Latest Bollywood News, Updates And Gossips

Anushka Sharma not tied to Yashraj Films

2009-03-25T22:00:00.004+05:00

Newbie Anushka Sharma is not contractually bound to do films only with Yashraj Films .

She got a dream launch in Bollywood with YRF’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi opposite Shahrukh Khan . But the lure of this dream launch did not tempt Anushka to sign any contract with YRF that would restrict her from working with other banners.

Asin , another Bollywood debutante of 2008, for instance, was contractually bound by the makers of Ghajini not to do any other Hindi film before the movie’s release. But Anushka did not falls for any such contract. Even though she has a three-film deal with YRF, she says she is free to do films with other production houses as well.

The saucy belle is nowadays busy reading a number of scripts. Offers have been pouring in since the release of ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, but Anushka is taking her time to pick the right film that can take her career forward.

According to the buzz, work is already underway for Anushka’s next project with Yashraj Films. It would be directed by actor Parmeet Sethi and would star Shahid Kapur in the lead.

Hot N Spicy

Exclusive Sonam Kapoor Childhood And Family Photos

2009-03-20T10:29:00.002+05:00

She is sweet, gorgeous and very shy. Sonam Kapoor, daughter of Anil Kapoor took her first step into bollywood by working with Bollywood’s most acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She first assisted the director in Black and bagged herself a role in his most anticipated movie of the year Saawariya. Take a look at Sonam Kapoor’s childhood pictures.

Asin’s father clarifies missing assistant issue

2009-03-19T14:27:00.001+05:00

Earlier today, we had reported Sudalai Vadivu, a resident of Red Hills in Chennai lodging a report with the City Police Commissioner stating that her 23 year old son Muthukumar was missing. Muthukumar, a native of Tirunelveli, had been employed as a domestic help to Asin. The focus had thus shifted to Asin’s camp where the boy was supposed to have been when his mother last heard of him.

In wake of this issue, Asin’s father Joseph Thottumkal Asin Joseph Thottumkal spoke to Behindwoods over the phone from Mumbai to offer clear explanations of what has happened.

Joseph Thottumkal said that “The boy was first employed as a domestic help while Asin was in Chennai. When Asin shifted to Mumbai, he was also brought along as an assistant. But, he met with an accident and all his treatment expenses, which amounted to approximately Rs. 2.7 lakhs were taken care of. After recovering from the injuries, he told us that he wanted to go home as he was not comfortable in Mumbai. After settling all his dues, we relieved him and he left for Chennai, that was on January 21st. I have registered the information of his departure with the Mumbai police on February 8th. We have not heard anything more of him since then. However, recently, his mother had come to Mumbai saying that her son had not returned home. When we told her about what had happened, she returned to Chennai and subsequently filed a report with the police regarding her son’s missing status. Chennai police had called me today and I provided them with all the details about what had happened. They seem satisfied with the information that I have provided”.

After the above explanation offered by Joseph Thottumkal, let’s hope that the issue is resolved soon.

Aamir ends war with Shahrukh

2009-03-16T18:22:00.003+05:00

If the recent statement of Mr. Perfectionist is to be believed that we can draw the conclusion that the war of words between the two Khans of Bollywood has finally come to an end and they have joined hands. Aamir Khan who turned 44 this birthday sounds quite lenient towards his enemy. On a friendship note, Aamir wished Shahrukh a successful life ahead.

"I want to tell Shahrukh that I love him and respect him a lot and I wish that he leads a successful life and that all his films are hits," said Aamir. But Aamir again sounds diplomatic in his statement; on one hand, he wished SRK success while on the other, he said that he has stopped following success. "I want to follow excellence and not success anymore. If you follow excellence then success will come after you."

Aamir who indirectly claim to be number one has now changed his version, he said” I’m not interested in competing with anyone. I don’t play the number game nor do I want the crown for myself. I just like to do good work."

On listening to Aamir’s latest verdict, we wonder whether it’s an end of the war or beginning of a new battle.

Here lies a big confusion.

Sonam Kapoor's personal touch

2009-02-09T12:37:00.002+05:00

For Rakeysh Mehra’s Delhi-6, Sonam Kapoor will be seen wearing a dress that her maternal grandmother had worn during her marriage, a long time ago.

Rakeysh was in for a surprise when a normally shy and reticent Sonam refused to wear an outfit that he and the producers had arranged for her.

Our source said,”Sonam did not like the fit and the finish of the particular outfit, which was given to her. So, she told Rakeyesh that she wanted to wear something else instead.”

Rakeysh had no time to organise a new outfit for Sonam. Thankfully, Sonam solved the problem herself. She told Rakeysh that her naani (maternal grandmother in Delhi) had worn a similar outfit at the time of her wedding and if she could wear that outfit. Naturally, Rakeysh was skeptical as he wondered if the outfit was still intact and usable. He agreed to let Sonam wear the outfit after she assured him that it was in good condition.

Sonam’s grandmother was only too happy to lend her the outfit. Our source added, “Fortunately, the dress fit Sonam so perfectly that it didn’t require any alterations and it didn’t look too outdated either.”

Although Rakeysh heaved a sigh of relief, certain shots had to be canned again. It did upset the schedule a bit but they finally got what they wanted.

Ghajini up Aamir for sale

2009-02-01T11:24:00.002+05:00

Pleased with the success of Ghajini, the makers of the film have found a unique way to share it with the fans — they can now take Aamir Khan in his muscled Ghajini look home.

Well, not the real Aamir, but his figurine that is. An insider informs, “It was producer Madhu Mantena’s idea to make the Aamir Khan-Ghajini look into a collector’s item.” It’s common knowledge that Aamir had worked out for over a year to acquire his hulk-like physique.

A source close to Aamir confirmed, “Great pains have been taken to capture Aamir’s exact muscular texture and structure in Ghajini.” Well, Aamir’s kiddie fans will certainly throng for this one. After, all what better way to pocket your favourite star, right Aamir?

Herman Baweja Cricket Carrier

2009-01-29T11:01:00.004+05:00

The stuff dreams are made of, right? But Hurman S Baweja got to live this dream! Playing a cricketer in Victory was everything that Hurman could have hoped for and more. Says the actor, “It was unreal for me, facing these world class cricketers who you’ve only seen on TV...”

And although Hurman didn’t get the chance to work with Sachin Tendulkar whom he idolises, he had a ball working with the others! “Bhajji — I really looked forward to working with; Brett is a nice guy, very chilled out, he didn’t whine about retakes. He told me it’s easier playing a Test match than shooting the whole day,” laughed Hurman. Shooting with these cricketers was fun but when it came to actual cricket, it was a different ball game altogether. Did anyone get him out for a duck?

“Brett could not and none of the Pakistani bowlers as well. But, yes, Chaminda Vas and Brad Hogg did get me out on duck.”

The story of a small town boy making it big in the Indian cricket team makes one think of Yuvraj Singh or Mahendra Singh Dhoni, any inspiration there? “One will draw similarities because it’s a very realistic film, but Vijay Singh Shekhawat is a completely fictional character,” said Hurman. Director Ajitpal Mangat and Hurman had great connection when it came to getting the actor into the skin of the character.

Training required him to leave his acting shoes behind and don a cricketer’s garb and Hurman wanted to do that with the right body language. He trained under Pravin Amre, who was Team India coach in the 90s and who even worked with Tendulkar. “After 15 days of shadow batting, one arm drills, two arm drills, back lifts, that I was allowed to touch the bat finally. After that, I would face the bowlers for almost two hours continuously, playing 40 to 50 overs every day. Then we started recording my performance and comparing every posture and move with Sachin’s. I wanted to get as close to Sachin as possible in body language,” recalled Hurman about the four month training period. And the biggest compliment he received from Amre? “He told me he wished I had joined a few years earlier as a cricketer!”

That might have been Hurman’s special day in his short-lived cricket career, but it’s certainly his big day tomorrow as an actor with Victory releasing. “It’s my first premiere at home because I was in London when my first film had released, so I'm superbly excited,” he said, adding that it will be a mini re-union of sorts because not only are there celebrities expected from the film world for the premiere, but there will also be Bhajji, R P Singh, Ramesh Pawar, Wasim Jaffer, Ajit Agarkar and Chaminda Vas attending the show! Now that’s quite a victory for Hurman we say!

Emraan Hashmi Kissed By A Man

2009-01-27T11:33:00.001+05:00

Well the star has kissed many leading ladies of his flick, but the latest bollywood news is that Emraan Hashmi was kissed by a man. Emraan who was in Hyderabad to promote his Raaz TMC, reveals, “Hyderabad is an important destination for Bollywood. Weirdly though, I’ve had strange experiences here. The first time, I was kissed by a man, the next time by a girl and on my third trip, I was swooned by the cheerleaders of the local team!” The lover boy has also mellowed down on his kisses and says, “I’m consciously moving away from that image. I have brought down the passion in my kisses. It’s worked for me but…. Sometimes, it’s put for superstitious reasons!”

Do you know who's remixing with Rahman!

2009-01-27T11:07:00.003+05:00

The Indian Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee who’s got the world standing up and saying Jai Ho to his music in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, is remixing the award-winning song for a single music video track by the Pussycat Dolls. The original was done by Indian rap-bhangra artiste Sukhwinder Singh. But Rahman, after hooking up with American music producer Jimmy Iovine — has worked with bands like U2, Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen and Eminem, has done a remix version for the Pussycat Dolls.

The Pussycat Dolls, made up of lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Kimberly Wyatt and Carmit Bachcr, achieved worldwide success in 2005 with their album PCD and produced hits like Buttons and Stickwitu, the latter which earned the group a Grammy Award nomination. Last year, they released their second studio album Doll Domination, which included the hits When I Grow Up and I Hate This Part. Throughout their rise to fame, the group has been criticised for its overtly sexual image and explicit dance routines, but Rahman has apparently no issues working with them.

According to a source, the website desihits got in touch with Rahman and Iovine for the remix version. The track is being produced by American singer and record maker Palow Da Don who has done albums with Will Smith, Fergie, Rich Boy, Usher, Nelly, G-Unit and Mario. The website’s CEO Anjula Acharia Bath, admitted that she had spent time with Rahman on the track which would “be a great dance anthem with an amazing beat and a collaboration of sounds of the East meeting the West”. She added, “I was humbled to watch Rahman and Iovine in the studio.” Rahman, after the
double whammy delivered by the Golden Globes and Oscar nomination, has characteristically gone underground and could not be contacted for comment.

Shekhar Suman apologises to Akshay for 'Chandni Chowk...' comments

2009-01-26T11:11:00.001+05:00

TV celebrity Shekhar Suman, who panned Akshay Kumar and his latest release "Chandni Chowk To China" as the"worst film made in the history of Indian cinema", has apologised to the star.

"It was never my intention to offend Akshay. And if I've done so then I've no hesitation in saying sorry. Akshay is too much of a good soul for me to hurt him. He should've realised my comments had nothing personal about them," Shekhar told IANS.

After watching "Chandni Chowk To China", Shekhar apparently said: "It will go down as the worst film ever made in Indian history. What an utter waste of Rs.400 that I spent on my ticket. I want a refund of all Akshay films that I've seen. The film is not just disappointing and amateurish but offends one's sensibility as well. I declare January 16 to be declared National Mourning in India, as it's the day cinema died."

"I'm upset with Akshay for doing such a film. He's lost it after seeing success. Akshay was better when he wasn't in the race... now his brains have turned topsy-turvy. I think Shah Rukh must be having the last laugh... Akshay said somewhere that SRK's not in the race but he (Akki) is already at the finishing line," Shekhar had said.

The actor says he is taken aback by the backlash to his tongue-lash.

"I never knew my opinion would matter so much. I reacted as an outraged viewer. I've always admired Akshay Kumar's resilient climb from the bottom rung to the top of ladder. In fact, I tell my son Adhyayan that Akshay Kumar is a role model to follow. Self-made superstar."

Sadly a section of Akshay's supporters, including the "Chandni Chowk To China" director Nikhil Advani, saw Shekhar's comments as below-the-belt attempts to get publicity for Adhyayan's release "Raaz 2". The film released Friday.

But Shekhar laughed off this accusation.

"My son is talented enough to do without such cheap props. We don't need to use big names to get noticed. Adhyayan's performance in "Raaz 2" will speak for itself. I'd say exactly what I did about 'Chandni Chowk...' even if my son's film wasn't releasing."

Aamir Khan to do another cricket-based film

2009-01-25T10:35:00.002+05:00

It seems one movie per year resolution is going to be null for Aamir Khan who will start working for a cricket-based film as soon as he finishes 3 Idiots .

The movie, titled ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’, has cricket as the central subject. Aamir, who is riding high on success with Ghajini making records at the box office, was the natural choice for producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra . And guess what? The actor is learnt to have given his nod to the project.
The film is conceived by Rajesh Mapuskar, who was once associated with Rajkumar Hirani . Now, according to sources, Rajesh’s idea has been well received by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. In fact Vidhu will co-write the script for the film.
Aamir, who is currently working for Vidhu and Hirani in ‘3 Idiots’, has already impressed the duo with his fine acting and perfectionist streak. ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ is about a young boy who gets attracted to a cricketer’s Ferrari car and dreams of playing cricket in reality.
For the Perfectionist Khan, a project has to be extraordinary to spark his interest. And it seems ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ promises that.

Item girl kissed Harman

2009-01-22T11:02:00.001+05:00

Item girl Sambhavana Seth placed a long and intense kiss on Harman's cheek to his surprise when he was invited to grace the dance reality show Dancing Queen. It was Sambhavana's pre-planned program to kiss Harman when he will come up on the stage, she got to fulfill her long desire of kissing him.

Sambhavana was more than happy while narrating the entire incident, she said, "Ye toh kaafi solid khabar aayi hai aapke paas," she said adding, "He's so sweet...full of positive vibes. Maine socha ek kiss le lun. That's the best way to get my share of the positive vibes."

She goes on, "When I called him onto the stage, his first reaction was, 'Please mujhe dance karne ko mat kehna.' I told him that I want to kiss him and that he can't stop me…and then I did."

She is a big fan of Harman and is longing to be his mate, "Nahi, abhi mein Harman ke peeche bhagoongi. Mujhe Harman chahiye," she says candidly.

Arbaaz Khan, a bad boy again

2009-01-22T10:57:00.001+05:00

Don't get confused with the title and draw any wrong conclusion. Everything is going fine in Arbaaz and Malaika's life and they are going great. Instead we are speaking about Arbaaz's prowess of enacting a imperfect husband. More Arbaaz is loyal to his wife and carrying an image of a perfect husband, the more he is imperfect on screen. He is a possessive, unfaithful and a ruthless husband in reel but in real he is just the opposite. Arbaaz debut with Abbas-Mustan's racy thriller, Daraar where he played Juhi Chawla’s possessive husband, though negative, his role was well appreciated and people accepted him in negative character.

But later he changed his part and turned good in Bhagam Bhag, Fashion and Dus Kahaniyaan. Arbaaz played both good and bad husband but he got more reorganization as a flawed hubby. But again he is back with his earlier awful image. In Madhureeta Anand directed and Randeep Hooda-Raima Sen starrer, Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye, Arbaaz will once again be seen in a grey role. He cheats on his wife and has an affair with another woman.

The promo is on air and Arbaaz has excelled in the part of an imperfect husband. 'Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye' will hit the marquee on 6th February.

Aamir Khan is going to shock you again

2009-01-20T10:56:00.001+05:00

Aamir is known for his hard work and dedication towards his work. He didn't leave a stone unturned to transform himself from a chocolate boy into a macho man with eight pack abs and pumped up muscles. Now once again he is experimenting with his body for Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots.

It is learnt that Aamir had to shed 7 to 8 kgs to look like a student. We were shocked to see the lean Aamir. No doubt he was looking much younger than his age.

