Sunday, July 5, 2009

SALMAN KHAN 'LIFE OF SUPER HERO'

Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan (Hindi: सलमान ख़ान, Urdu: سلمان خان, pronounced [səlˈmɑːn ˈxɑːn]; 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
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.[3] 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,[4] and was followed by another successful year in 1991 when he starred in three hit films, Patthar Ke Phool, Sanam Bewafa and Saajan.[5] Despite these tremendous early box office successes, all of his 1992-1993 releases resulted in box office failures.[5]
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.[6] 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.[5] 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.[5] 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.[7][8] 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..."[9] He subsequently continued his success at the box office, with comedies like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and No Entry (2005).[5] 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.[10] 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. [11] 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.[13] 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.[15]
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.
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 sidewalk outside the bakery died and three others were injured in the mishap.[18] 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[19]
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.[20] 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.[21] 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.[23] 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.[24]
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 against Salman
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.[27]
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".[28]
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.[

BOLLYWOOD UPCOMING MOVIES 2009{The Most Awaited}

Wanted Dead And Alive (Hindi Movie)


Cast
Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Om Puri, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sayaji Shinde, Aseem Merchant, Vinod Khanna

3 Idiots (Hindi Movie)

Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.

Paramedics were called to the singer's Beverly Hills home at about midday on Thursday after he stopped breathing.
He was pronounced dead two hours later at the UCLA medical centre. Jackson's brother, Jermaine, said he was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Jackson, who had a history of health problems, had been due to stage a series of comeback concerts in the UK, beginning on 13 July.
Speaking on behalf of the Jackson family, Jermaine said doctors had tried to resuscitate the star for more than an hour without success.
Jermaine Jackson on his brother's sudden death
He added: "The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time."
"And Allah be with you Michael, always. I love you."
TV footage showed the star's body flown from UCLA to the LA County Coroner's office where a post-mortem is expected to take place on Friday.
Concerns were raised last month when four of Jackson's planned comeback concerts were postponed, but organisers insisted the dates had been moved due to the complexity of staging the show
A spokeswoman for The Outside Organisation, which was organising the publicity for the shows, said she had no comment at this time.
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini said: "I always doubted that he would have been able to go through that schedule, those concerts. It seemed to be too much of a demand on the unhealthy body of a 50 year old.
"I'm wondering that, as we find out details of his death, if perhaps the stress of preparing for those dates was a factor in his collapse.
"It was wishful thinking that, at this stage of his life, he could be Michael Jackson again."
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment industry. Sir Paul McCartney described Jackson's death as " sad and shocking".
The pair worked together on two hit tracks, Say Say, Say and The Girl Is Mine from Jackson's Thriller album.
He said " I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy-man with a gentle soul.
"His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.
"I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family, and to his countless fans all around the world."
Speaking outside New York's historic Apollo theatre, civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton paid tribute to his friend.
"I knew him 35 years. When he had problems he would call me," he said.
"I feel like he was not treated fairly. I hope history will be more kind to him than some of the contemporary media."
Melanie Bromley, west coast bureau chief of Us Weekly magazine, told the BBC the scene in Los Angeles was one of "pandemonium".
"At the moment there is a period of disbelief. He was renting a home in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles and the scene outside the house is one of fans, reporters and TV cameras - it's absolute craziness.
"I feel this is the biggest celebrity story in a long time and has the potential to be the Princess Diana of popular culture."
Musical icon
Tributes from the world of music and film have already flooded in from celebrities including Madonna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley.

Large numbers of fans have also gathered outside Jackson's home and at the UCLA medical centre with lit candles to mourn the star while playing his greatest hits.
Facebook groups have also been set up for fans to share their memories.
The singer's albums are occupying the top 15 slots of online music retailer Amazon.com's current best-seller chart, led by his 1982 smash hit Thriller.
Paramedics were called to the singer's house in Bel Air at 1221 (1921GMT) following an emergency phone call.
They performed CPR on Jackson and rushed him to the UCLA medical centre.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department said the robbery and homicide team was investigating Jackson's death because of its "high profile", but there was no suggestion of foul play.
Jackson began his career as a child in family group The Jackson 5.
MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009
Full name: Michael Joseph Jackson
Born: August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, US
Also known as: The King of Pop, Wacko Jacko
Biggest hits: I Want You Back, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Earth Song
Obituary: Remarkable talent
Life in pictures
Tributes paid to Michael Jackson
He then went on to achieve global fame as a solo artist with smash hits such as Billie Jean and Bad.
Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling album of all time, shifting 65m copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
He scored seven UK number ones as a solo artist and won a total of 13 Grammy awards.
"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced Thriller, Bad and Off The Wall.
"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
The singer had been dogged by controversy and money trouble in recent years, becoming a virtual recluse


Michael Jackson's body is delivered by helicopter for a post mortem report
He was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy, but was found not guilty following a five-month trial.
The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.
He is survived by his mother, Katherine, father, Joseph and eight siblings - including Janet, Randy, Jermaine and La Toya Jackson.

