Actors Sohail Khan and Arbaaz Khan spoke about brother Salman's relationship with Katrina Kaif at a promotion event for their brother-in-law's film Hello based on Chetan Bhagat's book One Night at a Call Centre.

The film has Sohail playing the key role with Arbaaz, Salman and Katrina making cameo appearances.

"I have a cameo, Atul wanted all the three brothers to be there," says Arbaaz.

"My character is of Vroom, and it's very well penned," says Sohail.

And while the film has managed to get the entire family on board, the question remaining was when Katrina will be an official part of the Khan household.

"Katrina is a part of the family, but I can't really say when will it be official. But they are such that when they marry, they will be dedicated to their marriage," says Sohail.

Meanwhile if Katrina is tired of Salman making the right move then she must listen to Arbaaz.

"He will just surprise the woman in his life one day, get married, and come and tell us," says Arbaaz.

The ‘Ace Khan’ has not been attending any of the Bollywood parties these days. Wonder what’s keeping Aamir busy? Well, although the actor puts the blame on his hectic schedule, our sources reveal that it’s the much talked about Salman-SRK spat which is making him keep away from the filmi events. Aamir has not been willing to attend events where Shah Rukh Khan or Salman is present, because he doesn’t want to be seen taking sides, as both have been his friends.


Grapevine has it that Aamir’s bonding with Sallu is the reason for him avoiding Shah Rukh at parties. First, he skipped Rani Mukerji’s house-warming bash, where SRK had apparently made an appearance, and later he refused to attend Saif Ali Khan’s birthday party.

More recently, he opted to stay away from Ritesh Sidhwani’s party last week, where he had reportedly come but only to pick up wife Kiran and didn’t even bother to step in to wish Ritesh. Rumours are rife that the actor has been finding it really difficult to deal with the Bollywood bigwigs since the industry divide post the Salman-SRK fight.

Not just Aamir, but a lot of Bollywood stars have been facing a hard time attending events since the Sallu-SRK row. Aamir, however, feels that the fight was a childish thing and wants the actors to mend differences.

The Deol family, one of the most prominent families of Bollywood, is known to be very close-knit and reclusive. Unlike, the flamboyant Kapoors and Bachchans, they keep a very low profile and don’t allow intrusion in their family matters. But recently, the famous Deol brothers - Sunny and Bobby were seen going places to promote their in-house production ‘Chamku’, which stars Bobby Deol in the lead role. Grabbing the opportunity, Spicezee’s Swati Chaturvedi approached the Deol brothers for a historic and exclusive ‘Bhai-Bhai’ interview for ‘Kahiye Janaab’.

Swati: Bobby, are you the naughtiest in the family, being the younger one?
Sunny: (Mischieviously) Some are naughty in an obvious way, while others do not speak much, but they are naughty in a subtle manner.
Bobby: Well, younger ones speak more, so people think that they are naughtier but that’s not the case.

Swati: Your father is known for not talking much, even you people let your work speak. There are blog wars going on, there are tiffs at birthday parties, your take on the chaos in filmdom?
Bobby: (Feigning innocence) Is it so, you tell us. We don’t know about it. We live in a separate world. We are happy in our world and we don’t want to say anything about others lives.

Swati: An actor in his book says that your father was a real superstar. What do you say?
Sunny: Absolutely, Papa came from Punjab, struggled, found his footing in the industry. He had an intense passion for acting and never did anything ‘extra’ to draw attention. He never got involved in anything else. People liked him for his work and not for anything else. As his children, we believe in letting our work do the talking.

Swati: Do you blog? What do you think of the recent blog war in the industry?
Sunny: No, and I call these blog wars ‘desperate’. Basically, we don’t want to blog, wherever we go, our fans love us and that’s fine with us.
Bobby: No, we don’t blog…where’s the time?

Swati: Often, in the newspapers we read anonymous stuff that Sunny was such a good actor but he spoilt his career, what do you have to say?
Sunny: I don’t like reading things, I would like to see and experience first hand. When you see, you start interacting. We can’t do anything by reading the newspapers. Reading such things just irritates you and you lose your peace. So, why to read such things…
Bobby: (Actively supporting big brother) At the end of the day, what matters is what gives you peace. One reads and reacts strongly, which is bound to happen because we are actors. Indians are very gullible and simple people and believe whatever the media says. They accept any kind of misleading stuff and that upsets us. Sometimes, there are strange pieces of news, for instance- Dharmendra has had a heart attack and such stuff creates panic. Media should verify the news first.

Swati: How did you react to the false news that Dharmendra has had a heart attack?
Sunny & Bobby: We knew that the news was wrong and did not believe it.

Swati: Would you like to create a ‘bhai-bhai’ brand, and market yourself like the ‘Saifeena’ brand on the lines of ‘commercialising relationship’ trend?
Sunny: It’s not like that. Earlier, there were not many news channels, magazines and newspapers. An actor’s life was not out in the open. Now, actors are seen all over in public, promoting themselves. Now, it is important to go out. Everyone is making a loud noise about their work, and if we whisper, no one will listen. So, if we promote our projects, then our presence will be felt a little more.

Swati: Why has Sunny Deol been missing from the big screen?
Sunny: (Laughs) I was suffering from ill-health and lot of things were happening. Then, we thought of making an in-house film. Good stories were also not coming our way and the projects were not to our liking, so we thought of making our own film.

Swati: What kind of films excite you Bobby? What are your criteria for doing a film?
Bobby: Good script is the basis of my choice of a film. The best thing is that we are four (Dharmendra, Sunny, Bobby and Abhay) of us, working for in-house production and we choose what attracts us. We don’t have to go out and look for others to work in our films. We take up the projects, which are to our liking.

Swati: Your father is so special to you. Even today, he has so many fans. What makes Dharmendra so special?
Sunny: Well, for that you will have to ask a fan. As a son, I can say that there can’t be a better father. He is very soft-hearted but disciplined at the same time. We fear him, in the sense that we don’t want to do anything that he would not like.
Bobby: My father is very special. And if you look into a fan’s eyes looking at him, you will know what I am talking about. There may be fans of other actors, but the look in their eyes, when they see my father is different. It is the ‘Dharmendra belongs to us’ look, which makes him so special.

Swati: Do you think Dharmendra is an underrated actor?
Sunny: He is the most under-rated actor in the industry. He is the best India has had-best looks, great acting skills and he is a great human being but media never gave him his due. We don’t want to shout about it but he has been under-rated for sure.

Swati: There have been reports that you two asked Dharmendra not to join politics?
Sunny: He himself was not so keen on joining politics. But the problem is if someone forces him, he can’t say no.

Swati: Would you like to join politics?
Bobby: There is already so much of politics in the industry, we can’t handle it outside.

Swati: Bobby, do you think you lost out somewhere because your family is so isolated?
Bobby: No, I don’t think so.
Sunny: No, it’s nothing like that. Bobby has done a lot of blockbuster films. However, he has not been vocal about it. Others, create a great hype and fuss over their films.

Swati: What is the USP of your latest film, ‘Chamku’?
Bobby: I don’t know what’s this USP thing. Basically, there are just five different story-lines but films become different because of the distinct treatment given to them. ‘Chamku’ is a different film for me as an actor. It’s an action film which has been shot very realistically.
Sunny: We love doing films and we hope that you enjoy seeing it as much as we enjoyed working on it.

Swati: Would you like to say something to your fans…
Sunny: Our in-house production banner Vijeyta films is celebrating its 25 years. We have always done good cinema. ‘Chamku’, is another great film and hope that you will like it.

Swati: What are your upcoming projects?
Sunny: My film ‘The Man’ is due to release in October. I am working on a few more projects, one or two of my films will also release in November.

Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen and former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram will judge the new TV reality show "Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina".


The dance based reality show will feature a team of a cricketer and a TV actress competing against other teams.

The trailers of the show are being aired on channel Colors.

