Bollywood News, Bollywood Songs

It is common knowledge that "My Name Is Khan" is going through a storm. However, in the midst of it all, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are standing by each other. The director strongly believes that they are connected to each other more as brothers than being business partners.

"'My Name Is Khan' is a film which is a strong emotional connect for both Shah Rukh and I. He and I co-producing the film has nothing to do with money, " said Karan, whose Dharma Productions has made the film in collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment.

"We are too connected to each other and when it comes to a family, you don't question their close association. Do you question someone who is working with his brother in one assignment after another? Shah Rukh and I may be having different surnames but that doesn't take away from the strong sense of brotherhood that we both carry, " he added.

What makes him supremely confident about his life-long relationship with Shah Rukh? Specially when Farah Khan had to move from Shah Rukh to Akshay Kumar for "Tees Maar Khan".

"See, its not just the matter of directing a film which would have him as an actor. Tomorrow, I may not be directing a film with him but the fact is that both of us will always be a part of each other's production house. In some way or another, in whatever capacity, we would be working with each other, " said Karan.

Releasing Friday, the film also stars Kajol and is set in the post 9/11 US.

Clarifying yet another misconception about the film, Karan says "My Name Is Khan" is not an issue-based film.

"Please let me set the record straight that 'My Name Is Khan' is not an issue based film. Instead it's a human drama about a couple. The film will make you smile and result in tears in your eyes. It's a film which connects with you and is totally emotionally based."

He also clarifies on the religious connotation saying: "By no means am I aspiring to take forward the baton of an issue. Instead I am just using it as a part of the narrative. The film doesn't have any religious or spiritual undertone to it but basically sends across the message of humanity, so let's watch the film for its worth."

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is tired of being under the Shiv Sena scanner for his stand on Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and says now he is hoping that all ends well.

" (I) hope all turns out well. Hate altercations and misunderstandings - tired of interpretations of this whole undesired and sad affair, " Shah Rukh posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Shah Rukh, who owns IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, had been facing the ire of the Shiv Sena for his comments favouring the inclusion of Pakistani players in the third season of the IPL.

The Shiv Sena sought a public apology from the star and threatened to ban his films in Mumbai, starting with the much -awaited "My Name Is Khan" slated to release Friday.

But the issue sorted out when Sena leaders unofficially retracted from having issued any such diktat to ban the movie and it is expected that it may be released without any problems now.

Shah Rukh said he had been "misunderstood" on that issue.

"I don't think I have ever said anything anti-national or non-Indian. I need not explain my Indian-ness to anybody. I have only said what every Indian should. I stand by what I have said. I think there's a bit of agenda and politics in all this, " Shah Rukh had told reporters after returning from London.

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan believes in 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' and he followed suit while in Kerala recently by donning the local dress code - a crisp white shirt and 'air-conditioned' dhoti, as he puts it.

'Keeping in tune with the phrase 'do in Rome as the Romans do', I order some extraordinary crafted dhoti and sari to be worn... The sari, of course, for the ladies in the house, ' Amitabh posted on his blog Sunday night from Cochin.

'So, I wear the dhoti or mundu as it is more colloquially known for the evening and I think there is an appreciation of it, ' he added.

The 67-year-old was also ecstatic by the whole procedure while tying the wrap-around.

'The 'dhoti' in all its pristine glamour, tied up around the waist by sheer will power and some dextrous use of the stomach muscle, else it slips down and opens up! It is just a piece of cloth, no buttons, no belts, no clips, nothing.

'Simple, elegant, convenient and with its own characteristic charm and above all - air conditioned at all times. The fall of the main design as a strip down the front to be positioned on the right hip and just around the right knee. Rules of culture, ' he added.

By Subhash K Jha

Though Adnan Sami's scheduled wedding on Jan 31 to his Afghani-German girlfriend Roya Faryabi in Munich fell through, it now comes to light that the couple went through a secret nikaah ceremony at Adnan's residence in Mumbai on Friday, Jan 30, a day before the wedding-cards announced the wedding in Munich.

Only close family members of Adnan were present at this nikaah.

Says a source close to Adnan, “The wedding in Munich had to be cancelled because the courts did not allow Adnan to leave the country, much as he had hoped to.

There're serious charges of domestic violence against Adnan. He was not allowed to leave for Munich and the wedding plans in Germany had to be put off.”

Rather than cancel the wedding Adnan decided to have a flash ceremony in Mumbai. All the arrangements were made by Adnan's son Azaan, Adnan now intends to host a wedding reception in Munich at Roya's place and then another reception in Mumbai for all his friends.