BOLLYWOOD MOVIES REVIEW

New York
New York bears a striking similarity to KHUDA KAY LIYE.Fact: Nope. KHUDA KAY LIYE and New York may belong to the same family, of an innocent person being picked up for questioning after the WTC catastrophe, but the similarities end there. In fact, KHUDA KAY LIYE and New York are as diverse as chalk and cheese. New York, helmed by Kabir Khan, attempts to be as real as possible. A tale of friendship, with terrorism as the wallpaper, New York hits you like a ton of bricks at several points in the narrative. In fact, there was a possibility that New York may turn out to be a dry experience, a documentary perhaps, but the drama is so well structured and so gripping that you get sucked into the world of Sam, Omar and Maya from its inception. New York is a triumph for Kabir Khan, who deserves distinction marks for handling the subject with remarkable maturity. Also, this film should be a turning point for John, Katrina and Neil. More on that later...The verdict? New York is, without doubt, one of the finest films produced by this premier production house, Yash Raj.

Kambakkht Ishq
The post-interval starts with a bang, with Akshay hearing the 'Om Mangalam' chant just about everywhere -- while sleeping, in the shower, in the rest room, even at an award function. The award function sequence is a double whammy. You get to watch Stallone and also the scene is superbly structured, executed and enacted.Things are smooth sailing till the emotional angle comes up. The narrative dips in those 20 odd minutes. The mood suddenly shifts from laughter to sadness.The makers may argue that a twist in the tale is justified from the writing point of view, since the emotional track is vital for any love story, but the fact remains that one does miss the entertainment quotient here. In fact, the dip in the second hour erodes, to a large extent, the impression that the first half had built so magnificently.
Director Sabbir Khan picks up a theme that may catch you by complete surprise, but marinates it in entertainment, garnishes it well and presents it like never before. The review would be incomplete if we failed to highlight the grandiose look and the lavish production values thanks to the no-holds-barred expenses by producer Sajid Nadiadwala. Each frame looks ostentatious and glitzy.Music is up to the mark, with three interesting tracks -- 'Om Mangalam' [RDB], 'Lakh Lakh' and 'Bebo' [Anu Malik]. Cinematography [Vikas Sivaraman] is magnificent, with the DoP doing complete justice to the production values. Kambakkht Ishq belongs to both, Akshay and Kareena. Akshay is dynamic this time. He received a lot of flak for CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA and there was this nagging feeling that the negativity would spill over to Kambakkht Ishq. But Akshay is in terrific form here and delivers, without a shred of doubt, a bravura performance. If you loved him in NAMASTEY LONDON and SINGH IS KINNG, you'd fall in love with Akki and his comic timing all over again this time.


Kareena left an indelible impression in JAB WE MET and creates a similar impact, albeit in a different role. Clearly, she is miles ahead of her contemporaries as far as talent goes and this film proves it yet again. Aftab and Amrita are perfect for their parts. Vindu Singh supports well. Javed Jaffrey doesn't make a mark because the role has no connection with the main plot. Kirron Kher is getting typecast. Boman Irani is hilarious in that lone sequence. Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards are well integrated in the narrative.On the whole, Kambakkht Ishq will strike a chord with the youth and those who relish zany and madcap entertainers. The first half is tremendous, while the second half takes a dip, with the film picking up towards the climax. At the box-office, the film will see an earth-shattering opening weekend and a historic Week 1. It remains to be seen how this film fares in its second weekend/week, given the massive number of screens it has opened globally [2,000 +]. However, the timing is most appropriate [the viewer is thirsting for a biggie] and the hype is tremendous, which should prove very advantageous for the film.

BOLLYWOOD MASALA

I wear bikinis in real life too: Sonam Kapoor
She's just two films old at 24. Togged in a trendy black jumpsuit, she flashes her trademark mischievous grin that reaches all the way to her eyes. Sonam Kapoor epitomises today's youth. Here's the perky and perceptive actor at her chirpy best.

I was born and brought up in the film industry. I have seen dad go through a lot - I had the ringside view of his struggle and stardom. He was never aware of his super-stardom, work has been worship for him. That experience, together with my mom and sis Rhea, keeps me well-grounded. I certainly don't have any false sense of self importance.I am very hard-working. I am like the pit bull - I never give up on anything. Like I get claustrophobic in lifts but I made sure I rode up and down in the elevator from the 38th floor hotel room in Macau recently with a brave face. I am scared of going underwater, so I will take to deep-sea diving.