Though the channel refused to divulge the names of the participants, a reliable source told IANS that Irfan Pathan, Vinod Kambli, Dinesh Karthik, S. Sreesanth, Parthiv Patel, Shama Sikander and Shweta Salve might be participating in the show.

"Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina" will be aired once the ongoing season of "Bigg Boss" comes to an end.

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has denied reports of his making secret trips across the border to keep alive his affair with former Miss India and Bollywood actress Sayali Bhagat.


Shoaib however admitted that Sayali was a "close and dear friend" whom he met at a promotional event during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.

"Sayali is a close and dear friend and that's about it," Shoaib told IANS.

Media reports from across the border linked Malik with Sayali, the Bollywood beauty who made her film debut by starring opposite Emraan Hashmi in The Train.

Malik has been frequently travelling to India this year and in fact has been spending most of his off season there. When asked whether his relationship was the reason behind the trips, Malik said: "I've a contract with Reebok in India and have to go there once in a while for promotional activities. My friendship with Sayali has nothing to do with it."

While Malik tried to play down his affair with the former Miss India, Pakistani media has been flashing reports on their romance.

But Malik said that he was more focused on his team's next international assignment, the proposed three-nation tournament in South Africa involving Sri Lanka and the hosts next month.

"The postponement of the Champions Trophy was a big blow for us. But we have to leave it behind and get ready for the next assignment."

Malik hoped his players will be ready for the challenge in South Africa.

The triangular event is being planned at the request Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which is trying to compensate for the postponement of the Champions Trophy which was supposed to take place here Sep 12-28.

There have been reports that Malik is likely to lose his captaincy following the resignation of PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf, who elevated the experienced all-rounder to the important position after the World Cup debacle last year.

Malik has been criticised for being a 'weak' captain in recent times and it is expected that he could lose the captaincy to either vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq or senior batsman Younis Khan.

But Malik said that he is not under any pressure.

"It's an honour to lead Pakistan and I am doing it to the best of my ability," he said.

Everyone within the reachable radius of film’s hero ends up getting shot. Past the interval mark, you lose the dead-count and don’t care for it either. And the sullen protagonist with his chronic broodiness is no relief to the eyes.

That’s Chamku for you. All lackluster and no chamak.

The movie tells the tale of a Naxalite Chamku ( Bobby Deol ) who’s miraculously saved after a police encounter and inducted into covert operations by RAW and IB (quite a leap from one side of the law to the other). Working for the government, Chamku kills cold-bloodedly. He assassinates the anti-national elements without whom the IB, in all its wisdom, deems the world to be a better place.

So Chamku becomes a killing machine until his heart throbs the moment he sets eyes on a kindergarten teacher ( Priyanka Chopra ) who, too, falls for ‘Chamku’ despite the fact that he is visibly the most unromantic, if not boring, person and his conversations with her are restricted to the mono-syllabic hmm..ha.

Ho Hum.

With the movie seemingly going nowhere, director Kabeer Kaushik (who’s not even half as good as he was in Sehar ) decides to throw in a twist. The plot takes a vendetta angle with the entry of a chubby-cheeked Thakur whom Chamku has hated since childhood.

After that the story keeps zigzagging like the bullets that fly zooming by in every next frame of this grossly violent film. Chamku plans revenge but is dissuaded from the course by his shrewd boss ( Irrfan Khan ) until Thakur himself emerges before him one day.

‘Chamku’ starts off very well and totally grips you in the fade-in-fade-out sequence where the Naxalites are assassinated en masse by the cops. But somewhere down the track the story loses its direction and the vendetta angle takes it further off the course.

Bobby Deol convincingly keeps a singular expression for the most part of the film, but that’s not a compliment for his performance. Priyanka Chopra perhaps had ample free time on her hand that she even decided to do this film. Ritesh Deshmukh makes a brief appearance as Chamku’s colleague who plans to retire from his bloody job but retires from the world instead. Irrfan Khan is visibly uninterested in playing the character of Chamku’s manipulative boss.

All said, ‘Chamku’ turns out to be a big disappointment if you compare it with director Kabeer Kaushik’s riveting ‘Sehar’. The movie’s plot is as disjointed as the life of its protagonist. The songs are as painful as the refreshments bill in the multiplex. The film has some stunning visuals and a few deftly executed sequences, but that’s too little a compensation for the time and money spent (rather wasted) on this grim and slow film.

Himesh Reshammyia's number 'Hari om hari from Karzzzz had to be re-edited at the behest of the Censor Board. The song had skimpily clad girls dancing in the background. Our source says, "Censor Board had strong objection to the scenes where the girls were dancing behind Himesh in the `Hari om' number.

However, they were pretty cool about the dancers in the rest of the song. T-Series and Himesh had no option but to edit the portion. In fact in the promos right now, when he says 'Hari om' the song has been edited in a way that only Himesh can be seen in the frame. In some parts, it has been done in such a manner that you see four versions of Himesh singing 'Hari om'. This was done to avoid the girls behind him."

When contacted, Himesh confirmed that they had to edit those portions. He said, "I'm not at all upset about the changes in the song, it was a minor change. Bhushanji and I absolutely abide by the Censor Board's rule. We opened the promos only after the Censor Board passed it."

The source further adds, "This is not Himesh's first bru sh with the censors. He had problems during his first film too when he had to chop 'Ya ali' words from his song which was picturised on Mallika and him in Aap Ka Surroor."

A leading man saddled with a role too big for his shoes. A story that becomes so unnecessarily complex that it gets tangled in its own web. A climax that makes you think that this movie should’ve been titled ‘Mockbir’.

Hardly anything except a few finely executed sequences goes right in the grim Mukhbir directed by Mani Shankar .



The film tells the story of a young guy ( Sammir Dattani ) who’s trained to be an informer by the government intelligence (an oxymoron?) agencies. Working under the righteous officer ( Om Puri ) the informer penetrates the Naxal dens, the underworld, and eventually a terrorist network headed by a fanatic ( Rahul Dev ) who plans to blow up Mumbai.

On this journey, the mukhbir puts his life on the line many times and even converts to Islam to make headway to a terror group. And by the time the mukhbir wants to quit it all, he finds he’s far too deep in the muck to rescue himself.

The movie flounders because it tries too hard to engage a viewer. Instead of keeping things simple and maintain a steady build-up in the plot, Mani Shankar tries to captivate the viewer with one big sequence after another. The result is an over-stewed product that only leaves a viewer singed.

Sammir Dattani, the leading man, really tries hard to do justice to his role, but he looks too young and has neither the screen presence nor the maturity handle the part with conviction. There’s a brief romantic interlude between him and Raima Sen , who looks much better than she acts. Sunil Shetty ’s wooden performance goes to show that some things never change in Bollywood, while Rahul Dev is much better playing a fanatic who hates nothing more than mukhbirs.

Om Puri and Sushant Singh are the only two actors who shine in this dull film.

In a nutshell – and that too a very small one – ‘Mukhbir’ is a waste of time.

The first eight months of this year saw less than a handful of hits, including Jannat and Singh is Kinng. With just four months of 2008 left, seven big banner films are lined up for release — Drona and Fashion in October; Billo Barber, Chandni Chowk To China, and Yuvraaj in November; and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini in December.

Each of these films rides high on star power. HT City asked filmmakers which film they thought would be the biggest hit at the box office.

While Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Aamir Khan’s Ghajini emerged clear favourites, Akshay Kumar-starrer Chandni Chowk To China was nipping at their heels.

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand, whose Bachnaa Ae Haseeno had a decent box-office innings, said, “SRK and Aditya Chopra are coming together again. We are yet to get over the magic of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, and they are back to charm us all over again.”

Leading the pack
For Yash Raj protégé director Sanjay Gadhvi, of Dhoom fame, it was Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: “It’s the comeback of the most amazing combo, SRK, Adi and Yash Raj. Can anything get bigger than this?”

Director Madhur Bhandarkar, whose own film Fashion — starring Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut — is slated to hit the theatres in October, said he is looking forward to SRK in Rab Ne… and Aamir in Ghajini. “They are magnets — SRK and Aamir. Enough to pull in the viewers.”

