Bollywood 2010: That Was The Year That Was

As 2010 comes to an end, it is time to look back and see how the alluring world of Bollywood spent the entire year. Supriyo Hazra recalls the ups and downs of the tinsel town, its royalty, the newcomers, the also- rans? and the surprise packages????????????????????.

Catch the stars

Aishwariya Rai: Aishwarya had a moderate 2010, as far her movies her concerned. Her two films ?Guzaarish? and ?Endhiran? (Tamil film dubbed and released in Hindi as well), did well at the box office. She was appreciated for her performance in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed film ?Guzaarish?. However, ?Raavan? and ?Action Replayy? failed at the box office.

Aamir Khan: His fans thought that maybe Aamir will come up with another bang this year in December as well, as he has been doing for the past two years, but it remained a silent year for Mr. Perfectionist with not a single commercial films getting released. However, his fans got a feel of his perfection in his production? ?Peepli Live?, earlier this year. The comic satire on farmer suicides was India’s official entry to the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category though debutante director Anusha Rizvi seemed unfazed by the hype amid rumours of falling out with Aamir. Aamir was also busy working in his wife Kiran Rao?s film titled Dhoobi Ghat? where he will be seen in the lead role.

Ajay Devgan: 2010 was perhaps the best year for Ajay Devgan as he was appreciated in nearly all the movies he worked this year. Nearly all his films released this year- ?Rajneeti?, ?Once Upon a Time in Mumbai?, ?Golmaal 3, ?Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? performed well at the Box Office. The year was also important for Ajay and his gorgeous wife Kajol as their second child was born. Kajol gave birth to a baby boy early this year.

Abhishek Bachchan: The Junior Bachchan had a poor run at the box office this year as both his films released in 2010- ?Raavan? and ?Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey?, where he portrayed the historical character of freedom fighter ?Surya Sen?, failed at the box office. Hopefully 2011 will bring some good news to him.

Abhay Deol: It was said that Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor were spending quality time on the sets of Anil Kapoor?s production ?Aisha?. However, when the film finally hit the box office this year, the audience did not like their chemistry much as the film tumbled down miserably at the box office. The Jane Austin adaptation, however, got some good reviews.

Akshay Kumar: Akki the original Khiladi of Bollywood was seen in an absolutely new avatar in the small screen as he was seen anchoring a cookery show titled ?Master Chef?, judging the participants on cooking skills. All eyes are now on his new release, Tees Mar Khan, a Farah Khan film where Akki is back with his lady luck in box office, Katrina Kaif.

Amitabh Bachchan: Big B continued entertaining his fans in 2010 as well. Amitabh was back once again as the quiz master of the popular Indian Television show ?Kaun BAnega Crorepati 4?. The fourth edition of the show remained equally successful like the earlier ones. In 2010, he debuted in Malayalam film through Kandahar, directed by Major Ravi and co-starring Mohanlal. The film is based on the hijacking incident of the Indian Airlines Flight 814.

Anil Kapoor: There is good news for all Anil Kapoor fans as the actor is busy shooting opposite Hollywood heart throb Tom Cruise in the upcoming film ?Mission Impossible- Ghost Protocol?. Surely, it will be interesting to see how Anil Kapoor entertains his international fans in the action pact movie, who has already seen him hosting ?Kaun Banega Crorepati? in the Oscar winning movie ?Slumdog Millionaire?.

Ashmit Patel: Wondering why he is on the list? Well, yes, one can hardly remember Ashmit Patel for his acting skills. But surely he will be remembered from now on as one of the most talked about members of the ‘Big Boss 4’ house. Specially he attracted lots of attention for his ‘love’ relationship with all the female members of the house.

Arjun Rampal: Arjun perhaps conformed the fact quite distinctively this year that he has matured as an actor now. His role in the ?Rajneeti? was immensely appreciated by his fans. His other releases in the year- ?Housefull? and ?We are Family? were liked by the film lovers.

Bipasha Basu: It was a shocking year for Bipasha, as one of her yesteryear advertisement, showing her topless suddenly got leaked in the world of net. But unlike other heroines, she took it in her stride and moved on as the controversy died. Bipasha surely does not believe in blast from the past.

Bobby Deol: Bobby Deol is all set to share the screen with his father Dharmendra and elder brother Sunny in the upcoming family production titled ? Yamla Pagla Deewana?. Surely, his fans will get the opportunity to see the powerful pair of Father and siblings rocking the Big screen next year.

