love of Bollywood STARS

Sonam complete antithesis of 'Saawariya' character: Anil Kapoor

2008-09-21T04:33:00.001-07:00

Anil Kapoor, versatile actor and father of Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, says his daughter is the complete antithesis of the soft character she played in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya'.

'Sonam is very spunky and sporty unlike the role she played in her debut movie. She also has a fantastic dress sense,' a proud Anil beamed after watching Sonam walk the ramp with aplomb for designer Anamika Khanna at the HDIL India Couture Week here.

'I was excited to see her walk down the ramp. It was her first time and it was a completely new experience for me,' Kapoor told IANS in an interview.

'Saawariya' (2007) was a stark love story based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic 'White Nights' in which yesterday's superstar Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam made their debut.

Sonam played the role of a shy, quiet girl named Sakina whose eyes were always filled with sadness - quite unlike the real Sonam who is bubbly, vivacious and energetic, as her father very aptly pointed out.

After his daughter set the runway on fire, Kapoor said: 'I am amazed, she was looking so gorgeous and the best thing was that she was so comfortable on the ramp.'

Asked about his personal style statement Kapoor replied: 'I do not follow any trends, but my wife and my daughters are so fashion conscious that they make sure I dress up appropriately for the occasion.'

'I believe in comfort. So, I have a black jeans that I find very comfortable, but I can't wear them everywhere,' he said smilingly.

Kapoor, a multifaceted actor, has been in showbiz for almost 30 years and has proved his mettle in movies like 'Tezaab' and 'Beta' for which he got the Filmfare Best Actor award. He has also won a National Award for his performance in 'Pukaar'.

Apart from acting, Kapoor has also donned the producer's hat for movies like 'Badhaai Ho Badhaai' (2002), 'My wife's murder' (2005) and 'Gandhi, My Father' (2007). Though all these movies bombed at the box office this hasn't dampened the actor's spirit.

'I believe in following my heart. Box-office success doesn't matter. Through my movies, I am not looking at commercial success. I want to improve the quality of Indian cinema,' he explained.

Kapoor is currently producing 'Shortcut - The Con Is On' that has Akshay Khanna and Arshad Warsi in the lead roles.

This apart, he will soon be seen in Subhash Ghai's 'Yuvraaj' along with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in a movie that has music by maestro A.R. Rehman.

Shahrukh khan on the cover of Filmfare

2008-09-21T04:31:00.001-07:00

Taare Zammen Par For the Oscars

2008-09-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

Aamir Khan's tryst with the Oscars continues. Khan's directorial debut Taare Zammen Par has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars. Taare Zameen Par released in India on 21 December, 2007 and bagged rave reviews from audience and critics alike. The film has been produced by Khan in association with PVR Pictures.

It stars Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma and Sachet Engineer. Khan is currently shooting in Ladak for Raju Hirani's 3 Idiots and is expected back in Mumbai tomorrow.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA on 22 February, 2009.

A total of nine Indian movies were contesting this year for the Oscar nomination, of which Bollywood had the highest share with movies like Taare Zameen Par, Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar, Neeraj Pandey's A Wednesday, Nishikant Kamat's Mumbai Meri Jaan, Abhishek Kapoor's Rock On and Subhash Ghai's Black & White. The two Marathi movies that were in the running were Tingya and Valu along with one Telegu movie Gamayam.

Producer and director Suneel Darshan led this year's committee for the Oscars nomination as the chairperson. Other jury members include art director Bijon Das Gupta.

Shilpa Shetty is okay with botox if it comes to that

2008-09-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

Actress Shilpa Shetty is not averse to botox, but doesn’t feel the need for it yet. She’s a household name in Britain after her row with Jade Goody in the Big Boss show. She told Daily Mail in an interview that she’s aware she’s ageing and is practical about it: “I’m aware I’m getting older, but I’ll take it as it comes - I’m not averse to having botox, for example, but I just don’t feel I need it yet.

The way I see it, I spent a long time getting comfortable with who I am. I was an ugly duckling as a child, and it took a lot ofShilpa Shetty Launches Her Perfume S2 at The Perfume Shop on July 6Th ,2007 in London, England - 11.jpg hard work to get to where I am today, where I’m not so self-critical. “I still don’t think I’m as good-looking as my sister, Shamita, or even my mother, who is stunning, even now. But I’ve metamorphosed into the person I am today, and I’m pretty content.”

Shilpa says she owes a lot to the controversial Big Boss show for opening avenues for her. I didn’t have that international platform - and I’m not embarrassed to say that I have it now because of Big Brother. I’m very aware that the UK public stood up for me and for what was right, and I’m very grateful for that. Everyone in life makes mistakes - you learn from them and move on.”

She has made peace with her former fellow contestant, Jade Goody, now diagnosed with cancer. “I spoke to her before she returned to the UK, but it was a very private conversation that I won’t share. She knows we’ve buried the hatchet. Life’s too short to bear any hatred. I can only pray that she makes a full recovery.”

She is more open now about her relationship with London-based entrepreneur Raj Kundra. The long-distance relationship Shilpa Shetty walks The Ramp For Tarun Tahiliani - 1.jpg- she’s in Mumbai - does not come easy, but at the same time it has made them value each other more, she confesses.

So, is she ready for marriage to Raj? “Definitely, and I’m sure I will, God willing. I intend to try and do that as soon as my professional life has calmed down hopefully in the next couple of years. I don’t want to make too many predictions as I don’t believe in making too many plans, but, yes, I have a man in my life and, yes, I hope we will get married.

Simply-Unforgettable: Abhishek B interviews Papa B

2008-09-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Abhishek Bachchan & Sonam Kapoor shooting for Dilli 6 in Agra

2008-09-20T06:53:00.001-07:00

Mandira bedi is a sexy Meera bai in 'Meera bai not out'

2008-09-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Karzzz movie Wallpapers

2008-09-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Preity zinta gets priyadardhini award

2008-09-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have always done things my own way - Gul Panag

2008-09-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

Lo and behold - Gul Panag has gone chic and how! Though in real life she has been a bindaas woman all these years in spite of being a part of so-called serious films like Dhoop, Dor and Manorma- Six Feet Under, on print she has rarely gone the whole hog in projecting a sensual image.

However, she has gone ahead and done what is hardly-unthinkable for her by getting into a dare-bare shoot for Maxim.

"I have always done things my own way and it was irresistible when the magazine approached me to get down to my night suit. Did I feel awkward about doing so? Nope, not at all. What's there at all to feel awkward about?

I have never felt odd driving an Enfield or a F1 car for Renault or picking up the kind of projects I believe in. It was the same in case of this shoot as well.

I was promised a lot of fun and though some may be getting shocked with my dare-bare poses, my message to them is that 'Hey you there, I am like that only'", says Gul in a rapid tone while being mighty excited about the kind of response that her shoot is fetching for her.

Says Anup Kutty from Maxim, "A very simple reason for putting Gul on the cover is the fact that she's stunningly beautiful. Plus, she occupies a space in Indian cinema that not many share.

She has done some critically acclaimed roles and still can carry off a "sexy" look with complete ease. In short, she's a real woman of substance and probably the best thing that could happen to a man! The shoot in itself was a lot of fun."

How did the shoot go?

Reveals Anup, "We booked a suite at the Le Meridien and ordered a bottle of champagne to go with it. More than anything, it was just one big party!"

Gul agrees, "Yes, it was indeed one huge party out there. It was nice to be working with some real chilled out guys who belong to your own age group.

I got such a comfort feel while working on the assignment and the results are there to be seen. Believe me, I truly felt beautiful as the shutter bags went on." - Joginder Tuteja

Delivery boys hate Mallika Sherawat

2008-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

All the local delivery boys and grocery shop owners hate Mallika Sherawat for her high handed starry attitude.

Mallika stays in Mumbai's up market suburb Versova area along with her brother. In the same Raheja complex that she stays other film personalities like Amrita Rao and Rohit, Manasi Roy too say apart from many other TV celebs. We have found out from those staying around her that she is one of the most hated celebs around!

A source told us, "She unashamedly throws her diva like attitude even while working out in her society's gym. She doesn't like people around when she is working out. She yells at all those who even look at her for a brief second when she is doing her work outs. She doesn't even the spare the poor delivery boys who want to use the same lift which she is entering. She makes them wait and uses the lift alone

"If she orders anything from the near by grocery shops and the delivery chap is late by even 5 minutes she gives him a lashing of his life. She also orders him to not stand outside her flat for the lift and either use the stairs to go down or take a lift from a floor below. That's the reason why grocery shop owners hate her big time.

"She should understand that she is no top actress and her recent back to back two flops should teach her some humility especially when dealing with less fortunate people!"

One wonders whether it is the same Mallika who once cried hoarse about her middle class up bringing in small town Rohtak and how she empathized with middle class working people. Success or failure really does strange things to people in Bollywood but it seems extremely extreme in case of the salacious actress!

Exclusive pic:Celina jaitley in a new PETA Ad

2008-09-19T05:51:00.004-07:00

Title Song (Golmaal Returns)

2008-09-19T05:51:00.003-07:00

Movie Promo:Meera bai not out

2008-09-19T05:51:00.002-07:00

"I'd say I was glamorous in Vivah and Main Hoon Na" - Amrita Rao

2008-09-19T05:51:00.001-07:00

You recently shot a special song with Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor.
It's not an item song, as people seem to think. They both made me immensely comfortable. They have their own unique dancing style. Since both are legendary actors, I didn't know whom to match steps with. So, I just decided to be myself and do my own thing. I must say, all of us in Shortcut were overwhelmed by Mr Dutt's gesture. He came down to Mumbai only to shoot the song with us.

You recently did a rather bold cover for Verve. What brought that on?
It wasn't a conscious decision to be bold or anything. It all depends on how different artistes envision me. If Sooraj (Barjatya) could see me as this simple docile small-town girl in Vivah, then another person saw me the way I am on the mag cover. And if Farah Khan hadn't seen me as the grungy rebellious babe in Main Hoon Na after Ishq Vishq, I wouldn't have undergone such a change of image.

But the sweet girl next door's image stays with you?
And I'm very proud of that image. But when I did the Verve cover, people woke up to another side of me. I wouldn't say this is a more glamorous side of me. I'd say I was glamorous in Vivah and Main Hoon Na as well, though in an ethnic way. I hope I'm able to carry off all kinds of looks. At the moment I'm doing three films. In Shyam Benegal's Welcome To Sajjanpur, I'm an illiterate villager. In Anees Bazmee's Victory, I'm a Jaisalmer girl. But at the same time she's a medical student. So I play a small-town but modern girl. I like such roles. But in Neeraj Vora's Shortcut, I'm a completely glamorous girl. It's set in the film industry.

Why aren't you in Sooraj Barjatya's Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi?
I wasn't offered that. I'd love to be in anything that Sooraj-ji does. I consider my association with the Barjatyas to be very special. Recently, when Sooraj-ji was watching the rushes of Ek Vivaah…he sent me a very sweet message saying he remembered my character from Vivah. So maybe I was being missed. I like that thought.

You seem to be a very petite fragile girl. How do you withstand all the negativity in the film industry?
I don't think I'd have been able to be what I am if it wasn't for my mother. I started in the industry very young. I needed my mom to look into every aspect of my career. Today I'm working with both Neeraj Vora and Shyam Benegal. Both unique in their own way.

You're the inspiration for M F Husain's latest paintings?
I think he has immortalized me. When a senior journalist informed me I was Husain Saab's latest muse and that he was painting me, I was overwhelmed. It took time for that sink in. I think it was Sooraj Barjatya's character in Vivah that convinced Husain Saab.

Celebs at the premier of welcome to sajjanpur

2008-09-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

Was SRK trying to deport Katrina to London?

2008-09-18T20:43:00.001-07:00

A lot has been said about the Shahrukh and Salman spat during Katrina's birthday bash. The real cause of the argument has however remained a mystery. A source close to the two stars says that Salman suspected Shahrukh of trying to deport Katrina Kaif back to London. Katrina who was born in Hong Kong is a British citizen.

Trouble started when Vishal Punjabi one of Shahrukh's employee was deported back to Ghana after he was found working without proper documents. During the party SRK was sitting with Congress MP Rajiv Shukla and said many stars in Bollywood were working without valid papers pointing towards Katrina. A close friend of Salman overheard the conversation and reported it to him.

Salman then came over to Rajiv Shukla and inquired about Shahrukh's comments. Shukla denied having discussed any such issue with Shahrukh. Salman finally lost his temper and had a heated exchange of words with Shahrukh. Till now many believed that the bad boy Salman had overreacted in the party. If this was the actual reason for the spat well SRK has again proved he is the most street smart star in the industry.

Love birds-Ranbeer and Deepika on the cover of L`officel

2008-09-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ramp model Shruti Agrawal cast opposite Himesh Reshammiya in Hhey Gujju

2008-09-18T08:46:00.005-07:00

Be it Aap Ka Surroor - The Moviee or Karzzzz, debutants get lucky when cast opposite Himesh Reshammiya. Aap Ka Surroor had Hansika Motwani and Karzzzz has Shweta Kumar. And now his upcoming film, Hhey Gujju has new-bee, Shruti Agrawal as a lead opposite him.

Hhey Gujju is a romantic-comedy flick directed by Satish Kaushik and produced by Studio 18. Shruti Agrawal plays an NRI girl who comes to India and falls in love with Himesh. Shruti has been a known face in the modeling world and has also attended Anupam Kher's acting classes. Through her modeling career, she was seen modeling for top designers and has also featured in Kingfisher's swimsuit calendars twice.

Confirming the news, director Satish Kaushik says, "Since Himesh is playing double role in the film there are two leading ladies, one being Shruti Agrawal who has graduated from Anupam's acting class and has been a model too. We have an actress from the south as the second leading lady.

