Bollywood News Blog

Christensen, Thai Model All Set To Star In Bollywood

2007-02-26T00:06:00.000-08:00

In recent years Bollywood blockbusters have increasingly featured western actors, with one, Alice Patten, playing the lead female role in the 2006 release "Rang de Basanti." But far eastern faces have been less common in the Mumbai-based film industry, except for the occasional gangster slot. Christensen, who is well known in the Thai fashion and advertising world and who has also released a pop album, said she was excited about her role in the film. "I have grown up on Bollywood films. I have seen many of them in dubbed version. I am more than happy today to be a part of this film project," she said at a cast party this week in a Mumbai nightclub. "I don't know how to speak Hindi and I am sure I will pick up this language while shooting," said the actress jokingly, before explaining that her role was mainly in English. The film, "Bombay to Bangkok," is about a Mumbai chef who ends up in the Thai capital after impersonating a doctor. Shooting will take place in both Thailand and India. "I noticed that though we are different people there are many similarities between our cultures. This would be one of the highlights of my film 'Bombay to Bangkok'," said director Nagesh Kuknoor. "All Thai models are gorgeous. It is difficult to choose and pinpoint who is better than whom. I chose Lena because I felt she could communicate more easily and she is beautiful." The film, which is being produced by veteran filmaker Subhash Ghai's company, Mukta Searchlight, is expected to release in the middle of this year.

Kajol And Hrithik Are The Best

2007-02-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

Talented Kajol, who made a comeback with "Fanaa", won the award for best actress while Hrithik Roshan walked away with the best actor award for "Dhoom 2" at the 52nd Filmfare awards function here. This year Filmfare honoured three renowned film personalities with the Lifetime Achievement Award - Jaya Bachchan, Yash Chopra and Javed Akhtar. Jaya received the award from none other than husband Amitabh Bachchan. Also, a special memento was presented in the name of late actress Smita Patil. Her sister Manya and son Prateik received the memento. Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra won the critics' award for best film for "Lage Raho Munnabhai". Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra won the best director trophy for "Rang De Basanti", which also bagged the best film of the year award. Abhishek Bachchan won the best supporting actor award for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" and Konkona Sen Sharma the best supporting actress for "Omkara". Best comic actor award went to Arshad Warsi for "Lage Raho Munnabhai". Director Raju Hirani accepted the award on the actor's behalf because the actor is in London. Saif Ali Khan, who is recuperating from chest pain, got the best actor in a negative role award for "Omkara". Abhijit Joshi and Rajkumar Hirani bagged the best dialogue award for "Lage Raho Munnabhai". Also, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Hirani won the best story award for the same film. Jaideep Sahni bagged the best screenplay award for "Khosla Ka Ghosla". A.R. Rahman was given best music director award for "Rang De Basanti". The award for best lyrics went to Prasoon Joshi for "Chand Sifarish" in "Fanaa". Shaan and Kailash Kher got the best singer male award for the same song and Sunidhi Chauhan bagged the best female singer award for "Beedi" song in "Omkara". The song also won the best choreography award for Ganesh Acharya. Newcomer Kangana Ranaut's was appreciated for her performance in "Gangster - A Love Story" with the best debut award. "Rang De Basanti" also won the best cinematography award. The very first FairOne Filmfare Technical Awards was given to "Krrish" for best special FX. Quite a few stars performed at the function, including Rani Mukerji and A.R. Rahman. But the highlight of the evening was Sridevi's performance. It was a treat for the audience because she was seen in action after a long hiatus.

Water Loses Oscar's Race

2007-02-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

Deepa Mehta's "Water" has lost the Oscar race for best foreign film to Germany's "The Lives Of Others" at the 79th annual Academy Awards. "Pan's Labyrinth", a fable set in wartime Spain and directed by Mexican filmmaker Guilermo del Toro, and considered a hot rival to "Water" won three Oscars Sunday - for art direction, achievement in makeup and cinematography. The other foreign film nominees include Algerian "Days of Glory" and Denmark's "After the Wedding", which begins in an Indian orphanage, "Water", a Canadian entry, revolves around Indian widows while "The Lives of Others" tells of East Germany's secret police - the Ministerium fur Staatssicherheit, or Stasi - and its surveillance of artists during the Cold War

Nishabd Is Just Isn't About Sex

2007-02-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bollywood Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says his forthcoming film 'Nishabd' deals with the psychology of a 60-year-old man who falls in love with an 18-year-old girl. ''The film dwells with the genuine emotions of the man and the effect it has on his family when confronted with such a situation and how they deal with it. The audience understand the honest and genuine feelings of my character in the film rather than sex and sensuality,'' Bachchan said at a press conference after the music release of Ramgopal Varma's latest film which stars himself and newcomer Jiah Khan, here last night. Nishabd releases on March two. Filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj has composed the music of the film. Bachchan has sung one track 'Rozana' composed by Vishal. He felt that with the audience rapidly maturing in their taste for good cinema, it was high time that filmmakers experimented with creative ideas rather than stick to escapist cinema. Bachchan said he had no reservations about accepting the role. ''When I read the script, I knew here was nothing to fear,'' he said. ''what is important is to look at the situation which the characters find themselves in. It is what creativity and filmmaking is all about,'' said the Big B. ''Creativity is about imagining what would happen if they find themselves in such a situation. The film is about dwelling into their minds,''he added. Human beings are complex and it is never that easy to comprehend why people do what they do. Relationships are never as simple as they appear to be, he said. To a question on whether relationship as shared by his character and newcomer Jiah Khan in the film is justified at the end of the movie, Amitabh said, ''for that you will have to see the entire film.'' To a question on whether he apprehends criticism about doing the film considering the flak he has received for 'Boom' and Sexy Sam character in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna', Amitabh asked, ''Do you think I should not have done Sexy Sam character. But, it was no frivolous as it was made out to be.'' 'Nishabd' is Ramu's most sensitive story about human relationships. Varma is a responsible director and I have faith in his capabilities,'' said Amitabh. Varma said he would not have attempted this film had Bachchan not agreed to do the role. ''I used his larger than life image, performing talent and strength in the film. A body ages, feelings do not,'' he added. When asked why he took the risk of making an unconventional film when his recent films have not done well, said, ''A film is a film and cannot be perceived as a risk before its release.'' Newcomer Jiah Khan said she plays her age in the film. ''My character is of different shades who is extreme in her thoughts. It was interesting to play such a role,'' she added. Meanwhile, Red FM presented the music launch of the film and the live preview along with the cast and crew.

Double Treat This Valentine, Courtesy Boman Irani

2007-02-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

This Valentines, he would be giving a gift of a different kind to his fans as he appears as a. With an author backed role in a setup created by, the man whose Munnabhai series have made him a household name, for the film. What does Being Cyrus, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Khosla Ka Ghosla and Don have in common? Boman Irani. 2006 was a superb year for him as he came with at least 4 notable performances in these films. The year might have ended on a bleaker note than he thought it would with a disappointing I SEE YOU, but this February he is ready to strike back with Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya - The Royal Guard and Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. Boman acts as a King in Eklavya - The Royal Guard and is expected to come up with a performance that would boast of high drama. Releasing on February 16, the film is expected to be one entertaining outing. A week later, Boman is seen changing the gears and chilling out with boys and girls half his age as he takes on a honeymoon trip with his onscreen wife Shabana Azmi in Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.

Preity Zinta Will Probably Be BSNL's Brand mbassador

2007-02-12T23:54:00.000-08:00

Ofcourse, no movies, so lot of ads. And now in a bid to give itself a more energetic outlook and image, state-run BSNL is considering to rope in Bollywood actress Preity Zinta as its brand ambassador. When contacted, the PSU sources said no agreement has been signed yet as the decision is still under process and the picture is likely to clear in next 10-15 days. BSNL, with a subscriber base of over five crore, has off late been very aggressive in its marketing exercise in order to shed the typical PSU image and be seen as a lively brand for all categories of users. The PSU has a little over three crore fixed line users and 2.44 crore mobile users. It has a market share of 22.13 per cent in the mobile segment. Its arch rival Bharti has Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan as the brand ambassador, while regional brand Spice has Priyanka Chopra endorsing the handsets. Bollywood couple Ajay Devgan and Kajol had once endorsed Tata Indicom brand. Reliance Communications' CDMA brand of mobile services was once endorsed by cricketer Virender Sehwag.

Black Friday A Hit In Karachi, But On Pirated DVD

2007-02-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

"Black Friday", the Bollywood film based on the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai, got the thumbs up in India only last week, but pirated copies of it have been a complete sell out in this city for months. The sales of pirated DVDs and VCDs peaked following the official release of the film in India on February 9, a city-based dealer informed. The release of "Black Friday" -- which centres around the blasts which ripped the Indian metropolis killing over 250 and injuring 700 in March 1993 -- was delayed by two years as it could prejudice the trials of the accused. However, as the 13-year trial finally ended September last, with the judge finding 100 of the 123 defendants guilty, the film was finally released last week. Salman Ahmed, a shopkeeper at one of the biggest markets of pirated movies and music said, "We got the pirated prints a few months ago, but sold it only to a select few as as it was a controversial film and we didn't want trouble from authorities." "However, after the release in India there is a huge demand for the film. People want to know what the film is about," he said. Another shopkeeper said, the release in India had generated fresh interest in the film. Karachi is the hub of pirated movies and Indian releases usually mean big business for shopkeepers.

Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.

2007-02-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

Excel Entertainment's 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.' is about newly married couples on a package honeymoon tour to Goa, says debutante director Reema Kagti. '' Exciting and cheerful, this vacation is a subsidised option for a lot of dreamers on the brink of their new life,'' she said while interacting with the media about her maiden venture. The film is woven around six couples, a guide, a driver and a handyman riding in a bus from Bombay to Goa. Juxtaposed into the hectic four-day schedule in the film, is a radio show called 'Pyaar ke Lamhe'. The jockey plays the role of an omniscient narrator and discusses individual characters, revealing secrets about them and their past. The film's narrative humorously unfolds different stories that explore the nature of love and human relationships. From the time the bus leaves Mumbai, a man on a bike follows them all the way to Goa. We don't know who this 'mystery man' is. He is dressed in leather and a helmet throughout, until one day. Directed by Reema Kagti, the film stars Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Ameesha Patel, Karran Khanna, Raima Sen , Kay Kay Menon, Minissha Lamba, Abhay Deol, Sandhya Mridul, Vikram Chatwal, Dia Mirza, Ranvir Shorey, Darshan Jariwala, Chandan Bist and Naved Aslam. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, music for the film is provided by Vishal and Shekhar.

Koena Mitra Engaged?

2007-02-09T23:11:00.000-08:00

Recently Koena Mitra pulled off successful prank on her colleagues with very little effort and tricked them into believing that she is getting engaged. Koena sent SMS writing: "I know this may shock and surprise you but you are invited for my engagement on Feb 29 at J.W. Marriott Hotel. Invites will reach you soon, please message me your address." Most of her friends failed to notice anything unusual about the date 'Feb 29' and the actress received more than 45 SMSs in response to her invite. Her friends' lack of attention added up to a satisfying and an unusual experience for the actress

The Migration By Mira Nair

2007-02-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

In Mumbai now to promote her latest film The Namesake and finalising Bachchan for Shantaram Mira Nair has her hands more than full, shooting a film in Mumbai about the city. It's a film on AIDS called The Migration written by Zoya Akhtar featuring Irrfan Khan, Sameera Reddy, Shiney Ahuja and Raima Khan. It's a 21-minute film that will take nine days to shoot. A film is a film no matter what its length. I'm working as hard on it as I did for The Namesake or would do for Shantaram.," says Mira. This is the same project that first went to Vidya Balan and then Priyanka Chopra. Mira began shooting The Migration on Feb 6.

Disqualification Threat For Jaya Bachchan?

2007-02-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

Actress Jaya Bachchan is once again caught in controversy after having been disqualified once from the Rajya Sabha for holding an 'office of profit'. She now faces a complaint for concealing her family's assets in the mandatory declaration made by her at the time of filing her nomination before her re-election to the upper house of parliament. Jaya is alleged to have skipped the mention of a huge chunk of land, owned by her husband actor Amitabh Bachchan, in Barabanki district, about 30 km from here. In his complaint addressed to the Election Commission of India, Ameer Haider, a Barabanki based lawyer and a small-time Congress activist, pointed out that though Jaya filed her nomination a fortnight after the land was transferred in Amitabh's name, she did not mention the property. The election commission promptly asked R.P. Pandey, Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha poll returning officer, to look into the matter. On Feb 6, Pandey sent a letter to Jaya Bachchan seeking her explanation on the issue. "Her reply is awaited", Pandey told. He, however, declined to disclose any details. The transfer of this land in Amitabh's name was also challenged earlier through a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the High Court here in October. "In an obvious bid to avoid identification, Bachchan had mentioned his name as just 'Amitabh'. Even in his father's name he had cleverly dropped Bachchan," petitioner Satya Narain Shukla had then pointed out. The petition is still pending before the court.

Traffic Signal Will Never Be Shown In Himachal Pradesh

2007-02-05T22:54:00.000-08:00

Himachal Pradesh has banned Madhur Bhandarkar's just-released film "Traffic Signal" for using the word 'kinner' to denote eunuchs. Tribals from the state's Kinnaur district are upset over the use of the term in the film, which takes a peek into the lives of people living near traffic signals in metros. The people of the district maintain that under the constitution only they have the privilege of being called 'kinners'. They have demanded that the film be banned across the country. The state government took the decision to ban the film late Wednesday. A state government spokesman said that unless the objectionable word 'kinner' was removed, the ban will continue. Bhandarkar reportedly refused to oblige. In 2001, the government banned a film titled "Kohram" as it had a villain called Virbhadra Singh, the name of the chief minister. The ban still continues.

Why Should We See Parzania?

2007-02-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

As the fifth anniversary of perhaps the most macabre sectarian conflagration in Gujarat's history approaches, there is something eerily familiar about emotions surrounding the decision not to show "Parzania", director Rahul Dholakia's celluloid reminder of those events. A bizarre cocktail of ideological conviction, commercial calculation, unstated fear and pure bigotry has upstaged the movie's release in the state. For most ordinary Gujaratis, the decision by cinema owners not run the movie has none of the lofty dimensions of a freedom of expression debate. For them it is just another movie whose screening or lack thereof makes no difference. "Ema shun? Evun to chale (What's the big deal? It is okay)", is how a young woman at Wide Angle multiplex on the city's upscale S.G. Road reacted when asked what she thought of the decision. Her young male friend was even more dismissive, albeit distinctly happy with his painful attempt at punning when he said, "We have seen the real riots. Why see reel ones?" While these reactions may not be representative of what Gujaratis in general feel about the "Parzania" imbroglio, they certainly encapsulate the feelings of a very large section of people in the state. "I am not at all surprised that 'Parzania' is not being shown. That is how Gujarat has become," well-known classical dancer Mallika Sarabhai, who has been at the receiving end of the Hindu fundamentalist wrath for the past five years, told. Sarabhai, who has often been reviled by the state's Hindu groups for her liberal views and liberal lifestyle, said people had become "quite shallow" when it came to such serious questions. "They are the kind who blow with the wind. Unless there is a change of government I do not see hope," she said. It was in February 2002 that Gujarat witnessed raw terror in the aftermath of the deaths of some 50 Hindu train passengers. The incident set off a wave of coldly calculated murder and mayhem against the minority Muslim community in several cities and villages. Many critics believe the retaliation was at the very least connived at if not actively encouraged by the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The BJP and its affiliates dismiss all such charges saying the violence was "spontaneous" and came in the face of the mass murder of Hindu pilgrims. The timing of the release of "Parzania", which is based on the real life story of a Parsi family in Ahmedabad caught in the crossfire and which loses its young son, may have been entirely fortuitous but it has the potential to revive the memory of 2002. While Dholakia says it is important for the people of Gujarat to see the film if only to remember history and not repeat it, anecdotal evidence suggests that a majority of Gujaratis do not want to be reminded of those days. Another young woman at the Wide Angle multiplex who called herself just Ketaki said, "I am 17 now. When the riots happened I was just 12. I do not want to know what went wrong and who is to be blamed. We have to move on." Himanshu Vyas, a spokesman for the Gujarat unit of the Congress party, said, "The people of Gujarat are open-minded. They should see this film made by a fellow Gujarati. It is not a communal film but it is a film about the tragedy of a single family against the backdrop of a larger issue." Asked if the theatre owners were toeing the BJP line in not releasing the film, Vyas told, "Many of them are scared of what the Hindutva forces might do. That is so wrong. Gujarat cannot afford any further reiteration of its image as an intolerant state. We have to change this mindset."

