Monday 27 December 2010

Addiction

5 comments
First thing first, thank you so much for your continuous love and your wonderful feedback. I love connecting with you all and mostly its about sharing one's thoughts and ideas. I mean Chris Nolan said an idea can change the freaking world, now I ain't doing that jazz, Cos that would mean I will have more responsibility to rule this world and spread Asadism but I have no plans :)

You know I had a random thought which was about addiction. I have not understood addiction till I played Yakuza3 on my Playstation3 and slept at 6am one night, what the F ... but knowing how I control over my emotions and people who know me well also know that I have a wonderful ability to switch on and off, like literally if I stop talking to someone or decide to, I erase that from my life ... it has served me well in life. I am not saying that I know it all or anything like that but I am happy with what I do. If anyone is expecting some intellectual bullshit in this blog, go and listen to Deepak Chopra, the guy is a legend , talking about Dr Deepak Chopra , ha ha I watched the little fockers and he had a special appearance and movie was fuck all ... Gosh I do not swear but that felt good .... I mean it was a typical studio executive sitting down one fine day and deciding that hey its freaking Xmas and we don't have a blockbuster and we need a movie , so lets make the fockers ... and that it was ... we were put through the misery but truth is IT IS YOUR OWN CHOICE , your inner voice telling you which movie to watch , always listen to yourself and not the critics, Cos critics will ruin the film for you by giving out spoilers. I always make my own mind up about every film, I just watched Tees Maar Khan , A Bollywood film, now the only good thing about the film was Katrina Kaif looking smoking HOT and Akshay Khanna who was brilliant , rest was all mindless bad script. People have said to me that I shall be nice about every film , well I am super nice cos I always ask you to watch every film on your account cos its about your own mind, its your decision, its your taste, I remember dragging my brother to watch Wong kar wai 2046, once the film was over, he threatened to disown me , now I loved it but he didn't ...


I have made a film which most of you are aware, things have started moving fast and we are working on final few things, will let you know when we ready to announce something, I am a perfectionist and will put my best step forward, I mean that's all I can do, and people will judge my film on its own credibility not because they like me and I am proud of my team and everyone who has worked on this.


so when it comes to watching any film, basically its your own call and your own choice, screw everyone else (literally not practically) and don't try this at home unless you are married :)

I started writing a new film, romantic comedy and film starts with the most hilarious VO and first line of the script is Saif Ali Khan, Now Saif is not in the film but its a super funny scene and I laughed and laughed till I was coughing after I read the first scene, I am quite excited about writing this.

Also I went shopping on Boxing day and only travelled five minutes to Canary Wharf and Zara was my love for that day, Happy with the stuff I got and also excited to bump into people who I knew from ages ago or who know me from TV etc, its a blessing to have nice people around you and I am super blessed.

I will never write shit about people or dis people just to make others laugh or to win spectators , each to their own and its your own battle , just live and let live.

p.s I have no freaking clue what I wrote above but I wont change anything,

see you soon, lots of love

Asad
xxxx

Thursday 23 December 2010

Merry Xmas and here we are 2010

2 comments
First thing first, bowing my head down to all you guys ... you wonder why ... well I am actually embarrassed because I never kept my promise alive of blogging once a week, which is a RIGHT number ... yes once a week, last time I blogged was 5th Nov 2010. I tend to keep my promise always and my excuse will be working, shooting, mentoring, teaching , post production, shooting in snow and literally killing myself , falling ill and yes being lazy ...

I have so much to share with you guys, I mean I have like a million billion thoughts in my head everyday, sometimes some of them are worth sharing and some aren't. I recently tweeted that I read somewhere that always speak well of others even if they don't, that should cause them some embarrassment even though it probably wont cos they lack self respect and are just pure losers. I don't think there is such a thing as a Loser ... All popular people deep down are losers cos they are scared of being alone or being acknowledged ...

I was in Royal China last night for dinner with my co producer of 7- welcome to London as she was travelling to join her family in India, her husband and daughter left a day before and we decided to meet to discuss work  and catch up. In the midst of our dinner , this Bollywood Actor called Aftab Shivdasani walked in and sat two tables away from us. I always studied body languages and I was actually in stitches  as he was hoping that people will recognise him so he was putting his head down , after five minutes he realised that there were no Desi people there and his hunger of being recognised was all over the place so he kept looking up flapping his arms etc. See the hunger of knowing that you should be recognised is like a drug.