Hhey Gujju sounds very unique, "Studio 18 and Himesh had asked me to direct the film. It was Himesh who decided the name of the film. He is the biggest Gujarati star in Bollywood. The kind of adulation and fan following he has is simply amazing. As Akshay is the king among the Punjabis, Himesh is the king from Gujarat. After working with him in Karzzzz, I have realized his potential as a singer, composer, and as an actor. I think he is phenomenal and perfect for the part. It is a fun filled comedy film, which was mainly shot in India and abroad. Please do not ask me the story as that's something I really cannot reveal," adds Satish Kaushik.

Tell us something bout the music? "The music of Hhey Gujju is completely different from Karzzzz as it will have a very Gujarati flavor to it. Himesh has also composed a 'dandiya' number as well. The film will go on floor in November 2008," signs off Satish Kaushik.

Hazel's birthday bash

2008-09-18T08:46:00.004-07:00

Movie stills:Ek vivah aisa bhi

2008-09-18T08:46:00.003-07:00

Premiere of ‘Saas Bahu Aur Sensex

2008-09-18T08:46:00.002-07:00

Rani, Priyanka at Zee Astitva Awards 2008

2008-09-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

Soha Ali Khan at the Film 99 on Location in Hotel Le Merridean

2008-09-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but there is no sex in Sensex: Tanushree

2008-09-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

One catches Tanushree Dutta in a chirpy mood as she talks about her latest arrival Saas Bahu Aur Sensex. She exclaims that this film directed by Shona Urvashi may end up disappointing a few. Reason being that from a title comprising of the word 'Sensex', some may expect a bit of sex element in the film as well.

"I am considered to be a sex symbol and I take pride in the fact that audience does expect me to be seen in particular kind of roles where I bring on the oomph.

However, I am sorry to say that Saas Bahu Aur Sensex doesn't have any sex in it even though the word 'sex' does come into picture", winks Tanushree who came with quite a bang with films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Chocolate.

"However, I am quite a different individual in Saas Bahu Aur Sensex and truly enjoyed being a part of this cinema," says Tanushree who has for the first time worked with a woman director, Shona Urvashi, in the film.

"From the entire look to make up to general appearance, I have gone through a change. Unlike majority of my films which have featured me as an 'ultra oomphy' Diva-ish kind of a character, Saas Bahu Aur Sensex has me in a contrasting avatar altogether."

"It was fun to be playing someone who you could meet while walking on a street rather than someone who is larger than life,” says Tanushree.

She also reveals that the humor in this latest film of hers is on the same lines as that of Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na.

"I play a young girl who belongs to an Indian metro and share a normal relationship with her mother (played by Kirron Kher). The best part about the film is that neither is it women-centric, nor does it get its drive from a hero-heroine angle per se."

Confident that the film would strike gold with the urban audience, Tanushree declares, "Saas Bahu Aur Sensex is for those who want to watch something that isn't run of the mill.

It is meant for an urban audience and its light hearted narrative would ensure that college students as well as adults get an ample share of laugh."

Salman is the only one who can fart on screen and get away with it: Sushant Singh

2008-09-18T01:29:00.000-07:00

Sushant Singh tells us that Salman Khan is the only star who can come, fart on the screen and get away with it

Q.How would you describe your role in Hulla?
A.My role as Raj Shiv Puri in Hulla is that of a very simple dal roti stock broker in a medium sized local dealing firm.

Raj is aggressive, innovative and also pro active, while Kartikadevi Rane plays my good natured, even tempered wife, whom tolerates all my protestations and complaints about the seemingly trivial problem with a smile.

I shared a good chemistry on screen with Kartika, who had earlier acted in the serial Hum Pardesi Ho Gaye with Ashish Chowdhary and Perizaad Zorabian

Q.What is Hulla about?
A.Hulla is basically about Raj's attempts to put an end to a simple problem at his residence- of the night watchman whistling in his building compound at night, leading to his not getting sleep at all.

His cajoling, protestations and complaint even to the police lead to nothing and the flippant attitude of the people around him to his problem, coupled with his sleep- deprivation gradually unhinges him.

Q.What appealed to you about the film that you decided to take it up?
A.To tell the truth, considering the fact that real stories about real people rarely get told these days in Indian cinema in spite of the richness of diversity in India's city life, I found that Hulla is an attempt to fill that gap and yet maintain a universal accessibility through concerns, characters and tone.

As director Jaideep Varma said, the contemporary sensibility of the film should be relatable anywhere in the world, whether it is Mumbai or for that matter Manhattan.

Q.Which are your forthcoming films?
A.I have up my sleeves films like Sunando's Idiot Box, Sanjay Chauhan's Lahore, T.K. Rajeev Kumar's Free Kick, Vincent Lewis's Shout, Vinay Shukla's Mirch and last but not the least Ramesh Katkar's Toss.

Q.What is your role in Idiot Box?
A.In Idiot Box, I play the role of the creative head of a TV production house -Shubrojeet Chakraborty, who thinks that he is very smart but apni chaalakhi mein ulajh jaata hain. Hrishitaa Bhatt plays my wife who hates TV.

Everything about TV is idiotic but still we sit and surf channels which have become part of our lives. It is an out and out hilarious film in which Jyoti Gaba plays the character of Anekta Kapoor which is a spoof on Ekta Kapoor.

Q.What is your role in Lahore?
A.I play the positive role of a kick boxer in Lahore. To get into the skin of my character in Lahore, I trained in kick boxing for three months. In Lahore, my co-actors are Vikas Khatkar, Shradha Nigam, Shradha Das, Mukesh Rishi and Farouque Shaikh.

Q.Are you playing the role of a kick boxer in Free Kick too?
A.Free Kick belongs to an entirely different genre and is about medicine mafia and how the common man is trapped in the vicious medicine system. Rajeev Kumar has also directed the Govinda starrer Chal Chala Chal produced by Jhamu Sugandh and Priyadarshan.

Q.Is Shout a horror film?
A.Shout directed by Vincent Lewis isn't a horror film, but a supernatural thriller with Sayali Bhagat and I in the main lead and Ashish Vidyarthi and Seema Biswas as our co-stars.

Q.What is Mirch about?
A.All that I can say is that I have an interesting role in Mirch directed by Vinay Shukla, which is an ensemble film with Ranveer Sheorey and Konkana Sen Sharma.

Q.Are you playing a villain in Toss?
A.Toss is a pure thriller. What is interesting about Toss is that all the actors are playing negative roles in it though Mahesh Manjrekar and I play the main villains. The film has Ashmit Patel, Prashant Raj, VJ Ranvijay, Aarti Chhabria and two new actresses.

Q.What irks you about the film industry?
A.My grouse is that no producer approaches talented actors like me or Om Puri with a three film package deal for 40 crores and no one questions the stars who appear in a film like Tahan which flops at the box office.

The tragedy today is that stardom does not require acting. Today no one goes to see Salman Khan thinking he would act fabulously. You only go to see his style or personality. Salman is the only one who can come on screen, fart and get away with it.

Q.Does it mean that you regret not being paid in crores like Salman Khan or SRK?
A.I know for fact that today I can demand only a certain price because the producers know that though I can invest a film with my talent, I cannot influence a distributor in any territory because of my popularity.

Q.How insecure are you as an actor in spite of being talented?
A.Insecurity is a part of any actor's life. I try not to be insecure. After Satya, I do not have even a single super hit to my credit.

Q.How would you evaluate your growth as an actor?
A.I made my debut way back in 1996 with Dr Jabbar Patel's Dr Ambedkar, in which I had two scenes as Ambedkar's room-mate Asnodkar from London. I have to my credit 38 released films including Hulla. I am fortunate to have grown up slowly and steadily in the film industry.

I am glad that my directors like Ram Gopal Varma, Rajkumar Santoshi, Mani Shankar etc have repeated me in their films. I have realized that if you are a good actor, no director would like to misuse your talent in the film industry.

Q.Why did you quit acting in TV after Viruddh?
A.After acting in two serials- Dhadkan and Viruddh, I quit TV because I realized that working hours burn you out on TV. You have to strike the right balance between what you get per day and what you have to do one day on TV.

The plus point about TV is that today whether you are an actor or a technician, in one year you can buy a flat of one crore just by working in TV serials.

Q.Which according to you are your five memorable films?
A.I think I am fortunate that I can count films like Satya, Jungle, Bhagat Singh, 16 December and Sehar as my five best films till date as an actor.

I was very disappointed when my films like Sehar and Bhagat Singh did not click at the box office, though my performance was appreciated by both the critics as well as the audience.

Can't handle my 'Sex Bomb’ image? Go to hell: Meghna Naidu

2008-09-18T01:28:00.002-07:00

Q. One quality which is a must for your man?
A. Respect for me, my work and of course my parents.

Q. What if he reacts sharply to your tag of being a ‘Sex Bomb’?
A. He can go to hell! (Laughs) See, my guy would know that whatever I am doing is just acting onscreen and nothing more. Hence he would trust me implicitly.

Q. What would you prefer ? brains or brawn?
A. He should be intelligent, but not a nerd, otherwise he would talk stuff like nuclear physics, which would go over my head.

Q. Is a sense of humour a must?
A. That goes without saying for, after a hard day’s work when I meet my guy, he should be able to ease my tensions with his jokes.

Q. Would you allow him to flirt?
A. As long as it’s harmless flirting, it’s okay. Even I would make a comment if I find a hot guy. So, it’s okay as long as it’s within a limit.

Q. How important would calls and SMSes be in your relationships?
A. As oxygen is to life. I would call him 10 times a day and would text him ‘’ number of times. This way he will know that I remember him.

Q. How long would you wait to take your relationship to a new level (read: jump into his bed)?
A. At least a month. For only then you come to know the person’s true nature, as initially everybody puts his best foot forward.

Q. Do you think that metrosexual men are sissy?
A. No, of late most men take special care of their looks and it’s good. Unfortunately, there are still some men who don’t even bother looking at the mirror before stepping out.

Q.Where would you want to go for a passionate romantic getaway?
A. A very private and romantic place, where it’s just him and me, surrounded by beautiful nature. - Pratik Maheshwari

Katrina and Shah Rukh Khan in a Yash Raj film?

2008-09-18T01:28:00.001-07:00

Katrina Kaif seems to be riding the crest of a bright new wave of success. The things have been happening to her career within just a matter of time, sometimes surrounding like a fairytale coming true.

She has given six blockbusters back to back in the recent times and as a result she has been signing some of the very best films.

The actress seems to have her kitty full of projects and directors and actors are just dying to work with her.

If the latest hearsay is something to go by then the actress has apparently bagged the lead role in a film which will be directed by the eternal romantic filmmaker of the Indian silver screen, Yash Chopra.

The celebrated director is going to make a comeback to movies after a long gap of four years. The film will have The Badshah, Shah Rukh Khan and The Megastar, Amitabh Bachchan leading the way. Can Kat ask for anything better?

Priyanka Chopra performs with 'Son Of a Bitch'

2008-09-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Bollywood is known to be the 'Masala Industry' for nothing. The reason being this is one place whereby you can find millions of masala.

After having tasted 'videsi' tadka like, the latest one being Snoop Dogg in Singh Is Kinng, Bollywood is all set to say hello to an underground club called…hold your breath… 'SoB' (son of a bitch) in Goldie Behl's much anticipated venture Drona.

The song 'Oopcha' (whatever that means) which features none other than the sexy Priyanka Chopra, also features 'SoB'.

For starters, 'SoB' are a troupe from New Jersey and are known to perform at all the celebrity do in New Jersey.

News has it that Goldie Behl was so tad impressed with these guys that he actually brought them from New Jersey to Mumbai! And for those who have seen the guys performing simply swear by their blessedly agile bodies!

Speaking about his choice of the boys, Goldie said, "When I saw these boys perform at a high profile club in New Jersey, I was completely blown away. These guys were really good.

From there on, we initiated to get these guys down to Mumbai and start rehearsals for the song and it hardly took them two days of practice to get into the groove of the music and perform to their best take after take".

But there was something exceptional done by the boys that touched Goldie the most. Says Goldie, "What was really special was that after we finished shooting, they actually performed the entire song for all of us, at one go as a thanks giving gesture".

Wonder when Bollywood will be touched by such professionalism!

Shah Rukh doesn't want to over expose himself

2008-09-17T11:16:00.002-07:00

Rajnikanth starrer Tamil film Kuselan's flopping has definitely affected Shah Rukh Khan. Not to take any chances, he has decided to push ahead his produced film, Billoo Barber (based on the same Malayalam film that Kuselan was) to February 2009.

Sources tell us, "Billoo Barber was confirmed for a Diwali 2008 release but its now going to come anytime between January end to mid February. There are two songs to be shot and also there are some scenes that are being re-shot.

This re-shooting is being especially done to avoid mistakes that Kuselan had. The film was not well received by even the most ardent of Rajnikanth fans. SRK doesn't want the same to happen to his film. He is also making sure the length of his film is not very long like Kuselan (180 minutes) was."

"One more reason for the postponement is that Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi directed by Aditya Chopra is slated for a December 12th release.

SRK doesn't want to bring both his films almost together and end up over exposing himself. We all know how much SRK goes all out of his way to promote his films. It may result in two much too soon for him if he brings both films in a gap of weeks and SRK knows it well.

The industry talk is that Adi Chopra's film is a safer bet for SRK as his next release because Billoo Barber is unlike any previous Shah Rukh Khan starrer film. It's a very serious film and no one can predict its fate at the box office.

The Yash Raj film however marks the return of Aditya Chopra to direction after a long gap of 8 years and is much more anticipated by SRK fans than Billoo Barber." the source adds before concluding.

Big bucks for Sajid Khan: Blog baby Blog

2008-09-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

After Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Ram Gopal Varma it is anchor and director Sajid Khan who has been approached to launch his blog and pen down his experiences as a celebrity.

Revealed a source, "Top, well known websites have approached Sajid to start a blog. Sajid is witty! His humour is spontaneous and right on the mark.

The website owners know that Sajid has this uncanny ability to make humoristic statements dripping with sarcasm and at the same time put their points across seriously. Sajid however has not made any decision as yet."

