Wednesday, April 30, 2008

My Trip to India: by Jackie Chan

The Real Story (April 27, 2008)
April 27, 2008 Source: Jackie Chan Blog

I have just returned from the most amazing and wonderful trip to Chennai, India, where I went to attend the audio launch of Oscar Films’ upcoming movie Dasavatharam.

I should tell you that Oscar Films is responsible for distributing my films in India and has been doing this for over twenty years, since Battle Creek Brawl. It’s because of them that I’m so well known in India and they are very old friends of mine. A few months ago, Mr. Ramesh Babu from Oscar Films and Mr. Vikram Lamba, brother of my Myth screen companion Mallika Sherawat, came to Hong Kong to personally invite me to this function. At the time, I looked at my schedule and winced. I was booked almost every day in April in Beijing, doing public service announcements and other events for the Olympics. How in the world would I fit in a trip to India? But I was so touched by their sincerity, and missed India so much (it’s been three years since The Myth) that I shifted things around so that I could squeeze in a very short trip.

As I told you, the purpose of the Chennai trip was to attend the music launch of Oscar Films’ latest production, Dasavatharam. In Indian films, the music is a very important part of the production, and these events are quite extravagant. The organizers had also added a fund-raising element to it, and I was there to present a check to the charity organizers.

Oscar Films was extremely generous in providing me with everything I could possibly need on this trip. Since I was only going to be in Chennai for about twenty-four hours, I didn’t think that anyone would know of my arrival and I was completely overwhelmed when I arrived at Chennai airport. So many fans and friends came to greet me, and it was at that moment I knew this would be the beginning of an amazing trip.

The premiere event was incredible. I saw so many friendly people, and so many famous faces! Many stars of Indian cinema were there and I recognized their faces, but I didn’t know how to pronounce their names (you know I’m much better with faces than with names). I was surprised and happy that so many people seemed to know me and wanted to talk to me. Oscar Films obviously did a great job promoting and distributing my previous films! I was really overwhelmed and I did my best to talk to as many people as possible. I hope I didn’t offend anyone by not giving them enough attention.

The movie, Dasavatharam, is truly a sight to behold. The story, directing, acting, camera work, special effects, everything about it is amazing. It really opened my eyes to modern Indian cinema. Of course I had seen Indian films before; I admire many of the actors, and really like the music and dancing. But this movie is really something else. Every element was amazing to me; and all the elements together just made a perfect and incredible movie! I won’t spoil anyone’s surprise by revealing the story now, since I think everyone should watch this movie. But I will say two things: watch for the environmental message, and all you directors in Hong Kong and China, watch this movie and start working harder than ever, because very soon now, Indian cinema will overtake us in the eyes of the international audience!

Because of my busy schedule, I had to leave Chennai the same night, after the event ended. I arrived in Beijing early the next morning and imagine my surprise when I was greeted with, “We heard it didn’t go too well; are you okay?” I honestly had no idea what everyone was talking about. I’d had such a thrilling and interesting trip and everything had gone quite smoothly.

When I saw some of the news reports on the Internet, I was extremely upset. One article accused me of ridiculous things like refusing to drink India’s bottled water – they said I brought my own imported mineral water - and of traveling with my own personal chefs because I refuse to eat Indian food. There were also reports of my so-called offensive behavior, dismissing the Indian stars and not talking to anyone. What complete nonsense! I have nothing but respect for Indian culture and Indian cinema, and even though I may not know all the stars by name or how to properly pronounce the names of the ones I do know, this has nothing to do with my admiration for them. And saying that I won’t eat Indian food! Nothing could be further from the truth; I adore Indian food, and in fact had two excellent meals on this trip and was so full I could barely leave my seat!

To the reporters who wrote those offensive articles, I say this: You say I brought my own water. What brand did I bring? You can find out from the housekeepers at the hotel whether I did such a thing. You say I refused to eat Indian food. Do your research and talk to the three butlers the hotel assigned to my room and ask them what I ate! You say I holed up in my air-conditioned hotel room, ignoring my hosts. Why would I travel all the way to India and refuse to leave my hotel room?

