Friday, October 31, 2008

Brand Saifeena rocks!

Saif and Kareena are making news all over the world. The very much in love couple is spotted almost everywhere together. Be it off-screen or on-screen, the couple leaves no stones unturned in displaying their affection for each other. Apart from attending award functions, events and stage performances, the couple have made sure they enough coverage in films, TV shows and advertisements too.



Precisely, Saifeena is now a brand which is the hottest selling proposition in town. The couple is seen together in several advertisements after their film Tashan under the Yash Raj banner. And how can one ignore the latest exhibition of on-screen love by the couple in Roadside Romeo. Though Saifeena have just given their voices for the film, the intensity and chemistry of the duo is very much felt in the movie. If the buzz is to be believed, Bebo would also play a lead in the Chotte Nawab's home production. According to Ad Guru- Prahlad Kakkar, Saifeena as a brand is in its honeymoon period where people want more of them.

Thus, we can say that the lovebirds just can't resist flaunting their love to the world.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has dropped a gay kissing scene between actors Samir Soni and Anil Kumar from his forthcoming film Fashion before it went to the censor board. He, however, plans to restore it on DVD.

"What a beautifully-shot scene of intimacy it is between Samir and Anil. You forget their gender. They're just two people in love expressing their feelings," said Bhandarkar.

"I took it out before taking it to the censor board. I thought portraying a homosexual couple was bold enough. The kiss would have been too much. But now I'm planning to restore it on the DVD," the director said.

The film, which also stars Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha Godse and Arjan Bajwa, is releasing Oct 29.

Samir, best remembered as Amitabh Bachchan's ungrateful son in Baghban, says he didn't face any nervousness or inhibition while doing it.

"Anil was more nervous than I could ever be. I wasn't nervous or anxious at all. Why should I be? I think too much hoo-ha is made in our country about sexual orientation. Isn't there enough violence and unrest being created against minority groups on the basis of religion? Do we need to get all heated up about what two grown-up men do in privacy?" he asked.

The gay kiss in Fashion happens in the car. "It's a very natural moment between two people in love. And I didn't have a moment's hesitation in doing it. Why should I? I don't have a girlfriend to be answerable to. I did think, 'Oh my god, what will my parents say?' But it's not me, it's my character kissing the person he loves.

"More than me it was Anil who was trembling in fear. I told him to chill as I was like his elder brother. I knew with Madhur at the helm it would be aesthetic. Did I feel repelled? No, I was okay," Samir said.

Tell him that many Indian actors have a problem playing gay and Samir shrugged: "See, I feel those who are homophobic would recoil from doing a gay role. But I'm extremely confident of my sexuality and had no qualms about playing gay. From my modelling days I've had gay friends who would discuss their boyfriends with me. So I'm very comfortable with homosexuality.

"I think we need to get over our prudery about these things. And archaic laws are only making things worse for gay people. They're either hiding or defiantly flaunting their homosexuality in their clothes and body language," the actor said.

Samir is all for scrapping outdated laws on homosexuality. "I'm not very qualified to speak on the current controversy over the constitutional rights of homosexuals. But I do know every individual has the right to choose whom he or she wants to be with. I'm heterosexual. But I respect my gay friends and their right to live life the way they want. Playing a homosexual in 'Fashion', I realised love has no gender."

Canada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta's Fire (1998) was perhaps the first mainstream Hindi film to show gay kissing - Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das kissed under the mosquito net in the controversial movie.

Come 31 October, get set to be swamped under absolute madness combined with total masti - Channel [v] will bring to you the craziest, wackiest and the most insane game show in the history of Indian television- Bingo[V] Full On!! This is the Indian Paagalpanti League!

Channel [v] has handpicked participants to test their I.Q. (insanity quotient) in the most fun-filled way. Cool dudes into rock-climbing, football, para-sailing, trekking, go-carting and even Bhangra, who have the fire in their bellies and the keeda in their bums will run across treadmills, scuffle with mechanical boxing gloves, use their bodies as human bowling balls or navigate the spinning turntables of doom!!

Each successive week will see two teams fight it out in the ultimate battle for supremacy. This week, each three-member team will spar on the ‘Turn Tables of Doom’. The game would be made trickier each day by adding new twists and turns resulting in a crazier experience for the six participants.

Speaking about the show, Saurabh Kanwar, the V.P. Content and Communication, Channel [v] said, “Full On! surpasses all standards of insanity ever portrayed on television before. We call it the IPL of television- Indian Pagalpanti League. For this show, besides youth focused promotion, we will also be exploring content innovation.”

The show comprises of the game played by the two competing teams hosted by VJs Juhi and Neil who add to the show with their sizzling chemistry, followed by a set based game with Channel [V]’s very own, Lola Kutty, where viewers participate via sms.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Silver Hugo for Preity Zinta

It’s always easy to say that a leading lady’s peak time in the film industry is a thing of the past and she is past her prime. We have heard this being said about extremely talented actors and actresses several times before and the reasons why this is said by the media is just because of a notion that if a particular performer does not appear in a couple of big budgeted fully commercial flicks in a year, it means that he or she is slowly fading away.The same was said about Preity Zinta too. It is true that she has lately become extremely choosy about her roles and has been appearing in more off beat films having plum roles with a great scope for showcasing skills than out and out commercial films. And her moment of ultimate triumph has come to silence the detractors once and for all.Preity Zinta has won the best actress award at the prestigious 44th Chicago International Film Festival. Her role as the Punjabi wife in film maker Deepa Mehta’s film ‘Heaven On Earth’ fetched her the Silver Hugo Award for the Best Actress.Preity portrays the character of a Punjabi wife who while living in Toronto tries hard to keep her dreams alive in spite of being treated in a very bad and cruel manner by her husband.

It was not a cakewalk for the actress to give life to the challenging role.She even attended Anupam Kher’s acting school- Actor Prepares to learn how to pronounce the Punjabi words properly.First noted for her beauty in the numerous advertisements, then starting her Tinsel Town journey as Bobby Deol’s heroine in ‘Soldier’ to now being considered as one of the most talented actors in India, you have come a long way, Preity.

A strongly-worded letter from the Credit Service Providers Association (CSPA) exhorting the EMI producer Suniel Shetty against addressing Sanjay Dutt’s character in the film EMI not to use the term ‘Bhai’ has Suniel perplexed and adamant. Writes the Association’s Executive Secretary, G.B Singh, “Members of the Association are of the view (sic.) that our profession is shown in a very bad taste in the film EMI and will have very adverse effect on the viewers. The Association also objects to the actors using ‘indecent language.’ Suniel Shetty is outraged. “What indecent language are they talking about? Sanjay Dutt’s Sattarbhai is a cute lovable character, not some aggressive ogre meant to terrorise people. Suniel said he has no intention of giving into this arm-twisting tactics. Neither will he show the film to any member of the Association. “EMI has been given a clean chit by the censors. Why do we suddenly have all these censors beyond the censor board policing our cinema? Let them watch the film when it’s released and decide what we have done.”

Real-life loan collector Sandeep Arora on whom Sanjay Dutt’s character is based has his own take on the matter. “There’s nothing wrong in calling the character Sattarbhai. It’s a cool ‘Bhai’, meaning ‘Brother’ and not any other kind of Bhai.