The source also revealed that Sajid has been offered an unbelievable sum to be a part of the website's blog. "Because two-three different site have approached Sajid, he has not made any decision as yet."

Akshay Kumar to get Rs 71 crore for his next film?

2008-09-17T11:15:00.001-07:00

King Akshay Kumar has reached where no actor has gone before. We hear that the actor has signed a whopping Rs 71 crore film deal with UTV.

Ram Mirchandani, founder & COO, UTV Rampage Motion Pictures, confirmed that their company had signed the Singh Is Kingg star. "But the remuneration figure being bandied about is far less," he said, adding warily, "The buzz is market speculation. And, we as a company, don't comment on market speculation."

Akshay too chose to play down the deal.

"I am a stakeholder in the film that's yet to go on the floor. Who arrived at this figure? Market rates fluctuate. My price will be decided when the film is being sold. Who knows what the market will be like then?"

"After 6 years, I finally have a success" - Vikram Bhatt

2008-09-16T09:30:00.001-07:00

6 years after he last tasted success with Awara Paagal Deewana, Vikram Bhatt finally has a reason to smile. His latest horror flick, 1920, has taken a good opening at the box office with decent reviews turning out to be an icing on the cake.

No one expected this film starring newcomers (Ranjeesh Duggal, Adah Sharma) to record 100% collections at the box office. Also, Bhatt was never set out to make a master piece which would have fetched him 4 star ratings. This is why a 50%-60% opening on Friday coupled with fair reviews all over followed by good word of mouth has resulted in celebrations time for Vikram Bhatt.

Confirms Vikram Bhatt, "Yes, the film has taken a good opening; in fact at quite a few centers even better than Phoonk. The film has been made at a reasonable budget and is already heading for a safe status. By the time the weekend is through, we should see further escalation in collections because Saturday and Sunday are already looking better than Friday."

First half of the film has been considered to be slow by quite a few filmgoers while the thrilling finale (lasting close to 30 minutes) has been hailed to be the best of the enterprise. "I know that's the general sentiment", agrees Vikram, "The first half of 1920 has gone in establishing the premise due to which it comes across as relatively slow paced. However, across the centers I am getting feedback that second half is being immensely liked by the audience since the thrills and chills in the last 30 minutes have kept them on the edge of their seats. That's fair actually; what is most important is the culmination to the story. If that is done well, the battle is truly won. I am happy that 1920 is being appreciated by the audience."

In comparison, The Last Lear as well as Ru Ba Ru have met with a very poor opening all over, hence improving chances of 1920 even more.

Between Awara Paagal Deewana and 1920, Vikram Bhatt saw 10 films of his releasing and with an exception of Deewane Huye Paagal which still did reasonably OK, remaining bombed at the box office.

"Yes, it has been a long wait. For 6 years I have seen my films not performing well at the box office. Now with 1920, I am happy to have come out of the bad phase. Now, I finally have a success. It should only get better from here on", concludes Vikram Bhatt.

Golmaal returns:Theatrical trailer

2008-09-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Mukul Dev asked to mimic Naseer for Shoot On Sight

2008-09-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

Not only has actor Mukul Dev dubbed for Naseeruddin Shah in Jagmohan Mundhra's Shoot On Sight, he was also asked to mimic the baritoned bard of Bollywood's blah-blah to the minutest detail.

Revealing details of just how closely Mundhra monitored Mukul's mouthed manoeuvres the director reveals, "Once Naseer made it clear that he wouldn't dub for the Hindi version of my film, I began to search for a voice that would replicate Naseer's speaking voice as well as speech patterns and intonations also. I was very clear that I wanted an actor to dub Naseer. Only then would the dubbing artiste understand what how and why Naseer was trying to say what he was. That in place, I personally sat down with Mukul for the dubbing to make sure he got the nuances of Naseer's voice right. In short, I made Mukul mimic Naseer down to every detail."

This was the only dubbing that Mundra supervised personally. "I was with Mukul to dub all his lines. All the rest of the voices, including the other main characters like Mikaal Zulfiker who plays Naseer's nephew (dubbed by actor Aly Khan), Greta Scachi who plays Naseer's wife (dubbed by Shobhini Singh), Laila Rouss (dubbed by Maninee Dey) and Brian Cox (dubbed by Tom Alter) were supervised by this wonderful lady named Leela Ghosh who was recommended to me by Aparna Sen. Leela had supervised the dubbing of Aparna's Mr & Mrs Iyer in Hindi. But for Naseer's voice I could take no chances."

The results would be out when Shoot On Sight releases in October. Asserts Mundhra, "Mukul Dev sounds exactly like Naseer. But he is not Naseer. So what? I saw a Bengali film dubbed in Hindi called Anuranan where the original hero Rahul Bose dubbed his own lines. How did that help the film? Finally, people go to see a film, not to hear who's speaking, or not."

About the accusation that the series of biopics that Mundhra made has not worked and he has therefore gone back to making b-grade softporn thrillers Mundra laughs. "B-grade thriller, softporn, biopic maker…these are labels given to me by the media. I'm making the films I want to make. After I complete Begunaah with Anuj Saxena and Udita Goswami, I go into a suspense thriller Room Mates where Raima Sen and Gul Panag play the title roles."

When told that Mukul Dev dubbed his lines in Shoot On Sight Naseer responds, "I hope he enjoyed it. I would certainly not have!"

Bachna Ae Haseeno nominated for Art Cinema Award at Filmfest Hamburg

2008-09-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Bachna Ae Haseeno was the latest venture from the Yash Raj Films production starring Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, and Minissha Lamba. Now, close on the heels of its release in Germany, comes the news that the film has been nominated for the Art Cinema Award at Filmfest Hamburg. It has also been selected for the official program, and is part of Agenda 08.

The Art Cinema Award was established in 1969 by the International Confederation of Art House Cinemas (C.I.C.A.E.). In Germany, the award is given at the Berlinale and at Filmfest Hamburg. The confederation's extensive network will support the distribution of the winning film throughout Europe. Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein is contributing 5,000 Euros to the award in support of PR measures by the German distributor. The international jury consists of the cinema directors Daniel Lavaud (France), Dietmar Zingl (Austria), and Erdmann Lange (Germany).

Bachna Ae Haseeno will have its German premiere in Hamburg on October 2 2008, 7:30 pm. Sure that gives a reason for Siddharth Anand to celebrate!!!

First look:Heroes

2008-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

First look:Meera bai not out

2008-09-16T09:21:00.001-07:00

Meera Achrekar, a mathematics teacher at Vishwaprem Vidyalaya, has been a happy single for quite a while now. The great love of her life has been, and will always remain, cricket and Anil Kumble. The meticulous number cruncher is, despite not being the classic eye-candy-teenage-fantasy-fodder, a huge hit in class. And that's because Meera, unlike most teachers of her school, is more fanatical about her religion, cricket than even the school cricket captain!

Living with her family in their small home in a Mumbai chawl, Meera was initiated into her temple of Wankhede Stadium by her brother, Manoj. Manoj Anant Achrekar played cricket at the Ranji Trophy level. Sadly, middle class making-ends-meet economics got the better of the impressive Maharashtrian leggie, and passion had to make way for responsibility. Mahesh is today a cricket cynic. While Meera bunks classes and fights for season tickets to every cricket match that is played at Wankhede Stadium, Mahesh even steers clear off cricket scores!

While the folk at Bhaktiyog Society have cast aspersions on her craze towards the game, the bigger problem that worries the Achrekar family is Meera's still-single status. Love suddenly blossoms with heart-specialist, Dr Arjun Sachdeva and Meera realizes that perhaps there is more to life than praying for Team India and Anil Kumble! However, in between this fabulous exchange of text messages, Valentine's Day outings and walks along Chowpatty, she confesses to Arjun that she is already married to cricket!

So, while the maiden's heart beats for Anil Kumble and India's fortunes, the more important question is: will Meera be able to commit to her non-striker beau and keep her prospective father-in-law at bay?

Danny Boyle to direct for Anil Kapoor?

2008-09-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

After acting in Danny Boyle’s latest film Slumdog Millionaire , actor Anil Kapoor wants the British filmmaker to direct a movie for his production house.

Boyle, the director of acclaimed films like ‘Trainspotting’ and ‘A Life Less Ordinary’, has reached a new high with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ which has won the Cadillac People's Choice Award at the recently concluded 33rd Toronto International Film Festival. The movie, set and shot in Mumbai, had Kapoor playing the host of a game show on the lines of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.

Having worked closely with Boyle, Kapoor now wants to do another film with the director. In fact, Kapoor is said to be planning to produce the film himself. He last produced Gandhi My Father , which got critical acclaim but not box-office success.

Anil has already tossed the idea to Boyle who is learnt to be too eager to return to the maximum city, Mumbai, to shoot another film. Boyle says he loved shooting ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ in Mumbai very much. Anil is expected to make a formal announcement about the movie after the London Film Festival.

Kareena kapoor celebrates birthday with Aamir khan

2008-09-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Despite rumours doing the rounds of a grand bash in Mumbai, actress Kareena Kapoor will not be able to celebrate her birthday with boyfriend Saif Ali Khan. Instead the actress will be shooting for Raj Kumar Hirani's 3 Idiots.

The actress who brings in her 28th birthday on September 21, will be in Ladakh, shooting for the film with actor Aamir Khan She will definitely not have time to fly down to Mumbai and attend a birthday bash, as is being speculated by some. The actress has been working ad traveling almost non-stop for almost the whole year and intends to continue to live like that for some more time. After she wraps up shooting for Hirani's film in Ladakh, she will move to Tuscany for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kambakth Ishq.

Even saif will not be free to fly out and join her as he his busy with the shooting of his film in Delhi and Rajasthan. High on the actress's wish list for her birthday is to be able to sleep eight hours straight. Up next for release is Golmaal Returns where Kareena will be seen opposite Ajay Devgan in a comedy which is produced by Ashtavinayak

The idea for Phoonk came from India TV

2008-08-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Director Ram Gopal Varma says the idea of making his recently released horror film "Phoonk" came from the news channel India TV.

"The idea to make a film on black magic came from India TV. The channel keeps on showing various programmes on black magic. I watched various programmes on black magic and super natural powers on the channel and approached Azam Khan with the concept. He liked it and the whole script was written," Varma told reporters here.

Azam Khan's One More Thought Entertainment has produced the film.

Critics have panned the film, but "Phoonk" reportedly saw a good opening with 70 percent collection. Thanks to pre-release publicity, it has been successful in drawing a considerable chunk of audience in the multiplexes.

Varma celebrated the success of the the film here Monday.

Commenting on the box office yardstick to measure a film's success, Varma said: "I don't know what makes a film hit otherwise I wouldn't have made flops."

"'Phoonk' doesn't have any big stars, still it is a hit. This shows that concept film is now being accepted in India," said Varma.

The director said idea or concept based film, which is prevalent in the West, is slowly making its way among the Indian audience and the scenario is soon going to change.

"People in India identify a film by the presence of stars. Star system rules here, but 'Phoonk' has proved that even content and idea can give a hit. Content is the king in 'Phoonk'. "

Now, with its initial success, the makers are even planning a sequel to "Phoonk" that starred Sudeep, Amrita Khanvilkar, Ahsaas Channa, Ashwini Kalsekar, Kenny Desai, Jyothi Subhash and Zakir Hussain.

"We are planning a sequel to the film which will have a link from the point where it ended. Varma will be directing it and almost the entire cast will be repeated in the sequel titled 'Phoonk 2'," said Azam Khan.
Source:Santabanta

Anil Kapoor dons Big B’s cloak in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’

2008-08-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

Veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has agreed to do an ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ for the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which is roughly based on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

The upcoming movie is scripted on the bestseller ‘A and Q’ by Vikas Swarup. The story revolves around a Mumbai slum-dweller, a good-for-nothing tyke, who ends up winning in ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.

When one comes to think of a quizmaster, who can match the charm of the Big B, so for obvious reasons, Amitabh Bhachchan was the first choice to host a quiz show in the film. When he opted out due to certain reasons, Shah Rukh Khan was offered the role. But SRK also had date problems and could not accept the offer. And this is where Anil Kapoor stepped in as the quizmaster.

Besides Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan will also play a major role in the flick.
The highlight of this movie, which is bound to make viewers sit up and take notice, is big international names associated with it. It has been directed by acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Danny Boyle.
The distributors are the big-banners: Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros.

What’s more, the composer for the film is AR Rehman, and lyricist the ever-mesmerising Gulzar. No wonder now that the flick is scheduled to be premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

If not for Irrfan Khan, it is the first lucky international venture for Anil Kapoor. For decades, the Indian audience has cherished the entertaining and memorable characters played by Anil Kapoor. Now it’s the turn of overseas viewers to be wowed by his charm.

Priyanka chopra gets injured

2008-08-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Priyanka Chopra seems to be quite accident prone. Just a couple of months ago, the actress hurt herself while doing stunts for her forthcoming film Drona. And now she and her co star, Shahid Kapur are believed to have hurt themselves during the shooting of their film, Kaminay.

The duo was shooting in Pune for Vishal Bharadwaj's next when the accident happened. Thankfully, it was a minor accident with no major injuries to either Priyanka or Shahid. Apparently, the mishap took place when the bike which they were supposed to be riding for one of the film's scenes, skidded. Priyanka was supposed to be on the driver's seat while Shahid was the pillion rider for the scene.

The bike's tyres got stuck in the mud and Priyanka was unable to keep her balance. Not only did both actors fall in the mud, but they took the bike along with them. While Shahid escaped without any injuries, the actress is believed to have sustained some bruises on her body.

Jism gets remade in Tollywood

2008-08-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Tollywood is really getting ambitious by the day. And guess what? It’s all set for a ‘remake’ of Jism! The film, Trishna, starring Rituparna Sengupta in the lead, will mark the directorial debut of one of Tollywood’s biggest producer-cum-distributors, Pritam Jalan.