Shahrukh Is Not Fighting Bachchans

2007-02-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

Shahrukh Khan says he finds out which actor he's supposed to be fighting with from the newspapers. "A few years ago when I used to get up in the mornings I would quickly check the papers so that my kids don't see it, just in case I'm fighting with someone,'' Khan said in a television interview with Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, according to a newspaper report. The Asian Age newspaper carried excerpts from the Star World show "Koffee with Karan'' to be broadcast this weekend. The popular celebrity talk show begins its second season Sunday with Khan and actresses Rani Mukherji and Kajol. Khan, 41, has been in at the center of a media storm with news reports claiming a bitter rivalry between him and fellow actor Amitabh Bachchan, 64. Khan has recently started hosting "Kaun Banega Crorepati'' _ a television show based on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", which Bachchan used to host earlier, adding more fuel to rumors of rivalry. "His family is nice to me, kind to me and I'm kind to them. We get along very well,'' Khan said about Bachchan. "But I have to keep on justifying this and it's a little embarrassing at times.'' Khan and Bachchan have acted together in several films including last year's blockbuster "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna''. In the past there have been reports of rivalry with actor Hrithik Roshan. Khan and Roshan, 32, have also worked together in the successful "Kabhi Khushi, Kabhi Gham''.

No More Participation In Reality Shows, says Shilpa

2007-02-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

Indian cinestar Shilpa Shetty, winner of the 'Celebrity Big Brother' which has catapulted her to global fame and an offer for doing a musical for British composer Lord Andrew Lloy Webber, has vowed not to take part in a reality TV show again. "No way. I was shocked by the lack of respect, the burping, farting, drinking and swearing. Great Britain is where Shakespeare was from -- it's known for its culture and high tea but I didn't see any of that, apart from Cleo," 31-year-old Shilpa told Daily Mirror. Dismissing complaints that she was superior and controlling in the show, Shilpa said: "I was never controlling -- I just wanted to go with the flow. There was never a time when I said: you have to do it my way." "When Jade said I was spending too much time in the kitchen, I took a back seat. I like to defuse trouble." Shilpa has been bombarded with offers from companies such as Tesco and the Indian tourist Board. She has also been approached about writing a book, has dozens of film and TV offers and Andrew Lloyd Webber is said to be keen for her to star in a musical. She would like to unwind and have some sleep, Shilpa said adding, "all the creative decisions are taken by me and the financial ones by my mother. I don't even know how much I make, I'm so blast about money. "I'd love to do a cookery show called, 'If Shilpa Can, Anyone Can'. With a mischievous grin she said: "Or maybe I should do an advert for chicken Oxo cubes." Shilpa said she planned to stay here for some more time as her visa has been extended. It has come as a disappointment for her biggest fan -- and biggest critic -- her proud sister Shamita. Shamita, who is also an actress, turns 28 tomorrow and hoped Shilpa would be back in Mumbai to help her celebrate. Shilpa smiled as she said: "My sister told me, 'you have never won any awards for your films -- but you won the biggest award when you were playing yourself."

Akshay, Aamir Or Shahrukh? For Dhoom 3

2007-02-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

The whisper that is gaining credence is that Aamir Khan is all set to replace Shahrukh Khan in the forthcoming ‘Dhoom 3’. Another bit of rumour doing the rounds is that Akshay Kumar shall be playing the negative role. Considering that John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan made the ‘bad’ look so-cool in the first two sequels, it seems like a distant probability that Aamir shall opt for anything less than the best for himself in brand Dhoom.

Where is Mandira Bedi? No! Not Out Yet

2007-02-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

At the threshold of the World Cup 2007 many films are trying to release with 'Meerabai Not Out' being one of them!! Starring Mandira Bedi as the central protagonist, the film is all about cricket and revolves around her character. This film is a quickie that has been completed in record time produced by Pritish Nandy Communications who are known for their cool small/medium budget films. The other attractions in the film are the stars Eijaz Khan and Anupam Kher with a special appearance by Anil Kumble. The film is directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni.

Accident That Could Have Been Fatal For Amitabh Bachchan

2007-02-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Bollywood's actor Amitabh Bachchan is thanking his turban for saving his life after he was kicked on the head by a camel while shooting for a film, a newspaper reported on Thursday. The 64-year-old actor, playing a royal guard in Eklavya, a period film about palace intrigue, was shooting a scene in which he had to pass through a herd of 400 camels. The Mumbai Mirror said one of the camels suddenly landed a kick on Bachchan's head, leaving him dizzy for a few minutes. "Mr Bachchan kept saying 'the turban saved my life'," director Vidhu Vinod Chopra was quoted as saying by the daily. "I would have never believed it happened, but then we spotted the camel in action on the monitor,” Chopra added. Bachchan wore a traditional colourful turban worn by villagers in Rajasthan for the film.

Aftab Shivdasani Blushed While Kissing Celina Jaitely

2007-02-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

Aftab Shivdasani was extremely nervous the day he had to do his very first kissing scene in his film Red opposite Celina Jaitley. Aftab even stopped his girlfriend Yana Gupta from coming to the sets that day. A very understanding Yana Gupta says, "I was supposed to drop in that day and I knew he was going to enact some hot scene. This was the very first time he was doing a kissing scene in any film and it's quite natural that he would be conscious about it and not want his girlfriend around." She continues, “I’m happy he's done it. It's important to understand that this is an inseparable part of our profession and it would be only stupid to feel jealous; only people who are insecure about themselves and their relationship would feel threatened by a screen kiss. You cant and don’t build a relationship based only on all this anyway, so why give it so much importance?" Yana is happy about the way Aftab's career is progressing, "Knowing Aftab, on an impulse he would have rejected doing the scene but it's good for him as he is changing his image and this film finally shows him in a different light. He's shaved off his head, changed his look and is looking much different and is prepared for different roles. He is no more just the cute guy but a handsome man and this movie will put that across, and I definitely encourage him in every aspect."

Vidya Balan Turned An Year Older On Jan 1

2007-01-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

On Jan 1 Vidya Balan turned a year older. "It's good to have your birthday on 1 Jan. No one can claim to forget the date," Vidya laughs. "Not that I intended to have a big party or anything. My birthday started as usual at midnight with pooja at home. The day was spent with family and friends. Why should that change?" Vidya is content with 2006. "After Parineeta I needed to consolidate my position. Lage Raho…Munnabhai did that for me. Hopefully 2007 will start for me on an auspicious note when Salaam-e-Ishq and Eklavya release." Vidya has been shooting hard. Now it's time for her to shoot down rumours about a rift with Aishwarya Rai during the making of Mani Rathnam's Guru.. "By now I've gotten used to all kinds of link-ups and rumours. But this one truly takes the cake. I can't say we got along like a house on fire simply because we didn't have that many scenes together. But whenever we worked together Aishwarya was a dream co-star…an absolute delight, and someone I look up to. To even suggest that she had my role cut is so ridiculous. I was aware of the extent of my role from the start. I did Guru for the pleasure of working with Mani. There're moments in the film where Aishwarya needed to reach out to me emotionally. She did it so naturally and spontaneously she won me over." A story doing the rounds suggests that Vidya didn't attend the Candian premiere of Guru because of Ms Rai. Vidya's melodious giggle fills the air. "This is too much. I wonder who's spreading such nonsense, and for what purpose! I was in Australia shooting for Sajid Khan's Hey Baby on 10 Jan. The premiere of Guru was in Canada on the 12th. There was no way I could reach there and get back to my shooting without disrupting Sajid's schedule. I wouldn't do this to anyone, least of all Sajid Khan who's a first-time director and a dear friend." She takes a deep breath and ends, "I hope this puts to rest all these silly speculations about Aishwarya's role in my life. She's way above all this petty politics. Her dignity in the face of adversity is exemplary. If I can possess even a fraction of her poise I'd consider myself lucky."

Don't Ask Kangna Ranaut For Dancing

2006-12-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

She's the powerhouse actress from "Gangster - A Love Story" and "Woh Lamhe", but put her in dancing shoes and Kangana Ranaut freezes. She kept stepping on her co-star Bobby Deol's toes while shooting for "Shakalaka Boom Boom". "She's very good at the Indian steps. But she tends to get put off by Western dancing. So, while we were doing songs from 'Shakalaka Boom Boom', she was uncomfortable," Bobby told. "She even poked my eye during dancing," laughed Bobby. "She's so tall! And yes, she kept stepping on my toes. But thank god she's such a lightweight. Imagine what would happen to me if it was a heavyweight heroine." "But seriously Kangana needs to get stronger. I kept telling her to have glucose between shots." Though Bobby enjoys dancing, he is still not comfortable with pelvic gyrations. "There're many movements that I still can't bring myself to do. For instance, the pelvic gyration - now it's become so routine that it doesn't even look vulgar. But I can't do it! "Likewise, kissing scenes. I have said no to them but you never know about the future. My golden rule of living is, 'never say never'. That way you don't have to eat your words."

No love marriage for me now:Celina

2006-11-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

It is some serious rethinking time for Celina Jaitley. The sassy lass has been bitten not once but twice in love and now she has turned extremely apprehensive about the concept of love marriage. Still reeling from the jolt of her ugly break-up with firang boyfriend Sean Teague, Celina is now seeing meaning in the tradition of parents choosing groom for their daughter. As of now, marriage is certainly not on the cards for this comely actress whose career is on the rise. Recounting the bitter past she says, "I have learnt several lessons after I failed in love. Now, I can't trust people anymore, especially just on their face values. I have had both sweet and sour memories but the best part is that love has made me a mature person. Without getting into the details of her past affair she adds, "Today the world is such that emotional values are not given preferences. I have faced emotional blows in love and I know how difficult has it been to come out of it." At the moment Celina is single and quite happy with her status. She is also very excited about Vikram Bhatt’s dark romantic thriller Red which she shot in the days of her break off with Sean. Celina says her role in the film helped her vent out her repressed emotions. This way the role became cathartic and obviously close to her heart. About finding love again, Celina says she is indeed in love, but with her work. She will be seen playing very different roles in Sangeeth Sivan’s Apna Sapna Money Money and Sunil Darshan’s Shakalaka Boom Boom.

I've no problems with Kangana

2006-11-25T14:17:00.001-08:00

Who's spreading all the rumours about Shiney's high-handedness? The upcoming actor has no clue. "I first heard I was throwing my weight around, making constant demands on the sets, asking for juice constantly as though I was some kind of a juice monster. Of course I do have juice on sets. But what's so starry about that? As for my staff, please ask them if I ever throw my weight around. I even heard that Sudhir Mishra is fed up of my behaviour on the sets of my new film when in fact he has been and continues to be my biggest supporter." There were also rumours of differences with his Woh Lamhe co-star Kangana. "I've no problems with Kangana at all. You'll have to ask her if she has a problem with me. In fact life couldn't get any better for me. So many things have come up simultaneously. I'm shooting non-stop till the end of April." He has decided he'll only do the films that will further his career and for no other reason except because it feels right. Says Shiney, "I've done enough films for sentimental reasons. Now I need to take some hard career decisions. In fact my new film for T Series with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan to be directed Priyadarshan is my first step towards a more commercial cinema. I suddenly have people coming to me with viable projects." Shiney's career couldn't get shinier. He had two releases Woh Lamhe and Zindaggi Rocks on two consecutive Fridays. But he wasn't nervous. "I just took off to Dubai to shoot my first ad." It's a Vodka ad. " It was my first endorsement after I became an actor and my first as a brand ambassador. We worked with a South African and German crew. Tejal Pattni did the cinematography. Of course I used to be modeling before movies. I don't mind doing an alcohol ad. I come from an army background where social drinking is seen as permissible. These Vodka guys insisted that I'm the right person for it. And they told me they'd have no other brand ambassador." About his hugely supportive role as the man who looks after the troubled female protagonist in both his new releases Shiney smiles. "My performances in Woh Lamhe and Zindagi Rocks could've easily fallen apart. I'm reminded of Irrfan Khan in Maqbool. Though he played the title role it was Pankaj Kapoor who was center of attention. I guess I was placed in a similar situation in Woh Lamhe. Even in Gangster people complained I wasn't seen enough. At least people didn't have that complaint when they saw me in Zindaggi Rocks. I narrate the whole story and I'm there from beginning to end." Shiney is a little tired of being seen in dark films about desperate measures. "Everyone seems to think I'm this intense actor, and I can't seem to do anything about that image. I just happened to get these roles and I liked them. In fact, though Hazaar Khwahishein ….was an intense film I was cocky and funny…I don't want to be labeled a serious actor. I crave to do a singing dancing role. I thoroughly enjoyed doing the Kya yehi pyar hai music-video for Woh Lamhe." Isn't he purposely choosing films that compound his serious image? " There was never any question of not doing Mahesh Bhatt's Woh Lamhe or Sudhir Mishra's new film Khoya Khoya Chand because I owed them. They gave me Gangster and Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi. So many people have called …In fact Zindaggi Rocks was my lunge towards a more mainstream cinema." He shrugs off rumours of professional tension with Kangana. "There's no friction from my end. Kangana is my co-star in two films. I feel we get along quite well. But she said something in an article that really surprised me. Whenever we're together we're very comfortable with each other. It's best to keep things pleasant. Because you never know if you'll work together again." His closing thoughts on Zindaggi Rocks. "Everyone worked very hard on the film. And the director Tanuja Chandra hasn't been seen in theatres for quite a while. Contrary to to the promotion Zindaggi Rocks wasn't just a musical. It was a very emotional story. I wish the drama had been more prominently projected in the marketing. I've done what I've to with utmost sincerity. I try to survive in the showbiz jungle to the best of my abilities. I'm an outsider trying my best to find a foothold."

All that glitters is gold on Aishwarya!

2006-11-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Bollywood's classic fever is getting costlier day by day. First it was JP Dutta's Umrao Jaan for which budgets hit the roof and now we hear that director Ashutosh Gowarikar has even raised the bar for himself to an extent where the film may well end up exceeding the opulence of Mugal-e-azam. Apparently, real gold and diamond jewellery is being used for the film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. As for the safekeeping, all jewellery has been kept in a special executive room, and all actors have to go there to wear their ornaments. Around 50 guards have been hired for the security of the jewellery alone. The period film is being shot in Jaipur currently, and a team of 80 people has been designated for the styling of the jewellery that the cast will adorn. Reportedly even the pagdi that will adorn Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar will be custom made for him. A leading tabloid quoted a source as saying, "Yes, there are several people who are specially taking care of the jewellery. Besides, all the actors are also taking personal interest in the jewellery." "They have used emeralds, rubies and pearls, all specially designed for the film. They are all very expensive. For instance, a simple Rakhi on actor Sonu Sood's wrist costs around Rs 8 lakh." Jodha-Akbar is a movie about the romance between Mughal king Akbar and his Rajput wife Jodhabai. The film confines itself to the period before Akbar reached the age of 27 and their son Salim was born. As such, the film is essentially a young love story and maybe considered a prequel to the epic Mughal-e-Azam. In his quest for historical accuracy Ashutosh has read Akbarnama, a biographical account of Akbar written by Abul Fazl, one of the Navaratans of Akbar’s royal court and Ain-e-Akbari translation of Abul Fazal's Persian text. He has also consulted historians such as Irfan Habib of Aligarh Muslim University. AR Rehman will provide the musical score for the film and Javed Akhtar will pen its lyrics.

