Bollywood Preview
By Shephali J. Rele

Bollywood releases expected this month

Bride & Prejudice: Starring Aishwarya Rai, Martin Henderson, Namrata Shirodkar, Anupam Kher, Nadira Babbar, Meghna Kothari, Peeya Rai; directed by Gurinder Chadha; music by Anu Malik.

The Hindi version of the film released in India last year. Some of you may have seen the sneak previews of the English version a few months ago. The rest of North America will have their chance in February when after much delay, �Bride & Prejudice� hits theatres this month. Inspired by the Jane Austen novel, director Chadha puts a Bollywood spin on the timeless tale of courtship and social pressure.

The story begins in an Indian village where a mother, played by Nadira Babbar, seeks to find matches for her four lovely daughters. Aishwarya Rai plays the eldest daughter Lalita, a headstrong girl who has decided that she will only marry for love. She meets a wealthy American Will Darcy, played by Martin Henderson, and sparks fly. First enchanted, then suspicious of one another, Lalita and Darcy nearly fall prey to gossip and a comedy of errors. Ultimately, prejudices are overcome and love prevails in this romance where east meets west set across three continents.

Jurm: Starring Bobby Deol, Lara Dutta, Milind Soman and Gul Panag; directed by Vikram Bhatt; music by Anu Malik.

Bobby Deol plays Avinash, a rich businessman, arrested for his wife�s murder in this suspense thriller. Milind Soman plays his friend and legal adviser. As the case unfolds in the courtroom, Avinash feels more and more trapped.

His only support comes from a close friend played by Gul Panag, who also loves him. So, why was his wife Sanjana, played by Lara Dutta, killed and was Avinash really responsible? What is the truth? That�s what �Jurm� is all about.

Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar: Starring Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Rima Lagoo and Mohnish Behl; directed by K.S. Adhiyaman; music by Daboo Malik and Sajid-Wajid.

This family drama stars Salman Khan as Ayaan, a dynamic, young man from an upper middle class family. Shilpa Shetty plays Ahana, a beautiful model, from a liberal-minded rich family. The two fall in love and get married. Their new life together starts out blissful but Ahana realizes there is a vast social difference between them. Soon, small differences arise and slowly lead to a major confrontation.

A believer in family unity, Ayaan remains calm in this tense situation but can he bridge their differences and bring his wife and family together? After starring together in last year�s �Phir Milenge,� let�s see if Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty can continue their success.
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By Shephali J. Rele

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