Bollywood Celebrities Wallpaper

A girl was born to Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan

2011-11-16T14:21:00.000+05:30

A girl was born to star couple Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan at a private hospital here Wednesday morning.

The baby, their first child, was born at the Seven Hills Hospital. Mother and daughter were both doing fine.

"IT'S A GIRL!!," Abhishek, 35, posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.com. He had recently said he wanted a daughter who looked like Aishwarya.

Proud grandfather Amitabh Bachchan too couldn't control his happiness and tweeted: "I AM DADA to the cutest baby girl, A dada ji ... Ecstatic."

Hospital sources said the delivery was normal and came a few minutes before 10 a.m. The Bachchan and Rai families were present for the momentous occasion.

Aishwarya, 38, developed labour pains around 4 a.m. and was taken to the labour room where the delivery took place after nearly six hours.

The actress is on the fifth floor of the luxury private hospital in Andheri east.

The hospital had booked three rooms on the floor -- one for Aishwarya, the other for the Bachchan family and the third for the Rai family. The entire floor was kept out of bounds for all except the two families.

The hospital has been under tight security for the past three days in expectation of the youngest member of the Bachchan family.

Aishwarya was admitted to the hospital Monday night, according to her spokesperson.

The Bachchan family had been waiting for the baby's arrival for a few days and preparing for the child's welcome.

The girl is Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan's third grandchild, after Agastya and Navya Naveli -- children of his daughter Shweta and son-in-law Nikhil Nanda.

Aishwarya tied the knot with Abhishek in April 2007 and rumours about her pregnancy had been doing the rounds ever since.

In June this year, when Amitabh announced her pregnancy through Twitter, it grabbed the headlines.

A 10-point advisory by the Broadcast Editor's Association (BEA) reportedly asked TV channel heads to curtail media coverage regarding the high-profile delivery.

Warm B-town welcome for Abhi-Ash's daugther

The birth of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's first child, a baby girl Wednesday, brought cheer in tinsel town as celebrities like Anupam Kher, Javed Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor and Bipasha Basu tweeted congratulatory messages to the Bachchan family welcoming the little "angel".

Aishwarya delivered her bundle of joy at a private hospital in Mumbai a few minutes before 10 a.m.

Soon after Abhishek tweeted ""IT'S A GIRL!!!!!! :-)))))", and proud grandfather, megastar Amitabh Bachchan posted "I AM DADA to the cutest baby girl, A dada ji ... Ecstatic" on the micro-blogging site, good wishes started pouring in.

Here are some of the congratulatory messages:

Karan Johar: Congratulations!! Baby B had a baby girl!! @juniorbachchan!!! All the love and happiness...am sure she will be the prettiest girl ever!!!

Bipasha Basu: OMG! So excited Baby B is daddy to a li'l Angel! Congrats Ash n @juniorbachchan and to the entire family! Welcome sweet baby girl:)

Javed Akhtar: @SrBachchan. Congratulations Amitabh ji, this has evoked my memory of the day when Shweta was born. Time flies and how swiftly!!

Anupam Kher: CONGRATULATIONS @juniorbachchan and Ash. So so Happy. May the new arrival in the family bring more happiness, joy and peace. Love.:)

Arjun Rampal: Congratulations daddy cool @juniorbachchan and the coolest Dadaji @SrBachchan and the most beautiful mommy Ash and the lovely dadi Jayaji.

Divya Dutta: @SrBachchan heartiest cngratulations sir!

Boman Irani: @SrBachchan Dadaji!!!!!! All of us here are delirious with joy! Bless you all! @juniorbachchan OHHHH MAAAARAAAAA BAAAAAAP!!!!! Overjoyed my darlings!!!!!!

Raveena Tandon: @SrBachchan CONGRATULATIONS my dearest Amitji! Love to ash and Abhishek!! God bless the li'l Angel!

Sonu Sood: Congrats @juniorbachchan...the cutest angel arrives...A BIG HUG BRO:-)

Sonam Kapoor: CONGRATULATIONS @SrBachchan and @juniorbachchan!! I'm so so excited for you! Lots and lots of love and happiness!

Celina Jaitley: Very happy for the Bachchan family...They have a little angel fairy amidst them...She is gonna be gorgeous :)

Shreya Ghoshal: Heartiest congratulations to Aishwarya Rai and @juniorbachchan. I am so so excited :)

Tisca Chopra: Congratulations @SrBachchan for yet another challenging role- Dadaji!!

Aftab Shivdasani: Very very happy for my buddy @juniorbachchan on becoming a father to a beautiful baby girl!! God bless :)

Vishal Dadlani: @juniorbachchan Woohoooo!!!! Thrilled!!! Congratulations again, to you and the Memsaab! Love, blessings, best wishes, always!!! @SrBachchan Congratulations, Sir!!! What great news!!! :D Thrilled for all of you! Our very best wishes, as always, and much love!

Ra.One makes highest ever Diwali collections

2011-10-29T18:32:00.000+05:30

While all movie buffs were anticipating the release of SRK’s Ra.One & been dying to know the shape of its fate, there are mixed views about how the movie has actually faired.

Released on 26th October, worldwide, on the auspicious day of Diwali celebrations, we barely expected unbeatable numbers due to the generic festive mood.

However, Shah Rukh Khan's Ra.One did surprise the people when the official numbers came out. So, the film grossed Rs. 26.5 crores with a net of Rs. 18.5 crores on Wednesday 26th October making it the highest ever Diwali day collection in the history of Indian cinema especially in the last 14 years.

The second day collections on Thursday 27th October were even more impressive with the film raking in Rs. 36 crores gross with a net of Rs. 25.10 crores net making it the highest collection ever for a single day for an Indian film.

What is to be seen is whether this is just another number game or this movie has managed to raise the bar for Indian Cinema with its vfx, marketing & a new story to tell.

For now, looks like the crab mentality of Indian cinema is about to breakfree.

Lady Gaga in F1

2011-10-29T18:30:00.000+05:30

Simple yet elegant - Lady Gaga chose to leave her bizarre dressing style back home for her first formal appearance here Friday. She wore a one-shoulder gown by an Indian designer, added the desi twist with a tricolour hairdo, and greeted the audience with a confident "Namaste".

"Namaste everyone! I am so glad to be here. I could never even imagine that I would get to come to India and perform and meet my new, amazing fans that are here in India. So I would like to say thank you to all of you. My deepest gratitude," Gaga told reporters.

The 25-year-old global pop icon, who is here to perform at the F1 after-party in Greater Noida Sunday, made a stylish entrance wearing a pair of black shades.

She wore a sparkling neckpiece with simple earrings to match, but what attracted was her bouffant, which had streaks of saffron and green - colours of the Indian flag.

"Today I am wearing a dress by Naeem Khan, an Indian designer based out of New York," she said.

Best known for songs like "Poker face", "Just dance", and her latest hit number "Born This Way", Gaga says she may be known for bizarre sense of style, but she is like any other girl.

"My personal style is like any girl really...I wake up and I put on whatever makes me feel good....quite often I end up wearing my old leather jacket with a pair of fishnets," added Gaga, who feels "the sights in India are beautiful, but the most beautiful sight is that of the people".

Though she is excited about performing for her fans Sunday, she is already looking forward to coming back to India soon, as she said: "I can't wait come back...to see more of India and to get to know more of the fans here."

My performance will have Indian influence

She claims to have been "dying" to come and perform in India, and now that she will finally take centrestage at the F1 after-party Sunday, international pop star Lady Gaga says fans will get a taste of her modern touch but with an Indian influence.

"I want to surprise you all...I've been working with the House of Gaga for a month now to make it beautiful. There will be some Indian influence (in my performance), but I have modernised it in my way. It will be a hybrid between my vision and the vision in India," Gaga told reporters here Friday.

The singer, who has made it big in the international music scene with her albums "The Fame" (2008), "The Fame Monster" (2009) and "Born This Way" (2011), is looking forward to the D-day.

The F1 after-parties, to be held as part of the Airtel Grand Prix of India, will take place at a special, 20,000 sq ft construction at the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida. They are being hosted by lounge bar Lap, co-owned by actor Arjun Rampal and restaurateur A.D.Singh.

Gaga has special plans for her India gig.

"I worked very hard. I have built a special stage for this show - it is unique for India...it has never been done anywhere else in the world, and I will be incorporating also, the collaborations with some of the Indian DJs into the performance.

It will be shown on television here in India. And as I said, I have been working very hard on this, and I have been dying to come here and perform. I am excited about it," she added.

Her show is totally sold out, despite a whopping ticket price of Rs.40,000. But those who will miss the joy of watching the pop star live, can catch the action on UTV Stars in November.

Ranbir Kapoor in Bigg Boss 5 ?

2011-10-28T09:43:00.001+05:30

The "Bigg Boss 5" house, which has mainly women inmates, might see actor Ranbir Kapoor and singer Mohit Chauhan making a special entry this week.

They will visit the sets of "Bigg Boss 5 - Aapka Farman" to promote their forthcoming movie "Rockstar". But it is still not confirmed if they will enter the house and speak to the contestants in person.

However, if sources are to be believed, Ranbir is very keen to have a conversation with the ladies, and will try and get host, Sanjay Dutt, to help him do so.

The "Rockstar" special episode will be on air on Colors Saturday.

Tell Me O Kkhuda Movie Review

2011-10-28T09:41:00.001+05:30

Cast: Esha Deol, Arjan Bajwa, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor

Director: Hema Malini

Rating: **

The story of Tell Me O Kkhuda, revolving around a girl, who upon discovering she was an orphan goes in search of her parents, immediately reminds you of the Hollywood film, Mamma Mia.

In Mamma Mia, however, the central character (played by Amanda Seyfried) is only looking for her father while her mother (Meryl Streep) is by her side.

There are three candidates as the potential papa in the Hollywood flick, and there are three potential fathers in this one too. But hold it, that's where the comparison ends. While Mamma Mia was a delightful musical, with stellar performances, Tell Me O Kkhuda is more or less a drag.

Tanya's (Esha) search for her parents also reminds us of Hema Malini's earlier direction, Dil Aashna Hai. After 26 years of being wonderfully brought up by her adoptive parents (Farukh Shaikh and Deepti Naval), novelist Tanya discovers that she is an adopted child. So her quest to find her 'real' parents begin and this leads her to Rajasthan, Turkey and Goa.

She has two friends (Arjun Bajwa and Chandan Roy Sanyal), who seem unemployed enough to accompany her wherever she goes.

In the course of her self-searching trip, she meets potential dads in the form of royalty (Vinod Khanna), a doting husband (Rishi Kapoor) and a don (Dharmendra).

A wonderful way to bring together three of the best looking yesteryears actors only if they had been utilised better. And of course, it is nice seeing Farukh and Deepti back together.

But only the feel-good factors (there are plenty) don't make a movie worth watching.

The story is outdated and not really exciting. I liked the first part better, because it deftly deals with the issue of female foeticide and also because of a gripping camel race.

The protagonist Tanya is largely a weepy character, even though she shows some gumption in parts. So there is not much that Esha Deol could do. Even then she could have done better.

Largely insipid, with some rare exciting moments, makes this film a dull fare.

Actor Ronit Roy Arrested

2011-10-28T09:38:00.001+05:30

Actor Ronit Roy was arrested here Thursday after his car rammed into another car injuring three of its four occupants, including a woman who is in critical condition. A court later granted him bail.

The incident occurred on the Link Road near Amboliin the Andheri West suburb around 6.30 a.m. The other car was thrown off the road and overturned.

The 42-year-old actor was driving his Mercedes at a high speed when he rammed into the oncoming car in which a family was travelling.

The victims have been identified as Deepak Darera, 60, his wife Kanta, 55, and their daughters Pooja, 24, and Sneha, 28, police said.

Three of the four members of the Darera family from Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri were injured. One of them is reported to be critical at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital.

Following a complaint by the victims, Roy was arrested and presented before a holiday magistrate in Bandra.

Charged under Indian Penal Code Section 279 (rash driving) and 338 (causing grievous injury endangering lives), Roy was released on bail of Rs.12,000 in the afternoon.

Police are awaiting his medical report to ascertain whether he was drunk at the time of the accident.

While Sneha escaped with negligible bruises, Pooja received a few cuts on her head which had to be stitched, while their father sustained hand injuries. Kanta Darera suffered severe injuries on the back and is undergoing treatment.

At the time of the incident, Roy was returning from a Diwali party and the Darera family was on way to spend the weekend at the Matheran hill station in adjacent Raigad district, police said.

Moments after the accident, Roy got out of his car and helped the victims by taking them to hospital in a cab, and left without informing police.

The police acted only after the victims complained and arrested Roy.

Pooja told mediapersons outside the police station that Roy was zooming at over 100 kmph speed and hit their vehicle.

The usually crowded Link Road, one of the main thoroughfares linking north-south suburbs from Borivli to Bandra in the city, was almost deserted on account of the festival holidays at the time of the incident.

The actor started his career with the movie "Jaan Tere Naam" in 1992 and later featured in "Kisna". Last year, he acted in film "Udaan".

He earned popularity on television with shows like "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi", "Kasautii Zindagi Kay" and "Bandini". Currently he stars as a successful lawyer in the weekly show "Adaalat".

Pooja Mishra is no druggie: Raageshwari

2011-10-28T09:32:00.001+05:30

Pooja Mishra, who escaped from being evicted from Bigg Boss 5 house for the third time, is known as the most controversial housemate, but she is very sweet person for singer Raageshwari Loomba, who walked out of the Bigg Boss house.

She does not accept Gulabo Separa’s statement and she says that Pooja is no druggie.

Bickering and clashes are increasing in ‘Bigg Boss’ and actress-singer Raageshwari Loomba, who is the latest to be evicted, says stress level is increasing with each day as a result tempers are flaring in the house.

Raageshwari was nominated by “Bigg Boss” after she failed to complete her secret task where she had to spy on her inmates. Pooja Missra, Amar Upadhyay, Mahek Chahal, Juhi Parmar and Shonali Nagrani were also nominated with her.

After Amar Upadhyay and MTV VJ Siddharth, Akashdeep Saigal is latest male contestant to enter the “Bigg Boss 5″ house. The TV actor says he has no gameplan as such and just wants to entertain everyone.

Akashdeep is entering the show at the point when bickering, clashes and back-bitching have become order of the day, but he is quite clear he won`t be a part of such things.

Housemates of Bigg Boss Season 5 to nominate Shradha Sharma, Shakti Kapoor and Pooja Bedi for Eviction of Bigg Boss House.

Shonali Nagrani nominated Mahek Chahal for eviction using Captain’s authority.

Ra.One Movie review

2011-10-26T19:02:00.002+05:30

Filmmaker and Shahrukh Khan's best friend Karan Johar has all praises for SRK's Ra.One after watching the screening of the film.

Karan Johar was so impressed with Ra.One that he took to his twitter account as soon as the screening was over. Karan Johar posted on twitter, “I just saw RA1! Adrenalin pumping and the best computer graphics india has ever seen!!! Its a MEGA BLOCKBUSTER super hero ride!! OUTSTANDING.”

Karan Johar couldn't control his emotions as he went on to praise the Red chillies team for their contribution to Ra.One. Johar said, “The SFX team at red chillies and anubhav have proven that indian cinema can match and overtake the technology of the west!!!”

Karan Johar seemed to have enjoyed every bit ofRa.One. The filmmaker can't stop boasting of the performances in the film. He said that while Arjun Rampal makes a stunning impact, his favourite gal Kareena Kapoor looks very beautiful. He also praised the young kid Armaan who plays Shahrukh Khan's son in the film.

While, Karan Johar speaks so highly of the film, do you think he can leave out his best friend Shahrukh Khan? Well, speaking of Shahrukh in Ra.One, Karan said, “SRK is not only a mega movie star but every inch of his performance is conviction personified!!!”

Whow! This is quite a review! If you go by what Karan Johar has to say, Ra.One is a super duper blockbuster! But, we suggest that you wait a bit longer to get a more objective review of Ra.One!

Hot Kangana Ranaut Wallpaper

2011-10-22T13:40:00.006+05:30

Sonakshi Sinha Hot Wallpaper

2011-10-22T13:32:00.006+05:30

Jacqueline Fernandez out of Krrish sequel

2011-10-22T12:16:00.000+05:30

In spite her first two films Aladin and Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai not performing too well at the box office, Jacqueline Fernandez managed to bag roles in big film sequels like Murder 2 and Sajid Khan's Housefull 2.After the super success of Murder 2, Jacqueline was offered the role of a female villain in Rakesh Roshan's sequel to Krrish which was her biggest break till date. Everyone in the industry believed that Jacky had finally joined the big league in Bollywood.

Jacqueline was very happy with her role in the much awaited sequel and was looking forward to work with Hrithik, but her happiness was short lived as she is no longer a part of the superhero film. Rakesh Roshan even went to meet Jacqueline on the sets of Housefull 2 in Filmistan Studios last Thursday to convince her to stay on board but things didn't work out. Earlier it was reported that, Sajid Khan was not too happy with Jacqueline when she had allotted a few dates of Housefull 2 schedule to the Krrish sequel. Some say that the reason for her ouster is because she had refused to wear a bikini and do a kissing scene in the film and Rakesh Roshan was not ready to give into her demands. Jacqueline's spokesperson however gave "date issue" as the reason for her leaving the film.

Right now, Jacqueline is very busy with Housefull 2, which is not over yet. Then she has Vikram Bhatts's Raaz 3, with Emraan Hashmi and Bipasha Basu and she is on the verge of signing two more projects.

The Krrish sequel is without the female villain once again. Earlier, Chitrangda Singh was supposed to play the negative character but she wasn't too happy with the length of her role and left the film.

Sonali Kulkarni gives birth to baby girl

2011-10-22T12:11:00.000+05:30

Sonali Kulkarni, best known for her roles in films like Mission Kashmir and Dil Chahta Hai, and who was last seen in Singham, became a proud mother of a baby girl on October 18.

Sonali's husband Nachiket said that both mother and child are doing fine

Amitabh Bachchan honoured with doctorate in Australia

2011-10-22T11:58:00.000+05:30

Just last week we reported that Amitabh Bachchan would be honoured with a doctorate from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). And yesterday, the ceremony took place in Brisbane Australia.

Talking about this on his blog, Bachchan said, "I am deeply honored to be a part of this celebration through their insight and co operation and I thank them profusely for it. In a sense they have elevated me to a position of respect and love. May this association fructify and prosper is all that I can possibly assume and I am capable of expressing."

Further adding on developing the relationship between India and Australia, Bachchan said, "The recognition of my contribution to Indian cinema and its effort to reach out to an international community fills me with intense pride and humility - pride for being able to be a link between Australian and Indian professionals of the film and creative industries and humility for a chance to be the medium in doing so. May this help strengthen the existing bonds between our two countries."

The doctorate which Bachchan received from QUT is the fourth doctorate awarded to the actor after those given by the De Montfort University- Leicester UK, Jhansi University and the Delhi University.

Ranbir celebrates Nargis Fakhri's birthday

2011-10-22T11:52:00.000+05:30

Ranbir Kapoor sure knows how to party in style. News is that he gave a splendid surprise to his gorgeous co-star Nargis Fakhri on board their charter flight to Nagpur for Rockstar promotions. It happened to be her birthday while Ranbir, Nargis, singer Mohit Chauhan and producer Hiren Gandhi were travelling to Nagpur for promotions, so Ranbir made elaborate plans to celebrate the occasion and arranged for a delicious cake and party on the flight, 20,000 feet up in the air.

Ranbir apparently pre-ordered a scrumptious Ferrero Rocher chocolate cake from one of Mumbai's premium bakeries and quietly got it onto the flight without Nargis' knowledge.

An unsuspecting Nargis was sitting on her seat when suddenly one of her staff took her outside the cabin on some pretext…when she came back to the sitting area the entire team yelled, "Surprise!" and presented the chocolate cake filled with candles.

Ranbir, Mohit Chauhan, producer Hiren Gandhi and all the passengers sang "Happy Birthday" while an overwhelmed and emotional Nargis cut the cake. She never expected anyone to even know it was her birthday that day. She then fed the cake to Ranbir and everyone present, after which entire crew partied on the flight listening to Rockstar songs with bonhomie all around.

Well, celebrating her birthday 20,000 feet up in the air with a sweet surprise by the charming Ranbir is a gesture Nargis will never forget.

High Court directs SRK to pay Rs.1 crore for copyright violation

2011-10-22T11:49:00.000+05:30

Even as Shah Rukh Khan starrer Ra.One gears up for its big Diwali release, the film finds itself amidst a controversy. Yash Patnaik, a TV shows' producer-writer, has accused the makers of copying his concept and has dragged them to court.

Yash claims that the concept of calling the villain 'One' was his and he had shared the idea of the film with Mushtaq Shiekh (one of the writers of Ra.One). Yash has asked for due credit or wants 10% share of the profits the film makes. He has sought a stay order on the release of the film.

However, in the case hearing that took place a short while ago, the High Court has observed that prima facie there has been a copyright violation, Bombay High Court today has directed actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan to deposit Rs. 1 crore with the court before releasing his ambitious Diwali offering Ra.One.

"The defendants (Shah Rukh, his production house Red Chillies Entertainment and Eros Entertainment) are directed to deposit a sum of Rs. 1 crore as pay-order to the court and then release the movie," said the division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Roshan Dalvi.

French actor Mehdi Nebbou to be seen alongside Sridevi in English Vinglish

2011-10-22T11:45:00.001+05:30

Sridevi, who is making her comeback on silver screen after 14 years with Gauri Shinde's English Vinglish, has French actor Mehdi Nebbou as her costar in the film.