When asked what was more difficult, to put on or lose muscles. "Both were difficult. I had to stretch myself to extreme limits when I was building my body. It was a testing period for me."

He informs that the decision to let go of the body that he made in the past one year was difficult one.

"But I am an actor and my body is my instrument. I have to change my appearance for my roles. Now I had to lose weight for 3 idiots. I am trying to become like my director Murugadoss. Actually my role in 3 idiots is modeled on my director Murugadoss." He quips.

Akshay Kumar gave away his award in anger!

2009-01-20T10:52:00.002+05:00

The real reason why Akshay Kumar gave his award away to Aamir Khan

Last Wednesday, Akshay Kumar gave away his Star Screen award to Aamir Khan. It is now revealed that the gesture was not out of generosity or nobility, but out of anger.

Initially, the actor was to perform at the award function but the organisers couldn't pay him his asking price (Rs 2.5 crore), so he backed out. These days, award functions are all about star attendance.

A-list actors only show up if they are winning awards, or performing at the function. Since performing was out, and the organisers wanted Akki at the event, they hinted that he'd win the Best Actor award.

Unkept promises

According to an insider, "The actor promised to be present at the event, and flew back from the world premieres of CC2C on Tuesday morning.

On the day of the award, he sent across a written speech and asked for it to be played on the teleprompter. He was all set to collect his Best Actor award that evening.

To his horror, his name was anno-unced for the Most Popular Actor, and not the Best Actor category as promised."

Quick thinking

Akki felt slighted but there was no way he couldn't have gone up on stage to collect his trophy without creating a flurry at the event.

So he went on stage, made his speech, announced that Aamir deserved the award for Ghajini, and walked off from the stage without collecting the trophy.

He announced Aamir's name because he wasn't present at the function. It was quick (and smart) thinking on his part.

After his seemingly generous act on stage, the actor walked off from the event, without waiting for the other winners to be announced.

Preposterous

Adds a source, "The award for the Best actor went to Hrithik Roshan for Jodhaa Akbar. At the time when the organisers told Akshay he'd win the coveted award, they were given to believe that Hrithik wouldn't be able to attend the function.

But at the last minute the actor showed up, and they had to give him the award, as it would've been preposterous to give the award to Singh Is Kinng when the Jodhaa Akbar actor was nominated in the same category."

Top 10 Bollywood Movies of 2008

2009-01-20T10:42:00.000+05:00

Overall it was very weak year in Bollywood in terms of quality. There just weren’t very many good films to release…and even the good ones were full of flaws!

#1 A Wednesday

Rating:

It is these types of films that give hope that Bollywood can indeed compete with Hollywood. This terrorism-based film has top of the line acting from Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher and Jimmy Shergill. If you were to choose one movie to watch from last year, then this is the one.

#2 Jaane Tu Yah Jaane Na

Rating:

Although the story is typical Bollywood, the way it is presented is what makes the film a winner. Imran Khan could not have asked for a better launch from his uncle Aamir. Its only been two films from Aamir Khan Productions so far, but its time to consider this banner one of the best. The final fifteen minutes of this film are what make it a classic.

#3 U Me aur Hum

Rating:

This film could have and should have done better at the box office. I blame the poor promos for its failure. Why show Kajol and Ajay Devgan on a cruise dancing to Jee Le in the trailers? There was so much more in the actual story. This film is one of the most original and emotional films to come out in Bollywood in a long time.

#4 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Rating:

At number four we have Shah Rukh Khan’s only movie this year. The story was simple and sweet but there was one huge flaw which we just cannot let go: how does a wife not recognize her husband if he shaves his mustache?? This is one of the weakest films to come out from SRK/Yash Raj collaborations but you can count on Shah Rukh to carry the film. He is the only reason this film did as well as it did and is on this list. Anushka Sharma made a great impression in her debut.

#5 Ghajini

Rating:

This film had a chance to something special - had it been revolved around the 15 minute short term memory aspect. But the makers take the convenient way out by making half the movie into flashbacks/songs and the other half into a typical Bollywood revenge saga. Even before watching the film, most viewers knew the story from beginning to end - how about adding a twist to make it different than the Tamil version? Yeah the film was the biggest hit of the year…but only because of Aamir Khan’s performance.

#6 Jodha Akbar

Rating:

One of the finest movies of the year. It comes at no. 6 just for its length and lackluster screenplay. If Ashutosh had removed the songs and chopped some of the unnecessary scenes , this movie could have challenged Hollywood. If you haven’t watched it, just watch it for Hrithik and Aishwarya’s brilliant performances.

#7 Jannat

Rating:

Emraan Hashmi delivers another perfect performance after Awaarapan last year. He is arguably the most underrated actor in the industry. The movie is another good (not great) one from the Bhatt camp but the ending disappointed big time. The reach for something else but police thinks you are reaching for a gun ending has been done many times before! Will Emraan Hashmi ever stay alive in a Bhatt film?

#8 Race

Rating:

What was the story of this film? Did it even have a story? All I remember is a bunch of twists and turns. Story or not, this thriller does manage to keep you entertained throughout - as long as you don’t use your brain too much!

#9 Singh is Kinng

Rating:

After a string of good films from Akshay Kumar, Singh is Kingg was a bit of a disappointment. Not only was it predictable, but the movie was not as funny as expected and it tried too hard to give moral lessons throughout.

#10 Dasvidaniya

Rating:

This ‘10 things to do before I die’ movie did not do any wonders at the box office, but it definitely left a mark in everyone’s memory who watched it.

It was hard picking the top 10 movies, because we tried to balance commercial success with quality.

Anyways, we think that we have done a fair job.

Live Chat: Anushka Sharma on December 23 at 1630 hrs IST

2008-12-21T10:28:00.001+05:00

Not everyday a person gets to see his/ her dream 'attain shape' and that too so soon in life! Well...as they say 'That's what dreams are made up of!' The statement sounds just right for Anushka Sharma: the 'Dream Girl' of this century! She was just an ordinary model walking the ramp till the time living whirlpools called 'Shah Rukh Khan' and 'Aditya Chopra' entered her life and made her a name to reckon with, even before she could say 'Bollywood'.

Anushka, who made her dream début with the King Khan, has been only receiving compliments and accolades since the time her debut film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hit the silver screen last week. There's not even a single soul in the country who doesn't want to miss an opportunity to meet the firebrand actress Anushka. Well, then, you need to thank Bollywood Hungama for playing your dream weaver, as here's your chance to get up, close and personal with the one and only Anushka Sharma, only on Bollywood Hungama's Celeb Chat. Please make a mention in your diary that it's happening on Tuesday, December 23 at 1630 hrs IST.

We will not say do not miss this chat as we are more than confident that you will not afford to lose this opportunity to chat with Anushka Sharma!

Sanjay Dutt walks out of Govinda's film?

2008-12-21T10:25:00.002+05:00

Govinda is in a dilemma. His home production, Shaadi Banayega, which will relaunch his banner, is stuck. The reason is Sanjay Dutt who has walked out of the project.

While the film's debutant director Hadi Ali Abrar denies this, Dharam Oberoi who looks after Dutt's production house, says the star was never supposed to do the film.

"I know the news has been doing the rounds but Sanju had not given the nod to this project," he asserts.

Abrar however maintains that Dutt is ‘in'.

"We will be recording songs soon. I have confirmations from both Govinda and Sanjay, we're working out on the combination dates of the other actors," he says.

No time
The film is expected to start towards the end of the year. Meanwhile, Oberoi still insists that Dutt's diary is full and he has no dates to spare.

"I won't deny that they approached us for the film and wanted Sanju's dates this year. It's impossible, he's leaving for the Bahamas for Blue and after that he'll be going to Mauritius for Chatur Singh. Then there's GS Entertainment's Lamha," Oberoi rattles off.

"Where's the time? Since he's a professional, he can't back out of the projects to which he has already committed and taken money for. "

Oberoi points out that Dutt doesn't even have dates for his own banner which he is planning to revive.

He signs off saying, "Govinda is a very very dear friend and Sanju will always be there for him. He will work in his home production for sure.. but in the future."

Why Kangana Ranaut is upset with the Bhatts?

2008-12-21T10:21:00.001+05:00

Kangana Ranaut has always gotten along well with the Bhatts who launched her in Bollywood and have been instrumental in shaping her career. But now, a wedge has apparently appeared between the actress and her mentors.

If reports are to be believed, Kangana is upset with the Bhatts and is unlikely to promote the upcoming Vishesh Films’ presentation Raaz - The Mystery Continues .

The reason for this rift is that Kangana feels that the Bhatts are using her personal life as a publicity gimmick to create a curiosity around ‘Raaz –TMC’.

The actress’s stand comes in the wake of a recent tabloid report that she and boyfriend Adhyayan spent hours locked inside a vanity van and kept the shooting stalled while the producer, director and the crew waited on the sets. The report was partly corroborated by the Bhatts.

That had upset Kangana.

The actress was quoted as saying: “I’m terribly hurt that my personal matters are being used to create hype around the film.”

For those who don’t know yet, Kangana’s affair with Adhyayan started on the sets of ‘Raaz-TMC’, where the two met for the first time. The two were quite inseparable on the movie’s sets. But the report of their being locked in vanity van for hours has upset them both.

With the film slated to hit the theatres on January 23, it is being rumoured that Kangana has decided to distance herself from promoting it. However, there is likelihood that she may review her decision because Adhyayan is banking on the good run of ‘Raaz-TMC’ to kick-start his acting career after making a disastrous debut in Haal-e-Dil .

The new woman in Shahid’s life?

2008-12-17T11:04:00.001+05:00

Shahid Kapur

After the Shahid Kapur-Sania Mirza relationship fizzled, the actor has become quite close to Mubina Rattonsey. Mubina is the daughter-in-law of renowned producer Farouq Rattonsey. Shahid met Mubina on the sets of Vishal Bharadwaj’s forthcoming film, Kaminay and the two have been close ever since. Mubina is also the film’s executive producer.

However, a source from Kaminay insists that the two are more than just good friends and are in fact dating each other.

“Shahid has been close to Mubina from the day he met her. Mubina goes out of her way to take care of Shahid on the sets and is always around him. They hang out together on the sets. They also spend a lot of time in Shahid’s van,” said the source.

Interestingly, Shahid and Mubina are quite open about their relationship. They came together for the premiere of Santosh Sivan’s Tahaan as Mubina had invited him.

“Their relationship is not hidden from anyone on the sets of Kaminay. Mubina took special care of Shahid after he broke off with Sania after her parents strictly objected to the relationship. That’s when Shahid and Mubina started dating,” added the source.

When contacted, Mubina said, “Do you know I am happily married for the past six years?”

When asked if she is dating Shahid, Mubina said, “This is absolutely crazy.” She then disconnected the phone.

We sent a text message to Shahid but he didn’t reply.


Mubina Rattonsey

Dhoni to make Bollywood debut

2008-12-15T11:31:00.000+05:00

David Dhawan is all set to don his directorial hat again with UTV Motion Pictures’ ‘Hook Ya Crook’, which goes on floors next month.

Dhawan, whose last film ‘Partner’ did good business at the box office in 2007, will begin shooting for the film from January 2009, UTV Motion Pictures said. Written by Rensil D’Silva, the award-winning writer of ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Hook Ya Crook’ stars John Abraham in the lead.

Reportedly, Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni is also playing a role in the film. However, sources in UTV Motion Pictures said nothing has been finalised so far. The female lead is likely to be Genelia D’Souza, sources said.

This is the first time that the ace comedy director will be teaming up with John for a complete entertainer. Alpana Mishra, COO production, UTV Motion Pictures said that the company has been extremely eager to associate with David Dhawan and ‘Hook Ya Crook’ was just the perfect platform to seal this relationship.

UTV Motion Pictures has also shared a commendable relationship with John Abraham in the past with ‘Hook Ya Crook’ being John’s second film after “Goal”, she said.

“We are all gearing up to hit the floor by January ten. Our first schedule is in Mumbai and later in Hyderabad, where we have just started building a mammoth set. It’s a film that will keep the audience hooked from word go,” Mishra said.

Meanwhile, director David Dhawan said, “I am very excited about the project. It is a very unique film and a very challenging too. The team on the film has worked very hard all through the year to make it happen. It will be a great way for me to start the New Year.”

Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor in a cold war?

2008-12-09T07:26:00.002+05:00

It is rumored that Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor have picked up a fight and the reason is apparently an angel-faced actress, Katrina Kaif.

According to sources, “Deepika Padukone had got the news from her sources about Ranbir’s growing comfort level with Katrina on and off the sets of Rajkumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani during the two month shooting schedule in Ooty. Deepika got very insecure when her sources from the sets of the same film told about what was happening between the two in the Goa schedule.”
He further added, “It is learnt that during the Goa shoot both Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif appeared more than comfortable with each other than before even in front of the unit members on the sets. Deepika Padukone went to Goa straightaway after hearing from her source. During her one day trip she met her source and came back to Mumbai.”
Apparently when Ranbir realized what was happening he made a call to Deepika, which ended in an argument. Thereafter Deepika Padukone is apparently not returning any calls from Ranbir Kapoor.

Nisha Kothari in Sandalwood

2008-12-09T07:21:00.002+05:00

Nisha Kothari’s (aka Amoha) association with Ram Gopal Varma may have ended with the pathetic performance of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. But this bombshell, who found herself stranded in Bollywood after being dropped by Ramu, is making a strong comeback to South India through Raj: The Showman. The film has all the ingredients of becoming a huge hit with Puneeth Rajkumar as hero. Shooting is progressing in the outskirts of Bangalore.

This skinny girl with killer looks was introduced in Tamil with Jay Jay opposite Madhavan. She made her Hindi debut with James and Sarkar, both directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Since her debut in Hindi, she was known as the muse of Ram Gopal Varma but their next film, Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, a remake of the legendary Sholay, was a complete box office washout. Even Ramu admitted that Aag was a mistake. With Aag (translated fire) fast estinguished fast by the audience, the friendship between the director and the actress also ran out of steam.

Although Nisha became a known figure in Bollywood, her name is often associated only with non-significant roles with daring and steamy outfits. She is yet to come up with noteworthy performances to be considered as a serious actress; she is probably wishing Sandalwood will provide her with the opportunity which has been eluding her for long. It will take a lot of hard work and an image makeover for Nisha to be considered a good actress. With her ability to bounce back, hopefully, she will taste success this time.

Asin’s Insecure Behaviour

2008-12-08T11:18:00.001+05:00

We often hear the insecurities and cold wars between two actresses in Bollywood. And the actresses Asin and Jiah Khan are no exception to it. As the two actresses do not share the screen space for the film, sources says that both actresses have been making discreet inquiries about each other’s roles and clothes for the film.

Meanwhile, Asin’s security reached to extreme heights when she insisted to stay on the sets of Ghajini to see the shoot of Jiah’s song, even if she didn’t have to shoot for a single scene that day.

A source revealed, “At Filmistan, a song was being picturised on Jiah and Asin happened to be present on the sets as she had a costume trial. After the costume trials were done, everyone thought that Asin would leave the sets. However, she called up the assistant director and told him that she wanted to see the shoot of Jiah’s song. The assistant director was surprised but he did not argue with Asin. She sat through the entire shoot and noted the close-ups and the footage given to Jiah in the song.”

The source also revealed that Asin and Jiah didn’t even say ‘Hi’ to each other. The source later added, “This was the first time that Asin and Jiah came face to face. They should have at least exchanged pleasantries. Both literally looked through each other.”

And when asked whether Jiah was present on the sets when Asin was shooting, the source replied with laugh, “No, Jiah did not turn up during Asin’s shoot to pay her back in the same coin.”

'After Kama Sutra, it is Bollywood and Shah Rukh in Poland'

2008-12-08T11:17:00.002+05:00

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is a favourite icon of Polish youth and all his films are lapped up eagerly in Poland. Now, a biography of the Indian actor has been translated in the Polish language and received very well.