On the contrary to that my brother always tells me off for being super nice and talking to everyone, (If someone comes up to me , I am always nice ) or I get told by my mum for being a tramp, yes my mother tells me off for being dressed in my track bottoms when I am at home, I always tell my brother that your work speaks for you and we are a public commodity and well tracks make it comfortable for me to switch on between work and gym but when I head out  I look like a million bucks or I believe ... p.s I am not kidding , wink wink

Truth is hard to handle , yes one has to be sure of themselves, I certainly am happy with what I do or have achieved and will continue on working hard at my goals and mission statements in life.


I have been blessed with amazing people in my life. From my parents to my closed loves ones or people I have faith in and trust. Thank you so much for being part of my life , for putting up with me and for trusting me. Also if i have ever hurt someone intentionally or unintentionally, please forgive me. By saying sorry I can only feel better and sleep well and I do not feel small.

I want to write more but will do in a day or two, for now I think this is enough,

Merry Christmas to all my loved ones and to everyone out there, please keep me in your prayers and remember to be nice and have a great time with family

peace out and love

Asad xx

Friday 5 November 2010

Asad Shan Blog: Happy Days

0 comments
Asad Shan Blog: Happy Days

Happy Days

0 comments
Heyyyllooooo peeps,

With an Innocent smoothie in my hand, I have decided to keep up with my promise to continue writing. Thank you so much for enjoying my previous blog, I have also decided to share my thoughts on various elements and review films as well cos at least I wont be biased and will be totally honest. (NOT pointing fingers at any one LOL), please please go and watch EASY A. Great casting and what a script. I was thrilled and ecstatic with the screenplay. I have finally locked down on talented people for the making of 7, music promo's and songs. Gathering all the material and ready for the Big Bang soon Inshallah. I hate being so tough on myself at times because I expect the best and feel quite anal when it comes to perfection ha ha . But hey you have to put your best step forward.

 I always enjoyed Vjing. I suppose I always felt I was born to do this. I mean  remember being at school and swtiching onto B4U music in London and thinking to myself, I could do this, Little they knew that this boy from East London will actually manage that, it was a dream come true and being the face of the channel for 2 years. Now I really enjoy being on ZING, we have the highest TRP show Brits Bollywood, a wonderful team behind it and its based in London, Love it. I have to thank every one who enjoys my shows and showers so much love. I hear from so many people and it makes my heart smile that you guys love it so much.

I love going to the gym and working out, its like an awakening, this buzz just fulfils and fires you up for more. Having my cinema in the same building does motivate though. :) That is the only ME time I have, rest is all work work work work work work and did I mention work.

I am also inspired by people and their thought process. I observe a lot and I remember few years back used to be really hyper but now with more responsibilities and concrete mission statement in life, one becomes more focused. Always believe in yourself and be a go getter. (you can do it  - ben stiller)

I have to say I loved the Hangover and the same director has come out with due date. I cant wait to see this film. Perfect Diwali gift to all :)

Anyway wish everyone a great Diwali and a fantastic new year, the ones who do not celebrate, I wish you a fantastic happy weekend and lots of love xoxo

Tuesday 2 November 2010

I shall BLOG regularly :) Promise

3 comments
Before you read , I would like to apologise for any errors or grammatically write up. I am writing this as a Diary and hence not in any particular order and scribbling all down with whatever comes in my head and in an instant span of moment : ENJOY


Well here we go, I had decided ages ago that I shall blog, then I got very busy with work and I had to stop. Now I did mention to a few close people this is what I really want to do, they were like don't do it, cause you wont be able to keep up with the habit. Now I am very determined to do this. I Love challenges.

I have to say my dear friend Divya in Mumbai has always pushed me to Blog but I have been slacking. I hope she will be proud of me and she does have the best blog ever.