The much-awaited film Fashion has finally hit the theatres. Former beauty queen and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is one of the main attractions of the film but many will not know that she wore 137 outfits in the film. Priyanka said that she wore so much costumes because of the transition her character went through - from a small town girl to a model and gradually to a supermodel. She wore different dresses with varying hues to match the change her character went through.Well, the actress must be looking forward to the film to give her the much-needed hit, as her releases this year like Love Story 2050, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku and Drona, failed at the box office.Fashion directed by Madhur Bhandarkar also features Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha Godse, Arbaaz Khan and Arjan Bajwa.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone says she wants to do a sports-based film, preferably on badminton, her father’s sport.”Look at what Chak De India did to hockey. I would love to do a really good film on the game of badminton. In fact, efforts are on to put a project like this together.”"I would like to contribute as much as possible to sports. Yes, I’d support badminton more than any other sport. But I’d like to support Indian sports in every way possible,” she said.Deepika, who played badminton with her dad Prakash Padukone, said the two were playing together after a long time and for the first time in front of media.She said she is good at time management and that comes from being a sport person. “I started travelling at a very young age. That taught me to be punctual.”Sharing her experience on the stunts and martial arts performed in Chandni Chowk To China, Deepika said she got herself a chronically sprained ankle.”The stunts in Chandni Chowk To China were tough. Fortunately I got no broken bones. But I got a twisted ankle which will remain with me. My left ankle will remain sprained for all my life. I sprained it once while rehearsing and then I sprained the same ankle at exactly the same place twice again.Luckily it’s not a fracture. But I can’t sit cross-legged or sit on my hunches…

I can’t do anything that requires me to put my weight on my left leg,” she said.Being from an athletic family, Deepika always wanted to do an action film. “Yes, I always wanted to do an action character. I’m glad I got an opportunity. Akshay Kumar was a fantastic co-star. The way he comes on the sets and goes through the scenes of the day and the way he improvises, is tremendous.”Speaking on endorsements, Deepika said she has turned down the Nakshatra diamond deal after Aishwarya Rai’s contract ended. “I don’t know who else they went to. But they did come to me. And things didn’t work out. I’m as selective about my endorsements as I am about my movies. I’d definitely endorse brands that I believe in. I’d like to represent brands that suit my age. I’m endorsing the Signature brand for Levis, Kingfisher Airlines, Tissot.”

At 35, Bollywood’s blue-eyed-girl Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who celebrates her birthday this Saturday, continues to woo Indian filmmakers with her international appeal, making her one of the most bankable stars in the Indian film industry. Says popular film critic Taran Adarsh: “Aishwarya’s career graph has been very good though not excellent but she is the only actress who can attract national and international crowds. She is the face of so many international brands and a very good actress also.”London-based Indian filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra, who directed the actress in the critically acclaimed English movie Provoked, also credits her as a superstar with an international appeal.”She is a superstar. Not only is she a recognised name worldwide; she is a totally bankable star. My personal experience with her from Provoked says that the film wouldn’t have worked without her.”The best thing about her is that despite her stature, she is completely a director’s actor. She would also give her inputs in the character and would never come back to see a shot once the director approves it. She is thoroughly professional,” Mundhra added.Aishwarya, now married to Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, was born in Mangalore to Krishnaraj Rai, a marine biologist, and Vrinda Rai, a writer.

After winning the Miss World crown in 1994, Aishwarya took to acting in 1997 with a Tamil film Iruvar opposite southern superstar Mohanlal and made her Bollywood debut in the same year opposite Bobby Deol in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. Both films bombed.In the following year, she won her first Filmfare Best Actress award South for the Tamil film Jeans but became an overnight star with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999. She bagged the Filmfare Best Actress award for this too. In 2000, she gave a power packed performance in Subhash Ghai’s Taal but followed it up with a string of flops like Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai(2000), Dhai Akshar Prem Ke(2000), Albela (2001), Hum Kisise Kum Nahi(2001) and many more.In between, she was recognised for her supporting role in Yash Chopra’s 2000 hit Mohabbatein.Her career was resurrected in 2002 with Bhansali’s Devdas fetching her another Filmfare award in the Best Actress category.She was highly appreciated for her performances in Chokher Bali(2002), Raincoat (2004), Guru(2006), Dhoom 2 (2006), Provoked(2007), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and Sarkar Raj (2008).
In her career spanning 11 years, Aishwarya has acted in over 40 movies in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and English.

Her English projects included Bride & Prejudice (2003), Mistress of Spices (2005), and The Last Legion (2007).She is also starring in another international project Pink Panther 2, a sequel to the original comedy.The beauty queen-turned-actress is also counted among the 100 most beautiful women in the world.Actress Priyanka Chopra feels that “Aishwarya has a perfect face”.”She is a gorgeous lady, a very elegant person and a great representative of India abroad and I think she has made some great cinema recently. I’d like to watch a lot more of her in films,” says Priyanka.After her wedding in April last year, Aishwarya has cut down on her projects and has become very choosy too. But critic Adarsh feels it is only due to her “added family responsibilities”.Currently, the actress is busy shooting with Abhishek in Kochi for Mani Ratnam’s forthcoming film tentatively titled Raavan”.

He will be spending his Diwali in the U.S., with a purpose. He will be holding a special screening of his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par at the International Dyslexia Association’s annual conference to be held in Seattle. In his blog he explains,”“For some reason every Diwali night I feel very peaceful, I think it’s the effect of the ‘diyas’. But this time on Diwali I am traveling to the U.S., Seattle first and then L.A. The International Dyslexia Association is having its annual conference in Seattle and they have decided to screen TZP there, and have invited me for the screening. Looking forward to that.”Aamir is also mighty excited about the first promo of Ghajini that was unveiled on Tuesday.Talking about which he says, “The first moving picture (promo) of Ghajini is breaking soon. It’s my first real action thriller, and full on mainstream entertainer in a long time. I’m nervous already talking about it.”About the first look poster featuring his six pack abs, Aamir says, “Actually I could have gotten into better shape. Had to stop training during the release of TZP, so, lost a month and a half there. But it was impossible for me to train through that period. And I was also a little careless with my diet around that time. Grrr. How I wish I had found the mental strength to keep at.

”Aamir had recently also been invited by princess Victoria of Sweden on her Mumbai visit. Revealing about his dinner meet, Aamir says, “Well it was a real pleasure meeting her. She is a very charming lady. She is beautiful, intelligent, dignified, full of good humour and a very warm host. She is also very interested in India. Kiran and I had a lovely evening.”

Vidya Balan ditched Sooraj Barjatya at the last minute. This may sound shocking but it is actually true! Rajshri roductions’ Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi was to star Vidya Balan in the lead opposite Bobby Deol originally.
But now the November 7th releasing film has Eesha Koppikar along with Sonu Sood playing the main lead. So what went wrong?
Our sources revealed, “Sooraj Barjatya had approached Bobby Deol and Vidya Balan for his written film Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi being directed by debutante Kaushik Ghatak. They both had given their consent for the film.
But then though Bobby initially found the family oriented subject appealing, as the days progressed he developed cold feet. He excused himself out of the film citing dates problem. Sooraj had hoped that he would find a suitable actor in the A list to play the romantic lead opposite Vidya. But as that didn’t look to materialise, Vidya chickened out of the project preferring to do Kismat Konection along with Shahid.

Sooraj was then left with no option but to rope in small names like Eesha Koppikar and Sonu Sood to stop the film getting stalled even before it was about to be shot!”It looks a remote possibility that Sooraj Barjatya will now ever approach either Vidya Balan or Bobby Deol to star in any of his Rajshri banner films!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Akshay Kumar Ka Big Boss Jaisa Ghar

For zillions who weren't cognizant with 'Duplex House', Big Boss Ka Ghar gave them a clear picture. The spacious mansion with exotic interiors made everyone dream about going for it. Looks like Bollywood Ka Sabse Bada Khilladi should have undergone similar thoughts. Yup! We have Akshay Kumar who has already started constructing his 4,000 square-feet duplex. The property worth Rs. 9Crore is located at the centre of Bandra, Mumbai and Akshay didn't want this news to get leaked out. Nevertheless, he wouldn't have been cautious of proverb, 'Walls have ears' and his duplex house is latest sensation in Mumbai.