Massive publicity has been given to film journalist Anupama Chopra's book "The King of Bollywood" throughout Poland.

Lifesized posters of Shah Rukh Khan with the book title, "King of Bollywood", have been displayed at the underground stations in Warsaw and all important places in big cities. Word of mouth publicity is also adding to the book's sales.

Shah Rukh's popularity among Polish youth began with "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" when it was released in January 2005 with Polish subtitles. It was the first megahit from Bollywood that enchanted the Polish people. Since then most of Shah Rukh's films have been superhits in Poland, whether it was "Dil Se", "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" or the evergreen "Main Hoon Na".

To cash in on Shah Rukh's popularity, the most important newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, a few months ago started selling Bollywood films along with its weekly edition at throwaway prices to boost sales.

"The name of Shah Rukh has become a common home name. The profile of India has gained many notches in the Polish psyche. It is a sheer phenomenon if not anything else," said Piotr Klodkowski, ambassador-designate to India and a wellknown Indologist, while addressing the Warsaw Rotary Club.

"To my mind after Kama Sutra it is Bollywood and Shah Rukh which have given tremendous popularity to India over the past several decades," said Klodkowski.

"The Bollywood popularity has given new dimensions to Indian culture," added Janusz Krzyzowski, president of the India-Polish Cultural Committee. "When we organise any classical dance recital or musical programme, people feel more attracted and our programmes are more appreciated by the audience."

Adnan Sami derides attacks on Mumbai

2008-12-08T11:11:00.002+05:00

Adnan is acutely pained by the terror attacks on Mumbai. "What has happened is completely barbaric. It's an act of war, a cowardly war. Jehad is meant to save your country and religion from people who are armed and dangerous. In Mumbai, they attacked innocent and helpless people. If these people think this is jehad then I've no patience with them."

Adnan can't bear the mayhem in the name of religion. "The people who have done this to Mumbai in the name of jehad need to understand what the word means. As far as I'm concerned, these terrorists have no religion. If they're doing it in the name of religion they need to redefine religion. Islam doesn't permit this mayhem."

Adnan who's a qualified lawyer says, "The law says if someone strikes you with a danda you can't protect yourself with a pistol. The law only allows you to defend yourself with the same weapon that you're attacked with. These people came into a hotel and took defenseless people hostage. As far as I'm concerned, these people are not Islamic at all."

Three hot HQ stills from Chandni Chowk To China

2008-12-08T10:51:00.002+05:00

Eid 2008 Special - Part 2: Koina Mita un-dresses to impress

2008-12-07T10:12:00.001+05:00

For the next 7 days here at RS we are running a Special Photo Featur-ette… an Eid 2009 gift to all our loyal visitors. From Friday 5th up until Thursday 11th December visitors to the website will get to see the most beautiful

Bollywood ladies in their most sensual and hottest moods… this is a feature-ette not to be missed.

During the 7 days, you will be able to feast your eyes over the likes of Kashmira Shah, Shilpa Shetty, Celina Jaitley, Ayesha Thakia, Aishwarya Rai, Sophie Chowdhary, Priyanka Chopra, Poonam Jhawar and Koena Mitra… just some of our Eid 2009 Hot Babes.

It all started with Eid Babe 1… Kashmira Shah yesterday… and here comes Eid Babe 2…

Salman Khan to romance Miss Universe-UK

2008-12-05T07:37:00.003+05:00

Lisa Lazarus, who represented UK in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, will romance Salman Khan in the Bollywood movie Veer .

Some guys have all the luck. And one of them is certainly Salman who always gets to romance stunners in his films. Even though he may have entered his 40s and even gotten hair implants, the actor still gets the 20-year-olds as his heroines.

The latest one to romance Salman is Miss UK-Universe Lisa Lazarus, who plays the second heroine of producer Vijay Galani’s film ‘Veer’, the story of which has been penned by none other than Salman himself.

Priyanka Chopra will strip off so her boyfriend’s film can be sold

2008-12-05T07:15:00.004+05:00

Newcomer Harman Baweja is so worried about his Bollywood career that he has got his girlfriend, and co-star of his debut flick Love Story 2050, Priyanka Chopra to do a sizzling item number in his next flick.

Harman is hoping that the inclusion of Priyanka in the credits might help the film to sell as industry insiders are reporting that there are no buyers for it. A source reveals, “Victory earlier was facing some production hassles and now they are finding it difficult to find buyers, especially since the industry is also reeling under the impact of the recession in the market. Although the film is backed by Adlabs; they are having trouble selling it. That Harman’s last film was a non-starter is also a factor. Distributors who had earlier shown interest have now backed out and agree to come back in on the deal if they are offered heavy cuts in the price.”

The source further adds, “Now one of the producers of the film, Manmohan Shetty, has urged the debutant director of the film, Ajit Pal, to put an item number in the film. This may just improve the prospects of the film on the ticket windows. Harman has requested girl friend Priyanka to do the number and she has agreed.”

Priyanka will shoot for the song, in which she will be seen wearing nothing but a two-piece, early in the New Year.

Studio collapse defers King Khan shoot

2008-12-04T12:53:00.000+05:00

SRK was supposed to shoot for the film this week at a studio in Mumbai. But just a day before, the roof of the studio collapsed and hurt a few unit members. In fact, one of them, we hear, is currently recuperating in hospital. When contacted, the film’s director Mudassar Aziz confirmed that there was an unfortunate incident on the sets but he said that nobody was really hurt to the extent that they had to be admitted in hospital for more than a few hours.

Now, we hear that Aziz has taken fresh dates from Shah Rukh with shooting to resume in another studio. “SRK will now shoot for the same song anytime soon,” he said. Well, all the best, Mudassar and Viveck!

Watch: Bollywood gives message against terrorism

2008-12-04T10:37:00.000+05:00

Watch Video Bollywood gives message against terrorism

I felt sick in my stomach: Aamir Khan

2008-12-04T10:35:00.002+05:00

Mumbai under siege, terrorists on rampage and a city trying to fight back - this has been a constant theme since last 36 hours now. With normal life coming to a grinding halt, theatres shut and Bollywood paralyzed, the industry is speaking its heart out in condemning such a dastardly act of cowardice by the terrorists.

While Big B expressed his anger and sorrow at the tragic turn of events, Aamir Khan too has vented out his ire on the faceless attackers in his blog.

Shocked at the sight of Mumbai turning into a war zone, Aamir writes on his blog, "My heartfelt condolences to the families of persons killed and taken hostage. I was feeling sick in the stomach when the fire broke out at the Taj hotel. What would the people caught inside be going through? The fire fighters were doing their best but my imagination was running wild and I was feeling helpless watching other people trapped in the rooms adjoining the fire."

The actor pays his condolences to the families of the brave police personnel who have lost their lives leading from the front to take on the terrorists. Aamir makes a special mention of late Hemant Karkare, the chief of ATS. He pays the martyred officer a glorious tribute saying "Karkare is an example of a brave officer who gave his life in the line of duty."

Showing his empathy for the officers of the Mumbai Police, the Indian Army, Navy, the NSG and the various other security forces dealing with the situation, Aamir salutes their effort in trying to overcome such a mammoth crisis.

While the actor known for his perfectionism is all praises for the officers, he is unforgiving in his criticism of the opportunistic politicians who he dreads would use this tragedy to further their political careers.

Aamir wonders, "When will these politicians realize and admit that terrorists have no religion. Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or God. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner."

He hopes that the politicians will finally stop the politics of hate and division and work together as 'responsible leaders'. We couldn't agree more with the actor.

Shutters down on seven cinemas in Mumbai

2008-12-04T10:33:00.002+05:00

While cinema halls in Mumbai have re-opened on Friday and the filmmakers are going ahead with their release plans, seven picture halls remained closed following the terror strikes in the city.
The Regal, Eros, Metro BIG Cinema, Liberty, New Excelsior, New Empire and Inox situated in Bori Bunder (VT), Fort, Churchgate and Colaba in South Mumbai won't screen any movies.

The single screen movie halls and the multiplexes were closed on Thursday after Mumbai Police Commissioner asked the management to keep their properties shut as a security measure.

Though no fresh directive to do so has come from the Police Commissioner on Friday, the managements of these halls have unanimously taken a decision to keep their properties shut as a precautionary measure.

South Mumbai localities are the worst hit in the terror that struck Mumbai on Wednesday night.
The Regal cinema, in fact, is situated directly behind the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and the Inox at Nariman Point is close to Oberoi Trident, the two luxury hotels the terrorists have laid seige to since Wednesday.

IFFI parties cancelled to mourn attacks

2008-12-04T10:31:00.002+05:00

The horrific multiple terror strikes in Mumbai, coupled with the death of former prime minister V.P. Singh, have taken the sheen off the 39th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The Goa government Friday announced the cancellations of all peripheral activities of the event.

"The governing body has decided to call off all peripheral and cultural activities at the 11 IFFI venues across the state in order to pay condolences to our former prime minister and due to security reasons following the attack on Mumbai," Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said.

"All cultural programmes, music, the Kingfisher village and parties stand cancelled," he added.

This announcement puts an end to the atmosphere of festivity built around the IFFI. Renowned singers like Kavita Krishnamurthy and Sonu Nigam were expected to perform live at the various venues.

Police sources said the issue of threat perception vis a vis the less secure peripheral venues in far flung regions of Goa was discussed at a high level meeting, which was chaired by the chief minister Thursday.

"The police force can sufficiently cover the main venue. But expecting the already stretched force to cover 11 other venues, especially in the rural areas of Goa, was a virtually impossible task," a police official said.

Kamat also announced that the state would observe a seven day mourning to mark the death of V.P. Singh.

"This is connected to respect for our former prime minister. This festival is secondary to us," Kamat said, adding that the main activity of screening films would continue unimpeded.

Time to pray, not blame says film industry

2008-12-04T10:30:00.002+05:00

For two days now, the city of Mumbai has been subject to a kind of violence more real and shocking than anything that its film industry could ever show onscreen. No wonder that Bollywood is still trying to come to terms with the terror in its backyard.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar insists the only way to defeat terrorists is to defeat terror. Indians, he says, must unite in the face of adversity rather than play into the hands of those who want the country to fracture along communal lines.

"It's not the time to blame anyone. It's time to come together. It's time to help and assist victims of the terrorist attack. The film industry is in a state of shock. But I am sure that if we stand united, no terrorist attack will be able to divide us. At this moment I don't want to blame anyone - neither the government nor any of its agencies. We have to do whatever possible to spread love and unity among people of all communities," he says.

The nation, says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men in uniform who died fighting the attackers. "I salute the Mumbai Police for their efforts. It's sad that terror has struck Mumbai once again and the city has lost some of its finest officers in the violence. Let us not forget that they gave their lives to save ours," says Bhatt.

While Bhatt believes that the film industry has a role to play in healing the wounds of terrorism, for now the only concern is safety of those trapped in the circle of violence. "The attack is still on as we speak. It's not the time to go looking for scapegoats. It's the time to pray for the safe exit of all innocent people who are still trapped. Terror has no religion. The only way we can fight it is by standing together," he says.

Actor Farooq Sheikh is however in a more belligerent mood than his colleagues from the film industry. Someone, he says, must explain why and how terrorists were able to mount such a massive operation in the heart of India's financial and entertainment hub. According to him: "Innocent citizens have had to bear the brunt. Seeing the intensity of the attacks, it is obvious that the perpetrators did not make their plans in a day. It is surprising that our Intelligence agencies had no inkling of what was to come. But even as we look for answers, we must guard ourselves against all attempts to divide the nation on religious grounds. Let us do everything possible to spread the message of love and brotherhood."

I am in a state of shock: Ashish Chaudhary

2008-12-04T10:21:00.002+05:00

Bollywood actor Ashish Chaudhary, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the Mumbai terror attacks, says he has not come to terms with the loss but wants to thank all those who stood by him in his hour of grief.

"I am not yet in the frame of mind to talk or deal or replay the destruction of my family and their souls, but I would still thank all those who stood by, called, sent messages and comforted me at a time when my whole world collapsed," Ashish wrote in an open letter to media.

The actor's sister Monica Chhabaria and her husband Ajit had gone to the Tiffin restaurant of the Oberoi Trident Hotel, which was among the 10 places the terrorists attacked in Mumbai Nov 26, killing 183 people.

Ashish is not only traumatised because of his inconsolable loss, but angry too.

"I'm angry, really angry. I stood there helpless while a few strangers came and snatched away pieces of my hearts. I could do nothing and asked just one question, why? The answer was a cruel silence that numbed me."

"There is no solace, there is no way on earth anybody can tell any of us to console ourselves. This hurt will stay forever. The gaping wound will never heal and the anger will only stay hidden," he said.

Monica was the actor's only sister and he says that he is able to keep his emotions under control because of the couple's daughters - Kanishq and Ananaya aged 12 and seven.

"If there is anything that can hold me together now and not let me crumble fully, are the two small innocents who in a matter of seconds lost their parents," he said.

"The children waited, not understanding why their parents haven't returned from dinner yet. Those are the two lives that are holding me and my family together, urging us to be strong," said Ashish.

Mandira Bedi plays a cricket buff in Meerabai Not Out

2008-12-04T10:17:00.001+05:00

Actor and TV Presenter Mandira Bedi is in the capital to promote her latest big screen flick Meerabai Not Out. And even though she was here to promote her movie Mandira decided to join CNN IBN's Citizens Against Terror campaign.

“Hi, this is Mandira Bedi speaking for Citizens Against Terror. I think we should all be cautious to warning signals because there were warning signals,” she passes her message.

Mandira who is a big cricket buff also talks about her new avatar in her latest movie Meerabai Not Out.

“It's a movie where I play a huge cricket buff. All she has is cricket in her life. A lot of people have asked me whether there are any similarities between Meera and Mandira, you are going to ask me that next,” says Mandira.

India’s former test captain Anil Kumble is also making his big screen debut with this film and is apparently livid over the new promos of the movie.

“Well I haven't spoken to Anil, but the problem I think is with that picture of me, Ejaz and Anil in the bed. But I haven't spoken to him so I don't know can’t say,” says Mandira.

Ayesha Takia postpones marriage in the wake of attacks

2008-12-02T10:57:00.001+05:00

In the wake of the 26/11 terrorist attacks, Ayesha Takia's wedding to restaurateur Farhan Azmi has been called off.

The shaadi was to take place on December 25. It now has been postponed to mid-2009. But a date has not been finalised as yet.

Shaken up

Ayesha is currently in Greece shooting a song for Boney Kapoor's Wanted. The groom-to-be confirms, "When Ayesha heard the news of the attacks, she broke down. Dad (SP party leader Abu Azmi), was in a hospital recuperating from an operation; he too started crying when he heard about the terrorist attacks. None of us are in the mood for any celebrations this year. Our mood is too grim and somber. There can be no wedding celebrations as of now maybe mid-2009 and that too it will be a small and private affair."

Farhan adds, "We are all shaken up by what happened. I saw it happening next door, as Nariman House is seven buildings away from our home and very close to the Taj and Oberoi hotels. When the Oberoi was sealed, many guests came from there to Koyla and Cafe Basilico (both owned by Farhan). None wanted to stay, so I took them home. On the first night from Koyla, which is 500m away from the Taj, we could see the fire burning on the sixth floor and hear women and children screaming to be let out 'please help us'â¦ It still gives me goose bumps to even think about it."
Back to work

Ayesha, meanwhile, is busy completing her last three projects Ahmed Khan's Pathshaala, Nagesh Kukunoor's Tasveer and Boney Kapoor's Wanted Dead or Alive. She had earlier informed her producers that she won't shoot in December, as she was planning to quit acting after tying the knot.

Bill Clinton calls up Big B

2008-12-02T10:55:00.003+05:00

Former US president Bill Clinton has been trying to convince Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan to attend the annual Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting to be held in Hong Kong next month.