Ayesha is not a pure love story, it is about six or seven friends played by Ira Dubey, Amita , Lisa, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh and Abhay Deol. Since the film spans over 63 days, we all have to really be friends before the film goes on floors. So if we have to work together for nearly four months we should have mutual trust too. Now that Abhay is back from New York, we can hold the workshops.
I have no problem talking about Sex: Minissha Lamba
This Monsoon, get ready for some wet and wild talk as Devansh Patel brings you the first of the four part exclusive series titled 'INTIMACY' featuring Minissha Lamba. Go ahead, read it. You might get your confidence back!There is a very fine line here. I think sensuality goes very well with romanticism. Therefore it's the more beautiful part of being sexual. It's the more emotional part of the idea of sexual. When women feel stressed, tired or run-down, they often lose the desire of being sensual. Take time to give your body a treat; indulge yourself and awaken your five senses of smell, sound, sight, touch and taste.
Under the water: I felt that my Kidnap songs, 'Mausam Yeh
Awesome Bada' and 'Soniya' would emulate a lot of music videos which female pop-stars have already made in the UK or America like Britney Spears, Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Pussycat Dolls, etc. Though I would rate 'Soniya' as a pop number but the 'Mausam' number can be termed as sensual and cinematically cliché. I love being a part of such cliché where you are under the waterfall wearing your white kurta and you're just going with the flow. Water here becomes very sexy.
Sex: I was a fifteen year old when the first time I landed up in a conversation with my mother about 'Sex'. My mother explained the whole 'Birds and the Bees' to me. I was shocked and I never thought it was possible. There was a time when one used to be shy and reserved about talking on such a topic but now 'sex' has become very clinical. It's a fact of life.
Sex in films: India still needs to do a lot of running around when it comes to sex in films. I mean, it will take a good couple of years to break the shackles of sex. For the moment, we've got Rakesh Roshan's Kites coming out

Movie Review: Shoaib Mansoor’s ‘Khuda ke liye’

We had a preview of the movie Khuda Ke Liye at ATP where we had posed a question whether Shoaib Mansoor will be able to revive Pakistan cinema? A probable answer comes from myself who recently got chance to see this movie. The record breaking Pakistani film Khuda Ke Liye has become my favorite film overnight- Hollywood inclusive. Or more accurately I should say, that there hasn’t been a film in the past that has moved and affected me in this way.
Given the standing ovation the film is getting in theatres all over Pakistan from rich and poor alike, one can safely say that I am not the only one. For one thing it is a uniquely Pakistani story, which could have only come out of Pakistan. To sum it up, it is about us - the people of Pakistan warts and all- take it or leave it.
The genius of Shoaib Mansoor was never in doubt for those who have seen his videos or for that matter the famous Alpha Bravo Charlie - the TV Drama on Pakistan Army. What I was unprepared for was the depth in his thought and the way he has managed to capture the Pakistani dilemma on screen. Ours is a complex and rich predicament which needs to be captured in all its nuances and appreciated in all its paradoxical colors. KKL did just that.
I went to the theatre expecting to see the same old liberal v. fundo arguments. There were those, but unlike how these arguments play out in “The Friday Times” and the “Nawai Waqt“, this remarkable film is fully conscious of its Pakistani identity and the strong Islamic component that forms part thereof.
At the risk of spoiling it for those who haven’t seen it, this is the story of two brothers, Mansoor (played by Shaan) and Sarmad (played by theatre actor/musician Fawad of EP fame) both musicians, brought in a well to do Pakistani family. Mansoor and Sarmad are torn apart by the latter’s increased involvement with a certain Maulana Taheri (based most probably on Maulana Sami ul Haq of JUI-S component of the MMA), who turns the soft spoken Sarmad into full fledge Jehadi.
Things are complicated when the brothers’ cousin Mary arrives from London to spend a few days with them, only to discover that she has been tricked by her father into coming to Pakistan to avoid her marrying her Non-Muslim boyfriend Dave. Meanwhile Mansoor leaves for Chicago to enrol at the “School of Music” there. In an epic that switches from London to Lahore to Waziristan to Nangahar Afghanistan to Chicago, these ordinary Pakistanis are increasingly faced with both internal and external conflict. And then there is September 11.
Shoaib Mansoor does not miss a beat, he does not leave any stones unturned. While all characters have more or less the same significance in this plot, it is Mansoor who is at the centre of it: Mansoor who is a proud Pakistani and secure in his Muslim identity, Mansoor who warns Sarmad against extremism, Mansoor who puts the best Muslim and Pakistani foot forward, Mansoor who is abducted by FBI in the middle of the night and beaten and tortured to a pulp, humiliated and abused for being a Pakistani and a Muslim. He is the contrast to Sher Shah and Maulana Taheri. But there are contrasts on the other side as well… Jenny who loves Mansoor for being Mansoor, his classmates who spontaneously join in when Mansoor performs his “music from Pakistan”, his African American professor… all stand in contrast to the American torturers of Mansoor.
The dialogue reaches a fever pitch in a court room in Lahore, where Mary is engaged in a prolonged legal battle. Enter the Bollywood star Naseeruddin Shah. He plays the character of a long bearded progressive Islamic scholar (probably based on Maulana Ahmed Javed and Allama Javed Ahmed Ghamidi of Lahore). In what would be the localised version of “Inherit the wind” Courtroom drama, he engages Maulana Taheri and his coterie in an argument on Islamic law and Islamic dress code.
“There is beard in religion, but no religion in beard,”
declares Shah, adding that
“Two men who did the greatest service to Islam in Pakistan, Mahomed Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, did so without a beard and out of the so called Islamic dresscode, in western dress.”
It was on this line that the entire hall filled with applause. Islam - the universal faith - has no uniform. This lays the stage for the final scene- the most poignant scene of the movie, filmed in Lahore’s beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque- the scene which once again made a Muslim out of me. I’ll let you watch it yourself to understand what I am talking about.As for the film itself, there seem to be a few technical glitches earlier on but they are easily forgotten. Iman Ali’s performance as Mary or Maryam in the beginning is annoying and one finds her concocted British accent a little annoying at first. However it grows on you and one discovers the fullness of her effort- which is by far the best I have come across by a Pakistani actress. As for the music, those of you who have only heard Bandaya, you are in for a surprise. The film is as a whole an incredible musical experience. What is more is that you discover how aptly Shoaib Mansoor has placed his music in the various scenes. Indeed, driving back from Lahore on the motorway, I could recount/recollect every scene just by listening to the soundtrack.

Ramchand Pakistani - Movie Review

Most Pakistani films are synonymous with loud acting, garish sets and blood-n-gore. But KHUDA KAY LIYE earlier and RAMCHAND PAKISTANI now signify the changing times, the changing outlook, the changing mindset.
RAMCHAND PAKISTANI is a simple story, a true story in fact, of a kid and his father crossing the LOC and being held captive in an Indian prison. A theme like this ought to be handled with gloves and director Mehreen Jabbar does just that. A sensitively told story that succeeds in making you think of the plight of scores of people who’ve accidently crossed the border and are, perhaps, still languishing in various jails.
Give RAMCHAND PAKISTANI a try. Chances are you might like the experience!
RAMCHAND PAKISTANI is a true story concerning the accidental crossing of the India-Pakistan border during a period of extreme, war-like tension between the two countries by two members of a Pakistani Hindu family.
The child from Pakistan, aged eight years, learns to cope with the trauma of forced separation from his mother [Nandita Das] while being held prisoner, along with his father in the jail of India. What transpires is the crux of the story.
Real life stories are difficult to interpret on reel, but Mehreen Jabbar tries and succeeds. It may not be the most mesmeric tale you’ve experienced, but the story and how Mehreen and the writers adapt it cinematically makes it a moving experience.
Having said that, you can’t turn a blind eye to the discrepancies in the screenplay. A few portions running parallel to the story just don’t hold. Wish the director would’ve concentrated on the main issue, instead of deviating into unwanted tracks, like the female jailor’s [Maria Wasti] relationship with one of the guards, or the helpless mother’s [Nandita Das] secret admirer [Noman Ijaz].
RAMCHAND PAKISTANI is also watchable due to the fine performances delivered by just about everyone in its cast. But it works mainly due to Syed Fazal Hussain’s sterling act as the young Ramchand. He conveys the pathos and helplessness with aplomb. Even the grown-up Ramchand, Navaid Jabbar, is equally competent.
Nandita Das is efficient. Rashid Farooqui [Ramchand's father] is equally competent. Pakistani actors Noman Ijaz, Shahoor and Maria Wasti — popular names on Pakistani TV circuit - deliver fine performances.
On the whole, RAMCHAND PAKISTANI is a simple story well told. Business-wise, the problem is that it faces a strong opposition from two major releases this week. Besides, a film like RAMCHAND PAKISTANI caters to a select audience, which means that it might go unnoticed in the domestic circuit.

PRIETY ZINTA PROFILE

Preity Zinta’s impish looks in the Cadbury’s Perk commercial and her forthright character in her debut Dil Se, on par with her off screen persona stole the show and had her fans begging for more.Pretty PowerPreity Zinta, born on the 31st January 1975 in Shimla comes from a non-filmi family. Her father Durganand Zinta was in the Indian Army and her mother is Nilprabha. Her older brother Deepankar is with the Indian Army and a younger brother Manish lives in California. Zinta’s parents were in a car accident that killed her father while her mother made it with severe injuries.Zinta spent her early years at the Jesus and Mary boarding school in Shimla. She is a graduate in English from St.Bede’s College in Shimla after which she did a degree in Criminal Psychology.Her break into show business was a matter of chance, when she was featured in the Cadbury Perk’s commercial. She went on to be the Liril girl and part of other ads. She made a move into movies in 1997. Her debut Shekhar Kapoor’s Tara Rum Pum Pum with Hrithik Roshan was cancelled after which she landed a role in Mani Rathnam’s Dil Se.Zinta was dating Marc Robinson. She is currently dating Ness Wadia, a businessman who comes from the family that runs Bombay Dyeing.
Skating on thin iceZinta was awarded the Godfrey’s Mind of Steel Award and the Red and White Bravery Award for testifying against the underworld who had threatened her during the Bharat Shah case. She was one of the few witnesses who stood her ground.More recently, Zinta was accused by singer Suchitra Krishnamurthy for being the reason behind her divorce from director Shekhar Kapoor, which Zinta denied.IPLZinta’s life has been more than just show business. She wrote for the BBC News Online about women’s issues. She is actively involved in various social causes like AIDS awareness, clean up drives in Mumbai, human trafficking etc. Her prize money from Kaun Banega Crorepathi was donated to the Red Cross Society in Shimla. She was one of the celebrities, who as part of NDTV’s Jai Jawan, visited the army men based in Hisar, Haryana.In 2008, she became the youngest and only woman to own a franchise of the Mohali based Twenty20 cricket team of the Indian Premier League. She was in the news for her rapport with the team’s players and support that she extended towards them during the matches. Shaadi ke pehle, you know, honkabonkabonk???