We convey our heartiest congratulations to Akki who has accomplished his dreams of occupying biggest properties in cosmopolitan Mumabai. So, Khans gang of Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman will have a new neighbor very soon.

While there have been a gamut of other scary movies made in Bollywood, Raaz -The Mystery Continues (RTMC) sure seems like it will stand out as something that hasn’t been done ever before.


The movie sports an all-new logo in a venomous neon green that has been designed to distinguish it as an out-and-out horror film.

The performances by all actors as well as the director’s (Mohit Suri) skill have already started creating quite a buzz by those who have seen it.

Now ready to be opened up to the audiences in full throttle, the movie will start sending the chills down spines with its first theatrical trailer on October 29th with FASHION. Audiences can well consider horror to be the new theme for this season!

RTMC deals with issues of the “evil within” the human psyche and how it manifests itself. It is based on the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film attempts to challenge one’s beliefs about paranormal phenomena. It is about anticipation of fear and the fright residing within ones’ self.

Produced by Vishesh Films, after their super-successful Raaz in 2002, the next in the series is Raaz -The Mystery Continues (RTMC) which is a supernatural thriller starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman. It is directed by Mohit Suri. This is Mohit’s fifth film with the Bhatt Brothers.

Aamir Khan’s Ghajini was slated for a Diwali release this year, but it had to be postponed because Aamir suffered a ligament injury. Not satisfied by this decision, Aamir wanted to create some kind of buzz for the film. Now he is releasing the promos of the film today.


Our source close to Aamir Khan said, “Originally, even when Aamir was making Taare Zameen Par, he had planned a Diwali release for Ghajini. But because of his ligament injury he had to take a break for two months as he couldn’t shoot for the stunts. So the release had to be postponed. But Aamir was hell-bent on having a Diwali release, even if it was only the promos. He decided to release at least the first moving visuals on Diwali.”

Since the past fifteen days, Aamir has been slogging to complete the promos on time. Our source continued, “Aamir has been working non-stop in order to meet the deadline. He requested A R Rahman to put aside his other commitments and come to Mumbai to work on the background score of the promos. Rahman, who generally doesn’t work outside Chennai, gave in to this last minute request and came to Mumbai. He has been working in a Mumbai lab for the past four days, only on Aamir’s insistence. Being such a perfectionist, he didn’t want to compromise on anything at all.”

Producer, Madhu Varma confirmed the report and said, “When we had started the project, it was supposed to be a Diwali 2008 release. Unfortunately, Aamir injured himself on the sets during one of the action scenes and we were not able to release the film on Diwali. Now we are releasing the first visuals of the film today.”

We couldn’t talk to Aamir for confirmation as he was tied up with the last minute colour correction of the prints.

Child actress Avika Gor, who shot with Shahid Kapur for his forthcoming film "Pathshala", says it was a "dream come true" dancing with the Bollywood actor.

"I have worked with Shahid and Ayesha Takia in 'Pathshala'. Shahid is one of my favourite actors. It was my dream to dance with him. While shooting for the film, the dream came true. He is the best," Avika told IANS by phone from Mumbai. She plays the bold character of Anandi in popular TV daily "Balika Vadhu".

The 10-year-old actress, arguably the youngest daughter-in-law on Indian television today, has two films in hand - Ahmed Khan's "Pathshala" and "Morning Walk".

In "Pathshala", she plays one among the six children who are taught dance by Shahid, who essays the role of an instructor. In "Morning Walk", Avika is playing Anupam Kher and Sharmila Tagore's granddaughter.

"Shahid even used to teach some dance steps to us," she said.

The young actress is basking in the glory of success and feels happy when her friends at school call her 'beendni' (daughter-in-law in Marwari) and 'nakchidi chuhiya' (her petname on the show).

While on the sets of her show "Balika Vadhu", she loves to talk a lot and study with her young co-star Avinash Mukherjee. She had also paired up with the 10-year-old actor earlier for NDTV Imagine's fantasy show "Rajkumar Aryan".

Hot young-bod Imran Khan has put fellow hot-bod Salman Khan in a little bit of bother… how this happened… read on to find out.

Filmmaker Vipul Shah initially sold the Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan starrer London Dreams to Studio 18, in what was reported as being one of the dearest ever done deals. Now, with Studio 18’s Imran Khan starrer Kidnap failing miserably at the Box Office, they (Studio 18) have backed out of distributing the film. According to insiders, Salman Khan and Vipul Shah were expecting to get Rs 120 crore for the film.

Says the insider, “Studio 18 suffered a big dent in its pocket due to the box-office failure of Kidnap. Add to this the current market crash and they decided not to venture into anything extravagant at least for the time being.”



“Studio 18 will not be distributing London Dreams now. Although Studio 18 was in talks with Vipul, they had not signed on the dotted line. But, the talks fell through because of the prevailing bleak market conditions,” says another source. Studio 18 have yet to release an official statement to this affect.

London Dreams is one of next year’s most eagerly awaited films and sees Salman and Ajay together for the first time since the much liked Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Salman Khan’s girlfriend Katrina Kaif defied her beau’s orders and went on stage with his rival Shah Rukh Khan in Dubai for the Temptations Reloaded concert.

The stage was set alight and fans were in awe as the babe from England danced to hit tunes from her super-hit films Race, Partner and Singh Is Kinng. Katrina took part in the show even though she was on strict orders from Salman Khan not to take the stage. Unlike his previous girlfriends, Katrina has never adhered to any of Salman Khan’s demands; keeping sure that her career comes before stupidity.



Apart from Katrina and Shah Rukh, fellow Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Anusha Dandekar also performed.

Mum Neetu Singh is extremely proud of her son Ranbir and why she shouldn’t? The talented actor is just two films old in the industry but within this short span of time has impressed the cinegoers, carrying forward the legacy of his dad’s ‘chocolate boy’ image.


In a candid conversation with Renuka Vyavahare, Neetu Singh recounts her son’s childhood and his journey to stardom.

“Ranbir is an ideal son; in fact he is my father! I take his suggestions before doing anything. People who know him will tell you how down-to-earth and simple he is! Those who don’t know him get shocked as he is so unlike a star kid. He doesn’t throw tantrums, never argues, he’d never ever do anything against my wishes! He puts his family above all.

As a child he was extremely naughty, stubborn and a cry baby. Everyday I’d be visiting his school for some or the other complaint of his. He used to bunk classes, play a mediator among his friends when they got caught up in fights. He was inclined towards films right from his childhood. However, today he is a changed man. He is understanding, calm and composed.

When he and his dad sit together they seldom talk about films. Rishi has never given him any lectures on what to do and what not to do as far as his career is concerned.

As a person, Ranbir is friendly and social, thus enjoys a large circle of friends. Riddhima is more disciplined while Ranbir is naughty. He will tease you, at times even annoy you and then make up these cute faces because of which you’d just not be able to be angry at him. He is an absolute sweetheart.”

That he is a sweetheart, we have no doubts... taking his fans, co-stars, directors and girl friend Deepika Padukone’s word for it. But as of now, Mum is the word on beta Ranbir.