But as things stand Roya and Adnan are now man and wife.

Speaking from Munich Adnan's third wife Roya Fariyadi says, “Adnan is the perfect man for me. I love not just the man but also his mother and son. In fact Adnan's son Azaan and I get along like a house on fire. We often gang up together and tease the hell out of Adnan.”

Roya says she is not the least perturbed by Adnan's past record of broken marriages. “What happened in the past is the past. What I see is a man I'd like to spend my life with. Adnan is king caring and gentle.

I hope we can make our marriage last forever. Like any good wife I plan to shift to Mumbai to be with Adnan and his family. But I'll keep visiting Germany. That's where my parents stay.”

Roya's parents are from Afghanistan. They moved to Germany 30 years ago and hold German passports.

Adnan's first wife Zeba Bakhtiar has spoken to Roya. They apparently like one another. As for his second wife the warring Sabah, her views on Adnan's third wife are now known but easy to guess.

At first Adnan was reluctant to confirm the secret nikaah. He finally said, “Yes we got married last Friday at a secret nikaah. And we're loving it. Now deal with it.”

The hunk is back in action. John Abraham breezed in to launch the first season of Kolkata Fashion & Lifestyle Week. India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu caught up with the actor on fashion, fitness, Bipasha…Bipasha…and more Bipasha.

Now that you launched the first season of Kolkata Fashion & Lifestyle Week (KFLW), are we going to see you rock the ramp as well?
I am not going to walk the ramp. I have come to Kolkata to present the show on behalf of Purple People (organizers). And the intention is to make sure that it provides a platform to the young designers of the city with the help of established names.

Do you have a favourite designer from Kolkata?
Well, I came here the last time, but to be honest with you, I work primarily with only two designers…both of them are Mumbai designers –Narendra Kumar Ahmad and Rocky S. This year I will look forward to someone from Kolkata; but at the moment there aren't any favourite designers from the city. However, I find Sabyasachi is mercurial and brilliant.

If you don't like Kolkata designers, why are you promoting them?
See, I didn't say that with any negative intention. I am here to help them get a platform to showcase to showcase their talent.

The intention is to give them an opportunity, like I was given when I came to the industry. If I can give them an opportunity, or work as a medium to provide them an opportunity, I will come to Kolkata again and again.

Do you remember any incident from your modeling days, where you got a hatke opportunity to showcase your talent?
It was 2000, I had just became a model. At that time, I wore Monaji (designer Mona Lamba of Monapali) lehenga for a dot-com. It was obviously for women. But I walked very flamboyantly, bare-bodied…wearing the lahenga.

I could see the reaction of the audience …some of them loved it; others were a little stunned. But till date, I thank Monaji for her support. I was a new model then and I needed that support. I can't forget that.

What will you tell the young designers who will be participating at the KFLW?
Young designers have to keep one thing clear in their head…it's not about actors walking the ramp for you…but your collection being showcased…that's very important.

You joined films with a modeling background. Now when you walk the ramp, do you notice any difference in the spectator mindset? May be, the 'star' factor?
Yeah…you are right. Now when I walk the ramp, my sole identity is that of 'John Abraham'; people say 'John Abhraham is wearing these clothes' or 'John Abraham is wearing that'. Unlike in films, where we change characters; we assume a new life every three or six months.

So, what character you are playing at the moment?
I am not working for the past six months. So at the moment, I am John Abraham only (smiles).

What's fashion to you?
Fashion to me is just being comfortable in what you are wearing. I think that's the primary aim of fashion. For me, fashion is being comfortable in your own skin, own clothes. Create an impression for your self rather than for people.

Bipasha Basu has recently released her fitness DVD. Do you have any plans like that?
Well, right now there are no plans. Bipasha has got a great fitness DVD. I personally have tried out the workouts in the DVD.

And as much as Bipasha said it's for women; I would say, the workouts are equally good for men. She is also coming out with a second DVD in due course of time for both men and women; but I just think I should follow her routines right now.

So, now Bipasha is helping you out to maintain your six-packs?
(Laughs) Yes, times have changed. Now she (Bipasha) walks into the gym and says 'Hey, it's not the right posture'.

Who is the fitness freak between you two?
Bipasha is the tough one. She is in the most amazing shape right now. The first time I saw her post her fitness sessions (though earlier saw her photos while shooting outdoors), my jaws dropped. I told her 'This cannot be for real… this is so good!' She is just absolutely wonderful and is in the prime shape of her life.

But how much do you think the workouts will help a layman?
The DVDs are very very functional ones. It's not an actor coming out with a DVD to increase equity. She wants to give back to people what she believes will be the most effective and help them to get a nice toned body.