Rab Ne… is also crucial for Yash Raj Films, which has delivered a series of box-office duds in the last couple of years, barring Shah Rukh-starrer Chak De! India, say trade analysts.

Boney Kapoor and David Dhawan deviated from the popular choice and picked Yuvraaj as the next big hit. “It’s a Subhash Ghai film, and that too starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif,” said Dhawan.

Filmmaker Satish Kaushik hoped his film Karrrz, releasing this month, would be the biggest success of the year. “But among the others, Ghajini is very different. It has a very interesting and fresh story,” he said.

The right moves
Besides the film’s cast and story, it’s their marketing strategies that would play a crucial part in their success, said producer Ratan Jain while choosing Akshay Kumar-starrer Chandni Chowk To China: “I have seen the rushes and the film looks promising.”

Anchor-turned-director Sajid Khan’s answer: “Rab Ne..., Ghajini, Chandni Chowk… and (Goldie Behl’s) Drona.” Why four? “For obvious reasons.

The cast of these films is big. They’re made by big production houses that hire the best marketing talent. These days marketing is as big a tool as filmmaking.”

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli refused to choose any film: “Why should we corner any one film? May all the films do well. Each of them is a big budget movie with equally grand marketing plans. When so much is invested in every one of these films, each filmmaker should get the maximum return too.”

Shahana Goswani, who essays the role of Arjun Rampal's disgruntled and embittered tyrant of a wife in Rock On, is unhappy. A press release from the producers of her next film, Ru-ba-ru, has the actress seething. According to the press note "Ru-ba-ru features 10 kisses between Randeep Hooda and Shahana 'ROCK ON' Goswami". Shahana fumes, "I can't understand why they are highlighting 10 kisses between me and Randeep Hooda in Ru-ba-ru. And, who is counting? Certainly not the audiences! Surely they've matured enough to not get carried away by kisses. Also, there aren't that many kisses at all. I'd rather be known for more than just kissing in my films."


Apparently, as the unhappy wife in Rock On, the 22-year-old actress' performance sets the screen ablaze. As Shabana Azmi said appreciatively, "Where did that come from?" "Did she?" laughs Shahana. "I guess I've never shied away from real emotions, never had to be over-sheltered or mollycoddled by my parents during my growing years in Delhi. I feel, at times the person you love has to be told what she/he should do, even if it makes him or her unhappy and resentful. Like my mom forced me to go through college. I hated it at then. But today I'm thankful to her. Similarly, in Rock On I had the thankless job of being a nagging, pesky and embittered wife. I loved it."

The 22-year-old theatre actress is out for new challenges. "I worked with this wonderful theatre group called Working Titles. Strangely most of my films are either episodic or I'm part of an ensemble cast. The only exception is my next release, Ru-ba-ru, where Randeep and I play lovers who've crossed the stage of euphoria into stagnancy. So again it's an unconventional role. I'd say it's a love story that begins where other filmy love stories end."

Another unconventional role? "In Sudhir Mishra's Tera Kya Hoga Johnny I'm Neil Nitin Mukesh's girl married to a much older man Kay Kay Menon. If that is too much of an unconventional role for me, I don't mind. I've always wanted to be an actress. If today I'm getting to play anyone from the age of 18 to 32 and if I can do it convincingly, why not? As a child I'd take my mother's dupatta on my head and speak to myself in the mirror. The habit remains. I still speak to myself, though now I don't get much time to do that."

Coming up soon is Shahana's next, Nandita Das's Firaaq where she features in one episode with Marathi actress Amrita Subhash. "Nandita saw me in Naseeruddin Shah's Yun Hota To Kya Hota and cast me. So although I'm not much remembered by my first film, I still owe a lot to it."

It has taken a while — rather a long while — but Shammi Kapoor’s son is finally ready for his first role. At the age of 52. And he couldn’t care less about how many years have gone past. All he wants now is to look towards the future.

“My time has come now and I am loving it,” says Aditya Raj Kapoor, who makes his acting debut in Boney Kapoor’s Diwangi Ne Had Kar Di.

Aditya strongly believes that nothing is ever ‘too late’ as things happen in their own time. Besides, his priorities were different from that of other star sons. “I opted to be a family man for more than two decades, fulfilling responsibilities,” he says. “Then, I looked ahead and grabbed the opportunity that came my way.”

While he describes himself as the first person in the Kapoor family to debut with a negative role, Aditya adds that his character is much more than a plain bad guy. “It has various shades, and it’s a tribute to the noted yesteryear villain KN Singh.”

As for future acting ventures, he has decided on a few scripts and announcements will be made in some time. “In the coming year, you’ll get to see a lot of me on the big screen,” he promises, in the same breath dismissing any possibility of rivalry with the other Kapoors. “The Indian film industry is an ocean that has space for everyone’s talent,” he believes. “Rather, I’d say we all complement each other. I am looking forward to working with everybody — from Rishi to Ranbir.”

Aditya never had any acting training; he proudly declares that it’s in his genes. This debut is not his first active participation in a film, though.

Primarily a management expert, he also dabbled in direction, assisting in a couple of Hindi films. At one point, within the past two years or so, he also got opportunities to direct films in association with producers abroad, whom he met in the course of his work. He has directed three English films — Don’t Stop Dreaming, Sambar Salsa and Shamal. The first was released in some UK and West Asian territories and the last two will release this year.

His fourth directorial venture, which he plans to release in India, is titled Baltidevi, Queen Of South Hall - A Musical, the gritty story of a girl married in India and taken to Southall, London’s Asian pocket. The actress to play the lead is none other than drama queen Rakhi Sawant.

Aditya says, “I saw her on a talk show. The appeal in her eyes and the emotion in her heart were waiting to come out.” Apparently, Rakhi cried when she read the script. And, of course, took the role.

Actor-turned-director Sajid Khan is looking for a talented heroine for his second directorial venture Housefull, and says he would have cast Sridevi or Madhuri Dixit if they were younger.

"Actually, I would love to cast either Sridevi or Madhuri Dixit for the role, but I wish they were younger. They don't suit the role with their age now," Sajid told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The multi-starrer romantic comedy Housefull is Sajid's second film after his successful directorial debut Heyy Babyy.

He has finalised most of the actors except one. The stars he's roped in include Deepika Padukone, Jiah Khan, Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani.

Sajid is yet to zero in on an actress to play the third female lead. And he needs someone with good comic timing.

"I still haven't been able to choose anyone. Whoever she will be will have to be extremely gifted. I want a quality actor whose comedy timing is great. Maybe I cast a new girl only. I'm not too sure," he said.

At the moment, Sajid is basking in the success of his celebrity talk show Sajid's Superstars that airs every Saturday on entertainment channel Colors.

He says the biggest surprise on the show is yet to come. "Akshay Kumar's episode is the most superb episode of my show. It is yet to air and has a huge surprise."

Sajid, who digs out the deepest secrets of stars with a pinch of humour on his show, is quite content with the response to the programme.

"I was very confident that the show would do well. It has substance in it and a lot of entertainment value. You get to enjoy Bollywood stars as people. They talk on TV like never before. And I don't get to know of the success of the show as much from the audience. It is when actors call me up and say we want to be on your show that I know the show is a hit," he said.

However, the actor-director Sajid refused to divulge the names of actors who wanted to be seen on Sajid's Superstars.

Sajid's recipe to make the show a hit is to have "no script at all". "I don't do much research on the actors except for pre-selecting the video clipping that I want to show and that's all," he concluded.

His sister Farah, who directed Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, had choreographed two songs in Heyy Babyy, but Sajid says they will never get together to direct a film.

"I don't think Farah and I will make a film together. She is a director in her own right. But, yes, she did two songs for me in Heyy Babyy and I hope she continues doing so," he said.