I'm a really mean Girl: Jiah Khan

2006-11-25T14:16:00.001-08:00

Director Ram Gopal Varma's latest protege Jiah Khan, set to woo audiences with "Nishabd", is being touted as his best discovery since Urmila Matondkar. Jiah is completely smitten by co-star Amitabh Bachchan. "I had never imagined something like this. Working with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan is too big even for dreams. Working with him and being complimented by him is a big thing," Jiah was quoted as saying. "I was taken aback when he told me that I'd acted really well. He said no one would've guessed it was my first film," said an elated Jiah. She also has high regards for Varma. "He is truly chilled out. He never yelled at me and gave me complete creative freedom. I was never asked to sit in a particular way or emote in a certain way. He confided in me and left everything to me." "Nishabd" is apparently based on Vladimir Nabokov's well-known novel "Lolita" and Jiah says she is proud to be a part of the film. "I've read 'Lolita' twice but 'Nishabd' is a beautiful love story and not sexually explicit like 'Lolita'. My character is a rebel without a cause. She is like this wild animal enclosed in a young girl, full of laughter, who doesn't care about the society. It was a tough role for a simple girl like me." Doesn't she feel "Nishabd" is a bold role to essay at the very onset of her career? "Luckily, the director has beautifully balanced my role in the film. There are multiple shades to my character. I am glamorous and funny. I laugh, I crack jokes and I cry. I am more than happy with the way it has shaped up," the newcomer added. Jiah is also a trained opera singer and recorded six pop tracks when she was 16. Now she wants to record an album. "I've written and composed the music of a few tracks with the help of friends. I have learnt classical opera since a very young age. I have learnt the piano. I have been learning dance for nine years. Now I would like to do something experimental, a mix between Madonna, lounge music and Britney Spears," she tells. What about her personal life? "I don’t have a boyfriend. Right now, I am too young to get into a relationship. But yes, I find myself extremely attracted to powerful men. They are very cool to hang out. I think it’s the Mr Bachchan phase that has put me in this mode. I don’t go for good-looking guys, as they are always the meanest. I should know, I am a really mean girl!" Not many know that Jiah declined director Anurag Basu's "Tumsa Nahin Dekha". "I was 16 when I was offered the film. I had no experience and I was required to essay the role of a 24-year-old in the film. It was difficult coping with something like that at such a young age," said the actress. A few big banners have reportedly approached her but she is first waiting for "Nishabd" to release. "I am very much a newcomer right now. I think the directors, producers and audience first see my film and decide what I am capable of," she said. For Jiah, becoming an actress was a childhood dream. "I always wanted to be an actress. I was born in New York and brought up in London. I did my English literature and studied acting at Lee Strasberg's institute. I took a break and came down to Mumbai. I met Ram Gopal Varma and after a few months he offered me 'Nishabd'," said Jiah. If the grapevine is to be believed, those who've seen the rushes of the film say Jiah is sensational and will definitely go a long way.

'John can never be my best friend'

2006-11-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

Bipasha has found herself a new source of excitement. "I'm launching my own website," as excited as she was when she signed her first film Bipasha reveals. "It will be maintained entirely by me. And it will have regular, almost daily updates of my life…my ideas, thoughts, observations, things that I want to share with my audience…. Not that I'll stop being media-friendly. I'm too media savvy to give up interacting in print. But yes, sometimes I do feel my words and thoughts don't reach my fans the way they are meant to. The need to express myself directly to people who know me through my fans was there within me. It will have everything about me—pictures of my family, pictures of my family, jottings from my diary…everything that people wanted to know about me, but didn't know where to look." Bipasha intends to update the website daily. "Though my schedules may come in the way. But I also intend to invite friends to write columns on my website. The interactive element will be really high. I'm made out to be this serious person when in fact I'm a fun person. I want to share my sense of fun with the people out there. I want to give them a chance to ask me anything I like." A unique aspect of Bipasha's website would be an auction site. "Every month I'll give away my stuff and the proceeds will go directly to the Make A Wish foundation which I've been associated with for two years." She's super-charged with the idea, and declares her laptop to be her best friend. "On second thoughts Susan is my best friend….John ? He can never be my best friend. He's my boy-friend…I intend to pore over the laptop between shots. So no more faffing on the sets."

'I can't forgive Mallika Sherawat'

2006-11-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

Couple of days back, when Mahesh Bhatt decided to throw a party to celebrate the success of Vishesh Films and 100 weeks of Murder, he sent an SMS to Mallika to join them. Mallika happily obliged and that was the end of three year old rivalry that started when she refused to work with the Bhatts in Zeher. Mallika made a timely entry only around the time when Emran and Ashmit were being felicitated on stage. But Emraan, who was already on stage, stepped down the minute Sherawat stepped up. It was Emcee Mareesha Parikh had to repeatedly request Patel and Hashmi to return to the stage to pose with Mallika — which they reluctantly did later. Later, Hashmi also admitted that their ‘cold war’ was still on, even though Mahesh Bhatt publicly acknowledged “Mallika’s huge contribution in making ‘Murder’ a box-office bonanza.” “Mallika and I had certain differences of opinion and I don’t want to talk about them anymore. Bhatt saab told me that I should grow up and forget the incident, but I’m sorry, I can’t," ha says. "I can’t give Mallika the warm welcome she thinks she deserves, because I don’t have warm feelings for her. But I’m not ill-mannered. I will not misbehave with her. So I went on stage, we met each other cordially and that was it.” The relation between Mallika and the Bhatts has been sweet and sour. It began with Anurag Basu-directed movie Murder almost two years ago and soured when Mallika demanded a hefty fee for Vishesh Film’s production Gangster that eventually launched Kangana Ranaut. Though Mahesh says he had never had any fallout with Mallika but he does admit that his brother Mukesh and some members of his production house have had some differences with the actress. "We would love to work with Mallika again. But both of us have to agree on a script. I think nothing is permanent in this industry, be it friendship or animosity," he gushes. Now that's what you call 'Success Ke Side Effects’.

I didn't want to be Pamela Anderson

2006-11-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

She may be one of India's most sought after actresses, but when it comes to donning a bikini for her latest movie, Bollywood beauty Bipasha Basu has the same fears as every other woman. "Let me tell you shooting in a bikini is not easy," the actress — who plays a cop in the movie Dhoom2 — told Hindustan Times in an interview published on Thursday. ''After three days of eating oranges, working out thrice a day and going paranoid, 'am I fat?' I did not want to look very oomphy, I wanted to look athletic,'' said Basu. ''I wanted to be a Cameron Diaz, I did not want to be a Pamela Anderson,'' she said. Basu, who is currently dating Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham, has starred in more than 22 movies since she entered Bollywood five years ago. Her recent films include No Entry and Phir Hera Pheri.

Rakhi can never be my friend now

2006-11-25T14:13:00.000-08:00

Kashmera Shah is out of the Bigg Boss and very furious with some of her fellow contenders from the show. "When Rakhi broke the fast she had kept so that I could remain on the show, I knew that I would be voted out. It was extremely wrong on her part. I realised she couldn’t be trusted. I never voted for her ouster. Rakhi has lost a friend forever," she fumes. Kash also feels that with her exit the show is going to turn into real drab affair. “All the colourful people are out now, so where’s the fun?” she asks. There is also the buzz that Kashmera’s marriage with her American husband Brad Listermann has hit the dead end. And these rumours gained strength when she herself confessed in a hushed voice to Rakhi Sawant on Bigg Boss that she is seeing Govinda’s nephew Krishna. Apparently the sparks flew between the two when they met on the sets of Pappu Pass Ho Gaya. According to the director of the film S. Soni, "They both were inseparable during the shooting. We did not realise it earlier but when Kashmera demanded that Krishna be shifted to the hotel where she is staying, we were surprised." Ask her if Krishna is the new man in her life and she tells, "I like him and we are doing a film together. At the moment, my marriage with Brad Listermann is not officially off. We are giving each other time. So let’s wait and watch." So where does she go from Bigg Boss? "I’m back to my stage shows. Now I’m going to happily tuck into some good food made by my cook," gushes Kash.

Rakhi Sawant A Die Hard Fan Of Lalu Prasad Yadav

2006-11-03T23:37:00.001-08:00

Item girl Rakhi Sawant is diehard fan of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and said she loves his lifestyle, rustic Hindi and body language. "Laluji is my favourite leader, I love him, he is the best leader I know," Rakhi Sawant told media persons in Patna before her dance show Sunday. "I know Bihar as Lalu Bihar, for me Bihar means Laluji," she added. Nitish Kumar's supporters were hugely disappointed when she said: "I know little about Bihar's new Chief Minister Nitish Kumar." It was not first time an actor has praised Lalu. He has huge fan following in Bollywood - Manisha Koirala, Shilpa Shetty, Pooja Bhath, Nagma, Bhagyashree, Pakistani actress Meera, Suniel Shetty, Govinda, Chunkey Pandey, director Mahesh Bhatt and Sanjay Manjrekar to name a few.

Forest Officials To Question Aamir Khan

2006-11-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

Forest officials in western India want to question Bollywood leading man Aamir Khan, who they allege filmed an endangered deer without first seeking official permission, a news report said. Wildlife and forest officials in Gujarat State are investigating whether any laws were broken when the actor filmed scenes there for the movie Lagaan, in 2000. Gujarat's Forest Minister, Mangu Patel, told the press that State officials have asked Khan, who also produced the movie, to appear for questioning on Nov. 6. The actor was not immediately available for comment, and it was not clear if he planned to go to Gujarat for questioning. A rare chinkara deer appeared in a short scene in the movie about poor Indian villagers reversing a repressive land tax by beating their British colonial rulers at a game of cricket. The animal was not harmed, but officials say the film's producers did not have permission to film the animal.

Himesh Reshammiya To Act In A Film

2006-11-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Music composer and singer Himesh Reshammiya is all set to wear the shoes of an actor in the film being produced at a cost of over Rs 75 crore. 'Aap Kaa Surroor, The Moviee, The Real Luv Story' would be directed by Prashant Chadha and is set to hit screens in June 2007. Asked about the style in which the words have been spelt for the title of the movie, Himesh said, "I have been guided by a numerologist and also we also we wanted to give a sense of styling to it." The singer-composer, who announced the film during his concert in the Wembely Arena, claimed it would be the biggest bollywood movie ever made. His concert was attended by over 10,000 people, mostly Non-Resident Indians in Britain. Himesh said the movie would also feature the best of nine musical tracks composed by him. It would be shot across the globe and would also launch two new faces, which have been kept as suspense, he added. "This would be a movie made in a budget of Rs 75 crore plus and would be shot in locations in Australia and New Zealand, which till today have not be shown to the audience," the movie's producer Vijay Taneja said.

Salman Khan Appeared In Rajhasthan Court

2006-11-03T23:35:00.000-08:00

Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Satish Shah appeared before the Rajasthan High Court here Thursday in connection with the poaching of chinkaras, a protected species of gazelle, during the shooting of a film in 1998. "The court has so far not fixed a date for next hearing in the case," said Hastimal Saraswat, counsel for Salman Khan. "Salman and Satish Shah appeared before the court to mark their personal attendance as the court had asked them to do so," Saraswat told. The court had on July 31 issued bailable warrants of Rs.5,000 against Salman and seven others and asked them to appear personally before the court. The ruling had come after the court admitted a Rajasthan government appeal for enhancing the jail term awarded to him by a local court in the Bhavad village poaching case. The government's plea had challenged a lower court's acquittal under various sections of the Indian Penal code and the Arms Act while finding him guilty under the Wildlife Protection Act. On Feb 17, Salman was sentenced to one-year imprisonment and fined Rs.5,000 by a lower court here that found him guilty of killing two chinkaras at Bhavad village in Jodhpur district on the night of Sep 26-27, 1998, during the shooting of Sooraj Barjatya's "Hum Saath Saath Hain".

Shahrukh Khan Turns 41

2006-11-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who turns 41 Thursday, plans to spend a quiet birthday with close friends and family. He has even cancelled a trip to Australia to be with his loved ones. Last year, he spent his birthday away from home in New York with NRI hotelier Vikram Chatwal and writer Deepak Chopra. The actor says he plans to sign more films. "Unlike last year, when I was tied down because of my back problem, this year I'm feeling much better. I am planning to sign more films than usual. If I had the power to change anything, I would add a few more extra hours in a day. I truly want more time," Shah Rukh was quoted as saying. Just a few days before his birthday his biography "SRK - Still Reading Khan" by Mushtaq Sheikh was released. The author has chronicled the ups and downs in Shah Rukh's life in his quest for stardom. Last year before his birthday British filmmaker Nasreen Munni released a two-part documentary on Shah Rukh titled, "The Inner and Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan". Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is Shah Rukh's close friend, will pay a special tribute to him on Zee Music in the special programme "Kabhi Karan Kabhi Khan". He will share anecdotes about Shah Rukh's life on the show. Born and brought up in Delhi, Shah Rukh forayed into filmdom in 1992 with hit film "Deewana". Nobody had thought then that one day this short, young man would one day become the superstar of the Hindi film industry. However, his guru Barry John, a well-known theatre personality under whom he learnt the nuances of acting, was convinced that Shah Rukh is star material. After hitting the bull's eye with "Deewana", Shah Rukh signed two films - "Baazigar" and "Darr", which were the turning point in his career. He played negative roles in the films, yet he managed to carve a niche for himself. During this period he featured in "Maya Memsaab". "Maya Memsaab" was an offbeat film in which he was paired opposite Deepa Sahi and their screen-scorching love sequences became the talk of the town. The best thing about Shah Rukh is that it didn't take him long to attain stardom and sign big banners like Yash Raj Films. His first film with Yash Chopra, "Darr", was released in 1993. After that he repeated Shah Rukh in their biggest blockbuster "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" (DDLJ), released in 1995. The phenomenal success of the film made him Chopra's blue-eyed boy. DDLJ's success was followed by "Pardes", "Dil to Pagal Hai", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "Devdas", "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Main Hoon Na". But it seems he has hit a rough patch as he hasn't managed to give a hit in the last two years. Critics feel that he has become typecast and the public is bored of seeing him do the same thing, film after film. Currently he is busy with "Om Shanti Om" and "Happy New Year" and says he doesn't worry about the future. "I only see one hour ahead. I don't think about the future. For me, the magic lies in the moment," he said in an interview.

Shahrukh Says He Is Very Islamic By Nature

2006-11-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Shah Rukh Khan, the undisputed king of Bollywood who turned 41 Thursday, wanted to spend a quiet birthday but television news channels hyped it to the extent that little else seemed to be happening in India on the day. But then, why blame the TV channels alone? Such is the star's fan following that in Kolkata, a museum named 'SRK: The God In Many Moods' was unveiled with memorabilia, posters, books and much more information on him. Since morning, the news channels ran clips from his films and even conducted a quiz on him. The otherwise stern Karan Thapar also dropped his headmaster-like countenance while interviewing the actor for CNN-IBN, during which SRK candidly admitted: "I don't have any plans for the wrinkles and pot belly (era). In fact, I never plan. I agree that there will be a time when some people would not like to see me on screen. I will have to accept that. But it is a sad thought." Talking about religion he said: "I am very Islamic by nature. But I feel that is it the most misunderstood and misrepresented religion. It is as secular and open as any other religion." STAR Gold telecast a special programme "Jabardast Janamdin" that paid tribute to the actor by showing some of his most talked about films. Shah Rukh joined their efforts by hosting the two-episode show "Inner and Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan". FM Channels ran quiz shows and distributing CDs and cassettes of Shah Rukh movies on the occasion. Most of Shah Rukh's films might have bombed during the last two years but this has not marred his popularity. This year also he failed to hit the bull's eye with Karan Johar infidelity drama "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" and Farhan Akhtar's action thriller "Don", a remake of 1970s super hit film of the same name. Shah Rukh, however, says it doesn't take him long to digest the criticism and go back to his usual self. Towards this end, he is now planning to sign more films. Right now he is busy with "Om Shanti Om" and "Happy New Year". He is also breaking records in the endorsement arena by earning about Rs.200 million. From home product Lux to international brand Tag Heuer, he is endorsing everything coming his way.

In Competition With Amitabh Bachchan??

2006-11-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

Actor-politician Vinod Khanna, who is making a comeback in Bollywood with three movie, says he does not regret his decision to embark on a spiritual journey with Osho and quitting the industry at the peak of his career more than two decades ago. ''I have always enjoyed acting. But I am a weird person and make my own choices. At that point of time, I felt my spiritual journey was more important so I returned signing amount of 30 films and quit the industry. After I started working again, I realized that I wanted to do something for the country and joined politics,'' the 60-year-old debonair actor, who was considered a strong contender to challenge Amitabh Bachchan the one man industry of the 1970s, said while interacting with mediapersons on the sets of his movie 'Risk' which releases on December 15. Khanna says that being a minister in the BJP government for three and-a-half-years prevented him from taking up film assignments. ''Now that I am three-time MP, I am settled in my constituency and several primary issues that needed urgent attention have been resolved and settled like connectivity to airports, railway tracks and other basic infrastructure,'' he added. The former Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism said he had no political ambitions and was content looking after his constituency Gurdaspur in Punjab. Khanna has just completed Vishram Sawant's 'Risk' for K Sera Sera productions and another film by a Dubai-based producer. He will soon begin work for Subhash Ghai's untitled venture starring Salman Khan, Hema Malini among others. The actor agreed that he missed out on his film career earlier. ''But, I was fortunate to have a great spiritual guru. I know what I have achieved in that journey. I do not regret quitting the industry at that point of time. It is the people who feel that I was missed,'' he said. The veteran actor who is best remembered for his performances in 'Mere Apne', 'Inkaar', 'Achanak', 'Khoon Pasina', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' to name a few said he was now looking for good meaty roles and wanted to make a comeback in movies. In the last few years, he was seen in 'Deewanapan' and 'Leila'.