That mean, you don't want to come up with a DVD so that Bipasha doesn't have a competitor?
I will come out with a DVD may be 15-20 years later, when I am fitter. At the moment, Bipasha is fitter than me.

When you sign a new film, what are the priorities?
Well, the first priority is the entire set up-the director, the producer; and then the hero of the film, ie, the script. I remember watching Bipasha's Bengali film Shob Charitro Kalponik and I was stunned it was such a beautiful film.

I sat through every moment and I realized that sometimes there are certain cinemas that miss out on certain aspects of making.

And I think Bengali films are so beautifully layered that I love watching them. Similarly, in Tamil films, they show romance so beautifully. So I think, the most important thing is script. That something I primarily look out for.

For quite sometime, there has been no new release from your kitty. How long your fans will have to wait for that?
I did Dostana in 2008, New York in 2009. There's an Abbas Tyrewala film, produced by Sanjeev Goenka, that's coming out in 2010. And then, there's Dostana 2 in 2011.

The idea is to think like a mathematician and just try to improve your success ratio. So, do lesser work and try to do films that are qualitatively entertaining to the audience. Earlier I was learning as an actor and I picked up scripts that were not so good; some were really good.

So I am learning through the entire process and trying to be a little more selective. Now I wan

The day after Akshay landed in Mumbai after his back treatment he was doing some of the most dangerous stunts affordable to a star.

Before he left for his back treatment Akshay Kumar was unsure if he could ever return to normal health-related activities that he liked, let alone action sequences. In fact Vipul Shah's action-laden climax for Action Replay which was to be shot after Akshay's return, was seriously jeopardized.

But after the hydro- therapy that he underwent in Germany last week, Akshay Kumar returned to work, more confident than ever before, ready and eager to shoot heart-stopping stunts for Action Replay. When Vipul offered to change the climax Akshay laughed and told him to change his plans to change.

Not only was Akshay seen hanging from cables doing and flying through the air, he even cajoled his co-star Kirron Kher to get try the aerial stunts.

Speaking from Manori where director Vipul Shah shot Akshay's action sequences with action direct Allan Amin immediately after the actor's return from Germany the director confided, “It's true we were very unsure about what shape Akshay's back would be in once he returned from his hydro treatment.

The climax of Action Replay required very complex and strenuous stunts on wire-cables. I offered to change the climax and do away with the cable stunts.After all those are tough even for actors with normal healthy backs. Akshay told me to wait until his return before taking a final call.”

The actor's recovery post his treatment has been far more quick and complete than imagined.

Vipul just can't stop gawking at the actor's recovery level. “Why just me? The entire cast including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and others just can't believe Akshay's capacity to bounce back on his feet.

Here we were thinking of doing away the cable stunts and somehow managing the climactic action without the planned aerial shots. But Akshay has been wired and suspended midair for almost a week now.

Cable stunts are really tough on the back. But Akshay was super-confident on his return.”

Akshay was so kicked by the idea of starting afresh on his newly-repaired back that he even encouraged Kirron Kher to join him on the cables in Manori.

Says Vipul, “A shot required her to join Akshay in the air. Kirronji was at first hesitant. But we ensured her it was fully safe to be suspended with cables.

Akshay is so charged and enthusiastic he will soon have the whole cast and crew on cables. We are shooting funny action sequences. But hanging midair from thousands of feet is as dangerous whether done for fun or otherwise.”

Akshay who sounded discernibly pained before his restorative trip to Germany is no raring to go. “I'm back on my feet and doing action scenes for Vipul's film. The treatment worked fully and I am completely recovered.”

Apparently Akshay has recommended the hydro-treatment to Sunny Deol who suffers a chronic back problem and has undergone to major surgeries to repaid his back. For Akshay surgery was never an option, even when his back had given a decade back and he was laid up for six months.

Two jilted lovers Shahid and Deepika are making waves these days. According to the latest buzz, the duo is currently dating each other and can be seen partying together.

Shahid has also been visiting Deepika's pad quite often. “Shahid's car was parked outside Deepika's Bandra residence a few days ago, ” claims an eyewitness.

Talking about their relationship, a source told a daily, “Shahid and Deepika - both are quite headstrong and have moved on from their failed relationships.

They are only concentrating on their career at the moment. They want to have a strong foothold in the industry and think alike, which is the main reason why they have clicked together.”

Professionally they are also heading towards a new project together, the source stated, “One of Shahid's close friend is trying to work on the project. Deepika and Shahid are vaguely aware of the project and are

Aishwarya Rai says she is fully convinced that actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan will make a good father in real life because he is so "real and rooted".