Mehdi Nebbou started his career with My Sweet Home, where he played the role of Hakim, but it was his portrayal of Ali Hassan Salameh, the terrorist mastermind of the Munich Olympics' attack in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster film Munich, that made him famous and won him accolades.

Director Gauri Shinde was very sure that she wanted Nebbou to play the special friend and confidante to Sridevi's character in English Vinglish as he was physically and emotionally correct for the part. Apparently, Sridevi had never heard of the actor till she met him in New York, but they hit it off from the very first shot.

The film is about linguistic seclusion and the characters speak different languages. Nebbou's character apparently speaks only in French in the film; a language Sridevi's character cannot understand or speak. While Sridevi plays a simple housewife, who doesn't know how to speak English and enrolls herself in an English speaking course. However, the spoken language is the least important component in the narrative. In fact, very few words get spoken in the film.

English Vinglish is being made in three languages - Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Desi Boyz Movie Review

2011-10-22T11:40:00.000+05:30

EXPECTATIONS

You have very good expectations from the music of Desi Boyz. First and foremost this is an unpretentious out and out commercial outing which means catchy music is pretty much on cards. Moreover, the title song with Akshay and John has already caught attention in a big way. Also, Pritam can well be expected to deliver goods in a biggie like this, especially after some chartbuster soundtracks that he has created for Akshay in the form of Action Replayy, De Dana Dan, Singh Is Kinng and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. With prominent lyricists like Kumaar, Irshad Kamil and Amitabh Bhattacharya contributing here, one looks forward to a fun and entertaining ride.

MUSIC

Desi Boyz gets a powerful beginning with 'Make Some Noise For The Desi Boyz' which is the kind of track that one would have expected when it comes to male bonding between the lead actors. A Punjabi-Hindi-English track by Kumaar that has K.K. singing in an altogether different style (when compared to far sombre songs that he usually sings for Pritam) along with Bob, this one is a chartbuster all the way. Boasted by addictive beats, relentless pace and some quick-fix arrangements that keep the adrenalin pumping for those four minutes, this one starts and finishes in a jiffy with no dull moment whatsoever. As expected, the song is also complimented by a 'remix version' which has a concert/club feel to it, hence requiring a wide dance floor that creates enough space to get the dance moves on. What takes the fun quotient forward is 'Subha Hone Na De' which is second straight chartbuster track in a row. This one is a club outing as well with a definite Indian melody to it which only accentuates the overall appeal of the song. With Mika Singh getting into a total mood while singing this fun-n-entertaining number, this one also has a sonic sound to it, courtesy the parts sung by Shefali Alvaris that gives an added touch to this Kumaar written number. Though the song requires a couple of listening to make one get into the groove, 'Subha Hone Na De' is all set to become popular in quick time. No wonder, the makers too show good confidence in the song, hence adding not just a 'remix version' but also repeat it as 'Tu Mera Hero'.

After a couple of club outings comes a quintessential Bollywood dance number that has Pritam giving exactly what is expected from him. With its opening sound on the similar lines as 'Zor Ka Jhatka' [Action Replayy] and the mood similar to that of 'Twist' [Love Aaj Kal] , 'Jhak Maar Ke' is clearly one of the massiest numbers that John Abraham has danced to in his decade long career. With Neeraj Shridhar and Harshdeep Kaur clearly having a lot of fun behind the mike and singing to the rhythm of some 'desi' Punjabi beats, 'Jhak Maar Ke' written by Irshad Kamil works instantly with the listener and only makes one nod in approval by the time the 'remix version' arrives.

A much refined version of 'Razia Gundo Mein Phas Gayi' [Thank You] comes in the form of 'Allah Maaf Kare' which only makes one sure that the makers here were sure about bringing in all the commercial ingredients that would have kept the mood of Desi Boyz upbeat and catering to class as well as mass audience. While this Irshad Kamil written song has a core Indian appeal to it, Pritam presents it in a Western avtar to bring in just the right fusion that ensures that 'Allah Maaf Kare' makes it four-in-a-row for Desi Boyz. With Sonu Nigam and Shilpa Rao bringing in a new dimension with their singing style here, 'Allah Maaf Kare' also arrives in it's remix version and makes one head to the dance floor.

Last to arrive is 'Let It Be' which could just have turned into a sad outing if only lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya would have changed a few words here and there or Pritam would have stepped into a much serious zone. However, despite the relatively serious mood of the song here when compared to the rest of the album, 'Let It Be' never makes one feel that the sound of Desi Boyz has been compromised. A song where the protagonist is regretting the mistakes he has made in life and now wants his partner (and life in general) to stick to him as he makes amends, this situational track is sung well by Shaan and has the composer's stamp all over it.

OVERALL

Music of Desi Boyz exceeds expectations. While one was sure that there would at least a couple of chartbusters in the album due to reasons mentioned at the very beginning, it is clear that director Rohit Dhawan had additional expectations from his team here. Result is this soundtrack by Pritam which is one of the better 'masala' albums of the year that works as instant coffee and also promises a good shelf life once the film scores at the box office.

Sri Devi in English Vinglish Movie

2011-10-22T11:36:00.000+05:30

Sridevi is exploring the 85 avenues of New York City as part of the process of playing the New York-based Indian character in Gauri Shinde's debut film English Vinglish.

Says a source, "The parts that were shot in India would occupy only 20 percent of the playing-time in English Vinglish. The major portions of the film are being shot in New York. Sridevi would be shown shooting in some of the most crowded and difficult parts of New York. She will have to be shown mingling with commuters and crowds. A shy person by nature, it's taking Sridevi helluva willpower to get herself out on the streets to shoot in the bustle and jostle of New York. Not being emotionally up to it at the moment, Sridevi has taken Boney along for moral support."

It's possibly the longest time that an Indian film has been shot in New York. Last month Sridevi left for the Big Apple to join the unit of Gauri's film. Gauri and her crew had been waiting patiently for Sridevi to join them after her father-in-law Surinder Kapoor's demise.

Says a source, "Sri was reluctant to leave so soon after the family tragedy and would've asked for a postponement if New York was not such an expensive city to shoot in. Considering the steep production costs in the city and the fact that Sridevi features in nearly every frame of the film, Sri left as soon as she could. Striking down the earlier plan that she would shoot alone, Boney Kapoor accompanied her to New York since she didn't want to be alone in New York."

Apparently, Sri is already homesick and missing her daughters but determined to shoot without her daughters since she doesn't want them to miss school.

Speaking from New York, Balki who produces the film says, "80 percent of English Vinglish has to be shot in New York. There are 85 avenues in NY for Sridevi to explore during the course of the film. And we have a 50-day schedule here to do it. It's tough because Sri is an instantly recognized face among Indians in the US. But we're coping."

Incidentally, both Sridevi and Gauri Shinde's spouses are in New York at the moment by default.

Says Balki, "I am here because I am the producer. My wife doesn't need me around during shooting."

Veena Malik plays sex worker in Zindagi 50-50

2011-10-22T10:49:00.000+05:30

Veena Malik, who is this time in Mumbai for a very secret project, is uncharacteristically tight lipped. After all the controversial activities on Bigg Boss and shooting an item song for a film, Veena has bagged the biographical role a sex worker from Mumbai named Madhuri who has been moonlighting as a sex worker for years to support her family. The actress has been in Mumbai very quietly meeting sex workers; particularly Madhuri on whom her character in a film called Zindagi 50-50 is based.

Veena has been visiting Mumbai to prepare and shoot for her part. "Main sach boloon aapko? This film has changed my life and my attitude to women and sex workers in particular. When director Sanjay Ruia came to me, he wanted me to play another role in Zindagi 50-50. I insisted on playing Madhuri. Koi connect hai. Koi link…I don't know what it was. But I instantly empathized with Madhuri's responsibilities towards her large family. Maybe because I come from a family of five daughters and one son. But I understand what it feels like to be a woman in a male-dominated society. I've always supported myself, been on my own."

Veena spent hours with Madhuri, got to know about her dual life. "In the daytime, she's a normal middleclass girl. In the night, she puts on her burqa and goes to work in the red-light area, just like any normal working-girl. I loved the dignity that Madhuri brings to her life and her work. I hope I am able to convey the same dignity in my performance."

The role has encouraged Veena to work towards the betterment of the lives of sex workers. "We've rules, laws, organizations and activists fighting for animal welfare. But who cares about the sex workers? I am appalled by the way they live in the red-light areas, not just in India but across Asia. These women deserve a much better life."

Bodyguard DVD Review

2011-10-21T09:40:00.001+05:30

MOVIE DETAILS

Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Hazel Keech
Director: Siddique
Producer: Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Agnihotri
Music: Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam
Lyrics: Shabbir Ahmed, Neelesh Mishra

THE FILM

When Bodyguard begins, it seems like a regular love story in the making. Salman is hired by Kareena's father (Raj Babbar) to protect her from feudal enemies (Mahesh Manjrekar, Aditya Pancholi, Chetan Hansraj). Of course it is known from beginning till the end that this band-of-brothers would be beaten to the pulp and Salman won't allow a single scratch on Kareena's body. However beneath the exterior of this action packed setting, there is a delicate love story in the running that reminds one of the soft-hearted Salman that one saw once during the 90s.

So enter Salman from the days of Bandhan, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hai etc. where he could do nothing wrong and was always there for his loved ones. Not just that as he spoke every word only after going through it in his mind and never once mouthed anything that could be offensive to anyone, be it the ones known or unknown to him. Off late due to his Dabangg, Wanted and Ready image, one expects him to throw smart one liners at every juncture and be his goofy best with ample funny antics at display. However he takes a turn which is quite pleasant to say the least.

This means that even when he is following around Kareena in her college or trying to find the identity of the mysterious caller who is trying to woo him over the phone, one never sees him indulging into any buffoonery. In fact to compensate for that lost element, there is his friend named Tsunami who does the needful. On the other hand Salman keeps it all gentle and turns more and more easy going and all soft hearted as he starts feeling deeply in love with the caller. What starts of as a prank from Kareena (while seeing resistance from her friend - Hazel) takes serious proportions as the dilemma between loyalty and true love intensifies.

Now this is the point from which Bodyguard takes an altogether different run because instead of focusing the film on Salman's screen presence and presenting him in a way his audience wants, writer-director Siddique lets the story do all the talking. For Kareena too it becomes a good enough platform to showcase her true calibre as an actor, especially after relatively much light hearted 3 Idiots and Golmaal 3. With Bodyguard, and especially during the second half of the film, she reiterates loud and clear all over again the reason why she has been ruling from the top for so long.

As for Salman then well, this is indeed one of his most likeable performances for a long-long time. He is there in practically every scene of the film and modulates his body language, dialogue delivery and overall mannerisms for the requirement of the role. As for the action sequences, it is visible that he has gone through a lot of physical stress, especially if one considers the ones that have been set on a dance floor and then finally towards the pre-climax when he takes on Aditya Pancholi hands-on.

Does the movie show a dip anywhere? Not really though one does feel during the first half of the film at least that there is quite some time being spent on the entire build up. Also, the mischief around mystery calls seems a little too simplistic considering neither Salman nor Kareena can be expected to get into such childish pranks. Also Kareena's initial annoyance with Salman seems a little unjustified considering they had hardly met and the man was just doing his job. Moreover Salman's reference to Raj Babbar as 'Maalik' seems out of place in today's times.

Technically the film is reasonably polished, especially during the action sequences though due to its overall simplistic nature, Bodyguard hasn't been presented as an overtly flamboyant experience. Songs have been placed well in the film though eventually it is the sound of Himesh Reshammiya's 'Teri Meri' stay on with you long after you are through watching the film, more so because it also forms the part of the background score. Special effects could have been better though as the miniature helicopter sequence in the pre-climax doesn't just seem forceful but also loses impact after it is overdone with no results.

Amongst actors, while Salman and Kareena shine in their parts, the only other actor whom you actually take home is Hazel. Present in almost every scene with Kareena, she is much more than just her supporting buddy. Raj Babbar just passes muster while one wishes there was more of Pancholi. Mahesh Manjrekar is surprisingly out of place this time around while Vidhya Sinha is almost unrecognisable in a role that could have been done by any TV actress. Asrani is totally wasted as well and so is the case with Sharat Saxena.

DURATION

The film's duration is 130 minutes

SPECIAL FEATURES

- Making of the Movie and Songs

The 'making' segment here isn't as polished as one would have expected but is engaging nonetheless. The good part here is that throughout it's near 30 minutes duration, it is 'on the sets' with no rehearsed/edited interviews that otherwise turns out to be routine. A major part of this making is set around the campus in which the film was shot with everyone from Salman, Kareena, Hazel and other supporting cast sharing their experience of Bodyguard while the film was being made. Also, one can pretty much see Salman in his real self as he fools around with the other cast and crew members while bringing out his mischievous side. Of course when it comes to the making of the songs, there are usual talks around 'When Salman is on your side, you know that results would be good'. Yeah of course, these days we keep hearing that way too often!

TECHNICAL DETAILS

- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation

- Subtitles - English & Arabic

- Dolby Digital 5.1 and Stereo

PRICE

Rs. 299/=

CONCLUSION

When Bodyguard had released, word in the town was that it could never go wrong because of one major reason - 'Salman wave is on'. Oh yes, of course that's true. But then can just a wave be good enough for a film to sail through? Not really, because all said and done, it's an overall package that matters as well. In that context, 'Bodyguard' is pretty much a package deal in the offering. It has ample masala in it to keep Salman's core audience happy. But then it also has a soul to it that comes from Salman-Kareena love story, which ensures that there is lot more to Bodyguard than what one expected from the film based on the promos. It has a definite storyline to it and that ultimately turns out to be the film's strength.

UTV Motion Pictures

2011-10-21T09:37:00.001+05:30

While UTV boasts of its own robust distribution network for both domestic and international markets, and most significantly a strong production team producing both Bollywood and regional cinema (both commercial and genre defining ones), the studio has now been approached by various leading directors and producers to distribute non-UTV movies. While UTV has undertaken the distribution of a couple of non-UTV movies in the recent past, the company has plans to set up more offices in various regions including two offices in the South, considering that South will be a strong focus starting this year. Gaurav Verma, VP - Distribution - India, UTV Motion Pictures reveals the plans.

What makes UTV explore markets which are more into offbeat/experimental zone?
UTV has been in the business of movie making for sometime now. As a studio we make 10-12 films a year and for each of our films, every market becomes important. And the same effort is put by the team at UTV for all the films we distribute. Rather than following a traditional approach where films are released with a defined range in terms of number of screens, cities etc. we exhibit and release our films including the ones we produce and distribute, to every region and explore territories that otherwise wouldn't be considered. This is done in multiple phases, thus ensuring that the film is effectively reaching out to the audiences everywhere not just in key cities. The idea is to expand the base for films of all kinds.

From the ROI perspective, what's the company vision in terms of associating itself with non-UTV films?
At UTV, we like to be associated with films that are entertaining and yet are commercially successful. The same goes with films that we distribute; the idea is bring good and entertaining cinema to the audiences. We have built an infrastructure that is robust enough to take on more films, over and above our slate in a manner that is commercially viable to all parties involved, including us.

Is there any precedence that the company is looking at following here in terms of distribution model? Or is it primarily an altogether green field zone it is stepping in?
We are established players in the business of distribution and over the years, have created a robust infrastructure ranging across the territories, bringing in strong relationships with exhibitors on the table. We have the ability as well as the capability to take on more than our existing slate and do justice to it and exploit it to the fullest.

Since there are quite a few independent distribution companies that are already in fray and have tasted the market for decades now, is UTV looking at entering into a competition where it actually starts on a back-foot?
Like I mentioned earlier, we aren't starting on back-foot in terms of the ability and infrastructure. Each of our films has been distributed efficiently and filmmakers today are aware of our exploitation capabilities in the market today. We are interacting with exhibitors at various levels for our slate of films, so extending this to more films will make it significantly easier for all including exhibitors, producers and more. We believe this will significantly help the producers of the film as they will experience a uniform distribution approach across all territories from overseas to India which is not the case now.

Also, our relationship with them will not be limited to theatrical distribution but will be spread across all revenue streams. So rather than negotiating and coordinating at multiple levels, they have to deal with one studio that has both the expertise and relations that will benefit their film.

While this may be a good business decision for the company, how much of welcome/resistance does it foresee from industry in general, especially when it comes to much more established partners?
Producers have been more than welcoming. We function in a uniformed approach, without restricting the films to a particular territory which may be the case with the existing model. They are keen to be associated with a reputed brand that has a strong standing in the market, is transparent, has the market strength and brings in additional ideas on the table.

Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar

2011-10-21T09:28:00.000+05:30

November 2007, 4 Diwalis ago, a young, lanky actor made his big Bollywood debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. Even though the film tanked at the B.O., this young boy got appreciated for his screen presence and acting prowess by one and all. Today as we come close to Diwali 2011, this young boy is one of the hottest and most sought after actors of Bollywood. He has proved his potential with films such as Wake Up Sid, Rocket Singh-Salesman of the Year, Raajneeti, & Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and is now rightfully playing the lead role in a film aptly titled Rockstar. He is none other than Ranbir Kapoor. Bollywood Hungama's Nikhil Ramsubramaniam caught up with Ranbir at his palatial bungalow Krishna Raj where the actor was in a relaxed mood and spoke about his character Janardhan Jakhad, his experience with Imtiaz Ali, his debutant co-star-the beautiful Nargis Fakhri, sharing screen space with his favourite Shammi dadaji and of course those magical music sittings with A.R.Rahman. Read on…

What was your first reaction when you were offered Rockstar?
Well Rockstar wasn't directly offered to me. There is a quite an interesting back-story behind it. When I was about to start shooting for Saawariya, one day me and my friend went out driving and discussing movies in general. I remember Rockstar was being made with a different actor and by a different production house at that point of time. My friend told me this one line description of the film which is basically a journey of a musician who becomes an iconic Rockstar only after her suffers a heartbreak. I really liked the story and was waiting for the film to be made. Cut to 3 years later, Imtiaz came to me with another film. While discussing that film, I asked him, "What happened to Rockstar which you were supposed to make?" He said there were some problems with the budget and script etc. 2 months later I got a call from him and he said that he had gone back to the drawing board, had fleshed out the script in detail and was now keen to make Rockstar with me. So it was like a dream come true moment for me.

I remember Rockstar was being made with a different actor and by a different production house around 5 years back.

You play Janardhan Jakhad who later becomes Jordan the Rockstar. Could you tell us more about the character?
The story starts off with Janardhan Jakhad's character who is bit of a village bum, a bit of an idiot. He lives in Pitampura and studies at Hindu College. He sings, plays the guitar and wants to become a Rockstar but doesn't quite know how to go about things. He is quite frustrated as everything that he churns out is eventually rejected. One day someone tells him that you will never be able to make great music unless you have suffered a heartbreak. He takes this advice very seriously and starts hitting on the hottest girl in college trying to make her break his heart. In the process, they end up becoming friends and it's their love story which spans almost 10 years. During the course of this how he grows as a musician and ends up becoming Jordan- the iconic Rockstar forms the crux of the story

Is the film inspired from the life and times of legendary rocker Jim Morrison?
Not at all… Imtiaz Ali is a very original writer. He is one of the finest writers we have in our industry. His characters are very rooted, very Indian. Janardhan Jakhad has a poster of Jim Morrison in his room but that's about it. He even says that he wants to be like him one day so Morrison is like a benchmark for him. But Jakhad's journey, course and experience is completely different from that of Jim Morrison.

Imtiaz Ali is a very original writer. He is one of the finest writers we have in our industry. His characters are very rooted, very Indian.

Your look and get-up in the film is quite different from that of a conventional Rockstar. What do you have to say about that?
Firstly, the Rockstar title in this case cannot be taken too literally. This is not your typical head-banging kind of a Rockstar. He does become an iconic Rockstar but to become that person he has to go through a life changing journey to reach that level of greatness. So this film is more of his journey and love story.

You have worked with most of the leading actresses (Deepika, Priyanka, Katrina, Sonam). How was it working with a rank newcomer like Nargis Fakhri?
Well...it didn't feel like I was working with a rank newcomer. Since Nargis was new to the craft of acting, she had to be in the moment and go through the emotions. But after I see her performance now, I am shocked. It's such a finely nuanced performance that I don't feel as if it's her first film.

Nargis has given such a finely nuanced performance that I don't feel as if it's her first film.

Is your look in the film modeled on any particular iconic Rockstar?
We didn't base the look on any one particular Rockstar as in our country we don't have really have many iconic Rockstars. We just wanted to stay true to the character. He is from Pitampura so in the beginning of the film, you see him wearing these tight jeans, tight sweaters and silk fabric shirts. As the film progresses, the character is exposed to various cultures of places like Kashmir, Prague and Verona and somewhere it starts getting reflected in his dressing sense as well. His physical appearance has really been worked upon by Aki Narula, Imtiaz and Aalim Hakim. It all goes very seamlessly with the character and the narrative of the film.

How has been the experience of working with Imtiaz Ali?
We all know Imtiaz is one the most recognized directors in our industry. Beyond that I think he is one the finest human beings I have met. His knowledge about Indian literature, culture, poetry, history is so profound that it translates on screen beautifully. He also understands the complexities of relationships like very few do. He is just a great guy. As a director he was generous to share his personal experiences so that I can use bits and pieces of that as well to fine tune the character. Everybody on the film wanted to give their best shot because Imtiaz has really motivated us.

