a follow-up of 'Chakna Chakna' while creating a similar mood. Rendered by R.D.B., a hot band on the UK-Bhangra circuits, it is yet another track seemingly set in a club/dance floor but moves on at a moderate pace rather than going ballistic. Also, the arrangements are kept under check which are let out in full steam in conjunction with a faster pace only in the 'remix' version that comes later.

Remember 'Soniye' from Reshammiya's own 'Aksar'? 'Annan Faanan' that comes next is set in a similar mould with Reshammiya's regular Jayesh Gandhi arriving as a lead singer. Akriti Kakkar, who is being given number of opportunities by Reshammiya, gets another song to her name as she along with Jayesh croon a romantic 'Anna Faanan' which has a nice rock ballad feel to it. Yet another good track to make its appearance felt in the album, it takes about a couple of hearings before one gets a hang of the tune. 'Remix' and 'Mehfil Mix' versions only add to the fun.

After a long time once hears a number that reminds of Reshammiya's style of music that resulted in number of hits 2-3 years back. Remember 'Nikamma Kiya Is Dil Ne' [Kya Dil Ne Kaha], 'Mohabbat Hai Mirchi' [Chura Liya Hai Tumne] and 'Coffee' [Zameen]? 'Dilrooba' belongs to a similar genre and though it doesn't come with a similar potential as the aforementioned songs, it doesn't stand out as a sore thumb either. Rendered by Zubeen Garg & Alisha Chinai, it belongs to the time-pass category and can be given a few hearings, especially when it comes in a zingy remix version.

Strength of 'Namastey London' clearly lies in the songs that follow melody more than the dance routines. While 'Chakna Chakna' does belong to the latter category and may even meet with a good response over the next few weeks, the tracks that impress most are 'Viraaniya', 'Main Jahaan Rahoon' and 'Yehi Hota Pyaar'. Each of the three tracks belongs to the kind that can be played on repeatedly. In addition, the 'Mehfil Mix' of songs featuring Javed Akhtar saab's poetry and recitation is a clear cut recipe that only adds class to the proceedings.

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There are three non-Bollywood production Indian movies that outshine most of the Bollywood movies - Namesake; Provoked and Amu. Eklavya (like last year's Omkara) could be in that category too.) I like Dor - not sure if it is 2007 or 2006 - and Vidya Balam is in the upper echelon of Female leads.

Shucks...how could I forget Metro with the refreshing stars - Konkona Sen (Amu) , Irfaan (Namesake) and Kangana Renaut (sp).

Swami (2007)
SWAMI is everybody's story – your story, my story, our parents' story. Moving from the village to the city of dreams. That's what Swami (Manoj Bajpai) and Radha (Juhi Chawla) do. SWAMI is also the story of how a son respects and honours his father. SWAMI also tells a story of how our aged parents should be taken care of. SWAMI is also a story of how some parents even in their old age, without selfish motives, make way for their child to soar higher. SWAMI is a lesson for today's youngsters on how to treat parents. It's also a lesson for parents on how not to play the ˜emotional blackmail' card. Manoj Bajpai is moulded into the character with precision and the actor follows the director's cue to the ˜T'. As the loving husband, doting father and proud grandfather, Manoj passes the test of time. He does not let the simple values of the village life corrupt his mind in the city, nor does he let his son, played by debutant Maninder, lose his focus and principles. His desire to own a rocking chair, Juhi's gesture of buying the same from the money saved for her operation, and his daughter-in-law selling the worn-out piece of furniture tells its own story. The telling point is when the chair lands in his room in the Ashram he has chosen to stay in order to let his son and his family go off to the US. His Radha is there by his side in the twilight of his life. To put it plainly, Manoj Bajpai should get a standing ovation for his portrayal of SWAMI. Juhi Chawla, like old wine, has matured as an actress. She complements Manoj, scene-for-scene. But the surprise of the pack is Maninder. This boy has talent. He may have not been launched with much fanfare in a typical commercial blockbuster, but he has made his mark playing the son, matching the attitude of his father. Like father, like son. Watch Manoj and Maninder, and you will know what I say. The ˜fresh face of the year award', should be his for the taking. The director makes it a point to keep the pace of the movie constant. There are no gimmicks thrown in. But for the garden scenes where the oldies meet, which could have been tightly edited, the movie could have been a lot crisper. The background score matches the mood and one scene is a little over-the-top; when Swami and his wife, go for admission for their son. It's hard to believe that a five-year-old can convince the principal to give him admission when the dice is loaded heavily against them. Equally hard to believe is the principal's decision to admit Swami's son. All said and done, SWAMI is a good watch. Away from the grime and gore, away from scenic locales of New Zealand and Switzerland, to the more realistic surroundings of everyday life. SWAMI, like I said earlier is your story.

http://www.bollyfm.net/bollyfm/mid/1279/titlemain.html


I haven't seen this but would like to...Manoj Bajpai is a brilliant actor and his movies are excellent.

Kari, saw Namesake and Eklavya and I do agree re Vidya Balan; she is very talented as well as very pretty.

quote:

Originally posted by asj:
NAMASTEY LONDON: THE REVIEW:
By Taran Adarsh

First things first! It's said that NAMASTEY LONDON is the 2007 adaptation of Manoj Kumar's...

I saw this movie a month ago and found it quite entertaining, humorous and educational. Didn't realize it was a Purab aur Pachim remake.

The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai plays the lead role in the film starring as Kiranjit Ahluwalia.

"PROVOKED" with Aishwariya Rai is highly recommended.

Keep a box of Kleenex nearby.
Based on a real life incident, Provoked is the story of a battered Punjabi housewife and mother of two in London, who is unable to bear the brutality and repeated rapes by her alcoholic husband, sets him on fire and kills him.

PROVOKED: Is a story that most women can relate to sometime or the other during their lifetime: However the movie is recommended, but please do not set your husbands ablaze

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Naveen Andrews plays Deepak Ahluwalia – the husband of Kiranjit, who is based in London.
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quote:

Originally posted by asj:
PROVOKED: please do not set your husbands ablaze

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Some husbands like being set ablazed...........(: (:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by asj:

The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai plays the lead role in the film starring as Kiranjit Ahluwalia.

QUOTE]

Beautiful pic of Ash!

Bump: