Amitabh Bachchan praises Mohammad Rafi

Plus Bipasha Basu to experiment with sci-fi, Sonakshi Sinha excited for Dabangg 2 role and Balu Mahendra says southern Indian films suffer from poor cinematography.

Yasmin Rafi and Amitabh Bachchan at the launch of Rafi's book Mohammed Rafi My Abba - A Memoir, where Bachchan spoke about the author's father-in-law. IANS

Amitabh Bachchan has spoken of his admiration for the legendary singer Mohammad Rafi, saying it was amazing how melodiously he sang without the help of technology. The Big B spoke at the launch of Mohammed Rafi My Abba - A Memoir, a book written by the singer's daughter-in-law Yasmin Rafi. "When we look at the great amount of work that he has left behind, we must be astonished now because Rafi saab rendered the songs at a time when the support of the technology was not there," said Bachchan. "Today's music directors and technicians and singers, with all due respect, have the benefit of technology. You sing slightly besura [out of tune] and there is a lovely machine that puts you in tune," he added. - IANS

Bipasha Basu to experiment with sci-fi

After a career in which she's worked across a variety of genres, the actress Bipasha Basu is due to star in a Vikram Bhatt-directed science fiction movie. "Bipasha Basu is one actress in Bollywood who is ready to experiment with different genres. Besides, Bipasha suits the role for my sci-fi film," said Bhatt, who recently worked with the actress in Raaz 3. "She is a fabulous actress, and is very enthusiastic about her work. I can't think of anyone else other than Bipasha for my film. She is perfect," he added. Previously, Bhatt has directed Bipasha in films such as Aetbaar and Footpath. - IANS

Sonakshi Sinha excited for movie sequel role

After making her debut in the action blockbuster Dabangg in 2010, the actress Sonakshi Sinha is due to to star in the sequel, Dabangg 2. She says she is thrilled to be part of the franchise. "I am very excited. When a film gets a good response, it feels good. I started with Dabangg and now doing Dabangg 2 is very exciting for me," the 25-year-old said. She will also soon perform in a sequel to the period gangster film Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, called Once Upon a Time Again. Here, she will star opposite Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonali Bendre. - IANS

'Poor cinematography' in southern Indian films

The veteran Tamil cinematographer-turned-director Balu Mahendra feels that the southern film industry is suffering from a lack of understanding of the technical side of cinema. "Cinematography is not about capturing moving images. It is about teleporting the audience to a world the director intends to take them," said the director of Sadma, Sathi Leelavathi and Aur Ek Prem Kahani. "This is only possible if one can understand cinema to the fullest and, sadly, we have very few cinematographers with that ability." He did say there were a handful of auteurs who understood the art, including Chezhiyan and Santosh Sivan. "Their work is eternal and inspiring," he said. - IANS