Celina Jaitley: Finally the ?Hot Bod? Celina Jaitley is in love once again and this time she has confessed to be dating with Dubai based hotelier named Peter Haag. Last time it was gay activism and now her love life. Celina surely is not making news for films anymore.

Deepika Padukone: It is a long time since Deepika and Ranbir has separated. And Break Ke Baad, she is in news for her romantic links once again. In this one year, the sought after? actor of B-town is speculated to have rediscovered a soft corner for Siddharth Mallya, son of business tycoon Vijay Mallya. Though the pair remains hush-hush over their relationship despite their series of public appearances together, media has always speculated that the chemistry between the two seems to be a bit more than mere friendship.

Dia Mirza: It was an absolutely silent year for the Bollywood beauty with none of her films flaring at the box office. Perhaps that is why she is always found busy on Twitter, sharing her feelings with her fans.

Dev Anand: Veteran actor Dev Anand joined the world of Twitter this year.

Dharmendra: Dharmendra will be seen sharing screen space with his two sons- Bobby and Sunny, in his upcoming release ?Yamla Pagla Deewana?. Dharmendra was busy shooting for the film this year.

Emraan Hashmi: ?Serial Kisser??? had a mixed 2010 with ?Once Upon A Time In Mumbai? doing very well at the Box Office, while his other release ?Crook- It’s Good To Be Bad? failed to impress cine goers.? However, there is good news for his fans as a sequel of the film ?Murder?, titled ?Murder 2? where he will be seen romancing Sri Lankan beauty Jaquiline Fernandez, is in the making.

Farhaan Akhtar: The talented actor-director of Bollywood impressed his fans with his perfect portrayal of a schizophrenic character in the film titled ?Karthik Calling Karthik?. He also remained busy shooting ?Don 2?starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in 2010.

Farah Khan: Farah teamed up with ‘Khiladi’ Akshay Kumar and gorgeous Katrina Kaif, as their much talked about movie hit the silver screens on Christmas eve. Creating ‘Sheila’ of Katrina she surely gave a tough competition to ‘Munni’ Malaika Arora? at the end of the year as far as the item number songs are concerned.

Hema Malini: The ‘dream girl’ of B-town, Hema Malini came back to the silver screen this year in the movie ‘Saadiyan’, but sadly the film bombed at the box office miserably.

Hrithik Roshan: Bollywood heart throb Hrithik Roshan had a bad start to the year as his much talked about film ?Kites? failed to tie the audience to their seats. But his next venture ?Guzaarish? impresses the same audience who appreciated Hrithik as the magician Ethan Mascarenhas in the film. The audiences were once again treated to the chemistry of Hrithik and Aishwarya on the celluloid and they loved it.

Imran Khan: Imran was back again in his chocolate hero image after failed attempt in action movies like ?Kidnap? and ?Luck?. Imran was seen romancing the two beautiful ladies of B-town, Deepika and Sonam in ?Break Ke Baad ?and ?I Hate Luv Stories?. Both the films did moderate business at the box office.

Irrfan Khan: Surely, luck was not with Irrfan this year, as in 2010 his films failed miserably at the silver screen.

Jacqueline Fernandez: She was the new ?Dhanno? girl of Bollywood, as her item dance number in ?Houseful? made the Sri Lankan beauty quite a famous face. Although in the later half of the year, Malaika Arora as ?Munni? and then Katrina as ?Sheila? took the credit away completely.

John Abraham: The macho actor of B-town had an unimpressive run at the box office this year with all his releases like Aashayein,? Jhoota Hi Sahi, and? Hook Ya Crook failing miserably at the box office, Hopefully 2011 turns out to be a better year for John.

Kajol: After returning from exile in 2009, her first film of the year ? My Name is Khan? roared at the box office as her fans loved to see the Shah Rukh- Kajol chemistry once again on the big screen. Her next release of the year- ?We are Family? was also liked by a certain segment of her fans though the films did just okay. Moreover, Kajol gave birth to her second child this year, welcoming one more member to the Devgan family.

Kangna Ranaut: Kangna had a dull 2010 market at the box office except his only hit this year ?Once Upon A Time In Mumbai?. He was wasted in Kites, but then the film itself was such a waste.