Akshay Kumar And Lara Dutta In Romance

2006-11-03T23:31:00.001-08:00

Priyadarshan has spared no expense in making his latest tour-de-force Bhagam Bhag. And this has proved true as he used a mind blowing 32 locations all over the beautiful city of London with famous spots such as Green park, Hyde park, Oxford University, Kensington and Piccadilly Circus to create a gloriously romantic aura for the song 'Tere Liye', featuring Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta!! Wow, the song is sure to be a sight to watch! And that's not all to watch out for in this fun film as it stars an unusual combo of actors, adding to its surprise element. One will see for the first time on screen an exciting combination of Akshay Kumar and Govinda along with Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Tanushree Dutta, Arbaaz Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, Manoj Joshi and Jackie Shroff. Produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd, let's hope Bhagam Bhag makes our Christmas season even merrier!

'Ramu Ho Gaya Paagal'

2006-11-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

Till now we thought only Ramu could come up with bizarre ideas till we met another man, Anil Kumar. A debutant director of Poornima Films International, is making a film called Ramu Ho Gaya Paagal, based on the life of ‘a’ film director. It is about a film-maker who comes to Mumbai to make films, find success, falls in love with an actress and casts her in all her movies. He reaches a stage in his career where he ends up making bad films. But he insists that his film has nothing to do with Ram Gopal Verma. Ha says, “No. Why should I make a film on Ramu? My hero is a director. His name is Ram Prasad Sharma and he’s called Ramu. I respect Ramu as a filmmaker and as a person. I have never met him and if given a chance I will meet him for sure but I am not making a film to ridicule or embarrass him.” But when Ramu was contacted for his reaction, the maverick director laughed off over the issue by saying, 'somebody has finally realised the truth!

A Real Tawaif Helped Aishwarya In UmraaoJaan

2006-11-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Making a new film on the life and times of the legendary Lucknow tawaif Umrao Jaan Adaa hasn't been an easy task for Movie Moghul J.P. Dutta. And now just days before the release of Umrao Jaan comes the news that the Shia section of Lucknow feel JP's film does injustice to that city and its prized tawaif. According to a report in a Mumbai paper, Maulana Yatoo Babbar (who's apparently a descendent of a Nawab family) and Nawab Mir Jaffar Abdullah (apparently of royal lineage) are unhappy that the film hasn't been shot in Lucknow and that not enough attention has been paid to period details and other research. Incidentally Nawab Mir Jafar Abdullah was not only part of Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan, he also desired to be in the cast of J.P.Dutta's Umrao Jaan. JP, neck-deep in release hassles takes time off to laugh at the allegation. "It just goes to show how much research these guys have done before making such accusations against my film. I shot two long schedules in Lucknow stretching into nearly sixty days. In fact Umrao Jaan is dedicated to the city of Lucknow and its people. They co-operated so much. I had heard about the unruly crowds of Lucknow. On the contrary the local crowds were there." As for the research, JP explains, "We had a gentleman and scholar named Yasa Rizvi with us from the start. He's an authority on that period. What's more I had a 70-year old lady named Zarina Parveen who's the last of the tawaifs constantly on the sets. She was there to instruct Aishwarya on the adaas." JP not just contributed considerably to the choreography of the Mujras, he shot Ash's dances with three cameras. "That's a scaling-down. We had nine cameras for LOC," quips JP. As for the unhappiness of the Shia community over Umrao Jaan, JP shrugs. "The Shiates of Lucknow told me they were very happy to co-operate. 'Hum par aapka bahut badaa karz hai. Aap Husaini Brahamin hain.' You see the Duttas fought a war with the revered Husain. If the Shiates are today pointing a finger at me they're pointing a finger at the Husaini Dutta." Why the constant attack on Umrao Jaan ? Explains JP, "Umrao Jaan is the first big-budget mainstream Hindi film shot voluntarily in Lucknow. Other films like Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Shyam Benegal's Junoon and Muzzafar Ali's Umrao Jaan were shot in the city because they couldn't afford to shoot on elaborate ostentatious sets. I chose to shoot in Lucknow because I owed it to the city, and Umrao's memory. I chose Lucknow not because of lack of choices, but because it was my only choice. No one demanded any money from me for shooting in Lucknow. When I first landed in the city to meet the parents of a dead soldier for LOC, I had decided I had to make a film in Lucknow. I shot almost sixty days in Lucknow for Umrao Jaan." He pauses for breath. "This isn't a small manageable arthouse film. It's a big film on a legendary poetess and courtesan. So far such films were seen to be the creative property of avant-garde filmmakers. The myth might be broken now. As for the questions about Aishwarya Rai's ability to portray Umrao, they'll be answered in ample measures when the film releases."

Abhishek Was Fun: Aishwarya

2006-10-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Diplomatic to the core, Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai set aside questions about her marriage and said that she had left everything to fate. "Marriage will be an eventuality for sure but only God knows about the time," she said interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the launch of a new watch collection of Longines. Aishwarya is the ambassador for the brand. She was poker-faced while answering questions on her relationship with Abhishek Bachchan with whom she is starring in three movies. "Abhishek is a friend for sure. He is a fantastic colleague and I had a fabulous time working with him this year," she said. When she spoke of the 'fun' she had with Abhishek, she was quick to add, "it was obviously on the sets as we get along very well professionally." Aishwarya's forthcoming movies with Abhishek include Umrao Jaan, Dhoom-2 and Guru. Speaking about the recent string of Bollywood hits like Lage Raho Munnabhai, Rang De Basanti, Khosla ka Ghosla, she said it was great to see good cinema being appreciated by audiences. "Moviemakers would get confidence from the success of different genres of movies recently," she said. Talking about her stint in Hollywood, she said her two movies Provoked and Last Legion will be released shortly. Provoked would be dubbed in various Indian languages. Aishwarya said she was actively considering a script to act with Hollywood actor Will Smith.

Pyaar Ke Side Effects Releasing On 15th of September

2006-09-08T04:21:00.001-07:00

Pritish Nandy Communications has announced the worldwide release of ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ on September 15. Directed by Saket Chaudhary, the film is a romantic comedy with an ensemble cast comprising Mallika Sherawat, Rahul Bose, Perizaad Zorabian, Kiron Kher and Satish Shah, among others, the company informed the Bombay Stock Exchange yesterday. A confused Rahul, who plays a DJ in the movie, panics when his girlfriend Trisha (Mallika) proposes marriage to him. Thus begins his nightmare as Sid (Rahul) scans through women's magazines, his sister's advice, his mother's constant nagging and his room-mate's red alert against marriage. Company sources said major Indian territories have all been successfully contracted, while Eros Multimedia has acquired the overseas rights. T-Series has already released the film’s music. Star TV, which has acquired the company’s last 13 films, has also acquired the world satellite rights of the flick. The home theatre rights for India are with T-Series, a company release said.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai Is Simply Awesome

2006-09-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

From star cast to technicians, writer-turned-director Rumi Jaffery says he took "all those who love" him in his first film, "God, Tussi Great Ho", which stars Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra. "This is my first film and it comes straight from my heart, so I took all those in the industry who love me. From actors to technicians, the film is full of my friends," Jaffery told. "The film is an out and out comedy with a universal message on humanity and nature," added Jaffery, who has written dialogues for hits like "Mujhse Shaadi Karoge", "Chalte Chalte" and "Jodi No. 1". Does the Big B play god in the film? "No, no. People say that because there is 'god' in the title. Amitabh actually plays Salman's godfather," said the debutant director. "In the industry I am closest to Salman. He is like a brother to me. Amitabh used to keep telling me to make a film and that he'd act in it. Sanjay Dutt and Govinda, too, have been very encouraging that I make this move from scripting to directing," he said. Which of his own scripts find favour with him? "My own favourite scripts are 'Chalte Chalte', 'Aa Ab Laut Chalen' and 'Rang', which was made 15 years ago with Divya Bharti in the lead," he said. And how goes the shift from writing screenplays to directing? "Basically I am a writer. Writing is what I began with. But I find I am enjoying direction, too. Earlier I used to watch somebody else shoot what I have written. Now I shoot what I write and that is fun." Though Jaffery is busy tying up the last-minute loose ends of his debut film, he did take time out to watch "Lage Raho Munnabhai". "The film is just great. I watched it before its release and I am still drunk on it. 'Lage Raho...' has a fantastic message and I am happily playing PRO for it," he said. "God, Tussi Great Ho" is expected to hit the screens early next year.

Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar To Set Up A College

2006-09-08T04:19:00.000-07:00

Actor director Manoj Kumar wants to set up a college in the Braj area of Uttar Pradesh. Manoj Kumar told a gathering during the annual three-day Swami Haridas Sangeet Mahotsava in Vrindavan, near here, that his ancestors were originally from Mant in Mathura district before they migrated to Lahore. Manoj Kumar, whose family opted for India at the end of British rule in 1947, said he was proud of being a Brajwasi and a Saraswat Brahmin. He vowed to open a college in the region.

Aishwarya Rai Brings The Dubai Traffic To A Standstill

2006-09-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Dubai came to a standstill when Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai was shooting for an advertisement film of a well-known soap brand. Dubai traffic went out of gear as shooting caused serious traffic snarls on the Emirate's major arterial road Sheikh Zayed Road yesterday during the day-long shoot for Lux International. The shooting scene involved a group of young boys and girls dancing through the streets as Rai walked past them wearing a floral frock flashing a smile. Large groups of fans and onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of the actress who was totally relaxed when the camera rolled while angry motorists blared their horns. Bollywood Director Rohan Sippy, who directed the ad film, said an international crew handled the entire project. Rai's 'global appeal' made her the obvious choice for the project, said the organisers.

Isha Koppikar Is Don's New Mistress

2006-09-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Bollywood sensation Isha Koppikar will play the role of a mafia don's mistress and a don herself in two upcoming movies about the underworld. Koppikar plays the mistress of a crime boss in Farhan Akhtar's Don, which is to be released in October and stars superstar Shah Rukh Khan. After Don, Koppikar plans to do an about turn and will play the role of a don in the movie Shabri, based on the life of a female underworld boss, a national daily reported. The movie is under production and no release date has been set as yet. "Don is a big bet in hi-fi glamorous look, while Shabri gave me a chance to prove myself," the daily quoted Koppikar as saying. Koppikar had to put on weight for her role in Shabri, "but while emulating the sufferings she had gone through, I lost my appetite," she reportedly said.

Sameera Reddy Jumps From 100 Feet

2006-09-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

Actress Sameera Reddy, who has played a glam girl in "No Entry or "Taxi No. 9211", has done many a stunt in "Naksha" in the role of a TV journalist. "It was exciting doing the stunts. There was a stunt where three of us had to jump from the Mahabaleshwar plateau. It was a drop of 100 feet into nothing. I was very scared. But Viveik (Oberoi) said, 'look I'm right here beside you and I assure nothing would happen.' And that gave me the courage. "In 'Musafir' too I had done all my stunts. But in this film it was different. It had kind of real action. But thanks to Allen Amin, the action director, I felt safe." Sameera and Viveik got along like a house on fire from day one. "Viveik is a friend. He was a lot of fun to work with. We actually had a blast on the sets as well as off the sets. We had fights with each other throughout the film and we had fun doing those. Viveik is an intense actor who prepares a lot before every scene." She says apart from Viveik, Sunny Deol also helped her in executing action scenes safely. "I have always felt a lot of respect for Sunny. When I met him for the first time I found him to be such a cool guy. There is also so much to learn from him in acting and action departments. He used to teach me and guide me in my action sequences. He made sure I was always doing it right," said Sameera. Talking about her role she said: "It's a very cute role. I play a city girl. She is a travel show presenter. She is someone who loves to take good care of herself and enjoys modern-day self-grooming. "And when she finds herself in the middle of nowhere with two men the adventure begins." "Naksha" is reportedly the first adventure flick made in India, and Sameera feels that it will appeal to everybody. "The film would cater to all kinds of audiences. And it feels good when kids go and watch your film. "The film has a lot of humour and action. Though the film would fall into the action-adventure genre, it wouldn't necessarily cater to a selected audience." The film has been shot in Kullu Manali, New Zealand and Thailand. "We are so used to being in safe and well-protected places. This movie was shot in places which seem to be in the middle of nowhere. I used to love going out for walks. We even had a chance to shoot with the local tribes." Sameera says she got to know the tribal people and describes them as fun-loving. "I had a blast with them. They really make the best of their lives. Whenever we took a break the pygmies would come up and start dancing. "These people are real performers and true entertainers. There is a song sequence shot with around 100 of them dancing." On the film's music she said: "'Shake what your mama gave you' is my favourite song. There is also a Punjabi song with the pygmies and the three of us."

Rahul Khanna Is Very Much Alive

2006-08-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

The whole Bollywood was abuzz with rumors that Rahul Khanna, the son of Vinod Khanna and the star of Bollywood Hollywood has committed suicide. But Rahul Khanna insists he is alive !! “This is really absurd and an irresponsible rumor,'’ tells Rahul who was obviously disturbed by such baseless rumors. Khanna developed a throat infection and lost his voice recently and was not taking phone calls. And this could have caused the rumors, believes Rahul Khanna. “I would like to assure all my well-wishers that I’m fine. Don’t believe all these silly rumors,'’ told Khanna. Rahul starred in Deepa Mehta’s Bollywood/Hollywood opposite Lisa Ray and has hosted a host of Bollywood award shows. Recently Rahul has been shooting for Raj Kanwar’s ‘Raqeeb’ for a month and is due to appear in a few television programs. Rahul’s father Vinod Khanna is a prominent actor and politician. His brother Akshaye Khanna has been in recent movies Shadi Se Pehle, 36 China Town and Aap Ki Khatir.

Shilpa Shetty Didn't Hire A Gangster

2006-08-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

Shilpa Shetty's mother has said that her actress daughter was not involved in hiring a gangster to make extortion calls to a Surat businessman in 2003. Sunanda Shetty also said that the arrest of Fazl-ur Rehman earlier this month would not have any negative effect on Shilpa's career. "The case is against Mr. and Mrs. Shetty and not against Shilpa. Therefore, there is no question of trouble for her," said Sunanda, who had allegedly hired Rehman to make extortion calls to the owner of Parag Saris in March-April 2003. "Besides, a chargesheet has been filed and the matter is sub judice. The court will decide in time and I am sure the truth about this conspiracy will be out. I have full faith in the judiciary," she added. She said it was unethical on the part of a local tabloid to have published "incorrect" information regarding the case. "Right now this news doesn't interest people because there are more disturbing issues our city and country are facing. Let the law pronounce the guilty verdict, only then the press can shout from the rooftop." Reacting to the report, Shilpa had sent a legal notice to the paper and asked for an unconditional apology. She has also threatened to claim damages.