Rockstar is also extra-special for you as it gave you a chance to share screen space with the legendary icon- late Mr. Shammi Kapoor. Take us through that experience…
Firstly when you are making a film called Rockstar, it would be gross injustice if you didn't have the original Rockstar in the film. Shammi Kapoor is the original Rockstar of our industry. We wanted someone in a special appearance for the character of an ustad, a shehnai player. We wanted someone who could give the character a lot of dignity, grace and a certain presence. I don't think anyone else was more apt than Mr.Shammi Kapoor. In spite of achieving so much, he still took his role seriously and was like a little child on the sets. He used to practice the shehnai to make it look as authentic as possible and even worked hard on his lines which was really amazing. I clearly remember a day before shoot he called me and was a bit worried if he would be able to pull it off at this age. I told him, "Don't worry Shammi dadaji, we all will take care of you and will have lots of fun shooting for the film." When I put the phone down, I realized that I was giving assurance to a legend like Shammi Kapoor. Such is the quality of the legendary actor; he is humble beyond words and is just a great artist and left us with a lot of love and dignity.

Firstly when you are making a film called Rockstar, it would be gross injustice if you didn't have the original Rockstar in the film. Shammi Kapoor is the original Rockstar of our industry.

Not many films about Rockstars have been made in India…the only one which comes to mind instantly is Rock On. Are you guys wary of comparisons with Rock On?
Not at all… like I said it's a different film. Rock On was about a group of friends forming a band. Rockstar is one man's journey and is primarily a love story. It's a very Hindi film…it's not trying to be a wannabe kind of a film. When you see the film, you will realize it that there is no similarity to Rock On or any other film for that matter.

The film has music by the great A.R.Rahman. You were part of the music sittings too with Rahman. How was that experience?
Rockstar is a story about a musician so it was very important have a talent like Mr.Rahman who would add a lot of depth to the character not just superficially but by also taking the narrative forward. I was lucky enough to be present at the music sittings with Mr. Rahman and got to see him work from close quarters. It was really inspiring to see a true artist like Mr.Rahman whilst at work. Just to see him so devoid of all the superficiality and the frills that get attached to his name is simply magnificent. He is dedicated and passionate towards his work beyond words. He still shows child like excitement while at work and is always open to criticism. In fact he hates it when people compliment him, he is not somebody who has 'Yes' people around him, he works in solitude and that's why he is what he is. He has been constantly giving us great music and has taken Indian music worldwide. It was my honour and privilege to be alongside a legend like Mr.A.R.Rahman during the making of Rockstar.

Mr.Rahman is dedicated and passionate towards his work beyond words. He still shows child like excitement while at work and is always open to criticism. In fact he hates it when people compliment him

Mohit Chauhan has been chosen as your voice in the film. Considering Mohit is known more for his soft, romantic numbers, do you think it's an apt choice?
Imtiaz was very clear to have one uniform voice in order to stay true to the character. I think it was my disadvantage that I can't sing. Both he and Mr. Rahman thought Mohit Chauhan was the best. I agree Mohit has been known more for his soft romantic songs but the way he has reinvented himself and pushed the envelope in this album is simply outstanding. I hope that when you see the film you identify with the character with the voice.

Rockstar has been shot at various locations from Mumbai to Delhi to Prague. Which has been your most memorable location?
We shot in Mumbai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Kashmir, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Prague and Verona in Italy so because of this film I got to see many places. I think my favourite location was Kashmir. I used to go there quite a lot as a child with my dad when he used to shoot movies. But now I went there after almost 18 years and it was just amazing. The people are sweet, the valleys are beautiful and I don't think there is better food than Kashmiri food anywhere in the world. I hope the tourism really catches on in Kashmir as it's indeed 'Heaven on Earth'.

I went to Kashmir after 18 years and it was just amazing. The people are sweet, the valleys are beautiful and I don't think there is better food than Kashmiri food anywhere in the world

Finally after Rockstar, what are your forthcoming films?
Right now, I am only working on Barfee directed by Anurag Basu. My co-stars in the film are Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'cruz. Barfee is a fun, happy go lucky, children friendly film. People have a wrong perception that it's a serious film but it's not true at all. The backdrop is of a love story and I feel that children will really like the film. The film is 50% complete. Post that I start work on Ayan Mukerji's film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani where I am paired with Deepika. I have consciously not taken anything after that as I want to wait and watch how Rockstar is received by the audience. But yes I will be soon signing a couple of films as I want to take up more work.

There is buzz that you have been offered the film based on Chetan Bhagat's 2 States to be now made by Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar. Is it true?
Well…it's on the anvil but like I said till Rockstar releases I am not hearing any scripts. Having said that, it's an exciting project. I really liked Chetan Bhagat's book but have yet to read the adapted screenplay. I hope something comes out of it.

Saif to be crowned Nawab of Pataudi

2011-10-21T09:23:00.000+05:30

Saif Ali Khan will soon be crowned as the Tenth Nawab of Pataudi. The crowning ceremony will take place in the princely Pataudi state in Haryana by the end of October. The ceremony will take place 40 days after the demise of Saif's father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

A huge turnout of people is expected on the day of crowning, as people from across the state would come to see the Pagri Rasm (coronation ceremony) of Saif Ali Khan, one of the loyal caretakers of the palace. The ceremony is more of a family tradition and hugely symbolic for the people of Pataudi.

Titles like 'Nawab' are no longer recognized by the government of India. Princely states were abolished in 1971, Mansoor Ali Khan was the last Nawab who reigned from 1952 till 1971 and was regarded as a Nawab of the 52 villages of the Pataudi riyasat. For purely sentimental reasons, the people of Pataudi wanted their Chhote Nawab Saif to be crowned as the Tenth 'Nawab of Pataudi' to continue the family tradition.

Pataudi has been ruled by Saif's forefathers since the early 19th century. The Nawabs, who were originally the governors of a province during the Mughal era, continued to rule princely states under the British rule.

Keeping with tradition, Saif will become the head of the princely Pataudi state in Haryana. He will now have to manage his father's estate, ancestral home and trust. Saif also wants to continue with the good work that his father did for the people of Pataudi and will also look after the eye hospital and other charitable institutions father was managing.

Saif is not very comfortable with the idea of being crowned as Nawab of Pataudi but is doing so keeping in mind the sentiments of the people of Patuadi. Refusing to use the title of Nawab, Saif mentioned that he would prefer to remember his father as the last Nawab of Pataudi.

Legal complaint filed against Big B in Australia

2011-10-21T09:08:00.000+05:30

He may be the toast of Indian cinema, but this veteran actor has had his share of controversies over the years. Now, Amitabh Bachchan faces a serious legal issue following a criminal complaint that was lodged by US-based Sikh human rights group for his alleged role in November 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The complaint that was filed against Bachchan has been lodged under Australia's "criminal code Act 1995". The complaint was made by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based human rights organisation. Apparently, Amitabh Bachchan has been charged for allegedly giving the murderous calls - Blood for Blood / Blood stains of Indira Ji must reach the homes of Sikhs - on October 31, 1984.

The 69-year old actor is currently in Sydney shooting for The Great Gatsby that co-stars Leonardo Di Caprio. He will also be honoured by the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane on Thursday where he will receive an honorary doctorate.

The Biggest Controversies of 2010- the year of fights

2011-01-02T12:48:00.000+05:30

As 2010 draws its final breath, we take a look at the year's biggest headliners and the children of controversy

2010 was the year when squabbles, fights, temper tantrums and whims came tumbling out of the closet. Stars were not afraid to speak their mind, specially on chat shows.

Some forever-couples like Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone broke up while other couple like Deepika and Siddharth Mallya came together unexpectedly.

Javed Akhtar fought with producers for royalty rights for lyricists.

A television couple got married on a reality show, Rakhi Sawant made news (again!) when she apparently incited a man to commit suicide on a reality show.

Bigg Boss became the barometer of showbiz etiquette. The louder you abused the more you were bound to be noticed. Here's looking at the most colourful controversies of the year.

THE 3 IDIOTS CHETAN BHAGAT, AAMIR KHAN AND VIDHU VINOD CHOPRA
Chetan Bhagat is the largest-selling novelist of India. But can he get away with accusing an Aamir project of robbing him of credit? No way! The minute Chetan complained about improper credit, the 3 Idiots team jumped on him threatening to reduce the litterateur to pulp. Mercifully, Kareena Kapoor stayed out of the fracas. She had not read the book and knowing her attention span, probably not seen the movie either.

THE AAMIR KHAN-ANUSHA RIZVI FALLOUT
This isn't the first time that producer Aamir Khan has had differences with his director. Interestingly, Anusha Rizvi's debut film Peepli [Live] became a success only after AK's rigorous marketing.

The duo's differences bubbled out in the open when the defiant Anusha declared she wouldn't attend the Oscars where Peepli [Live] has been sent. This could mean one of two things. Either Anusha knows that her film didn't stand a chance in hell of actually winning the Oscar. Or she just doesn't know what to wear to the ceremony.

Watch out for Peepli [Live] Part 2. It's a road movie about a firebrand filmmaker and an authoritarian producer who decide to visit a distant uncle named Oscar.

RANBIR-DEEPIKA PART WAYS
Tum na jaane KISS jahan mein kho gaye? This could be the theme of the Deepika-Ranbir romance. Apparently tired of his infidelities, Deepika gave Ranbir the boot and even gave an interview about how her man was cheating on her.

When all hell broke loose, Deepika hastily retracted saying she didn't mean Ranbir. But the damage was done. Now all his heroines demand a fidelity contract with him before getting into a relationship.

BARBARA MORI & HRITHIK ROSHAN ARE 'JUST FRIENDS'?
For most of the year, we couldn't hear the end of the 'Mori Naam Karega Roshan' saga. In Chapter 2 of the passion-play, Hrithik and wife Sussanne moved out of his father's home into a hotel. Duggu said their bedroom had been attacked by termites.

Is that what they call infidelity these days in showbiz? There were reports that the twosome's fearsome friendship was just publicity for Kites. If it was really so, then it really didn't help the film much. Till the end, he maintained they were, you guessed it, just good friends. Dost beat it.

SHAH RUKH TAKES ON THE SHIV SENA
When Shah Rukh Khan opined that Pakistani players should not be left out of the IPL, the Shiv Sena decided SRK's My Name Is Khan should be left out of theatres. Finally, of course, the IPL itself got left out. But that's another story.

FARAH-SRK KABHI ALVIDA NAHIn KAHENGE
Why do we get the feeling that Shah Rukh and Farah will be back together? It's karmic, I guess! In 2010, the two inseparable friends went their separate ways. Farah directed Tees Maar Khan with Akshay Kumar.

Maybe it should should've been named 'Tees Maar Kumar'. With her bid to create box-office history with a Kumar coming a cropper, SRK's dimples are bound to get more pronounced. Main Hoon Naa, Farah.

NANA PATEKAR-PRAKASH JHA SLUG IT OUT
They quarrelled. They made up. They won't ever speak to one another. They've let bygones be bygones ¦.aaaah, please! We just wanted these two overgrown boys to act their age.

The quarrel that happened between the director and actor during the making of Raajneeti threatened to blow up into a major conflict. Last heard, it had all been settled amicably. Nana will be directing a film for Prakash Jha. Hopefully, it won't be an Indianised take on Grumpy Old Men.

ANIL KAPOOR ON A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
Is Anil Kapoor really doing the fourth part of Mission Impossible? Is it true that Tom Cruise has decided to read the script again just to make sure his Indian co-star doesn't walk away with all the applause?

Meanwhile, rumours persist that Danny Boyle has decided to make a sequel to Slumdog Millionaire called Slum-Hog Millionaire with Kapoor Saab in the main role.

DREAM GIRL'S NIGHTMARE MOVE
Hema Malini is known to call a spade a spade. Toward the tail-end of her daughter Esha's relaunch film Tell Me Oh Khuda, she sacked director Mayur Puri and took over the project herself. Puri fumed. Hema couldn't care less. Esha laughed all the way to the next shot.

HASTA HUA 'NOORANI' CHEHRA
Certainly not the favourite song in the Dutt household after producer Shakeel Noorani got a court order attaching Sanju Baba's property as compensation for a film that Dutt did not do. Accusations of underworld links, threats of extortion and deception flew fast and furiously. Certainly more exciting than most of the films during the year.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Nominations for Zee Cine Awards 2011

2011-01-02T12:47:00.000+05:30

Best Actor Male
Ajay Devgn - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai
Akshay Kumar -
Hrithik Roshan - Guzaarish
Ranbir Kapoor - Raajneeti
Salman Khan - Dabangg
Shah Rukh Khan - My Name Is Khan

Best Actor Female
Aishwarya Rai - Guzaarish
Anushka Sharma - Band Baaja Baaraat
Deepika Padukone - Break Ke Baad
Kajol - My Name Is Khan
Kareena Kapoor - Golmaal 3
Vidya Balan - Ishqiya
Katrina Kaif - Raajneeti

Best Film of the Year
Dabangg
Golmaal 3
My Name Is Khan
Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai
Peepli [Live]
Raajneeti

Best Director
Abhinav Kashyap - Dabangg
Karan Johar - My Name Is Khan
Milan Luthria - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai
Prakash Jha - Raajneeti
Sajid Khan - Housefull
Sanjay Leela Bhansali - Guzaarish

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Song of the Year
'Bin Tere' - I Hate Luv Storys
'Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji' - Ishqiya
'Munni Badnaam Hui' - Dabangg
'Pee Loon' - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai
'Sajdaa' - My Name Is Khan
'Sheila Ki Jawani' - Tees Maar Khan

Veena Malik in Jism 2 ?

2010-12-04T19:20:00.003+05:30

Actress turned filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has delivered one of the most sexiest Bollywood movies in 2003, Jism, starring Bipasha Basu and John Abraham. A perfectly in shape model John debuted in Bollywood with this movie and became a craze among the youth. The sizzling chemistry between Basu and Abraham rocked the viewers and the film was a roaring hit.

There were talks regarding a sequel of this movie earlier but nothing materialized. It is probably because they could not bring John and Bips together anymore for repeating their seductive act. Now again, the talks are rife about Jism 2 and Pooja Bhatt is seriously thinking about the lead cast, who can replace the hot couple.

There was a buzz that Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez of Aladin fame has been approached to enact the leading lady. But this did not go well with the Jism and they openly expressed their displeasure over her name on a microblogging site. Pooja Bhatt also rubbished reports saying that they never thought of Jacqueline.

However, fans have suggested a very good option for Jism 2. Most of them have suggested the name of Pakistani actress Veena Malik, who has been popular in Bigg Boss 4 for her sizzling acts with inmate Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel.

Their proximity on camera has grabbed many eyeballs and is being considered as perfect couple to replace Bipasha and John. However, Veena is quite far from a perfect figure when it comes to play a seductress in a movie like Jism 2. If she is considered seriously then she will require losing some extra kilos that she keeps showing frequently.

However, Ashmit is quite good in shape and has been seen working out with Hrishant Goswami earlier. But recently, he is behaving like a sick person and does not look to be in a very good shape. However, he can enact the role perfectly because Ashmit is often seen drooling over Veena and that is very much required for the role!

Kangna isn't a poor little girl from the hills, she is Rich: Sources

2010-12-04T19:20:00.001+05:30

Here's what Kangna left behind in her village to become an actress... a luxurious life, a 25-room haveli and an influential family

While people assumed Kangna Ranaut to be a struggling wannabe actress from Himachal Pradesh when she entered B- Town, the truth is far different.

The actress comes from one of the richest and politically most influential families in the state. Hers is not a rags to riches story.

Which explains the lakhs of rupees she spends on clothes, shoes and bags every month, more than even the top actresses of B-Town and star wives.

Have money, won't talk

A source close to Kangna confirms her family affluence, "She doesn't like talking about her family wealth as she's struggled on her own to be in her position. Besides that, she believes it's in bad taste to talk about one's wealth." Her family is from the blue-blooded Rajputs from Bhambla village in Himachal Pradesh.

Our village

Kangna has a huge 25-room ancestral house or haveli in Bhambla (currently called Surajpur) belonging to her great- grandfather.

"While it was originally called Bhambla, when Kangna's great-grandfather became the local MLA, the village was named Surajpur after him. " Kangna grew up in a joint family, with her brother, sister, parents, great- grandparents, grand- parents and chacha and chachi. The family owns several acres of land in Surajpur.

Luxurious living

Adds an insider, "Kangna's father Amardeep Ranaut is in the construction business and he supplies construction material for building roads etc for the Public Works Department (PWD) in Himachal Pradesh. She has been brought up in luxury and always had five cars parked in front of her home."

But things suddenly took a turn for the worse when she decided to come to Mumbai to become an actress. Her grandfather was dead against any female from his family joining films as he felt it was demeaning.

On your own, please!

Kangna's father too supported his father, and when she insisted on acting, both of them stopped talking to her. Her father told her that he would give her no financial support and she would have to make it on her own.

Hard times

Kangna left home at 16 and initially stayed with a friend in Delhi before coming to Mumbai in 2005. She went through a lot of hardship but never asked her family for help. She lived in Aasha Chandra's hostel and shared a room with three other girls.

It was a miserable time for her as she was cut off from her family and struggling in a strange city. It was only after Life In A... Metro that her family relented and welcomed her once again into their fold.

Preity connection

There was a family reunion when her parents, sister Rangoli and brother Akshat came to Mumbai. Today, her family is very proud of her.

Kangna's friend insists, however, that the actress is not related to Preity Zinta. "Preity's maternal aunt is a resident of Surajpur and PZ often comes to meet her. Once during a family function of Preity's in the village Kangna and her siblings met Preity. Now they keep in touch. That's all.

Kang's Grandpa

Kangna's great-grandfather (and idol) Sarju Singh Ranaut left his job as a head clerk for the British government to become a freedom fighter with Mahatma Gandhi.

Kangs still has the letters Gandhiji wrote to her great-grandfather. He was also the only man from his village who knew English at that time and got electricity to his village.

Neha Uberoi is getting married on Dec 14

2010-12-04T19:19:00.001+05:30


Sanjay Dutt's business manager Dharam Uberoi's daughter Neha gets married on December 14 to industrialist Vishal Shah. The wedding invite has Dutt's and his wife Maanayata's names along with Dharam and his family. The reason: Dutt and Maana are Neha's moohbole maama-maami and will be throwing a party for the happy couple soon.

Sonam Kapoor and khandaan go Goa for New Year

2010-12-04T19:17:00.002+05:30

Anil, Sunita, Sonam, Rhea and Harsh will spend New Year's in the land of feni

Anil Kapoor will finally go on a long holiday with his entire family to Goa.

Says a source close to the actor, "Anil and his family, including wife Sunita and children Sonam, Rhea and Harsh will be going to the Sunshine State on December 28 and will stay there for a week.

They plan to bring in the New Year there and have already booked into one of the most expensive beach resorts in South Goa.

Sonam, Rhea and Harsh's friends, along with other family members, will also accompany them. Harsh, who is studying in USA, is coming down for his Christmas holidays."

Special holiday

The source adds that for the Kapoor couple, this holiday is very special. "Anil has been extremely busy the last few years.

After Slumdog Millionaire, he got busy in Hollywood with 24 and then returned to work on his home production, No Problem.

While Sunita and he have been on trips to Paris and other parts of Europe and Anil and Sonam have holidayed in Canada on her shoots, it is one of those rare times that the entire family is together."

Anil won't release No Problem on Christmas as a courtesy to close friend, director Farah Khan.

The actor confirms, "Farah is a dear friend and even though my friends and distributors wanted No Problem to release on December 24 as it's a great period, I stuck to my guns and said we would release it on December 10 as I don't want to clash with Farah's big date.

Both are big films and family entertainers and there's no point cutting into each other's business."

Indian model Lakshmi Menon strips all for Pirelli Calendar 2011

2010-12-04T19:17:00.001+05:30

Bangalore based Indian model Lakshmi Menon has created history in the international fashion world! The 28-year-old model has become the first Indian face for the renowned ‘The Pirelli Calendar 2011’ since last 38 years.

However, Menon had to give a nude pose for getting this honor. It does not seem to be quite unusual for a model because many other Indian models have stripped for various magazines and photo shoots.

Photographer Karl Lagerfeld has snapped the model when she flaunted her assets alongside models Erin Wasson and Bianca Balti. It has been shot at Lagerfeld’s Paris studio.

The 2011 calendar is prepared based on the Greek and Roman Mythology themes. It also portrays the event of golden child Baptiste Giabiconi.

With this, Lakshmi has entered the line of many other renowned international models like Jeneil Williams, Erin Wasson, Lara Stone, Freja Beha, Heidi Mount, Anja Rubik, Magdenlena Frackowiak, Iris Strubegger and many others.

Lakshmi started her career in modeling only to earn to some extra money when she was studying at the Bangalore University. She continued her modeling career in India till 2006 and then entered the international arena.

Filmmaker Manish Acharya passes away

2010-12-04T19:15:00.000+05:30

People come and go but there are a few that make a mark on society that lasts a life time, and Manish Acharya was one such being. The young director, writer, actor par who has given us films like Loins Of Punjab, Sita Sings The Blues, Luck By Chance is no more.

The director who tweeted just yesterday about his impending trip to Matheran is said to have met with a fatal accident that eventually led to his demise. This will be the third filmmaker to have passed away at such a young age following Sourabh Usha Narang, then Pankaj Advani.

Bollywood Hungama mourns the loss of such talent and sends out its solemn condolences and prayers to Manish's family and friends.