1998 to 2000 Preity Zinta’s first release was in Mani Rathnam’s
Dil Se (1998) with Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. Her role as the outspoken Preeti Nair and her song sequence Jiya Jale was enough to seal the deal. Her second movie the same year was as the lead in Soldier with Bobby Deol. She won the Filmfare Best Debut Award. She also acted in a Telugu movie Premante Idera. In 1999, she appeared in another Telugu movie Raja Kumarudu and as a CBI officer in Tanuja Chandra’s Sangharsh, which was inspired by Silence of the Lambs. In 2000, she played Priya Bakshi in Kya Kehna which dealt with pre-marital sex and the ostracization of a single, pregnant woman. This was followed by Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega with Rani Mukherji and Salman Khan and Mission Kashmir in which she played a journalist opposite Hrithik Roshan.2001 to 2004She starred once again with Rani Mukherji and Salman Khan in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001), which was mired in controversy as it was supposed to have been financed by the underworld. Then there was the groundbreaking Dil Chahta Hai which cast her as Aamir Khan’s love interest. Dil Hai Tumhaara, her only release in 2002, did not do well at the box office. Armaan, in 2003, saw her in a negative role and part of Bollywood’s sci-fi movie Koi Mil Gaya with Hrithik Roshan. It was Naina Catherine Kapoor’s role in Karan Johar’s Kal Ho Na Ho that cinched the Filmfare Best Film Actress Award.
In Lakshya she famously played the role of journalist Barkha Dutt and Veer –
Zaara, a love story between a Pakistani woman and an Indian man won her praise. 2005 to 2009Salaam Namaste, set in Australia starring Saif Ali Khan had her in the role of Amber a radio jockey in a live-in relationship and for the third time on screen she was pregnant out of wedlock.Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna, another multi starrer by Karan Johar, did well in 2006. Jhoom Bharabar Jhoom in 2007 didn’t do well in India but did better business overseas. Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear got mixed reviews. In 2008, she played Kuljeet Kaur, a war-widow in Heroes and Chand in Deepa Mehta’s Heaven on Earth that was about domestic violence. Jahnu Barua’s Har Pall, is her next release in 2009 and has her starring with Shiney Ahuja.

AMITABH BACHAN PROFILE

Name Amitabh Bachchan
Father’s name Harivanshrai Bachchan
Mother’s name Teji Bachchan
Date of birth 11 October 1942
Height 6’ 2’’
Family: Wife Jaya Bachchan
Son Abhishek Bachchan
Daughter Shweta Nanda

Address Pratiksha 10th Road JVPD Scheme
Mumbai 400049
Debut film Saat Hindustani (1969)


Awards:
Padma Bhusan in 2001
Padma Sri in 1982
D Lit by the Monfort University in 2006
National Award Best Newcomer for Saat Hindustani in 1970
Filmfare Award Best supporting actor for Anand in 1972,
Best supporting actor for Namak Haram in 1974
Best Actor Amar Akbar Anthony'in 1978,
Best Actor for Don in 1979
National Award Best Actor for Agneepath in 1991
Filmfare Award Best Actor for Hum in 1992
Best actor for Mohabbatein in 2001
National Award Best Actor for Black in 2006
Critics’ award Best Actor for Aks in 2002.
BBC Online Superstar of the Millenium in 1999

The living legend Amitabh Bachchan is the only Megastar of the twentieth century of Indian cinema. His acting prowess, sky-high popularity, towering personality and versatile ingenuity have made him an Institution. He is the first Indian actor whose wax statue has been installed in the Madam Tussaud’s museum in London. With scores of awards to his credit, Amitabh has surpassed all Indian cine personalities in name and fame.

Amitabh Bachchan joined the Bollywood in 1969 at the age of 27 in Saat Hindustani, which was a box office sink. He was, however, noticed by eminent director Mrinal Sen who used his baritone voice in his memorable movie Bhuban Shome.