"Bill Clinton writes in to ask me to join their global conference for the betterment of the world in Hong Kong," Amitabh posted in one of his recent blog entries.

The latest update on the same from Amitabh has been that Clinton called him up "to request" him to come for the event. The veteran actor has mentioned about the CGI more than once on his blog.

In one of the posts, he wrote: "I need to prepare also for the CGI - Clinton Global Initiative. Global warming, solar energy, lighting villages ."

The CGI was established in 2005 by Clinton to bring together global leaders from various backgrounds to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Lara does come to my home: Dino Morea

2008-12-02T10:53:00.002+05:00

You seem to have gone into hiding?
Why do you say that? I've been written about the professional and personal aspects of my life. I'm doing cameos in Karz and Heroes and I want to be written about that. But alas the press finds other things in my life more interesting.

You mean your friendship with Lara Dutta?
Yeah that too. I wish the media would write about how excited I am about working with an enrirely new team in Heroes. Mithunda plays my father. As for Karz, it's a guest appearance. My role lasts for four minutes. And I'm doing it for the producers T Series. They've promised me lengthier roles in future.

Hah, promises. Remember how you were cheated in Aap Ki Khatir?
Yeah. That was a good role to begin with. But in the publicity they short-changed me. That wasn't in good taste. I'm happy with Karz. I'm now turning producer and I'd like my relationship with T Series to go further. We're in talks for more films and production tie-ups. Then we'll announce the cast. My director Pravesh Kumar has a wish list of actors.

And your brothers?
My elder brother Niki is running the cafes the Crepe Station chain. He isn't into movies at all. But my younger brother Santino is assisting Karan Johar on his next I Am Khan. He wanted to act.

But now he enjoys being behind the camera. Then Santino will join my production house.All three brothers live together in my house. And since none of is married it's like a bachelors's bad.

What happens when Lara Dutt comes home?
Sorry?

Doesn't Lara visit you?
She is a dear friend and she does come home. All my friends are allowed to come home, and that includes you.

How special is Lara?
She's very special.

More special than your other female friends?
Ha ha. Stop comparing women. That's bad manners. Behave yourself.

You're known to be quite a womanizer. Suddenly we see you in only one woman's company?
Womanizer? That's completely untrue. I'm just very friendly by nature. And even when I'm having lunch with a friend it's misconstrued as a romantic liaison. As for being seen with Lara, she's great company. I enjoy being with her We do go out together.

Lara and you make a great pair. When do we see you together on screen?
I don't deny we make a good pair together. It's up to producers and directors to cast us together.

Will she be in your first production?
It's entirely up to my director. But yes Lara is in my wish list. I am right now working on my career. I know I'm stepping into a new phase. I'm being very careful about the work I choose. I haven't accepted a script in the last year-and-a-half.

I wanted to be sure about the script and banner. I'm very excited about Sanjay Gupta's Acid Factory. It was really fun shooting with Manoj Bajpai, Danny Denzongpa, Aftab Shivdasani and Fardeen Khan. We had a blast. I might be doing another film with him.

When two brothers fall for the same girl

2008-12-02T10:50:00.001+05:00

A tiny, tacky-looking book of quotable quotes reads, 'A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.'

And in the movies, more often than not, share the same object of affection too.

Be it Hollywood's Sabrina, which had two brothers -- a somber Humphrey Bogart and flirtatious William Holden vying for the lovely Audrey Hepburn's attention or the soon-to-release Sorry Bhai where Sharman Joshi develops a huge crush on his bade bhaiya Sanjay Suri's fiancee, Chitrangda Singh.

Eventually, one gets the girl while the other nurses his broken heart and walks with all the audience sympathy.

Let's take a look at Bollywood's other reel-time siblings who've committed similar folly.

Shahrukh Khan gets a crew haircut

2008-12-02T10:46:00.002+05:00

Shahrukh Khan is learnt to be getting ready for his role in Karan Johar’s directorial venture My Name Is Khan .

Finally, time has come for Johar’s much talked-about movie to go on the floors. The film was originally supposed to be shot in the middle of 2008, but Karan Johar postponed the shooting after good friend Aditya Chopra asked him to spare SRK’s dates for his film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi instead.

Now, ‘My Name Is Khan’ is ready to roll in the middle of December and the cast and crew will reportedly fly to Los Angeles since the story is set there.

The movie will have SRK sporting three different looks, one of which would be a crew cut. Hairdresser Dilshad has already given SRK a short cut. He will reportedly trim the superstar’s hair further after few days of shooting.

This is perhaps the first time SRK is sporting such short hair in a Bollywood film. His hairdo used to be bristled when he joined the film industry, but intensive care and continuous gelling made SRK’s hair soft and fluffy. He had even been sporting a pony tail till recently.

‘My Name Is Khan’ has SRK playing a man who suffers from milder form of autism. The film is partly based on the true story of a couple in the US.

The movie has SRK pairing with Kajol after a very long time.

Watch Ranbir, Deepika romance on the beach

2008-11-30T10:34:00.002+05:00

If you thought a cinema hall is the only place you can enjoy a film on the big screen, the ongoing film festival at Goa would prove you wrong.

Hundreds of people gathered together by the sea-side on a starry night not to watch the waves rolling, but to watch Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno on the big screen. And the audience seemed to enjoy themselves, many of them thought that its exciting beacuse it is very different from watching a movie in a closed theatre.

The Goans can enjoy films like Taare Zameen Par and many more under the sky over the next few days.

So, the next time you're in Goa during the festival and plan to give cinema halls a break, you know where to head to, not to theatre near you but to a beach near you.

Abhishek getting his one pack for Raavan!

2008-11-30T10:29:00.001+05:00

Mani Ratnam's Guru was a career defining film for Abhishek Bachchan. Though his first hit was Dhoom, it was Guru which brought him universal accolades as an accomplished actor and was also his first solo hit. It was for his character in Guru that Abhishek had to put on a lot of weight and then he had to keep some of it for Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj, where he had to look slightly heavier set. But that was the past and now Abhishek is looking trim and fit. People seeing Abhishek on the sets of Mani Ratnam's Raavan were pleasantly surprised to him back in shipshape.

Abhishek says jokingly that while everyone was working on a six–pack ab, he was working on one pack! On a serious note, he adds that he has worked hard to get back in shape as it was really very difficult to shed 14 kgs., which he had acquired during the shooting of Guru and had to stick to till Sarkar Raj. And is very happy to be back to his original weight from Bunty Aur Babli days.

Well, that is certainly good news for the fans of Abhishek Bachchan, and for that they have to thank John Abraham and his trainer who were instrumental in inspiring Abhishek to follow the fitness program devised to get the Dostana hot bod for John. Here's a cheer to their friendship!

Bollywood actor's kin killed in Mumbai terror siege

2008-11-30T10:22:00.004+05:00

The sister and brother-in-law of Bollywood actor Ashish Choudhary are among the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai.

Mumbai’s 59-hour terror siege ended on Saturday morning, leaving behind a death toll of close to 150 people. Among the dead are several innocent people that were held hostage by terrorists at the city’s two major hotels.

Ashish’s sister Monica and brother-in-law had gone to The Oberoi Trident on Wednesday night for a dinner at Tiffin with some friends. Ever since the news of the terror attacks came, Ashish, along with his friends and family, had been keeping vigil outside the hotel, hoping for his sister and her husband to walk out alive.

Feature: A look at Shah Rukh’s new girl, Anushka Sharma

2008-11-30T10:18:00.002+05:00

With her debut release Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi only two weeks away, we thought it would be best if we told you a little more about Anushka Sharma – Shah Rukh Khan’s hot new girl.

As you all know, she is a model from Bangalore but were you aware of the fact that she too has a father in the army, just like many other Bollywood actresses. Mr. Sharma is a high ranking officer with the Indian Army and Mrs. Sharma is a housewife. Now back to Anushka. Well, as expected she spent most of her childhood shifted from pillar to post because of her father’s work. Anushka then completed her higher studies in Bangalore, at the Mount Carmel College. At college, Anushka was renowned for her athleticism, and that is how she got her super figure – it was all because of her being an all-rounder in sports.

Unlike many other parents, Anushka’s mother and father supported her when she decided to go into the modelling profession as a career. Papa and Mama Sharma had no objections to it. Anushka joined a Bangalore based modelling agency and was groomed in style and image by consultant Prasad Bidapa. Bidapa first saw Anushka when she was just a mere teenager and was immediately taken in by her innocent charm and personified beauty. He immediately termed her as being a superstar one day in the future. He recalls, “At the age of thirteen she used to walk the ramp like a seasoned model.”

Her cool and confident attitude is what got her signed up by Aditya Chopra, head of Yash Raj Films, for his third directorial Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Aditya came across Anushka’s portfolio after it was left on his desk by a member of his team. Soon after seeing the pictures of this gleaming beauty, Aditya decided that she would indeed enact the role of Taani opposite seasoned veteran, and a much older, Shah Rukh Khan.

And that is the story so far of Anushka Sharma. The next chapter in her life will unfold in front of your eyes on 12th December 2008, when Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi releases worldwide.

Amitabh Bachchan spends a terrified night at his residence, licensed gun helps

2008-11-30T10:14:00.002+05:00

Amitabh Bachchan may act tough and strong for many a film but at home he is a very scared person. And can we blame him for that? No, we can not. For we too have been terrified by the recent terrorist activities that have stunned Mumbai along with the rest of the world.

Here is what Big B wrote on his blog on the night when gunmen roamed through the street of Mumbai: “As the events of the terror attack unfolded in front of me I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow. For a very disturbed sleep.”

He further writes: “My pain has been the sight and plight of my innocent and vulnerable and completely insecure countrymen, facing the wrath of this terror attack. And my anger has been at the ineptitude of the authorities that have been ordained to look after us.”

Actress Celina Jaitley has near-miss in Mumbai terror attacks

2008-11-30T10:10:00.002+05:00

Top Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley could have been one of the victims of the horrific Mumbai attacks had it not been for her lateness.

“It’s incredible. I felt I shouldn’t be going all the way to south Mumbai. On the way, I changed the venue," she says. "Barely an hour after I reached Four Seasons, the first news about what was going on in the city began filtering in. And to think that I could have been there too! I don’t even want to think about it."

"There was panic as news spread that five-star hotels were being targeted. We really didn’t know what was going on and where. All the diners at Four Seasons were told to stay put and the area around the hotel was cordoned off."

"But I was glued to the TV all night. I couldn’t sleep a wink. My dad was in a state of panic and kept on calling from Lebanon wondering what was happening to all of us! Throughout our ordeal, I was continuously in touch with my family and friends."

SRK bags 18 lakh-a-night suite at Atlantis

2008-11-27T10:58:00.001+05:00

Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan bagged the most exclusive suite at the opening party of Dubai's Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, leaving behind a host of Hollywood celebrities.

The over Rs 18 lakh-a night exclusive suite, suspended between the resort's two towers, was initially slated for talk show queen Oprah Winfrey but when she pulled out from the party, it went to King Khan.

Shah Rukh is the most famous filmstar in Middle East. Hollywood legend Robert De Niro a partner in the Nobu restaurant chain which has a site in the resort - had to make do with an over 11 lakh-a night presidential suite.

While filmstars Lindsay Lohan and Charlize Theron bagged Rs seven lakh-a night suite in Lost Chambers submerged, alongside one of the world's largest aquariums in the depths of the Atlantis resort with a bedroom view of 65,000 sharks, rays and fish, the paper said.

The opening of Dubai's Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like palm tree, was attended by over two thousand film stars, popstars, supermodels and billionaires from around the world.

The highlight of the ceremony was a performance by Australian singer Kylie Minogue and her 113-strong dance troupe on the beach. Minogue's performance was followed by a one-million-rocket firework display with 100 computer-guided rockets, seven times bigger than Beijing Olympics, which is the largest firework display till date.

Guests included filmstars such as Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Denzil Washington, Mischa Barton and Lindsay Lohan, supermodels Agyness Deyn, Petra Nemcova and Yasmin Le Bon, musicans Janet Jackson, Lily Allen and Shirley Bassey, sports legends like Michael Jordan and Boris Becker and some local royalty - the Royal Family of Dubai among others.

Priyanka Chopra on the covers of Blender

2008-11-27T10:57:00.003+05:00

Not so happening was this actress until she hopped with back-to-back super hits of Fashion and Dostana. Former Miss World and a successful actress Priyanka Chopra fled with successful colors as stylish icon with her best looks in Madhur Bandharkar's Fashion and Manish's well designed costumes in Dostana. Carrying off with her best attitudes before lens, Priyanka Chopra is now spotted on the cover of a top-charting international magazine Blender that has been launched in India for first time.

Earlier, before three years she shot to fame internationally appearing as the month's celebrity on cover of Maxim. Of course, King Khan of Bollywood commented her as 'The Sexiest Indian Actress' that she considers to be the best compliments. Blender is all about latest trends and happenings in World of Music with recent launches of i-Pods and technologies developed over cyber-space.

As off to everyone, those who didn't get to know about Priyanka's musical interest can glimpse it through the pages grabbing a copy. International singers like Britney Spears, Leona Lewis and well-acclaimed musical superstars were featured on the exclusive covers and now it's Priyanka on the list…

Yes, I fought and made up with Salman Khan

2008-11-27T10:49:00.001+05:00

The media may've gone ballistic calling Salman Khan all kinds of names in the past, but there's one person who comes across as a staunch defender of the actor -- Subhash Ghai. "He's not a bad boy. He's grossly misunderstood, " Ghai tells me.

Ghai and Salman also had a spat before they shook hands and Ghai announced YUVVRAAJ. "Yes, we fought and made up. Today, we're friends. Not many people offered me a helping hand after KISNA flopped.

I approached a lot of actors, but all I got were unfulfilled assurances and promises. When I approached Salman, he didn't ask questions, he said he was keen to work with me. How can I ever forget that?" Ghai gets emotional. However, Salman's lackadaisical approach towards work -- reporting late on shoots -- was one of the reasons why YUVVRAAJ got delayed. True?

"The film got delayed due to several reasons. I was keen on making certain changes and that took time. As for Salman reporting late for shoots, all I'd like to say is that he ensures that he completes his work on time, before we pack up for the day.

Every director has to be a meticulous planner. If a certain star is arriving later in the day, he should be able to wrap up portions with other actors. If you can't, you aren't a good planner, " Ghai adds.

Reportedly, Ghai's Mukta Arts has had a 3-film deal with SRK, of which TRIMURTI and PARDES have already released. What about the third project?

Ghai pauses for a while, before answering this, "It's a tricky question. I had approached Shah Rukh for MOTHERLAND. We also started working on the script, but the project didn't materialise for two reasons.

One, the subject bore an uncanny resemblance to VEER-ZAARA and two, the role demanded heavy-duty action and stunts and SRK's back problem didn't allow him to perform those stunts. I am sure, if an opportunity arises, SRK would definitely accept the offer, " Ghai says.

Shilpa gets blushed by former lover Akshay’s statement

2008-11-27T10:43:00.003+05:00

Last weekend was the first time that former lovers Shilpa Shetty and Akshay Kumar since their hot and passionate love affair.

Akshay was chief guest on Shilpa anchored TV show Bigg Boss. When Shilpa introduced Akshay she said, “Maine dekha hai, aapne zindagi mein kaafi bade stunts kiye hain.” To which Akshay replied, “Aap se behtar aur kaun jaan sakta hai mere stunts ke baare mein, Shilpaji.”

Shilpa’s face was seen going all red as the world was watching Akshay once more flirt with her.

2 Khan superstars 1 common problem, they steal

2008-11-27T10:42:00.001+05:00

Two of the reigning superstars Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are currently facing the same common problem. Lets us show you the similarities.