Finally, a different role for Shah Rukh Khan. For fans of the Rukhster who were getting bored of him playing the young lover dancing around trees, it’s Christmas time for you… as Shah Rukh is all set to become the Desi Indiana Jones.

Filmmaker Santosh Sivan is all geared up to make one of the most expensive movies in Bollywood and it will be an adventure thriller, similar to the Indiana Jones flicks. A source reveals, “It’s a big budget film and will be an out- and-out action adventure. There will be shades of romance and comedy as well. The inspiration for this film is the Indiana Jones franchise and will be made keeping the original in mind. Shah Rukh will start working on the film only after he winds up his other projects.”

Not only that, but Shah Rukh’s sidekick in the film will be the dashing boy John Abraham. The film will be extensively shot in exotic locations in India and abroad. Apparently, Shah Rukh’s character will lead the team into the jungles and that’s where the action lies.

Can’t wait for this… can you

Shah Rukh Khan’s fan following will now be shown on the big screen in a film that features the star himself.

The Priyadarshan directed Billoo Barber will have a grand opening dance number that will show Shah Rukh Khan’s phenomenal fan following through a montage of real life videos that capture his fan frenzy worldwide. “It is a grand dance number that is aimed at establishing how big SRK is not only in India but also abroad. It will show his Michael Jackson kind of appeal among his fans. There’s a montage of videos that show how his fans go berserk on seeing him. It will also include the star’s personal experiences with his fans as the backdrop,” reveals choreographer Pony Verma.

Shah Rukh Khan plays himself in the film which is pencilled in for an October 24th release. Billoo Barber also has Lara Dutta and Irrfan Khan in the cast.

Jeetendra is not known for his dancing for nothing. Even at his age, he can still put younger actors to shame with his energy and zest for dance.

In this week's episode of Dus Ka Dum it was there for all to see how the senior star outshone both the younger men when it came to shaking a leg. "I am just a year older than you," joked Salman. Out of breath after the vigorous dance, Jeetendra stopped to take a sip of water and quipped in the same vein, "Yes, such things happen when you touch your forties!"

Jeetendra and Tusshar Kapoor played Dus Ka Dum and the money they won on the show is going for a cause very dear to them. PETA and stray dogs. Said Jeetendra that they have reserved some space in the Balaji premises to take care of stray dogs and have even employed people to take care of the dogs. "The city has a problem of stray dogs. We have to find ways to help them. Where is the space in the city to house them? I am doing my bit for them. And now with the money I have won, my dear ones are going to have some better facilities." The blessings of Lord Balaji is with Jeetendra and his family. Now he will also win the blessings of a whole lot of stray animals!

The spirit and confidence of the new generation of men in Bollywood can truly be understood by the decision of Ranbir Kappor to get behind the camera to direct a movie soon.

Just two films old and being touted as one of the most promising new comers in Bollywood in the recent times, the grandson of the legendary Raj Kapoor made it known a couple of days back that if he had the chance, he would have got into the director's seat earlier.

He is eager to direct as well as act in the movie which he is planning to make.

He is also very keen to revive the celebrated legacy of RK Films which gave Bollywood several iconic and memorable movies in its days of glory years back.

"My aim is not super stardom. My target is to achieve what my grandfather did."

These are the words of Ranbir and from this we can clearly make out the high standards that this Kapoor cub has set up to achieve.

His father and mother are both actors who have a great track list in their respective careers in the Tinsel-Town.

Although Raj Kapoor is known as a visionary who was equally at ease in acting, producing as well as directing, no other members of the famous Bollywood family embraced the challenge of being a film maker of repute in the recent times except the son of Shammi Kapoor, who has made some offbeat films like 'Sambar Salsa' which cannot be labeled as a mainstream B-Town movie.

When the amazing talent of the Kapoor family is considered, the young age of Ranbir will never come into the picture as a hindrance or cast a doubt in others mind about his ability to give life to stories on the big screen.

May be the directorial ambitions of Ranbir Kapoor is the start of a new era and who knows he must be a new Raj Kapoor in making.

Let the time and destiny reveal its own plans.

There is one more achievement for India other than one gold and two bronze medals in the recently concluded Beijing Olympics.

Any guesses?

It has got nothing to do with sports and is related to music.

The Israeli gymnastic team comprising of Katarina Pisetsky, Veronika Vitenberg, Olena Dvornichenko, Maria Savenkov and Rahel Vigdozchik moved their beautiful sculpted bodies to the tune of a hit Bollywood film song in their final round of competition.

The song was 'Dhoom Tana' from the blockbuster 'Om Shanti Om'.

This happened during the final days of the Olympics.

No one in India knew before the start of the final round that this song was selected by the Israeli team and what led to this particular track to be selected for the performance is also not yet known.

Let the Israeli team members say it themselves

As you enter Priyanka Chopra's vanity van on the sets of Kaminey she says with a laugh, “I have three films ready for release this year. I have hardly been going home over the past few days. Someone should furnish my vanity van to make it like a second home for me.”

• How’s your dad now?
My dad is getting better by the day. But yes, when he was ill, it was a very tough period for me. We all see our parents as indispensable heroes. We feel that nothing can happen to them.


• And Harman Baweja?
What about him?


• I mean, have Harman and you split? Everyone wants to know.
Everybody wants to know a lot of things. That does not mean that I open my door to my a*** and say, ‘Come on in and check it out.’ I never said that I was seeing Harman. Frankly, I am a very private person.


• Are Harman and you on talking terms? Didn’t the two of you have a fight after Love Story 2050 released?
Of course, we talk. There never was a fight. I know him even before my first film. And I am fond of Harry sir and Pammi aunty.


• Okay let me put it this way. Are you single?
Yes, I am single, but not ready to mingle.

• You took Harman to a doctor to get a face like Hrithik Roshan?
That’s not even remotely true. Harman doesn’t even know that doctor. I know that doctor because my dad (Dr Ashok Chopra) knows him, but it was the most ridiculous thing I ever read.


• Moving on to your former secretary Prakash Jaju. Now that he is languishing in jail, you must be breathing a sigh of relief
He was good at his work. I feel sad about where he has reached.


• And what about some of the recent messages he sent you…
(Interrupts) They are not recent. They were consistent (laughs). My inbox used to be full. I used to get about 50 messages every day. So yes, it did bother me. But I stopped reading them a long time ago.


• Did he call you?
Yes, he did.


• Did you shout at him?
No. I am not that kind of person.


• Why did this happen? Do you think he was obsessed with you?
He was interested beyond what he should have been. And that’s not right in a professional relationship.


• He got arrested last year too, but he still didn’t learn a lesson?
(Shakes her head and laughs).


• Okay, let’s talk about your films which are coming up this year.
There is Drona, Fashion and Dostana. Next year, I have What’s your Rashee? and Kaminay.


• Fashion, which is so unlike your earlier films, will be your acid test.
I will surely be nervous when Fashion is about to release. The film revolves around my character. But I am also stressed about Drona and Dostana.


• You have worn a swimsuit in Dostana.
I wore a swimsuit even in Andaz and Don. I wear a swimsuit only if I am comfortable. For me it’s not about, ‘Aao mujhe dekho maine swimsuit pehna hai’. A good part of Dostana has been shot in Miami. In fact, I was overdressed in Miami. I remember I was wearing T-shirt and jeans and my driver told me, ‘Aren’t you feeling hot?’ In Miami, people go to malls in ganjis and bikini tops.


• Have you gone over-the-top with your clothes in Fashion since you play a model?
No. But my character does go mad in Fashion. I play a small town girl who becomes a model and loses her mind because she cannot handle fame.


• Were you shattered when Love Story 2050 didn’t do well?
I was completely shattered. It broke my confidence. Love Story 2050 was very dear to me.


• You have problems with Salman Khan?
There was never any issue; there was never any patch-up. Salman is a senior actor who has seen me grow up. I respect him. So, we can’t be on backslapping terms.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Bips joins TV

After Kajol, Urmila Matondkar and Raveen Tandon, the latest Bollywood actress to work for the small screen is Bipasha Basu.