Amitabh’s struggle fructified in Anand in which he co-starred with the then superstar Rajesh Khanna.. The film was a super hit. More than Amitabh Bachchan, it was Rajesh Khanna who earned accolade for his role in the film. Thereafter, Amitabh played in some movies all of which were flops.

His break came with the release of Zanjeer in 1973. In the movie he played the part of an angry young man, the image he carried throughout his film career save those, which were made in his later years. Since the success of Zanjeer, there is no looking back. Amitabh climbed on and on to reach a pinnacle untouched by any other in the Indian cinema as a whole.

He came out magnificently in 1975-made Sholay, which received unimaginable public support for its all out super performance by each cast and crew. Pitted with the then Superstar Dharmendra, Amitabh acted confidently and he stole the limelight making all surprised over his smart but sensitive acting.
After Sholay, Amitabh became the busiest actor in the Bollywood churning out one afrer another super hits - Deewaar (1975), Trishul (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979) and Shakti (1982).
Amitabh' also showed his talents in comedies like Chupke Chupke (1975), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Namak Halal (1982) and Satte Pe Satta (1982) among others. He is also great in romantic films like Silsila..
Amitabh dominated Hindi filmdom from late 1970s to 1980s. He was still popular in 1990s. In 1990, Amitabh opened his company Amitabh Bachchan Corporation limited under whose banner was produced Mrityudata. However, the company soon met rough weather and Amitabh experienced the worst financial crisis in his life. He started appearing in TV serials and AD films.
The 1990s witnessed his successful performances in Major Saab (1997), Sooryavansham (1999) and Lal Baadshah (1999).

After he crossed the age of 60 years, Amitabh was still the most sought after hero in Hindi films. Stories are made to suit his age and in the process we get Ek Rishta, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham in 2001, Bhagban in 2003, Black in 2004, Sarkar in 2005 and Kabhi Alvida Na Kahena in 2006 among other movies.