Both the actors are having one of their career's most awaited films ready for release. SRK's Adity Chopra directed Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (12th Dec) and Aamir's AR. Murugadoss directed Ghajini (25th Dec) both are carrying great reports. Now at the same time both the actors are facing allegations of plagiarism against them.

India's Maths genius Shakuntala Devi has accused Aamir Khan of stealing her idea for his directorial debut film, Taare Zameen Par.

While writer Ajay Monga whose recently written Fashion opened to rave reviews had earlier accused Farah Khan and SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment of stealing his script idea for Om Shanti Om from his script, The Silent Movie, is now getting good support from the Film Writers' Association (FWA).

Shakuntala has accused Aamir of borrowing ideas from her book, In The Wonderland Of Numbers, and not given her any credit for it. The mathematics wizard now plans to produce her own film based on the story from which some of the things shown in Taare Zameen Par have been taken.

Writer Ajay Monga v/s OSO case has now taken an interesting turn with The Film Writers' Association (FWA) going back on its earlier decision and claiming that it has found the first half of OSO very similar to Monga's script.

Although the case is still pending in the court, this development (of the FWA admitting similarity in the film and Ajay Monga's script) could be crucial in deciding the ultimate fate of the case.

Now it remains to be seen how these 2 superstars come clean out of this unwarranted mess.

Vidya Balan to replace Bipasha?

2008-11-27T10:41:00.002+05:00

After Bipasha Basu suddenly left Kashmir while shooting for Lamhaa, producer Bunty Walia and director Rahul Dholakia are having second thoughts about her being the film’s lead actress. Whether Bipasha will remain a part of Lamhaa or not will be decided after she has a meeting with Bunty and Rahul today.

Meanwhile, Bunty and Rahul are already looking at options to replace Bipasha if she dies not agree to travel to Kashmir for a shooting schedule in January. One of the strongest contenders to step into Bipasha’s shoes is Vidya Balan.

On Monday, Rahul drove down to Wai to meet Vidya and ask if she would be willing to replace Bipasha in Lamhaa.

A couple of weeks ago Bipasha had left the film’s shooting mid-way and had flown down from Kashmir to Mumbai leaving Rahul, Bunty and Sanjay Dutt stranded. The cast and crew of Lamhaa were shooting a sequence at Anantnag, which is 55 kms away from Srinagar.

Rumour has it that Bipasha received a call after which she was very distressed. Suddenly she stalled the shoot and went inside her van. She then called up Rahul from inside and told him that she was returning to the hotel. Rahul followed Bipasha’s van and reached the hotel to have a talk with her.

However, he was shocked to see Bipasha packing her bags and heading to the airport. Rahul tried to stop her but Bipasha shot back saying, “You won’t understand Rahul, you’re not a woman.”

An industry insider said, “In January, Bunty and Rahul need to shoot for 10 days in Kashmir. If Bipasha doesn’t comply, she can’t be a part of the film.”

When contacted, Bunty said, “We need to shoot in Kashmir for 10 days. I will start the shoot from January 4. I need Bipasha there. I have been made to understand by her and her manager that she is averse to going back to Kashmir. But I think I will convince her to do so. I am optimistic.”

Rahul said, “I need Bipasha in Kashmir. I am meeting her for the same today.”

When asked if Bipasha would still remain a part of Lamhaa even if she didn’t agree to go to Kashmir, Rahul said, “I will cross the bridge when I come to it.”

A friend of Bunty added, “Bipasha behaved extremely unprofessionally by leaving the shoot mid-way without informing Bunty and Sanjay. The reasons for her strange behaviour are not known.”

Despite repeated calls and text messages, Bipasha remained unavailable for comment.

SRK, Gauri get court call for Om Shanti Om

2008-11-26T11:14:00.000+05:00

A metropolitan magistrate issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, his wife Gauri and director Farah Khan on Tuesday, asking them to be present in the court on the February 22, 2009.

This is in connection with an application moved by veteran actor Manoj Kumar on the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om.

Manoj Kumar had filed an application against the three regarding a scene in the movie which he felt ridiculed him.

The Andheri metropolitan magistrate had last month issued summons to the three, asking them to be present in the court on Tuesday.

However, the three did not show up following which the magistrate issued the notices to them.

My sexuality is my own business, says an irate Karan Johar

2008-11-26T11:11:00.000+05:00

His sexual orientation has been the subject of many discussion for many years now, but Karan Johar still maintains that it’s only his business which side he bats for.

“I don’t care about what people’s perceptions are. People have questioned me about my orientation often. I feel it’s nobody’s problem. There are two words, private and personal, which I haven’t put in this English language, but I know they mean something, that’s why they are attached to the word ‘life’, private life and personal life. It’s my prerogative to say “it’s not your problem; it’s none of your concern”. People don’t know any thing about me actually and I don’t want them to share whether I have a marriage hidden somewhere or I have a relationship that no one knows about or I don’t have anything and I am a monk in my head and I have taken an oath of celibacy,” said Karan in a recent interview.

Karan is currently basking in the glory of his ground-breaking film Dostana, which has brought the word gay out into the open.

Abhishek and Aishwarya’s next big flick runs into money troubles

2008-11-26T11:06:00.000+05:00

Mani Ratnam’s current in-production Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Ravana is in trouble, as the money is cut-back.

“Mani was expecting to shoot the film on a lavish scale as Reliance Big Pictures were pumping in the money. But now that the world is under a financial crises, Reliance have told Mani that the cash will be considerably less than as previously said,” says a source.

The actual figures are not known, but insiders say that Mani will now only be getting Rs 60 crore, half of what he would have got initially.

Apart from Abhishek and Aishwarya, the film features Govinda, Vikram, Prabhu, Pritviraj, Karthi and Priyamani.

A new gal on Salman’s arm

2008-11-26T11:02:00.000+05:00

As we all know Katrina Kaif played Salman’s love interest in Yuvraaj but the serene beauty was missing from the promotional event and rather another new babe was seen on his arm. She is his new heroine Zarine Khan who resemblance very much like Katrina Kaif. Kat was away from the event as she was busy shooting for Raj Kumar Santoshi’s film at Yash Raj Studios till late that evening.

Any new entrant is usually kept hidden from media but Salman has showcases Zarine to all present during the event to get their feedback as does she look like Katrina. A source said, "Salman had an exclusive trial for close family and friends at Globus on Thursday night. Salman introduced Zarine to everyone present, but he also kept asking them if she looked like Katrina. The two seemed very comfortable with each other.”

Zarine Khan will play his leading lady in his next flick Veer. Present on the occasion were most of Sallu’s family members, including Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan, Arpita Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Tulip Joshi, Bhushan Kumar and wife Divya, Rocky S, Anil Sharma, Sneha Ullal, Sajid Nadiadwala, Sophie Chowdery, Manish Goswami and his wife and Adnan Sami.

Everyone actually accepted Katrina with Salman but the actor has surprised all by walking in with Zarine.

Hrithik, Salman, Abhishek in a thriller?

2008-11-25T10:46:00.000+05:00

If reports are to be believed then we might get to see Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan and Bobby Deol together in a film.

The actors have been approached by Heroes film director Sameer Karnik and Vikas Kapoor for an adventure flick.

The director duo has reportedly decided to invest Rs 90 crore for the big project and are close to finalising the deals with all actors concerned. The film is also likely to have current hot favourite Priyanka Chopra as the female lead.

The director duo has confirmed the reports but said they were yet to sign any of the stars. If this deal comes through then it is going to be an amazing effort. Let's wish the director duo all the best!

John to take on action avatar!

2008-11-25T10:30:00.000+05:00

Fresh off the success of his new film Dostana, hunkstar John Abraham is getting ready to try out a new genre. John wants to do a full on action film and he wants to do it in a new way!

He said in an interview with Joginder Tuteja, “If you thought that Dostana was good then wait till next year. I am going to surprise quite a few and in the process change the face of body making. I have tasted blood with Dostana and have now mastered the art. I am now being able to explore all that I can do with my body. I will soon sign an action film"

John is in talks with several directors about this new project but has not finalised anything as of yet. Before that he has two very exciting films he will be working on. One is David Dhawan's Hook Ya Crook, which he says is, “commercial cinema at its best.” He also revealed, “After this I begin work for Abbas Mustan's next which has the most beautiful script that I have read.”

Getting back to the action genre, John feels that though he has done action sequences in his films he has never done a full-fledged action flick and he feels his body in the right shape to take on that avatar, “I have been doing action movies for last so many years but somehow the kind of role where I could get my body in motion hasn't really come to me. I want to crack that now because I have the required physicality to carry such a role. My audience has been hungry to see a lot more of me after Dostana. Now I want to give them something so visually enthralling that they would love me even more."

We know we will be keeping both eyes out for news about this new film and will be sure to report it as soon as we can! Keep checking back at BollySpice for more!

Kareena to sizzle again in bikini

2008-11-25T10:29:00.000+05:00

Kareena Kapoor is back with her bikini antics again. Bebo is getting ready to sizzle once again in a two-piece, people and apparently she is out to create more hype than she did in Tashan. If Priyanka Chopra thought she caused quite a stir with her hot sequence swimsuit, this Kapoor girl is adorning a two-piece bikini created by ace designer Aki Narula in Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakth Ishq co-starring Akshay Kumar.

The song is being shot in the beautiful locales of Venice and the grapevine is also abuzz claiming that Kareena is going to set the stage on fire with this number. While director Nadiadwala is going around denying the rumor, insiders say Bebo is excited about her new sexy avatar and waiting to hear the reactions when they see her as a water baby. Kareena is back in shape throwing her size zero weight into the wind and opting for a healthier look instead. While her new look is bound to make heads move, unfortunately we won’t see her in her new bikini until next year.

Additionally, hot and hunky Akshay Kumar will be indulging in some underwater romance with Bebo in the film. This is definitely one to watch out for!!

Sonam answers fans' questions!

2008-11-25T10:19:00.000+05:00

Recently, Sonam Kapoor thrilled fans when she answered questions they submitted on Sonam-Kapoor.Net. Sonam has been busy at work for her new film Delhi 6, which releases in the first part of next year, but she took time out of her busy schedule to respond to some excellent questions about many different topics. Here are some highlights:

Her first message said, “Hi guys I'm sorry I took time in getting back to you'll. But have been terribly caught up in a lot of work. But seasons greetings and much love to all of you.”

One fan wanted to know if her life had changed since she had entered Bollywood and Sonam replied, “My life at a superficial level has changed a lot but since I'm born and brought up in the film industry my family life and friends react to it like they would to any other job. And yes with experience and time and first hand experience in this industry I have grown and learnt a lot and I'm not as green as I use to be.”

When was it that she realised she had a fan following? She said it was when her sister found a group on Facebook. “I was excited flattered and very, very touched. At the same time I realised I had a responsibility towards them as they were youngsters my age and my sister's age and in some way I set an example. Don't want to disappoint you guys ever and the only way to do that is be honest and fun!!!!!”

So, what has been Sonam’s happiest and worst memory in her career so far? She replied that so far all her experiences have been awesome and that the happiest was the fan book that the administrator of the site, Fari, put together with messages from fans, “I think it was the great fan book you sent me, I’ve never been as touched. I got it in Jaipur while shooting for Delhi Six and if any of you all like my work in it, it's because of the encouragement and support I garnered from this book.”

Sonam revealed that a good script and whom she will be working with are things she takes into consideration when accepting a role. Speaking of good roles, in Saawariya, Sonam played Sakina and in her new film Delhi 6 her character’s name is Bittu and one fan wanted to know which role was harder for her to portray? “You know both characters were equally tough. But Bittu is closer to my heart.”

All the questions were great and this one in particular was very insightful,“You said that you are taking things slowly and that you don't need to do films for survival. But considering that heroines have such a short life span in Bollywood and have limited scope of showcasing their talent due to male-dominance and a lot of it is about looks and hit films, many of your fans are concerned that this might hurt you in the long run. What do you have to say to them?” To that Sonam replied, “First of thank you for all the love and support. And I would just ask my fans to believe in me and be patient. I want to change the theory the industries perspective towards actresses. And remember the tale of the hare and the tortoise.”

Is commercial success and critical acclaim important to her? “Commercial success is important because the producers invest so much money into a film as they believe in the product and at the end of the day it is a business and its success is measured by its commercial gains, and its nice to know your viewers and fans want to see your work. Critical acclaim is important to me as its always nice to be accepted by your peers and industry but at the same time neither of the two should be a measure of your true worth..…”

Of course all fans want to know who she would love to work with and especially with so many fabulous new actors working now, “That’s a tough one... all of them are highly talented but I would love to work with Imran (Khan) and Ranbir (Kapoor) again. Harman (Baweja) is a very good dancer, so would like to do a dance film with him.”

To the question: “If someone called you a star kid and said that you had supposedly gotten it easy in the industry what would your argument be back to them?” Sonam replied, “I would absolutely agree with them. But at the same time I will tell them my dad had nothing to do with my first two films.” So, which remake of a film of her fathers would she love to be part of - Lamhe and Mr. India was her reply.

What 90’s films would she have loved to be part of? “I loved Darr, Deewane, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, DDLJ, Andaaz Apna Apna...I grew up on those films, it would be a dream come true…”

She was asked, “If your life was a movie, what would it be titled?” Her marvelous answer: “Chronicles of the mad Kapoor household.”

Besides being an actress, Sonam is also a writer and one question asked what inspired her writing and if she would like to write a script? “Writing to me is a cathartic process, and I would love to write a script. I would love to write romance.”

Speaking of writing, Sonam is also an avid reader; her favorite book is The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Why does she love it so much? “It's the most romantic book I've ever read with depth.” She was also asked if she could be in a film adapted from a book, which would that be? “ Hahahahahhahhaa... This answer is a double-edged sword. But I'll do it. Jane Austen's Emma.”

Things in her wardrobe she cannot live without was a hard one to answer, “Ummm that’s tough... My caviar skin black Chanel classic bag, my Myla lingerie and my five year old faded velour Juicy track suit.”

Things that make her happy? “Working, family, friends, and my dogs and books.”

Sonam closed with this message to her fans, “Keep the faith and be good human beings and aware citizens… Lots and lots of love...”

It was wonderful that Sonam answered her fans’ questions in such a personal way. All are eagerly waiting to see her performance in Delhi 6, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan. We know that this talented actress will be bringing us more great performances in the future. I have to say that I, for one, would love to see her as Emma! We will keep you updated on all the Sonam Kapoor news so watch this space for more!

Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye, a triple treat for Paresh fans

2008-11-25T10:18:00.000+05:00

If you are a Paresh Rawal fan, get ready for a triple treat this Friday as Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye hits the theatres.

Paresh plays three roles with the ease of a seasoned actor. In Dibakar Bannerjee's next film Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye, Paresh plays Abhay Deol's Dad, as well as essays the roles of gangster Gogi Bhai and a veterinary doctor Handa.

And was the veteran actor who needs not to prove his mettle, skeptical of pulling it off?

"Very, very! But with Dibakar's mastery as a writer and as a Director, he created these three different worlds for me. By doing that very well, he really made my life easy and my job very, very easy!" said Paresh Rawal with appreciation.

Paresh also turns producer with Maharathi, a screen adaptation of his super hit play by the same name. Initially Mansoor Khan wanted to make the film with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. Later, Vipul Shah wanted to make it with Akshay Kumar as the hero. But Paresh declined both offers. And now his good friends and acclaimed actors Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri have even slashed their prices for the film.

"To put up a good, taut and intelligent thriller and not sacrificing logic anywhere is important. And to have the august company of Naseeruddin Shah, Boman Irani, Om Puri and the director Shivam Nair was irresistible. So I thought why not take it up!" argues Paresh of why he decided to do it on his own.

So while Maharathi releases on December 5, Friday promises to be the chance to view Paresh in Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye.