Actually having four jobs (Film Director, TV VJ, Teacher, Actor/model) is really hard and on top of that being a public commodity could be the best or worse scenario, depends on the situation for example, like last night I went to the local Tesco and as always it was our Desi crowd working there, now picture this ..I was wearing a long big coat and Chav's will be proud of my outfit with a hoodie and sportswear :). ( Fine that's how I look when I go to workout and could not be bothered to change up)

Well suddenly I saw these two staff members walking pass me and then saying stuff like oh its him, and then they went pass me again which made me believe that I must know them or something or do I really look that different on screen considering I never wear make up ever, anyway long story cut short, they came up to me , they were huge fans and were super nice , I said I am looking for eye drops and some red bull and they started running around and got me everything and only left my side when I left the place, Bless them , they were super sweet. Those are the moments in life when you realise you must be doing something right :) Oh yes they did take a picture with me ...

A very famous script writer and now director from Bollywood told me once, he said if you want to make it as an actor, you have to be tolerable on screen and he said I was tolerable, I just nodded, P.s he thought I was too young for the character in his film eventually , ha ha , Bottom line is I had his blessing

Anyway I was suppose to talk about my Blog journey where did that come from :) LOL

So first of all congratulations to the 3rd batch at Iconic Bollywood Acting Academy (IBAA), very talented bunch of students and I am super proud of them. Very exciting to see new talent nourish and perform. Thank you so much for the Chocolates and the lovely card on the last session.

I have been looking at their show reels and their performances, Good fun. We are enrolling for the next batch which starts in the next ten days. So all you talented individuals whether you want to become an actor or presenter, have a general interest in films etc or in a professional job and would like to develop your interpersonal skills and confidence. This course is for you


It's 5pm and I am having a smoothie with some salad, I am a bit pissed off with the HSBC Branch in Green Street :) I went to deposit some cheques and they were to closing at 4.30pm and I got there at 4.28pm but they won't allow me in as they were still serving few customers, Like most people who can read and write like Zoolander , All I wanted to do was to deposit cheques via the machine inside, would have taken less than a minute. Lets just say it was a lovely monologue by me to the Branch manager and lovely Scott who tried to stop me. I promise you he shall never do this again. P.s I was super nice and in a true Gandhi style, It was peaceful, not after I gave a big lecture on my human rights and how I was a Business customer ;)

Bottom line is I didn't end up using the machine, hence it was more like a mock scene from falling down (movie buff's will relate to this)

I was at Diwali on the Square on Sunday, Good fun but extremely tiring. Met some lovely fans and also spent time with my brothers and the wonderful IBAA team and staff. We all went to see SAW3D after and it was my first SAW film and I was laughing at how bad it was but it's the number one movie this week at the US charts,

Another film I came across last night was HOUSEFULL at my parents place and I thought it was pants, Are you serious I mean I watched the last Climax Scene and the laughing gas scene was hilariously Bad , I was cringing and probably so was Ben Stiller who inspires every Sajid Khan film. Sajid is funny though and made a statement last week that Bollywood has no scriptwriters and hence he copies films. Bottom line is his films make money cos he works with the stars and that's a fact. So keep going Sajid

I have been working day and night on 7 - welcome to London, everyone keeps asking me when do you release, My answer is very simple, All in good time cos people don't realise how much work goes into it and especially I am a perfectionist and I am answerable to loads of people and the fans so will come out with the best result. Talks are going strong with some really big distributors so good news soon, touch wood. I am super proud of the way 7 has shaped up. It clocks at 106 minutes and my first cut was 135 minutes.

Big thank you and much love to all the cast and crew.

Met Sonu Nigam this week and he will be featured on Brits Bollywood on SKY 789 ZING on Sundays 11.30am , WED 6.30pm and Fri 3.30pm

Spoke to our head of Zing and she is super proud of our TRP. These are the highest ever, so thank you to all the fans and the lovely people who enjoy watching our show. we LOVE you

I locked myself yesterday and wrote the promos for 7 and the music videos. We are preparing all the stuff before the big Bang. I cant wait to conceive and get them ready.

Guys I am about to enter a work meeting but I shall write soon and at every given opportunity.

I have no idea what I have written but I promise you, it will always be from my heart and with purity.

love

Asad
x0x0

PS Confession: I actually enjoy Gossip Girl, and the new show The event on channel 4.