Raju Hirani starts his company Canvass Films to make commercials

2010-12-04T19:14:00.000+05:30

Raju Hirani today is a household name thanks to his brilliant films such as 3 Idiots and the Munnabhai series. However not many people know that this talented filmmaker was actively involved with the ad world many years ago. Raju had in fact even starred in commercials for brands such as Fevicol and Luna. He has even directed few commercials in the recent past featuring stars such as Amitabh Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor.

Now it seems that Raju is keen on once again connecting with his roots in the ad world. HIrani, along with friend Sanjeev Kishinchandani, has now started a company called Canvass Films to mainly mad ad commercials. Raju, who has always loved making ad films, will be directing around 6 - 7 commercials each year for his company.

Music Review Tees Maar Khan

2010-12-04T19:13:00.000+05:30

EXPECTATIONS

2010 couldn't have ended on a better note. One expects nothing but the best to bring on the smiles as one moves on from one year to another. With the music of Tees Maar Khan arriving at the stands now and expected to make waves by the time the film releases on Christmas, it couldn't have been any better for a music lover. After all Farah Khan has been known for her keen music sense when it comes to masala soundtracks (Main Hoon Naa, Om Shanti Om are testimonies of that) while Vishal-Shekhar too have been enjoying a good year with Anjaana Anjaani & I Hate LUV Storys turning out to be successful and Break Ke Baad boasting of a different sound as well. With lyricist Anvita Dutt joining all the fun, one looks forward to check out what does Tees Maar Khan have to offer.

MUSIC

Write your own music review of Tees Maar Khan

It is a cracker of start with title song 'Tees Maar Khan' bringing with it the kind of hook that is totally addictive to begin with. A true blue theme track that can be expected to make an appearance at regular intervals right through the film's running length, 'Tees Maar Khan' is a guest composition by Shirish Kunder who has written it as well. One can confidently say that if at all a 'khiladi' film was to be made today, it would have proudly boasted of a song like this. What also impresses is the way Sonu Nigam contributes with male, female, child, chorus as well as other quirky voices to make it a unique affair. Not just that, the 'dhol' beats in the end make it a truly entertaining affair that ensures that 'Tees Maar Khan' would be heard for many more months to come. No wonder, there is a deserving 'remix version' that arrives later in the album as well, hence making it a complete 'paisa vasool' affair.

Movie Preview Tees Maar Khan

2010-12-04T19:11:00.000+05:30

Only once in a blue moon is such a great criminal born who is fearless as well as shameless! Now is the blue moon and the great criminal is TEES MAAR KHAN. He steals cons and cheats all with such alarming audacity that even shame shies away from him! He and his gang comprising of Dollar, Soda and Burger have managed to keep the police, world over, on their toes. Then one fine day international antique smugglers, the Johri Brothers, assign Tees Maar Khan the BIGGEST CON JOB OF HIS LIFE! He must rob antiques worth 500 crore rupees from a heavily guarded MOVING TRAIN! Will Khan and his merry gang, with some unwitting support from his wannabe-actress girlfriend, Anya, and a greedy Bollywood superstar be able to pull off the greatest heist in history?

Movie Review Rakht Charitra - 2

2010-12-04T19:08:00.000+05:30

Brutality has a new name and it's called RAKHT CHARITRA. The first part was gruesome. The second part, well, is not as violent, but is a bloodbath nonetheless. I don't think Hindi cinema has ever witnessed such gruesome murders, such manslaughter and such scenes of carnage ever. But beneath the blood and gore, slaughter and assassination lies the shocking story of enmity between two families.

RAKHT CHARITRA undertakes to enlighten the story of vengeance in two parts. RAKHT CHARITRA 1 depicted the rise of Pratap and how he became a demigod for the poor and the exploited. The Part 2 unfolds a new story, although it's linked with Part 1. The challenge lies in making it more attention-grabbing than its precursor.

Write your own movie review of Rakht Charitra - 2

Brutality, gore and violent behavior are indispensable attributes of RAKHT CHARITRA 2. The story in itself is nothing more than a customary vendetta drama, but what makes you connect compellingly with the narrative is the fact that Ramgopal Varma [RGV] has treated it like he was recounting a first-hand version of what really transpired between the adversaries.

Movie Review Phas Gaye Re Obama

2010-12-04T19:07:00.000+05:30

What's the recipe for a winning motion picture? A gigantic financial plan? Striking locales? A mammoth star cast? Strictly going by the number of low cost films that found tremendous appreciation, it reiterates and restates the fact that content always reigns supreme. 'Small' films like LOVE SEX AUR DHOKHA, TERE BIN LADEN, UDAAN, PEEPLI [LIVE], KHICHDI and DO DOONI CHAAR have had a lot to say when compared to several mammoth ventures, which drove on star power while content took a complete backseat.

Subhash Kapoor's PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA banks on a taut screenplay and not a showy star cast to deliver the goods. Choosing an interesting plot is one thing and doing justice to it is another. But the assorted characters, the sequence of events in the narrative and the bunch of talented actors do the trick. At the same time, though the film has the right running time, it could've done with some sharper editing at places.

Write your own movie review of Phas Gaye Re Obama

Final word? PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA may not boast of stars to entice the viewers in hordes. It may not have a colossal canvas [on the contrary, the making is very basic]. It may not have a wonderful musical score to act as a hook [there are hardly any songs here]. But PHAS GAYE RE OBAMA succeeds, and succeeds largely, in its endeavour: Make the viewer laugh at the right places. A small little gem that deserves a watch.

Movie Review Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey

2010-12-04T19:06:00.000+05:30

Adapting a work of literature into a movie is an arduous task. Satyajit Ray's 'Apu Trilogy' [PATHER PANCHALI, APARAJITO and APUR SANSAR] was based on two Bengali novels written by Bibhuthibhushan Bandopadhyay. Ray's SHATRANJ KE KHILADI was based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name. In fact, film-makers have always been fascinated by best-selling books/novels for adapting into feature films. Mira Nair's THE NAMESAKE, P.C. Barua, Bimal Roy and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's DEVDAS, Pradeep Sarkar's PARINEETA, Rajkumar Hirani's 3 IDIOTS, Atul Agnihotri's HELLO and the recent AISHA have been adapted from literary works. Even in Hollywood, LORD OF THE RINGS, HARRY POTTER, NARNIA and many more have been successfully adapted from novels by reputed names.

However, if you analyze the past, you will realize that not all movies adapted from novels/short stories have set the cash registers jingling at the box-office. Films like PINJAR, PAHELI, RAINCOAT and international experiments like BRIDE AND PREJUDICE and THE MISTRESS OF SPICES have found very few takers in the past.

Write your own movie review of Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey

This is not the first time Ashutosh Gowariker has adapted a book into a film. KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY is yet another book-to-movie adaptation by this talented storyteller [this one is based on the book 'Do And Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34' by Manini Chatterjee]. Again, this is not the first time Ashutosh Gowariker has revisited the bygone era. He did it successfully in LAGAAN [period], then JODHAA AKBAR [historical] and now KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY [period].

Recreating the bygone era is indeed demanding, laborious and strenuous. It's a challenge to present the era convincingly. Besides extensive detailing to lend authenticity, the director carries the responsibility of making the characters come alive to the present-day generation. Gowariker has successfully done that in the past and does it successfully yet again in KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY.

Once the film-maker takes on the task of depicting a chapter from history, it's imperative that he/she remains factual to the depiction of the revolution, giving an accurate account of what actually transpired in that period. But details alone won't help, it needs to be well dramatized for the big screen. There's a vast difference in the style novels are written, but one needs to take extra care to make it film friendly. While I may not be able to comment on whether Gowariker has been faithful to the book or tampered with it or implemented some changes, which may be necessary to suit the tastes of the present-day spectators and make it more palatable, I would definitely like to say that what comes across on screen is very absorbing, truly informative and exceptionally inspiring.

Final word? The expectations from KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY are minimal, but you can't overlook the fact that it's a genuinely honest effort that needs to be encouraged and appreciated. I would like to add here that the promotional posters/billboards/promos don't create any impact whatsoever. Wish the makers would've looked into this very important aspect as well!

Yash Raj approaches Aamir Khan for Dhoom 3

2010-08-24T20:52:00.003+05:30

Yash Raj Films has plans to launch a line of five movies as a celebratory mark of its golden jubilee next year. The banner is in talks with Bollywood hotties to play meaty roles in those movies. It was earlier reported that Aditya Chopra is keen to rope in Aamir Khan to play a lead role in one of the movies.

Recently, Yash Raj Films approached Aamir Khan to play the villain in Dhoom 3. Many would wonder why Aamir is offered the negative role.

If previous two movies of the Dhoom series are to be considered, it is clear that the villan in the movie has an essential part to play. John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan donned the villain's cap in Dhoom and Dhoom 2 respectively.

Another reason for cinegoers's curiosity to see Aamir in a Yash Raj Films is that the actor has not worked with the banner since Fanna. It has now become the most-awaited movie since Aamir is a part of it.

Aamir has neither confirmed nor denied the news. Dhoom 3 is at the planning stages. The spokesperson of the banner revealed that even the scripting is not finished, so finalizing the cast is out of question.

Lafangey Parindey fails to fly high at box office

2010-08-24T20:52:00.001+05:30

The title of the movie might be crisp as nachos, but Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone starrer edgy love story "Lafangey Parindey" was not crunchy enough to attract the audiences to theatres.

"The business of 'Lafangey Parindey' was nothing great. It was below expectations as the movie could manage only 50 percent occupancy over the weekend on an average, " Amit Awasthi, senior manager (Programming and Operations) of Spice Cinemas, told.

"The content was appreciated, but it couldn't gather hype because of the star cast. We are hoping it stretches till the second weekend, " he added.

"Lafangey Parindey" opening day's collection was approximately Rs.35 million (Rs.3.5 crore) across India. According to estimates, the movie's opening weekend net collections should be in the range of Rs.100-Rs.110 million, reports businessofcinema.com. Aamir Khan Productions' "Peepli Live", that was made at a budget of Rs.100 million has earned about Rs.210 million in its first week at the Indian box office.

Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas said: "'Lafangey Parindey' is over as far as business is concerned. It could manage an occupancy of only 30-40 percent over the weekend. Though the content was OK, it had no buzz."

Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the story revolves around a street fighter Nandu (Neil), who can combat blindfolded and a visually challenged Pinky Palkar (Deepika) who can dance on skates.

While Deepika's performance in the movie has won her appreciation, it has proved a disappointment for Neil, whose last outing "Jail" too bombed at the box office.

"The movie has been only average with only 30 percent occupancy over the weekend. It wasn't appreciated that much and now we have no hopes for it too, " said a source from PVR cinemas.

Amit Shah, chief manager (programming) of DLF DT cinemas, however, blamed the incessant rains for low footfalls.

"The weekend was not at all good. Despite a pretty OK content, the rains played spoilsport in the capital for footfalls. People just didn't come out of their houses to watch a movie. We got only 30-35 percent occupancy over the weekend, " said Shah.

"Considering tomorrow (Tuesday) is Raksha Bandhan, hope it gets some footfalls but otherwise now there is no scope for the movie picking up, " he added.

Deepak Taluja, senior vice president (business and operations) of Fun Cinemas, said: "The weekend business was lukewarm. The occupancy was 30-35 percent. The content was OK but not very highly appreciable. Though weekdays now look slightly down, it looks positive for the next week as there are no big releases as such."

Rakta Charitra: RGV to delete controversial scene?

2010-08-24T20:51:00.001+05:30

Ram Gopal Varma is facing the wrath of fans of megastar Chiranjeevi and his brother actor Pawan Kalyan. The reason is the filmmaker's upcoming Telugu movie Rakta Charitra.

One of the scenes in the movie shows a man's head being tonsured by the lead actor Vivek Oberoi, who plays the late controversial political leader Paritala Ravindra.

In real life, Paritala Ravi was rumored to have tonsured Pawan Kalya's head. This has angered the fans of the actor. On the other hand, the director argued that the movie does not even show the face of the person being tonsured so the fans should not object.

He also questioned the fans on how could they conclude that the person in the movie depicts Pawan Kalayan. when they can't even see the face of the person.

Varma had even held a meeting with Chiranjeevi in Hyderabad to settle down the issue. He also reportedly offered to delete the tonsured scene from the movie. The movie also stars Suriya, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Radhika Apte in other important roles.

Now, the big question is whether Ram Gopal Varma will delete the controversial scene from the movie to appease the fans of Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan?

Bobby Deol's father-in-law dies, leaves behind fortune

2010-08-24T20:47:00.000+05:30

Bobby Deol's father-in-law Dev Ahuja who was recently in the news for leaving a large chunk of his fortune for Tanya Deol, passes away

A day before banker and promoter of Centurion Bank and MD of 20th Century Finance Devendra Ahuja, 74, passed away, son-in-law and actor Bobby Deol was shooting in Toronto with buddy Akshay Kumar for Anees Bazmi's Thank You. Deol was unable to concentrate on his shoot because he was concerned about his father-in-law's health.

Filmmaker Samir Karnik, a family friend, says Deol was expected to shoot a love song this week in Agra. "Bobby has been concerned about his father-in-law's health ever since the property dispute erupted."

Ahuja had apparently disinherited his son Vikram, and wanted to leave a large chunk of his fortune to daughter Tanya and son-in-law Bobby Deol.

After I-T officials raided Ahuja's Nariman Point residence and office on May 10, they recovered documents that proved that Ahuja had transferred a major part of his property to his daughter. The public dispute left the Deols in an embarrassing position.

Deol told close friends he didn't want to be part of the wealth dispute.

Says a close family friend, "All he ever wanted was for peace in his wife's family, and his father-in-law to be healthy."

When news of Ahuja's illness reached Deol in Toronto, he wanted to return. Kumar who has connections in Canada made arrangements for his return.

Ahuja died of a cardiac arrest on Saturday morning. Deol was expected to return to the city on Saturday night via London. The funeral is expected to take place on Sunday.

Sallu back as Prem after patch up with Sooraj Barjatya

2010-08-24T20:46:00.000+05:30

The distance between Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya has finally been bridged. Salman, known as 'Prem' in previous three movies from Sooraj Barjatya's Rajshri Productions, has been offered a lead role in the next cinematic venture under the same banner.

As per the recent reports, Salman has already been signed by Sooraj for a cameo role in his Love You Mr. Kalakaar.

Differences crept in between Salman and Sooraj following Raj Kumar Barjatya's disapproval for the actor after the blackbuck killing accident. A source close to Sooraj Barjatya informed that everyone at Rajshri Productions had thought that Soorajji would not plunge into directorial ventures any more. Without Salman, his scripts were incomplete.

The source added that Salman was as intimate with the Rajshri household as hand in glove. But, the blackbuck killing incident turned the relationship upside down.

Salman played the male lead in three of Rajshri's movies – Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Apke Hain Kaun, and Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Though the scripts of Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon and Vivah were also penned down keeping Salman as a lead character in mind, he was not cast in them ultimately. Now after a period of four years, Sooraj Barjatya has put on the director's guise to be back in business again.

I love 'Losing My Virginity'

2010-08-24T20:45:00.000+05:30

If you thought Bollywood celebrities only read scripts, here is a surprise. From fiction to philosophy to thrillers to romances, they love reading books and consider it their favourite pastime.

Many of the B-town celebrities spoke to swore by well-known tomes like "The Idiot", "Chariots Of the Gods", "The Kite Runner" and "Interview With A Vampire".

Sameera Reddy: I love reading and my favourite book is "Losing My Virginity" by Richard Bradson.

Neil Nitin Mukesh: My favourite book is by a man called Shiv Khera and the book is "You Can Win". The reason it's one of my favourite books is it makes you feel rather positive about life and about yourself in general. I have read it almost four times and every time I read it, it teaches me something new.

Chunky Pandey: I'm currently reading a series of books by Erich von Däniken, the one I just finished is called "Chariots Of the Gods". I loved it.

The book is based on the premise that what humans across the globe refer to as gods were actually extra terrestrials and aliens who visited earth and gave us advanced technology that was described as miracles in ancient texts around the world.

Eesha Koppikar: One of my favourite authors is Richard Bach and I also loved reading "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. I am not too fond of fiction. I like philosophical reads.

Deepika Padukone: I read "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini and I really liked it. It's a wonderful book."

Bobby Deol: I haven't read a book in some time, but I used to love vampire books. I was obsessed with vampires. I love "Interview With A Vampire" by Anne Rice.

Cyrus Sahukar: I love "The Picture Of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. It was the first book I read by Oscar Wilde and I have been a fan ever since. Every line is so beautifully written that you can revisit it at any stage in your life and it will always make you think.

Mugdha Godse: I like reading and "Only Love Is Real" by Brian Weiss is one of my favourite books. That book has really changed my concept about love. It has pointed out how your soul can find your real love.

Rajat Kapoor: I love reading and my favourite is "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It's a fat book, but it was so engrossing I finished it in just four days. I just didn't want to leave it.

Trisha: I like fiction. But I liked reading "The Kite Runner". It's serious and not my kind of book, still I liked it a lot and read it thrice. The first two times I read it in quick succession, with a one-week gap.

Arbaaz Khan: Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" is one of my favourite books. I have read it a couple of times.

Randeep Hooda: I read a lot. I read biographies. I read every day. I think reading makes your imagination big. My favourite book is "Papillon" by Henri Charriere. It's a very old book about prison escape. Then I like "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and there are a number of others.

Koena Mitra: The last book I read was by Paulo Coelho. I really like his writing, it has a sense of realism to it and one can actually relate to it."

Kim Sharma: I am not an avid reader. I like reading romantic novels. I am the Mills & Boon type of a reader.

Soha Ali Khan bikini waxing MMS scandal is a dud

2010-08-24T20:41:00.000+05:30

We have reason to believe that searching for the 'Soha Ali Khan waxing MMS scandal' might be an exercise in futility

Over the weekend, Bollywood websites and blogs went into a tizzy with reports of a "Soha Ali Khan waxing MMS scandal" video.

After trawling through several dead links and investigating the matter in detail, we can safely assume that it's a campaign by vested interests with an explicit purpose: to malign the actress.

Apparently, Saif's little sis underwent a bikini wax session at a beauty salon recently. Unknown to her, there were cameras strategically placed in the room that recorded her in various states of undress and in some scenes, from close quarters, says the report.

She didn't know...
Mention is made that she is completely at ease, implying that all this was done without her knowledge and that the going price of the clips are anywhere between $20 to $30. It appears that a "leading" website (unnamed in every website and online report) shot this video in association with the salon.

Supposedly, the video shows her getting undressed and wearing a towel. Over time, her body is revealed. The salon attendant is then seen waxing her body including the bikini area. The video has been made into two episodes with "before" and "after waxing" shots.

Not to be simply content with that, the conversation (we assume doctored) borders on the "kinky". It's a troubling trend that actresses are frequently becoming victims to the online demand for show-and-tell videos.

Websites in order to attract hits, go to weird lengths to advertise MMS videos even as innocent actresses pay the price. With most people choosing to believe that these "skin flicks" are "real", it seems like a battle they're losing.

Soha remained unavailable for comment.

KRANTIVEER Movie Review

2010-06-27T17:48:00.000+05:30

Raising a strong voice against the system, corrupt netas, dishonest cops, fraudulent land sharks and the corrupt practices in general has been a fav subject of dream merchants in Bollywood. Mehul Kumar's KRANTIVEER [Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia] is best remembered, among other things, for Nana's fiery performance and his outburst in the finale, when he's about to be hanged in public. I distinctly recall, the single screens [there weren't multiplexes then] reverberated with ceetees and taalis when Nana delivered those acidic lines.

KRANTIVEER - THE REVOLUTION remains faithful to the core issue. This time, it's Nana and Dimple's screen daughter Jahan who takes the onus of fighting the politicians, land sharks and corporate honchos who take the common man for a royal ride. That's not all, Jahan even 'awakens' a harassed housewife who is assaulted in full public view by her errant husband. Quite a hothead!

KRANTIVEER worked for various reasons, but a strong reason was it being amongst the early films to raise a voice against injustice and malpractices. Post KRANTIVEER, there has been a barrage of films that have followed a similar path. That's why KRANTIVEER - THE REVOLUTION, despite the right intentions, doesn't stand out. However, the provocative dialogue and the reference to 26/11 do catch your attention in its second half.

The young daughter of the man responsible for the last revolution, Pratap [Nana Patekar], is now wielding the power of media as a fearless journalist. Roshni has inherited not only the courage and sting of her legendary father, but also the spirited lingo and the indomitable style.

Roshni acts as a pivot of the revolution and gets along her determined neighbour Vishal [Sameer Aftab] and college mates Uday [Harsh Rajput] and Goldie [Aditya Singh Rajput]. The story takes all of them on a mission to rid the present society of the evils, a revolution for cleaning the system.

While the plotline is easy to guess, the execution of a few sequences do make a difference. Veteran Mehul Kumar handles the plot like a complete expert, more so towards the second hour, which has some engrossing moments. Sachin-Jigar's music is okay, with the birthday song being the pick of the lot.

Jahan delivers a fiery performance and remains true to her character. She does a wonderful job. Sameer Aftab is decent. Aditya and Harsh are okay. Govind Namdeo and Mukesh Tiwari enact their villainous parts with ease. Ashok Samarth stands out in the confrontation sequence after the interval. Farida Jalal [as Jahan's granny] is as usual. Hiten Paintal is competent. Aman Verma plays the lecherous corporate bigwig well. Ranjeet, Darshan Jariwala, Avtar Gill and Suhasini Mulay feature in brief roles.