Of course, she has had her share of appearances on a few reality shows, but Bipasha now joins the reality show bandwagon as a judge for the dance-based show Chak De - Shehar Di Kudiyan Te Galli De Gunde. Sharing the bench with her is Raveena.

Our well-placed source from television says, "Karisma Kapoor was initially approached for the show, but she declined due to reasons best known to her.

So Bipasha is on board now and this has excited everyone associated with the show. Having two Bollywood actresses will add a lot of value to the programme."

Director Vivek Sharma was a happy birthday boy. He was paid a surprise visit on the sets of his upcoming film Kal Kisne Dekha by close friend, Juhi Chawla.


The birthday boy asked for a gift - that Juhi make a cameo appearance in his film. Juhi granted him his wish.
Says Vivek, “I am extremely touched by Juhi’s gesture. I was just looking out for a star to play a television anchor in my film.

I asked Juhi and she immediately agreed. It was a perfect birthday gift! She travelled all the way to Vashi from Malabar Hill to wish me.

When I was making Bhootnath (which starred Juhi) I had told her I would want her in all my films, and here she is, now a part of Kal Kisne Dekha too. Rishi kapoor was also present on the set and she was thrilled to meet him.”

Sonam Kapoor has been in the news for quite some time, although for reasons she couldn’t care less for! Her alleged tiff with Deepika and Ranbir and thus her backing out of projects featuring either of them are stories doing the rounds on the front page of dailies! We got in touch with Sonam to know her side of the story and the otherwise excited girl sounded really worried about the entire issue.


Before running for her dance rehearsals Sonam took some time out and told us “I wonder from where these rumours about me disliking Deepika and vice versa come from! She is Ranbir’s girlfriend and since Ranbir and I are friends, I know her like that... beyond that I have never got an opportunity to interact with her much. She is a lovely girl and because of the stories created by the media about our rivalry it might get awkward for us to come closer! Ranbir is a dear friend and we all do meet up occasionally. There is nothing more to this story.”

Since Sonam was in a hurry she couldn’t comment on her rejecting Vicky’s film starring her and Ranbir but a close friend of Sonam revealed, “All these stories are baseless. Sonam has not been offered Shimit Amin’s film as yet which has Ranbir in it! As far as Vicky’s film is concerned, she was offered the film but she didn’t accept it strictly for professional reasons. Her decision was not based on Ranbir’s presence in it. Sonam knows people want to see her more often but all these news about her are just baseless.”

Here’s hoping that these rumours have found a final resting place!!!

It is a known fact that the slick 'n scandalous "Dard-e-Sherlyn" video is Sherlyn Chopra's 'tribute' to the original Dream Girl, Hema Malini's hit number "Dard" from 'Dus Numbri'.


But in a recent interview in Delhi, Hema Malini has hit at Sherlyn with stinging sarcasm and said that the newbie is trying to gain mileage on her name, attaching nudity to it.

She said, "It's (the video) very hot, haan? My God, I don't even know why she's (Sherlyn's) linking me with a hot-hot thing. She's trying to change her image maybe with my name. If she's doing this, poor thing, I wish her success, for all those who see nudity will be happy. But my name is Hema Malini and that won't change for anything."

When quizzed, Sherlyn's publicist Dale Bhagwagar said, "I've known Hemaji as a wonderful person, and if she says Sherlyn is promoting nudity on her name, I dare not contest her opinion. After all, the video did receive 19 cuts from the Censor Board. If Sherlyn has a diva-like image, she can't help it. You can't ask a Madonna to be like an Alka Yagnik, can you?"

He explains, "See, Sherlyn made this video as a 'tribute' to Hemaji's "Dard". Hemaji ki 'Dus Numbri' 1976 mein release hui thi. Unka dard uss zamaane ka tha. Sherlyn ka dard iss zamaane ka hai, jo ki har naujawan ko hota hai. Hum sab jaante hain ki yeh dard thoda sa emotional hota hai, aur thoda sa sexual bhi."

As of now, Sherlyn's "Dard" has emerged a big hit, but the influential Hema Malini sure seems to be furious and upset. God bless Sherlyn.

Sonu Sood had a taste of the dahi-handi celebrations both on-screen and off-screen too. The actor was shooting over the weekend at the Kandivili Studio's for UTV's Dhoondte Rah Jaaoge, directed by Umesh Shukla. Sonu's co-stars including Soha Ali Khan and Paresh Rawal.


A Janmashtami sequence was shot with Sonu on Saturday. The Govinda Yuva Mandal, a professional dahi handi group,was hired for the shoot.

Says Sonu, "It was a coincidence that we shot the dahi handi sequence on the Janmashtami eve." Adds the actor, "When I had to break the handi, I was thrilled and everyone on the set was also excited. There were six pyramids and I had to climb up and break the handi. Though it's a first time for me but I did it with full confidence."

After the shoot the Govinda Yuva Mandali asked Sonu and the rest of the cast to do a festival ritual. "They played the Nasik dhol and dance with them. I happily agreed to be a part of the festive mood”, says Sonu.

A tussle has surfaced between the ace director Raj Kumar Santoshi and one of the most successful production houses PVR Pictures.


PVR Pictures has accused Santoshi of not keeping with a contract he had signed with the company and filed a petition in the Mumbai High Court.

The petition accuses the film maker of violating an exclusive Rs 60 crore deal for making two films for PVR.

The planned films were a romantic comedy called 'Backstreet Boyz' and a period film on the life of Emperor Ashoka.

Now that Santoshi has started the production of a film titled as 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' with Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles, PVR is stating that the director cannot continue with the shooting as according to the agreed contract he cannot make any new films without wrapping up the work on the two films stated in the contract agreement.

There is also an accusation of the story of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' being very similar to that of 'Backstreet Boyz'.

Coming days will tell whether the case now in court will move on or whether the problem will be resolved quickly with an agreement of mutual understanding.

South Indian film actress Rambha’s recent hospitalisation in Chennai has triggered off rumours of her attempt to commit suicide in Kollywood after she was ditched by her boyfriend. However, Rambha has denied the rumour as false, and has cited an upset stomach as the reason for her hospitalisation.


When contacted, Rambha said, “I had observed a fast and broke it by having prasadam (prasad). That resulted in an upset stomach on Sunday. I consulted a doctor who suggested hospitalisation for a gastric lavage treatment, to clean out the toxic contents of my digestive tract. Keeping in mind the rising incidents of jaundice, the doctor wanted to play safe with my health and hence kept me under observation."

Rambha also insisted that she suspects foul play. And she knows whodunit too. "I know that these rumours are being spread by two leading actresses from the Tamil film industry. One is a top actress from Tamil television and the other is a top actress in Bhojpuri films, who's done many films with Ravi Kishan."

The industry has been rife with rumours of her relationship with Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan. Rambha denied the rumours saying, "I was linked with Ravi and that's why I stopped doing Bhojpuri films. I don't know why they are insecure about me. Ravi Kishan is like my elder brother but only because my family was upset with the rumours I have not signed any more films and am now working on television."'

She also insisted that she is a happy-go-lucky person, who's attached to her family and hence is not capable of taking an adverse step like suicide. Rambha feels that her popularity on the reality show Maanada Mayilada that she is anchoring, has made the Tamil television actress insecure.

Rambha is a renowned actress down south and has acted in several Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam movies. Of late, she is making her presence felt as a judge in a reality show on a television channel.

The Khallas gal Isha Koppikar is highly disappointed with her pregnancy report spreading far and wide. It brewed up on the sets of Rajshri's Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi when she fainted and was rushed to hospital following complain of dizziness. The unit members hurried her to the nearest maternity hospital as it was the closest aid center available near the shooting spot. She was treated in a maternity hospital for 4 days to get rid of stress.


As confirmed by a source, she asked the people to take her to the nearest gynecologist and her verdict has given birth of those speculations. But at the same time, Isha has an altogether different story to tell. She said that she was definitely in a maternity hospital for 4 days but getting treated for stress and nothing else.