Born to an illustrious father Hindi poet Harivanshrai Bachchan at Alhabad in 1944, Amitabh graduated from the Sherwood College in Naitital.. After being a graduate, he tried for odd jobs. He served as a medical representative in Calcutta for some years before joining the Bollywood.
When he is known as flop master in the film industry, roaring actress Jaya Bhaduri married him. His son Abhishek Bachchan is a superstar in the Bollywood. His would be daughter-in- law Aishrywa Rai is a former Miss World and presently the reigning heroine in Hindi film industry..
The films
The Jhoom Barabar Jhoom 2007
God Tussi Great Ho 2007
Shoot Out at Lokhandwala 2007
Cheeni Kum 2007
Zamaanat 2007
Eklavya 2007Om Shanti Om 2007The Last Lear 2007 Talisman 2007 Sarkar Sequel 2007 Ram Gopal Varma Ke Sholay 2007 Teen Patti 2007 Kamagatu Maru 2007 Johny Walker 2007 Aankhen 2007 Bhairavi 2007 Struggle 2007
Aladin And the Misery of the lamp 200764 Square 2007Bhootnath 2007 Babul 2006 Kabhi Alvida Naa Kahena 2006
Samarjit Singh Talwar Aka Sam 2006
Darna Zaroori Hai 2006Family-ties of Blood 2006 Happy New Year 2006 Ganga 2006
Amrithadhara 2005Ek Ajnabee 2005 Dil jo Bhi Kahey 2005 Ramil Londonwaley 2005
Ram Balaram Aur Ramkali 2005Viruddh 2005 Sarkar 2005 Paheli 2005 Prineeta 2005 Narrator
Bunty Aur Babli 2005
Waqt –Race Against Time 2005 Black 2005Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo 2004 Veer Zaara 2004 Hum Kaun Hai 2004Kyon Ho Gaya Na 2004Deewaar 2004Lakhsya 2004 Dev 2004 Insaaf 2004 -Narrator Rudraksh 2004 Narrator Khakee 2004 Aetbaar 2004 Fun2ssh 2003 Narrator
Bhagban 2003Boom 2003 Mumbai se Aaya Mera Dost 2003 NarratorArmaan 2003 Khushi 2003 NarratorKantee 2002 Agni Varsha 2002 Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin 2003 Aankhen 2002Kabhi Khusi Kabhi Gham 2001 Aks 2001 Lagaan 2001 Narrator Ek Rishtaa 2001Mohabbatein 2000 Hello Brother 1999 Kohram 1999 Hindustan Ki Kasam 1999 Biwi No 1 Soorvavansham 1999 Lal Baadshah 1999 Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan 1998 Major Saab 1998 Mrityudaata 1997 Tere Mere Sapne 1996 Narrator Ghatak 1996 Professor Ki Pasosan 1994 Insaaniyat 1994 Zulum Ki Hukumat Narrator Khuda Gawah 1992 Akela 1991 Houseo 13 1991 Indra Jeet 1991 Ajooba 1991 Hum 1991 Ajooba Kudrat Ka 1991 Aaj Ka Arjun 1990Krodh 1990 Agneepath 1990 Main Azad Hoon 1998 Jaadugar 1989Toofan 1989Batwara 1989 Narrator Ganga Jamuna Saraswati 1988
Hero Hiralal 1988
Shahensha 1988 Soorma Bhopali 1988 Ek Hi Maqsad 1988 Jalwa 1987 Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara 1987Dosti Dushmani 1986 Aakhri Raasta 1986
Ek Rukh Hua Faisala 1986Mard 1985 Giraftaar 1985Ram Tere Kitne Naam 1985Aamir Admi Garib Admi 1985. Sharaabi 1984 Inquilab 1984 Kanoon Kya Karega 1984 -NarratorPet Pyar Aur Paap 1984Coolie 1983Pukar 1983 Mahaan 1983 Andha Kanoon 1983 Nastik 1983 Film Hai Film 1983 Shakti 1982 Khud-Daar 1982 Namak Halal 1982 Desh Premee 1982 Bemisaal 1982
Satte Ke Patta 1982Kaalia 1981 Yaraana 1981 Silsila 1981 Lawaaris 1981 Barsat Ki Ek Raat 1981
Naseeb 1981
Commander 1981 Chasme Baddoor 1981Shaan 1980 Ram Baltam 1980 Dostana 1980 Do Aur Do Paanch 1980
Naya Bakra 1980 Suhaag 1979 Ahsaas 1979 Kala Pathhhar 1979 Cinema Cinema 1979 Mr Natwarlal 1979
Manzil 1979 Jurmana 1979 Golmaal 1979 The Great Gambler 1979 Muqaddar Ka Sikandar 1978 Don 1978 Trishul 1978
Kasme Vaade 1978Ganga Ki Saungandh 1978 Besharam 1978 Parvarish 1977 Khoon Pasina 1977 Imaan Dharam 1977 Adalat 1977
Charandas Charandas 1977
Shatranj Ke Khiladi Naraator Khatta Meetha 1977 Chala Murari Hero Banane 1977Alaap 1977Amar Akbar Antony 1977 Hera Pheri 1976 Kabhie Kabhie 1976 Do Anjane 1976 Chhoti Si Baat 1976 Sholay 1975 Zameer 1975 Deewar 1975Chupke Chupke 1975 Mili 1975 Faraar 1975 Majboor 1974 Benaam 1974 Roti Kapda Aur Makan 1974 Kasati 1974
Dost 1974 Anand 1974 Kunwara Baap 1974
Augustine 1974
Namak Haram 1974 Saudagar 1973
Abhimaan 1973 Gehri Chaal 1973Zazeer 1973
Bandey Hath 1973Bada Kabotar 1973Bombay to Goa 1972 Garam Masala 1972 Raste Ka Pattar 1972 Bawarchi 1972 Narrator
Ek Nazar 1972Sanhog 1972 Piya Ka Ghar 1972Bansi Birju 1972 Pyar Ki Kahani 1971 Guddi 1971 Reshma Aur Shera 1971 Anand 1971Bombay Talkies 1971 Mourner in Funeral 1971
Parwana 1971 Anwar Ali 1969
Bhuban Dhome 1969 Narrator
Saat Hindustani 1969

ICE HOCKEY

Ice hockey (frequently simply called hockey in countries where it is the most popular form of hockey) is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use sticks to direct a puck into the opposing team's goal. It is a fast-paced and physical sport. Ice hockey is most popular in areas that are sufficiently cold for natural reliable seasonal ice cover, such as Canada, the northern United States, Scandinavia, and Russia. With the advent of indoor artificial ice rinks it has become a year-round pastime in these areas. Ice hockey is one of the four major North American professional sports. Worldwide the National Hockey League (NHL) is the highest level for men and the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) and the Western Women's Hockey League (WWHL) are the highest level for women. It is the official national winter sport of Canada, where the game enjoys immense popularity. While only six of the thirty NHL franchises are based in Canada, Canadians make up a slight majority of the league's players.
While there are 66 total members of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), 162 of 177 medals at IIHF World Championships have been taken by seven nations: Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States[1][2]. Of the 63 medals awarded in men's competition at the Olympic level from 1920 on, only six did not go to the one of those countries. All nine Olympic and 27 IIHF World Women Championships medals have gone to one of those seven countries.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

TENNIS

Tennis is a sport played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a strung racquet to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt (most of the time Optic Yellow)[1] over a net into the opponent's court. The modern game of tennis originated in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century as "lawn tennis" which has heavy connections to the ancient game of real tennis. After its creation, tennis spread throughout the upper-class English-speaking population before spreading around the world. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racket, including people in wheelchairs. In the United States, there is a collegiate circuit organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The rules of tennis have changed very little since the 1890s. Two exceptions are that from 1908 to 1960 the server had to keep one foot on the ground at all times, and then the adoption of the tiebreaker in the 1970s. A recent addition to professional tennis has been the adoption of "instant replay" technology coupled with a point challenge system, which allows a player to challenge the official call of a point.
Tennis enjoys millions of recreational players and is also a hugely popular worldwide spectator sport, especially the four Grand Slam tournaments (sometimes referred to as the "majors"): the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