Jealous of Ranbir, Imran is not doing a sex-comedy

2010-06-27T17:43:00.000+05:30

Imran Khan, who is starring in his uncle Aamir Khan's production Delhi Belly, revealed that the film is like the Hollywood blockbuster Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Refuting rumours that the film is a sex comedy along the lines of American Pie, Imran said it is actually a comic caper like the Guy Ritchie film. It is set in Delhi and tracks a few youngsters who get caught in a tight situation.

Delhi Belly will have the same kind of treatment as Lock but will be different as it is set in the context of Delhi unlike the Hollywood film which was set in London.

Talking about his old friend Ranbir, Imran said, "I find Ranbir a very exciting actor to watch. He's a damn good dancer. He is a better dancer than I am. I don't have that natural flair. I need to work and rehearse. He doesn't rehearse. I am always jealous of people who dance well."

However, Imran doesn’t rule out the fact that the two are really close to each other. “We don't discuss scripts but we are very upfront about (each other`s) films. He called me after watching ‘Luck’ and said that it was damn bad,” revealed Imran. Meanwhile, Imran's next release is Dharma Productions' I Hate Luv Storys with Sonam Kapoor. The film hits screens on July 2.

Revealed: Cell Phone Phobias of the Bollywood Hotties

2010-06-27T17:41:00.000+05:30

Gone are the days when the yesteryear stars, including those who held sway till the 90's, were blessed with only a landline, which was always manned personally by them, when at home.

So much so that even their secretaries or houseboys hardly dared to meddle with their telephonic chores unless their Sahabs or Madams were busy shooting outdoors. And those days the outdoor locales extended only as far as Kashmir, Shimla or Darjeeling.

Thanks to the technological revolution today, stars can now be tracked down even if they are shooting in a remote corner of the world.

Yet, they never felt as insecure as they do now. This has made the task of the film scribes much more difficult. The first thing they have to do to break the communication barrier is to get the latest cell numbers of the stars, which keeps on changing..

Time to unravel their cellular secrets. Let's begin with Jackie Shroff aka Jaggu Dada. He is the only star who has not changed his number after going mobile.

Also, he makes it a point to answer all his calls with the same standard opening line, 'Haan bol biddu, kaise yaad kiya?' He could be at the other end of the globe, yet he patiently answers all his callers and assures that he would do the needful only on returning back home.

One actress with an unusual phone phobia is Bipasha Basu {Bips!}. When yours truly, after several attempts, finally managed to track her on phone, she avoided prolonging the conversation saying: “You have caught me on a wrong day as I have been hospitalized for a serious ailment. I generally don't take calls, but if it's necessary just send me a SMS. I will definitely get back to you.” Definitely, Ms Bips!

The story repeats for her hunky beefcake beau John Abraham. Every time I managed to get him on the mobile, he would give a similar excuse no matter what the time or the date.

“You have caught me on a wrong day as I am in a hospital attending to a friend who has been hospitalized for a serious ailment. Besides I have made a conscious decision of not giving any interviews till my next release comes up.” Now, now guys you can put two and two together and draw your own conclusions. Okay!

Then there are two other stars, who never take their calls directly Sunjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty unless they know a scribe on a one to one level. But for first timers and strangers, they see to it that the caller's message is not only delivered to them, but action is promptly taken.

Sunjay Dutt's Man Friday not only receives the call, but also fixes up a proper appointment for you and rests only when he plonks you right in front of the Deadly Dutt. And the same holds true in case of Anna alias Suniel Shetty. Of course with his own Man Friday gracefully coordinating the whole affair.

While former Miss. Universe Sushmita Sen's houseboy really gets on your nerves as he always cradles the cell phone and delivers a clichéd round the clock reply.

“Memsaab so rahi hain ji.”

Queen Bee Rani Mukherjee and the ravishing Raveena Tandon too never answer their calls directly. The former makes her mother and the latter makes her secretary to do the needful.

On the other hand the gorgeous Bollywoodian diva Rekha's Man oops Woman Friday Farzana does gets back to you only when you send her, first a detailed SMS and then your detailed requirements or rather the core of your story and that too funnily enough both on her pager! Mademoiselle Rekha and Farzana still seem to be living in Stone Age!

Next, when I had tried to contact Faffy dear oops Aftab Shivdasani, he was holidaying alone, or so he wanted me or every caller to believe, in South Africa. So naturally his mobile had a recorded message.

“Call my mom on…..” I did and then thankfully his mother Joyce Shivdasani not only attended my call, but also delivered my message on the South African hotel number of the 'Mast' and 'Masti' bhara actor. Who promptly called me back from his overseas sojourn and instantly fixed up the interview session for the day he would land up on the home terrain.

So once he reached Mumbai he called me up on my cell and asked me too meet him up at the airport. The interview was done in his car on his way back home.

But then trust Akki aka Akshay Kumar for his constant cellular pranks. The moment I dialed his number 'His Masters Voice' boomed in my ears, “ Hi! I'm Akshay Kumar and you know what to do?' Yes. I knew. I left a message for him in his voice mailbox and forgot about it.

The next thing I knew was that his Woman Friday Ms Pooja started hounding me on my cell phone that too at unearthly hours for 'fixing' up an interview almost akin to a match-fixing syndrome. But alas! The interview never happened until I was on the verge of tearing my hairs apart.

As in the meanwhile the action hero had safely left for one of his foreign shoots. And finally before I could heave a sigh of relief, Akki Baba gave me a midnight jolt by making an overseas apologetic call with the option, “Can we do a telephonic interview now?”

Since I was already bugged by his pranks, I politely declined his generous 'overseas' offer then. The reward: An excellent vibing with him since then with no more mobile pranks repetition.

Last but not the least is the father and son duo of Suresh and Vivek Oberoi in tandem with their joint Woman Friday.

So just as an absentee student lands up in school with a medical certificate first she and then Papa Oberoi always return my calls with an excusable cellular medical report on behalf of their always-recuperating Jr. Oberoi's sickly state of affairs.

Until I had finally caught up with the healthy looking Vivek at a Mumbai premiere. Oberoi Baba clarified, “Don't you trust them? You see I have now been nicknamed a china doll, by one and all, as I keep having this great humpty dumpty fall.” Needless to say I was dumbfounded.

So the ultimate analysis of the Bollywoodian stars Cell phone phobia is that after all these and more 'accidental' and typically funny, filmy cellular encounters I think that I have turned over a new leaf, from a veteran freelancing scribe to an amateur freelancing cellular jockey. Period!

Sridevi is the most beautiful, most sexiest woman God ever created: Ram Gopal Varma

2010-06-27T17:34:00.000+05:30

RGV is obsessed with Boney Kapoor's wife and desperately wants to work with her. She hasn't returned any of his SMSes. He hopes a handwritten letter will have better luck.

Ram Gopal Varma has written a letter to Sridevi expressing his desire to work with her in one of his productions. The director wanted Boney's biwi to act in his film Shaque, directed by his assistant Rumina.

In the past too, RGV has offered her some films, but she'd begged off. This time he decided to get her attention, and convince her by writing to her.

Ramu has even admitted to having a huge crush on the actress and has been obsessed with the idea of working with her. When the subject of Shaque came up -- a story of marital discord between a husband and wife -- Ramu immediately thought of Sri.

Says a source, "When she didn't respond to his text messages, he sent her a letter talking about the film and his desire to work with her."

When contacted, Ramu claims he hasn't sent her a letter but admits to posting one on his blog. "Yes it's a letter expressing my feelings about her as an actress. I just felt whatever I wanted to and wrote on my blog." He isn't aware if she has read the letter."

He further adds that the Shaque script is still in the works and he hasn't approached Sri for it yet.

Ramu's letter on his blog
So straight from her super stardom and magazine covers and her dazzling beauty on the silver screen, I saw her in Boney's house serving tea like an ordinary housewife. I hated Boney Kapoor for bringing that angel from heaven down to being just an ordinary housewife.

I don't go to Boney's house these days because I can't bear to see Sridevi in a realistic house, in a realistic atmosphere and with realistic people around. For me, she is like a highly precious diamond which should be seen only in beautiful settings or in exotic locations and only in the surroundings of cinematic brilliance.

Sridevi is the most beautiful, most sexiest woman God ever created and I think he creates such exquisite pieces of art like her only once in a million years.

So what if Boney has the real Sri in his house...? I have her captured as a cinematic goddess in the temple of my mind -camera and as a divine angel in the heart of my celluloid dreams.

I thank god for creating Sridevi and I thank Louis Lumiere for creating the movie camera to capture her beauty forever.

Raavan Movie Review

2010-06-20T21:55:00.000+05:30

Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Govinda, Ravi Kissen and introducing Vikram

Director: Mani Ratnam

Rating: ***1/2

Since the time of the announcement of Mani Ratnam’s Raavan, curiosity about how India’s most accomplished filmmaker manages to do a modern day adaptation of the mythological epic, Ramayan, has known no bounds. Thankfully, Mani succeeds in his own inimitable way. His team’s painstaking hard work shows in every frame of the film and his actors help him raise the film’s bar.

The film opens with policemen killed at various places around Lal Maati, a small town in Northern India. This is followed by abduction of the local police chief Dev’s (Vikram) wife Raagini (Aishwarya Rai). The dreaded low cast tribal lord Beera (Abhishek) is behind the kidnapping.

Dev (Vikram) immediately gets hot on the trail of Beera with trusted lieutenant Hemant (Nikhil Dwivedi) and seeks the help of the jovial forest guard Sanjeevani (Govinda).

Beera knows the dense jungle like the back of his hand and is helped by the tribals, managing to stay just one step ahead of Dev and his team.

But as the cat and mouse chase proceeds between Beera and Dev, the initial hate of Raagini for Beera subsides. As Dev inches closer, the near maniacal Beera shows he has a heart too and Raagini almost loses hers to him. What follows after Beera and Dev come face to face forms the rest of the film.

Taking on a mega epic like Ramayan and turning it on its head giving his own personal interpretation, Mani Ratnam dares to depart from the religious text and succeeds in showcasing how Ram can be a Raavan and how a Raavan can also be a Ram.

Aided by the best technical crew of Indian cinema, Mani has made his multilayered film, a technical marvel to watch with awe. The first half moves on rapidly mostly focusing on Dev’s chase of Beera, but however it gets boring beyond a point since the story hardly moves ahead.

Mani also fails to establish the exact setting of the outlaws. Are they Naxals or a modern day Robin hood gang? But it is the beginning of the second half where Mani begins to pack his solid punches and achieves the peak with an unusual climax.

Beera’s background (the reason for Raagini’s abduction), Dev’s impatience to grab Beera, Raagini’s gradual change of perception about Beera and eventually the final face off between Dev and Beera have all been terrifically captured.

Abhishek is nothing short of brilliant, portraying Beera. If you thought Abhishek delivered his best under Mani in Yuva and Guru, watch Raavan for his evolvement into an actor of true caliber. Aishwarya Rai delivers a top notch act.

Makeup less and forever battered and bruised, Aishwarya’s eyes convey a lot more than the shrieking her character has to resort to most of the time.

Vikram unfortunately is saddled with a one dimensional character for most part of the film until the climactic punch. He looks fearless and arouses enough curiosity as an actor to watch him play Beera in the Tamil version of the film.

Govinda as Sanjeevani brings on the much required comic relief in the tense proceedings and succeeds. Ravi Kissen grabs the opportunity to impress with both his hands and does well. Priyamani playing Beera’s sister, in her brief role manages to bring out the pathos of her unfortunate character.

Mani takes you to virgin locations within India never exposed before on screen. Be it the thick dense forests in Kerala or the same state’s dangerous Athirappally Waterfalls or the exotic Orcha in Madhya Pradesh and Malshej Ghat valley in Maharashtra, Santosh Sivan and Manikandan’s camera captures it all with super finesse. The action finale on the hanging bridge, a never seen before feat in Indian cinema makes your heart skip a beat.

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman’s music coupled with Gulzar’s lyrics is mesmerizing but Mani hardly gives any time for any song to register any impact, as if in a quick hurry.

The subtle statement Mani incorporates against the system on behalf of the low caste have-nots is laudable but could have been a little more elaborate.

Nevertheless, as Mani Ratnam’s metaphoric interpretation of the grand epic, Raavan definitely deserves a visit to your nearest cinema hall for its plusses certainly over ride its minuses.

Race 2 gets hotter: Priyanka Chopra to join Kareena

2010-06-20T21:54:00.001+05:30

If the buzz in the industry is to be believed, then Kareena Kapoor will be joined by none other than Priyanka Chopra in Race 2.

Priyanka is apparently very excited about being a part of the thriller and is busy working out her dates. Priyanka is currently busy with Saat Khoon Maaf, after which she will shoot for Don 2 and then for Khatron Ke Khiladi.

Meanwhile, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu, the female leads in Race, will not be reprising their roles in the sequel.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Kareena Kapoor to play sex worker

2010-06-20T21:53:00.000+05:30

Kareena Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will finally be working together on Sanjay's next film after Guzaarish. The two had been hoping to work together for a long time but their plans fell through every time. Once Kareena returns from shooting for Agent Vinod in Morocco, the two will meet and finalise their project together.

Kareena and Sanjay were supposed to work on a film on Mahatma Gandhi's son after Devdas, but circumstances forced Sanjay to shelve the film.

They then planned Bajirao Mastain with Salman Khan, but that had to be scrapped after Kareena and Salman's Kyon Ki flopped.

Then Sanjay got busy with Black and Kareena could not be a part of it as her sister Karisma and Black's male lead Amitabh Bachchan's son Abhishek had just broken their engagement. But now, it seems the two will finally get together.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Aamir turned down KBC 4 but why did Big B accept it?

2010-06-20T21:48:00.000+05:30

Allright! He may have said in an interview to a news channel that he was never offered 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 4' in the first place, but it's no secret that Sony Entertainment Television and BIG Synergy were keen on working with Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan.

A prominent Mumbai tabloid had first reported on Aamir Khan being offered the show. Producer Siddhart Basu was quoted saying that Sony Pictures, which owns the format, might have had an initial discussion with Aamir.

The actor's spokesperson too had neither confirmed nor denied the story. In another report, Basu claimed that Aamir is one individual who he would like to work with.

Just few weeks back, the buzz in the air was that it will be Aamir who will make his TV debut as the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 4'.

Rumour has it that a popular news channel was even going to go ahead and break this news. However, everyone was shocked when it was learnt that it won't be Aamir but Amitabh Bachchan who will host the show. We were the first to report this story.

Well, it just wasn't the public, but we too were taken by surprise by this development. Earlier, we'd broken the news of Khan being offered two projects – KBC 4 and orginal concept. However, it was KBC that he was expected to sign. So what went wrong then?

A industry insider says, “Look while there was no formal offer, top officials from Sony did meet the actor. As always, Aamir takes his own time to respond.

Unfortunately, for Sony, Aamir turned it down. He felt that doing TV is an enormous task. Aamir was simply of the view that he's not ready to take up such big responsibility as yet. Besides, he didn't have the time as he'll be busy, looking after his home productions.”

Second choice simply doesn't exist in the Bollywood superstar's lexicon. After reading all about, Khan, why did Amitabh Bachchan accept the show then?

“If it's KBC and Big B, there's simply no question of a second choice. Let's not forget that it's Bachchan who had propelled the show both in season one and two. Besides, I don't think Mr. Bachchan has any airs. Sony is confident that with Bachchan back as host, KBC will get the same numbers as it did for Star, ” added the source.

Well, speculations, comparison, and theories around KBC won't end. Now that Bachchan is back at the helm, the viewers will simply say, “Let's play' Kaun Banega Crorepati'!

Paathshala Movie Review

2010-04-21T17:57:00.000+05:30

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia, Nana Pateka, Saurabh Shukla, Sushant Singh, Swini Khara, Dwij Yadav, Avika Gor, Anjan Srivastava

Director: Milind Ukey

Rating: **

There are few films, a star does for friendship and some with the lure of working under a big banner, irrespective of their content.

An extremely choosy actor Shahid Kapoor after giving big hits like Vivaah, Jab We Met and Kaminey has been giving duds like Dil Bole Hadippa (Yash Raj Films), Chance Pe Dance (UTV) and an equally bad follow up with Paathshaala.

Shahid’s friendship with producer of the film, ace choreographer Ahmed Khan is well known. But still we wish, he should have not blindly trusted his buddy when it came to a film!

Shahid plays Rahul Prakash Udyawar the new English teacher joining Saraswati Vidya Mandir, a school established in 1941. Since the school doesn’t have a music teacher, he ends up being one as well.

He gets help in this from the school's nutritionist-cum-admin girl, Anjali Mathur (Ayesha Takia). School principal Aditya Sahay (Nana Patekar).

Anjali ends up falling for Rahul during this process. Sahay who has nurtured the school for 32 years, cannot see it going down financially. So, he gives in to the management's demands of generating more revenue by commercialising the operations of the school.

This is met with intense opposition from the teachers, but they eventually have to comply to save their respective jobs. The school management even decides t hired PR experts to change its image.

Thus began, film and ad shoots happen on campus wherein students are used as extras. And before they know it, all kids have to now keep aside studies for 10 days and prepare for a reality show audition.

The rest of the film is about how the reality show thing tortures the students and how Rahul stands against it.

Director Milind Ukey who gave us the very lovable animated film Hanuman has got a good topical subject on hand but falters big time in the script written by producer Ahmed Khan himself.

While it identifies the problems perfectly, a proper solution is not offered in the end. Also what happens to the school finally is also not made clear.

Bad dialogues are made only worse by loud acting by most of the cast. Certain emotional scenes leave you either bored or end up making you laugh. Hanif Sheikh’s music barring the Lucky Ali number Aye Khuda is nothing much to praise about.

In an attempt to showcase how education goes for a toss in private schools as the managements aims to earn the extra buck the makers also don’t lose out a chance to make a satire out of the media, shifting focus from his original aim.

The pathetic climax is unintentionally hilarious with no conclusion to what happened to the villains of commercialization and all suddenly become well!

Shahid Kapoor and Nana Patekar are the only saving graces of the film with their well nuanced performances. The rest including Ayesha Takia don’t really make a difference. The child stars are just about okay.

Avoid this Paathshaala if you are in no mood for a badly written gyan giving film.

Movie Review Phoonk 2

2010-04-21T17:56:00.000+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

Starring Sudeep, Amruta Khanvilkar, Neeru, Amit Sadh, Ahasaas Channa

Directed by Milind Gadagkar

Rating: **

In one of his multitudinous interviews to promote this intended shiver giver Ram Gopal Varma said the scariest film he had seen in recent times was Karan Johar’s Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna.

Now that’s a scary thought. Because Johar’s film didn’t belong to the horror genre. Phoonk 2 does.And it is definitely NOT the scariest film we’ve seen. Varma’s terror theme has clearly run its course. What we see here are the remanents of another Friday. And definitely not Friday The 13th.

Perched somewhere between crowing (ahem ahem) about the supernatural and crying over the nerve-wracking disruption of domestic harmony by a ghost which just won’t go away Phoonk 2 is like that promised rollercoaster ride which gets aborted in the first lap because of a short circuit.

It’s not really Varma or his director Milind Gadkar’s fault. It’s the nature of the material.

Ram Gopal Varma’s love for horror has never extended beyond the there’s-something-under-the-bed kind of unwarranted foreboding that we all feel in a new environment.

In a majority of his horror films a family moves into a new haunted home and experiences the eerie.

Ironically Varma’s best effort in the horror genre was Kaun where the victim of terror (Urmila Matondkar) was stalked by unseen forces in her own familiar home. The terror, it turned out was not under the bed, but in the mentally disturbed girl’s head.

There wasn’t much terror let alone horror in Phoonk. Under the bed, or in the head.

In Phoonk 2 the characters’ screeching plea to have us believe they are under immediate peril is sadly not communicated to the viewers . We remain tragically detached from the trauma of Kannada star Sudeep’s family.

Haven’t we seen it all?

By now the trademark Varma camera movements, here manoeuvred with emphatic energy by cinematographer Charles Meher, and the intricate cluttured but effective sound design (Jayesh Dhakkan, Jayant Vajpayee) do nothing to suck us into the plot.

The technique remains unfastened to the characters.Their desperate attempts to get away from the supernatural remain desperately detached from the audience.

At the end of the 2-hours into the zone of error-terror we are left wondering why Varma threw open a contest inviting any viewer to undergo an ECG to check his heartbeats.

It is this film that needs a respiratory system. Varma’s last horror outing Agyaat with its spooky ominous wide-open jungles was far more gripping.

In Phoonk 2 you wonder what the fuss is about. These people have nothing to fear except fear itself.

And yes, Ramu was right. The crow does come up with the best performance. And that’s nothing to crow about.

Bachchans' new abode: A plush bungalow in Goa

2010-04-21T12:17:00.000+05:30

Goa, the land of the sun and the surf, is the dream destination for most people. It's an ideal holiday spot, for weekend getaways as well as for long vacations! Even Bollywood's premier family, the Bachchans is captivated by its allure. They were recently house hunting in North Goa.

The Bachchans wish to acquire a property in the Goa. Reportedly they will be purchasing a bungalow in the picturesque village of Aldona. It belongs to a Kashmiri and is a beautiful, colonial mansion.

The house boasts of Portuguese architecture and also has a swimming pool attached. Big B and AB were at the property recently to look over it and they were very pleased with the overall ambience of the place.