Do the Dostana Dance Challenge' has been receiving hundreds of entries from all across the country. And the Desi Girl herself - Priyanka Chopra - took time off to watch participants shake a leg to the Desi Girl track from the film. Here's Priyanka selecting her best from the first set of entries.

The most wanted PR specialist of Bollywood Dale Bhagwagar has said good bye to the queen of controversies Sherlyn Chopra for once and for ever.

The on and off professional relationship between Mr. Bhagwagar and Sherlyn had always remained a hot topic in the Tinsel Town.

Dale is a publicity specialist with a big reputation among the people in the film industry and till now no news of he developing a rift with any of the actors or leading ladies has come up.

He is the man who was solely responsible for creating overnight star status for Sherlyn by promoting her with his skills of creating a certain image for a person and thus making him or her very attractive for the media.

The first period of Sherlyn and Dale's association lasted for one year.

After the first year, the new actress showed Dale the door accusing him of trying to be a god in her life by controlling each and every other aspect of her life.

She went on to hire and change three PRs in quick succession, one of whom she even sent to jail for allegedly troubling her.

Then suddenly two moths ago, Sherlyn suddenly wanted Dale back as her PR man.

He also agreed and the work resumed between the two.

This time it was Mr. Bhagwagr's decision to back off from the new agreement.

And know what the PR specialist has to say about working with Sherlyn.

"Doing Sherlyn's PR was like the first time I had sex. Things just wouldn't fall perfect and I prefer to see myself as a perfectionist in my profession.

Just like Sherlyn, that opinion of Dale is also really hot.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Priyanka gets richer !!!

Priyanka Chopra has just been signed up for a new product, Nokia and with it she becomes the actress with the maximum endorsements, what with Hero Honda, Lux, Ponds, J.Hampstead and many more already in her kitty. The actress, who is much in demand will also be on the cover of the latest Vogue issue.

With Shah Rukh Khan endorsing Tag Heuer and Nokia, both brands which also have Piggy Chops, one raises the question, "is SRK promoting Priyanka?" Perhaps yes, perhaps no...

While Priyanka may not have been voted the sexiest woman by any magazine or the hottest Indian woman, but Priyanka Chopra is not worried. What with John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan trying to woo her in reel life and Harman Baweja in real life, Piggy Chops is on cloud nine.

Priyanka says, "I am indeed living the best phase of my life." Fashion is in the news and although it has got a A certificate from the censor board, the buzz is very much there. Admits Priyanka, "I was disappointed with A certificate, but I am sure the censor board knows best."

A dampener for the actress, but certainly not enough to take the wind off her sails.

Lakme Fashion Week's success party took place on Saturday night and only the cast of the film Fashion turned up in full attendance to promote their film.

"Now that the fashion week is over it's time to see the movie Fashion," said filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar.

The lead actress of the film Priyanka Chopra who walked the ramp recently during the fashion week was all praises about her upcoming film.

"The one thing I love about Fashion is that it comes out with a very good message. It gives a really good example of what one should do when they 're under pressure and how one can actually deal with it their own individuality," said Priyanka.

And the director also kept up with Priyanka in praising the film.

"I love one character in the film which is played by Harsh Chhaya who is donning the role of a gay designer. His is an absolutely amazing character," said Bhandarkar.

Meanwhile, after doing a short cameo Mani Ratnam's Guru, Fashion will be Arjun Bajwa first big break into Bollywood.

"I play a character of an aspiring model who is very strong headed. He doesn't want to take any short cuts to fame. And the film shows how he succeeds in life on his own terms," explained Bajwa.

Fashion is this year's big Diwali release and surely with the Lakme Fashion Week coming to a close, the team will now have to look for other venues to continue their publicity rounds.

The angelic beauty Katrina Kaif has refused to be a part of boyfriend Salman Khan's New Year party, and is rather keen to dance away the eve on stage for her fans at a plush hotel in Mumbai.

Our source has revealed that Kat is still a bit disappointed at what happened at her birthday party, and is presently not in a mood to attend yet another celebration with beau Salman (who is known to create scenes). Instead of attending Sallu's New Year party, Katrina will be seen performing at the JW Marriott in Mumbai, which will leave her richer by a crore.

It seems that the SRK-Sallu spat has left Katrina a lot wiser than before and she would rather take home gunny bags full of money than be a part of the notorious mudslinging episodes!

Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus 'Jodha Akbar' has won the prestigious Grand Pix award at the Golden Minbar, the film festival for Muslim cinema held at Kazan in Russia recently.

Bollywood actor, Hrithik Roshan was adjudged the best actor award for his magnificent performance as Emperor Akbar. 'Jodha Akbar' shared the best film honours with an Iranian film 'M for Mother'. The films were selected by the jury from the official section that consisted of 35 films-- ten full-length feature, 12 short-length feature and 13 documentary films, in the competition.

Gowariker said he was overwhelmed by the honour and added that he was proud of Hrithik who won the best actor award. "His portrayal of Akbar is a magnificent one, full of nuances and detailing, which is rarely seen on screen," he said.

Bollywood star Preity Zinta is ecstatic after winning the best actress award at the 44th Chicago International Film Festival for playing a battered Punjabi wife in Deepa Mehta's "Heaven On Earth".

She is thankful to Anupam Kher for helping her get the right Punjabi diction for her role. The award was announced on Saturday and will be given on October 29. She has bagged the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress "for her strong yet subtle performance as a woman struggling to keep her dreams despite brutal realities" in the Feature Film Competition section.

"It was my director Deepa Mehta who informed me on Saturday afternoon that I had won. I couldn't go to Chicago, and neither could Deepa. Without any lobbying I've done it. I am so happy and excited," Preity Zinta told IANS.

"I'm walking on sunshine. I can't believe where I am," added Preity who is also getting rave reviews for her performance in the just-released "Heroes". Preity is immensely thankful to Anupam Kher for her convincing performance in both the films.

"I attended his acting school (Actor Prepares) to get my Punjabi right for both the roles. He taught me how to pronounce the words properly. He has been a blessing." What really pleases Preity is that this international award will help sell "Heaven On Earth" to a global audience.

"It is a film in Punjabi and I felt the language would limit the appeal. But trust Deepa to break the cultural barriers." Preity says she has no marriage plans right now.

"I don't feel the time is right. I'd want to get married only when I want to have children. Right now let me enjoy this moment. Everyone, who thought those dimples needed to shut down now, this one is for you, guys."

Added Mehta: "It's amazing, isn't it? I'm so happy for Preity. She's luminous in 'Heaven On Earth' just like Shabana Azmi in 'Fire'. Coincidentally, Shabana was the other actress to win the best actress award at Chicago. I don't think any other Indian actress has won this award.

"I'm happy Preity is getting rave reviews for 'Heroes'. I've seen bits of her performance in 'Heroes'. And, in fact, it was that performance which reassured me that I had made the right choice for 'Heaven On Earth'."

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Salman set to rule with WANTED

The much awaited promos of Yuvvraaj may not of had the desired effect as yet but Salman Khan has a sure shot winner in Boney Kapoor's Wanted.

This remake of Telugu super hit Pokkiri stars Ayesha Takia opposite Salman with Mahesh Manjrekar playing the main villain. While Yuvvraaj and Salman's next release after that, Main Aur Mrs Khanna are romantic films, after a very long time Salman will be seen in an action avatar in any film.

Wanted is carrying excellent reports and is touted to get back Salman's action fans back to the cinema halls!

Our source who managed a sneak peak of the rushes told us, "The biggest asset of the film is the music by Sajid Wajid which is definitely bound to rule the charts.