Kangana looks scary in the sequel to Raaz

2008-11-24T10:08:00.000+05:00

While the mystery is continuing in production and on celluloid, there is one major clue that has been solved. Yes, the date for the theatrical release of the next blockbuster thriller from Bollywood - Raaz - The Mystery continues- is now no more a secret. This spine chilling movie from Vishesh Films is going to hit worldwide screens on 23rd January 2009.

The film is being directed by Mohit Suri and stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman.

"It is definitely thrilling to be ready to present Vishesh Films' next film to the world," says Mukesh Bhatt, producer of the film. He further adds, "This sequel to my last film Raaz has been much talked about and long awaited by everyone, so here it is! Get ready to be spooked!"

Though little is known about the exact story of the film - it is believed to be a supernatural thriller dealing with the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The makers of the film claim to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena. Please someone go and tell RGV about that!

Anyways, here's the first look, and after the supermodel look in Fashion, this avatar of Kangana definitely looks scary!

Priyanka is the only woman worthy of being called a Goddess, says Richard Branson

2008-11-24T10:04:00.000+05:00

When Priyanka Chopra walked the red carpet amongst Hollywood’s elite celebrities, for a gala opening of a Billion Dollar state of the art Hotel in Dubai, little did she know what was to come.

For it was our Priyanka that shone like a bright diamond amongst an array of stars. Not only was her beauty appreciated by the masses in attendance, the awe of her smile melt the heart of a certain Mr. Branson. “You’re the only woman worthy of being called a Goddess. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world,” said businessman Richard Branson to her.

Talking to reporters about this, a much flattered Priyanka said, “Yes, the incident with Branson really happened. He was just being sweet and chivalrous. I didn’t know how to react. I gathered my wits and said a calm ‘Thank you’.

Apart from Branson, Priyanka was given accolades by Hollywood biggies Gerard Butler and Robert De Niro. “He is De Niro, man! He just kept smiling. His wife spoke more than him. He said he was very happy to meet what he called young talent from Bollywood,” said Priyanka.

Aamir sheds his six-pack abs

2008-11-24T10:02:00.000+05:00

Aamir Khan's new look in Ghajini hit the headlines hard. It has Aamir flaunting his six-pack abs but it is said that in his next release, that is in Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots, he is going to remain covered throughout the film and will have a lean look. He worked a lot for his look in Ghajini but knowing Aamir, he wouldn't do injustice to his role in 3 Idiots too, where he is said to be playing a softer role - that of a college student.

According to sources he plays an adventurous and a handsome guy who happens to love his friends more than his parents. And as the role is not action packed, he doesn't need to flaunt his physique, and knowing Aamir, he is of the kind who emphasises on his acting and doesn't believe in showing of his body only because he has a mindblowing physique.

Director Rajkumar Hirani has kept Aamir in mind and knows what his character will look like in the film. It is said that a lot of changes were made to Aamir's character than what it is in the book. Aamir will need to loose lots of weight and will have to walk with a hunched back.

As Rajkumar Hirani is a perfectionist in his work and has done wonders in his Munnabhai movies, Aamir decided not to interfere in his work. He is concentrating on his character, as he has full faith in Raju's script and direction.

The shooting of the film will resume in December in Bangalore and that's where the largest part of the film will be shot. Kareena Kapoor is supposed to be playing the female lead in the film which is based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone. The movie is to be released in 2009.

It was insulting to slap Anil Kapoor: Zayed Khan

2008-11-24T09:59:00.000+05:00

When Bollywood actor Zayed Khan had to slap Anil Kapoor for a scene in Subhash Ghai's "Yuvvraaj", he felt insulted but carried off the act well, realising that it is all a part and parcel of his job.

"I never imagined I would slap Anil Kapoor. For me, Anil is like an elder brother and is very experienced. On a personal level, I felt insulted for having slapped him. But that's what acting is all about," Zayed told IANS in an interview.

"Actors do things ordinary people are not allowed to do sometimes. It's the nature of the job," he added.

In "Yuvvraaj", which is about sibling rivalry, Zayed has played the role of a materialistic man, who is driven by excess money and power. Despite the presence of industry bigwigs like Anil, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, Zayed said his presence will be felt in the film.

"Your presence must be felt by your performance, by how good you make it and how confident you are of yourself. I never felt their presence in the film was threatening because my biggest asset on sets is that I consider myself a student.

"Whenever I am working with seniors, I give them their space but once I am in my zone, I forget who is senior, junior, big, small, and I just come in to my own workspace," he said.

Barring films like "Main Hoon Na", "Shabd" and now "Yuvvraaj", Zayed has mostly acted in action films. He made his debut in 2003 with "Chura Liya Hai Tumne" and went on to do others like "Dus", "Cash", "Rocky: The Rebel", "Fight Club" and "Mission Istanbul".

With a family drama like "Yuvvraaj", the actor says director Ghai has made him fall in love with acting once again.

"While shooting for 'Yuvvraaj', I was arguing with Subhashji over one or two things and then he came up, discussed the scene and explained it to me. When I saw the outcome on the monitor, I thanked him for making me love acting all over again," said Zayed.

He explained: "I am a physical actor. I have the ability to jump on a horse, scuba dive, jump from a mountain. I can do all of that, considering the kind of sporty guy I am. But I did forget the essence of acting between all this. As an action hero, I feel one cannot really portray the full potential."

For Zayed, "Yuvvraaj" has become a turning point in his career.

"When a director of calibre like Subhash Ghai asked me politely 'Zayed, I want you to do this role', I think it says something about my nature towards my job and of course I want the film to do so well that it becomes a milestone," he said.

Aishwarya Rai says she is the reason behind Dostana’s success

2008-11-22T10:00:00.000+05:00

Bachchan bahu Aishwarya Rai has jumped on the bandwagon of recent release Dostana and its success, saying that her turning the role down was vital for the film to become a hit.

If eagle-eyed readers can remember, Ash was initially approached by producer Karan Johar for the role which was eventually played by Priyanka. At that time, Ash turned Karan down because she didn’t want the audience to get confused – as she was/is Abhishek’s wife and wanted to avoid the demand for a real life romance on screen. Now that the film has become a huge hit, Ash has decided to take some credit for it.

Talking to reporters at a fashion event few days ago, Ash said, “The chemistry was between Abhishek and John Abraham. Me being in the film would have diluted the gay angle of the film. It was offered to me initially. It would be the first film after my marriage. But, I turned down Karan (Johar) because, we wondered whether the audience would expect a love story between me and Abhishek and finally she goes off with the other guy…"

However, a source close to the Bachchan family, says. “But, doesn’t Mrs Bachchan know that the film’s gay angle is just for laughs… why can she not just accept the real reason of turning down the role… she didn’t want to upset the Bachchan house by replicating on screen something she may be doing off-screen.”

Salman, Ash end up doing same thing

2008-11-20T10:53:00.002+05:00

Salman Khan has a steady girlfriend in Katrina Kaif and Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Bachchan) is happily married to Abhishek Bachchan. They haven't been seen together ever since the bitter split but they never run out of news. This time around, both Salman and Ash have ended up doing the same thing.

Well, Salman had said not long ago that his girlfriend Katrina could never work with Vivek Oberoi, who he held responsible for breakup with Ash. And as expected, Katrina is said to have refused to act with Vivek.

Interestingly, Aishwarya has done something similar. The news is doing the rounds that Abhishek has turned down an offer for a new film by Yash Raj Films starring Rani Mukherjee and Shahid Kapoor because of Ash. It is said that Ash don't want to see Abhishek with his ex flame Rani.

Well, Salman is controlling the moves of his girlfriend while Ash does the same to her hubby!

First Look: Kareena and Aamir in 3 Idiots

2008-11-20T10:53:00.001+05:00

Aamir’s six pack a sham?

2008-11-20T10:50:00.000+05:00

Shah Rukh Khan has left a friend high and dry, unlikely behaviour by the superstar who stands by his mates through thick and thin. But that’s what old friend Vivek Vaswani has been saying. Vivek who’s producing Sushmita starrer Dulha Mil Gaya says the film has been getting delayed due to SRK’s unavailability. Find out what Shah Rukh said when he got wind of Vivek’s unhappiness.

Hrithik Roshan inaugurated an Audio and Speech Therapy wing at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital recently. The actor was once a kid who had trouble talking and had been helped by the doctors of Nanavati to sharpen his oratory skills.

Bipasha Basu has beaten Katrina Kaif in the ‘Race’ to stardom. Katrina who was reportedly being given Rs 1 crore for a half hour performance at New Year’s has been left behind by Bips who’s taking home Rs. 1.5 for a ten minute stint on December 31st.

Salman Khan has found a unique way of promoting Yuvvraaj. Sallu landed at Globus Mall recently where shoppers got to have a fifteen minute meeting each with him. There was a catch though. His fans had to pay Rs 2,000 to be able to meet him. Think the economic recession is now affecting film campaigns as well?

When Aamir Khan first revealed his Ghajini look, everyone from the industry and outside gasped with admiration. Well, almost everyone. His close pal, veteran cricketer Sachin Tendulkar couldn’t believe Aamir could achieve the feat in such little time and though his six packs had been digitally enhanced.

After reports of a friendship gone sour between Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty, comes news of the latter’s split with Balaji. Sanjay Dutt Productions and Balaji Motion Pictures called off a Rs 500 crore alliance when the actor’s disinterest in promoting EMI showed. Ekta is apparently unhappy with Sanju on a professional level, but still maintains that he’s a rockstar.

Dia Mirza made a public appearance after a long time at an awards function in Delhi. The actress looked like a mermaid in a marine blue evening gown and glided all over the place confidently. Dia was made to hand out awards to achievers from the field of sport, politics and entertainment. Meanwhile, we spotted singer Sunidhi Chauhan who’s lost a bundle of weight and is almost unrecognisable.

Anupam Kher recently backed out of receiving a lifetime achievement award. The actor thinks the category is for retired artists and he still has miles to go in the industry. Anupam will soon be seen in a cross-cultural film by Gurinder Chadha and will play a Kashmiri Separatist leader in Lamha.

Salman Khan turns down Rs 2 crore for 5 minutes of work

2008-11-20T10:47:00.000+05:00

Salman Khan was offered over Rs 2 crore for a 5 minute dance number to bring in the New Year, but he turned it down… citing it was too less an amount.

“Sahara Star are organising a major New Year’s Eve party and were hoping that Salman would dance for them. Salman did agree to do the item number but for double the amount offered,” says a source.

A source from the Salman Khan camp has contradicted this rumour, saying, “The hotel didn’t want only Salman to perform. They wanted him to get along his brothers Sohail and Arbaaz too. They were even wondering if his sister-in-law Malaika Arora and her sister, Amrita Arora could join him.”

So there you have it… who do you believe…?

Kareena Kapoor unwell

2008-11-20T10:45:00.000+05:00

Bollywood’s busy bee Kareena Kapoor is unwell. Her hectic schedule has taken a toll on her health. The lady is burning with a 101°C fever and is suffering with throat infection too.

Confirms a source that, “All this started after Kareena attended an event at Parel on Sunday evening. Her condition is so bad that she collapsed after coming home. She was in such terrible shape that her mom had to call in the doctor. He's giving her injections so that she can at least stand on her feet."

Adds Kareena. "I think my collapse has been caused by overwork and exhaustion. I have been working non-stop for the last 6 months round the clock. Even if I get half a day off, I am shooting for some ad or the other. I can't talk. I had to cancel the shoot of Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakht Ishq yesterday. I have constantly been working 20 hours a day. When mom heard I was going for the shoot yesterday, she forbade me from doing so. She's horrified and has been screaming at Zayed (Bebo's secretary) and me to stop over-stressing myself.

Hrithik Roshan and Ash Set To Recreate 'Dhoom'

2008-11-19T11:58:00.002+05:00

After leaving fans spellbound with their retro avatar in 'Dhoom-2', the classic pair of 'Jodha Akbar', Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, are yet again gearing up to work opposite each other, and the latest buzz is that the duo has signed their 3rd project together which will be directed by the maverick filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Post 'Saawariya', Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided to take a break prior to commencing his next project; the director is now ready to work on his next 'Heera Mandi', and Sanjay was keen to cast Hrithik Roshan and Ashwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead.

Based on industry insiders, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has brought the rights to the book 'A Sudden Visit to Pakistan: Heera Mandi the Dream Home of the Whores' written by Mayank Austen Soofi which came with a steep price tag. The lead stars Hrithik and Aishwarya will be joined by eight leading ladies and six male stars of Bollywood.

Sources close to the director have revealed that Hrithik has already signed the movie and Bhansali is confident that Ash will get on board too.

So Hrithik-n-Ash fans can now rejoice as they would get to see the Bollywood's golden pair sweep you off your feet with 'Heera Mandi'

Mallika Sherawat Honored In Los Angeles

2008-11-19T11:57:00.000+05:00

Mallika Sherawat is creating ripples, internationally, of course. The sexy actress is flying to LA to attend a star-studded gala dinner there this Sunday. Mallika is a recipient at the US-based Multicultural Motion Picture Association's Diversity Awards and she will be presented the 2008 Renaissance Artist Award in the presence of other international celebs from the film and television industry. The citation behind the award states it is bestowed for the recipients 'distinctive on-screen persona that is uniquely their own and allows their character depictions to bring audiences from laughter to tears.' Past recipients of the award include top Hollywood actresses like Salma Hayek, Halle Berry, and Monica Bellucci. You go girl!

The 16th annual MMPA's Diversity Awards will be held Sunday, November 23rd, at Universal Studios Globe Theatre. The theme of this year's event will be 'Celebrity Diversity - American Spirit and Global Talent - Making it Happen.' The main goal of the Diversity Awards is to honor creative accomplishments to the diverse perspectives and talents in the cinematic arts and television. Some notable artists who will also be receiving awards Sunday night are Ludacris, who will be presented with the Creative Maverick Award and Ruby Dee-Davis, who is being honored with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. Bollywood is being recognized in Hollywood baby!

Shilpa Shetty signs Chinese film

2008-11-18T10:38:00.000+05:00

It seems that the Red Dragon has come calling for Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, the sizzling actress will be soon seen in the Chinese movie Desire.

The Celebrity Big Brother winner has already signed up for the movie, the shooting for which is expected to start soon.

Shilpa will star opposite actor Xia Yu in the movie that is to be be made in English and dubbed in Chinese.

Though Shilpa has confirmed the news but said she was unable to reveal any details about the movie. The actress will soon be seen in doing an item number in Dostana.

Anil Kapoor is Oscar bound

2008-11-18T10:36:00.000+05:00

Slumdog Millionare, a Hollywood production starring Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, directed by Danny Boyle of Trainspotting fame is being touted as a possible contender for the Oscars next year. The film is based Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel Q & A.

The movie has already won the people's choice awards at the Toronto Film Festival.

Made with a modest budget of 15 million dollars, the film tells the gritty story of a slum dweller, who wins a TV game show - an indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Actor Anil Kapoor plays the TV show's host and Dev Patel essays the role of the slum dweller. The movie also stars Irrfan Khan.

Slumdog Millionare hits the screens internationally today.

'Who's SRK? Vivek Oberoi is an idiot' – Salman Khan

2008-11-18T10:34:00.000+05:00

Khans seem to be still on the grounds of war and none are spotted to be amicable. Salman Khan stuns with his answers when asked about his enemies in any interview. Years back, as one of the leading TV channels questioned about John Abraham, Sallu Bhai uttered, "Who's John Abraham?" Alas! That shocked everyone across the town. And now, the macho-guy is back with yet another statement. In a recent interview with foreign magazine, when questioned on Shah Rukh Khan, his reply was again, 'Who's SRK? I have never heard about him before'.

Well, his remarks on actor Vivek Oberoi was like blowing out of the water. "Vivek Oberoi is merely a guy who likes to stand next to celebrities for photographers to click at him. I would just call him an idiot" said Salman Khan. Was the actor so bedeviled with Vivek or is there something else is a million dollar question.