When Calcutta Times got in touch with Jism’s director, Amit Saxena for his reactions to this remake, the director seemed pleasantly surprised.

This is great news. Double Indemnity was the source for Jism. Of course, we did look at other films of the same genre. That’s how references of Body Heat have come into Jism,” Saxena says.

For those not in the loop, wikipedia mentions that the plot of Body Heat is “similar to the Billy Wilder film Double Indemnity, a made-for-TV remake”. Since Jism itself is a copy of Body Heat, which again is a copy of Double Indemnity, it’s almost going on a wild goose chase to figure out who needs to take rights from whom!

Jalan, on his part, seems to understand this well when he says that Jism owes its roots to Double Indemnity. “I’ve only adopted the theme of Body Heat and then added commercial ingredients to my film. The artistic value of the film, that’s being made on a budget of Rs 40 lakh, is at par with Hollywood. We wanted a good actor who can look sensuous. The role requires a certain degree of maturity and who better than Ritu to handle it? The posters have been designed by someone from Mumbai. Suchismita Dasgupta is designing the costumes. Television director Anindya Sarkar is assisting me in the film,” says Jalan, adding, “The male lead is being played by model-turned-actor Angshuman. We wanted someone who is raw.

I think Angshuman is just right to feel Ritu’s body on screen.” Says Angshuman, who started his modelling career in Kolkata before shifting to Mumbai, “I’ve done campaigns for Dreams Candy, Eno, Simoko mobiles, Thunder Jeans, among others. Initially, I was a little apprehensive about shooting those steamy scenes. But Rituparna is so professional that I don’t have any problems.”

But can Trishna do for Tollywood what Jism did for Bollywood? Says Rituparna, “It’s an interesting role about the desires of a woman. Perhaps, it could set a new trend. I want new actors to join Tollywood. That’s why I personally suggested Angshuman. Apart from great looks, his face also looks innocent.”

Arindam Sil, who is also there in the cast, says, “This is a bold film and if shot well, it could become a turning point in Tollywood.” Saxena, on his part, says, “The impact of Jism in Bollywood is something we discovered in hindsight. The movie explored the genre of film noir. More than categorising Jism as a skin flick, it should be seen as a film that hasn’t soft peddled with emotions like lust and greed. It set the trend of
making films like Ek Haseena Thi and recently, Race.”

One can only hope that Tollywood too will usher in this trend. The icing on the cake will be if it happens by the time Saxena comes to Kolkata in November for 10 days to shoot his next film — Tina Ki Chabi — a comic caper starring Ravir Shorey and a new girl.

Ranbir is a great friend: Bipasha

2008-08-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

The dusky beauty of Bollywood is flying high. In her recent flick with Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu has set the screen on fire.

Says the actor, “It has been quite crazy. The process of making the film was effortless and enjoyable. Wherever I go, people have been appreciating my work, actors, directors, my fans, even people I meet at the gym. It is sweet to receive love from so many people.”

She laughs when we ask about the supposed ‘love triangle’ between Ranbir, Deepika Padukone and herself. “Let me say it right now, Ranbir is not a good friend, he is a great friend. I enjoyed working with him throughout the film. Though I didn’t work alongside Deepika, I spent a lot of time with her during the promotion. I gel well with her.” Talking about the couple, she says, “They are a fantastic couple, and individually they are excellent. I’m good friends with both of them.” Well, how was it working on the film? “It was an interesting part for me. A lot of girls called me saying how they identified with my character.”

Bipasha will be seen in a completely new avatar in her next film Pankh, in which she stars alongside Lilette Dubey and Mahesh Manjrekar. The story is about a young boy who is forced to act as a girl as a child actor. “It’s a very heart-wrenching film. I play a character that is created from the young boy’s imagination. It is a whacky character, and when I heard the script, I immediately said yes, much to director Sudipto’s surprise,” says she. Bipasha is also looking forward to a Bengali film, titled Sab Choritra Kalponik. Speaking about the film, she informs, “I play an NRI, who cannot identify with her poet husband. But, once he dies, she reads his work and falls in love with him through his literature. It is a very beautiful and interesting character for me to play.”

Finally, we cannot but help ask her about John Abraham. The beauty replies, “I am looking forward to travelling to Philadelphia and New York where John is shooting for his current film. Once we return, we both plan to go house shopping.”

Looks like Bipasha is having a roaring time, not only on the professional, but also on the personal front as well!

Shilpa shetty upset with Rakhi sawant

2008-08-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

This week has been really tough on Shilpa. First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu. Then a member of her own film fraternity Rakhi Sawant was heard telling TV channels that a contestant on Big Boss must have been changed because of Shilpa.

When questioned about Rakhi's allegation, Shilpa says she's appalled. "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi . Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts? How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen? I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way. You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost."

Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt. Apparently, Ramdas Atahavle was approached to go into the house. He claims he was dropped because of Shilpa's manoeuvres.

The actress doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at this. "It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show, I didn't even know who was going. The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants .Mr Athavle claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead."

Shilpa is outraged. "Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into Big Boss? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy? They even held a dharna in Lonavla in front of the Big Boss house. Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone."

Taking a deep breath Shilpa laughs. "I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen. My phone went ballistic on Tuesday. I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies."

Laughs Shilpa, "But really, Rakhi Sawant takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me? I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show."

Shilpa wants police action against the practice of burning effigies. "It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading?"

Source:Indiafm

Aamir khan:Mr ya Miss

2008-08-24T12:13:00.001-07:00

Always experimenting with new styles, Bollywood star Aamir Khan
will now be seen as the mythological half man-half woman
‘Ardhnarishwar’ in a Tata Sky ad. The 70 seconds commercial
will show half of Aamir as a Punjabi girl, and the other half
as a boy. It is the first ad by Aamir after he became the
company’s brand ambassador. It will go on air from Monday.

Aamir Khan at film Amu press meet in Landmark on August 9th
2008 (15).JPG“We are proud to have Aamir working on the ad
and happy with the outcome of the final product. No other
actor could have done the same so effectively,” Vikram
Mehra, chief marketing officer, Tata Sky, told IANS.

“Many people didn’t know that in Tata Sky – Sky stands for
the company which is the biggest player in DTH technology in the world market.

“Tata stands for the knowledge of India and trust factor,
whereas Sky stands for the knowledge of technology and
DTH,” Mehra added.

The ad has been conceptualised by the company’s marketing
team along with Rediffusion. Bollywood writer-director
Neeraj Vohra has directed the ad.

news
source

'Singh is Kinng' row: public should decide, says SGPC

2008-08-04T03:56:00.001-07:00

Two days after Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) sought a ban on Akshay Kumar starrer "Singh is Kinng" for allegedly "ridiculing" the Sikh community, the SGPC on Sunday downplayed the row saying the matter should be left for the public to decide.

"I think too much is being made even before the film has been released. Let public watch the film and react and then we will see," Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) President Avtar Singh Makkar said.

He said the SGPC, the apex religious body of the Sikhs, had already formed a five-member committee to see if the film, due for release on Friday, would hurt the religious sentiments of the community.

"The members have reviewed the film and come to the conclusion that the matter should be left to the public to decide. Raking up unnecessary controversy should be avoided. The filmmaker (Vipul Shah) had assured us that there will be no negative portrayal of Sikhs in the film," Makkar told PTI over phone.

He said "Singh is Kinng" is an "ordinary film" not based on Sikhs as such and "therefore, we should not straightaway start making hue and cry."

On Friday, DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna while seeking a ban on the movie also wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, asking her not to allow screening of the film in the national capital until its makers made changes in the portrayal of the Sikh character.

Sarna had said the film's promos showed a Sikh character wearing a turban while sporting a French cut.

Condoms a huge hit with action directors

2008-08-04T03:21:00.000-07:00

What on earth do condoms have to do with action movies? Plenty!

Condoms are used in large quantities while shooting action scenes showing the villain or the hero with blood oozing out of their "wounds" after being fired at. While canning such scenes, "blood" filled condoms are strapped around the bodies of the stuntmen with tiny crackers attached to them through invisible wires.

When the hero "fires" at the villain, the action director's assistants who follow the performers from the periphery press a remote control button. The crackers burst, the condoms tear and the "blood" comes spilling out.

The scene may last only a few seconds on the screen, but prior to shooting, the stuntmen have to rehearse it a number of times to ensure proper synchronisation between the firing of the gun and the pressing of the remote.

Most Bollywood action coordinators prefer imported condoms because they do not get accidentally ruptured when the individual being shot at has to jump, tumble or roll down as the situation demands.

According to Gurbachan Singh, who assisted much sought after action director Veeru Devgan in the 1980s-90s, villains carried switches in their pockets before the advent of remotes and manually worked these when fired at.

"It was a clumsy affair, and most often, the desired effect could not be achieved. Therefore, audiences could detect how fake the scenes were," Singh told IANS.

He revealed that before condoms came on the scene, tiny balloons were used during action sequences.

"But the balloons used to breach at unlikely moments, calling for repeated re-takes. I do not know who introduced condoms for action scenes, but they have proved to be good substitutes for balloons," Singh said.

Mohan Baggad, who began his career as Devgan's assistant and later became an independent action director, said: "Though the technology now used in Bollywood is far improved from what it was a decade ago, make-shift devices innovated by action directors still come in handy while shooting fights and other thriller scenes.

"Computer graphics cannot replicate everything. Of course, the sequence of blood spilling out of an injured man can be projected through computer graphics, but the end result looks artificial.

"The use of condoms in such scenes is a tested practice. Here again, only an expert cinematographer and editor can make such scenes look real on the screen," Baggad told IANS.

While taking part in action scenes, don't stuntmen get injured when the crackers burst on their bodies?

"Only small crackers are used and so nobody gets seriously injured. There may be little abrasions, but those are tolerable, or one can say, they are the hazards of the trade. And it is a minor hazards when compared against other hazards stuntmen face while shooting," Singh said.

"Yes, sometime accidents do occur. In such cases, apart from the producers, the association of the stuntmen bear the medical expenses," he added.

Katrina kaif doesn't want to work with Salman khan

2008-08-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

Bobby Pushkarna, who has produced Page 3 is upset these days because a project that he was waiting for months and months has fallen through, all because of Katrina Kaif.

Seems Kaif and Salman Khan were scheduled to do his movie. So when our producer met Kats recently, he wanted to get the project going.

But talk is that Kat told him that she doesn’t want to do a movie with Salman. Oh oh, that’s really tough on Sallu, no? As for the producer, he’s in a Bobby kho jaaye situation. Doesn’t know what to do next. Any tips duckies?

I don't care if I look like Ashiwarya!

2008-08-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

When Sneha Ullal came into the industry at that time she was termed as an Aishwarya Rai look alike. Her very first film Lucky opposite Salman in Lucky proved to be unlucky for the actress. Despite the film being a moderate success, her career failed to take off. Inspite of doing a few odd films the actress was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't care if I look like Ashiwarya. I would like it if people stopped caring too. People should know me as Sneha Ullal , not an Ash lookalike" she had then quoted back then.

Recently the actress was seen lounging in a suburban five star hotel where we notice her with a few family friends in casual jeans and T shirt. Sneha sportingly posed for a few pictures but seemed conscious of her looks.

It seemed to us that the actress was worried about her outfit but before leaving, we heard her commenting. "I hope I don't look like a kid in the picture or do I?" said Sneha

Sneha repeatedly has tried to prove that she is grown up. She was hardly 16 when she came into films.

She tried doing roles beyond her age. She was last seen opposite Sohail Khan in Aryan. When asked about her forthcoming ventures she revealed that she has four films on floors currently.

"I am doing Gandhi Park being directed by Tom George and starring Anupam Kher and Vikas Kalantri, Sangeet Sivan's Click opposite Shreyas Talpade, Kaash Mere Hote and a special appearance with Kapil Sharma in Jaane Bhi Do Yaron. I am busy with films down south too, " she added.

Ranbir, Deepika haven't kissed yet?

2008-08-03T05:39:00.001-07:00

They may have been 'officially' seeing each other since February this year, but Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone expect us to believe that they haven't yet kissed each other! They first met in July 2007.

In an interview with People magazine, both deny any lip-lock between them. The closest thing resembling a kiss that Ranbir seems to have done is to give Deepika - a widely publicised - peck on the cheek at Bangkok airport.

The Ranbir-Deepika romance also has a cupid. Senior make-up artiste Dorris Godambe first introduced the couple to each other and then the sparks literally flew.

Perhaps inspired by his musical 'bare-butted' debut, Ranbir's first gift to his latest lady love was a piano. That the lady love doesn't know how to play it was immaterial. And in return got a MacBook Air (hope he knows how to 'play' it).

The Saawariya star does play football, and we are looking forward to a Ranbir Raj versus Shanti Priya match. And hope Ranbir wins; he might just get that elusive kiss as a prize.

Govinda’s starry attitude

2008-08-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

After his comeback to Bollywood, Govinda’s back to his starry tantrums. Well, no one’s surprised by his tantrums post the success of his film Partner . It is believed that his producer friend Sunil Shetty who helped him in his bad days is having a tough time because of him.

Apparently Govinda keeps praising Salman for helping him professionally but never talks about the man who saved Govinda’s fading career. Shetty had signed Govinda for his home production Bhagam Bhag which was actually a comeback movie for Govinda. But it seems Sunil Shetty loves his friends no matter what he gets in return.

Coming back to Govinda an insider informs that Govinda never used to throw tantrums during the making of BB but post the success of Partner he is back to his starry tantrums. After BB Sunil Shetty signed him for one more film called Loot which is produced by Popcorn Entertainment. This time however, Govinda refused to shoot in countries which Shetty zeroed on to shoot for Loot . He gave an excuse that he is unsafe in those countries and insisted upon Shetty to shoot in Bangkok.

However Shetty was left in a fix at the last moment because of Govinda’s adamant nature. He had to arrange everything once again when the schedule was just few days away.

Now this is not new for Shetty who helped Sanjay Dutt by signing him for most of his films when he came out on bail. But it seems Shetty has become used to it.