Mallika responsible for Sleaze

2006-08-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

Internationally acclaimed film-maker Jahnu Barua has called for a vibrant society to check the rising number of 'Mallika Sherawat-brand' of heroines, blaming the phenomenon on the negative aspect of 'liberalisation of Indian cinema'. He also urged the need to produce world-class movies, citing the example of Iran, which makes a dozen films annually but all top-class. The Padmashree awardee was delivering the fourth Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla Memorial Lecture on 'The New Trend in Indian Cinema - Thematically, Aesthetically and Technologically', organised by the Gauhati Cine Club, here yesterday. Mr Barua traced the origin of the type of commercial cinema we are seeing now to the economic liberalisation of 1991. He said, "Cinema is a huge economic investment, the content of Indian cinema was forced to go through rapid changes with the advent of new economic policies." While the liberalisation encouraged the film-makers to experiment with new themes, the multiplexes and various TV channels provided a platform for these films. He said the audience for 'alternative' cinema, which always existed, could be identified with these changes and films like "15 Park Avenue", "Everyone says I'm Fine" and "My Brother Nikhil could be counted in hits. English language Indian films and use of English in Hindi films was also growing, he added. Moreover, liberalisation also helped in bringing the true talents to the fore, he added. The 15 international-level award winner pointed out that this had also set in mediocrity and a lot of 'non-talent' had arrived. Mr Barua said liberalisation had brought in 'corporatisation', which had changed the look of the mainstream movies. He claimed that the heroine's image had been hit the hardest by this concept with the heroine taking over the vamp's role, as it made more economic sense to the producers. Quoting film critic Ajit Duara, Mr Barua said the success of Murder and Mallika Sherawat led to a glut of films like Girlfriend, Julie and Zeher, which saw the marketing of the heroine as 'commodities'. Mr Barua opined that the current bunch of heroines, starting their careers as models might have fanned the phenomenon as these girls were trained in a profession where 'creation of icons' is the primary target. Elaborating on the negative side of the liberalisation of Indian cinema, the director said subjects or stories were being given the least importance. "The most interesting effect is in how it has transformed the traditional story telling into something that is mostly borrowed from the West," he added. While appreciating the technological advances film making has seen over the years, Mr Barua said if ripped of its technological gimmicks, most films of the present lot would have no base at all. He said funding of films had become easier now but 'frequently the source is obscure and there are many vested interests involved'. He also lamented that organisations like NFDC and CFSI were not getting adequate funding, due to which quality films were not being promoted. On the regional cinema scene, Mr Barua, who has to his credit 10 Assamese films, said the condition was pathetic. It was more so for Assamese, Manipuri, Oriya, Kannada or Bengali films compared to Hindi, Tamil or Telegu films as 'it has become a question of survival not a new trend'. Mr Barua lamented the fact that there was 'hardly any new trend in our cinema'. He said there were only some haphazard changes in contemporary cinema, which have proved to be too short lived and purposeless. Mr Barua called for discussions on the current scenerio of Indian films and asked the audience to discard films which failed to portray society properly.

The New Don Is Much More Cruel

2006-08-28T03:18:00.000-07:00

It is same basic story but Producer Ritesh Sidhwani and Director Farhan Akhtar have made the film contemporary, infused more reality into the plot and packaged it more as a slick Hollywood style thriller that will appeal to Generation Y rather than a traditional low tech Bollywood Dhisum and Aah! fare. Don't be taken in by the word reality though. It is still reel reality not real reality. For example, Priyanka Chopra who makes a cameo appearance in the film, in the role that Helen essayed in the original, undertook a special martial arts training program for the film. However, I doubt the training made her lethal in unarmed combat! Talking about the new Don with Z-News Shahrukh Khan, 40, said, "It is not just difficult to catch the new Don, it is impossible!" He wasn't joking, of course, because the new Don is inclined to jump out of aircraft flying at 15,000 ft.! Farhan Akhtar reportedly got Hollywood's Joe Jennings to help him film the stunt for the film. Khan said tweaks to the script have made it very interesting in a manner that will readily appeal to even those who have seen the original film. However, he said, “The style of the music is different. Style of shooting is different. Style of designing is different." Judging by the tease trailers of the film the style is definitely different - slick and quick paced like Farhan’s Dil Chata Hai and Lakshya The music for Don is releasing on 26 Aug 2006. The film itself is set for release this Diwali along with two other big budget fares - Jaaneman and Umrao Jaan.

How Aishwarya Managed To Do That

2006-08-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

Going by Dhoom 2 Director Sanjay Gadhvi’s revelations Aishwarya Rai has made acrobatic assertions during the making of his film. He remarked that the comely lass trained for months for the action sequences in his pet project. “Ash has a lot of guts. She has done some awesome stunts in the film. She did power yoga for two months and has a perfectly toned body,” Gadhvi exulted in a newspaper interview. However, Gadhvi did not divulge details about the stunts in Dhoom 2 nor did her reveal much about the plot. The most he would let on is that it is a fast-paced cops and robbers movie. He however disclosed that the Dhoom sequel is slated for release later this year, and that it is “bigger, better” and “faster and more furious” than the original. The movie, which was filmed in Namibia, South Africa and India also stars Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.

Sameera Sexy Reddy Becomes More Popular

2006-08-28T03:15:00.000-07:00

Actress Sameera Reddy is on a high as her Bengali film "Kaalpurush" is one of the frontrunners in the best film category in this year's National Awards. And director Buddhadev Dasgupta is so impressed that he has already signed her for his next film. Dasgupta even said that Sameera reminded him of the late Smita Patil. "It's an honour to be associated with someone like Buddhadev Dasgupta. His sense of vision is just so amazing and he's got the best out of me. I gave up my Diwali and worked extremely hard. I'm glad my sincerity paid off. I went to Kolkata, learnt Bengali and actually saw how the women draped cotton saris there," says Sameera. "I play a frustrated wife who wants to become a writer. She's caught in a bad marriage and it's about the struggle that she goes through. Women will be able to identify with this film since it addresses real issues. As for Buddhadev's next film, I haven't even heard the script," she adds. About her forthcoming film "Naksha" she says: "I play a TV presenter, a city bred girl who lands up in a jungle with two guys. I had to get physically fit for this character. I learnt horse riding, river rafting and sword fighting. "I felt very protected with Sunny Deol and Viveik Oberoi. I couldn't have done those stunts without them. Initially, I was scared out of my wits while preparing for the cliff sequence. One safety rope was holding all of us. But the safety measures were really good. Sunny and Viveik made it much easier. They are real Punjab da puttars." Sameera doesn't quite agree with Sunny's reclusive image. "I don't think Sunny is shy and reclusive. He is one of the cutest co-stars I've ever had. He used to crack jokes at 5.00 a.m. when we all were drained out." A gizmo freak that Sameera is, she carries her portable play station everywhere. That probably explains the new mobile game that features her as a warrior princess. "I am a big gamer myself. As an actor I represent the young crowd and my image also goes with it. I worked on the game for a long time and it will be launched very soon," she says. Asked about her equation with sisters Meghna and Sushma, Sameera says she is thoroughly pampered by them though she doesn't see them working together in the near future. "I am like the baby of the house. My sisters really pamper me and are very protective about me. We never discuss work at home. Sushma and I are at different levels. We choose different roles. So I don't see us acting together in future."

No One Can Be Better Than Our Very Own Circuit

2006-08-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

While Munnabhai fans awaiting the release of Lage Raho Munna Bhai have their fingers crossed, Sanjay Dutt is confident that the sequel will be better than the original. In an interview, Sanjay Dutt talked about the forthcoming film and revealed his passion for the character of Munnabhai and Circuit! Dismissing the notion that the Munnabhai sequel must have put immense pressure on his ability to deliver the second time round Dutt revealed that the pressure was more on the Director Rajkumar Hirani, who had to work on many scripts before he was finally convinced that he had crafted yet another winner. And a winner it is, the 'Munnabhai fraternity' maintains. Munnabhai fans, and that is just about the entire country, understand well that underlying the box office success of the film was the special chemistry between Sanjay Dutt (Munnabhia) and Arshad Warsi (Circuit). Dutt and Warsi are friends in reel as well as real life. Talking about their onscreen relationship Sanjay said, "I mean it's so obvious when we see it and so rare to find this kind of bonding in cinema. According to me nobody can play Circuit except for Arshad". Sanjay also has a special bond with the producer of Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who is also a close family friend. Recalling how Chopra had been the first to turn up after the demise of his father Sunil Dutt, Sanjay said, "I mean what I should have done to give a bath to my father, I couldn't do it. He had to do it. I mean that's how close he is to this family. And he loved Munnabhai more than anybody else. If he doesn't like you, he will tell you so. He's so passionate about his work". Touched by Vinod's faith in him and his work, Dutt disclosed that distributors were initially not willing to touch the film Munnabhai but Vinod just went on filming it. Ultimately, Vinod's never say die spirit paid off and Munnabhai went on to become a huge box office success and even acquire an iconic stature. Dutt, who admits to having seen Munnabhai 50 times, talked passionately about his character in the film, "He is honest, he's humble, he's not pretentious, he's unbelievable. I mean like there's one scene in Lage Raho where Jhanvi (Vidya Balan) says ke kal Gandhi jayanti hai. He doesn't even know who Gandhi is. He's so simple. It's such an honest scene where I am asking Arshad ke Gandhi kaun hain, that scene on the bike. So these are unbelievable qualities of Munnabhai". Well, the launch date of September 1 is close at hand and whether the sequel will weave its magic once again and spell success for Sanjay and his comical band remains a moot point.

Upen Patel smitten by South African women

2006-08-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

Bollywood's new entrant Upen Patel is in Johannesburg shooting for Suneel Darshan's "Shaka Laka Boom Boom" and he seems to be smitten by the place, especially the women. "This place is a red paradise. It is so beautiful. I've seen some of the most gorgeous women out here. They are really beautiful. I'm totally in love with the place," said Upen. The actor is quite upbeat about his stylish look in the film, which also stars Bobby Deol and Celina Jaitley. "The shooting is going absolutely fantastic and I love the way Manish (Malhotra) has styled me as a style icon in the film. Though I'm missing Mumbai, I'm more then glad working out here. This place is a dream." Looks like Upen's working hard and partying harder in South Africa.

Dil Diya Hai, Is Not A Love Triangle

2006-08-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

Going by the promos, Aditya Datt's next film "Dil Diya Hai" looks like another love triangle, but the director insists it is not. "Dil Diya Hai" is not an out-an-out love triangle though at a point it does take a triangular mode. It's a love story with lots of serious drama and action," says Datt. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Ashmit Patel and debutante Geeta Basra. "Emraan plays Saahil who owns a private travel agency in Britain. Ashmit plays Kunal who runs an illegal nightclub called Erotica and Geeta plays Neha who is on a family vacation after her post-graduation. The story is about how the three get connected unknowingly and the subsequent drama," says Datt, who had earlier made "Aashiq Banaya Aapne". He adds: "Mithun Chakraborty is the key character and the surprise package of the film. There is also a special appearance by Udita Goswami."

Lara And Tendulkar To Star With Sushmita Sen

2006-08-28T03:10:00.000-07:00

World's premier batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara will feature alongside former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen in a Bollywood movie that will be part-filmed here later this year. 'Dulha Mil Gaya', which will also be shot in India and cost USD two million, will hit the screens here in March, coinciding with the cricket World Cup. "Everyone in India knows cricket and knows about Trinidad because that is where one of the most successful batsmen, Lara, comes from. He will be part of the film," Vivek Vaswani, one of the producers of the film, said. Vaswani and his producing partner Mudassar Aziz were in Trinidad meeting with Government officials and seeking approval for shooting. Vaswani said the inspiration for his movie was Notting Hill Carnival in London. "I loved what I saw and I wanted to be part of that. I asked myself, if that is what the Caribbean was all about, why not be part of that," he said. "So I decided to make two movies in your country, the first one will begin in November and the second will follow. Trinidad and Tobago will be a new location for Bollywood movies. "I see tourism increasing and more money into your country."

Parminder Nagra Finds It Difficult To Date In Los Angeles

2006-08-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

Parminder Nagra, the star of "Bend It Like Beckham", is intimidated by dating in Los Angeles because people often date more than one person at a time. According to contactmusic.com, Nagra moved to Los Angeles to play Neela Rasgotra on the hit TV show "ER" and has slowly adjusted to the dating scene there, which is very different from her hometown London. She said: "One thing that I find really bizarre about dating in Los Angeles is that you can have so many dates and it may not be a problem. Why can't you stick to one person? Everybody's up front about it here. They go, 'I'm seeing three other people this week!'

He Called Me A "B-Grade Actress" :Sherlyn Chopra

2006-08-28T03:06:00.000-07:00

Actress Sherlyn Chopra has sent a legal notice to film-journalist Upala K Basu Roy, alias Upala KBR, alleging defamation. While her legal team is preparing a backgrounder to sue the said journalist, Sherlyn has stated in the notice that she believes Upala KBR has attacked her reputation by using derogatory terms like "air-headed", "B-town wannabe", "star-sublet" and "split personality" to describe her in an article because of her refusal to part with information about her personal life to the journalist. In the notice, she has also questioned the authenticity of the said journalist's statements on her career moves and has claimed that the article has been written out of "grudge, malice and vilification for her, in calculated retaliation" towards her.

Abhishek and Aishwarya, Yet Together, Again

2006-08-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are in Kerala for the picturisation of a song in ace director Mani Ratnam's new movie 'Guru'. According to reports, the actors came here yesterday from Mysore on their way to Athirapally for the shooting along with the director, cameraman Rajiv Menon and choreographer Saroj Khan. Abhishek and Aishwarya are playing the lead roles in the film made under the banner of Madras Talkies. The first part of the song was shot in Mysore and the scene at Athirapally, near here known for waterfalls, was decided at the last moment considering the scenic beauty of the place. The shooting work would be completed in two days, the reports added. Eventhough the song features only Aishwarya, Abhishek is acompanying her

Paris Hilton Is Too Hot For Indian Censors

2006-08-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton is too hot for Indian censors. The country's Central Board of Film Certification has issued an 'Adult' certification for her new music video Stars Are Blind, which means it cannot be broadcast on any channel. An official at her local label, EMI Virgin India Ltd, reported that the board said the clip had sexual connotations. "In fact, we had edited the video and sent a fresh copy, but they weren't happy with that," said Narendra Kusnur, the label's manager of international A&R (artists and repertoire). Since the marketing campaign for Hilton's debut album Paris, released in India on Tuesday, has been sponsored by a shampoo company, the Stars video will be streamed on a promotional Web site, once details are worked out. "To the best of our knowledge, there are no rules yet regarding censorship on the net so we plan to use the online platform to generate buzz," said EMI Virgin marketing manager Kaveri Khullar.

Aishwarya, The Bikini Clad Daredevil

2006-08-28T02:59:00.000-07:00

Despite her fragile appearance, actress Aishwarya Rai has performed bold daredevil stunts in the new action thriller Dhoom 2, movie's director, Sanjay Gadhvi said. He told a newspaper that Rai trained for months for the action sequences in Dhoom 2. A former Miss World, Rai has acted in more than 30 movies. In her most recent film, she played a woman who kills her husband after 10 years of abuse. Gadhvi did not give details about the stunts in Dhoom 2 and the plot of the movie, a fast-paced film about cops and robbers, which has been kept under wraps. “Ash has a lot of guts. She has done some awesome stunts in the film. She did power yoga for two months and has a perfectly toned body,” Gadhvi said. The movie, which was filmed in Namibia, South Africa and India also stars Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu. Gadhvi described the movie, to be released later this year, as “bigger, better” and “faster and more furious” than the original Dhoom.

Shilpa Shetty Sues Tabloid

2006-08-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

Actress Shilpa Shetty has issued a legal notice to a city tabloid for publishing a ‘defamatory’ and ‘damaging’ article connecting her with alleged extortionist Fazalur Rehman and has demanded an immediate apology. In the notice, Shetty has alleged that the article of August 8 had been published without proper investigation and done to ‘increase the sale of the newspaper and for publicity’. The article states that police were likely to question Shetty and her parents for allegedly asking Rehman to make extortion calls to a Surat businessman. "You have taken the judiciary in your own hand and passed derogatory remarks and statements. My client is not party to the case, but the article published by you shows as if my client is guilty and is a criminal," the notice served by Shetty's lawyer Rohini Vakil said. The notice demanded that the tabloid tender an apology within seven days from the receipt of the notice, failing which Shetty would be forced to take legal action.

'I Love Suman Ranganathan' : Bunty Walia

2006-08-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

Marriages are made in heaven, believes producer Bunty Walia, who is all set to tie the knot with his long time girlfriend Suman Ranganathan. "Some things in life are just predestined," said Walia, whose last film "Ek Ajnabee" starring Amitabh Bachchan misfired at the box office. Walia met Suman, who has acted in films like "Baghbaan", eight years ago when she participated in a world concert organised by his company G.S. Entertainment. "She was more of an acquaintance at that point of time. Later we kept seeing each other at events and dos but it was only a few months ago that our friendship developed into something more serious," he added. Suman's outgoing nature bowled him over. "What I like about Suman is her very forthcoming nature. She is vivacious and communicative and we share a great equation with each other." Before solemnising the marriage plans, Bunty went to Bangalore to meet Suman's parents. Quashing rumours that the two have already got married, Bunty said he is planning to fix the D-day soon. "Everything will be official. It is a great feeling and I am revelling in it," said Walia who has decided to take a short break from his work.