Overload of work and taking roles too intensely, improper diet and sleeping habits have affected her health. She rubbishes all sorts of wrong pregnancy tale.

UTV Motion Pictures' third Hollywood co-production, 'The Happening', has achieved the stupendous feat of grossing more than USD 162 million at the global box office. This places it 14th in the top worldwide grosser of 2008. This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that the film has been produced at one of the most cost efficient production budgets of all films in the list.


'The Happening' budgeted at 57 million USD was released with over 4500 prints over 2986 Theatres across North America plus another 5600 prints Worldwide. The film written and directed by Indian born, ace Hollywood director M. Night Shyamalan and co-produced by UTV Motion Pictures along with 20th Century Fox and Spyglass released on Friday, 13th of July, 2008 worldwide.

UTV is the First South Asian Company to foray into mainstream Hollywood production.

In 2007, UTV co-produced the acclaimed 'The Namesake' directed by Mira Nair from the Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri. It also co-produced 'I Think I love My Wife' written and directed by actor Chris Rock. Presently UTV's first solo Hollywood production 'The Ex-terminators' starring Heather Graham is under production.

After his recent hit ‘Bachna Ae Hasseno’, actor Ranbir Kapoor is a very busy man. The much in demand actor recently turned down an offer to act as the lead in Aamir Khan’s next production, the English film ‘Delhi Belly’.

When asked about the reason, Ranbir signed off saying that he had date issues and prior commitments. He further added that the movie would have been a dream project as it is s Aamir’s first attempt to incorporate English dialogues in his movie. However, Ranbir was more than happy to disclose that Aamir Khan's nephew of ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ fame Imran Khan has more or less been finalized for the same role.

Anyhow, after the runaway success of ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, and his upcoming flick ‘Kidnap’, Imran Khan’s supposed third project ‘Delhi Belly’ will definitely captivate his audience.

However, on being asked about Imran’s role in ‘Delhi Belly’, Aamir says with a wicked smile that nothing has been finalised so far.

After weeks of delay, Mani Shankar's (Director) Mukhbir, a story of a young boy who works as an informer for the Intelligence Department, is finally releasing on August 29.

Even before the first reel has unspoiled, the filmmaker assures that Mukhbir is a hit.

Shankar said, "If you budget the film correctly, the money you get from satellite, home video rights, video, and music should be more than what your cost of production is. That is what is in Mukhbir. So we have recovered the money on the table. We have what we call a pre-released profit. We are safe even before the release. We are a hit before the release.”

Besides getting the economics right, Mani Shankar has also gone to great lengths to make his lead actor Samir Dattani get under the skin of his character of an informer who penetrates the underworld to help the Intelligence Department of India.

"We took several workshop sessions and we even took him into the underworld. He spent sometime in the prison lockup and only the circuit inspector knew he was an actor," Shankar added.

The lead actor Sammir Dattani said, "People have wondered whether this character is negative and has shades of grey, but he isn't. He is part of the underworld, the negative world, the dark side of life. But he is the only positive hope we have. More than the expectations people have, I am worried about the expectations I have from the film."

The audience need not be worried about their expectations from Mukhbir. The producers have given a money-back offer on the tickets if anyone does not like the film. However, conditions apply.

Arjun Rampal is passionate about music and he will be seen in the much hyped about Farhan Akhtar’s movie Rock On.

Chief Entertainment correspondent Rohit Khilnani got Arjun talking about what Rock On is all about.

Rohit Khilnani: How is it working with Farhan? You have already worked with him in Don, he is a great friend, how is it working with Farhan as actor?

Arjun Rampal: Farhan is a guy who is full of surprises. He is super talented. I think we are very fortunate to have him in our industry. He is a great friend. We made a good friendship through Rock On as we got closer. I think he has handled his role really, really well.

Rohit Khilnani:You are passionate about music yourself, do you strum yourself?

Arjun Rampal: I never could play the guitar. I learnt it for this movie. I always did want to because the closest I got into playing and doing live performances were on my tennis racket in front of the mirror.

Reporter: Rock On is not a film that we see every Friday. It is completely different. What is the kind of audience you are aiming at?

Arjun Rampal: Hopefully, it is a film that reaches out to everyone and can touch a chord with everyone. It is not only about the music. It is about relationships and times where you find yourself suddenly. From starting a dream and ending up really in another space altogether. You kind of get caught up in the run-off-the-mill of the society and what the world wants you to do, and you ignore that dream. Rock On is a message to say that never ever ignore your dreams.

One should come out and live it. For all you dreamers out there, whoever is a dreamer is gonna love this movie, and I think all of us are.

Though Naseeruddin Shah is happy with Jagmohan Mundhra’s Shoot on Sight, where he plays the pivotal role of a Muslim cop in England whose loyalty is questioned by the establishment, he has refused to dub for its Hindi version. When contacted, Naseer said, “It’s a dumb idea to dub an English film into a Hindi one. Even the English characters speak in Hindi in the dubbed version. I have dissociated myself from the dubbed version by refusing to dub for it because it looks idiotic. So they got someone else to dub for me.”


Who would have dubbed his voice? He replied, “I don’t know and I don’t care who did it. Maybe Johnny Lever. I am just not interested. I will definitely not watch the Hindi version of Shoot On Sight. Sadly actors have no control over their work.”

The English version of Shoot on Sight was released in London on August 22 and the Hindi version is slated to release in India on September 19. Also Naseer has no plans to attend the film’s premiere in London. He reasoned, “What’s the point? Premieres are such a bore; it’s very boring to stand stiff in a suit answering dumb questions. But the message of the film is important. And, it’s an international film.”

All said and done, Naseer’s kitty is full with interesting and at times, contrasting roles. While on the one hand, Naseer is playing a cop who investigates terrorism in Shoot On Sight, on the other hand he will be seen shortly as a terror-mastermind in Neeraj Pandey’s A Wednesday.

Talking about his role in A Wednesday, Naseer said, “It is definitely a scary thought though outside the realms of the possible. I play a kind of genius who sits there talking calmly about the bombs. One had to play this rather improbable part as naturally as possible. That’s the reason why my character seems menacing. Fortunately my part isn’t that of a typical terrorist.

A Wednesday goes into the aftermath of July 11 train bombings. It doesn’t show the actual bombings. That would have been treading into sensitive territory. There were people who actually had their hearts torn out of their bodies by that event. The last thing we wanted is to open up old wounds. Even, I got nightmares each time my sons travelled by train. The film doesn’t ruffle any feathers.”

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Deepika’s holy-days

A homesick Deepika Padukone will be heading to her hometown Bangalore for the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Deepika wrapped up the shoot of Chandni Chowk To China yesterday and will be leaving to meet her parents (Prakash and Ujjala Padukone) in a day or two. She will be in Bangalore for a week.

"I've either been shooting abroad or just been busy in Mumbai. It's been so hectic that I haven't been to my house in Bangalore for nearly three years," said Deepika.

"I'm going home after a long time. It feels really good," she added.

Even though Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in a big way at her beau Ranbir Kapoor's R K Studios in Chembur, Deepika is determined to go home even if Ranbir would like to have her stay in Mumbai for the occasion.

"Ganesh Chaturthi is a very big event in my home in Bangalore as well. It's a time when my entire family gets together. I've missed the occasion for the past three years. So I can't help it. I've got to go home this time," said an excited Deepika.

This year, the festival is even more important as Deepika's younger sister Alis

he will also be there. Alisha is a professional golfer. "My sister is five years younger than me.

I sometimes envy her. She is into sports, like my father. Being a professional golfer at 19 is such a unique position. Acting seems rather ordinary in comparison," said the proud sister.

When asked if she is religious, Deepika said, "Am I religious? I don't go to the temple every day. But my God is right here in my heart. I believe in a force and that keeps me grounded."