Bipasha basu refuses to seduce on Screen

2008-08-03T05:32:00.001-07:00

Bipasha Basu has done several bold scenes in her career so far.

So, it came as a big surprise when she was squeamish about doing an intimate Mrs Robinson-like seduction scene with Ranbir Kapoor in Yash Raj Films’ upcoming film Bachna Ae Haseeno , directed by Siddharth Anand. ( Watch )

Bipasha had to seduce Ranbir in a scene in the film, which is said to be loosely based on the Hollywood flick, The Graduate , directed by Mike Nichols (1967) and Alfie directed by Charles Shyer (2004).

While Anne Bancroft seduced Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, Susan Sarandon seduced Jude Law in Alfi e. In Bachna Ae Haseeno , Bipasha plays Radhika, who has no apprehensions about anything and is ready go the extra mile for passion and Ranbir plays Raj, a Casanova.

Bipasha told Siddharth that she wouldn’t like to enact the seduction scene. Siddharth tried to argue with Bipasha, she refused to relent. Ultimately, the scene was not shot. A source says, “Bipasha wasn’t told about the scene when she had signed the film.”

When contacted, Siddharth said, “There is no such scene in Bachna Ae Haseeno . It’s a family film.” But, Bipasha said, “Aha... Well, I don’t wish to clarify or justify anything. If there is a story, which I’d like to talk about, I will do so. But this is not one of those stories.”

After Saif who is Rosa’s next?

2008-07-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Rosa was heart broken after been dumped by our hunky Saif. She started keeping a very low profile (obviously who won’t), but then again we saw Rosa attending fashion shows, events, premieres, and partying late at nights.

We thought she was quite strong to handle everything by herself. Lesser we knew someone else (who was very close to her) was also there to lighten her problems as well as give her the shoulder.

Yes, Rosa seems to have found solace in someone’s arms. Now who this someone is a mystery. The only thing known about him is the fact that he is not from Bollywood.

Through our sources we came to know that the lucky guy is someone named Chetan Gara. So when we asked about him from Rosa asking if she is in a relationship with him, Rosa’s voice deepened (as if she’s been caught). She said she is in a meeting (please note: she had told us that she is at home in the beginning of her conversation) and added that she can’t talk before hanging up.

Hmmm…We really wonder why is Rosa playing this game of hide and seek with us. She should learn something from Saif who openly told the world about his relationship with Kareena.

For the time been we would like to inform Rosa that playing hide and seek with us won’t matter much because sooner or later that person’s identity will be revealed (as it happens in the end of every game).

Salman surprises Katrina and Akshay

2008-07-28T02:13:00.001-07:00

Whenever it seems that Bollywood’s bad boy Salman and gorgeous Katrina’s relationship is on the verge of a breakup there opens a new twist in their tale.

Everyone is aware of the kind of relationship Akshay Kumar and Sallu shares after Akki’s name was been linked with Kat baby.

But known to be an angry young man and possessive towards his girl friends, Salman has given a big surprise by inviting Akshay and Katrina together for his television show Dus Ka Dum.

It is not clear though whether he will have the time to take up Salman's magnanimous offer, as he is likely to return abroad for a shoot immediately after his co-production releases in cinemas worldwide.

Furthermore, as Akshay is under contract with another channel for an on-air reality show, he may not be able to attend 'Dus Ka Dum'.

Meanwhile, after the ugly incident at her b'day party, Katrina Kaif is still maintaining the silence and not ready to comment anything on war of Khans.

“I don’t want to comment anything about it. I don’t think it is in my capacity to say anything, ” was the only thing Kat baby had to say about that evening. The babe also dismissed the rumours about her getting married to Bollywood’s bad boy in the near future.

“I don’t have any plans of marriage as of now and want to just concentrate on my career, ” spoke Katrina.

Well, being Sallu’s girl friend we do understand that it takes a lot of guts to speak your heart out in open.

Tusshar disgusted by spoof on Ekta

2008-07-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Actress Rakhi Vijyan who played the airheaded Sweety in Ekta Kapoor's long-running sitcom Hum Paanch, didn't quite leave Balajee in a flurry of glory.

The bitterness of the parting shows up now in a savage spoof on the tv tycoon in this week's comedy Money Hai To Honey Hai.

Ekta's protective brother Tusshar is surprised to see the satire on his sis surface on celluloid.

"When I first heard about my sister being satirized in Money Hai To Honey Hai I asked the producers how they'd feel if we did something similar to one of them in of our Balajee films.

They assured us they'd remove the scenes featuring the spoof on my sister. Now I'm told those scenes are still there. This film is going to come and go without creating any impact. Why give it any importance?

People love to pull you down when you're an icon, like Ekta. What they've done is not right. But then this industry has all kinds of people. I don't want to degrade my sister by over-reacting to this.

But I wonder if this film's director (Ganesh Acharya) would dare do this with a Shah Rukh, Aamir or Akshay Kumar? Obviously not. Because as a director he wants to work with the big stars, not antagonize them."

Tusshar says there's a difference between a homage and a spoof. "In our production C Kcompany I'm named Akshay Kumar.

I'm an ordinary Mumbai middleclass guy a crime reporter who acquires a macho heroic image through his name. My name is so much in contrast to my character. We're actually paying a homage to Akshay."

According to a source very close to the Kapoors, when Ekta heard about the sppofing in Money Hai To Honey Hai she asked Rakhi about it. When the actress admitted she was indeed playing a character like Ekta, the volatile tv tycoon slammed the phone down on Rakhi.

"What can I say?" laughs Ekta. "I'm flattered to have moved from being a humanbeing to mythology. When we heard about this my brother was more upset than I was."

This isn't the first time that Ekta is being put on screen. In a recent film Gulshan Grover had played a tv tycoon inspired by Ekta….supersititious, arrogant, imperious, etc.

"Is that how I'm being perceived by these people? Well…let me tell these filmmakers I've already spoken to my lawyers. Let them put me on screen in a positive way I don't mind. But if I'm attacked for my religious beliefs or my work ethics I'll sue the hell out of these clever filmmakers."

Ask producer Kumar Mangat about the spoofing, and he brushes it off. "We didn't even have Ekta Kapoor in mind when we did the character…No, Tusshar didn't speak to me directly. But he did send me a message through someone. I told him to see the film and decide. I don't think the character is offensive."

Its Shahrukh vs Aamir now

2008-07-27T04:50:00.001-07:00

While the two emotionally-charged Khans—Salman and Shah Rukh—are embroiled in a personal tiff, there is one more obvious war of sorts happening between SRK and Aamir Khan ..only this time it’s in the ad world!

An interesting trend is emerging in the advertising world. Whichever product Shah Rukh Khan endorses, a rival company immediately signs up Aamir Khan to endorse their product and vice versa. Don’t believe us? Here’s a lowdown.

Car race
Shah Rukh Khan endorses Hyundai Santro and I 10, Aamir endorses Toyota Innova.

As the cookie crumbles
SRK vouches for Sunfeast biscuits, Aamir gives Parle products his thumbs-up.

Dishing it out
While SRK has been endorsing Dish TV for a while now, Aamir has been recently signed up for Tata Sky

Watch it
SRK is the brand ambassador for Tag Heuer, Aamir is rooting for desi brand Titan.

Getting mobile
SRK features in ads promoting Nokia’s mobile handsets, while Aamir features in ads for Samsung.

And, of course, the two top traditional rivals Coca Cola and Pepsi have Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan as their brand ambassadors respectively.

Ad man Bharat Dabholkar says it’s natural that the advertisers will pit two of the biggest stars against each other. He says, “There are just three or four top film stars that the advertisers want. It all depends on what kind of crowd the star can pull in. Aamir and Shah Rukh are two of the biggest stars. So, it is obvious why, if brand X takes on Shah Rukh, brand Y would want to take on Aamir.”

Kareena Kapoor and R Madhavan Voted Cutest Vegetarian Celebrities

2008-07-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

The votes are in and we're thrilled to report that the Cutest Vegetarian Celebrities for 2007 are … Kareena Kapoor and R Madhavan! Runners-up rounding out the top of this year's delectable vegetarian crop are Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat, hero Shahid Kapur, sizzling actor Mahima Chaudhary, and gorgeous hunk, ex-Mr India and hot model Rajneesh Duggal.

R Madhavan

Ultra-hot and super-talented, it's no wonder that Omkara star Kareena has been crowned the queen of your hearts! One of the most sought after actors in Bollywood, how does "Bebo" stay so beautiful? By eating her veggies, of course! Crediting a vegetarian diet with helping her keep her flawless physique in fantastic shape, the stunning starlet proved that she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside when she said, "I feel good that I am not killing any animals these days".

R Madhavan couldn't agree more. "I cannot bear to see an animal in pain, and there is no way you can get meat on your plate without the animal feeling pain", says the lifelong vegetarian. As compassionate as he is cute, it's easy to see why everyone is mad about Maddy. After all, the actor – who has heated up the big screen in such movies as Alaipayuthey and Guru – is an ardent animal activist and long-time PETA pal who helped launch our edgy "Change Everything" e-card, which shows how animals in factory farms suffer horrific abuse.

Thinking about getting your cuteness on? Take a cue from some of the hottest folks around and keep flesh off your plate. It's much easier than you think and better for everyone involved – you, animals and the Earth too. And share our "Change Everything" e-card with everyone you know.

Salman upset about Shah Rukh spat, media reports

2008-07-27T03:12:00.000-07:00

Bollywood star Salman Khan is not only upset about his spat with Shah Rukh Khan, but the way in which the media covered it and the general politics in the industry. He has urged his fans to ignore negative reports about him. “For the next few days you will hear and read a lot of s**t about me, a lot of it. Keep on reading it, but don’t react to it. I don’t,” Salman wrote on his blog www.duskadum.blogspot.com.

Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan at the music launch of Singh is King in Enigma on June 26th 2008(59).JPG“Read all the negatives and read till they get tired of writing. Everyone goes through this, but not for long. I say just look good, feel good and do good, that’s it.” Salman, who is currently hosting Sony TV’s reality game show “Dus Ka Dum”, added that one should behave as though a barking dog was chasing your car.

“You don’t stop the car and start reacting to the dog. You don’t! There’s no point. I don’t wish to react. I don’t have the time for it. Besides, I don’t understand the language of dogs, except for my two - Myson and Myjaan,” Salman wrote. He and Shah Rukh had a spat during the star-studded birthday party of Salman’s girlfriend Katrina Kaif July 16.

Salman Khan on Bol Baby Bol (3).jpgSalman reportedly instigated Shah Rukh by speaking about their reality shows - “Dus Ka Dum” and “Kya aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?” Salman claimed that his show “Dus Ka Dum” had garnered more TRPs than Shah Rukh’s, according to informed sources. Salman scoffed at Shah Rukh by saying that despite being a superstar he could not make his show a hit. The war of words later turned rather ugly and Aamir Khan had to intervene.

Quality cinema doesn’t mean intellectual films: Amol Gupte

2008-07-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

Scriptwriter-filmmaker Amol Gupte says that quality cinema need not necessarily be limited to “intellectual” films and took the example of the critical acclaim “Taare Zameen Par” received to drive home his point. “Indian cinema is in a very confused state at present. Before we say that we don’t have quality films that are also intellectual in nature, in Bollywood, we need to sit and quantify the quality of cinema first,” Gupte told IANS in an interview.

Aamir Khan at Tare Zameen Par DVD Launch in Darsheel_s School on July 25th 2008(10).JPGGupte pointed out that “Taare Zameen Par” (TZP), of which he was creative director, was not intellectual, but managed to win many hearts with its human touch. “I would not say ‘TZP’ was an intellectual film. It was a human film that dealt with emotions. Yet people say it makes for quality cinema. I think any film that provides entertainment and has a purpose can fall under ‘quality cinema’,” he said.

Starring Darsheel Safary as the protagonist, the movie was about an eight-year-old dyslexic boy and how a teacher, played by Aamir, brings him out of this predicament. The movie was jointly produced by Aamir Khan Productions and PVR Pictures. Gupte also lauded Aamir Khan’s latest production “Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na”, which has become a super hit among the youth.

I think ‘Jaane Tu…’ has completely infected the youth. Even here I would say, it is not an intellectual film but still is a good and quality film. Besides, I don’t think a film needs serious actors at all to be called a good film.” He said: “Through investment of a wonderful story comes a wonderful experience.”

According to him, legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy’s “Do Bigha Zamin” makes for one of the most beautiful and well-crafted films. Gupte was in the capital to attend the ongoing World Kids International Film Fest (WKIFF). During the fest’s launch, the filmmaker was given an award for contributing to ‘entertainment with a purpose’ through “Taare Zameen Par”.

He is now ready with the script for his next project titled “India Item”, which also has children playing important roles. “The ‘item’ in my next is economic inequality and the film is about the situation from the eyes of children,” he explained.

Chandni chowk to China:Movie stills

2008-07-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

Bipasha basu new hot look in Bachna ae haseeno

2008-07-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

'I love Ranbir too much!' Deepika padukone

2008-07-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Deepika Padukone has been linked to a string of men in the past – from her ex, Nihar Pandya, to Yuvraj Singh.

It’s only now that the rumours have finally stopped at Ranbir Kapoor. So when Rakhi Sawant asks her to clear the air, she gets candid and retorts, “It’s only Ranbir I am in love with. I don’t understand why the media always points a finger at me. It really unnerves me. No one ever talks about what the boy has done to me. I feel men should be taken to task equally.”

Point noted.
A movie with her beau and two more sizzling beauties for company – this would prompt anyone to ask the lady if she ever felt jealous seeing her guy romancing two hot Bollywood babes. To which the actress replies, “I don’t have many scenes with Ranbir, Bipasha and Minissha. I would not say I was jealous but yes, I do hope Ranbir and I get a good film together.”