I’ve been in the public eye for many years and I have put up with a lot of ridiculous things written about me. I very seldom lash out at anyone. But truly, these irresponsible “reporters” spoiled the memory of my trip, and I am so afraid that when my gracious and wonderful hosts read the lies, they may get the complete wrong impression of me and my feelings about them and about the event. Therefore, I am posting this message on my website immediately to set the record straight.

While I am on the topic of irresponsible journalism, some reporters recently asked me about my participation in the Olympic torch relay. I jokingly answered that no one had better try to come near me while I’m carrying the torch. I said it as a joke, and believe me, I made it quite clear that I was fooling around. I have tremendous faith in the security measures being taken. The next day there were news reports all over the world saying things like “Jackie Chan Threatens Olympic Protestors” and “Kung Fu Star Will Chop Down Protestors.” It seems that everywhere in the world there will be rotten apples that spoil the good ones in the barrel.

I hope this has cleared things up and that my gracious and generous Indian hosts and all of my fans and friends will be reassured that I had a lovely and memorable trip.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Malaysian Gov't to subsidise rice price

Mr.Ministar, please you should give us more clearer picture/explanation about your statement that "Shahrir urged Malaysians to change their eating habits to cut the impact of rising rice prices.”We have to see changes in lifestyle among Malaysians to accommodate this economic situation," he said"

Rice is most important item of Malaysian citizens. Do you mean that we should eat less rice due price hike in the market?

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Gov't to subsidise rice price
Apr 28, 08 4:24pm

The government will subsidise the soaring price of rice to ensure the staple food remains affordable for consumers, minister in charge of consumer affairs said today amid global concern about high food prices.

"At the moment there is no rice subsidy... But that will come in the future," Shahrir Abdul Samad, the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister, told reporters at parliament house when asked if Malaysia would provide one.

The minister added that "we can at least assure the lower income group that local rice will be made available to them at affordable prices."

Countries across Asia are grappling with rapid increases in food costs, which experts say threaten many of the region's poor with hunger.

Prices of popular grades of rice in Malaysia are up substantially. One local brand spiked by 26 percent last week.

Shahrir urged Malaysians to change their eating habits to cut the impact of rising rice prices. "We have to see changes in lifestyle among Malaysians to accommodate this economic situation," he said.

Better farming methods

Agriculture minister Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia would try to increase local rice production through better farming methods.

"Our priority now is to concentrate on the immediate term. There is a need for the use of more fertilisers and we need to buy farming equipment to increase yields and productivity," he said.

Malaysia produces some 1.6 million tonnes of rice, which meets 70 percent of domestic consumption. The balance is imported from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam.

A local consumer hailed the plan to provide a rice subsidy.

"All the types of rice I am familiar with have gone up since last week. It is hurting my pocket," said housewife Siti Nora.

-AFP

Monday, April 28, 2008

Indian rocket blasts into space carrying 10 satellites

BANGALORE, India (AFP) — An Indian rocket blasted into space Monday carrying a cluster of 10 satellites, state-run television showed, in a mission marking a milestone for the country's 45-year-old space programme.The PSLV rocket lifted off at 9:20 am (0350 GMT) from the Sriharikota space station in southern India in clear weather.The rocket is carrying an unprecedented payload including an Indian remote-sensing satellite, a mini satellite and eight so-called nanosatellites developed by German and Canadian research institutions.The satellites are to be deployed in orbit within minutes of each other in a rare space feat, said public broadcaster Doordarshan which televised the launch live.