Four songs of the film have already been picturised as yet and they look very pleasing to the eye. Two more songs remain to be filmed and they shall be shot in Greece very soon once Salman is back from London.

The action scene just before the interval is totally out of this world and will see the public going wild in the theatres. Also the handsome actor has never looked more dashing than in Wanted which will ensure his legions of fans making sure they watch the film."

The trade is very confident that Wanted will be a huge grosser because the first reports of Wanted are similar to first reactions of Singh Is Kinng which everyone knew was going to be a huge winner before release and it more than lived up to expectations by smashing box office records worldwide.

It would be no surprise if Wanted repeates the Singh Is Kinng magic when it releases in March 2009.

Sushmita Sen’s retro gear at Bombay Times’ 14th anniversary was a hit. The plain white hair band, pencilled eyebrows, enormous fake eyelashes were all reminiscent of the swingin’ sixties and seventies. But Sush seemed to have taken the ‘going back in time’ thing seriously. The actress was initially seen enjoying herself at the bash without a care in the world. But her nonchalance was replaced by an amorous look in her eyes as soon as Randeep Hooda walked in. The ex-flames went up to each other immediately, hugged and pecked each other on the cheeks for a long time. There seemed to be no grudges between the two as they caught up. What followed was a long chat session as Sush leaned regularly to whisper sweet nothings in his ear. Could Sushmita and Randeep be getting back together? Watch and decide.

Even before he set foot on the stage in Dubai, Bollywoood's "Badshah" Shahrukh Khan's charm proved too much for a young maiden who fainted while attempting to catch a glimpse of the superstar.

The girl fainted while waiting outside the hotel where the actor just finished addressing a press meet. As soon as the press conference ended, teenagers ran behind the star seeking his autograph knocking a few down in the melee.

Apparently, the crowd that had gathered to greet the actor was kept at an arm's length and got restless. Girls swooning in their dozens pushed against the barricade leading to chaos. Shahrukh is in Dubai for the "Temptation Reloaded 2008" show that is scheduled to be held today (Oct 25) evening.

"I have reached a point in my life where I don't have to do live shows for money. It's not about the money anymore nor do I think it's a platform to showcase our talents. Such dance shows are my way of thanking my fans for their support and their love," SRK said at the press meet.

Shahrukh has recently got involved in a USD 2.18 billion residential development in neighbouring emirates of Ras Al Khaimah.

After Big B’s ‘Unforgettable Tour’, it is Shah Rukh’s turn to rock the world with ‘Temptation Reloaded 2008’, a live concert world tour. King Khan is geared up to give an unprecedented performance with host of other Bollywood biggies like ‘sexiest woman’ Katrina Kaif, ‘size-zero’ Kareena and ‘rocking’ Arjun Rampal at Dubai Festival City Arena. Surprisingly, bitter rival Salman’s girl Katrina has agreed to be a part of the concert.

Talking about the tour in a press conference in Dubai, Shah Rukh said, “It has been four years since I performed in the UAE and we want to give our best. Although Arjun and I are not good dancers, we have been rehearsing hard to match steps with Katrina and Kareena. We will dance and jump our hearts out and make sure that everyone has a great time and feels entertained."

"The show will be informal and you can see me be funny and make a fool of myself like I usually do with my family. These shows are not about displaying my talent. They are about getting in touch with my audience to say a personal thank you. It is our way of hosting a party for those who have given me a lot of love,” he added.

The most-sought-after Bollywood ‘Baadshah’ and his team of Bollywood celebrities will perform at the Dubai Festival City Arena at 9:00 pm. The show is promoted by Oasis Promotions, and is jointly organised by Orbit Events, Kalani Business Consultancy and Hanover Advertising in Dubai.

Hard Kaur, Anusha Dandekar and Ganesh Hegde are other celebrities slated to perform along with SRK and Arjun at the show.

Faranak Mahmoudi, Managing Director of Oasis Promotions, said, “With an expected audience of 18,000, Temptation Reloaded 2008 will surely surpass the expectations of the Bollywood fans in Dubai.”

Charming King Khan’s onstage antics and witty bytes have always been appreciated by the audience, and this time, the highly energetic superstar and his glittering associates are surely going to blast Dubai with a rocking performance. Enjoy, the temptations of ‘Temptation Reloaded’.

If you thought that ‘sexiest woman’ Katrina Kaif favours only ‘Khiladi’ Akshay Kumar when it comes to films, then think again, because ‘Mr India’ Anil Kapoor is not far behind. He is almost matching steps with ‘Khiladi’ Kumar to take away his onscreen ladylove.

According to a movie-buff, "Contrary to popular misconception that Katrina is working in a major way with Akshay Kumar, the fact is that she has been sharing screen space quite a lot with Anil Kapoor too. Raj Kanwar directed love story ‘Humko Deewana Kar Gaye’ was the first film, which got them together. There they were paired opposite each other even though Katrina was shown to be romantically involved with Akshay."

Infact, ‘Yuvvraaj’ is the fourth film of Anil and Katrina after ‘Humko Deewana Kar Gaye’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Race’. So, one may think that our Katrina favours only Akshay but this is clearly, not the case. Akshay Kumar is in a dangerous position of losing his onscreen love. Beware, Akki!

Here we bring you something very special… Bollywood’s King Khan Shah Rukh Khan helping out fellow actor Saif Ali Khan reconcile with lover Kareena Kapoor. Take a look at the advert…

Rajshri's latest release Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi arrives with an interesting plot. The film features Sonu Sood and Eesha Koppikar as two lovers who are just about to get married.

However, destiny has different plans for them as changed circumstances in their lives force them to wait for as many as 12 years before they can tie the knot. And all of this happens even as they stay in touch with each other!

Confirms Sonu Sood who is mighty excited about the project which features him in a solo lead, "That's the reason why the film is titled Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi.

The film shows how two individuals decide to make sacrifices in their life in order to be with each other, even if it requires them to wait for more than 12 years before they get married."

"Frankly, if one looks at today's time, how many of us would be willing to wait for so long even though we may proclaim true love for someone? However, that's the beauty of Sooraj Barjatya's cinema.

It teaches, challenges and inspires the youngsters of today that something like that is possible if one comes with a clean resolve. One of the partners may be going through a bad phase while another may achieve a lot. However, that doesn't mean that one distances apart", Sonu gets emotional here.

Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi features both Sonu Sood and Eesha Koppikar as musicians. While Sonu Sood is fond of playing a guitar, Eesha's pet musical instrument is harmonium.

Eesha Koppikhar adds, "In the film, the characters played by Sonu and me take this long journey together to achieve something in life.

Yes, their dreams and commitments may have gone for a toss even as they move ahead in this journey but together, they are ready to wait. Time flies by and one of us grows up in the career while another is left behind. However, it is true love which is the eventual winner."

Concludes Sonu Sood, "First time director Kaushik Ghatak has made such a sensitive film which is bound to make you emotional.

Those who have seen the film have loved it. For them, it has been a pleasant surprise to see me in an altogether different mode. I am sure once the film releases this November, audience would have the same to say as well."

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Katrina, Salman together forever

What makes Salman-Katrina's relationship more beautiful is their low profile love story, they never make public display of their personal emotions, and they always maintain a silence about their liaison. But in thick and thin, both never fail to stand by one another's side and lend mental support. If Salman has helped Katrina in firming her foothold in Bollywood then Katrina did not stay behind in lending emotional support to Sallu during his bad days.