Chic and gorgeous Deepika also confesses that she is not comfortable with her body shape. When Rakhi probes further by asking whether she would sport a bikini for a Yash Raj movie, she surprises her with, “No. I don’t have the body to carry it off.” And what about her much talked about height? “The actors I have worked with so far are quite short, but that’s not a problem as I anyway don’t like wearing heels. And it should not be a problem any longer because the newer actors are all tall.”

Abhishek Bachchan promises Aishwarya a baby!

2008-07-26T07:06:00.001-07:00

Abhishek Bachchan has fulfilled his 5-year old promise to take Ash on a world tour with his 'Unforgettable show' but also made a new one at a press conference after their show in Trinidad.

Well, the story goes that after a splendid audience response to their show at the Caribbean Islands the duo and pa Amitabh Bachchan held a press conference along with stars like Preity and Riteish.

And just like paparazzi across the globe, those at Trinidad looked too curious as well. But what stumped everyone was a candid and unusual question from a certain gentleman that made Ash blush. He asked her if Abhishek had promised her a baby.

Before Ash could reply or dodge the question, the protective pa Amitabh, who was sitting alongside, gave a prompt reply: “Every husband promises his wife a baby.”

But that was not it. Just then Abhishek Bachchan dropped the bomb by holding Ash’s hand and saying softly, “I Promise!”

No one in the hall could manage to suppress their laughter including the often reserved Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Saif angry with Kareena for 'Kissing' Sylvester Stallone

2008-07-25T07:52:00.001-07:00

As we all know that Hollywood's legendary star Sylvester Stallone is doing a guest appearance in Movie Kambakht Isqh. The lead stars of the movie are Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Movie is about Akshay Kumar being a stuntman in Hollywood while Kareena is his love in the movie. Everyone seems to be happy about Sylvester Stallone's appearance while seems that there is some disturbance between Celebrities going on these days in Bollywood.

The news are that Saif Ali Khan, boy friend of Kareena Kapoor now a days, was also present during the shooting. While during the shoot, Kareena Kissed Sylvester Stallone which seems was not a healthy act for Saif Ali Khan from his girl friend Kareena. He instantly pulled her in corner and then they both had arguments. Kareena even said that its my professional life and if you don't like than do come over sets during shootings.

We all remember that during shooting of Tashan Kareena and Saif came close and since then they both are in news. Also, Saif's expressions at IIFA awards 2008 was not very convincing about dress of Kareena, seems he did not like that at that time.

HQ pictures:Long legs Shilpa shetty at Yoga DVD launch

2008-07-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Salman kicked the gate of SRK's house?

2008-07-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

There doesn't seem to be an end to the Salman-SRK spat. The latest twist in the kahaani is that Salman landed up at Mannat Monday night in a sozzled state at around 8 pm in a car. An eyewitness reveals that Salman was with two other friends. He got out of the car, kicked the gate and asked the security guy to open it. Shah Rukh wasn't at home, but Gauri and the kids were. The source says, "Salman was heard abusing and yelling 'bahar aa sale, main tujhko dikhata hoon kaun asli Khan hai!" The guards refused to let him in and called up King Khan." It is learnt that before SRK could have a word with Salman, the latter got into his car and drove to a nearby coffee shop at Bandstand. Better safe than sorry, wot?

Mallika turns clapper-girl on the sets of Ugly Aur Pagli

2008-07-25T06:06:00.001-07:00

Trust Madame Mallika Sherawat to do the unthinkable! The incident we are referring to took place on the sets of Mallika's forthcoming film Ugly Aur Pagli.

It so happened that the team of Ugly Aur Pagli was shooting late in the night. However, the clapper-boy had to leave for the day. So to not let the shooting schedule get interrupted, Mallika came up with the idea of doing her own clap. And if you are thinking she was kidding or playing a prank, you are wrong. Madame Sherawat was dead serious about what she had just said.

It was a long and drooling schedule but for the entire shoot that night, Mallika gave her own clap for all the scenes. Everyone on the sets was amazed to see how promptly she used to give the clap and start with her shot simultaneously. It was a bit difficult but Mallika did it with out any hitches and managed it quite well.

Must say, this Bindaas babe sure knows how to multi-task.

First look:Rama the saviour or Tarzan returns :D

2008-07-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

Sahil Khan as Raama and Tanushree as Samara in Raama-The Saviour

A few months back, the whole country was abuzz with the arrival of popular WWE wrestler, 'The Great Khali'. During his stay in India, Khali did shoot for a few films, gave countless interviews and even participated in many promotional activities. Needless to say, fans (especially children) went berserk on seeing their favorite wrestling champion.

Soon, cine-goers will also get to see 'The Great Khali' in a film titled Raama- The Saviour. The film, directed by Hadi Ali Abrar stars Sahil Khan and Tanushree Dutta along with 6 children in lead roles. The film is an adventure drama and revolves around six school kids who while playing a video game get transported to a magical island called 'Azra'. They have to survive in an environment where reality meets the gaming world. Its here that they befriend Raama (played by Sahil Khan) a resident of Azra, who can control animals and even speak to them telepathically. The rest of the film deals with how Raama helps the children get back home after an adventurous journey.

Sahil with his toned-up physique looks every part the character of Raama, while the glamorous Tanushree Dutta would be seen playing the character of Samara. Dalip Singh better known as 'The Great Khali' is the added attraction in the film and he plays the character of Vali.

With Khali-mania that is going on, one thing is for certain that kids will surely flock to watch this film when it opens across theatres on Oct 2, 2008.

Pagli Mallika sherawat in a Cow girl look

2008-07-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

Mallika sherawat's different looks in her upcoming movie Ugly aur Pagli

Actress Nayanthara claims rivals circulating fake MMS clip

2008-07-25T01:01:00.001-07:00

Chennai, July 24 (IANS) South India’s highest paid actress Nayanthara Thursday filed a police complaint alleging that her rivals are circulating a fake MMS clip reportedly showing her in a compromising pose with Tamil actor Simbu, sources said.

“This is the work of rivals jealous of my fame and bankability on the eve of the August release of ‘Kuselan’ and ‘Sathyam,’ both big budget ventures,” the actress was quoted as saying.

Nayanthara was rumoured to be romantically linked Shimbu but now maintains that she has a “friendly relationship” with him, sources close to the actress said.ccording to sources, the allegedly morphed clip originated in Tiruchirappalli Sunday and has been widely circulated since then.

Earlier, actresses Trisha, Jyothika and Namitha have been victims of such fake MMS clips, according to industry sources.

No arrests have been made so far, police sources added.

Shilpa shetty prefers bollywood to hollywood

2008-07-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

"I have left a lot of international projects to come back to Hindi films. Someone told me I was already out of sight and I did not want to be out of mind too. I want a good end product - a good Hindi film made in India," said Shilpa on the sidelines of an event.

Shilpa also said she has not completely dropped the idea of working in the West.

"If the prospects are lucrative enough in the West, I'll definitely go there. I have an international project, but it is still in the process of scripting," informed the actress.

Recollecting her win on Britain's reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother', she said: "I think 'Big Brother' has been a boon in disguise for not only me but many Asians living abroad. I'm happy with whatever happened on the show. At least, it has changed the perception for Indians living abroad."

Shilpa refrained from making any comments on the rumours of her hosting the second season of 'Big Boss', the Indian version of British 'Big Brother'.

"When any such thing happens, the media will be informed."

Shilpa's next project includes 'The Man' with Sunny Deol in which she would be seen playing the violin for the first time on-screen. Shilpa, who took violin lessons for her role, quipped: "Violin is the single most difficult instrument to play. I am still nursing a bad neck and I do 'bhujangasan' (yoga) everyday to get rid of the pain."

Apart from working in films, she will concentrate on her company S2 Global Productions. She has roped in Manish Jha of 'Matrubhoomi' fame to direct her first home production.

She will also be seen sharing the stage with the Bachchan's at their ongoing 'Unforgettable' tour in London Aug 23-24 at the prestigious 02 Arena, earlier known as the Millennium Dome.

Source: IANS

Vivek oberoi:I'm trying to be friends with Salman Khan

2008-07-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

What is your role in Mission Istanbul?
I play the interesting role of Rizwan Khan, a dude with an attitude in Mission Istanbul. No mission is impossible for Rizwan who can reach anywhere. It is for the first time that I am playing a Muslim character in the film since the time I had made my debut with Company as Chandu.

How did you prepare yourself for the role?
I had to put on a lot of muscles to look tough. I should say it was a pretty easy role to enact once I got into the skin of the character

To what extent do you think you suit the role of Rizwan?
Even before the shooting of 'Shootout At Lokhandwala' was completed, Apoorva Lakhia had told me that he was writing the character of Rizwan keeping me in mind.

Did Apoorva give you a lot of scope to improvise as actor?
Mission Istanbul is such a solid action film that there is absolutely no scope for an actor to improvise even if he wanted to, because the pace of the film is so fast. It is a film which has duration of just two hours. The film has 9000 cuts.

What kind of relationship do you share with Apoorva?
I call Apoorva Appu. I have an interesting and intriguing relationship with Appu. You would not believe that I was actually reluctant to do Shootout At Lokhandwala when Appu had narrated the role to me but was inspired to take up the offer when Appu told me that I was his Maya Dolas.

How did you build a trust with Apoorva as an actor?
Mid-way through the shooting of Shootout At Lokhandwala, Appu and I were able to build tremendous trust in each other. Once we started gelling with one another as director-actor, both of us had 100% trust in each other so much so that I never sat behind the video assist till Appu called me to watch it.

How tough was it to shoot in Istanbul?
The weather was very cold. We shot in the docks when it was freezing cold and also raining. At times I had no other alternative but to do warm ups to make the blood rush again.

Can you share any memorable incident while shooting for Mission Istanbul?
I had tied the wrappling rope around my waist for a stunt sequence when I had to come down from the terrace to the ground. When I looked down from what I was told was the 44th floor, people looked literally like ants. Nothing can prepare you for moments like this in mission Istanbul.

Did you enjoy the stunts which you performed?
Zayed and I enjoyed the stunts that we did so much that we even asked for five retakes though Apoorva had Okayed the first take itself. It was only when the stunt expert who was supervising the scene said that the role had burnt out that we went on for the next shot.

Is dancing a new facet of yours?
Not many are aware of the fact that I had at one time actually assisted Farah Khan before I embarked upon a career as an actor; on her stage shows. Since people have not seen me in my 18 films released till date as a dancer feel that dancing is a new facet to my personality.

You floored every one at an awards function abroad recently with your dance!
To tell you the truth, I had pre conceived notions about performing at stage shows. Though strangely enough I have never done a dance number in a film with Akshay Kumar till date, it was he who advised me to do stage shows. Akki is a dear friend.

In what way has Akshay been a friend?
Akki was there when I was going through a very bad phase.

When I told him on the phone that I was depressed because I had four flops as an actor one after the other, he immediately offered to come home to be with me for some time to help me get over my depression.

He told me to keep my chin up since he has had not just four but seventeen flops consecutively before he hit big time. He is one actor who I really look up to, as an elder brother to guide me.

Which are your forthcoming films?
I have cut down on my work, because I want to do quality work, like I used to do when I had started my career with Company. Today I feel like I am a new comer. Nowadays I am being offered roles which I actually want to do.

Frankly there was a phase in my career when I did roles which were not good for production houses which were not so good.

What kind of roles do you seek as an actor now?
I want to be challenged a lot more as an actor. I think having established myself as a decent actor pretty early in my career, the passion within me got diluted somewhere on the way compared to what it was earlier since I was caught in the trappings of stardom

Can you explain?
I confess I did some bad and terrible work when I stopped being myself and tried to step into some one else's shoes since I felt people expected that out of me. I realized I was wrong. It was a process of self discovery. When I was not getting the kind of work that that I wanted, I realized that I was actually hungry for good work.

What did you learn from that phase of yours?
I was fortunate enough to get a lot too soon which takes others many more years to get. May be I did not value and respect it.

I realized that art does not belong to you alone. It belongs to a higher power which controls you, whether you like it or not. If you do bad work, it leaves you. I am happy that phase of my life is over and I am thankful now for the new lease of life that I have managed to get post Shootout At Lokhandwala.

In what way have you changed tracks?
I have changed all my routes. Since I acted in Omkara, I have made it a point never to be late. If I am delayed, I make it a point to call up and say that there is a reason for my being late. I make it a point to recharge my soul like you recharge your cell phone.

Was trying to make amends with Salman Khan a part of your recharging process?
Yes. You can say that. At the end of the day, the entire film industry is like a large family.

Today I have no ill will for any one, though I was like a rebel earlier. May I did not even expect called me up and told me that I had done a good job in Shootout At Lokhandwala.

In retrospect I feel it was wrong on my part to have called for a press conference to lambast Salman Khan. When I went to the sets of Sujoy's Alladin, I made it a point to pay my respects to Amitji too.

Kareena kapoor gets clicked with Slyvester stallone

2008-07-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here's something you don't see everyday -- legendary Hollywood star and Bollywood's hottest star -- together!

Yup, Sylvester Stallone and Kareena Kapoor are doing a film together titled Kambakkht Ishq.

It seems the Rambo star is so impressed with Bollywood's increasing international popularity that he decided to make an appearance in one.

The film, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead, revolves around the tale of a stuntman struggling to make it big in Hollywood. Kareena plays Akshay's love interest.

Stallone is also is trying his best to convince his long time buddy Arnold Schwarzenegger to appear alongside him in the movie.

The film, which is directed by Sabir Khan, will hit theatres in December.

Most sensational break ups

2008-07-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Behind the world of glitz and glamour, lies a gory world of linkups, tiffs and breakups. One you hear a hot celeb couple coming out into the open and making their rocking relationship public and the next moment you see that very lovey-dovey couple complaining of their relationship getting rocky.

Between all this halla gulla about relationships going sour, we had some of the most sizzling couples ending into a sensational breakup. Be it Rajesh Khanna - Anju Mahendru story, Firoze Khan - Zeenat Aman tiff or Vinod Khanna - Amrita Singh tale, celabs have been there done it and the story continues till today. Here’s looking at the spiciest of breakup sagas in tinselville.