Abhishek Bachchan is presently in Goa shooting for Rohan Sippy's Dum Maro Dum in the Canacona region. The family is keen to acquire the place to have a getaway from the mad rush of Mumbai.

Amitabh has been fascinated with Goa since he shot for the seventies hit Bombay to Goa. Naturally, the news has caused a flurry among the locals, who can't believe that Bollywood reigning stars might soon be amongst them.

So let's hope they soon attain their Goa home!

Abhishek and Aishwarya off to NY for wedding anniversary

2010-04-21T12:10:00.000+05:30

On this day, three years ago, there was an entire blitz of media surrounding Bachchan's bungalow in Juhu. The reason? It was on this very same day that Abhishek and Aishwarya tied the knot. Now three years later, the couple with much love intact have decided to disappear off to a location well hidden from the glitzy glare of the media and the prying eyes of public.

Abhishek who has been vociferously tweeting his mind has apparently taken wifey dearest to New York as a celebration for their third anniversary. Confirming this is father dearest, Amitabh's blog post stating, "He is on a rather long flight right now, as we connect, to New York with Aishwarya. And of course I shall tell him all the reactions that came by for the first promo of his film 'Ravana'... !!"

With his film, Ravaan, coming up for release and promos being aired, Abhishek definitely needs a break from his hectic schedule and who better than wife Aishwarya.

You can wish Abhishek and Aishwarya on their wedding anniversary by posting your wishes in the comments section.

Check Out: Shahid and Anushka's sporty, funky look in Badmaash Company

2010-03-30T11:33:00.000+05:30

The promo of Yash Raj Films' next release Badmaash Company starring Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in lead roles was unveiled last week and going by the looks of it, the film promises to be a complete entertainer. Directed by Parmeet Sethi, the film tells the story of four friends (Shahid, Anushka, Chang and Vir Das) who want to make it big in life.

For both Shahid and Anushka, this is the second film with the coveted Yash Raj banner. While Shahid starred in the fairly ordinary Dil Bole Hadippa alongside Rani Mukherjee, Anushka made a super debut opposite none other than SRK in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

In Badmaash Company however, both Shahid and Anushka would be seen in a young, fresh and altogether new look. Anushka, who in her first film, was mostly seen sporting Indian wear has gone glamorous for this role wearing cool and funky tops and hot pants. Shahid on the other hand too seems to be sporting a new cropped spiked look compared to his long hair look in Dil Bole Hadippa.

Apparently, both Shahid and Anushka had a great time shooting for the film. There were a few sequences in the movie where the cast needed to shoot some water sports and games. Shahid and Anushka took this sportsmanship very seriously and carried on playing games like badminton and beach volleyball even after pack up. To everyone's surprise, Anushka turned out to be the better player and beat Shahid everyday.

At the end of the day as long as the movie turns out to be victorious at the B.O., Shahid couldn't care less. What say?

Movie Review Right Ya Wrong

2010-03-30T11:28:00.000+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

Starring Sunny Deol, Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen-Sharma, Esha Koppiker

Directed by Neerraj Pathak

Rating: ***

Don’t breathe. Don’t dare even blink. And please forget that visit to the loo. Damn, even the bag of popcorn will be forgotten on your clenched lap.

Right Yaaa Wrong is the surprise shocker of the year. If you’ve forgotten that jump-out-of-the-seat feeling then it’s time to nudge it awake again. Debutant director Neerraj Pathak deserves a welcoming salute. He puts together a thriller that’s as much a homage to Alfred Hitchcock and Brian da Palma as our own Abbas-Mustan.And Right Yaaa Wrong still emerges original and strong.

An intricate jigsaw that always stays a step ahead of the audience, Right Yaaa Wrong makes a penetrating comment on how the country’s legal system can be subverted in a clever hand. More importantly the taut and briskly-paced script suggests that the yin and yang concepts of right and wrong are not only ambivalent but also interchangeable when the context is right.

Sunny Deol, back in shape in every which way, plays a cop who in the first two reels loses the power to walk. But the narration simply sprints along through a series of unpredictable twists and turns that take the striking characters across a maze of intrigue and conspiracy.

Truly, the screenplay is far superior to its execution. And that’s entirely a comment on the above-average caliber of the writing.

Writers Girish Dhamija, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan and Neerraj Pathak pack in a walloping punch in both pre- and post-interval hours.

The characters and their motivations address themselves to adventure-thriller-suspense would of James Hadley Chase and Sidney Sheldon.The men are brave and heroic, clever and fearless. Even when cuckolded Deol is dignified in the embrace of betrayal.

Editor Ashfaq Makrani juxtaposes moments of tense suspense with glimpses of heightened poignancy. This is murder in mellow shades.

The cop’s wife played by Esha Koppikhar is unabashedly wanton. Outwardly she’s the duty-bound cop’s home-bound wife with a perfect home and cute son (Ali Haji). Scratch the surface and there emerges a woman who’s sleeping with the cop’s kid-brother. Ouch. Where’s the couch???

Shades of Bipasha from Abbas-Mustan’s Race? Yes? But don’t let this hectic whodunit’s antecedents bother you. The storytelling takes wings from the word go. And we are swept ahead. As the characters go from ‘bed’ to worse.

However the people in Pathak’s pacy plot are so hurriedly propelled to their nemesis that we never get close enough to any of them to understand their inner world.

The depths are discarded for the dips and curves. The performances are even and well-informed. Sunny Deol in a role that requires him to sublimate his pain in a status of stoicism gets it just right.

Irrfan creates ample space for himself in a role that’s sketchy for starters but gathers substance as the yarn progresses. Konkona Sen Sharma as the stereotypical Sympathetic Shoulder gets rid of her set-expressions and comes up with a performance of restrained bravura in the courtroom.

And Esha Koppikhar plays the thankless role of the unfaithful wife and a disgraceful mother with much relish.

Here’s a film that extends the borders of morality. It does so in the commercial language without resorting to crass situations and dialogues. For fans of Sunny Deol’s fist-friendly image here’s the actor telling us that strength is sometimes a matter of holding back rather than letting it all hang out.

Movie Review Rokkk

2010-03-30T11:25:00.000+05:30

Starring: Tanushree Dutta, Udita Goswami, Shaad Randhawa, Sachin Khedekar and Murli Sharma

Director: Rajesh Ranshinge

Rating: **

Anushka (Tanushree Dutta) is charged with the murder of her husband, Ravi (Sachin Khedekar), and sister-in-law, Nishita (Preeti).

Anushka is sent to a mental asylum but the fact is that she is possessed by the spirit of the dead girl, which resides in the new bungalow into which she, her husband and sister-in-law had moved on their first wedding anniversary. Her husband had there- after given in to her plea to leave the haunted house as she was being hounded by a ghost there.

But the ghost did not leave Anushka even in their old bungalow to which they had shifted. Ahana (Udita Goswami), the younger sister of Anushka, comes to Goa from Delhi to be by her sister’s side in her hour of need. She can’t locate her sister who has run away from the mental asylum. On probing, Ahana soon realises that it is a case of spirits and ghosts in which Anushka had got involved.

Unable to trace her sister, Ahana sets out to solve the mystery in a bid to clear her sister’s name. She seeks the help of CBI officer Ran veer (Shaad Randhawa) and the two even meet a tantrik, Vishwat ma (Arif Zakaria), who knows the entire story about the haunted house.

Vishwatma reveals the past of the haunted house to Ahana and Ranveer. This leads Ahana to Yashoda (Ashwini Kalsekar) who further elaborates the story.

What Ahana and Vish watma do thereafter is shown in the climax. Is Ahana able to trace Anushka and free her from the spirit? That is the suspense which is revealed in the latter part of the climax.

Rajesh Ranshinge’s story is routine and Haroon Rashid’s screenplay is confused and also one of convenience. The audience is not very clear about why Steve (Murali Sharma) wants the bungalow, about how Ravi had bought the bungalow, about why some people meet with instant death on encountering the spirit while others don’t die equally soon.

Also, it seems weird that Ahana goes about trying to solve the mystery of the ghost rather than locating her lost sister, which should have been her first priority. The first half moves at a fairly good pace and involves the viewer but the pace drops after interval. Too much footage has been given to the tantrik, and his portions are often boring.

The horror scenes are all very similar as a result of which the novelty factor dies down very fast. What are, however, good are the sound effects which create a chilly atmosphere at several places. That is to say, it is the sound which scares the audience more than the story and the scenes.

Udita Goswami does quite well. Tanushree Dutta is also fairly good. Shaad Randhawa needs to improve on his dialogue delivery and voice modulation.

His mannerisms are vill ainish although he is actually an in vestigating CBI officer. Arif Zakaria should’ve been far more effective. However, more than his acting (which is nice), it is his characterisation which is to be blamed for the lack of his effectiveness.

Ashwini Kalse kar leaves an impact. Sachin Khedekar does an average job. Murali Sharma is okay. Nishigandha Wad makes her presence felt in a brief role. Preeti is okay. Baby Akshita has acted ably. Imran Hashmi, Tarikesh Singh, Raju Pandit, Neha Bam and the others lend ordinary support.

Director Rajesh Ranshinge has left several questions unanswered because of which the audience is unable to experience to the fullest the thrill of a chilling suspense drama. Music (Sunil Singh) is a letdown. Background score is effective more because it is loud rather than due to its quality.

Joshy Anthony’s sound has the desired effect. Hanif Sheikh’s stunts and action scenes are okay. Camerawork (by Shakil Khan) is good. Art direction (Shree Kumar Nayar) is commonplace. Editing (Raju Kapadia) is not very sharp.

Rokkk is an ordinary fare which suffers on account of a confused screenplay. It will not be able to scare the audience enough to make the film’s distributors smile.

Movie Review Hide N Seek

2010-03-30T11:23:00.000+05:30

Starring: Purab Kohli, Arjan Bajwa, Sameer Kochhar, Ayaaz Khan, Mrinalini Sharma and introducing Amruta Patki

Director: Shawn Arranha

Rating: ***

The film revolves around six friends Om (Purab), Abhi (Sameer), Jaideep (Arjan), Imran (Ayaaz), Jyotika (Mrinalini) and Gunita (Amruta).

When they were teenagers, a Christmas Party night changed it all for them and their individual lives were never the same again. 12 years pass by and now Om is back from the mental asylum where he was kept after that fateful night.

Jaideep is a rowdy politician, Gunita a hot shot model, Imran a big film star and Abhi a business magnet, whereas Jyothika still pines for Om like she did when they were teenagers.

But one late night each one of them is made unconscious and brought and dumped in a shopping mall. Meeting each other for the first time after 12 years in such a situation raises suspicion amongst them about each other.

However, they soon realize they are being played by a person dressed in a Santa Claus outfit who is dictating terms to them there. The Santa orders them to play a game of Hide N Seek in the mall without resorting to cheating.

But as soon as the game begins, one by one, each one of them starts getting murdered. Who is responsible for all this?

Debutante director Shawn Arranha makes an impact with his story telling technique and grip on his subject. Keeping the running time of exactly 105 minutes, never once does he deviate from the main plot or tries to pack in excess baggage.

What works in favour of Hide N Seek is the fact that it remains true to its genre and delivers exactly what one expects from a slasher flick that’s just the right amount of edge of the seat moments and a very unpredictable climax.

After a long time a good suspense thriller has hit the marquee, kudos to writer and producer of the film, Apoorva Lakhia, for that.

Purab Kohli shows his versatility in a very difficult role. Arjan Bajwa playing to the gallery manages to leave a good impression.

Sameer Kochhar fits the part to the T. Ayaaz Khan last seen in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is impressive as well. Amongst the gals, Mrinalini Sharma is good whereas former Miss India Amruta Patki makes a decent debut.

The editing and background music score helps in increasing the impact of the proceedings.

The film may not boast of big star names but it works big time, thanks to the tight script, excellent direction and impressive performances. Don’t miss it if you are suspense thriller fan.

Hum Tum Aur Ghost

2010-03-30T11:22:00.000+05:30

Starring: Arshad Warsi, Dia Mirza

Directed by Kabir Kaushik

Rating: ** ½

The sheer delight of watching Arshad Warsi play the lead rather the supremely selfassured sidekick gives this otherwise-pale rom-com a cutting edge.

Arshad in his own words plays a guy, who van see dead people. Wish he could see dead plots too.

The screenplay by Arshad Warsi, Soumik Sen and Arshad Ali Syed is a deadweight carried forward not by any inward propulsion, conviction or compulsion but by the producer-leading man’s will to create a slick and cool space for himself within the stifling space allotted to a one-note film about friendly spirits and a disbelieving girlfriend.

The romantic lady Dia Mirza is very adept at expressing energetic exasperation. She is whiny clingy and bossy just like over-protective girlfriends tend to be.

Arshad is very skilled at conveying the killing anxieties of cautious courtship.He reminds one of Saif Ali Khan in Dil Chahta Hai, though we and this baggy film are not even going there.

Warsi is ill- supported by poor writing. His character’s three-layered encounter with ghosts and their pre-burial trauma is at the most, cinematic knick-knack bereft of any subtext or layering.Director Kabir Kaushik was far more successful getting Arshad to play a tough gritty idealistic cop in Saher. Here the bewildered lover-boy with a hotline to the supernatural is just not in his element.

The narrative is so shallow at times that you wonder if there are ghosts of relevances hovering beyond the range of vision. But no. What we see is what we get.

While the plot totters along at a sluggish pace, sporadic moments of humour and warmth creep in willy-nilly. These are too infrequent to sustain our interest.

However the chemistry between Warsi and Mirza is first-rate. They clutch at each other without awkwardness and speak to one another as though the words were not conscious of the camera. Wish this film was just about Hum and Tum. The Ghost could have been left to the Shyamalans and Vikram Bhatts of the cine-world.

Some of the music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is hummably romantic. Ashok Mehta’s cinematography creates a picture-postcard world of over-cute confections. Sadly these are not even true confections, Just artificial chocolates packed into a neat box and gift-wrapped for a unit desperate to do a desi take on the American rom-com.

Arshad gets it right. The rest just don’t get the point.They see dead people.We see a dead film.

Big B sees red over Abhishek's humiliating elimination

2010-03-30T11:21:00.000+05:30

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan didn't hide his disappointment over his son Abhishek's video message on Earth Hour not being shown at the event here, wondering "Is there a pattern in all this". But the junior Bachchan brushed off the controversy, saying he is "too small a person for all this unwanted attention".

"You are perhaps aware that Abhishek has been appointed the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) ambassador for Earth Hour, a campaign that has been initiated by WWF for the preservation of the earth.

Many ads in the press have been announcing, with his photograph in place, that on the 27th of March let the entire country observe a simple ritual of putting off the electricity in their homes for an hour from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m, " Amitabh posted on his blog.

Abhishek's message was dropped from the Saturday function in the capital at the last minute.

"An audio-visual has been prepared with Abhishek where he is seeking a pledge towards preservation of the Earth and requesting people to switch off their lights for an hour, " Amitabh said in his blog.

"The chief minister of Delhi, Mrs Shiela Dixit, and a prominent member of the ruling Congress Party, is attending the moment. A few hours before the show was to start, apparently the audio-visual featuring Abhishek has been asked to be removed and banner posters bearing his photograph as ambassador have been stopped from being. I wonder why??"

"Abhishek, who has been working so hard on the cause is obviously disappointed, especially since he had worked late into the night where he was shooting out of town to accommodate this creative. And I wonder. Am I hallucinating, or is there a pattern in all this?"

Abhishek too commented on the incident on his microblogging website Twitter, saying, "With regards to last night's Earth Hour event at India Gate, I have nothing to say, nor any reaction. I believe that the cause is far more important than a mere mortal like me."

"The event was about Earth Hour (which I am the ambassador for) and about educating people about global warming. Thank you all for making that a possibility. I am too small a person for all this unwanted attention. Let's stick to the point!"

In his earlier post, Abhishek said he couldn't attend the function due to prior shooting commitments.

"I was to be at the India Gate function (Saturday evening) being the ambassador, and all, but prior shoot commitments would not allow me. I'm tucked away in Goa. I had sent a video message for all at the event, thanking them for their participation and support, but for some reason that couldn't be shown."

"I'm told that the Earth Hour was a huge success. Well done guys. You'll have done a wonderful job in spreading the news... I believe the function at the India Gate was also very nice and well attended. Kudos to the team at WWF for pulling all this off, " he wrote.

Amitabh Bachchan was recently embroiled in a controversy when he attended the inauguration of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link's extension, leading to protests from some Congress leaders as he is the brand ambassador for Gujarat.

Bachchan posted scanned copies of the official invite he received for the event on his blog, clarifying that he had been invited by a minister.

Suzanne feels I am the best singer in the world: Hrithik

2010-03-30T11:20:00.002+05:30

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan makes his debut as a singer in his much-awaited film "Kites", for which he rehearsed 24/7 -- be it while brushing his teeth or taking a shower.

"Early in the morning, I would start with my sa re ga ma... right from the time I would wake up to brushing my teeth to taking the shower, all the time I sang with hand movements trying to reach the highest scale and the lowest note, " Hrithik said.

The song "Kites in the sky" is in English and will be launched on national television along with behind-the-scenes footage March 29 at 9.30 p.m.

"I was nervous to make my debut as a singer, considering I come from a family that is well known in the world of music, but for this very reason my chacha (Rajesh Roshan) and director Anurag Basu were most certain that I could sing, " Hrithik said.

"My niece has learnt piano and she has this little Casio player which I borrowed. And I have the knack of finding any tune on any instrument. So I practiced on that for a week. Then I realized that it won't work like that and I got a professional trainer.

"I have given this song my best and honest shot but I still don't consider myself a professional singer, " the 36-year -old said.

The actor, who has done hit films like "Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai", "Koi... Mil Gaya", "Krish" and "Jodha Akbar" among others, also revealed that his recording experience was different from what he expected.

"I had fallen in love with the art of shutting your eyes from the world and going in meditative state where you just sing. But when I went to the studio, it was a totally different story.

"They put you in this little compartment and you are not allowed to move because the mike is fixed. While practicing I had been so mobile. And now I was locked up in one place where I couldn't even move my legs because the breath shifts in different direction, " Hrithik said.

"Finally, I told them to just switch off all the lights of the studio because I wasn't being able to get my best out. So they just blacked out the entire studio. I could not even see my mike because it was so dark. This blackout worked and helped me to come out of the inhibitions in the mind. That's how I finally worked, " he added.

What does his wife Suzanne say about his new skill?

"She is obviously completely biased. She feels I am the best singer in the world. She compares me to Elvis Presley, " Hrithik said.

"Kites" is a film by Reliance Big Pictures and Rakesh Roshan. It is about two lovers and their thrilling journey filled with precious moments and unexpected betrayal.

The film also stars Mexican actress Barbara Mori, It will hit the screens May 21.

Neha Dhupia is marriage phobic and too western

2010-03-30T11:20:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia may have walked the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) ramp in a bridal lehenga by designer Jaya Rathore but the thought of marriage makes her nervous.

"People asked me backstage, 'when are you getting married?' But I was like, marriage is way too far in the future for me to even think about it, " Neha told in an interview.

"In fact, the thing that made me nervous the most about walking the ramp is that I was looking like a bride. What makes me nervous is the thought of marriage, what makes me even more nervous is walking the ramp... So it was a very bad combination, " she said.

Neha, who rose to fame after winning the Miss India crown in 2002, still feels jittery walking the ramp though she has been on the fashion umpteen number of times.

"I say 'Oh my God' 100 times before being on the ramp. I feel it's always good to be a little nervous, " she said.

Neha sported a mauve and orange, heavily embroidered lehenga with a ghoonghat in place on her head, like a coy bride. She said she would love to wear such a unique combination for her own wedding.

"I'm actually surprised to see that a play between orange, purple, blue and pink ended up looking so fantastic on a bridal piece. I think Jaya did a fabulous blend of it. People usually go for the same kind of colours, the pinks, reds and oranges... But after seeing today's outfits, I would definitely go for something like this, " she said.

After flaunting the ethnic garment, the 29-year-old, who is more of a Western dresser, said she might start wearing more of Indian clothes.

"I am not someone who is big on Indian clothes, I am somebody who is into Western clothes, something extremely casual when I am not sort of at work, or even when I am at work. It's nice to see myself in something as ethnic as this. I think I am going to make a habit of it, " said Neha.

She is now looking forward to the release of two of her films - "With Love To Obama" and "Action Replay".

"I am excited. One is really different from the other and that is going to bring a different side of me. One is a very retro film ('Action Replay') and my role in the other is funky as I play a village girl -- two things I have never seen myself do.

"I can talk about the roles closer to the release. I don't know which aspect the directors are going to bring out. One is a really a simple sweet girl. The other one is not so simple and not so sweet, " she said.

So what is Neha like?

"I am very very sweet and simple, " she quipped as she took off her make-up hurriedly to catch a flight to Lucknow.

I am no more doing films for money: Dia Mirza

2010-03-30T11:19:00.000+05:30

Dia Mirza is unperturbed about the fact that she has no films after her just released "Hum, Tum Aur Ghost" because she says she would rather wait for good films than do unsatisfying work.

"I'm not doing anything after 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost'. If this was the situation five years ago, I would have got so worried and this fact would have killed me; it would have bothered me no end, " Dia told in an interview.

"But now I am in a position where I am financially comfortable; so I am not working in a film to get that extra money. I am working in a film if I want to be a part of it. I'm in a position today that if I don't get the right role, I can sit at home for six months and not do a film that I don't believe in, " she added.