In five years, the duo has seen many ups and downs in their relationship. If now they fight regarding some issue, the other moment they are together. They have done couple of films together but they have never exhibited their off-screen love on-screen for promotional purpose. They are over protective about their relationship and always cover up their liking from this bad world where relationships are made to be broken.

But we are lucky to see their fondness for one another as ace filmmaker Subhash Ghai captures heir closeness, love, attraction in Yuvraaj. The duo is at their romantic heights and both sizzles in Yuvraaj.

Abhishek Bachchan along with his actress wife Aishwarya Rai [Images] and mother Jaya Bachchan visited the Kedarnath shrine and offered prayers to Lord Shiva [Images] in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on Friday.


Samajwadi Party leader and their family friend Amar Singh [Images] and parents of Aishwarya Rai also accompanied them to Kedarnath shrine, Rudraprayag SP Neeru Garg said.

The Bachchan family, who reached here by three choppers at around 1030 am, spent more than an hour performing puja at the temple, situated at a height of 3581 meter in Garhwal Himalayas. They also had parikrama around the famous Hindu shrine of Lord Shiva, under the guidance of the temple priests, Garg said.

After having lunch at the guest house here, they left the place at around 0045 pm. Kedarnath shrine is situated on the bank of river Mandakini [Images], a tributary of Ganga and attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. The Bachchan family, however, refused to talk to the mediapersons gathered at the shrine area.

It is a known fact that Salman Khan almost single handedly lifted Govinda's down in the dumps career and brought him back in action.


But now Salman is also making sure that Govinda is a part of almost each of his home productions. The latest development in this regards being brother Sohail Khan's co-production with UTV, Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Salman has roped in Govinda for an important cameo role in this film also starring Kareena Kapoor, Preity Zinta and Sohail Khan.

Govinda confirming this news to us said, "Yes I am now a part of Main Aur Mrs Khanna. I am confident everyone will enjoy my jodi with Salman as much as it was enjoyed in Partner. Just wait and watch!

But Govinda refused to divulge further details about his role in the film.

Our source further informs, "The entire unit will be leaving shortly for a shooting schedule in Dubai for fifteen days. Later on, director of the film, Prem Soni has also got plans to shoot a lavish song with Salman, Kareena along with Preity Zinta and Govinda in another fifteen day shooting schedule in Mumbai."

Sohail Khan who plays an Australian NRI who has an unrequited love for Kareena Kapoor in the film had earlier told us, "It is simple and breezy film with a good blend of romance and comedy."

The film is scheduled for a February 13th, 2009 release date. Another film getting Salman and Govinda together is Salman's home production Tom and Jerry to be directed by David Dhawan.

Popular Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has walked out of a David Dhawan film because of fellow lead actor John Abraham.


Says a source close to Vidya, “Vidya is not doing UTV’s Hook Ya Crook. Vidya felt that after Salaam-E-Ishq, she and John needed to do a film which had substantial roles for both. She had reservations as Dhawan’s heroines don’t have much to do except sing, dance and look glamorous. She voiced her concern to the director who promised to make changes in her role. Vidya wants to do more women-oriented roles.”

The source adds, “Vidya doesn’t want to protest too much as she doesn’t want to upset David, so she has quietly opted out though the producer and David are insisting that Vidya is still doing it.”

A spokesperson for Vidya says, “Vidya is not doing the film but it’s because she doesn’t have the dates.”

Well, Saif Ali Khan isn't really breaking up with his hot girl Kareena. It's just that he's set to romance a popular British model in his home production.

Florence Brudenell-Bruce, a face of John Lewis swimwear brand, plays the actor's British girlfriend in director Imtiaz Ali 's next untitled project!

Deepika Padukone is the leading lady of the movie which is co-produced by Saif.

The 22-year-old Florence who's fondly called Flee also shakes a leg in an elaborate song with the actor.

The model who has dated Formula One celebrity driver Jenson Button for over two years, has apparently said that she has had a dream of acting in movies for a long time. When she learnt that a Bollywood director was holding auditions in London for the role of Saif's British girlfriend in a Hindi movie, she gave it a shot.

After two auditions she was told that she'd bagged the role!

Since she's been a regular model in Britain for over four years, she's used to facing the camera, but acting in a Hindi film was a challenge, no less.

To make herself familiar with Bollywood she decided to watch a few flicks like the English versions of 'Guru', 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Race' starring her hero Saif.

The model also shot for the film in Delhi recently and was spotted at the fashion week in the capital.

She's made it clear that she would like to work in more Bollywood films, if there are good offers!

Looks like the moolah and the 'different kind of' glamour sure is enough to tempt her!

Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel is very happy these days and it’s all because of her boyfriend Kanav Puri.


It was only last week when Kanav surprised the Kaho Na Pyaar hai babe with a special gift of a watch. Says Ameesha, “Kanav had been away on work. I kept Karva Chauth and went in the evening to my friend’s home where we were all going to break the fast together. It was a Karva Chauth-cum-pre-Diwali party. I was expecting Kanav to arrive the next day. But he came on time just to surprise me.”

Ameesha continues, “Kanav is a champagne addict and after giving me a glass of water, he snatched it and replaced it with a flute of champagne. I told him after fasting the whole day I’d be flat out if I had champagne! Kanav is wonderful! For him, every day is a celebration! I wore a red-and-gold zardozi Neeta Lulla sari; Kanav wore a traditional kurta with jeans.”

So there you have it… our little Ameesha is all loved up and happy at last. Lets just hope that this relationship doesn’t go the same way as her others… but one thing before I sign this article of… how come Ameesha drowned herself in champagne at the end of such an auspicious and religious day… would it not have been better to practice a few prayers and some Hindu rituals instead… your thoughts on this please… use the comments section below to send them to us.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Kareena Kapoor Says No To Hollywood

Kareena Kapoor is not game for small roles in Hollywood. The actress would rather do meaningful and bigger roles in Bollywood, like the ones she's doing right now. So when Gurinder Chadda, approached Bebo with a role, for which she was in talks to cast none other than Johnny Depp himself, Kareena declined the offer.
Our source says, "Gurinder had approached Kareena for a film that she planned to make on a lavish scale. It was going to be made on an international level. She was even toying with the idea of casting Johnny Depp opposite her. But Bebo has no dates to spare as she's busy shooting non-stop for her current crop of films."
Besides, revealed the source, "Bebo isn't awed by the international offers that are coming her way. In fact, Kareena maintains that she rather be the czarina of Bollywood than a slave in Hollywood."

Minissha Lamba was recently spotted stepping out of a Bandra nightspot with a mystery man. She has been spotted with the same man on numerous occasions. Although Minissha had admitted in a recent interview that there is a man in her life, she was reluctant to reveal any other details.However, we probed further and came up with a few details about the new man in Minissha’s life. Our source revealed, “Minissha is dating a Kashmir-based businessman named Sohail.They first met at a party and have been dating each other for the past three months. They seem very serious about each other.”Minissha is keeping their relationship under wraps and is not too keen on revealing much about his personal life because he does not belong to showbiz. However, when we spoke to Minissha, she denied seeing anybody and refused to comment on the guy.She clarified, “Just because I am seen with a friend does not mean that I am dating him.I am single and not dating anyone right now.”

British actress and model Florence Brudenell-Bruce plays Saif Ali Khan’s girlfriend in his new, as yet untitled, movie directed by Imtiaz Ali and also starring Deepika Padukone. Flee, as she is known, and who was racing driver Jenson Button’s girlfriend for two year, followed up on news that the director was holding auditions for the role in London and landed the part. “I had met Imtiaz in London while the audition for the casting was going on,” she says, “I had gone to audition for the part of Saif’s girlfriend. When I went there, I hit it off with Imtiaz immediately. And then, I went back for another casting and the next day, I got a call from India telling me that I’d got the role.Flee has already been filming in Delhi and has beefed up on her knowledge of Bollywood movies by watching Race, Om Shanti Om and Guru. She is a former student at top school Woldingham, and has also worked as a fashion model.