Karan Johar: Karan started the year with a bang with his release ?My Name is Khan? shinning at the box office. His next release ?We are Family? made a moderate business. But more than all these factors, it is the return of the new season of ?Koffee with Karan? that attracted the eye balls this year.

Kareena Kapoor: The size zero actor of B-Town had a miserable year with only one of her films ?Golmaal 3? really creating the magic at the box office.

Katrina Kaif: She dominated the B-Town in 2010 as the number one actor just like in 2009. This year she also sizzled her fans in a dazzling item number from the film ?Tees Mar Khan? titled- ?Sheila Ki Jawani?.

Konkona Sen Sharma: The Bong beauty tied her knot with long time friend Ranbir Shorrey. Reports said she is expecting her first child as well.

Lara Dutta: Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta had a brilliant beginning to the year as her released movie ?Housefull? performed well at the box office. But after that start, the entire year remained slow and absolutely silent for the Bollywood beauty. In September, however, she got engaged to tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi.

Luv Sinha: The year was a significant one for the Sinha family as veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha daughter Sonakshi as well as his son Luv made their tinsel town debut in this year. While Sonakshi?s ?Dabangg? created a big bang at the box office, her brother?s debut film ?Sadiyaan?? flopped miserably, doing nothing good to his career.

Madhuri Dixit: Madhuri Dixit made a comeback to Bollywood this year as she was seen judging the popular dance reality show ?Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season 4?. She also joined popular micro blogging site Twitter this year.

Malaika Arora Khan: Malaika Arora Khan banged her fans as she appeared as ?Munni? in the most sizzling item number of the year ?Munni Badnam Hui? in the film ?Dabangg?.

Mallika Sherawat: She appeared at the red carpets at the Cannes Film Festival by wrapping a snake around her, visited a snake temple, but luck was not in her favour as her much talked about Hollywood debut film ?Hisss? failed to make a mark in the hearts of global audience. However, Mallika absolutely gets the credit of becoming the first international ?nagin?, truly something unique.

Nandana Sen: Her Bollywood career may have never worked out well but this year she was well appreciated for her role in the hugely successful Bengali movie, ?Autograph?. Nandana played one of the lead roles in the movie.

Neha Dhupia: Neha seems to be happy being in the sidelines than being the lead actor, as she continued to act as the supporting actor in the movie ?Action Replayy?, which failed in the box office. However, she received appreciation for her role in the offbeat B-Town movie ?Phas Gaye Re Obama?

Neil Nitin Mukesh: Neil Nitin Mukesh had a silent 2010 at the box office as his releases this year which included the name like: ?Lafangey Parindey? failed to impress the film lovers. His ?Tera Kya Hoga Johny? also did not made much of an impact on the audience.

Priyanka Chopra: Piggy Chops appeared in an absolutely new avatar this year as she stepped into the shoes of Akshay Kumar and hosted the ?Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 3?, establishing herself as the new khiladi girl of Bollywood. However, her Bollywood releases in 2010, like ?Anjaana Anjaani? and ?Pyaar Impossible? failed miserably.

Preity Zinta: Preity Zinta remained absolutely silent this year with not a single film released, However, the only matter that pulled her name to the lime light was all the controversy and problems associated with her Indian Premiere League franchisee ?Kings XI Punjab?. Cracking the whip, the Governing Council of the IPL on Oct 10 terminated the contracts of two glamour franchisees – Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, sending tectonic tremors in the cash-rich annual event. But recent court reprieves brought the smile back on her face. She surely is keeping fingers crossed over IPL.

Prateik Babbar: After an impressive performance in his debut Bollywood film ?Jaane Tu ya Jaane Na?, Prateik had a learning experience this year as he worked along side Aamir Khan in the film ?Dhobi Ghaat?. The film has been directed by Kiran Rao and is all set to hit the big screen on 2011. He is all over in the promos.

Ranbir Kapoor: Bollywood heart throb Ranbir Kapoor finally shed? his chocolate boy image in 2010 and transformed into a matured actor as he portrayed himself in a completely serious look in ?Rajneeti?. He remained the heart throb of 2010.

Rishi Kapoor- Neetu Singh: The mesmerizing yesteryear couple, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh made their Bollywood comeback together?? after a long gap of 30 years in the film ?Do Dooni Chaar?. Despite their brief appearance in the Saif Ali Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer 2009 film Love Aaj Kal, the duo haven?t been seen onscreen in a full fledged Bollywood production since the late 70s. Like son, like parents.

