Bigg Boss inmates jump wall, get out of the house

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.

Arbaaz Khan chooses Katrina over wife Malaika

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.

Neil has started experiencing the Jail

As a normal citizen the know-how will be an eye opener and as a performer who is taking his first steps in the world of glamour and ultimate self expression, Neil Nithin Mukesh will emerge out as a better, matured actor hardened by the close encounters he has with the realities of the dark side of life behind bars.

The task to visit jails and know more about the persons known as criminals was assigned to Neil by film maker Madhur Bhandarkar as the young hunk is the protagonist of his next movie titled as 'Jail'.

As with the case with any other realistic movie of the ace film maker, through 'Jail', Madhur wants to showcase the cold frozen truths regarding the criminal justice system that prevails in our country.

Madhur also gave Neil a list of movies to be watched as a study material as well as to get inspired.

The B-Town boy got hold of the movies and while away in U.S.A for around three months saw all the flicks.

With 'Fashion' turning out to be a grand success story by its excellent portrayal of a tale based in the fashion world, we can expect another one oozing the feel and style of film making that exclusively belongs to Madhur Bhandarkar.

Sexy actress accuses director of being "overfriendly"

Actress Mahek Chahal has walked out of a film, accusing the director of getting overfriendly with her.

The lissome bombshell, who was seen in ‘Nayi Padosan’ and did an item number in Chameli , has left the shooting of producer Vashu Bhagnani’s film Kal Kisne Dekha . Mahek says the movie’s director Vivek Sharma was acting too friendly with her.

According to Mahek, Vivek kept vying for her attention on the movie’s sets and one day he bombarded her with several text messages and later got angry because she didn’t reply to just one message of all. On top of it, Mahek says she had issues with her costumes in the film. She also alleges that the crew of the film would laugh in hushed tones whenever the director would explain a scene to her.

Things got to such a point that while shooting at a Juhu hotel, Mahek stormed out after being upset by some incident.

She has now excused herself from the movie altogether.

On the other hand, director Vivek Sharma denies Mahek’s allegations, saying that she is only trying to get some publicity. In fact, Vivek goes on to say that it was Mahek who discussed her personal life with him and he only provided his patient ear to her.

Sanjay Gupta gifts Rs.600,000 watch

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has joined the bandwagon of Bollywood stars known for giving exorbitant gifts to their colleagues. He recently gifted a Rolex watch worth Rs.600,000 to action director Tinu Varma for his work in upcoming movie "Acid Factory".

"Sanjay was so impressed with the kind of action sequences Tinu had created for 'Acid Factory' that he decided to gift him the watch. It was Sanjay's way of showing that he admired Tinu's professionalism and work," said a source close to Gupta.

"Acid Factory" is Gupta's latest venture and stars Fardeen Khan, Dia Mirza, Aftab Shivdasani, Irrfan Khan, Dino Morea, Manoj Bajpai and Danny Denzongpa.

Varma was apparently moved by Gupta's gesture.

"I have always felt White Feather Films (Gupta's production company) to be like my own production house. I've given my heart and soul to it. 'Acid Factory' is extremely special to me and I have done every bit to make the action sequences as thrilling as possible," the action director said.

"Besides innovative action sequences, we have also used every other possible trick. I'm looking forward to the film's release since 'Acid Factory' is my best and biggest film till date," Varma added.

The girl who's biggest threat to bollywood hotties

Southern actress Asin, who has two big Bollywood movies in her kitty - Aamir Khan-starrer "Ghajini" and Vipul Shah's "London Dreams" - says she can't settle for substandard deals.

"I'm very excited about both 'Ghajini' and 'London Dreams'. I've a long list of criteria for selecting a role, beginning with the director, banner and co-star and ending with the cinematographer. I want them all to be just right. Am I being greedy? Perhaps. I'm sorry. I can't settle for anything but the best, " Asin told.

In "London Dreams", Asin plays a singer and gets to play the guitar and sing on stage along with Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan.

"It's something I've never played before. In fact, I think it's a role never seen in Indian cinema. Beyond that I can't talk about it, " she said.

The makers of her Hindi films have forbidden her from talking to the media and Asin has no choice but to comply.

"Such is life, " she sighed. "I'm quite willing to remain quiet until I'm asked to talk. I'd rather wait for people to see me than hear me."

Asin moved to Mumbai a year ago but sadly she has no friends in Mumbai.

According to a source, this is because Asin is seen as a threat by the ruling regime of female superstars.

"The other girls in Mumbai don't feel threatened by one another. But the minute a striking pretty and talented actress from the South comes, they get all jittery. They see Asin as the next No 1 after Hema Malini, Rekha, Sridevi and Aishwarya Rai, " said one of Asin's male co-stars.