"Everybody has been asking me if Abhishek will be a good pa (father) in connection with the release of our forthcoming production 'Paa'. I think it's silly for me to be even making the statement. It's given - I married the man. So obviously I have the conviction in the husband he is or the father he will be," Aishwarya, 36, told in an interview here.

Asked about Abhishek's qualities that would make him a good father, Aishwarya laughed and said: "He is very real, very rooted and very human - which I absolutely relate to. His values are evident for everybody to see. We have known each other for so many years.

"I've seen him with his niece and nephew since the time they were babies. He is so great with kids and I've seen that for the longest time with (his sister Shweta's children) Navya (Naveli) and Agastya. I have no doubts on him whatsoever."

Aishwarya, who will be seen with Abhishek in "Ravana", was in the capital Monday to launch the Longines PrimaLuna, a new watch range inspired by the moon and galaxy.

Sporting a sleek piece herself that matched with an elaborate yet elegant black and cream off-shoulder gown, Aishwarya was at peace talking about her personal life.

Asked whether she would want a daughter or a son, she said: "Come on...Aren't you like moving at a really fast pace...! Whatever god has in store for us in life (will come)... Life itself is a blessing, let alone to have opportunity to be able to bring a life into this world.

"It's really not in our hands ...it's in god's hands. I hope I am just blessed with that experience, I am really looking forward to it and we will certainly cherish it," she added.

Her mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan is a member of the Samajwadi Party, but Aishwarya is doubtful if she will ever head in that direction.

"Life has been so full - haven't even thought about it (entering politics). My life is evidently extremely full in terms of the amount of responsibilities and experiences I am currently having.

"And I believe, anything you take, you have to be able to commit to and give a lot of yourself to. And I think at this point, life is full and that's what I am giving (my best) to," she said.

On the work front, the former beauty queen is busy with big ticket projects such as Mani Ratnam's "Ravana", Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Guzaarish", Rajnikant starrer "Endhiran" and Vipul Shah's "Action Replay".

The actress is likely to feature as Mumtaz Mahal with acclaimed Hollywood actor Ben Kingsley in "Taj", which is based on Taj Mahal.

"After 'The Last Legion', Sir Ben and I were keen to work together in another project. He has now come with the final draft and he has just sent it over to me. Once we agree on everything, we will take the project forward. He will start scouting for the locations soon," she said.

For now, Aishwarya is looking forward to AB Corp's "Paa", which features her father-in-law, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and Abhishek. The film releases Friday.

For decades now Himesh Reshammiya has watched every Amitabh Bachchan starrer first-day first-show.

Guess where Himesh will be on Friday afternoon? Not checking out the collections of his own release Radio, but glued to Paa in a theatre close to him.

And no power on earth can change a rule that Himesh has been following from his childhood of watching every Bachchan flick on release.

Himesh Reshammiya is going ahead with the unthinkable. He’s releasing his new starrer Radio along with the Bachchans’ Paa.

But there’s no feeling of competition. On the contrary Himesh is a self-confessed ardent fan of the Big B and that remains unchanged.

“I’ve always been a diehard fan of Bachchan Saab. I’ve to watch all his films first day first show. Paa is no exception. And so what if my own film is releasing side by side?”

Himesh says he’s ecstatic to have his film release in the same week as Paa.

“I’m honored to be pitted against my idol Bachchan Saab. I’m also scared. But I’m sure both the films will do well.”

Himesh wants Big B to watch Radio immediately.

Err… that would take some time. Because post the premiere of Paa on Thursday evening, Mr. Bachchan will rush to Lonavla early Friday morning for shooting Bigg Boss.

Did you know why Kareena Kapoor agreed to do 3 Idiots without reading the script? No, it's not Aamir Khan. It was a decision to please her mother Babita, who is a Sindhi like film's director Rajkumar Hirani.

Hirani amusingly revealed Kareena’s reaction when he called her up to discuss the film. “When I called Kareena for 3 Idiots she got excited and immediately told me that she wants to do the film. She didn’t even read the script.

Kareena’s mother is Sindhi and after having watched ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ told her, `there’s one Sindhi director who makes good films, work with him.’ I told her, 'Please read the script before signing this film. Don’t do this film because I’ am Sindhi,” Hirani said.

The actress later read the script and was excited at the opportunity of working with Aamir Khan. “Yeah, she heard the script, loved the script and she cried too. Apart from that, she was happy that she was getting a chance to work with Aamir,” Hirani added.