Rani Mukherji:? Bengali beauty Rani Mukherjee remained absolutely out of lime light in 2010, till it was in the last phase of the year it became clear that her next venture? ‘No One Killed Jessica’ will hit the box office in 2011. Rani will be seen sharing space with another Bollywood beauty Vidya Balan in the film. The film is believed to be based on the Jessica Lal murder case.

Rakhi Sawant: The controversy queen of Bollywood created a new controversy in her own reality show titled ?Rakhi ka Insaaf?, as a man called Lakshman Prasad committed suicide after he was repeatedly called ?impotent? in the show by Rakhi. He had appeared in Rakhi?s show, ?Rakhi ka Insaaf? on NDTV Imagine, in October to settle a martial discord with his wife Vineeta. So Rakhi remained controversy?s favourite child.

Riya Sen: The only thing that might have affected Riya Sen was the fact that his ex- boyfriend Ashmit Patel broke down into tears in the Big Boss house, while discussing on the MMS scandal featuring Riya Sen and Ashmit with his house mates.

Ranveer Singh: Ranveer debut this year opposite Anushka Sharma in the movie ?Band Baaja Baaraat?. His stuble looks are grabbing the eyeballs of the fairer sex. He is named the Most Wanted Man by a national daily even as he denies rumours of link up with co-actor Anushka.

Saif Ali Khan: Perhaps the only thing that featured about Saif Ali Khan this year was all about his relationship with Kareena Kapoor. Apart from that Saif had nothing much significant to do this year as none of his films were released at the box office.

Salman Khan:Salman Khan created a bang at the box office with his film ?Dabangg? as it broke all box office records in just one week. The movie created a new history by breaking the opening weekend collection record of Aamir Khan’s movie ?3 Idiots?. Trade reports said ?Dabangg? has collected a massive amount of approximately Rs 48 crore in the opening weekend.
Sanjay Dutt: Sanjay Dutt and wife Manyata became parents of twins as her wife gave birth to a boy and a girl.

Shah Rukh Khan: King Khan was busy with lots of activities this year. He had brilliant start to the year along with Kajol as their film ?My Name is Khan? performed well at the box office despite all the Shiv Sena threats. Khan also featured in a commercial with wife Gauri for the first time. However, bad luck seems to follow SRK in the cricketing filed as his team KKR failed once again in the season three of the IPL this year. In 2011, SRK will be back in the small screen with a new reality show named ?Zor Ka Jhatka?. SRK will be seen hosting the show.

Shahid Kapoor: Shahid Kapoor and his movies may have failed at the box office but he caught the eye balls as speculations went ripe that Shahid has discovered a new love interest in Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra.

Shilpa Shetty: Just like Preity Zinta, the Bollywood beauty had troubled times this year as the IPL Governing Council terminated the contracts on October. Since then she is busy fighting legal battle with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure that Rajasthan Royals come out of all the troubles and participate in the upcoming season.

Soha Ali Khan: Soha was seen pairing up with cricket star Yuvraj Singh as the duo endorsed ITC?s Education & Stationery Products brand Classmate.

Sonam Kapoor: Bollywood style diva Sonam Kapoor turned a fashion mentor in Mumbai as she shared her expertise on fashion at ?Fashion Class with Esprit? at the Esprit store. ?The Fashion Class? saw Sonam ?tutoring? Esprit aficionados, who turned out in huge numbers to get tips from the diva. She shared tips on ?boyfriend dressing? , the travel must have?s this winter, tips on casual look for a relaxed brunch with friends and the Hi-glam look for an evening out with that special someone. Her film ?Aisha? failed to create a splash, though it was liked by many critics.

Sushmita Sen: Sushmita Sen, who had launched the ?I Am She? platform in 2009, which was awarded the India franchisee to select ?Miss Universe? participants by the Miss Universe Organisation gained momentum this year and expanded the selection procedures convincingly.

Tannushree Dutta: Bong beauty Tannushree was seen acting in a movie opposite the mighty WWE wrestler The Great Khali in the movie named ?Rama the saviour?.