Sagarika Ghatge (Preeti Sabarwal of Chak De! India) has replaced Esha Deol in Raftaar (working title), directed by Shamim Desai.


Esha was supposed to play Emraan's love interest in the film, which also stars Neha Dhupia and Aditya Panscholi.

Why did Esha walk out of the film? A source from Percept Picture Company, that's producing the film, says, "We expected Esha to be enthusiastic about the film.

But she wanted a fixed amount of money and stuck to her stand on it. So we decided to look at other stars."

Sarita Patil (Head of Feature Films, Percept Picture Company) explains, "Esha asked for an amount which was not fitting in our budget.

So, Shamim started looking at other girls. He zeroed in on Sagarika who we think is an extremely talented artiste. Soon, we okayed Shamim's choice and Sagarika came on board."

Sarita adds, "Sagarika provides emotional support to Emraan in the film. Neha also has a meaty role. She plays a negative character."

Raftaar is a thriller set in Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and the Maldives. Preetam has been assigned to do the music.

Well what if Bollywood’s King Khan doesn’t want to work for you… what do you do… well you go to King Kumar instead.

That’s exactly what top name filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has done. Apparently, the man behind the successful Munna Bhai flicks had been trying to get Shah Rukh Khan to work for a film under his banner. Shah Rukh initially decided he would but then later backed out. Now, with another King emerging in Bollywood, Chopra has approached the action comedy star Akshay Kumar.

Chopra approached Kumar with the idea while he was attending the success bash for Singh Is Kinng. A source reveals, “Vidhu was hovering around the Kinng Kumar throughout the party. He left no stone unturned to let him know how much he loved him in SIK and other recent releases. Vidhu’s last film was a dud and now he plans to make a commercial quickie with Akki. After making some small talk with the actor, Chopra offered Akshay a lift back home so he could talk business on the way.”

The source continues, “Akki was initially apprehensive but later on, he agreed to drive back with Chopra. Once on the road, the maker bounced off the idea of the film, which he intends to direct. Akki heard the story during the short drive from the J W Marriott to his home in Juhu but it is not clear if he agreed to do the film as his calendar is genuinely cramped up with future dates.”

Apparently, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was supposed to play the main hero role in Bachna Ae Haseeno.


When Yash Raj Films head honcho Aditya Chopra got the script written, it was done with keeping Shah Rukh Khan in mind. Later, Shah Rukh got a little too busy with other projects hence it was offered to Ranbir Kapoor. Says Ranbir, “Yes, Aditya got the script written for Shah Rukh. When the role was offered to me, I grabbed it; I wanted to be part of something that was so young, so today.”

He is only a year old in Bollywood but youngster Ranbir Kapoor already has plans of directing… read on.

The young Kapoor, who made his debut in last year’s dud Saawariya and this year’s semi-hit Bachna Ae Haseeno, has already thought of the script and is hoping to start work on it within a year. “My plan got delayed, but now I’m working on it,” Ranbir told and Indian newspaper. “Things will fall into place very shortly. I’ll star in the film and direct it.”

Ranbir has said that neither his father Rishi Kapoor nor his mother Neetu Singh will feature in the film.

Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda has told an Indian newspaper journalist that these days he doesn’t give a toss about anything.


“These days I don’t ask any questions. I just land up on the set and do what’s told to me and go home. Agar mujhe koi kahein ki jaake bhains ko dhona hai toh main woh bhi kar loonga,” said Govinda.

In the past Govinda was known to make demands and turn up late for shoots. This has still been the case if you ask the directors, but Govinda doesn’t seem to agree.

While many forgettable things are being said about the Bachchan's Unforgettable tour, Shah Rukh Khan is doing his bit of taking his world shows – Temptations Reloaded – to another level altogether. With him having already performed in various cities in the US and Europe, the actor we hear has bigger plans.


We are told: "These shows are just teasers of the main show that'll happen next year in 2009. They are sporadic shows and it's not the world tour. Shah Rukh will be taking a few actors next to Frankfurt and then to Dubai."

Besides organizing the shows, Shah Rukh is also busy shooting for Billoo Barber directed by Priyadarshan. The film will release on November 14 and will clash with Karan Johar's Dostana at the box office. Now that'll be an interesting war of sorts.

The sizzling hot Neha Dhupia has given a new definition to the term bold. While her act in Julie did slot her in the bold and beautiful category, of late, Neha’s style of wearing her bindaas attitude is quite attention grabbing. No, she is not doing a sexy item number for any film and neither is she doing another controversial film. And since her relationship with squash pro, Ritwik Bhattacharya is stale news, we do not mean to her dating escapades either.


The lady in question was recently spotted at a fashionable do with a small lock of gray hair on display. When someone pointed it out to her, with a surprising amount of nonchalance, she said, “I was born with this patch of gray hair. It’s nothing new. It’s just showing today.” Now, that’s being bold the Neha Dhupia way. In Bollywood, where every fine line counts, she seems unperturbed by the media focusing on her grays.

As for her ‘bold’ tag, Neha believes that vulgarity lies in the eyes of the beholder. Although she doesn’t regret the various tags been imposed on her, she says, “I think being bold is a plus. As for being vulgar, it is in the minds of the people who watch it. If you don’t have a clean mind you will find it vulgar.” Touché!

After his spate of box office hits and his reality TV show - Fear Factor - Akshay Kumar has proved to be a sure fire hit on both the big and small screen and now has taken on the modelling world with a bang. Bollywood actor and brand ambassador of Levi's 501 jeans Akshay Kumar launched the company's global campaign 'Live Unbottoned' in Mumbai on Tuesday (August 26).

'Live Unbottoned' campaign is all set to be simultaneously launched in 110 countries. The first phase of the campaign will be 'physical unbuttoning' that will trigger the campaign.

The second phase of the campaign will be 'emotional unbuttoning' in which consumers of Levi's 501 will be invited to do TV commercials with Akshay.

Though, Akshay is not really known for his six packs like Shahrukh or his going shirtless, like Salman, however, he has finally got a chance to show off his body, and surely, he did it in style. Akshay Kumar set the ramp on fire when he walked down the isle along with some gorgeous females. TIMES NOW caught up with the superstar to know more about his experience on the ramp.

Akshay, while talking about endorsement of Levi's 501 jeans, said "it is not always money. I endorsed because I have been wearing Levi's since my childhood and it is a product, which is recognised since ages."

In a lighter vein, he said he liked Levi's because his butts look nice in them.

" What I wear is fashion," said Akhay when asked about his views on fashion.

He said doing advertisements are tougher than films because in commercials you get only 30 to 60 seconds to send the message across but in films one gets two and half hours.

When quizzed about other other shirtless wonders, Akshay shrugged it off and said that don't compare me.

Further when asked to comment on his contemporaries like Salman Khan and Sharukh Khan, a politically correct Akshay wiggled his way out saying that both the stars have great bodies.

For a man, who was once considered a wooden actor, has proved that he is a force to reckon with in almost every venture.

The second phase of the campaign will be 'emotional unbuttoning' in which consumers of Levi's 501 will be invited to do TV commercials with Akshay, added Sukhramani.

Akshay, while talking about endorsement of Levi's 501 jeans, said "it is not always money. I endorsed because I have been wearing Levi's since my childhood and it is a product which is recognised since ages."

In a lighter vein, he said he liked Levi's because his butts look nice in them.

" What I wear is fashion," said Akhay when asked about his views on fashion.

He said doing advertisements are tougher than films because in commercials you get only 30 to 60 seconds to send the message across but in films one gets two and half hours.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Message delivered!

Is Anupam Kher eyeing tax exemption in Gujarat on his latest film, A Wednesday, based on July 11, 2006 Mumbai train blasts? The actor recently arranged a special screening of the film in Ahmedabad for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Says Anupam, “It is very important for us actors to come ahead and help a film that's made with a specific purpose and promotes a positive message.”

Adds Anupam, “A Wednesday addresses an issue that's close to Mr Modi as a politician, and that is why I wanted him to watch it. He shed all his prejudice and brought along many government officials for the screening. We had everyone from the Home Secretary to the DG Police watching the film.