“I’ve been a model for four years in London,” she explains, “I also act there. My brother lived in India for a year about four years ago, and I love the country. Now, I love Bollywood too! I would love to do more movies here.”

We saw Priyanka Chopra taking a dig at Katrina Kaif while speaking to a news channel. Apart from her ongoing long term verbal dual with Kareena Kapoor for years now, Priyanka seems to have opened another war front by taking on the reigning box-office queen Katrina. Priyanka said, “I love to do films that have me in important roles and not where I am used just as a prop. I don’t see any reason to do films where I have 4-5 songs and 15-20 scenes just because they are touted to be commercial successes. What is the point of acting in such films and giving seven back to back hits? That doesn’t make you grow as an actress!”
Getting more venomous she further added, “I may have delivered a few flops but even those had me playing important roles. I have not and will never act in films where my role is inconsequential and that my only job in those films is to look pretty.”

All these clearly hint at taking on Katrina Kaif who has delivered 7 back to back hits in hero centric subjects with her roles in all the films right from Namastey London to Singh Is Kinng being almost negligible. Her only job was to bring in the glamour quotient to these films. Priyanka who debuted in Bollywood in 2002 is a year senior to Katrina who debuted in the doomed Boom which released in 2003. But what is interesting is that till date while Katrina has 8 hits to boast of Priyanka just has six!

We also heard that both Kat and Priyanka have signed two film deals with UTV and the price for which Kat has been signed for is supposed to be Rs 5 crore i.e. Rs 2.5 crore for each. Whereas Priyanka’s deal was at a much lesser price.Now with Priyanka’s Fashion and Dostana up for release soon and Katrina’s Yuvvraaj too round the corner, it remains to be seen who goes one up on the other. We were also wondering whether Priyanka now being a part of the SRK camp has anything to do with this sudden outbursts!

Last year when Aamir Khan’s directorial debut TAARE ZAMEEN PAR and Akshay Kumar starrer WELCOME, directed by Anees Bazmee, had hit the screens (during the Christmas occasion) on the same day, huge speculations were made as to who would come out with flying colours since both the superstars have equal star power. But nothing of that sort happened and both the movies belonging to their respective genres did exceedingly well at the box–office. Both the films were among the top grossers of the year.
Now the two superstars might once again clash at the Box–office during the same time i.e. Christmas & again in different genres with Aamir Khan starrer action–packed GHAJINI and animation movie JUMBO in Akshay Kumar’s voice. While Aamir Khan’s much hyped GHAJINI is already confirmed for 26th December than Akshay Kumar’s JUMBO has kept a tentative release date of 18th December which is a week before Aamir Khan’s GHAJINI. However it is yet to be confirmed whether JUMBO would release on the same date when GHAJINI hits the screens or on the said date.

Even if the two hit the same day we hope both turn out to be super duper hits like their earlier counterparts – TZP and WELCOME.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Aishwarya Rai semi-naked for magazine cover

The following is a scan of a magazine cover from 1997… take a look and let us know what you think…

Known for his ever-so-changing looks and style, Aamir Khan is now an idol for many of his fans. From the village-boy look in Lagaan to the spiky look in ‘Taare Zameen Par’ the man has adorned himself to become Bollywood’s style icon. Now the perfectionist Khan has donned the perfect ‘killer’ look for his upcoming flick ‘Ghajni’.


His masculine bare-chested-look with designer tattoos on it a real stunner. There’s no doubt that the man is carrying it off really well. A movie a year, that’s all we see of Aamir. He strives for the perfect look and gets it right every time, that’s what makes him our ‘Perfectionist Khan’.

Here’s what Aamir had to share about ‘Ghajini’ in his exclusive interview.

Q: Your new look in ‘Ghajini’, how did you manage it so well?

Aamir: The look required extreme physical training. I worked-out for 3 to 4 hours a day and trust me I worked really hard for a whole year!

Q: What inspired you to make ‘Ghajini’?
Aamir: ‘Ghajini’ is actually an adaptation of a Tamil movie. I was very impressed with the movie and that’s it that was my inspiration. With ‘Ghajini’ my perpetual attempt is to surprise the audience - to give them something new.

With her father in hospital, father-in-law still reeling under the illness he was recently hospitalised for and hubby Abhishek’s films bombing at the box office, this is not a good time for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The actress now finds herself in hot water over a run-in with the Indian Income Tax Department. Ash has recently received a legal notice from the IT Dept that accuses her of evading huge amounts of taxes. According to officials, Aishwarya was supposed to pay Rs 14 lakh in taxes on the glittering crown she won as Miss World in 1994. But the beauty neatly got out of it back then by declaring herself an NRI. Over the years, the amount has multiplied to Rs 50 lakh with interest. What’s the penalty going to be now? How is Ash going to clear her tarnished image? Watch what experts have to say.

Shahrukh Khan has finally broken his silence on the spat with Salman Khan during Katrina Kaif's birthday bash. In an interview with a newspaper Shahrukh accepted that although there is nothing common between the two of them they have been friends for almost two decades. He also added that when the spat occurred Salman dealt with it in a very immature manner. Shahrukh said that he thinks like a father where as Salman thinks like a child.

On the question of Sallu and SRK coming together again, King Khan said that both of them were happy in their own world. If the reunion takes place it is good and if doesn't its even better. It will be interesting to see what Salman has to say on this. The fight has affected the entire industry and made them divided into two camps. Salman has gone on to break ties with all those people who are close to SRK. Indeed this was an immature act from the eternal bachelor of Bollywood!

Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee looked adorable together in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai but you may never see them together in the future if the latest news is to be believed. The grapevine is abuzz with the news that Shahrukh is upset with Rani and even kicked her out of his Temptation Reloaded tour.

Rani has to pay a heavy price for commenting on the recent spat between Shahrukh and Salman. She said that she didn't like the fight a bit and that she was disappointed. She even came for the grand finale of Salman's game show 10 Ka Dum. This attitude of hers has not gone down too well with King Khan. Aggravating the relationship even more, Shahrukh has axed her from his Temptations Reloaded tour.

Interestingly, Salman's girlfriend Katrina Kaif is said to be still part of the show. May be Shahrukh has sparred her for not making her feelings public about the spat!

Many are facing the consequence of Salman-Shahrukh's spat, first it was Katrina Kaif who despite of indulging in the fight cut off from SRK's Temptation Reloaded and now its poor Rani Mukherjee. Like films, Rani is also fast washing her hands from good buddies. There was a time when Rani used to be seen in King Khan's side off and on screen. Industrywalles well acquainted about their friendship. But after Sallu-SRK's tussle when Rani took hold of Salman's shoulder, SRK turned furious. In the consequence, he axed Rani from Temptation tour.

It all happened in front of the world when Rani appeared on the grand finale of Salman's Dus Ka Dum and has raised up the issue which neither Shahrukh nor Salman are reluctant to speak. Rani on that particular episode said, "When I heard about it (the fight), I did not like it a bit. I was very disappointed."

Rani is a loyal friend of King Khan and like any friend, SRK also expect Rani to stand by his side in thick and thin but he is really hurt when she ditched him and favored Salman.