Omkara hearing deferred till Wednesday

2006-08-28T02:56:00.000-07:00

The complainant said the vulgar language used in the film would influence the younger generation. Mumbai: The city civil court on Tuesday deferred till Wednesday the hearing of an application moved by a film actor seeking the court to direct immediate ban on screening the film Omkara across the country in view of using ''vulgar and abusive language'' all through the movie. The matter which had come before the civil judge A T Vaidya have been deferred as the state was unrepresented. Counsel M V Holmangi representing the complainant prayed the court to hear the application on Tuesday itself as he had sent notices to all concerned in advance. However, Judge Vaidya assured him that in case they failed to turn up on Wednesday, he would pass an appropriate order on the same day. Counsel Mamta Shah had appeared on Tuesday for the film director, producer and distributor of the film. Nasim Khan in his application sought court directive to ban further screening of the film and prosecute the producer of the film, Kumar Mangat, Devgan films, director Vishal Bharadwaj, Censor Board, the Union Government and the Maharashtra government. The applicant said that he had seen Omkara on August 17 and had been surprised at how the film had been granted a censor certificate. He added that throughout the film the vulgar and unparliamentary words used insult the very set up of a great nation.

Tendulkar And Lara To Star In Bollywood Movie

2006-08-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

Producer Viveck Vaswani and Mudassar Aziz's next film "Dulha Mil Gaya" is expected to feature two well-known cricketers. Recently, both Vaswani and Aziz announced their plan to cast India's top batsman Sachin Tendulkar alongside world famous cricketer Brian Lara in the movie. Apart from them, Sushmita Sen will also be seen in the film, which will be shot in the picturesque islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies. The film's launch is going to coincide with India's participation in the ICC World Cup campaign in Trinidad - both are scheduled to take place in March 2007.

Sushmita Sen To Star With Richard Gere

2006-08-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

Former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen will star alongside Richard Gere in a Hollywood film to be shot in Argentina, a newspaper said on Tuesday. Sen, who is among a small group of Indian actors with growing international recognition, had already signed up for the film, the paper quoted her as saying. "And yes, Richard Gere plays the male lead," Sen told the newspaper, adding that US-based filmmaker Sutapa Ghosh would direct the Miramax production called The Expat. "I'm looking forward to working with Sutapa and Richard," Sen said. Sen would portray an Indian immigrant in the film, the report said. The newspaper did not say when shooting would begin or give a date for the film's release.

Priyanka's Ordeals Are Finally Over

2006-08-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

It looks like Priyanka's domestic ordeals are finally over. On 16 August her father underwent the last and hopefully final surgery in Boston and is well on the way to recuperation. Priyanka is the portrait of de-stressed joy. "The surgery has gone well. And hopefully this would be the last time Dad has gone under the knife." She recalls with a shudder the first time when her dad's illness was suddenly detected and had to be rushed to the US for surgery. "No airline was willing to take him on, and we couldn't get him an air ambulance. We finally got him into a flight. But it wasn't easy. Thank God it's over," she shudders. Unfortunately Priyanka couldn't be present in Boston for the surgery. "I've been shooting round the clock for Nikhil Advani's Salaam-e-Ishq. Though it was impossible to get away I was still willing to somehow make it to Boston to be there for his surgery. But Dad put his foot down. He didn't want to stress about my shooting schedules at a time when he was going into surgery. My mom is with Dad. And I'm constantly keeping in touch. It looks like the worst is over, touch-wood." In all the domestic and professional bustle Priyanka hasn't been able to catch Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna. But she intends to see the film very soon because she plays a huge Karan Johar fan in Salaam-e-Ishq. "It's the funniest and yet saddest role I've ever played."

Riteish: Abhishek Is A Cool Co-Star

2006-08-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

What's happening to Bollywood? Comic over-kill seems to be the magic mantra of the moment. After Masti (which actually triggered off the current comic wave) Indra Kumar completed Pyare Mohan with Vivek Oberoi and Fardeen Khan. It flopped. Next Indra K teams up again with his Masti hero Riteish for Dhamaal. "It would be my fourth comedy in a row. In Masti I played a total duffer. In Kya Kool Hain Hum I was extra-savvy. Now in Dhamaal I hope to be mean-comic. A real glint-in-the-eye kind of funny is what I want to play," says the exhausted Riteish. Dhamaal will also star Sanjay Dutt. Riteish cheers up at the mention of his favourite release Bluff Master. "It was very slick but not at the cost of losing out on the non-metro audience. Abhishek was supposed to do my role. Then he stepped into the other role. I had to opt out of a project to accommodate Bluff Master. But it was worth it. Rohan Sippy is a director I wanted to work with. And Abhishek is a cool co-star. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him in Naach.We had loads of fun in Bluff Master…though it isn't a comedy. I keep telling everyone my romantic lead in Bluff Master was Abhishek." Bluff Master isn't a comedy. But everyone is in a comic frame of mind these days. "I guess it's the mood of the moment," Riteish concedes. "In fact my next release Apna Sapna Money Money Money is again a comedy. This time Sangeeth Sivan isn't doing anything risqué. I admit I was a trifle uncomfortable saying some of the lines in Masti and Kya Kool Hain Hum. But in Money Money Money there's nothing to make me squirm." For now Riteish seems to be caught in the comic swamp. "But I've done a very serious segment of Ram Gopal Varma's Darna Zaroori Hai with Mr Bachchan. I was so nervous. According to the script he was supposed to shout so hard at me that I was doubly shaken.But guess what? My character actually got to shout back at him!" Riteish is happy enough with his progress report. "I started with a South remake, the college romance Tujhe Meri Kasam which was a blockbuster in Bihar. But in Mumbai you're only as successful as your boxoffice collections in the city. I had to start from scratch. I think I've created a small niche for myself."

I Was Filmed While Changing ": Bipasha Basu

2006-08-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

The alleged harassment of actress Bipasha Basu has once again brought to fore the lack of safety for Bollywood stars, however, the core issue is getting lost in titillating debates over whether she was sexually molested or mentally harassed. What is conveniently forgotten is that when Bipasha had asked organisers of an overseas event celebrating India's Independence Day to "send known men for picking her up", then why was her request not heeded? Clearly, this disregard is the symptom of a larger lack of concern for safety of people working in Bollywood that runs deep and wide. Not so long ago, Bipasha was manhandled by hooligans in Jaipur, violently mobbed in Delhi and pounced upon by a man in a Mumbai nightclub. Similarly, Rakhi Sawant was allegedly molested at a party by pop singer Mikka and was earlier mobbed during a stage performance. In fact, a series of reports of sexual and mental harassment have come to the fore even as a bigger chunk of women remain quiet to avoid being labelled publicity-seekers. "If I get molested, people will think I am doing it for publicity? This is a tragedy," says newcomer Mona Chopra, who alleges she was filmed while changing clothes at a film's set and the clip was circulated via MMS. Besides, lack of security at sets has been a long-standing complaint of both actors and stunt-performers. Former beauty queen Sushmita Sen developed a crick in her neck this week during the shooting of film "Zindaggi Rocks". As always, the studio had no immediate medical facilities and she had to seek help from her own family doctor. Sushmita had earlier suffered serious injuries when her hair had got entangled in a table fan at a film's set. In fact, the list of Bollywood stars who have sustained injuries while shooting, purely out of lack of precautions, is long and includes reigning stars like Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta, Viveik Oberoi, Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan. In fact, stunt performers in Bollywood do not have a long working life. After working for about seven years, they usually retire since their body no longer allows them to take the pressure and risks associated with the dangerous stunts they perform. In case of an accident, only luck can save them. Stuntman Habib recounts: "My father died while shooting as a double for Anil Kapoor. The scene required him to be in a car that was to sink in water. Due to some problem, the car's door did not open and he died. "I am working to keep my father's name alive, but who knows what will happen to us? Here one needs some financial backing for the family. One of my friends is currently sitting at home without work after getting injured while performing a stunt," said Habib. For stunt director Moses, it's the lack of organisation in the sector that hurts the profession. "There is no organised force, no public lobby for these daily wage earners." However, with Bollywood going abroad for shoots so often, the props have become less hazardous. After the introduction of new safety gadgets like air packets to break a fall or fire retardant gel for fire scenes, there has been discernable decrease in deaths on sets. Clearly, change is possible even in Bollywood. So, what is holding the Hindi film industry back from taking stern steps to provide a mechanism for checking incidents of sexual, mental and physical harassment of men and women working in Bollywood? Speaking of stunts, Shah Rukh Khan's 15,000 feet jump for an action sequence in upcoming film "Don" has become the talk of the town. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film is a remake of the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer of the same name. Shah Rukh was operated for a back surgery in 2003 and his return to heavy-duty action flicks has set Mumbai talking. He performed the daring stunt in Malaysia and there was a special team of stunt directors from California, who have done many Hollywood projects, to ensure the safety of the superstar. Stunts expert Joe Jennings was in-charge of the sequence. Farhan Akhtar's decision to outsource the job of the stuntman to a Hollywood expert in "Don" comes at a time when indigenous stunt performers are struggling to make two ends meet. After decades of delivering quality stunts at unbelievably meagre budgets, they say they are increasingly feeling left out of the big productions. The Stuntmen's Association of India - the nodal body for over 500 men and women who work in the movies - has been pushing producers to raise their wages by 25 percent and introduce special awards and insurance schemes. "We don't hesitate to take risks but the rewards should match these risks," said Rashid Mehta, president of the association. "We never get what we deserve," news reports quoted the veteran stuntman as saying.

Will Smith To Make Two Films With UTV

2006-08-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

Overbrook Entertainment, a company created by popular Hollywood actor Will Smith and his business partner James Lassiter, and UTV, an Indian television and film concern run by Ronnie Screwvala, have agreed to produce two movies. UTV will pay the costs of the two films, neither of which will star the popular Smith, up to a specified sum (after that amount, Overbrook has to raise the money) but the burden is on Smith and Lassiter to develop a script and hire the cast, the New York Times reported. The deal says a lot about Hollywood's desire to court foreign audiences, the daily said as it shows how after years of declining movie attendance at home, studios and movie stars are looking for new opportunities abroad. But it says even more about Smith's ambition to become an international player, the Times said. "It's been said, 'Why sell something to 10 people when you can sell it to 10 million people?' " Smith told the daily. "You have to have a global perspective." The deal with UTV follows Smith's failure to get into China, where government censors allowed only 20 foreign movie imports in 2005, leaving out his romantic comedy "Hitch", the Times said. The rejection rankled the actor; China is one of the fastest-growing movie markets. So at a gathering of the Sony Corporation's top management in January, Smith appealed to the chief executive, Sir Howard Stringer, and a studio executive, Michael Lynton, to introduce him to Chinese producing partners. "We can be more helpful in India," Lynton told Smith at a meeting at the Kahala Resort in Honolulu. India has a robust movie industry with none of China's political constraints. Lynton offered to introduce the actor to Indian producers, actors and directors. And the next month Smith took his first trip to India. Now he has a deal - to make movies there instead.

We Want A Ban On Shahrukh Movies

2006-08-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

A group of about two dozen activists of a political party Monday went on a rampage in a Madhya Pradesh town, demanding a ban on the screening of the Shahrukh Khan-starrer "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" till the superstar apologised for endorsing a soft drink brand. The Bhartiya Janshakti (BJ) Party, launched by former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti are angry with Khan after an independent agency this month found high pesticide content in 12 brands of soft drinks. The superstar has reportedly said that these days pesticides are found even in mother's milk - a comment that has left the BJ workers further enraged. The BJ activists gathered near Regal Cinema in Indore Monday afternoon and tore the posters of the latest film featuring Khan. Police arrived soon and prevented their entry into the cinema hall. "About two dozen of the activists have been taken into custody," a police official said. The party workers had Aug 12 held similar protests and threatened not to allow Khan's films to be screened in the city if he fails to apologise within 10 days.

Man Shoots His Wife After KANK Show

2006-08-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

A man who took his wife to see Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - a film about marital tensions - hoping she would allow him to marry again shot her after she refused, police and a newspaper said. The newspaper said on Monday the wife had left his home with their two children after a marital spat. But on Saturday, they had made up and went to see Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, a film about couples finding love outside marriage. The newspaper said the 32-year-old man's real intention in taking his wife to the movie was to persuade her to allow him to marry his girlfriend. When she refused, the husband attacked her with a "sharp weapon" and shot her in the stomach, leaving her for dead on the road, the newspaper reported. "The wife survived and she has given us a statement against her husband," a police officer said. The film's director Karan Johar expressed shock. "When I made the film, I never thought it would incite such strong emotions," Johar was quoted as saying in the newspaper. Bollywood, the world's most prolific film industry, has a big influence over the lives millions, who visit cinemas regularly to see the latest releases. In June, a young man leapt off a cinema balcony and broke his leg while trying to imitate the stunts of Krrish.

Geeta Basra Says "Amisha Is Nice and Helpful"

2006-08-28T02:42:00.000-07:00

Geeta Basra may not instantly ring a bell but this newcomer is all set to make it big in Bollywood with her debut vehicle "Dil Diya Hai". In real life she is pretty much like her character in the film. "I am a Punjabi girl from London and always wanted to be an actress. I first performed on stage when I was just three years old. In 'Dil Diya Hai' I play Neha, a middle class Punjabi girl from India who is holidaying in London. "She is a young, bubbly, happy-go-lucky kind of a girl. She is adamant and no one can take her for a ride," said Geeta. Geeta admits that she went through the first day jitters but her co-stars, Emraan Hashmi and Ashmit Patel, helped her in settling down. "I was nervous and worried about my shots. I had a demanding role to play so I wanted all my shots to go well. "Emraan and Ashmit are extremely humble and cooperative. Even director Aditya Datt made me comfortable from day one. He is a young guy so he understands our generation. He knew exactly what he wanted. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Neha." She is more than happy with the way her role has shaped up in the film. "I am extremely happy and satisfied with my role in the film. I'm glad I got a chance to exhibit my dancing and acting skills. Moreover, I got a chance to be both glamorous and de-glamorous."

Aishwarya Rai Is Wearing Bikini, Not Bipasha

2006-08-28T02:41:00.001-07:00

"Billo is brief. But I don't think she can be ignored," Bipasha asserts on her va-va-voom role in Omkara. From the cool chic urban queen in Corporate to the wild untamed rural lioness in Omkara, Bipasha reveals quite a range within a month. Corporate has brought Bipasha immense critical acclaim. "It's just too much. Till today I get appreciation from even strangers. I know when the praise is genuine. Corporate has got me genuine encouragment. At the first screening of Corporate I had my family and friends watching it. When the film got nearly over I walked out of the theatre because I'm a very shy person. When I came back my friends family and boyfriend were all clapping. I burst into tears. I'm too emotional a person. I was like, 'Oh my God, what are they doing!' From then on the response has just grown. It's not like, 'Bipasha, good job,' Women and men have connected with the role. They pick out sequences are describe it in detail. I've never had this experience. Corporate has made people have faith in me as an actress. They realize I'm not just about looking good. That's why I thank Madhur Bhandrkar. I know what I want to and can do." Bipasha's new film Omkara takes her away from the corporate kingdom in Mumbai to the heartless crime-infested hinterland in UP. "Both are realistic films. But I'm not going into art cinema. My aim isn't to turn into only a realistic actress. I'm not scared of stereotypes. Right after these two films I've Dhoom 2 where I'm larger than life.I feel I can be versatile and the kind of body and body language I've been gifted can be projected into any kind of character from a small-town girl in Omkara to the urban entrepreneur in Corporate." She admits, looking the part is an essential part of acting. "If you look the part your job becomes easier. Also, I've started to look after myself. It's nice to know people are interested in what I wear, my hair….Till today I don't have a PR person. Ninety percent of the actors have people to take care of their image. I manage on my own. And though I get dragged into being talked about all the wrong things the media has been largely responsible towards me." Bipasha is all praise for her co-star in Omkara. "Viveik Oberoi is very interested in what he's doing. He wants to rehearse. He gets into lots of discussions with his director. I'd rather work with an actor who's keen on his work than someone who just does his shots and leaves. I know of so many actors who are just facing camera for the heck of it. They're more bothered with pack-up than packing in a performance. Viveik goes well with the deep-focussed attitude I've cultivated towards my work." However Bipasha doesn't believe in making her will prevail when the camera is on. "Though I'm very interested in my work I don't interfere with the director's decisions. I don't think I've reached that level of evolvement where I can question the director. I'm guided by the director completely. Yes I make my suggestions. But I clam up if the director disagrees." She's all praise for Vishal Bhardwaj. "He's lovely to work with. I've loved his earlier films. He's so clear in his head and so humble on the sets. He's always smiling. He has a sweet sense of humour. And he's got convictions. Though I hadn't attended his acting workshops Vishal knew I could pull them off. He gave me taped dialogues of how my characters should speak. I had Vishal's voice following me everywhere. And this was my first sync sound. My co-stars had done it before. I hadn't. I've to admit I like sync sound more than dubbing. Much as I enjoy dubbing the feeling that you get into your voice on location cannot be replicated in a dubbing studio." Ironically Bipasha had her voice dubbed in her earlier release. She laughs. "Yeah isn't that something? But my voice is my voice. You can't take it away from my personality." Finally it's Bipasha and not Aishwarya who gets into a bikini in Dhoom 2. True? "Ha! I'm not going to tell you. I can't reveal anything yet. But yes, my character in Dhoom 2 is definitely nothing like Nishigandha in Corporate or Billo on Omkara."