The actress added: "It is true all my friends are in Chennai and Kochi. I'm yet to make friends in the Bollywood film industry. I don't know why. But here it is just work and back home with my parents."

For Asin, it's bye-bye to Tamil and Telugu cinema as she is pursuing a full-time career in Hindi movies. She is now planning to buy a house in Mumbai.

"We're looking at some places. And we'll zero in on the place we want soon, " said Asin, who turned 23 on Oct 26.

Commenting on her age, she said: "I can't lie about my age because at the age of 14 when I started working in southern films, I gave my first interview where I gave out my birthday. Now I'm trapped forever."

While "Ghajini" is scheduled for a Christmas release, "London Dreams" is expected to hit the screens in summer 2009.

Gul sizzles with both Aamir and Salman

Gul Panag is a happy woman. In a matter of few days, she happened to work with two out of the top three Khans. Though Gul has always aspired to charter her own path in the world of glitz and glamour, working with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan holds a special place in her heart.

'It was all coincidental and happened so quickly', speaks Gul in a breathless manner as only she can, 'I shot for the promotional track for Hello with Salman Khan and was having great fun since it featured all the actors from the film's cast. I am glad that the song has caught on well too in spite of carrying an offbeat theme. Salman was a riot to be with.'

Soon after working with Salman Khan in Hello, she moved on to her next big assignment – a promotional campaign for TATA SKY with Aamir Khan. She must have been an object of envy for quite a few of her colleagues, isn't it? After all not every leading lady can boast of having worked with the two top Khans and that too in such quick time!


'You bet, but seriously I don't think about this too much. For me, first and foremost it was a rewarding professional experience. Of course, personally too it is great to be working with the likes of Salman and Aamir. In this television commercial, our chemistry as a married couple is there to be seen. In fact I have shot for a series of commercials for the brand. They are currently on air', details Gul.

On the movies front, Gul has an exciting year ahead. While she has just been signed by Ram Gopal Varma to play a pivotal role in Rann, she would also be seen in Hello Darling and Straight in 2009.

The biggest multi-starrer of all time

After 3 years in the discussion phase, one year in shooting with 20 schedules, 60 leading actors of the industry and the biggest team effort ever, Twenty 20 released all over Kerala on Wednesday. It is history of sorts, as never before in the history of cinema would all the leading stars of an industry have come together for such an effort. Starring Mammootty,
Twenty 20

Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, Dhileep, Prithviraj, Kunchako Boban a number of heroines and almost every prominent name that you can think of in the Malayalam film industry, the film is a production of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes).

The movie was released after prolonged speculations over the number of release centers. Finally, it released at a record 108 centers on its first day in Kerala alone. This is a big number with regards to Kerala where films generally get a 45-50 center release which might go up to 70-80 for big budget Superstar movies.

Twenty 20 got off to a bumper opening with fans’ associations of various stars getting into a mad scramble for tickets. It has been decided clearly on the first day itself that the movie will go on to become the year’s highest grosser and advance booking indicates that it might well break many records that have been long standing in Kerala. Reviews don’t seem to matter here as people don’t seem to want to miss the opportunity to see their favorite stars together on screen.

Filmmaker BR Chopra dead

Legendary filmmaker B R Chopra died on Wednesday following prolonged illness. He was 95 years old, a family source said.

Chopra died at 0815 hrs IST at his residence in Juhu. His funeral will be held at 1630 hrs IST.

A winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Chopra had made successful films like Naya Daur, Gumrah, Humraaz, Dhundh, Insaaf ka Tarazoo and Nikah.

He is survived by his son filmmaker Ravi Chopra and two daughters Shashi and Neena.

He is survived by his son filmmaker Ravi Chopra and two daughters Shashi and Neena.

After Salman, meet Bollywood's new Prem

Producer Sooraj Barjatya's unusual love story Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi is scheduled to release this weekend with a limited 80 prints, which is quite surprising for a time when films release with over 1,000 prints.

Moreover, this Rajshri Productions' new release doesn't even boast of any big stars. And though Sonu Sood and Esha Koppikar may not be the hottest pair around, the team behind Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi is confident about the films' success.

“Rajshree as a banner has a loyal audience so I am sure it will work,” Esha said.

While, Sonu said, “From the time I was first narrated the script to the time the I saw the complete film I was sure if good things happen it does happen through this banner.”

The male lead in Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi is called Prem, a name that’s become synonymous with all Sooraj Barjatya films till date starting with his debut blockbuster Maine Pyar Kiya.

“When we were casting for Maine Pyaar Kiya we thought of a character name and there was this film Dulhan Man Bhaye which was a hit and its actor was called Prem, so we picked it up. Then of course now Prem has an emotional thing attached to it,” Barjatya said.