Sunday 25 April 2010

PRESS RELEASE

1 comments

Iconic Bollywood Acting Academy to rival Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares Acting School

In May 2010 a new Bollywood Acting Academy is launching in London offering intense fast track courses to would be Actors/Actresses & VJ’s on their quest to seek fame and fortune within Bollywood.

Iconic Bollywood Acting Academy is the brain child of former B4U VJ Asad Shan. Asad, who has recently directed his first Feature Production titled, #7- Welcome to London was inspired when he came across all the raw talent when auditioning for his cast. “We have many talented individuals within the UK with the passion and drive to succeed within Bollywood. Iconic Bollywood Acting Academy will not only give these budding stars valuable skills but will catapult them into the arena by offering personal introductions. I am really excited about this project.” - Asad

Asad Shan who trained at Lee Strasberg Film Academy was based in Mumbai for 3 years before returning to London with the desire to transfer his theoretical knowledge and practical experience to people who are hungry to succeed within this industry. Iconic Productions UK Ltd is the sister company to IBAA and being a Production House, will hand pick the best talent for future projects. “This is the most unique thing about Iconic, it is not JUST an acting school. Our sister company Iconic Productions UK Ltd has big visions for the Global Entertainment Industry. Being within the Iconic family will most definitely benefit our students in having the upper hand in getting ahead withiin their chosen profession”

IBAA will offer a monthly Weekend Acting Course, an Intense Flexi Evening Acting course and an Evening VJ course. Based in a Central London, IBAA is ideally located to be conveniently accessible for students from all parts of London and all walks of life.

The curriculum consists of techniques that Asad learnt in Mumbai from acting Guru Kishore Namit, who has taught actors from likes of Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Khanna, Priyanka Chopra and Hritihk Roshan. Asad combines key techniques of Method Acting creating a unique learning experience for students.

Courses start from just £250 and require students to be self disciplined and come coupled with determination and motivation in order to structure themselves to additional self study with support available whenever required. Due to demand, the courses will be delivered on a monthly basis.

The Academy is demonstrating a promising start with interest gained and deposits paid by many students who are raring to get started. “We have managed to gain plenty of momentum without advertising. The academy commences right after Iconic Productions UK Ltd attend the Cannes Film Festival May this year. We have been amongst the selected Feature Productions who will be showcasing the trailer for our forthcoming film #7-Welcome To London.”

On completing the course, students will have produced a 3 minute showreel demonstrating their newly acquired acting skills. In addition to this, they will receive a professional headshot, personal styling & make up tips from a top industry professional and a consultation with a personal coach to help formulate a plan with goals & introductions.

When asked whether IBAA is going to rival Anupum Kher’s acting school, Asad replied “the school has enjoyed great success since its launch, however, our market research has revealed that there is a requirement for an institution which offers intense fast track Acting/VJ courses, with affordable costs.” IBAA is the first to launch a specialist VJ course for the Bollywood market in the UK. “We aim to deliver an intense weekly evening course for those with other commitments who are keen to understand what it takes to make it successful within this industry.”

The classes will be delivered by Asad Shan and a whole host of Industry Professionals including Directors, Producers, Casting Agents & Special Guest Speakers. By having a diverse range of teachers, IBAA hopes that it will give students a holistic view of the industry and practical tips to gain that edge in this extremely competitive market.

Places are limited, so interested individuals are requested to enrol early to avoid disappointment.

For further details -

Contact:

Asad Shan

Founder

ICONIC PRODUCTIONS UK Ltd

asad@iconicproductionsuk.com

www.iconicproductionsuk.com

Thursday 4 March 2010

IBAA is here :)

8 comments
Hellllooooooo all my lovely peeps,

How's it going? All well I hope .... It's been quite hectic me for lately, Managing ten people on my post production, plus business side of things and now the annual accounts. Jesus ... I have been such a Daddy's Boy when it came to accounts and stuff , hence all new for me.

I was just wondering why pay tax, I mean country is in shambles, Hospitals are flooded with people and we are wasting money everywhere but in the right places. My dream is to stand as an MP in my local East London, may be in ten years times, well at least I can claim expenses ..wink wink ...

anyway Great news folks, Iconic Bollywood acting Academy is here , Based in EC1, ten minutes walk from covent garden, I could not have found a better place to teach and my own office.