But, it was so nice to hear it from him that he shares good relationship with Bachchans. Speaking on this, he has totted up "I am friendlier with Bachchan family. I have paired up with Amitabh Bachchan for couple of films and a flick with Abhishek Bachchan. They are good performers on the screen and it was nice working with them".

Recently, Abhishek Bachchan was put up with a question regarding his comments on Salman Khan. "Yeah! He's a good actor with more potential" said Abhishek…

Katrina finally talks about spat between Salman and Shah Rukh

2008-11-18T10:30:00.000+05:00

Katrina Kaif has spoken about the fight between her boyfriend Salman Khan and mega-star Shah Rukh Khan.

Talking to an Indian newspaper, the British babe says, “See, whatever happened was between the two of them. I wasn’t involved. Both have come out in the open and spoken about it to the media. But out at the end of the day, they’re senior professionals from the film industry and they have been around much longer than I have.”

Katrina made this statement amidst rumours that she has signed up for a Yash Raj film opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

Bollywood’s most expensive film is

2008-11-18T10:26:00.000+05:00

Bollywood is getting more and more ambitious. If producer Vikas Kapoor and director Samir Karnik (the Heroes pair) can be expected to fulfill their next dream, the most expensive film ever made in Indian cinema, history is on the cards. Tentatively, it is being called Lanka; and, Kapoor and Karnik have five Bollywood hunks in mind for the film and one hot woman.
The film is being described as a thriller, and its production values are already around Rs 90 crore, that’s not counting the fat pay packets of the star cast. Much like
Mission Impossible, Lanka will be shot underwater extensively, and the plot has the six actors trying to recover 60,000 tons of gold from the seabed 6,000 feet below.
Not exciting enough? Then hear this! The cast includes hunk Salman Khan, Greek God Hrithik Roshan, the hot and sexy Abhishek Bachchan, the intense Ajay Devgan and the daring Bobby Deol and the sultry Priyanka Chopra. Kapoor, unwilling to divulge much, admitted, “We are finalising the script and nobody’s officially been signed so far. But, this being an adventurous project, we will require actors of that calibre to fit the roles. We have bounced the script with a few of them and all are very excited.” He is unfazed by the headache of handling so many big stars. “It’s not rocket science,” said Kapoor, “if you have a good script and you respect the stars’ space, they cooperate. Because everyone works towards making the film a success.” Action experts and technical wizards from Hollywood will be flown down when the film is being shot in India. Otherwise, action sequences are also planned in Las Vegas, parts of Japan, Paris, with the underwater sequences being kept for Australia.

Bipasha Pips Katrina

2008-11-18T10:24:00.000+05:00

Bipasha Basu has proved, once again, that she is the real crowd puller. All this while, everybody was talking about Katrina Kaif dancing at JW Marriott on New Year's Eve and getting a crore to do that.
Well, Bipasha seems to have bettered that. She has pipped Katrina, by grabbing an offer of Rs 1.5 crore to dance at Sahara Star. Last year, the actress had charged Rs 90 lakh for a 30 minute performance at Marriott and this year Katrina is doing the same for a crore. But Bipasha has raced ahead of her and will be receiving much more for her performance. The actress is in the process of finalizing her act i.e. the songs, costumes, etc. Understandably, she is quite thrilled about the offer as it will round off, what has and been an extremely good year for her. She began the year with Race and then topped it with her performance in Bachna Ae Haseeno. Great going Bips!

Samir Karnik set to create history!

2008-11-18T10:18:00.000+05:00

If producer Vikas Kapoor and director Samir Karnik (the Heroes pair) can be expected to fulfill their next dream, the most expensive film ever made in Indian cinema, history is on the cards.

Tentatively, it is being called Lanka; and, Kapoor and Karnik have five Bollywood hunks in mind for the film and one hot woman. The film is being described as a thriller, and its production values are already around Rs 90 crore, that’s not counting the fat pay packets of the star cast. Much like Mission Impossible, Lanka will be shot underwater extensively, and the plot has the six actors trying to recover 60,000 tons of gold from the seabed 6,000 feet below.

Not exciting enough? Then hear this! The cast includes hunk Salman Khan, Greek God Hrithik Roshan, the hot and sexy Abhishek Bachchan, the intense Ajay Devgan and the daring Bobby Deol and the sultry Priyanka Chopra. Kapoor, unwilling to divulge much, admitted, “We are finalising the script and nobody’s officially been signed so far. But, this being an adventurous project, we will require actors of that calibre to fit the roles. We have bounced the script with a few of them and all are very excited.”

He is unfazed by the headache of handling so many big stars. “It’s not rocket science,” said Kapoor, “if you have a good script and you respect the stars’ space, they cooperate. Because everyone works towards making the film a success.” Action experts and technical wizards from Hollywood will be flown down when the film is being shot in India. Otherwise, action sequences are also planned in Las Vegas, parts of Japan, Paris, with the underwater sequences being kept for Australia.

Photos of Arjun Rampal with his sweet little daughters

2008-11-17T09:59:00.000+05:00

Newcomers have helped me be a better actor: SRK

2008-11-17T09:55:00.000+05:00

Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan, who has a penchant for acting with debutante, says that he has evolved as an actor after working with newcomers.

"It is always a new feeling working with newcomers. They teach you a lot," Khan, who is paired against newcomer Anushka Sharma in his forthcoming film 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', said during an interaction with media persons.

"They (newcomers) are not over-awed by the fact that you have done 60 films. They respect you a lot but do their own stuff," he said.

"I see them responding to expressions in a new way and I get to learn. They help me be a better actor," he added.

Khan's tryst with newcomers began in 1993 when he was paired against Suchitra Krishnamurthy in the commercially and critically successful 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa'.

The 'Baadshah' of Bollywood later went on to star with Mahima Chaudhary (Pardes-1997), Preity Zinta (Dil Se-1998), Gayatri Joshi (Swades-2004) and with the 'Chak-De' girls and last year with Deepika Padukone in 'Om Shanti Om'.

On 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', Khan said, the film deals with the trials and tribulations of husband-wife relationships.

"The film is an entertainer that is intriguing as well as thrilling and deals with the relationship that exists between a middle-class husband and wife," he said. Incidentally, the movie is King Khan's first release in 14 months.

"I haven't had a release for a long time because of my schedules but I believe that this movie will fulfil the 'kasar' of the past 14 months. 'Rab Ne Bana...' is the last release of the year but not at all the least," he added.

While his 'Haule-Haule' jig in the film is getting popular, Shahrukh remains modest about his dancing abilities. "I am not being modest but truly this 'Pappu can't dance saala. I genuinely have two left feet," he said.

Bigg Boss inmates jump wall, get out of the house

2008-11-17T09:54:00.000+05:00

Four remaining members of the popular TV show Bigg Boss 2 escaped from the Bigg Boss house on Saturday night.

Rahul Mahajan, Raja Chaudhary, Ashutosh Kaushik and Zulfi Syed are left in the Bigg Boss mansion with the others being evicted.

Having been confined in the house for 90 days seemed to have had an adverse effect and the members decided to get some fresh air, literally.

The four members apparently jumped over the wall which confines them to the house but the security quickly made them return to the house. The four went back inside after five minutes of hanging around the gate.

Production House Endemol says it will take action against the participants.

The game, which started with 13 people, is drawing towards the grand finale. The four housemates will be battling it out for all the money, fame and the title this week.

Shah Rukh to sing for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

2008-11-17T09:52:00.000+05:00

Shah Rukh Khan is reported to have lent his voice to the song Kabhi Kabhi Jodiyan for his upcoming movie Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. However, this would not be the first time that the actor would sing for a film, Shah Rukh had also sung Apun Bola Tu Meri Laila for Josh.

Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra make special appearances in the movie. The film is expected to hit theatres on December 12.

Shah Rukh has a very mature and elderly look in the movie, which is based on a reality dance show. The first promo of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was released on Shah Rukh s 43rd birthday. This is the first time that Yash Raj Films broke their tradition of releasing a promo of the film before its music release.

The miracle that got Hrithik Roshan dancing!

2008-11-17T09:51:00.000+05:00

Hrithik Roshan had almost given up hope that his injury-prone knee would ever heal fully when a miracle happened and got the handsome star dancing again.

The Bollywood star had been living with perpetual pain in his knee for two years and had tried various types of therapies, but none really helped. His predicament was compounded by the fact that he had to be fully fit to play the lead role in dad Rakesh Roshan’s home production Kites . Hrithik plays a dance instructor in the film.

Before beginning to shoot the movie in the US, Hrithik tried all last-minute remedies to heal his knee fully. Among them was a new but not-yet-legalized therapy in which needles had to be stuck in his knee joint and platelets to be inserted into his knees. Though the therapy provided him relief, but the pain still remained.

Hrithik says there even came a point when he doubted if he could do justice to his role in ‘Kites’ and asked his dad Rakesh Roshan to sign another actor. But the Roshan senior and director Anurag Basu decided to wait and let Hrithik’s knee heal more.

Finally, when the schedule for US was chalked out, Hrithik was anxious. The very first scene to be shot was an action scene.

Miraculously, on the morning of the first day of the shoot Hrithik woke up to find the pain in his knee gone.

“It’s a kind of miracle,” Hrithik is quoted as saying.

The actor says all the remedies and therapies he went through came together one day and his knee was healed.

Now, Hrithik says he can dance better than before. Why? Because he doesn’t take his knee for granted. In fact, the nimble-footed star is in the process of shooting a dance number for ‘Kites’. The song has been choreographed by Flexy, who, as the name suggests, is known for his tough dance steps. But Hrithik’s not worried. He CAN dance, saala.

‘Kites’ is a love story starring Hrithik with Barbara Mori and Kangana Ranaut .

Arbaaz Khan chooses Katrina over wife Malaika

2008-11-17T09:49:00.000+05:00

Arbaaz Khan is all set to start his own production house. He has decided to cast his elder brother's love interest Katrina Kaif in his first movie. Now who will be disappointed by Arbaaz's decision of casting Katrina and not them? It's none other than his beloved better half Malaika Arora Khan. Everyone is aware of the fact that Malaika doesn't get along with her brother-in-law's girlfriend at all. And quite apparently hubby Arbaaz's decision has disappointed her big time.

According to sources, "Malaika was supposed to be the lead heroine in Arbaaz’s first film as producer. But with the recent success achieved by Katrina, Arbaaz has decided that it would be a better option for him to take Katrina Kaif for the lead role."

The sources add by saying, "As one would expect this has not gone down well with Malaika who is now threatening to leave him if he does the intended. Malaika does not see Katrina Kaif eye to eye and it is common knowledge that the two girls share cold vibes."

We'd suggest Arbaaz not to risk his decade old love for the sake of casting Katrina.

Abhi-Ash to move out of Jalsa?

2008-11-17T09:47:00.000+05:00

Abhishek and Aishwarya have properties all over the country and in Dubai too. The latest acquisition for the couple is a flat in Juhu’s Pinnacle Dreams which has 7 flats of approximately 2000 sq ft. each.

Since the last couple of days, rumours were rife about the junior Bachchan couple moving out of Jalsa and shifting base to the newly acquired place so as to be close to their parents home and yet have space of their own.

While Mr. and Mrs. Abhishek Bachchan were out of town shooting in the jungles of Kochi for their forthcoming film Ravana , Indiatimes Movies got in touch with Big B to know the real story. “Abhi has no plans of moving out,” said Papa Bachchan. With this, Big B has put all speculations to rest and declared that the Bachchan’s are one big happy family.

Pinnacle Dreams is Producer Vashu Bhagnani’s property and is located just opposite Jalsa. It also has a flat in the name of Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty. We asked Shilpa about when she plans to move into her new pad and she said she is not done with doing up the flat as yet.

Kajol back with Ajay Devgan

2008-11-16T06:53:00.000+05:00

Golmaal Returns is Ajay Devgan's biggest grosser till date yet the calm, composed and cool super actor is his usual self. Though he is very happy with the overwhelming response to the film, he is very much focused on his next directorial venture after U Me Aur Hum.

Devgan clarifies that the film should have gone on the floors but it is taking longer than expected. Reason? Well, Ajay wants his film to be technically perfect and on par with international standards, and these things take time. Ajay confirms that his wife, Kajol will once again star in the film and that there wont be too many characters in the film (ala RNBDJ; SRK too says that there are not many characters in the film!).

Devgan is hopeful that he wont make the same mistake that he made with (his debut directorial film) U Me Aur Hum, that of trying to play it safe in the first half and says that he wont hold back on his instincts.

Here's wishing the best to Ajay for his next!

I'm so lucky to have a son like Abhishek

2008-11-16T06:48:00.000+05:00

The Big B is back to work on the 15 November finally. He resumes work after a much- needed break in Udaipur.

Confirming his return to the arclights the Big B says, "I'm starting on 15th with Leena Yadav's Teen Patti. There isn't much pending work there."

He was in Udaipur taking a break with his personal physician accompanying him.

"I needed to get away from home. I needed time to myself, to read and write. And to watch the films that I've been meaning to for a long time.It was so peaceful out here. I should do this more often. But where is the time to take time off?"

They don't call him the Big B for nothing. Generous and considerate towards his fans and well-wishers to the point of self-destruction the Big B is more than willing to meet the disappointed hordes who were turned away on his birthday after his sudden illness.

"My fans are never a burden. They are welcome any time. I publicly meet them every Sunday and specific ones get to meet me on my films' sets. No issues there."

The Big B regrets the fact that his illness took away his fans' excitement on his birthday. "However health issues do not wait for an opportune moment. They happen. It is nature. It is biological. We do not have control over them. Yes, this one happened on my birthday. So what?"

He is supremely pleased to be home. "But I do regret not being able to meet the well-wishers that assemble to greet me. I am sure they have understood the gravity of the situation. There will be other moments to make up for the loss."

Family friends like Karan Johar and Sanjay Dutt who are abroad, kept calling to express their concern throughout the Big B's week-long hospitalization. And he was overwhelmed and embarrassed by the extra attention.

Commenting regretfully on the postponement of Abhishek and Aishwarya's schedule of Mani Ratnam's film the Big B says, "They were to leave the next day but stayed back and rescheduled their programme because of my condition.

I generally do not like the idea of attention and of disturbing others with my condition, but I shall respect their decision even if they disagree with me. Particularly so now."

The general opinion about Abhishek is that he's as good a son to his father as the Big B was to his.

The Big B says with peternal pride. "I am grateful that others think so compassionately about Abhishek. My father is not alive to give an assessment of what he thought of me as a son. But I am. And I am happy and full of pride to have Abhishek as my devoted son."

Back to work, a small portion of Shootjit Sircar's Shoebite remains to be shot. "That's the working title. We needed to wait for a particular climate to shoot the remaining work.

That is now ready and we shall be finishing the entire shoot soon. I'm also in the process of sorting out the dates for the film to be produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.. Good to have so much variety thrown in my direction."

In the meanwhile AB Corp Ltd is ready to resume operations.

The Big B isn't too pleased by the suggestion that his production company had slowed down. "I laugh at the constant refrain of 'AB. Corp resuming production'. Resuming ? We have been in production all along. Yes, they may not have attracted attention.But we are there. I shall keep you abreast as time approaches on our projects."

‘Sorry, but I don’t forgive.. and I don’t forget’

2008-11-16T06:45:00.000+05:00

He says he won’t patch up with Shah Rukh Khan even if Sanjay Dutt wants him to. He says that the global meltdown has affected some of his investor friends.. and they should be patient. He says there should be no mental borders between India and Pakistan. And he’s excited that Heroes has drawn encouraging initial collections.

He raves about Subhash Ghai (past differences buried) and is not too frazzled by the fact that Hello didn’t rock the box-office because there’s always ‘next time’. Salman Khan lights up in an anaar-phirki-rocket-patakha conversation with Rachana Dubey.