Collections For Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna Hits 72 Crores In First Week

2006-08-28T02:41:00.000-07:00

Karan Johar's "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" (KANK) has collected Rs 72 crore worldwide in the first week of its release. This is the best ever opening of any Indian film abroad, a release from Dharma Productions, the Karan Johar production house, said in a statement here today. Giving details of the first weekend collections as reported by EDI-Nielsen, a UK based network, the release said KANK which stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherji and Preity Zinta, had opened at no. 6 of UK charts collecting 754,877 pounds. In the US, it collected 1,047,403 dollars and opened at no. 17 at the US charts. Similarly, in Australia, it collected 178,000 dollars and opened at no 1 of limited release, that is prints less than 50, and no 5 of all releases. In Singapore, KANK had collected 100,000 dollars and in India it has opened to an average of 97 per cent all over, the statement added.

No Fuss Between Income Tax Department And Amitabh Bachchan

2006-08-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

Income Tax (I-T) department, which was alleged to have been harassing superstar Amitabh Bachchan, on Saturday came in for praise from the Bollywood actor who said there were no issues between him and the department. "Income Tax is a capable department. It has good officers," Bachchan told a news channel, adding there was no issues between him and the department. His comments assume significance as the Samajwadi Party had some months back alleged that the I-T department was harassing Bachchan by sending notices. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav had even raised the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Bachchan said it is the job of the I-T department to ensure that people pay taxes as per rules and notices are sent to people in this regard. When referred to the controversy over his sunglasses, he said media reports, which suggested that it cost Rs 2 crore were "imaginary". "The sunglasses cost Rs 4 and was bought from Ullhas Nagar. You unnecessarily made an issue out of it. Why should I answer this, you should answer this as you created this issue," the 'angry young man' of 1970s and 1980s told the news channel. Bachchan also denied that he had received any I-T notice over the sunglasses, as had been reported earlier.

Kamal Hassan All Set For Action Again

2006-08-28T02:38:00.000-07:00

The avowed 'non-believer' that he is, super star-actor Kamal Hassan may not admit to it, but his 'stars' are looking up, more than a year after he has had a box-office hit worth mentoning. Starring in comedies after his much acclaimed "Virumandi" in the New Year of 2004, including the remake of Bollywood hit "Munnabhai MBBS", the much acclaimed actor's comedy flick last year "Mumbai X-Press", fell flat at the box office. Kamal then ran into bad luck with his new film, "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu" , as the release of this slick action film seemed to be in doubt with the financier running into trouble. But, all that has changed now, for the better for the actor: "Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu", in which he plays a tough cop is all set for release by the end of this month. What's more the actor, known for his great pencheant for doing something different, will be back with a bang playing as many as ten roles in another new film which he has titled 'Dasavatharam', a social albeit the title sounding mythological referring to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the Hindu pantheon of Gods. Like a few of his previous ventures, in which Kamal emulated Hollywood greats like Dustin Hoffman and Robert Deniro, in 'Dasavatharam', he will be emulating his idol late thespian Sivaji Ganesan by playing one role more than the nine Sivaji had played in a film of the 60s "Navarathri". Then, there is more to come for Kamal fans. Another of his earlier launches "Marudanayakam", the saga of a freedom fighter, which he was forced to abandon after shooting 11 minutes of the film about six years ago, may see the light of day finally. According to sources close to Kamal, 'talks' are on with a financier in Los Angeles but things are yet to be finalised. Kamal had launched this film with great fanfare with Queen Elizabeth switching on the camera during her visit to Chennai then. After 'Dasavatharam', Kamal has signed a new film with Producer-Director Cheran, who directed hits like "Bharathi Kannamma" and national award winner "Autograph" in 2004.

No Actor Charging Fee For 7/11 Movie

2006-08-28T02:37:00.000-07:00

All actors in Ashok Pandit's new film - aimed as a wake-up call following the 7/11 train bombings in Mumbai - are working for free. The short film advocates security measures in the wake of last month's serial blasts. "It's a film to generate awareness post-7/11. We have to be even more vigilant now. We are voluntarily doing it for the Mumbai police, to help them with this cause," said actor Atul Kulkarni, who is also involved with the film. "It has a social message, which says if you find any unidentified object or suspect something untoward, please call the police," he said.

Sushmita Sen Rocks In Music Videos

2006-08-28T02:36:00.000-07:00

After staying away from the limelight for months, Sushmita Sen returns with a musical splash in "Zindaggi Rocks". Sushmita and co-star Shiney Ahuja light up the screen in the song "Meri Dhoop hai tu", which is making waves on television. Choreographed by Bosco Caesar, the foot tapping love song has a Middle Eastern flavour and is a feast for the eyes. Tanuja Chandra, who has directed the film, raves about the visual treatment of the number. "It's a sensuous song with Sushmita looking unbelievably gorgeous in white - her eyes convey so much - and Shiney sizzles in blue waters." "Being a film based on a rock star, it obviously has very good music. Anu Malik has once again shown his class and I'm sure its going to top the charts soon. Audiences will definitely appreciate the music which is at its different best," says producer Anuradha Prasad. Sayed Qadri has penned the lyrics of "Meri dhoop hai tu".

Yukta Mookhey Is Back With Salsa

2006-08-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

Former beauty queen Yukta Mookhey, who all but disappeared after "Pyaasa", will be seen grooving in a salsa number in "Katputhli" that released Friday. Yukta plays a naval officer's wife in the psychological thriller, which has been produced by Sahara Motion Pictures with Mink-Punnu Brar Productions. Punnu had appointed a tutor for Yukta so she could master the salsa and had also instructed her to lose weight to look slimmer, said sources. Besides, she had to go through rigorous dance rehearsals to learn the steps and bring elegance to the moves. Apart from Yukta, "Katputhli" has Milind Soman, Mink, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Seema Biswas, Sudhanshu Pandey, Mukul Dev and Vikaas Kalantri.

Sherlyn Chopra Feels Like Locking Lips With Mallika Sherawat

2006-08-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

Sherlyn Chopra is nowadays famous for more reasons than just her name change (from screen name Mona to her original name Sherlyn Chopra). The sensuous actress has been raving about the sultry Mallika Sherawat to all and sundry! "There's something about her that drives me crazy," she remarks. Sherlyn even feels Mallika is no less than Britney Spears. What's more! She quips, "I don't mind being a Madonna and locking lips with her". Now, now! Wonder where such admiration can lead the ravishing beauties.

Young Abhishek's Fan Chased Him All The Way To Mumbai

2006-08-28T02:32:00.000-07:00

A Bollywood fan flew all the way to India to return an umbrella belonging to actor Abhishek Bachchan, who left it behind at an airport in South Africa, a newspaper reported on Thursday. The fan, a young woman working at the airport in the South African coastal city of Durban, met Abhishek as he prepared to fly to India recently, the daily reported. The two chatted for a while before Abhishek boarded his plane to Mumbai, forgetting his umbrella, it said. The star-struck fan then flew to Mumbai to return the umbrella, the newspaper added. Thirty-year-old Abhishek has received rave reviews for his latest release Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and the film is playing to packed houses in Mumbai.

"Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" Breaks Box Office Record

2006-08-28T02:31:00.000-07:00

"Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna (Never Say Goodbye), aka KANK, a new Bollywood film shot in New York city, has set a box office record for a Hindi film in North America with a $1.4 million collection in the opening weekend. The previous record for a Bollywood opening was $1 million for 2001's "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", which like KANK was directed by Karan Johar, according to Indian American film journalist, Gitesh Pandya, who runs BoxOfficeGuru.com. With a $21,122 average collection from 64 locations KANK scored the best per-theatre average of any film in the Top 40, he said in his weekly box office report calling it as part of a trend of Indian films being set and shot in the South Asian diaspora. The three-hour-plus extravaganza relating the tale of two soul mates, married to other people, who tackle the notion of true love, was given the widest release ever for a Bollywood film in North America opening on 95 screens in 64 theatre locations. The previous record was 88 screens for 2004's "Veer-Zaara", which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta, and Amitabh Bachchan, Pandya told South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) Forum. KANK was especially impressive at New Jersey's Regal Commerce Center in North Brunswick where the film grossed an astounding $61,470 over the weekend from two screens. Typically, grossing $10,000 on a weekend is a major achievement. This 18-screen multiplex plays mostly Hollywood films, but also does phenomenal business from Bollywood films thanks to its location in the heart of one of America's largest South Asian communities. Hopefully, KANK's strong numbers will encourage other American multiplexes in major markets to start programming Bollywood pictures, Pandya said. It has been a big comeback year for the industry. Screen counts for 2006's other big Bollywood films were 61 for January's "Rang De Basanti," 72 for May's "Fanaa," and 59 for June's "Krrish". For the most part, the marketing push has been about the same for all of these big hits this year. But freelancer Aseem Chhabra thinks it still makes no sense for him to pitch a KANK story to the mainstream press in the US as most editors will have no idea what this film is about. KANK has opened only in the Indian market in the US. It's not just a question of box office. Bollywood films have not crossed over into mainstream or even art house theatres in the US, he told SAJA forum. The Sony Classics experiment with "Lagaan" that was released in a few art house theatres, including Film Forum in Manhattan, was just that - an experiment, with no significant results. So far the only Indian/South Asian films that have succeeded in the US mainstream - more like art house- market are "Bend it Like Beckham" that grossed over $32 million and "Monsoon Wedding" ($13.9 million) and maybe "Water", Chhabra said. He doubted if KANK will come anywhere near these films. Asked why some Bollywood films get acronyms that catch fire, Chhabra said he thinks these are the creation of the new hip film-going generation in India. "Did you know that Karan Johar is now referred to as KJo, like that woman who we call JLo here, and of course, everyone knows that Shah Rukh Khan is referred to as SRK. Amitabh is AB and Abhishek is AB Jr," he said. Everything is recycled in Bollywood- films, stories, titles, Chhabra said. Bollywood is currently remaking the classic films "Umrao Jaan" and "Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam". There have been two "Barsaats" since Raj Kapoor's original; one "Barsaat Ki Raat", after the original Madhubala film. Bollywood is also notorious for recycling successful Hollywood, and now even Asian films, said Chhabra suggesting the recent "Zinda" was an exact copy of the award winning film "Old Boy" from Korea. Chhabra believes some non-desi Americans will watch Bollywood films like KANK. But the number of non-desi Americans watching Bollywood films is still very small -- especially if you look at Americans who go for other foreign language films -- European and most recently Asian films.

Mohammed Rafi Didn't Get His Due

2006-08-28T02:30:00.000-07:00

A Bangladeshi newspaper has raked up an old controversy by saying that singer Mohammed Rafi was not given his due by the government of India. Paying rich tributes to Rafi in the the Daily Star, Bakul Sultan, a columnist asks why Rafi was given only a Padma Shri while some of his contemporaries received higher honours. Lata Mangeshkar received a Bharat Ratna. "Irrespective of the honours Rafi will remain immortal in the hearts of music lovers of the subcontinent," wrote Sultan. Rafi, who died 26 years ago on July 31, remains popular in South Asia and "even distant climes such as the UK, Kenya and West Indies that have a large Indian expatriate community," he wrote. Disagreeing that Rafi was at par with Mukesh and Kishore Kumar, Sultan quotes Manna Dey, another great singer, who often said that "Rafi was by far the most versatile and gifted singer among his contemporaries". Sultan points out that although Kishore Kumar sang all the songs in the films he acted in, music maestro O.P. Nayyar preferred Rafi's voice for the classical song 'Man mora bawra' in the Kumar starrer "Ragini". "Nayyar knew that only a singer of Rafi's calibre with a classical background could fully justify his songs," he wrote. Rafi has left a rich legacy that is kept alive by new Bollywood singers Mohammad Aziz, Shabbir Kumar, Anwar and the current sensation Sonu Nigam, he added.

Mona Chopra Is Now Sherlyn Chopra

2006-08-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

Shedding her screen name and image, actress Mona Chopra has reverted to her original name Sherlyn Chopra. "Its rebirth; almost feels like new-found independence and freedom," she says beaming with enthusiasm. Sherlyn, who has become extra selective about her films after the initial two, 'Time Pass' and 'Naughty Boy', bombed, has Vinod 'Sins' Pande's 'Red Swastik' coming up for release. "I play the central character of a killer with a lot of shock value," she reveals. Admitting that she has made a few wrong choices in the past Sherlyn says, "From now on, its only upmarket films and banners for me. I'm going to accept nothing but the best". What can we say but wish this determined gal the best.

Why Just Talk About My Perfect Figure: Shilpa

2006-08-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty says talent is a must in the competitive film industry and not just a well-toned body. Shetty, known for her perfect figure, told a Mumbai-based newspaper that it was not possible to live on good looks alone. “I would like to believe there is more to me than my figure. In the movies, it's very difficult to live on looks alone,” she said. “One has to be talented to make a mark in such a competitive environment.” Shetty has acted in more than 40 movies since her 1993 debut. She attempted to change her image by playing an HIV-patient in the 2004 movie Phir Milenge, India's first mainstream film that dealt with AIDS. “There has been a paradigm shift in the roles that I've portrayed recently,” she said. “I've become an actress who can look good and emote as well.”

Bhumicka Singh Says People Call Her "Kya Item Hai"

2006-08-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Newcomer Bhumicka Singh is making her debut in the Akshaye Khanna starrer "Aap Ki Khatir" and says she is overwhelmed by the response her item number is getting. "I feel absolutely flattered when people come and ask me whether I am the 'Tu hai kamaal' girl. The number has become a hot craze among youngsters," says Bhumicka, daughter of Aishwarya Rai's business manager Hari Singh. The actress gives credit to director Dharmesh Darshan and composer Himesh Reshammiya for her fame. "Himesh-ji's foot tapping music has ensured that the number become a hot bet at all discotheques. I owe my look in the song to Dharmesh-ji, who has given Nikki's character a distinct identity in the film," she said. However, Bhumicka's role is restricted to a special appearance, but the newcomer has no qualms about it. She said: "It is a brief but very well-defined role of a cute, adorable and sexy young girl from London, who is flirtatious and full of attitude. She is a perfect blend of Indian and Western culture and knows the secrets of her two cousins (played by Priyanka Chopra and Amisha Patel). "No doubt the role is a small, but I consider it as the ideal launch pad irrespective of the length of the role. The film will have its share of audiences because it is produced by a top ranking banner, directed by a reckoned name and has the top names in the cast." She expects good offers to come her way once the film hits the theatres. "I have given my best to the role and there's no reason why I shouldn't get the best of offers." Bhumicka says Darshan kept his promise and didn't sideline her role at any point. "Dharmesh-ji wanted to present it in a special way and worked on every aspect of the role, right up to the costumes. He is a fair director who honours his words. Moreover, I never ever felt sidelined. "My role was projected and promoted exactly the way it was promised. If anything, my role only increased at the end of the film. It is not as if my role was slashed on the editing table," she said. She talks very highly of her co-star Priyanka. "Priyanka was very helpful and went out of her way to make me comfortable. She's a thorough professional." Right now, Bhumicka is eagerly awaiting the film's release. "I am getting really restless as the release date approaches. The film is sure to hit the bull's eye at the box-office. As for how much difference it will make to my career, I am already beginning to see the results."

A big blow for Rani Mukerjee!