An Oscar winning editor saw my film recently and loved it. He has kindly come on board to help me with the final cut and apply his expertise on 7 , Blinding news guy's.

My music composer is off to India to record some background music for our project , so good luck B, you better rock or else

my close buddy Tanuj got promoted so well done ...

Thank you very much for my hard working Iconic team , it wont be the same without you guys,

Thank you to our new appointed accountant , you rock ..keep it up

anyway, apart from all that , how's it going in the world,

guess what guy's I finally watched MY NAME IS SHAN ... ops I meant KHAN and I loved the message the film portrayed, Karan Johar, I am super proud of you and SRK , what can I say.... I'm speechless... my only problem with the film was its length but that wasn't a biggie I suppose

Remake of 21 called teen patti opened at 15% , and even KCK didn't have a great opening at 40%. So Basically outcome is good movies work and crap films flop...

Anyway that was my box office summary ,

I am really excited about IBAA , exciting syllabus ... and wish I did this course when I started,

anyway cant wait till the summer when we release #7 welcome to London ...

anyway stay well all my lovely peeps ... and lots of love to all
xxxxxxxxx





Monday 8 February 2010

Birthday aapppy appy appy ap

1 comments
Hey Guys ,

okkkk going to keep this very very brief as Im rushing off to a work meeting,

so here I go

thank you very very very vvvvv much for all your lovely messages on my Birthday yesterday , it meant the world to me and you made my birthday so special>

I was glad to be with my parents as I have been away working for the past 3 years, it was relaxing and lovely

Gosh I'm enjoying this process of blogging

see before I blabber further , I'm off and will write soon

lots of love

A s A d xxx

Wednesday 3 February 2010

WELCOME TO 2010

3 comments
hello you!! and I mean every single one of you , good thing is you guys know how I talk.

well hope all of you are well and life is khusty, I'm not sure about that word though, I presume its the copyright of Del BOY , anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyy OK I know I have stated this a million times but finally I have decided to write 3-4 blogs a week , yes yes ... I know what you guys are thinking , we have heard this before but this time its for real, I'll practically kick my ass or get my dad to do it but I certainly will.

Also will speak about #7 - welcome to LONDON and its progress,

after five mad months, I have locked the final cut and the sound design and background music is being processed as we speak, awwww my labour of love. It's probably been the most satisfying experience of my life and hopefully the most rewarding. All I can say is watch the film and then you can prove me right.

p.s as I'm typing away , I'm thinking what am I saying , shall I just write and share my thoughts , or shall I be thinking as in what to say and not to say, but hey what the heck, apnooo se kaya chupaana ...

Guys, try to read a book called DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF and its all small stuff,
a best friend of mine gave it to me 3 years ago and I finally finished OK, nooooo I CAN read but every page is a new chapter and new learning and then you have to apply it in your life. hence took me ages.

I hope you have enjoyed the unofficial promo of #7 - WTL , I shall start cutting the OFFICIAL ONES soon, ALSO I have the soundtrack of the film in my car and cant wait till you lot have all the songs. I heard over 100 songs and selected 7 best songs ... yes you read it RIGHT .. seven ... haha what a coincidence ...

Guys great news ... apart from writing two more stories to be developed in screenplays , I have finally got down to the planning of ICONIC BOLLYWOOD ACTING ACADEMY IBAA , watch out for this , planning a few acting in film courses and also a veejaying course , this will kick start very very soon , so all you guys who have been sending me messages, the wait will be over soon

anyway its my Birthday on 7th Feb , I'm being bombarded with messages as what my plan is .. from social friends to my closest loved ones,
well I don't actually celebrate Birthdays cos I normally forget everyone Else's, haha BUT with the help of facebook now, that has become impossible though, anyway my plan is to spend it with the most amazing person in the world who brought me in this world and that's my MOTHER, so planning my Sunday around her and what she wants to do, she does want me to cut a cake though , helllloooo I said to her <>>> you will always be my ....... now that's my nickname so I'm not telling you guys ,

anyway lots of love and best wishes to all for today , and shall write another blog on Friday,


over n out
Asad ;)
xxxx
 

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