Ram Gopal Varma – Urmila Matondkar

Celebs have finally started coming out in the open about their relationships. The trend in the last few years is witness to this. The breakup season started with RGV and Urmila Matondkar calling it off.

The twosome created magic while working together. One of the finest actress and the most talented directors jodi was a real sizzling one. They together gave us some huge hits like Jungle, Mast, Kaun, Satya, Daud, Rangeela and Bhoot.

But as soon as they broke up, Ramu’s magic disappeared somewhere and what followed was a series of flop shows from the RGV camp.

Abhishek Bachchan – Karisma Kapoor

The news of the Kapoor and Bachchan affair enjoyed the status of a sensation. Everyone was expecting to hear wedding bells ring for Abhishek and Karishma, when the news of their break up made waves again.

Abhishek was engaged to Karishma and they also did a few films together but the couple lacked to showcase any onscreen chemistry.

Interestingly, Abhishek’s career started picking up pace after his break up with Lolo while Lolo’s stardom started to bow down.

Saif Ali Khan - Roza

What goes around comes around, goes the saying. And this was just the case in Saif’s story.

He broke up with wife Amrita Singh and was happily enjoying himself in the company of his Italian girlfriend Rossa, and then the unexpected happened. The surprise factor was Saif’s heartbreak once again.

Saif and Roza had set the trend of going open about one’s affairs, live in relations, break ups. This break up news was a sure shock to all.

Salman Khan – Aishwarya Rai

Soon after Saif, yet another Khan joined the bandwagon. Salman Khan’s break up with Aishwarya Rai was the most sensational one. Right from their dating days to the ever growing tiffs, the Sallu-Ash relationship had become TRP generating news for all media.

Things got sour between the two to such an extent that even after years, the duo avoids coming face to face with each other.

The couple that romanced each other in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam will never be seen together on-screen or off it.

Vivek Oberoi - Aishwarya Rai

Looks like Ash loves to be the centre of all media attraction. Soon after her break up with Sallu, she indulged in a relationship with Viveik Oberoi. But the affair was short lived and soon Ash broke up with Viveik to marry Abhishek Bachchan.

After two break ups, her link up with Abhishek was not taken seriously by many and one definitely didn’t foresee a long term relationship.

The break up did not affect Ash’s career but it affected Viveik big time. He stayed away from signing any movie and avoiding being in the spot light.

Sushmita Sen – Randeep Hooda

Sushmita has been in the news more for the men in her life than her acting skills and movies. Her affair with hot hunk Randeep Hooda was the most sensational one. Both were seeing each other for a long time and were very much ‘in love’.

But soon after, the couple headed towards Splitsville. Randeep, whose career flopped before he could even start, is struggling to get himself noticed apart from being on the Sush’s ex-guys list.

Sushmita is all set to start her own production house and was recently in news, not for her films, but for her broken friendship with long time friend Salman Khan.

Vikram Bhatt – Amisha Patel

The relationship in itself was a surprise and so was the break up. Amisha Patel and Vikram Bhatt were involved in one of the longest and strongest relationships in B-town.

Vikram Bhatt was a great support to Amisha, be it her films, her family problem or moving her to a new house. He even cast her in few of his films.

But all this support and love suddenly vanished somewhere and Amisha moved out of Vikram’s house and life.

Lara Dutta – Kelly Dorji

One couple who looked so much into each other was undoubtedly Lara Dutta and Kelly Dorji. But as it is said, kisi ki buri nazar lag gayi.

They had a sad break up. Their association dates back to the time when Lara had just steeped into her modeling career.

Both are now single and hoping for the cupid to strike in again

Shahid Kapoor – Kareena Kapoor

The biggest break up of the season has to be that of Kareena and Shahid’s. The two did some movies together and they were seriously dating.

We could not see much of their onscreen chemistry but we witnessed their offscreen love and chemistry.

Kareena even left eating Non-veg for Shahid. Shahid was linked to Amrita Rao, Sania Mirza and Vidya Balan soon after his break up and Kareena too startled everyone by dating Saif post breakup.

Deepika Padukone – Yuvraj Singh

Model, actress and the hottest new chick in tinsel town, Deepika also had a heart break when she broke up with cricketer Yuvraj Singh. The two celebs were definitely a couple, else who gets a special invitation from Yuvraj Singh to watch the match.

After their fallout, Deepika went back to her old flame, Ranbir Kapoor. The two will be soon seen romancing each other onscreen and only then we will give our verdict on their onscreen chemistry.

But for now, they surely make a handsome pair.

Akshay's connection with the Prime Minister

2008-07-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

July 22 was a big day for India. The voting in Parliament was to decide if the government would remain or fall. And a fall would've ensued in a lot of action – economic, social, legal... But Manmohan Singh won and many went berserk crooning the most recent chart-buster Singh Is Kinng .

This phenomenon has elated producer Vipul Shah. He tells us, "When we were brainstorming and briefing Pritam, the music director of what we exactly wanted, we told him, it should be like an anthem, especially for the Sikhs. We are paying a tribute to them – they are not only big-hearted but also one of the strongest communities.

"It's an honour that they are singing the song to celebrate the Prime Minister's victory. That just shows that what we set out to do, has been achieved. I'm delighted. This is the first time that a film has received such publicity before it's release, usually it's after the release that songs and the film gets popular."

Well, with Singh still occupying the PM's throne, he is king alright, and the film, too, seems to have secured its reign at the box office.

Mallika does a Sharon Stone!

2008-07-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

No, Mallika Sherawat is not doing a desi Basic Instinct.

Instead, she's taking on Sharon Stone's look in the Hollywood film, The Quick And The Dead.

In the film, Stone played a cowgirl, complete with deadly shooting skills. Mallika hopes to replicate that in her upcoming film, Ugly Aur Pagli.

Mallika plays a dominant woman, who spars with Ranvir Shorey's character in Ugli Aur Pagli.

Now, we don't know about Mallika's shooting skills, but she sure looks hot.

Bollywood News : Kismat Konnection rakes in moolah

2008-07-22T23:27:00.001-07:00

The Shahid Kapur- Vidya Balan starrer Kismat Konnection seems to have connected with the audience as it had a encouraging opening collection all over.

The film budgeted at nearly Rs 200 million collected Rs 270 million worldwide till Sunday.

The movie collected a revenue of Rs 207.6 million at the domestic box-office, averaging Rs 375,000 per print. The movie was released across 720 screens in India.

The revenue collection from the overseas market is also encouraging. The movie has particularly done well in the Middle East, where it raked in Rs 11.2 million in the first three days of its release.

In Pakistan, where Kismat Konnection was simultaneously released, had a weekend collection of Rs 960,000. It also had a fair opening collection in the US, Britain and Australia.

While in the US, the collection till Saturday night stood at Rs 9.1 million in the UK and Australia, the movie had a collection of Rs 9.5 million and Rs 1.8 million respectively.

Aziz Mirza-directed Kismat Konnection was released worldwide by UTV Motion Pictures with 930 prints.

Bollywood News : Shilpa Shetty may host second season of Bigg Boss

2008-07-22T23:26:00.001-07:00

Reports are that Bollywood hottie Shilpa Shetty has been roped in to host the second season of Bigg Boss.

The show is all set to go on air from August-end on the newly launched channel, Colors.

Shilpa, who became a hot favourite in Britain after her Big Brother win, has replaced Arshad Warsi .

Reports are that Shilpa has been signed on for a whopping Rs 8 crore by the production house and she is the first celebrity to be finalised on the show while the participants are yet to be finalised.

Reports add that it was not easy to get Shilpa to host the show after her brush with racial discrimination last year on Big Brother, and “she took her own time to decide if she wanted to be part of the show.”

The show is slated to go on air once Khatron Ke Khiladi, hosted by Akshay Kumar , ends in August.

Royal Treatment for Abhi-Ash

2008-07-22T23:24:00.001-07:00

We aren't sure whether tennis player Roger Federer knew of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai until a few days ago. But he certainly became aware of them, and their star status, on July 18.

The story goes that Federer, who is in Toronto for the on-going Rogers Cup, arrived at Hilton Toronto on July 18, expecting to be given his favourite suite, unofficially known as the 'Federer Suite'. To date, he has always been given the suite.

But to his surprise, he discovered that his suite had been allotted to Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai who were also in Toronto for The Unforgettable tour.

Abhishek and Aishwarya had checked into Hilton Toronto on July 16. Says a source from Wizcraft International, organiser of The Unforgettable tour, "The local promoter, Moe Jiwan, insisted that Abhishek and Aishwarya be given Roger Federer's suite. Naturally, Hilton Toronto officials told him that it was reserved for Federer.But Jiwan insisted and finally the Hilton Toronto officials relented."

Meanwhile, Federer arrived at Hilton Toronto on July 18. He was disappointed to find his suite occupied and tried to argue with the hotel authorities about getting it, but his efforts went in vain. The hotel authorities politely refused to give him his favourite suite.

Aishwarya and Abhishek stayed in Hilton Toronto till July 19. Federer had to stay in another suite until then.

We called the Hilton Toronto, to check out the story. Sheren, assistant manager, Hilton Toronto, said "Yes, Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan were staying with us from July 16. They've checked out now. We cannot reveal which suite they were staying in. And we cannot say anything about Roger Federer either, since he's a big celebrity. These are private details and we don't wish to speak about them."

However, Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International, confirmed the news and said, "Yes. We are happy that Abhishek and Aishwarya were given the suite, which Federer usually stays in. They had a very comfortable stay in Hilton Toronto."

Kunal Kohli left in the lurch

2008-07-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

It takes a hit to forge friendships and a flop to ruin it all. A classic example being the embittered relationship between Saif Ali Khan and director Kunal Kohli, post the debacle of Thoda Pyaar... Thoda Magic.

The buzz doing the rounds these days is that Saif is maintaining a studied distance from his 'friend'. Kunal apparently has been sending Saif SMSs and been trying to call him too, but in vain. The reason? Well, during the making of Thoda Pyaar... Kunal had requested Saif to support his next home production. The star had agreed to be a part of the project, even if it meant that Kohli would have to wait until 2009 for his dates.

But Saif's interest level in Kohli's next has vanished with the audiences at the theatres. All Kohli's attempts at reaching him are met with a terse "I am busy. Will Call you when free."

Poor Kohli, not only has he managed to rub Yash Raj the wrong way by citing 'creative differences' with Aditya Chopra, he has now got to look for a solid lead for his next, provided there are takers for it.

Mallika to sue RGV for 'misusing' her

2008-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mallika Sherawat is angry with filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. The actress, at the music launch of her film Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam, announced that she will be taking RGV to court for misusing her photograph in his film Contract.

The film has a scene where a police inspector is shown talking to Mallika's photograph suggestively. The actress has taken offense to the scene. "They will be getting a legal notice pretty soon," Mallika said.

Of course, this will not be the first time that RGV has taken potshots at his fellow colleagues from the industry through his films.

RGV's film Company ridiculed film director Karan Johar in one of its scenes, while his thriller flick Road took a dig at filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Mallika has also acted in RGV's film Darna Zaroori Hain but that did not deter the actress from taking legal recourse against the director. Her action could also be attributed to the actress's fervent desire of being taken seriously as an actor.

"I want my work to speak for itself," says the actress.

Govinda, David Dhawan rock Salman's 10 Ka Dum

2008-07-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

After giving hits like Deewana Mastana and last year's big hit Partner, Salman Khan, Govinda and David Dhawan get together once again -- but this time, on the small screen.

Govinda and Dhawan join Salman to add glamour and fun to his television game show, 10 Ka Dum. Salman and Govinda teamed up against the director, and ragged him about his films, his weight and his pot belly.

But Dhawan gave it right back. "I have to deal with one hero, who is known for his late-coming and another, who turns up at the studio but refuses to make an appearance on the set!" David exclaimed.

Govinda proved his support for Salman when he said, "Salman comes on time only on one occasion -- when one is in distress."

After all, it was Salman, who helped Govinda resurrect his career.
During the show, Govinda took long to answer questions, despite prodding from the others.

"Even Aamir Khan did not take so long," Salman quipped, to which Govinda immediately replied, "Toh main kaunsa Aamir se kum hoon!"

Stressed & worried Sajid Nadidawala leaves Stallone & LA

2008-07-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala who's currently in Los Angeles supervising the shooting of his Akshay-Kareena starrer Kambakth Ishq is leaving the large and cash-driven unit all to themselves to fly back to Mumbai.

"This exit was totally unscheduled and unwarranted. But I can't help it," says Sajid. "My wife is expecting a baby. And much as I tried to be professional and matter-of-fact about this event in my life, the family-man in me finally took over from the producer. I'm sorry but I've to be with my wife at this important time in her life."

Sajid is flying back for six days until his wife's delivery which is on the 24th. "Until then the unit here (in LA) will have to take care of it." A brave decision considering Sylvester Stallone joins the shooting from the 18th. "Stallone doesn't have a walk-on part, as some people seemed to believe. He has a substantial 3-day role. And he plays himself," reveals Sajid. So Stallone as Stallone in Kambakth Ishq. Not bad, eh? "Not bad at all. This is the most expensive film I've ever made. And every cent is worth it," says Sajid proudly.

Though Sajid doesn't want to reveal any part of the story, Akshay Kumar plays a stunt man in Hollywood and Stallone is one of the Hollywood icons he plays body-double to in the film.

Before shooting together the two bonded off the sets. Apparently, Stallone got interested in Akshay's work and even showed interest in watching Kumar's work. Hope, Akshay doesn't show Stallone his 'Rambo' acts in the Khiladi films.

SRK versus Akki this Diwali

2008-07-21T01:55:00.000-07:00

Get ready for fireworks this Diwali. With Salman's YUVRAAJ not arriving in the festive week and SRK's BILLO BARBER getting confirmed for Diwali, it seemed like a cakewalk for BILLO BARBER, since no other biggie was scheduled for release on October 24. But there's tough competition now.