2006-08-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

The 53rd National Film Awards, finally ended after a three-week-long exercise conducted by a 12-member feature films jury and a six-member non-features panel, and the results are delivered to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. But the names of the winners cannot be formally made public as the legal grey areas are still to be negotiated. The member of the feature and non-feature juries was headed by veteran south Indian actress B Saroja Devi and television personality Siddharth Kak respectively. While the award winners are still to be announced, unofficial reports confirm that Amitabh Bachchan has won, what will be his second (previously Agneepath, 1990) Best Actor National Award for his universally saluted performance in “Black” defeating Kerela superstar Mohanlal and our very own Anupam Kher by a meager margin, while the same film got the coveted Best Hindi Feature Film. After a huge debate over the decision for the Best Actress Award, Sarika is adjudged Best Actress in ‘Parzania’ for her performance as a Parsi mother searching for her son missing since the Gujarat riots of 2002. This was the year’s major upset as Rani Mukherjee appeared to be a sure shot winner for her scintillating performance of a blind, deaf and mute girl in ‘Black’. Naseeruddin Shah has been adjudged the Best Supporting Actor for his widely applauded performance of a star cricketer fallen on lean days in ‘Iqbal’. A Special Jury Award has been given to Anupam Kher for his sensitive portrayal in ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara’ of an old man psychologically ravaged by the loss of ideals around him. Aparna Sen’s ‘15 Park Avenue’ bagged the Best English language National Film Award. US-based filmmaker Rahul Dholakia got his first Best Director Award for the film ‘Parzania’, while ‘Kalpurush’ is awarded the Best Film.

Urmila Says She Has Nothing Left To Prove

2006-08-28T02:22:00.001-07:00

Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar says that she is going through a phase in her career, where she does not want to do every film that comes her way. "Every actor goes through this phase. I am looking for different films, better roles. I feel this is part of the growing up process of any actor. A stage comes when you cannot say yes to every film that comes your way. I have nothing to impress or prove to people. I want to take my art and performance to newer heights," Urmila told when asked why she is been seen less on screen in recent times. She said her next release will be Onir's 'Bas Ek Pal' with Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Suri and others while Vikram Bhat's 'Speed' starring herself with Zayed Khan and Aftab Shivdasani is also ready for release. "There are a couple of more projects, which are in the pipeline including Ramgopal Varma Ki Sholay, where I will perform Helen's dance number 'Mehbooba'. I am eagerly looking forward to it because I love dancing," she said. Urmila, who will judge SaharaOne's reality show 'Superstars' along with choreographer Shiamak Davar beginning this month says both she and Shiamak are positive minded people and she does not feel the need to be harsh on participants.

Farah Khan To Choreograph Shakira

2006-08-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

Adding some more glory to Bollwood's success story abroad Farah Khan will be choreographing Shakira for a performance on a show in LA. The show will be held at Radio City Hall on August 31. For Farah this is her first major international act as far as choreography goes. "It is an honour to represent the Bollywood fraternity on a world platform. When the show producers called and asked me if I knew Shakira, I told them our whole country was obsessed with her! I think Shakira is one of the best dancers in the world right now and is undoubtedly the hottest thing," says an excited Farah. So, how did she land this act? "The producers were looking for an Indian choreographer as they wanted Shakira to perform to a Bollywoodised version of her hit Hips Don't Lie. So they called me." Has she rehearsed with Shakira yet? "No, I will be auditioning dancers from New York when I go there." Any pelvic thrusts for the Latina? "Of course! No one can move the pelvis quite like she does!" exclaims Farah.

How Bipasha Lost Her Nerves

2006-08-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

Vishal Bharadwaj has a knack of making all his actors look completely different on screen. Whether it's Kareena Kapoor, Konkona Sen or Bipasha Basu, you see them dressing speaking behaving and acting totally differently in Vishal's Omkara. Bipasha has two sizzling item songs in Omkara. Strangely she was very nervous performing them. "The first day when I went on the set to perform the Bidi jalai le song in Omkara I saw the crowd and I nearly panicked and ran away. I had never seen so many unshaven, unkempt, unbathed, lecherous men in a crowded sweaty place. When I saw what I had got myself into I got really scared. And let me tell you I'm not easy to scare. On top it all, Saif came up to me and whispered, 'Are you…like… scared? Don't worry. You just dance. We'll take care of you. If anything happens just tell us.' But once I started to dance it was okay. Later I came to know they were all fine actors. They had been preparing the dirty UP bhaiyya look for weeks." Bipasha is alarmed by the authenticity in the presentation. Though she has earlier done a realistic film, Prakash Jha's Apaharan about crime in the cow-belt she wasn't really an integral part of the drama there. She stops chuckling. "Doing item songs can get very boring. But the ones in Omkara are special. I've the highest regard for Vishal Bhardawaj. Even being cast in a small part in his cinema is an honour. Space -wise I've a small role in Omkara. But the projection is amazing. I really like one thing about myself. I really try to look and behave like the character I play. And no matter how small my part, everyone tells me I'm convincing. As an actor that's the biggest compliment I can get." Bipasha is frank enough to admit Omkara isn't quite her film. "It's definitely about the Ajay-Kareena love story. My character Billo started off as a special appearance. My character is relevant to the story. People who have seen the film have enjoyed Billo. There's a lot of entertainment value attached to my character. Billo is loud aggressive and fun while everyone in the plot in the serious." She's the spot of sunshine in the dark drama. "Omkara is a serious film. I provide the light moments. When Vishal narrated the role to me I told him it sounded like a special appearance. I was so thrilled when he told me that the first member of the cast that came to his mind was me as Billo. I must say Vishal has great vision. Whenever a dancer's role comes to me, I get the coldest feet in the world. It's quite crazy. But my mind-blocks have gone. But I've to have a direction with a vision to cast me in a role where I've two item songs." Bipasha chuckles when she recalls shooting the Namak item- song. "That's my favourite among my two item songs. Looking at the number you wouldn't think it was that tough. But when I heard the song it sounded difficult. And to lip-sync Rekha Bharadwaj's intricate rendition was doubly tough. On top of that they got a dance-guruji Bhushan Lakhandri instead of a routine choreographer to do the number. I fainted. I thought he'd expect me to be as trained and skilled in dancing as Madhuri Dixit or an Aishwarya Rai. The only dancing I knew was …going mad in a disco." She bursts into laughter. I did it without any training whatsoever. "But in spite of my reservations Bhushanji and Vishal had faith in me. I pulled it off. The other song Bidi just happened. It was fun to hear and fun to do and I'm sure audiences will have fun watching it."

Shootout outside Shahrukh's home

2006-08-28T02:19:00.000-07:00

A fracas between two security personnel employed at Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan's residence here ended in a shootout that killed one of the guards. Chandra Pratap Singh, a private security guard employed with TOP security agency and posted at Khan's residence "Mannat" in western Mumbai's Bandra area, was shot by colleague Hitendra Singh late Monday night, said a police official. Hitendra, who was also injured in the incident, was admitted to a hospital for treatment. He was later arrested and the firearm seized. The cause of the altercation is not yet known, the official said.

Rakhi Sawant Was Refused To Perform At A Show

2006-08-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Controversial item girl Rakhi Sawant, whose reportedly obscene dances in past shows here had sparked a row, was prevented by city police from performing at a show. Rakhi was forced to pack up Sunday night and leave the city as police insisted that she should not be allowed to perform. The show organisers had apparently failed to mention her name while taking permission from the police to stage the show at Vijaybhaskar Reddy indoor stadium. However, other performers including singing star Vasundhara Das and Telugu film actresses Sangeetha and Tanu Rai performed. The show was held by a real estate firm as part of its annual celebrations. The organisers had taken prior police permission for the event, but failed to mention the names of the performers including Rakhi. After the organisers announced through advertisements in newspapers that Rakhi would also perform, the police swung into action and made it clear that they would not allow any show by the controversial performer. Denied permission to perform, Rakhi left the city in a huff. She was to leave for Mumbai on Monday but advanced her flight. Jubliee Hills police inspector M. Srinivas Rao said: "Allowing her to perform without permission could have led to a law and order problem." According to police, the organisers had sought permission only for presentation of awards to the company employees, a lucky draw and a light musical programme. About 800 people were invited for the event. The organisers had even informed police that they were making their own security arrangements and did not require any security by police. However, after learning that Rakhi would also perform, dozens of policemen descended at the venue and said they would not allow any performance by her. Her alleged obscene performance, costumes and suggestive gestures at a show recently in Kolhapur in Maharashtra had sparked a row with police registering a case against her. She was later denied permission for many shows in that state.

Chennai Students Asks Aamir Khan To Stop Endorsing 'Coca Cola'

2006-08-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

College students in Chennai shouted slogans and displayed protest placards to actor Aamir Khan, urging him to withdraw his endorsement of Coca-Cola. The students, members of Youth for Social Change, said they were raising this issue with Khan, because he was an actor with a "conscience". Jennie Dolly Antony and Meghna Sukumar shouted slogans at the Kamarajar Arangam auditorium Saturday night, "Aamir, stop endorsing coke", and "Ganda matlab Coca-Cola". They also held up a placard that read: "Aamir, set an example: Boycott Coke." Within seconds, the security personnel grabbed the placards and tried to throw the girls out. Other students from Youth for Social Change seated elsewhere in the auditorium then began shouting slogans. They also held up anti-Coke placards, urging the superstar to stop endorsing the cola. The protest took place at an awards ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of Gollapudi Srinivas, a director who was tragically killed when he was 26. Khan was the chief guest at the function. "We do not want to disrupt the awards ceremony. We wish to not just mourn the dead but also fight for the living," a student said. "Coca-Cola is bad for health. And celebrity endorsers like Aamir Khan and Madhavan are acting irresponsibly by using their larger-than-life screen image to peddle these dangerous drinks to unsuspecting youth who think it is cool to consume junk food," another student added. The Centre for Science and Environment in a study found that the colas had dangerously high pesticide content, an argument that has been contested by the cola giants who say they meet all industry and health standards. The students were hopeful that Aamir Khan will withdraw his endorsement. "We are not going after other celebrities. They have never claimed to have a conscience. Aamir has lent his support for the Narmada Bachao Andolan and for the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy," a student said. Not wanting to interrupt the awards ceremony, the students had attempted to seek an appointment with Khan. But their request was turned down. "Left with no choice we had to raise the issue inside the hall," a student said. The group is now planning a nationwide campaign to pressurise celebrities to stop endorsing Coke, Pepsi and other unhealthy products.

Mallika Sherawat In A Negative Role

2006-08-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat will play a negative role in Kamal Haasan's forthcoming Tamil film "Dasavataram". Kamal told the media that Mallika had accepted the role of a villain. He said the brief discussion took place when she was here recently for shooting in Mani Ratnam-directed "Guru", in which she plays a crucial cameo role. According to Kamal, Mallika told him she was "prepared to play any role" in a film made by him. Kamal is playing 10 different roles in the film.

Viveik Oberoi, Trying To Look Like Johnny Depp?

2006-08-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

When Viveik Oberoi did a photo shoot for the cover of high-profile magazine Hi Blitz, his hair stylist Dilshad Pastakia saw a resemblance to Hollywood actor Johnny Depp. "It was really a pleasure to style Viveik's hair. He has grown his hair long and it's just begging to be styled. In fact, the whole look so much resembled Johnny Depp that all the girls present insisted on his uncanny resemblance to Depp," said Pastakia, best known for styling Shah Rukh Khan's hair. Ace fashion photographer Daboo Ratnani captured Viveiks' new look at Arjun Khanna's design studio. Khanna too seemed impressed with Viveik and described him as a style icon. "Viveik has got the height, style and the right attitude to carry it off. He is a rock star,' said Khanna, who designs clothes for Viveik.

Kailash Kher To Sing With Eddie Vedder

2006-08-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

From singing on railway platforms to appearing on the cover page of international music magazine Rave, singer Kailash Kher has definitely come a long way and right now he is elated about his upcoming world concert with Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder. "I am very excited about a collaboration with Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder. The live concert will be a tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saheb who had teamed up with Vedder for the soundtrack of 'Dead Man Walking'," said Kailash who recently released his album "Kailasa". The singer is quite upbeat about the album. "We are very happy with the response received by 'Kailasa' and are planning a sequel," Kailash told in an interview. Kailash is a fan of Himesh Reshammiya's abilities as a music director, but finds his singing "monotonous". "Reshammiya's abilities as a music director are excellent but his capabilities as a singer are not equally promising. His singing is monotonous. Most of his songs sound the same. "I'm still what I used to be. I only want to sing freely, nothing else matters," said the singer who has sung for films like "Fanaa", "Corporate" and "Waisa Bhi Hota Hai-II". He talks candidly about his recent professional success but does not want to share his childhood memories with anybody. "There is nothing interesting to share about my early days. I can only tell you that I was born in Meerut and shifted to Delhi at the age of five." Talking about his first break, he said: "Although my first break was a jingle for Nakshatra diamonds, it did not give me much recognition. My first big break was a jingle for a Hero Cycles commercial, shot specially for the cricket World Cup. "The jingle 'Ab udana hai aasan' was telecast almost every over during commercial breaks of the matches. It gave me a lot of recognition," he said. "I have sung for several upcoming Hindi movies, including Ravi Chopra's 'Baabul', Nikhil Advani's 'Salaam-e-Ishq', Sachin Bajaj's 'Naksha' and Dibakar Banerjee's 'Khosla ka Ghosla'," said Kher. Queried on his first meeting with music maestro A.R. Rahman, he said: "I got an unexpected call from Rahman's studios, asking me to take the next flight to Chennai. He wanted to meet me for some project and the rest is history." With Rahman, Kher has worked in M.F. Hussain's "Meenaxi", Ketan Mehta's "Mangal Pandey - A Rising" and Ashutosh Gowarikar's "Swades".

Sholay As The Best Movie In Iran

2006-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ramesh Sippy's Sholay, a 1975 Indian blockbuster, has proved that its popularity is not only restricted to India only, but is able to pull the crowd elsewhere too, as the Iranians voted it as their favorite film. A poll by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting's (IRIB) Research Centre showed that the celebrated movie has drawn the most audience attention. Sholay was telecast on the network between June 22-July 22 that outdid Iranian directors' Kiumars Purahmad's "Strange Sisters" and Kamal Tabrizi's "Maternal Love" aired during the same period, which stood second and third respectively for audience attention.

Amitabh Bachchan's Billboards To Be Removed From Pakistan

2006-08-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Authorities in Karachi have ordered the removal of billboards showing Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan in front of Pakistan's flag to promote a telephone quiz contest opening on the country's independence day. "We are not enemies of Mr Bachchan, but his picture on our national flag was an objectionable act and we ordered them to remove his picture from the flag," a local government official, Mirza Asif Baig, told Reuters on Friday. "This place is reserved only for our own heroes," he added. Telefun, a private call-in entertainment company, had posted the giant billboards round the city to promote a call-in quiz contest along the lines of an Indian television version of the US quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. The billboards said the show would be aired from August 14 - the day Pakistan celebrates independence from Britain and partition from India. Abdul Qadir, Telefun's marketing manager, said the company was complying with the authorities' directive. "We have already started disassociating Amitabh Bachchan's picture from the national flag," Qadir said. "It was a mistake." Qadir said Telefun had used Amitabh Bachchan's image because of the similar format of the quiz. Although there is a long-standing ban on screening of Indian films in cinema halls in Pakistan, Amitabh Bachchan is as popular there as he is in India. Indian films are easily available, however, on pirated CDs and are also aired on cable television channels in Pakistan.

Priyanka Chopra Is The ebay Indian Style Diva Of The Year 2006

2006-08-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Priyanka Chopra has been announced the eBay India Style Diva for the year 2006 by eBay, India’s leading online marketplace. In an online poll through June and July, the 2 million strong eBay India community chose Priyanka as the unanimous winner and Style Diva. Shea beat Kareena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu to win the ‘coveted’ trophy. Dressed in a tiny denim skirt and a sparkly spaghetti top, the former Miss World, looked happy to be getting the award. She secured 48 per cent of the total votes. “I’m flattered to be given this title. I’ve personally used eBay to pick up CDs in the past. And to think that I’ve been chosen and voted for by so many users is very thrilling. It feels great to reach out to millions of people through eBay.” Priyanka also announced an opportunity for all Indians to take part in a charity auction and raise funds for the education of the girl child through an NGO, Nanhi Kali. One fortunate buyer on eBay will get to spend a day with Priyanka on the sets of her forthcoming film.