Dia, who won the Miss Asia Pacific beauty pageant in 2000, made her cinematic debut with "Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein" opposite R. Madhavan in 2001. Later she did films like "Tumsa Nahin Dekha", "Deewaanapan", "Parineeta", "Dus", "Fight Club", and "Lage Raho Munnabhai" among others.

Before "Hum, Tum Aur Ghost" that released March 26, the 28-year-old has mostly been seen in ensemble casts or special appearances in films for quite some time now.

The actress now, however, feels differently: "It's quality over quantity for me now."

"For the longest time, I have been getting offers in films that I didn't want to be a part of. Even though they were lead roles they weren't something that my sensibilities could connect with, " she said.

"When you work for nine years you reach a stage when you don't really want to push the buttons any more. You just want to do things that excite you, motivate you and make you go to work the next day, " she added.

"I'd rather come in a good film after three years than do a film every year that I don't relate to. Script really matters, " she added.

In "Hum, Tum Aur Ghost", where she is paired opposite Arshad Warsi, who is also the producer of the film, Dia played the female lead after many years.

Asked whether she would like to follow the footsteps of other actors in the industry and get into production, the model-turned-actress replied: "All my friends are pushing me to get into production and direction. I'm not ready for it right now. Let's see how things shape up, " Dia said.

Three hot ladies helped me with intimate scenes

2010-03-30T11:17:00.000+05:30

Vivek Oberoi has done many daring stunts for his film "Prince - It's Showtime", but when it came to intimate scenes, it was his three leading ladies in the film who took "care" of him.

"It's been a dream to work with three lovely ladies together. I had a really good experience working with them but, while shooting the intimate scenes, I was way too shy and felt awkward, " Vivek told in an interview.

"All through the movie you will see me doing brave stunts. While shooting the action sequences, when they were scared I took care of them, but while sharing intimacy I was taken under confidence by them saying: 'Don't worry, we will take care of you'. Which left me embarrassed but it was sweet of them to help me get through, " he added.

The 33-year-old, who shares an intimate kissing scene with model-turned-actress Aruna Shields in the film, says he had to do several retakes to get it right.

"It was our first ever intimate kissing scene and both of us were jittery, which led to too many retakes as it was not looking natural, " he said.

Directed by debutant Kooki Gulati, the film is about a quick-witted thief who wakes up one morning to realise that he has a gunshot on his arm and has absolutely no clue about how he got it because he has lost his memory.

Vivek, who has lost 12 kilos for the film, will be seen doing daring stunts in the film that needed rigorous physical training.

"I was a bit nervous doing some daredevil stunts in my film, which I had never done before. 'Prince...' is my first action film and will showcase me in a new avatar. It's a story that could be every man's fantasy and every man's nightmare, " he said.

"I have given my life, literally, for getting myself prepared for the stunts that are all done by me without substitutes and it increased the risk factor. I had to undergo five months' physical training, which included skate-boarding, stunt biking, cable training, marshal arts, kicks and punches.

I have jumped from a 32-storied building to a 28- storied building and that too on a bike, " he said.

"All the action scenes have been shot in Hollywood style which the audience will see for the first time, " Vivek added.

Even though the cast and crew of the film boasts of a number of newcomers starting from the director, the three female actresses, Aruna Shields, Nandana Sen and Niroo Singh, to music composer Sachin Gupta, Vivek doesn't take it as a baggage but instead as an opportunity.

"Yes you can say I am carrying the film on my shoulders with all the others being newcomers. But I don't take it as a burden; instead it's been an opportunity to nourish, explore myself better, " he said.

Vivek said that the change in appearance and choice of roles are a deliberate effort on his part.

"My look and role in movies like 'Kurbaan', 'Shootout At Lokhandwala', 'Prince' and even in future projects are very different from the other and that is my effort to evolve as a versatile actor and not get tagged in one genre, " he added.

Vivek is currently working on Ram Gopal Varma's "Rakta Charitra" and has two other films in the pipeline.

Deepika Padukone is very glamorous: Shraddha Das

2010-03-30T11:15:00.000+05:30

The leading lady of Lahore- Shraddha Das- recently breezed in Kolkata for the film's promotion. The actor speaks to Divyanshu Dutta Roy on her film and more Lahore was a pretty different start for your Hindi film career…

It was so exciting to start off with such a different kind of film. The international responses have been great and even here the reviews are so great. We made the film from the heart and the kind of appreciation we are getting is very heart warming.

You started your career with Telegu films and now a Hindi one…
Oh yes, I am definitely open to working in all languages. I'm doing a couple of films down South. It's the acting that matters to me.

Tell us about your role in the movie…
I play a Pakistani girl called Ida. She's the psychiatrist of the Pakistani team and she's the only one who seems to stand up against the teams blind thirst for victory. And she falls in love in with the Indian kickboxer (laughs)!

So how did you prepare for your role?
I think it was bit of a challenge for me to get into the character of a conservative Pakistani girl. I had to get the body language and also be familiar with their culture. It was different for me because I grew up in Mumbai. So I learnt a bit of Urdu, watched PTV and got familiar with the culture. It was nice.

And how did you enter the world of movies?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai, though both my parents are from Bengal. My dad's from Purulia and I used to come to Kolkata a lot as a child. I always wanted to be in showbiz. I did a course in Journalism and Mass Communication and then decided to enter the world of movies. I have done a couple of movies down south.

How did it feel to work with Aanaahad?
For me it was great. I think that as we were both newcomers, it was very comfortable for both us. We were both making the same kind of mistakes (laughs), we did the acting workshops together and we had a good chemistry.

Sanjay Chauhan is being seen as a very technically proficient director. How was it working with him?
It was a treat to work with Sanjay Chauhan. He's such a perfectionist and a tough taskmaster. He had a very clear idea of what he wanted. We got to learn a lot from him.

Lahore has been denied a release in Pakistan…
It's definitely regrettable. The Pakistani High Commissioner saw the film in Delhi, he liked it a lot. And it's not like there was blatant Pakistan-bashing in the film. It contains a very important message for both our countries.

Are you excited about the international achievements of the film…
Well, I couldn't go to a lot of these places. But it feels so great. It's like stamp of approval on the film. In the end however the love of audience is the important thing to me.

Among Bollywood stars, your favourites are…
I really like the way Deepika Padukone puts herself forward. She's very glamorous and yet maintains such a poise and dignity. And I also really like Rani Mukherjee.

Narendra Modi calls Big B's critics Taliban

2010-03-30T11:14:00.000+05:30

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday accused the Congress of being "fascist" and "practising untouchability" with Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan because of his family differences with one "family of the party".

In hard-hitting remarks, party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said the Congress has increasingly shown signs of frustration "that each one of its attempts to tarnish opposition leaders was failing."

"It is unabashed by practising untouchability, which can only come out of a fascist character. The way in which a well-known artist belonging to an eminent and scholarly family is being targeted is revealing.

Just because Shri Amitabh Bachchan's family has differences with one Congress family, the entire party and even the governments in states where they are in power are keen not even to be seen on one platform with him, " she said.

Though Sitharaman did not name the Congress family, the reference was to the Gandhi family, with whom the Bachchans were once close.

She said not only had the famous actor been targeted by the Congress but posters of his son Abhishek were removed from an Earth Hour function attended by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. "The Delhi chief minister called off an invitation extended to the son of the artist, " she alleged.

Seeking to draw comparison's with the Emergency, the spokesperson said: "the country has not forgotten the way in which eminent playback singer Kishore Kumar was targeted".

"All India Radio banned his songs for the entire year, during which the dictatorship under the Emergency held sway."

Referring to Congress expressing reservations over Bachchan's presence at the Mumbai-Worli Sea Link extension inauguration, she said the link belonged to the people of India and not to the Congress party.

Asked about the relationship between the BJP and Bachchan, she said: "We respect him as an artist".

On party leader V.K. Malhotra writing a letter to Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi suggesting that Amitabh Bachchan should be made brand ambassador for the commonwealth Games, Sitharaman said the government should take the proposal seriously.

She said Bachchan's appeal cuts across all ages and he will be a very good brand ambassador for the games.

Bachchan was recently embroiled in a controversy when he attended the inauguration of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link's extension. Some Congress leaders protested over his having accepted the offer of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to be the brand ambassador for the state.

Lashing out at those objecting to Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's presence at a government function in Mumbai, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has dubbed them as "Talibans of untouchability".

Writing on his blog, Modi described 67-year-old Bachchan as a great artist with legendary humility and even taller achievements who has chosen to celebrate the glorious heritage of Gujarat even while facing a lot of criticism from many quarters. "This is inspiring", he said on Sunday.

Modi said the anti-Gujarat game plan behind the opposition and the controversy over senior Bachchan stood exposed in broad daylight now.

"These 'Talibans of Untouchability' have lost all their sensibilities in their pursuit of anti-Gujarat attitudes.

"They may well in future tell us not to eat even salt. They may even ban the eating of Amul butter and milk and order our young people not to wear denim jeans! And guess why? Because Gujarat produces these things," he said.

"Friends, my heart is still unwilling to believe that these Talibans are unaware of the damage they are causing to this nation and to our society," said Modi.

The Bollywood star also posted scanned copies of the official invite he received for the event on his blog, after Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan denied that he had invited the superstar. Bachchan said he was invited by a minister.

Chavan, who was to attend a Marathi literary conference in Pune, changed his programme and visited it a day earlier reportedly to avoid the actor, Bachchan said in his blog.

Bachchan in his blog Sunday also said that his actor-son, who was appointed brand ambassador by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) for Earth Hour, was dropped at the last minute and even his photo was not shown.

Katrina loses all inhibitions to become the hot Item girl

2010-03-30T11:13:00.000+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

Not one to raise her voice, let alone act aggressive in public Katrina Kaif has pulled out all stops to play the item girl in Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan. Suddenly her manner and speech have become more demonstrative and loud at Malshej Ghat where the film is being currently shot in the burning sun from 5 am every morning.

Says Katrina, “We start so early because we have to catch the sunlight before it gets unbearable between noon and 3 pm.”

The gruelling schedule partly explains Katrina's fatigued collapse on location last week. But the lady is relentless. She wants each of her item songs, all choreographed by Farah and her assistant Gita, to be completely different in look design and execution.

In her free time Katrina has been shopping for clothes and accessories for each of the item songs, the cheaper the better.

All the accessories for the item songs are being collected piece by piece, so that when Katrina actually gets down to performing these numbers her entire physical look down to the bangles and hair-band are pre-decided.

After Raajneeti where she had to change her voice, diction, clothes and body language completely to look and behave like a politician, Tees Maar Khan is Katrina's second role in a row where she needed a complete makeover very far removed from her comfort zone.

Going from poised politician in Raajneeti to brassy item girl in Tees Maar Khan has been quite a journey. Katrina has been slogging it out in the scorching sun.

She says, “It's a challenge doing a complete look for my character. I guess I learnt that from Raajneeti. Every accessory makes you feel more like the character.”

Katrina has also been catching up on all the best item numbers in Bollywood from Mumtaz's Tik tiki tik mera dil bole in Humjoli in 1970 to Bipasha Basu's Beedi jalayele in Omkara in 2006 to understand the genesis of the item girl in Bollywood.

Then there's co-star item-boy Akshay Kumar who has just performed an item song in Farah Khan's brother Sajid's Housefull.

Akshay has been teaching Katrina the art of losing one's inhibitions while dancing on camera.

Says Katrina, “But Akshay's was a remix (Apni to jaise taise from Lawaaris). All my songs in Tees Maar Khan are original no remixes for me.

I've always wanted to freak out on camera, to just get wild. This is my chance.”

Ra. 1: Kareena is SRK's wife not a super-woman

2010-02-22T18:40:00.003+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t sleep. Or so it seems. He landed in Mumbai on Thursday from Dubai after a show, but shows no sign of strain or jetlag. Just before Dubai the mega-star was in Berlin for the film festival negotiating the attention of hundreds of screaming fans.

What we don’t know is that Shah Rukh met and bonded in Berlin with American auteur director Martin Scorcese and his favourite actor Leonardo di Caprio.

Says Shah Rukh, “Lenoardo, Martin and I spent some time together. Martin was gracious enough to remember that he had met me in Cannes way back in 2002 when I was there for Devdas. He wants to watch Devdas and I’ve promised to send it to him. I’ll do so right way.”

After the glorious performance in My Name Is Khan as a physically-disabled underdog journeying across America on a whimsical mission, Shah Rukh Khan is all set to play the super-hero flying across the sky to save humanity.

True to its mythological title Ra. 1 which starts shooting next month in Mumbai followed by Goa and London, will have Shah Rukh combating 10 villains. Raavan according to Hindu mythology, was a ten-headed demon whom Ram vanquished single-handedly.

In Ra. 1 the modernday Raavan has been turned into ten different villains whom super-hero Shah Rukh, the modernday Ram will annihilate one after another.

Shah Rukh Khan seemed remarkably relaxed in Berlin on the day after his film My Name Is Khan opened in Mumbai accompanied by violent protests by the Shiv Sena.

Said Shah Rukh from Berlin, “I missed the opening in Mumbai. But I believe people have liked the film. I’m being told I’m in character. That’s good to hear. Give me a character to be in, and I’m right there. ”

The SRK brand of humour was intact when told that My Name Is Khan doesn’t look like a Karan Johar film. At his deadliest deadpan best SRK retorted, “Yeah, even I felt like that when I first saw it. I told Karan, ‘Arrey yaar yeh tum ne kaisi picture banayee hai?’.

Actually the three ladies in our lives Hiroo Aunty (Karan’s mother Hiroo Johar), Kajol and Gauri have made this film. ”

Getting serious SRK said, “I thought it would take audiences a little time to come to terms with the film. But I am glad it was well-received. ”

After playing the under-dog in two successive films Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and My Name Is Khan (we aren’t counting his guest appearance in Dulha Mil Gaya) Shah Rukh will be flying across the sky in Ra. 1. The estimated budget of the film to be produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies, is Rs 100 crores. And no Kareena Kapoor won’t be joining him in midair.

She plays Shah Rukh’s grounded wife and not a super-woman.

Says a source close to Ra. 1, “Kareena was keen to attempt the hi-jinks with Shah Rukh, specially since Agent Vinod where she had a lot of stunts has again been postponed But in Ra. 1 all the conflict involves Shah Rukh and the ten villains. ”

Shah Rukh along with the film’s director Anubhav Sinha and journalist-writer Mustaq Sheikh, has co-written Ra. 1 and will be credited as one of the writers. The film will be in Hindi.

Says the source, “He was advised to make the film in English. But Shah Rukh decided to make it in Hindi. Why should he pitch his super-hero film to the Western audience when they already have their Superman and Spiderman? Shah Rukh has no aspirations of cracking Hollywood on their terms. ”

The film requires the star to perform never-before heart-in-the-mouth stunts, which he’s gearing to do.

There is no sex in Kites: Rakesh Roshan

2010-02-22T18:40:00.001+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

Kites and Rajneeti are seen by the film trade as the two most crucial releases in the remaining part of the first-half of of 2010.

The two films’ producers Rakesh Roshan and Prakash Jha are currently the two closest friends in the film industry, so much so that Jha decided to shift the release of Raajneeti from May 28 to June 4 on Rakesh Roshan’s advice.

Rakesh Roshan’s Kites (directed by Anurag Basu) is being released on 21 May.

Explains Prakash, “Both Rakeshji and I felt there should be clear gap of two weeks between Kites and Raajneeti. Earlier I was to come just a week after.

But in the case of a big film llike Kites the multiplex theatres don’t know till Wednesday if they would like to change films on Friday. I wanted to avoid the scheduling confusion.

I sat down with Rakeshji and we decided it was better that I postpone by a week because there’s no big release after Raajneeti until Mani Ratnam’s Raavan. ”

Adds Rakesh Roshan, “I think more filmmakers need to work in close consultation to avoid films overlapping and cutting into one another’s market. Prakash Jha and I have been discussing each other release. And we mutually decided he should release a fortnight after my film. ”

What happens to the release of Raajneeti if Kites gets postponed again?

Rakesh Roshan discounts that possibility. “We can’t postpone the 21 May release because the English version is being released simultaneously. ”

What if Kites becomes a big hit? Would that affect Raajneeti’s opening?

“No way!” says Prakash Jha. “Kites is a love story. Raajneeti is a political drama. ”

One point of similarity between the two films is that the leading men of both films are paired opposite Caucasian heroines. Hrithik Roshan shares screen space with Barbara Mori while Ranbir Kapoor ignites the screen with Sarah Thomson.

While Rakesh Roshan insists there’s no sex in Kites, Prakash Jha says Ranbir and Sarah share torrid moments in Raajneeti.

Says Rakesh, “Ours is a clean family entertainer. It’s a love story with no sex in it. When have I ever produced films with torrid sex scenes?”

Chala Khan America

2010-02-22T18:39:00.001+05:30

This summer My Name Is Khan (MNIK) will be playing for a non-NRI audience in theatres across the US.

And the version of MNIK that American audiences will get to see will be different from original film as released so far in India and overseas for the NRI audiences.

Shah Rukh Khan confirms this decision to shorten the film for American audiences. Says Shah Rukh, “Yes, we are cutting down the length of the film for the American audience.

Their requirements are different from the traditional audience for Hindi cinema. We’re in this way extending the life span of a Hindi film with first a worldwide release for Indian audiences and then phased out releases for non-Indian audiences. ”

Says the film director Karan Johar, “Yes, the version for Americans will be shorter though not radically different.

We’ve left the American version’s editing to the film’s editor Deepa Bhatia. She is experienced and versatile enough to understand what would be palatable to the American audiences.

Deepa has worked on feature films as well as documentaries. She’s edited films for everyone from me to Govind Nihalani. ”

Karan admits it’s not the songs nor the length that will determine the shape and size of the American version of MNIK. “The first thing we heard from the American market is, we love the songs. So the songs stay. Deepa Bhatia is looking at what to remove. ”

This summer when the film releases for a non-diaspora audience in the US, Shah Rukh, Karan and Kajol will be in the country for the American premiere.

“We’re committed to our American producers Fox-Star to take the film to the US and any other part of the world where it will be screened in whichever avatar. ”

I don't even mind even doing a D-grade film

2010-02-22T18:38:00.002+05:30

Sneha Ullal was known as the Aishwarya Rai-lookalike when she entered the film world but the actress is now keen to carve a niche for herself. After featuring in spooky thriller "Click", she feels it's time she proved her calibre to people who misguided her when she first came to Bollywood.

"See 'Click' is not my comeback in Bollywood because the film doesn't revolve around me. I need a film like 'Lucky' (her debut vehicle) to make a comeback; then I can show what I can do," Sneha told.

"Now it's time I prove myself because there are a lot of people who misguided me in Bollywood - whom I trusted. I never knew Bollywood is like that, you know," she said.

The young actress has already signed two Hindi movies, including one opposite Akshay Kumar.

"I am doing a film with Ashok Tyagi where Akshay Kapoor is my co-star and there is another film with Shubir Mukherjee. The film is being launched by Joy Mukherjee's son Sujoy. One of them is a thriller, the other is a love story and both are expected to release later this year," said Sneha.

Sneha made her debut in 2005 opposite Salman Khan and her second release was "Aryan: Unbreakable" (2006) with Sohail Khan. After that she moved down south and featured in Telugu films like "Nenu Meeku Telusa...?" and "Ullasanga Utsahanga".

"I have done three films in the south and the fourth is releasing in April. In the south, people are very genuine. They will tell you the right things. I had rejected one film because I was not comfortable kissing on screen.

"Two months later, I got another film and I called the same director, whose film I had rejected, for some guidelines and he guided me properly. It's unlike Bollywood. Here people will misguide you and take you in the wrong direction. That's what happened with me," said Sneha.

The 22-year-old feels she owes a lot to southern cinema. "I won't stop doing films in the south ever. It teaches you how to be an actor...how to be a lady. I don't know about Bollywood as I haven't done much work here."

But at the same time she is keen to leave her mark in Bollywood as well and says she will be less choosy about roles than earlier.

"I am going to do any role now that takes me to another level. If my role is good, I don't mind even if it's a D-grade film," said Sneha.

"I was choosy, but it didn't work for me. I need to learn because that's what an actor is all about. She needs to play different kinds of characters...You can't stick to one genre."

Asked if she has any regrets about her initial years in Bollywood, Sneha said: "I don't regret but if I am to re-do, I will re-do now. I don't regret because 'Lucky' gave me name; people know me today because of 'Lucky'."

Saat Khoon Maaf: Neil is Priyanka's youngest husband

2010-02-22T18:38:00.001+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

While Naseeruddin Shah at 60 would be Priyanka Chopra’s oldest husband in Saat Khoon Maaf (earlier entitled Ek Bataa Saath) Neil Nitin Mukesh has just been signed to play her youngest husband.

Though age-wise Neil is a few months older than Priyanka, Neil, it is reliably learnt, initially felt he would look incompatible with her.

Says a source, “Neil didn’t want another situation like Aa Dekhen Zara where everyone commented on how incompatible Bipasha and he looked.

At the same time he’s a big fan of Priyanka’s work. So when he heard that his colleague (let’s not call them friends, because they are not) Ranbir Kapoor was working with Priyanka and prepared himself to match Priyanka’s maturity level (Ranbir has stubbled, lean red-eyed look in Anjaana Anjaani) Neil was game for it.”

Neil’s character will require a heavy physical transformation. He will apparently be unrecognizable on screen.