Yesterday was Diwali. Do any special memories linger in your mind about the festival in general?
(Smiles) Lots of them. Once when Arbaaz, Sohail, Arpita and I were kids, we were celebrating the festival at home. Someone gave us rockets to burst. I lit one. I heard everyone at home screaming. The rocket had landed on the blouse of one of my aunts, her sari was ruined. Ever since, then, I’ve been very careful while bursting crackers. I think kids should not play with such harmful patakhas. Phuljhadis are the best buy.

What did you buy for Dhanteras this year?
Nothing. I’m with my family..which is better than buying anything expensive. See ammi (Salma Khan) celebrates every festival with equal zest.. whether it’s Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Diwali or Christmas. She anchors the celebrations. It’s like that every year. I love the boondi ke laddoos that my mum makes. They are to die for.

Don’t you feel it’s a black Diwali this year given the recession and the stock market crash?
I don’t think so. It’s a black Diwali for those who think that way. Essentially, we’re all survivors. We have to confront various situations in life.

There’s a high, then a fall till everything seems hopeless.. and then the high returns, slowly but surely. Indians should not be disappointed, they should see the market recession as a struggle to come out on the top.

Are you affected by this at all?
I’m fortunate that I haven’t been affected but a couple of my friends, inside and outside the industry, have suffered heavy losses because they had made huge investments. I feel bad for them but I’m being positive. It’s a passing phase, all one needs is patience.

And the film industry?
I’m not the industry spokesperson. Ask someone who knows.

Now tell me.. did you expect Heroes, in which you have done a guest appearance, to garner good initial collections?
(Smiles.. eyes shine) After really long, I had butterflies in my tummy because Heroes is really not the typical Diwali kind of release. It doesn’t go over the top with jingoism for one’s nation and heavy criticism for the neighbouring one. We don’t say Hindustan Zindabad, Pakistan Murdabad. That attitude would be wrong. If the film was on those lines, I would have thought twice before accepting it.

There are scenes which draw you emotionally. Like the one in which Indian jawans are flying kites.. and one of the kites flies across the border. The soldier crosses the lines and discovers that everything on the other side of the border is the same. So why do we fight?

In another scene, a mother tells her child that the man of the house is a prisoner of war in Pakistan. He did his job, the Pakistanis are doing theirs.We shouldn’t harbour hatred.

What is your view on the Indo-Pak relationship of late?
I don’t know why we call them enemies. They are just like us. They love the same kind of movies. Our cricket teams have played together as one at the IPL matches. There’s no ill feeling while the teams play against each other.
The so-called borders exist only in the mind. In America and England, Indians and Pakistanis share rotis at home. I think the relations on a personal level are fine.

Weren’t you disappointed that Hello didn’t do well?
I felt the film had potential. Atul Agnihotri is very honest and sincere about his work. So, I’m not disappointed that it didn’t do as well as we thought it would. Never mind, better luck next time.

Will you be in the adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone?
Atul has already begun work on it. He hasn’t approached me yet. But I’m always there to help my brother-in-law.

How did you land at Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts party?
Why do you ask? You weren’t expecting me to be there?

Right, no one was expecting you to be there.
Yeah that’s because I was shooting for London Dreams. Subhashji invited me for the 30th anniversary of Mukta Arts. It was his big day. I only made it a little more special. My flight landed at 11.50 pm.. 10 minutes later, I was at the party.

How would you describe him as a director?
Subhashji is like old wine.. he’s getting better with time. He’s cool, accommodating and he’s clear about every frame of his film. I hope I’m looking nice.

Mr Ghai claims that he has given you the best look of your life so far.. that he has resurrected the 20- something Salman Khan.
(Laughs) Subhashji jhooth nahin bolte. He’s always right.

Your looks in London Dreams have forced Ajay Devgan to pay special attention to his.
What yaar! How can you’ll even say such things? See, neither do I look like an angel nor does he look like a devil. He looks cool and I think I look okay.

In the film, he has spiked hair, wears earrings, leather jackets, cool shoes and glares. I’m a Punjabi desi boy who goes to London. So, I am in kurtas and jeans. So, Ajay looks quite handsome in the film.

When I met Sanjay Dutt, he told me that Shah Rukh Khan and you are like his two arms.. his brothers. And he would attempt a patch up between the two of you. Your take would be?
(Smiles) It’s the festive season.. mood kayko kharab karti hai? Why talk of villains? I’ve wisened up. Sorry, but I don’t forgive and I don’t forget. I love Sanju Baba but I wouldn’t do this even for him. There are some things which cannot be forgiven.

One Khan’t live without the other

2008-11-16T06:42:00.000+05:00

Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are suddenly the best of buds. The two hugged like long lost friends on the sets of Salman’s 10 ka Dum and then at the premiere of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Now, they’ve come up with an interesting new promotional strategy. Each one mentions the other while promoting his own film. No wonder Aamir’s name cropped up when Salman was promoting Yuvvraaj, and Aamir mentioned Salman’s abs while promoting Ghajini.

The other Khan meanwhile is trying his best to touch a nerve. Shah Rukh has been befriending everyone Salman can’t see in the eye. The surprise guest at SRK’s wife Gauri’s birthday bash turned out to be one of Salman’s most hated. Viveik Oberoi not only dig in the celebrations at Mannat but is now also part of the SRK camp. Shah Rukh had even taken time out recently to end his cold war with the Bachchans by turning up the premiere of Drona with his entire clan. Wonder what Salman has to say about this.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor will ring in the new year in the breath taking alps of Switzerland. Come December, and Saifeena will fly off to a long Swiss vacation to welcome 2009 together. Kareena has reportedly even turned down plenty of wedding invitations to be with Saif.

Priyanka Chopra has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. After Fashion proved to be a hit and Dostana is almost a hit, Priyanka is thinking of settling down. Apparently the actress will tie the knot in the next two years. With who exactly? We’ll let you know when we find out.

King Khan has expanded his kingdom by venturing into television. Shah Rukh started out as a TV actor and is now back to his very first successful medium of entertainment. SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment will produce shows for the boob tube. Their first is going to be a remake of the 80s’ hit sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi.

Tashan Director gets Second Chance

2008-11-16T06:38:00.000+05:00

It seems that Aditya Chopra is in a very mellow mood these days. Or maybe he is just preoccupied with his directorial venture Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. The buzz is that he has forgiven Vijay Krishna Acharya for that disaster called Tashan.
According to reports, Adi has not only forgiven Acharya, he has, in a very generous frame of mind, offered the director another film to direct. If sources are correct, then Acharya will soon be directing another movie for Yash Raj. However, even though Adi may have decided to let bygones be bygones, not everybody is being so generous. In fact, most of the actors who are Yash Raj regulars have refused to work in the movie. Prominent among them is Abhishek Bachchan, who declined to star in the Acharya directed film, citing lack of time and too many commitments. If the buzz is to be believed, then quite a few others have also declined Acharya's overtures. Guess, the second chance is not going to come easy for Acharya. Well, at least he is luckier than Shaad Ali, remember Jhoom Barabar Jhoom? One can't even remember when one last heard about him. Guess Acharya should really go down on his knees and count his blessings.

It's a wrap for Akshay

2008-11-16T06:35:00.000+05:00

The crew wrapped up their Cape Town schedule for 8x10; the film is now ready for release

Akshay Kumar just wrapped up the shooting of Percept Picture Company's 8x10 in South Africa, four days ahead of schedule.

Crazy times

Shailendra Singh, Percept Holdings joint MD, says, "It was a crazy schedule and a very intense one. In fact, we have a release date for the film now and are very excited about the project. I think it will be Bolly-wood's first psychological thriller. Akshay is phenomenal in it. Now the special effects and post production work on the film begins." The film will release on March 27, 2009.

Praising Akshay for his daredevil stunts in the film Singh says, "Everyone knows Akshay's dedication to his action scenes. But you have to be there in person to witness the man! It was freezing cold, some minus five degrees and Akshay had to perform an underwater scene. He just rolled up his pants and walked in without hesitating. I told him to use a stunt double but he just refused."

Despite some schedule problems in Canada, Singh says he's glad the film is finally ready to release. "I believe every film has its destiny. Maybe 8 x10 was not supposed to be shot in Calgary. But Cape Town is beautiful and we've shot some amazing action scenes with Akshay."

I am not competing with any Khan in Bollywood If any one has been benefi

2008-11-16T06:33:00.001+05:00

If any one has been benefited the maximum by the phenomenal success of the film Bheja Fry, it is none other than actor Vinay Pathak who has been catapulted to big time fame with the accolades he received for his performance in the film.

At the outset, Vinay Pathak asserts when I meet him on the eve of the release of the film at the office of One More Thought Entertainment which has produced the film in collaboration with him, that the title of the film is apt according to its story.

"The film sets out to celebrate the ordinariness and life around every one of us".

Vinay adds. "Dasvidaniya is about being happy. It is about the life led by you and me and each and every person out there. The hair style that I sport in Dasvidaniya is as per the requirement of the script and not to elicit humor.

It is indeed a matter of concern and a great tragedy that we are conditioned to laugh at anything that is not the trend or the fashion."

Vinay confesses that the making of Dasvisdaniya was delayed because he had become quite busy after Bheja Fry had clicked in a big way. Vinay does not agree that a film like Dasvidaniya may not have happened had Bheja Fry not clicked.

"Honestly, if Bheja Fry had not been released, Dasvidaniya may have been released even earlier. Like Bheja Fry, Dasvidaniya is a character-driven film in which the characters support the story, not otherwise. "

Vinay feels that it is a fallacy that a film will not get an opening if has a common man in the lead.

"A good film will always get a great opening, whether there is a star or not. Khosla Ka Ghosla was loved by the people though there were no stars in it to draw the audience.

Then came Bhjeja Fry. You see, people will definitely go to see a film which does not follow a certain formula. If you make a film with honesty and passion, the audience will appreciate."

Vinay has not let stardom go to his head though he has been cast in the lead in quite a few films. "Most of the roles that I take up have always been character-driven and not hero- driven.

My endeavor has always been to choose a role base on how excited I get when I listen to the narration of the story, whether it is the one I did in Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand for which Sudhir asked me to lose my weight or Bheja Fry."

"I am not at all in the running with any Khan in Bollywood. It is wrong to say that I am charging a whopping sum of three to four crores to act in a film. I am happy as an actor.

I have always believed that it is the script which is the hero of any film, and not the actor. I am keen on doing myriad roles which the so called stars do not like to play.

I feel that stars do only one dimensional roles and refuse to touch a character role even with a barge pole, though I think that all heroes are actually common people".

Vinay had actually made his debut with Fire.

"I have always enjoyed working in one film or serial at a time and have never acted in more than one serial at a time I have always preferred quality over quantity. In the last fifteen years I have to my credit only 20 films as an actor. I made my debut with a cameo role as a guide in Taj Mahal.

I am from Bhojpur. It was with the TV serial Yeh Ishq Nahin Aaasaan produced by Girija Shankar that I had made my debut as a leading man while Om Puri played the parallel lead on TV. "

Vinay does not feel that his age is a handicap as far as he is concerned as an actor in Bollywood at a timer when teenyboppers are emerging by the dozens.

I have no qualms to confess that I am older now when compared to what I was when I had set my foot in the industry a few years ago. It adds to my acting, because I can now play King Lear though I cannot play Romeo. I cannot play Salim but I can play Akbar now.

People now trust me with much more complex characters unlike earlier when I used to be bombarded with mostly comic roles."

Vinay is currently also working in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with Shah Rukh Khan. "It has indeed been a very humbling experience working with an actor of his stature, who gets excited about every scene.

Besides Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, I am also having up my sleeves films like SRK (It's a remake of the Malayalam hit Chintavishtayaya Shyamala and I play a good for nothing husband whose name is Shivaji Rao Khote, which explains why the title of the film is SRK) Pappu Can't Dance Saala and Oh My God, Straight, Raat Gayi Baat Gayi, Antardwandh and Mumbai Chakachak (in which I play a negative role)"

Vinay, who says he would like to direct a film one day insists that he is addicted to struggle in life. "Initially I was struggling as an actor and now I am struggling as a producer. I think struggling keeps me on the edge."

Truth of Rakhi-Abhishek split

2008-11-15T10:40:00.000+05:00

It’s said that there are no happy endings in reality- some how this seems true with Rakhi Sawant and her ex boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi. In a candid interview, exclusively with ZoOm, Rakhi unveiled the hidden truths about her split with Abhishek.

As said by Rakhi, their four-year old relationship ended bitterly due to several reasons. In fact, she also blamed Raj Thackrey and Laloo Prasad Yadav for her break up. According to her, she being a maharashtrian wasn’t accepted by her boyfriend’s family who belong to UP. Apart from that, she also said that Abhishek took advantage of her popularity to bloom his career. Rakhi says that now when he’s got good projects in his kitty, he no more needs her support. Thus, they decided to split ways. Reportedly, she also threw him out of her house where they lived together for four long years.

Back in time, the duo’s relationship has been a roller coaster ride. Be it the Valentine’s day drama, where she slapped Abhishek in front of media and later accepted him back in her life; or at a reality show, where Abhishek danced with enemy Kashmira Shah leading to their supposed break up.

However, the lady announces that she is now single and seeks true love to settle down. It looks like this time the couple has truly parted ways.

Salman Khan's bad hair day!

2008-11-15T10:36:00.000+05:00

Even A-list stars have bad hair days. Just look at Salman Khan's unruly bangs.

But the actor didn't seem to notice as he happily signed autographs for his little fans during an event to promote his latest movie, Yuvvraaj, on Thursday in Mumbai.

The Subhash Ghai directed movie, which also stars Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan, releases on November 21

What SRK told Arjun changed his life forever

2008-11-15T10:35:00.000+05:00

'The Reinvention of Arjun Rampal' screams the headlines from the latest issue of MW. If the headline was not catchy enough, trust Arjun to do the rest.

If we had the option of coining the headline, we would have hit the nail on the head stating 'Arjun Like Never Before...Never Ever After'. Having said so, one must admit that the current issue of MW is a killer, from the word go!

For all those who loved to hate and hated to love the on-screen Arjun 'Mukesh Mehra' Rampal in the blockbuster Om Shanti Om, and thought that this role must have been a cake-walk for the dude, then, here's the real story.

It happened on a New Year's Eve, SRK and Farah dragged him into a bathroom and told him about his 'characterless' role in OSO. When Arjun was very skeptical about doing a negative role thinking of the impact it will have on his kids, the omnipresent SRK simply told him "Do this one film for yourself. You'll do plenty for your kids!" Can SRK ever go wrong?

Even the way Arjun bagged his role in Don is quite interesting in itself. Farhan says, "I'd earlier wanted him for a role in Lakshya, but he'd been busy. I'd seen him with his kids on holiday and thought he could draw on that for the character".

Though Arjun's was ready to play Pran's role in the new Don "as long as you don't put me in spandex and make me walk the tightrope". Well, the rest...as they is history!

Each and every film of Arjun's is surely a milestone in itself. This also includes the 'cult-and-still-cultivating' landmark film Rock On.

Arjun cannot express his joy in words as he says, "One of my most cherished moments after Rock On was when Amitji (the Big B) came and hugged me at the premiere of The Last Lear." All that we would like to ask Arjun is that Amitji hugging you is alright, because both of you are stars!

But what about your zillions and counting fans out there, who are hoping to get a 'jaadu ki jhappi' from their Rockstar of Bollywood, Arjun Rampal!

There's surely something about Arjun that takes him places, keeps him in the good books of one and all. You will rarely (read 'never') find him bitching about any co-star or director. No wonder then, filmmakers like Farhan Akhtar, Farah Khan and Rituparno Ghosh are all praises and only praises for this dude with an attitude, an absolute positive one though!

With so much going for Arjun Rampal, all that we can say is Arjun is 'Rocking' Bollywood and seems like he is going to do that for a long time now.