Now its clear that those who will get indulge in a brawl with SRK have to face similar consequence like Rani. For some unpleasant cause, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone are also excluded from the tour.

Canadian comedian of Indian origin Russel Peters who's also internationally famous has launched an attack on Bollywood. The man is not too impressed by the Bollywood movies despite reports of the progress the industry has made internationally in recent years.


He's reportedly said, "I wouldn't watch a Bollywood film even if I am at the lowest point of my life. These films have horrible stories and terrible acting. I don't know why your films have singing or dancing every other minute. Either you are telling a story or you are not."

We know that most of the news about Bollywood growing by leaps and bounds is created by the overenthusiastic Indian media. It's great that someone has seen through the sham and has straightforwardly talked about it.

He delivers another shocker when he says, "Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Bachchan) is the biggest example of bad acting. She has proved it time and again how it can do wonders. In Bollywood, people can become superstars just by having a pretty face."

Now not everybody can be floored by her charms or think she's the most beautiful women in the world. Will Smith is, her family obviously is (they have dubbed her the perfect bahu) but not people like this motor mouth stand up comedian.

Wonder how and Ash and the rest plan to react to his blatant and unkind remarks! Or will they just choose to ignore it all?

The link up between Salman Khan, the most eligible bachelor of Bollywood and ethereal beauty, Katrina Kaif has attained a status of universal acceptance since long. And there are even speculations about Kat profiting career wise from her superstar boyfriend. But has just a few-years old heroine overshadowed the superstar of Bollywood? This seems to reflect so clearly in the new promotion posters that feature Katrina prominently – and lead actor Salman seen nowhere!

The publicity campaign for Yuvraj is in full swing in Mumbai, but the most striking thing is Salman’s conspicuous absence from its posters and hoardings. Salman plays the lead role in the movie, but Katrina, who plays the main musician in the movie, is all over the publicity material.

When asked about this peculiar omission, Katrina clarified that her picture on the posters is everyone’s favourite in the crew, even Sallu’s. But Subhash Ghai had a different story to tell. He stressed that the publicity material for the movie is in sync with the music release, and Kat is the leading musician in the flicks, so this explains the overshadowing presence of Katrina everywhere.

Though director Ghai has rubbished the possibility of Katrina having grown into a greater star phenomenon than apna Sallu, but what is visible sure beats all clarifications. To see is to believe, then should we?

Shahid Kapur is set to play a double role in Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminey. The film is a comedy in which one character, played by Shahid, stammers while the other one lisps.


Vishal insisted that Shahid go through workshops before getting into the act and so Shahid learnt the entire art required for his characters before the film went on the floors. Our source close to the unit confirm that, “Vishal is very excited about it and Shahid Kapoor is brilliant in the film, both his characters are really funny”

We sent a text message to Shahid to confirm the news but he replied, “I can't talk about the film now so won't be able to comment.”

The film also stars Priyanka Chopra and Amol Gupte in lead roles and is produced and directed by Vishal Bharadwaj.

She is a rock star with her own band, Extramentals. She composes, writes and sings her own songs. She is also the daughter of Kamal Haasan.


And like her famous father, it doesn't take long for Shruti Haasan to succumb to the arc lights.

The singer is making her entry into the world of films with Soham's film, Luck, opposite Imran Khan.

In the first part of this exclusive interview taken before she started shooting for Luck, Shruti tells Shobha Warrier how it feels to grow up as Kamal Haasan's daughter.

Being the daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika, was it inevitable for you to be in the film industry?

I would say even if I had tried, it would have been impossible for me to escape [being a part of the film industry]. The truth is, I did not want to escape. I always pictured myself as a part of this world.

When did the realisation come to you? Was it when you were very small?

Yes. It was not like saying I wanted to be a singer, dancer or an actor. I found that my dad was very happy with the few things I did. I think all kids feel that way. And I was genuinely interested in being on stage singing and stuff like that when I was in school. I can't really pinpoint when it all began.

Shah Rukh Khan has at last broken his mum. The Bollywood Badshah has come out with his version at last about the much-hyped tiff he had with co-actor Salman Khan.

The ‘fight’ occurred at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party, where an irate Salman Khan rubbed King Khan the wrong way, leading to an icy silence between them since. The incident divided the Mumbai film industry into two camps, with Shah Rukh and Salman supporters coming out to support their favourites.

It also put some actors in a fix, as taking the side of one spelled coldness to another. The cold war seems to have stretched longer, if Shah Rukh’s words are to be taken into account.

“It’s ok. There is not much common between us, we think differently, we speak differently. We have spent a good time together. But with time, that fact has got blurred,” Shah Rukh told a national daily.

When asked about any chance of their coming together anytime soon, he added, “We are happy in our worlds. If we come together it is good. If we don’t it’s even better. We are not friends, but it doesn’t imply we are enemies,” Khan said.

Before SRK’s statements, Salman had agreed about the coldness, too. He had said, “Yes there is a problem. But it is no big deal. Problems do occur in everybody’s lives. If after eighteen years of friendship something happens then it does not mean a lot.”

But SRK hit hard when he commented on the most eligible, but hotheaded bachelor of Bollywood, “I think like a father, while Salman thinks like a child!”

The silence has been broken, but not the ice. These words promise more division in Bollywood, and the ‘diplomatic ones’ (spell Aamir Khan) are going to have a hard time balancing their friendship.

Celebrities' personal life is a fodder for the media. They always hunt for the suitable opportunity when some popular stars will be caught in a trap and they will flash the news everywhere. Media always keeps a tab on the move of the stars and no sooner they find a juicy story, they are thrilled to blaze it. And if the celebrity is like Aishwarya Bachchan then the intensity and news value is doubly. Like last year, this year too media interferes in the private affair of the Bachchan ladies. They hide cameras in secret position and focused the Bachchan ladies performing Karva Chauth rituals.

Big B who returned home from hospital on the auspicious occasion seemed not content with media's interference on their private life and burst over them. Speaking out against the violation of his family's privacy he says, "The prying electronic media positioned themselves at vantage points to invade private space inside our home. It a callous, abhorrent act. Our privacy was invaded without our consent. Otherwise the ladies of the house were happy and content. They involved themselves with all the rituals connected with the occasion and the evening went off delightfully well."

One is a huge star while the other is a fine actor with great cinematic sensibilities. Shahrukh Khan might be the king of Bollywood who's delivered plenty of super hits (in spite of King Kumar's rapidly growing popularity) but Aamir Khan has always managed to hold his own with sensible flicks like Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par and even the movie which he produced for his nephew Imran Khan, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.

Now smart Aamir hasn't and won't go blatant with his war with Shahrukh like bad boy Salman Khan. He would rather do it his own subtle way. Not very long ago he blogged about a dog called Shahrukh which created quite a controversy but it didn't go out of hand (maybe because of Aamir's restrained ways).

Thereafter this smart Khan probably even played mediator when the great Salman- Shahrukh spat at Katrina Kaif's birthday party happened in his presence. But Aamir is not done yet and his subtle rivalry with King Khan continues.

Now Shahrukh is the brand ambassador of Dish TV while Aamir has started representing Tata Sky. When he was queried about the competition, Aamir joked and categorically told the people present that he doesn't know what Dish TV is.

Aamir further ruled out any kind of competition with the Baadshah by saying that he doesn't follow others, does what he feels is right and only concentrates on what he has to do. And that's not all. He also didn't forget to point out that he too is a mass hero and his appeal is not restricted to the classes.

But naturally he means to say that he can give Shahrukh a run for his money in the 'mass appeal' department too. This guy sure knows how to put his message across diplomatically!