Says Neil from the location for Yashraj Films’ Lafange Parinday, “When I heard the script I was zapped. This was something I had to do. I play one of Priyanka’s husbands, the youngest of the lot. The fact that I get to be in the same film as actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Mohanlalji was incentive enough. I read even Irrfan Khan is in the film.”

(However sources close to the project deny Irrfan’s casting).

While all the actors playing Priyanka’s husbands (and these include an unknown American actor) have been finalized the seventh actor is yet to be finalized.

Neil starts shooting for Saat Khoon Maaf from April. “I’ve a somewhat crowded date diary this year. I join Abbas-Mustan from June to December for Italian Job.”

Neil who moved to Powai to be near Yashraj Studios to avoid the daily traffic to and from South Mumbai is wondering if he made the right move.

“The traffic on that side of town is just as bad. It’s excruciating to travel even from Powai to Yashraj Studios. On Thursday I had a day off and I invited my mom over to do up my new home the way I wanted it.”

Neil who has been a part of a joint family household all his life, says he has no time to miss his family in Powai. “Because I use that old flat of ours only to sleep….alone!”

Madhavan on half a dozen films announced with him

2010-02-22T18:37:00.000+05:30

The going has been good for Madhavan who would be seen in Teen Patti this week. 2009 started off well with 13 B and ended on a brilliant note with 3 Idiots turning out to be biggest money spinner of all times. Looking at a fresher set of films in the coming months, most notably being Tanu Weds Manu and Freedom, Madhavan also opens up on half a dozen films that were announced at one point of time with his name in the credits. These were Aap Ke Liye Hum, Basra, Sunglass, Game On, Alibaug and Deewana.

Here is a blow by blow account of each of these films, right from the horse's mouth.

Sunglass [Director: Rituparno Ghosh, co-stars: Konkona Sen Sharma, Naseruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan, Raima Sen]

"Yes, I have completed Sunglass quite some time back but it's up to the producers to release it. Only they can answer the question around the delay.

Basra [Director: Navdeep Singh]

"I was supposed to do Basra with director Navdeep Singh and co-star Akshaye Khanna. However, things didn't materialise between producer and the director. Things changed later and they needed my dates from November-February. That didn't work for me and I had to opt out."

Aap Ke Liye Hum [Director: Revathi, co-stars: Jaya Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, Vidya Malvade]

"I was getting a chance to work with Jayaji (Bachchan) in this film and was quite thrilled about it. In fact I had also shot for a couple of days but then the director fell ill and later there were certain pre-production issues. Again, all the dates were haywire. Now if the film moves ahead, I may continue working in it. So I am a little unsure about it's progress."

Alibaug [Director: Sanjay Dutt]

"I was supposed to work in it at the time when Mr. Sanjay Dutt was the central protagonist. Then there were certain problems between him and Sanjay Gupta and the film was delayed by 8 months. Later when the film started again, I didn't have spare dates myself."

Game On [Director: Nupur Ashtana, co-star - Tabu]

"This film is not happening at all."

Deewana [Director: Not known, co-star Amrita Arora]

"This film is not happening at all."

Farhan Akhtar takes the Khan route, Will Deepika ?

2010-02-18T22:15:00.000+05:30

Farhan Akhtar is joining the bandwagon of Aamir and Salman Khan as far as promotion of film is concerned.

Farhan will be roaming around the cities to promote his forthcoming venture 'Karthik Calling Karthik'. If sources are to be believed Farhan will be visiting six cities.

Our reliable source reveals, “Farhan is planning a six city tour which includes Surat, Indore, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Bengaluru for the promotions of KCK. Farhan is very excited about the whole idea and is looking forward to meet his fans all over.”

“Farhan is in two minds about other cities but the tour to these six is confirmed, ” adds the source.

Wonder, whether Deepika will join her co-star in these tours considering the super-ambitious actor she sounds to be nowadays. In that case, it will be like an icing on the cake.

10 Albums to watch out for in 2010

2010-02-12T15:09:00.000+05:30

Whatever be the fate of Bollywood films year after year, there is always something consistent about the world of films and that happens to be it's music. 2009 saw quite a few good soundtracks hitting the stands and 2010 should be no exception with number of diverse films spread across genres. While 2009 was dominated by Pritam, 2010 is pretty much setting the stage for number of top line composers with Vishal-Shekhar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy also joining in. A.R. Rahman is expected to continue his good work; Rajesh Roshan would be back as well while Himesh Reshammiya is expected to churn out his yearly hit. Meanwhile, expect a few surprises from the likes of Salim-Sulaiman as well as new finds Sachin & Jigar. Joginder Tuteja brings to you 10 most anticipated albums of 2010 (in alphabetical order) that should see an all around popularity in months to come.

Action Replayy (Pritam)

Pritam is expected to carry forward the great run that he has been enjoying during last 3-4 years. Action Replayy is also special because it brings together the hit team of Vipul Shah, Akshay Kumar and Pritam together after Singh Is Kinng. Vipul has been known for roping in different composers for each of his films, whether it was Aankhen (Jatin-Lalit, Aadesh Srivastava), Waqt - Race Against Time (Anu Malik) or Namastey London (Himesh Reshammiya). However, after London Dreams (Shankar Ehsaan Loy), he has gone back to Pritam and in the process repeated a composer for the first time ever.

Anjaana Anjaani (Vishal Shekhar)

Vishal and Shekhar were quiet all through 2009 with Aladin (for which they composed a couple of years back) being their sole release of the year. However, it was for a reason since they were getting bigger things in place for entire 2010. The year should begin with Anjaana Anjaani and it has all the right reasons to be mighty successful. Reason being that in Siddharth Anand's Bachna Ae Haseeno and Salaam Namaste, they gave some real good melodies even though Ta Ra Rum Pum was a step behind. Now with Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra forming the film's cast, it is but obvious that the composer duo would push themselves further for this Sajid Nadiadwala production.

Guzaarish (Sanjay Leela Bhansali)

He didn't quite make history with the music of Saawariya. However, the reputation that Sanjay Leela Bhansali carries ever since the days of Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas means that the man is expected to deliver goods in a big way with Guzaarish. Since he has himself decided to hold the baton for the music of this Hrithik Roshan - Aishwarya Rai starrer as the composer, the excitement is palpable. Expect the man with a vision of his own to surprise and reinvent filmmaking as well as music all over again with Guzaarish.

Housefull (Shankar Ehsaan Loy)

This is one 'houseful' affair waiting to happen. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy may not have created a blockbuster score in 2009 but they did deliver good quality music all through the year. Sajid Khan directed Housefull is touted to be that BIG project for the composer trio where they are expected to go all out in getting a huge commercial soundtrack in place. With a huge star cast to boast of and Sajid's eye for mass appeal to vouch for, Housefull is expected to be the first musical success for Akshay Kumar in 2010.

I Hate Luv Stories (Vishal Shekhar)

Sheer volume of albums being churned out by Vishal-Shekhar in 2010 indicates that this could well be their year after a rather dull 2009. Not restricted to working in any fixed camps, the composer duo is smartly balancing work across different filmmakers. For this Karan Johar production, they are expected to create a peppy rom-com outing (going with the genre of the film). Coming together of Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor is enticing enough and icing on the cake would be music by Vishal and Shekhar that should keep the flag high for them all through the year.

Kajraare (Himesh Reshammiya)

His Radio may have sunk at the box office but it's music was much appreciated right till it's release. As a composer he has not let down even once and there is no reason why Kajraare should be any different. Moreover, since he joins hands with Bhatts (who have a rather impressive track record as far as their musical outings are concerned), Himesh is expected to put in double the effort for Kajraare. This time around though, Himesh would certainly be hoping that his good luck with music rubs on his foray into acting as well.

Kites (Rajesh Roshan)

Hrithik Roshan. Rakesh Roshan. Rajesh Roshan. Need one say more about this combination? Their soundtrack for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai may stay on to be their best while Krrish wasn't exactly the kind of outing that met sky high expectations of their fans and followers. Still, Roshans are a brand together and that should get wheels moving for Kites as well. Also, a fact that cannot be ignored is the involvement of director Anurag Basu whose taste in music won't raise any doubts. Remember Life In A Metro, Gangster and Murder?

Ra. 1 (Vishal Shekhar)

Ra. 1 may or may not release in 2010 but if it indeed does then this could well be a film to watch out for. Vishal and Shekhar have been known for their consistency and their penchant for doing limited but quality projects is helping them build a unique branding for themselves. With Shah Rukh Khan, they have made Om Shanti Om while with director Anubhav Sinha they have made some rocking tracks in Dus and much ignored Cash. Ra. 1 is just the kind of assignment that could redefine the musical scene as the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end.

Raavan (A. R. Rahman)

From a techno Ra 1, it's time to jump on to mythical Raavan with A.R. Rahman promising a lot for this Mani Ratnam directed modern day tale. From Dil Se to Yuva to Guru, Rahman has always delivered the best for Ratnam and expectations are gargantuan from this Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer. The soundtrack is expected to be attached to the roots and set in a characteristic Indian backdrop. From the Oscar award composer, Raavan would be one of the biggest efforts to watch out for in 2010.

Tees Maar Khan (Vishal Shekhar)

Tees Maar Khan is all set to arrive by the end of this year. With Farah Khan joining hands with Vishal-Shekhar once again after Om Shanti Om and Akshay Kumar bringing on his star quotient and a strong music sense intact, Tees Maar Khan is a big project waiting to explode. Expect a 100% masala outing sans any pretence in the music of Tees Maar Khan that should keep the lovers of mass commercial Bollywood soundtracks happy.

There is no method to Kajol's madness: Karan Johar

2010-02-11T23:45:00.000+05:30

She is spontaneous, brilliant, the perfect choice... Kajol is undoubtedly one of Karan Johar's favourite actresses and the director says he might not even have made "My Name Is Khan" if she had said no to the film.

"I had only Kajol in mind for Mandira's role. And I don't think I would have made this film had she said no to me. She was the perfect choice for the character. I don't think anyone could have done justice to it as she has, " Karan Johar told in an interview.

"Kajol is spontaneous. There is no method to her madness. She is sheer brilliance. Her expressions connect you immediately. She is all real, all woman, all human on screen and I don't think any living actress has the quality that Kajol has, " he added.

Releasing Friday, the film is the heart-warming tale of Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism), and his journey to win the love of his life Mandira, a single mother.

Asked if he thinks Kajol could portray the character better because she is a mother in real life too, he said: "Yes, she could connect to the character well because she is a mother first, then a wife and then an actress. I think she is, by her own admission, a solid mother and that's how she defines herself, " said Karan.

The filmmaker insists the disorder in Shah Rukh's character acts as a texture and an added layer but it's not the focus of the film.

"We needed a character not to be neurotypical because when he is asked to embark on a journey to meet the US president, it's a very illogical demand to make. But it's told to him in the heat of the moment and he takes it to heart, " Karan explained.

"If he was neurotypical, like you and I, logic would have played a big part. But he followed the instruction, " he added.

Karan believes it is difficult to make pure love stories nowadays because there is bound to be a certain cynicism attached to it.

"I think a pure love story is difficult to make as we used to do decades ago. There is too much cynicism and too much of a grey area surrounding love. That's why a very pure love story will have certain cynicism attached to it.

That's my belief. Having said that, I believe that there are some great love stories waiting to be made, " said Karan.

It has been reported that Fox STAR is undeterred by the unprecedented success of Rajkumar Hirani's "3 Idiots" and hope to hit the bull's eye with "My Name Is Khan".

Does it pose any challenge to Karan as a filmmaker?

"I don't make a film and predict a business of it. I make a film I believe in. Yes, it's a challenging film because it is a new kind of film - challenging for Shah Rukh because it's a new level of performance for him, challenging for the entire team.

"At the end of the day we have done it with certain conviction, passion and heart and we are very, very confident that the film will connect on a human and emotional level. I don't know how good business will be... I can't predict that... all I can say is that the film is made with a lot of heart, integrity and honesty, " Karan said.

Sherlyn wants to be official cheerleader of SRK's KKR

2010-02-11T23:42:00.000+05:30

IPL 3 has just got hotter. At a recent event, where SRK announced his official alliance with an inner wear brand, Sherlyn Chopra stumped him when she expressed her desire to be KKR's official cheer leader during the cricket extravaganza.

However chivalrous SRK replied that he would rather have the sexy siren as his special guest seated in the VVIP box during the matches.

It is said that SRK has even invited Sherlyn to all his IPL team's matches of the Twenty20 cricket tournament. The hot babe will start on her cricket yatra along with SRK from mid-March to end April, starting from Kolkata.

Will her presence bring some good luck for SRK's Knight Riders who put up a dismal show in the last two seasons... only time will tell.

We have not sold Kings XI Punjab: Preity Zinta

2010-02-11T23:39:00.001+05:30

The Hero Group has not acquired Kings XI Punjab, one of the eight franchisees of the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament, the company as well as Preity Zinta, the co-owner of the team, clarified Wednesday.

"Hi everyone! Just want to clarify that we have not sold the team to Hero Honda! Another example of how the media can get it all wrong, " Preity posted on her Twitter page Wednesday following TV channel reports that the team had been bought over.

"The reports are absolutely baseless. Neither has the group acquired Kings XI nor was it in talks for such an acquisition, " a spokesperson for the Hero Group told in the capital.

Kings XI Punjab is co-owned by actor Preity and industrialists Ness Wadia, Karan Paul, and Mohit and Gaurav Burman. Kings XI Punjab is led by Kumar Sangakkara, while Tom Moody is the coach.

"It is not true -- totally baseless. We have not sold Kings XI Punjab to anyone. These are just speculations. We have no information regarding this, " added Anil Srivatsa, the chief executive of the franchisee, said reacting to reports.

"I don't know from where this news has emerged. We are also verifying from where these reports have come, " Srivatsa told in Chandigarh.

Hero Honda also re-affirmed its association with the IPL and Delhi Daredevils, another franchisee.

"Hero Honda's association with IPL as an associate sponsor and the main team sponsor of Delhi Daredevils team remain unchanged, " it said in a statement.

The $3. 5-billion Hero Group, which started operations as a small component company for the bicycle industry more than 50 years ago, is the largest manufacturer of two-wheelers in the world today and has a 21-year-old collaboration with Honda of Japan.

The group is a sponsor of several major sporting events, including a high-profile golf tournament and has set up the Hero Indian Sports Academy to recognise, build and award outstanding talent within the country.

The third edition of the IPL begins March 12 with holders Deccan Chargers taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai.

The great Sanjay Leela Bhansali-Aditya Chopra patchup

2010-02-11T23:35:00.000+05:30

By Subhash K Jha

It's a small world. And the world of entertainment even smaller than the rest.

Two of Bollywood's biggest filmmakers Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aditya Chopra had a major misunderstanding last year when Aditya Chopra ended up using the Punjabi exclamation 'Hadippa' which was a registered title in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's production house in Yashraj Films' Dil Bole Hadippa.

The incident left a bitter taste in Sanjay Bhansali's mouth and the director had vowed to not go anywhere near the Yashraj banner.

A year later the acrimony has faded. And now for the first time in his entire career Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be shooting (from Feb 21 ) in Yashraj Studios, and that too for his crucial last schedule.

Says a source close to Sanjay, “It is the final lap of shooting and Sanjay needs to be absolutely relaxed. He weighed the pros and cons and decided to let bygone be bygones and approached Yashraj.

Mr Yash Chopra and his son Aditya have happily extended all facilities at their swanky studio to the director who hopes to shoot in peace and without any guests dropping in. ”

Says the source, “One of the drawbacks in shooting at one of the other major film studios in Mumbai is that guests can drop in any time.

In spite of clear instructions to his actors and technicians about no visitors on the sets of Guzaarish Sanjay regularly had to deal with VIP guests on the sets. Most of them he had to say no to. At Yashraj such intrusions are not allowed. And that would avoid Sanjay a lot of embarrassment. ”

Says Sanjay Bhansali, “It is strictly a business arrangement. Yes I am shooting at Yashraj later this month. It is comfortable and convenient. And we all belong to the same fraternity, don't we?”

This schedule completed the director would have only a song with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and scenes with the magician to shoot.

The song with Aishwarya will be unlike anything she has shot before. It will have her dancing but for the first time in non-choreographed spontaneous movements.

SRK and I are connected to each other: Karan Johar

2010-02-09T18:36:00.000+05:30

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."

I need not explain my Indian-ness to anybody: SRK

2010-02-09T18:34:00.000+05:30

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.

Big B ecstatic after wearing 'air-conditioned' dhoti

2010-02-09T18:33:00.000+05:30

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.

Exposed: Adnan's Secret Nikaah In Mumbai

2010-02-09T18:32:00.000+05:30

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.”

Bipasha is in the most amazing shape right now: John Abraham

2010-02-09T18:31:00.000+05:30

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

Treatment done, Akki is back to Dangerous action

2010-02-09T18:29:00.000+05:30

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.

Deepika and Shahid are in love?

2010-02-09T18:26:00.000+05:30

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

Abhishek will make a great father: Aishwarya Rai

2009-12-03T17:30:00.000+05:30

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.

I'm honored to be pitted against Big B: Himesh

2009-12-03T17:28:00.000+05:30

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.

Kareena did not agree to do 3 Idiots for Aamir

2009-12-03T17:27:00.002+05:30

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.

A drunk girl hugs and kisses Vivek Oberoi

2009-12-03T17:27:00.001+05:30

Kurbaan seems to have rejuvinated Vivek Oberoi's career and populaity. We hear that at a five star hotel in Juhu recently he was grabbed and smooched by a female fan.

According to an eye-witness, Vivek was at a suburban five-star hotel for a friend's birthday party, when a young girl sprang out of nowhere and started kissing him. She appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. She just kept saying she was very excited to meet Vivek. First she gave him a huge hug and then she kissed him.

The entire episode left the Oberoi jr. totally red faced. But before the situation could become more embarrassing, the security guards were called in. They asked her to leave but at Vivek's request, they let her be.

But a birdie tells us that his most embarrassing moment yet was when he got his butt-pinched by a group of girls in London.

"It was like being in a Mumbai local train. He thinks girls in London are very daring and bold. Vivek was completely in shock! It was the most unusual tryst with his fans in Vivek's life," he adds.

Priyanka and Shahid are back together as a couple

2009-12-03T17:26:00.000+05:30

Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor seem to have some Kismat connection going on. We hear that despite their ugly split some time back, the duo is back together.

Soon after the split, the duo headed to Bangkok for film shoots. While Piggy Chops was there for Sajid Nadiadwala's next, Shahid was on call for a Yash Raj film. During their stay at the same hotel, they bumped into each other and realised that they could not do without each other.

According to a close friend Shahid, who'd initiated 'the break' realised that he'd made a mistake. He found that he still had feelings for Priyanka. He felt that he rushed into the decision and hadn't taken the time to understand her better.

He knew he wanted her back in his life but wasn't too sure how she would react to him because he'd 'dumped' her when she believed all along that they were perfect for each other. Shahid befriended Chopra's best friend and close confidante, Tammana Sharma, who played Cupid between them the second time around.

The source says, "Shahid and Tammana have become good friends now. In fact, she was, in a way, responsible for getting the lovebirds back together. Shahid was already in Bangkok shooting for a film, while PC reached there a week later. They were at different locations but got a chance to sit down and talk things out. They went out on two occasions including dining out."

I was a Boy in my past birth: Payal Rohatgi

2009-12-03T17:25:00.000+05:30

Payal Rohatgi has revealed her Raaz Pichle Janam Ka. Writing about the experience about the show and her other thoughts she says:

I have always wondered why I am not so close with my dad as I am with my mom and brother.. Why do I get overtly possessive or say dependent in my relationships or friendships with men.

I am a very confident actor and human being in all my dealings in my life, but somewhere, where it comes to basic relationships or just picking up the phone to speak to my father, I feel very lost and insecure.. I guess I had realised to keep these feelings to myself as everyone has some or the other drawback in life or say weakness in better words.

I still remember I never had a simple ice cream outing with my dad or the fact he just smiled and spent time with me without scolding us... I felt, he always discouraged me and always put my ambitions in life on a back burner.

I hail from a middle class family, but as a child, I always aimed big and had a inner desire to excel in whatever I did, like, my studies, sprinting or mere participation of a fashion show.

I still remember that before my 12th board exams, my Physics, Chemistry and Biology professors had come home to wish me luck conveying to my father that they expect me getting distinction grades... However my dad said he would be happy if I got 50-60 %... When I heard this, I broke down and fought with him, 'why do you always understimate me?'

So such was my childhood where striving for excellence was not taught by my father and I yearned for it from the bottom of my heart... The desire to prove was so much that I came to mumbai by myself to pursue what I believed in.

My mom always supported me but somewhere I did not have my dad to depend on or cry on his shoulders.. I refuse to believe that he hated me or my brother as that would be challenging the basic love of parents for their own kin, but yes there was something amiss.

I chose to forget it and get on with the basic cycle of moving up in my career as an actor... But somewhere, the void was continuously there, as my friendship with men also got a bit claustrophobic with time and my dependence to look for a father figure.

When I saw the promos of this show I was intrigued, but a bit skceptical about the honesty and reality of it all... When I was offered participation, it seemed like an answer to my prayers to understand my only sensitive issue of my life.

I participated and it felt wonderful like winning a battle or solving the most tedious questionnaire... I was a BOY in my past birth and I had a life which went through a certain kind of betrayal that did explain my rapport with my father and generally men.

I would like to share more but that would spoil the curiosity related to the show and I would not wanna do that.. So hopefully, when this episode is aired in December you will here my side of story relating to the truthfulness of past life Karmas.