Vidya Balan: Actress Vidya Balan and director Pradeep Sarkar have reportedly settled their ?dispute? and are all set to work together on a new project. She is also awaiting the release of ?No One Killed Jessica?.

Vivek Oberoi: Vivek Oberoi tied the nuptial knot with Priyanka Alva, a business management graduate

from Britain, this year.

Hits and misses

Hit movies of 2010

1.Dabangg: The story of Chulbul Pandey was a top grosser and broke many records.

2. Golmaal 3: The sequel returns and the makers are laughing their way to the bank. The audience loved it because they laughed uncontrollably.

3. Raajneeti: This political thriller was fast-paced and an adaptation of the epic Mahabhrata which saw the emergence of Ranbir Kapoor the actor.

4. My Name is Khan: A significant film from the Karan Johar stable that got into trouble with the Shiv Sena over SRK?s views on Pakistani players. But this by far the most critically acclaimed K Jo film.

5. Housefull: Some critics trashed the film, some called it a laugh riot. But the Sajid Khan directed movie with Akki was successful in the box office.

6. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai: The film showing the transformation of the Mumbai underworld from the smuggling days of Haji Mastan to the terror links of Dawood Ibrahim has a retro look and got critical acclaim. It did good business.

7. I Hate Luv Storys: The Sonam-Imran starrer was a mediocre film that made good business.

Misses of 2010:

1.Kites: Hrithik Roshan we guess would love to forget the film that had all the hype over Mexican siren Barbara Mori. A rip-off from director Anurag Basu?s own film Gangster, Kites failed to fly high.

2. Anjaana Anjaani: A Priyaka Chopra-Ranbir Kapoor starrer that should best be forgotten for its clich?d plot.

3. Khatta Meetha: Another Priyadarshan film with Akki that fails to impress.

4. Veer: The Anil Sharma film starring Salman with newcomer Zarine Khan is a flop. No one loved Salman as the warrior prince in armour.

5. Raavan: Another Mani Ratnam film with Avishek Bachcan and Aishwarya but the directionless less Robin Hood like drama failed to impress.

6. Action Replayy: The retro 70s look of Akki and Ash fails to impress.

Films that made impressions in 2010:

1. Peepli Live: A? comic take on the serious issue of farmers? suicide is India?s official entry to the Oscars.

2. Tere Bin Laden: A Pakistani news reporter fakes a Laden video in a desperate bid to immigrate to the United States of America. The film directed by Abhishek Sharma created quite an impression.

3. Phas Gaye Re Obama: The satire on US recession hitting Indian small town gangsters was the surprise package of the year winning all the kudos. Good job, Subhash Kapoor.

4. Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge. Starring Konkona, Paresh Rawal and Ajay Devgan, the comedy was loved by audience.

5. Love Sex aur Dhokha: The Dibakar Banerjee directed film is a satire on news media turning into a media of social voyeurism as honor killings, MMS scandals and sting operations are thrown in for good measure.

6. Karthik Calling Karthik: The psychological thriller dealing with schizophrenia is directed by debutant Vijay Lalwani starring Farhaan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone.

Reality Check

Reality Shows that made impressions this year:

Kaun Banega Crorepati 4: Amitabh Bachchan was back this year as the anchor of the popular reality game show ?Kaun Banega Crorepati-4?.

Big Boss 4: The Big Boss season 4 also kicked off this year with a motley group of celebs participating in it. The high point of the show was of course when Hollywood?s sizzling actress Pamela Anderson joined the show. Wrestler The Great Khali, Pakistani controversial actress Veena Malik also participated in the fourth edition of the show. Salman Khan hosted this edition of the popular show.

Khatron Ke Khiladi 3: B-town beauty Priyanka Chopra stepped into the shoes of Akshay Kumar as she hosted the third season of the show this year.

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 4: Madhuri Dixit made her Bollywood comeback as she anchored the popular dance reality show ?Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4?.

Rakhi ka Insaaf: this was perhaps the most controversial reality show in Indian Television ever as a man was alleged to have committed suicide after appearing in this serial. Controversy queen of Bollywood hosted the show where she used to give justice in her own unique fashion to the people who? attended the show to seek justice from her.

Master Chef India: Before Akshay Kumar was a Bollywood actor, he was a cook? and the cook in Akki made a comeback as the host of Mater Chef India. For once, this Star Plus programme is a break from the social voyeurism of other reality shows.?