News from: AFP

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Dasavatharam<< KamalHassan >>Dasavatharam

Movie: Dasavatharam
Cast: Kamalhassan x 10, Asin x 2, Mallika Sheravat, Napoelon etc.
Music: Himesh Reshmaya
Director: K.S Ravikumar
Producer: Oscar Ravichandran
Audio Release: 25. April 2008 by Jackie Chan & Illayathalapathy Vijay
Ayngaran Release Worldwide: 25 april 2008

Track List
1. Ulaga Nayagan - Vinith
2. Kallai Mattum Kandal - Hariharan & Chorus
3. Oh Oh Sanam - Kamal Hassan & Mahalaskhmi Iyer
4. Oh Oh Sanam - Himesh Resamiya & Mahalakshmi Iyer
5. Mukundha Mukundha - Sadhana Sargam & Kamal

6. Kaa Karuppanukkum - Shalini Singh


Dasavathaaram Audio Launched

The Dasavathaaram music album, under the Sony BMG label, was released in the midst of stars and celebs and a great deal of cheer! The first CD was released by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi and received by none other than the much-loved and much-adored Kung Fu King Jackie Chan.

Photo from IndiaGlitz.com

Also present at the event as a guest of honour were Bollywood Big B Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jayapradha, Asin and the hot Mallika Sherawat, various luminaries of the film world, ministers and the who's who of the film world.
Photo from IndiaGlitz.com

Acording to Tamil Galatta, Shobhana stunned the audiences with her fantastic compering in three languages - Tamil, Telugu and English.

Source: Tamil Galatta

Speaking on the occasion, Amitabh Bachchan said he has worked in 'one-and-a-half' movies with Kamal, and welcomes the chance to work with him again. He plans to have discussions with Kamal in this matter, since he is already at Chennai. Mammootty said that he has been a Kamal fan since his college days.

Photo from IndiaGlitz.com

Vijay said that he is happy a small 'kuruvi' like him has been given a chance to share the stage with mighty and famous persons like Kamal, Jackie and Big B. Kamal said that he is most happy Mr. Karunanidhi attended the function and thus again encouraged him. He has plans to make a film with Jackie Chan who has inspired him in many of his fight stunts. He announced that one of the invitees, none other than Hema Malini, would also act with him in his next project.

Jackie replied that he will be happy to share screen space with Kamal and admires his work very much. He spoke in a most humorous manner, and said he will be happy to visit Tamil Nadu for many more such functions. He willingly posed for pictures with VIPs after the function ended. When the Chief Minister spoke, he said that he is impressed how much research Jackie Chan has done because he spoke and wrote like an expert about Tamil films. He also said that when he saw the trailer of the film, he was so impressed, he kissed the clean-shaven Kamal. Kamal and Jackie Chan were born in the same year and operate on the same wavelength, since they are both truly talented film persons, always looking for different ways to attract audiences.

Photo from Behindwoods.com

The welcome speech was given by director K.S. Ravikumar. He said that this is the fourth film in which he is collaborating with the 'kamaal' named Kamal and this will be the best ever film till date from the Oscar banner. Producer Oscar V. Ravichandran and his brother V. Sridhar also spoke at length about how happy they are to be associated with this project. Oscar V. Ravichandran donated Rs. five lakhs to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. This cheque was handed over by Jackie Chan to the CM.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Bila pemimpin Barisan Nasional akan berfikir waras?

Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat negeri Selangor meluluskan projek pemeliharaan khinzir berteknologi tinggi(Teknologi Jerman) di Kuala Langat untuk mengelekan cemaran air and persikitaran. Mohd Ali Rustam ( Ketua Menteri Melaka) mengutuk program ini tanpa menyelidik atau memahami perlaksanaan projek ini di dalam blognya yang baru dibuka. Komen-komen yang pedas diutarakan pembaca blog telah dipadamkan dan tidak ada komen baru boleh dibuat pembaca dalam blog ini.
Pimimpin harus memberi kerjasama dan pujian jika sesuatu projek itu membawa kebaikan kepada rakyat jelata tidak kira parti mana yang menjayakannya. Pemimpin UMNO masih lagi menggunakan taktik (isu agama & perkauman) untuk mengucar-kacirkan rakyat Malaysia. Mereka tidak faham lagi yang rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira agama atau bangsa sudah menolak cara UMNO memerintah negara selama 50 tahun. Barisan Nasional boleh meneruskan cara politik yang tidak jujur mereka ini jika ingin kalah dalam PRU13 nanti.

Sila layari blog tidak berkualiti Ali Rustam di sini

Komen pedas yang telah dipadamkan dari blog Ali Rustam di sini.