FOOTBAAL


Football is the word given to a number of similar team sports, all of which involve (to varying degrees) kicking a ball with the foot in an attempt to score a goal. The most popular of these sports worldwide is association football, more commonly known as just "football" or "soccer".
The English language word "football" is also applied to "gridiron football" (a name associated with the North American sports, especially American football and Canadian football), Australian football, Gaelic football, rugby football (rugby league and rugby union), and related games. Each of these codes (specific sets of rules, or the games defined by them) is referred to as "football".
These games involve:
Two teams of usually between 11 and 18 players; some variations that have fewer players (five or more per team) are also popular
a clearly defined area in which to play the game;
scoring goals and/or points, by moving the ball to an opposing team's end of the field and either into a goal area, or over a line;
goals and/or points resulting from players putting the ball between two goalposts
the goal and/or line being defended by the opposing team;
players being required to move the ball—depending on the code—by kicking, carrying and/or hand passing the ball; and
players using only their body to move the ball.
In most codes, there are rules restricting the movement of players offside, and players scoring a goal must put the ball either under or over a crossbar between the goalposts. Other features common to several football codes include: points being mostly scored by players carrying the ball across the goal line and; players receiving a free kick after they take a mark/make a fair catch.
Peoples from around the world have played games which involved kicking and/or carrying a ball, since ancient times. However, most of the modern codes of football have their origins in England.

Ancient games
The Ancient Greeks and Romans are known to have played many ball games, some of which involved the use of the feet. The Roman game harpastum is believed to have been adapted from a team game known as "επισκυρος" (episkyros) or phaininda, which is mentioned by a Greek playwright, Antiphanes (388–311 BC) and later referred to by the Christian theologian Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215 AD). The Roman politician Cicero (106-43 BC) describes the case of a man who was killed whilst having a shave when a ball was kicked into a barber's shop. These games appear to have resembled rugby football. Roman ball games already knew the air-filled ball, the follis.[2][3]
Documented evidence of an activity resembling football can be found in the Chinese military manual Zhan Guo Ce compiled between the 3rd century and 1st century BC.[4] It describes a practice known as cuju (蹴鞠, literally "kick ball"), which originally involved kicking a leather ball through a small hole in a piece of silk cloth which was fixed on bamboo canes and hung about 9 m above ground. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), cuju games were standardized and rules were established. Variations of this game later spread to Japan and Korea, known as kemari and chuk-guk respectively. By the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618–907), the feather-stuffed ball was replaced by an air-filled ball and cuju games had become professionalized, with many players making a living playing cuju.[citation needed] Also, two different types of goal posts emerged: One was made by setting up posts with a net between them and the other consisted of just one goal post in the middle of the field.
A revived version of Kemari being played at the Tanzan Shrine.
The Japanese version of cuju is kemari (蹴鞠), and was developed during the Asuka period. This is known to have been played within the Japanese imperial court in Kyoto from about 600 AD. In kemari several people stand in a circle and kick a ball to each other, trying not to let the ball drop to the ground (much like keepie uppie). The game appears to have died out sometime before the mid-19th century. It was revived in 1903 and is now played at a number of festivals
There are a number of references to traditional, ancient, and/or prehistoric ball games, played by indigenous peoples in many different parts of the world. For example, in 1586, men from a ship commanded by an English explorer named John Davis, went ashore to play a form of football with Inuit (Eskimo) people in Greenland.[6] There are later accounts of an Inuit game played on ice, called Aqsaqtuk. Each match began with two teams facing each other in parallel lines, before attempting to kick the ball through each other team's line and then at a goal. In 1610, William Strachey of the Jamestown settlement, Virginia recorded a game played by Native Americans, called Pahsaheman. In Victoria, Australia, indigenous people played a game called Marn Grook ("ball game"). An 1878 book by Robert Brough-Smyth, The Aborigines of Victoria, quotes a man called Richard Thomas as saying, in about 1841, that he had witnessed Aboriginal people playing the game: "Mr Thomas describes how the foremost player will drop kick a ball made from the skin of a possum and how other players leap into the air in order to catch it." It is widely believed that Marn Grook had an influence on the development of Australian rules football (see below).
The Maori in New Zealand played a game called Ki-o-rahi consisting of teams of seven players play on a circular field divided into zones, and score points by touching the 'pou' (boundary markers) and hitting a central 'tupu' or target.
Games played in Mesoamerica with rubber balls by indigenous peoples are also well-documented as existing since before this time, but these had more similarities to basketball or volleyball, and since their influence on modern football games is minimal, most do not class them as football.
These games and others may well go far back into antiquity and may have felt the growing pains of the elected officials also influenced which later affected football games. However, the main sources of modern football codes appear to lie in western Europe, especially England.