So after Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor – it's now Sonu Sood's turn to take on the title of ‘Prem’. It remains to be seen if it will catapult him to the A-list in B-town.

Yash Chopra inaugurates Indian Film Festival

The Indian Film Festival at Abu Dhabi got off to a glorious start yesterday. And who is better to inaugurate the festival than the person who perhaps embodies Indian cinema better than anyone else: Yash Chopra.

The inauguration ceremony kicked off with an address by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Higher Education & Scientific Research, Government of the United Arab Emirates. He was followed by Mr. Abdulla Al Salim Al Amri, Director of Culture & Art Institute, ADACH, and the Director of the Indian Film Festival and then H.E. Mr. Talmiz Ahmad, India's ambassador to the UAE.

Rachel Dwyer, renowned scholar of Indian film and author of an acclaimed biography of Yash Chopra then took the stage to introduce the legend. After her pithy and heartfelt introduction, Mr. Chopra took the stage to say a few words before formally inaugurating the festival. "The people of the UAE have always shown tremendous appreciation for Indian cinema," he said, "As have the many people of Indian origin who have found a welcoming home in the UAE. I am glad therefore that a festival of Indian film is being held here on such a big scale and I wish with all my heart that it gets bigger and bigger in the years to come." After his comments, the vote of thanks were read out by Mr. S.K. Nangia, First Secretary, Embassy of India, which was followed by the screening of the first film of the festival, "Veer-Zaara", produced and directed by Yash Chopra himself.

Apart from being one of the most commercially successful films, Yash Chopra's "Veer-Zaara" (released in 2004) had also got the prestigious recognition of being selected and screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, Marrakech Film Festival, Dubai International Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival and Jeonju International Film Festival in Korea.

The Indian Film Festival at Abu Dhabi will run from the 2nd to the 11th of November 2008 and will showcase some of the most memorable works of Indian cinema from the recent past, as well as some works produced in the UAE itself.

Rajesh Khanna smooches Pak actress Saana

The shocking news doing the rounds is that former superstar Rajesh Khanna has gone all bold and has indulged in smooching and intimate scenes in his upcoming film in 'Wafaa'.

In the film directed by Rakhi Sawant's brother Rakesh Sawant, Khanna plays a Thailand-based multi-millionaire who marries a scheming sex-starved airhostess that is after his wealth. The movie has Pakistani actress Saana Khan as his object of affection and motormouth stripper and Rakhi too will makes an appearance.

He's reportedly said, "The intimate scenes are justified because we are shown as husband and wife. It is a mature love story with bizarre twists.

It's a logical demand of the situations where sex plays a pivotal catalyst role and it's not for titillation. The Censor Board has cleared Wafaa with an 'A' certificate. After having acted in over 170 movies, I don't need to do a film which has vulgarity as its theme."

First there was news about Khanna teasing young girls at a Mumbai hotspot. And now he's trying hard to make a comeback by playing bold roles.

Looks like the man's missing his youthful days just too much. He simply can't get over the fact that once upon a time women around the country used to swoon over him!

That's not all. He's also acting in the television drama 'Raghukul Reet Sadaa Chali Aayee' where Mona Ambegaonkar plays his wife. The TV director says that the script demanded that his wife should be someone much younger to him in the serial too!

Seems the man is trying to forget that he's a father of grown up girls and a grandpa too now!
He also wants to work with superstar son-in-law Akshay Kumar and says that it would be a casting coup of the former superstar and the current superstar. He's only waiting for a mind blowing script and Akki's approval.

This guy sure is hellbent on regaining some of his lost youth!

Monica, Raja bitch behind Rahul's back

Ahh...the dramatic love story continues… Raja and the 'IT' couple of the house seem to be enjoying a lazy morning, resting comfortably on the beanbags outside. When Rahul slips away for a while, Raja and Monica begin discussing her relationship with Rahul. Monica states that she refuses to make any commitments before meeting Payal... We must see that! Unedited!

Later Rahul jokingly asks Raja to press his chest so that he can fall off to sleep to which Monica asks him to check how strong Rahul's heart is! Raja light-heartedly comments that Rahul must have a dozen hearts to which Rahul quickly replies that he has just one and that is for Monica! Awww... how sweet, that would make any girl weak in her knees! If only we believed you!

Channel V launch new insane game show

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

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

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

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

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

Ranbir’s childhood recalled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sherlyn has lost her PR guy again

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He also agreed and the work resumed between the two.

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

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

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

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

Aamir plays the perfect husband in a new TV ad

Meet Saif Ali Khan's British girlfriend!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luck favours Shruti Haasan!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media captures Ash's Karva Chauth secretly

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

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