Mr Modi also spoke on the film after the screening. Media perceptions on Narendra Modi are completely wrong. He is misunderstood because he's outspoken.”

Politician Sanjay Nirupam, the first contestant to get eliminated from Bigg Boss gives an inside view of the house. He spills the beam that something is cooking up between two young contestants - Rahul Mahajan and Payal Rohatgi. It is known to all that the duo has been dating for quite sometime but for the first time, someone has come open about their relationship.


Speaking to a news daily, Nirupam said, "Payal and Rahul are having an affair. They have been together for six years and they came together on this show. I even asked Payal to name her boyfriend, but she skirted the issue. Since she's such a chui-mui and emotional kind of girl, I left her alone; otherwise I would have asked her 'Tumhara boyfriend hum main se koi ek toh nahin hai."

The politician further discloses many hidden secrets which are not being covered by the cameras. “Rahul is getting treated like a prince. He is being pampered with head massages and what not". He has refused to divulge the name of the identity who is pampering Rahul.

GOOD BOY GONE BAD

After starring as Jai - the boy next door, in his debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Imran will be donning a negative role in Kidnap.

There’s more than adopted children that Madonna and Sushmita Sen have in common. The Material Girl and our Miss Universe are both deeply into Kabbalah. For the uninitiated, Kabbalah is a discipline and school of thought that explores the mystical aspect of Judaism. Madonna, of course, has been a Kabbalah believer from ever since, but Sushmita has got into it recently. “I was chasing a particular number, 47, which I thought was very auspicious and this led me to the study of Kabbalah,” explained Ms Sen. “So I went to the Kabbalah Centre in New York and picked up every single possible literature they had on the subject. Today I feel like I know it a bit.”
That was two-and-half years ago. Since then, the actress says Kabbalah has brought about fabulous changes in her life. “We are talking about anti-ageing and stuff. All of this is to age gracefully, not to fight it, not restrict yourself to other peoples’ definition of ageing or of growing old. Through Kabbalah, I found ways to stay young and yet, gracefully accept that every single line on your face is something you’ve earned. So as long as you enjoy and cherish them, you’re going to age gracefully and like who you are,” she said earnestly
On the work front, the actress is currently involved with Dulha Mil Gaya and the yet to be released Karma Confessions And Holi. “There’s also David Dhawan’s film, the working title of which is Do Not Disturb, in which I’m with Govinda,” she said.
Most importantly, there’s Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai which Sushmita is producing, directing and acting in. Talking about this whole experience, she said, “It’s a tough call, because of the sheer size of the canvas of the film that I want to make. I’d much rather be doing three years of pre-production than three years of postproduction. I have a very emotional tie with the film. Tons of work has gone into the scripting, presentation, etc. I want it to be a 2010 release and if everything goes well, Insha Allah it should be so,” she added.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan got a standing ovation by a 20,000 strong audience in London as he recited in his inimitable baritone dialogues from all time hits like 'Deewar' and 'Agnipath' as part of the star studded 'Unforgettable' Show.
Bachchan became emotional while delivering dialogues from Deewar -- in which he plays an agnostic role who goes to the temple for the first time asking God to save the life of his mother.
Besides the three-hour long glitz, glamour of Bollywood songs and dance sequences, performed last night, Bachchan read out some of the poems from Agnipath (Path of Fire), penned by his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
The show also had star attractions like Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Ritesh Deshmukh, Shilpa Shetty and music directors Vishal and Shekhar, assisted by a cast of 130 stage artists, who kept the crowd spell bound with their scintillating performances.

Always experimenting with new styles, Bollywood star Aamir Khan will now be seen as the mythological half man-half woman 'Ardhnarishwar' in a Tata Sky ad. The 70 seconds commercial will show half of Aamir as a Punjabi girl, and the other half as a boy.
It is the first ad by Aamir after he became the company's brand ambassador. It will go on air from Monday. Vikram Mehta, the chief marketing officer of Tata Sky proudly expressed his satisfaction and contentment for the ad also mentioning of Aamir being the perfect choice.
Interestingly, many people didn't know that in Tata Sky- Tata stands for the knowledge of India and trust factor, whereas Sky stands for the knowledge of technology and DTH.
The ad has been conceptualized by the company's marketing team along with Rediffusion. Bollywood writer-director Neeraj Vohra has directed the ad.

Continuing its support to the section called as the offbeat Indian made English films PVR Pictures will be distributing 'THE LAST LEAR' in India.


The movie will hit the big screens on September 12.

The film which has the specialty of being Amitabh Bachchan's first ever English movie follows other films such as 'Loins of Punjab', 'Parzania' and 'Being Cyrus' which were released by PVR Pictures.

Directed by Rituporno Ghosh who is known as a master in presenting dramatic narrative, 'The Last Lear' upon being exposed to the film lovers who had flocked to the Toronto Film Festival received excellent responses and accolades.

For Priety Zinta and Arjun Rampal who play important characters, 'The Last Lear' was the first encounter in attempting a complete English language film from India.

The movie is also the first from India to explore Shakespeare's influences on actor's lives.

This is a theme that has been an inspiration for many Hollywood stars like Al Pacino in 'Looking for Richard', Sir Peter O Toole in 'Venus' and Joseph Fiennes in 'Shakespeare in Love' to turn over a new corner in their careers.

By releasing 'The Last Lear' PVR is continuing its association with Planman Motion Pictures after distributing 'Mithya'.

Divya Dutta, Shefali Shah and Prosenjit Chatterjee are the other actors who will be seen in the movie.

By now itself glimpses of Amitabh Bachchan's long hair and Preity Zinta's uniquely Indian dressing adding a never before seen grace into her appearance have raised the curiosity of the movie watchers.

Now it is just a matter of some days before the full extent of all the specialties of this film can be presented before the vibrant tastes of the Indian audience.

After a short period of tiff, Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja patched up. Their love story again started running on track. Piggy Chops who had dumped the relationship after the dismal performance of Harman in his launch vehicle 'Love Story 2050' wanted to give a second chance to her love and ties up with him again.


The couple was again spotted at various hotspots. It's the right time for the couple to come together as they had been signed by many filmmakers for their upcoming projects and it is important to be in good terms. They will soon start shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker’s What’s Your Rashi?

The duo has decided that they would not let work or any other issues to come in the path of their love relationship and they would remain affected with any false rumors. The duo wished to dump old issue and move forward with new hopes.

With their film ready to release this Friday, it's no wonder that the cast of Rock On is all keyed up in the final leg of their promotional appareances and there is no subtle marketing for this one.

Producer and actor, Farhan Akhtar says, "Making sure you are on TV, heard on radio, have a presence on the streets - things like that are important. And we have done a couple of concerts. Holding a concert was a big deal because apart from it being the first time any movie has done a concert with the cast, it gave a great platform for us to interact directly with the audience of the movie."

Director Abhishek Kapoor adds, "We have been so authentic about our presentation on the film and we have used that to tell the people that this is what you are going to get when you go to the theatre and that's what people want to see."

The film also marks the debut of the television star Prachi Desai, who is only too happy to have quit the small screen.

"Frankly, after playing a mother of six on television, this wasn't tough. It's always said that films are always male-dominated and on TV it's the female who is the protagonist. Now that I know very clearly what the truth is. I did my share on TV and now this is also an experience," says she.

While Prachi didn't mind being sidelined in the film, actor Purab Kohli who plays the drums for the Rock On group couldn't stop raving about his look in the movie.

"Before we shot the film, there was a whole look test that they did and everyone had different ideas about the way they wanted to look. I too had my mind set on certain things. And I think if KD (his character) didn't have that look, the band wouldn't look that good. The beard adds so much to my character," says Purab.

So, will the band be able to drum up enough enthusiasm among the audiences when the film is released? Or will it prove to be a swan song for some? One will just have to wait till Friday for an answer to this one.