Initially, the Akshay Kumar starrer CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA was supposed to arrive a week later, on a Wednesday to be precise [October 29], but Warner Bros., Rohan Sippy and Nikhil Advani have decided to bring the film in Diwali. Which means, BILLO BARBER and CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA will battle it out this Diwali.

It's a battle royale, what with the two superstars, SRK and Akki, coming face to face in the festive week. Expect fireworks, for sure.

Sunil and Apoorva are furious

2008-07-21T01:26:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, Vivek Oberoi suddenly decided to stay away from the press conference of his upcoming film Mission Istaanbul. All the other actors of the film attended the event. Currently, Vivek is shooting for Kumar Taurani's film in South Africa but had promised Mission Istaanbul's producer Sunil Shetty and director Apoorva Lakhia that he will attend the media interaction on July 19.

Everybody at the event was saying that it was not fair on Vivek's part to back out of the conference. Sunil and Apoorva put up a brave front and did not express their displeasure at the event. However, the inside story is that both of them are furious with Vivek.

Vivek did not even personally call Sunil and Apoorva to inform them about his absence. Vivek's business manager Amit sent a message to Apoorva's publicist Gopa that the actor will not be able to attend the event. A source said, " Sunil and Apoorva are furious. They had organised the event only after talking to Vivek."

When contacted, Sunil confirmed that Vivek did not attend the conference even though he had promised to be there. He said, "Vivek has his issues and problems. We would have loved if he had attended the event. Mission Istaanbul is an expensive project put together by Balaji Films and me."

The story goes that since the past few months, Vivek has been feeling that his co-star Zayed Khan in Mission Istaanbul has being given more prominence in the trailers. Vivek believes that Apoorva's new friendship with Zayed is affecting his status in the project. Vivek has even been telling friends how he feels betrayed by Apoorva. Apparently, he feels that he must have been given a raw deal in the final edited version of the film. "Perhaps this was Vivek's way to get back at Sunil and Apoorva," said another source.

A friend of Sunil said, "If Vivek wanted publicity and footage, this was an occasion to get some attention since he is the biggest actor in the film. He should have attended the event."

Apoorva told Mumbai Mirror that he was very angry with Vivek. He said, "The less said about Vivek, the better. The date for the press conference was set as per his request. But he didn't even inform us personally. I think that he is a big star who does not need to publicise his films. That's the way Vivek operates, I guess."

Vivek's business manager Amit was unavailable for comment. We then spoke to Amit's colleague Kajal who said that Amit wasn't even attending her calls. "I have sent him a message but he hasn't replied,” she said.

We sent a text message to Vivek but he did not reply.

Bollywood News : When Katrina's voice met her

2008-07-21T01:21:00.001-07:00

Katrina recently got surprised at an airport when Akriti Kakkar went up to her and introduced herself.

It was only then, Katrina came to know that it is Akriti who has given the voice for her hit songs from the films 'Namastey London', 'Apne' and 'Welcome'.

Normally only few film lovers bother to know the singers whose voices their favourite actors were lip synching in the hit songs.

The same is the case with most of the actresses too.

So Katrina was very happy to meet Akriti as she too had not taken the trouble to know the singers who gave their voices for her famous songs.

For Akriti too the meeting in Airport proved to be exiting as she feels that her voice suits Katrina's delicate personality perfectly.

Katrina Kaif gets 'Picky'

2008-07-21T01:19:00.001-07:00

Her star power has spiralled in a short span. She’s also become picky. Katrina Kaif won’t answer personal questions, won’t give one-on-one interviews, won’t pose for exclusive pictures and gives only diplomatic replies. Her bodyguards arrive a good one hour ahead of Kat to clear a path for her.

No wonder then that Katrina reminds you of her boyfriend, Salman Khan. The actor, who was in the city last year for a brand promotion, did exactly the same thing. And neither ever acknowledge their relationship even though they’re often spotted together. We played safe and asked the actress what it feels like to be rated the sexiest woman in Asia. “It’s great to know you’re loved so much by your fans. I feel privileged,” gushes Kat.
When asked about appearing adorned with gold and diamonds on the cover of one of the world’s most highly priced magazines, she says, “It was an innovative idea, so I obliged. Besides, the price of the mag — $20,000 — goes for a good cause.”

Being one of the most wanted actors in B-Town, does she have any wishes? “The going’s been good so far. I sometimes fear it’ll all go one day and I’ll hit an all-time low. I wish to strike a balance between the highs and lows and stay happy,” she says.
Kat has had three back-to-back hits in 2007. And her next big release Singh is Kinng has generated a lot of buzz.

“Incidentally, my favourite song right now is the title track of the movie,” laughs Kat.
Considering she’s dating Salman Khan, we guess Kat never has a dull moment. What’s been her most exciting moment recently? “When my sister had a baby,” she says.

And then the autograph-seekers became too much for her to handle and Kat, her patience wearing thin, left, surrounded by her dozen bouncers.

'Why should we promote Pakistani talent'- Abhijeet

2008-07-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya and organisers of the show Ek Se Badhkar Ek, on Zee TV, have parted ways. The singer allegedly refused to vote for Pakistani singer Mussarrat. While Mussarrat confirmed that Abhijeet refused to vote for him, the singer has no regrets about being thrown out of the show. He says, “I have given up Rs 50 lakh (his fee) only because I am fighting for a cause. Why should we promote Pakistani talent, when there is so much of good talent in our country? It is sad that the organisers threw out an Indian to accommodate a Pakistani who is a non-entity.”

Abhijeet also alleges that Pakistani singers get direct entry into the shows while Indians are forced to go through a rigorous procedure to get into the show. He says, “None of them are auditioned, but Indians are made to stand in long queues for days together and they are often thrown out of the audition within minutes.”

Abhijeet is also upset that Mussarrat was brought in as a wild card entry on a show and highly talented Indian singers like Emon and Harpeet were kept out. “This is injustice. They have no idea of the extent of trauma these kids have to go through. For me, it’s a matter of dignity, I will not allow Indian talent to die a slow death in their own motherland. I don’t want their money, I was certainly not there on the show for the money.”

We contacted Tarun Mehra, business head of Zee TV to find out the veracity of charges Abhijeet made against the channel. Refuting Abhijeet’s charges, Tarun said, “Yes, we have parted ways, but his allegation that Pakistani artistes get direct entry is false. Firstly, there is no audition for a show like Ek Se Badhkar Ek. We chose talent from among the established actors and singers and then paired them.”

But Abhijeet counters Mehra by saying, “We Indians don’t get the visa to go to Pakistan, so how can the auditions happen?” The singer’s parting shot was, “I want to ask Raj Thackeray, he is against north Indians, so why doesn’t he take up this issue of Pakistanis seeking employment in India?”

Mussarrat, who is caught in the crossfire, said, “There is nothing like Pakistan and India, art knows no border - so what if there is a border in between the two countries? We all are one.”

Bollywood News : Kareena and Shahid in cold war

2008-07-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

Lover, friends and now foes. Shahid and Kareena have entered into a cold war. After dumping him almost a year a go Bebo is making sure that Shahid is never cast opposite her.

When Imtiaz Ali, director of Jab we Met, approched Bebo for another project with former beau Shahid she expressed her discomfort quite clearly and asked him to replace him with someone else. Finally Akki was offered the role and he happily accepted.

We also hear that Bebo was extremely upset with Imtiaz, because he did not cast her in his next flick and preferred Deepika to co-star with Saif.

Imtiaz, who is back from London after a long schedule of Saif's movie says, "I guess everyone assumed that Kareena would be part of it. Moreover as Saif is the producer, it was just taken for granted.

As a director I have to see what the storyboard demands and accordingly do the casting. It's not that there was any tussle on that front; the fact that we are working together again proves it."

However after a much-publicised break-up Shahid has drwan into a shell.

A gentle query about his one-time friend Kareena Kapoor , and Shahid sounds diplomatic and cagey, “Kareena and I rarely talk. We are not in touch with each other. I guess this is something, which happens naturally. Beyond that I would not like to talk about it.”

Shilpa plans to make only masala movies

2008-07-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Actress-turned-producer Shilpa Shetty says her company S2 Productions will concentrate purely on making commercial movies.

"The Indian audience still does not accept socially relevant movies and prefers commercial cinema which provides light entertainment," said Shilpa, who has become an international celebrity after her historic win on Britain's reality show Big Brother in 2007.

"I am not here to incur losses by making socially relevant movies. Our company will concentrate purely on commercial cinema and I have no intention of making socially relevant movies," Shilpa told IANS in an interview.

Barring a few exceptions like Taare Zameen Par, the audience has rejected most socially relevant movies, she said.

"How many socially relevant movies were successful? You can count them. I admit Taare Zameen Par worked despite being a socially relevant movie, but it was an exception. I can tell you about many movies which people don't even know the name of," said Shilpa who was appreciated for her serious performance in Anuraag Basu's Life... in a Metro.

"My movie Phir Milenge, which was on a sensitive issue like AIDS, did not even get noticed. Neither was it commercially successful nor did it win any award. It is really disappointing."

The actress, along with Formula One Racing driver Lewis Hamilton, received the Global Diversity Award in Britain for their contribution to the "diversity agenda".

Shilpa is also the youngest celebrity to receive the honorary doctorate degree by Britain's Leeds Metropolitan University - with Amitabh Bachchan, Yash Chopra and Shabana Azmi being some of the other recipients.

"The head of the university watched the show (Big Brother) every day. He told everyone to watch it for educational purposes. He wanted them to see how a person deals with other people in adverse situations."

About her experience on the show, Shilpa said she never knew that she would have such a tough time. "The 14 weeks of complete isolation from the outside world was a rare experience that I would never forget in my life.

"But the moment I came out it was a different world all together. Everyone in Britain knew who Shilpa Shetty was. I had become an international celebrity. I was there in every television channel and in the headline of every newspaper. It was a new beginning for me."

However, the actress was hurt by the Indian media's attitude towards her during that period.

"What hurt me most is the fact when I was appreciated by the people there, my own Indian press was putting me down."

What peps her up is the fact that her win in the reality show was a great step towards mitigating racial discrimination.

"It bridged the gap between black and white. After my win, many blacks who have not been able to express themselves got the courage to fight for their rights. It was not just a show, it was a mass awakening against racism."

After spat, Salman, Shah Rukh not in mood for compromise

2008-07-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

No one could anticipate that a star-studded birthday party of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif would turn into a battle of the two Indian superstars - Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan - dividing the industry into two camps.

The two superstars were caught in a war of words on the July 16 party that Salman threw for current girlfriend Katrina, which later turned ugly.

Salman was reportedly instigating Shah Rukh from the beginning of the party by speaking about their reality shows - Dus Ka Dum and Kya aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? respectively. Salman claimed that his show Dus Ka Dum had garnered more TRPs than Shah Rukh's, said sources.

Salman scoffed at Shah Rukh by saying that in spite of being a superstar he could not make his show a hit.

Shah Rukh initially did not pay any heed to Salman's comments. The final blow came when Shah Rukh made a comment on Salman's ex-girlfriend Aishwarya Rai, inviting a furious retaliation from Salman.

The incident occurred late in the night, when many of the guests had left.

Though Aamir Khan tried his best to resolve the dispute that arose between Salman and Shah Rukh, the two are not in a mood for compromise as both have got the support from their well-wishers in the industry.

Salman, who is known for his loyalty towards friends, got supportive calls from old time friends like Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Khanna, said sources.Fardeen Khan and Zayed Khan also showed their concern for the actor by calling him.

Ranbir Kapoor, who worked with Salman in Saawariya, was the only newcomer to jump into the camp fight by calling him to express his sympathy, sources added.

If Salman had his supporters, so did King Khan. Veterans like Yash Chopra and Javed Akhtar called Shah Rukh to enquire about the incident. Besides, Karan Johar, Sajid Khan and Farhan Akhtar once again proved their loyalty towards the actor by offering their support.

Kunal Kohli also called the actor to know about his well being.

"While Salman has the support of actors, Shah Rukh has the support of the directors. It's an advantage for Shah Rukh," remarked an industry watcher.

The star-studded birthday party of Katrina Kaif was attended by Bollywood bigwigs like Aamir, Kareena, Saif Ali Khan, Karan Johar, Rajkumar Santoshi, Kunal Kohli, Salim Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Nikhil Advani, Prakash Jha, David Dhawan, Anees Bazmee, and Manmohan Shetty, among others.

A tragic end to Raima's love story!

2008-07-19T04:13:00.001-07:00

Raima Sen changes boyfriends faster than she changes her facial expressions.

Raima was quite fida over one Kalikesh Singh Deo, son of a politician from Orissa. They were dating and life was cooler than a thousand cucumbers.

Then what? The parents of Kalikesh didn't approve. And so the romance has cooled off. Sigh..

Sameera Reddy throws a tantrum!

2008-07-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

A source informs that Sameera Reddy didn't like the outfits given to her by the designer of Kabhi Kabhi Yaar Kabhi Kabhi Pyaar or something such, which she's judging on television these days.

The source tells us that after trying to sort out her differences with the designer a few times, Sam finally lost her patience and threw a major fit. Then she got her own personal designer to make her outfits. Such nakhras of a flop actress!

Kutta, Kameena and Haramzaada in LA

2008-07-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala, has planned to take down his two close friends, Arbaaz Khan and Sajid Khan to Los Angeles next month.

The gang will stay at Hilton Los Angeles/ Universal City hotel; a 26-story glistening hotel high on the hilltop located at the main entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Sajid Khan reveals, "It will be a trip down memory lane for the three of us. SN (he calls Nadiadwala that), Arbaaz and I had taken a bachelor holiday to USA just before Arbaaz's marriage in 1998.

It was a 21-day trip where we travelled like roadies to New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas and stayed at the cheapest of motels eating inexpensive food like tacos, hot dogs and hamburgers. We had the greatest time at Universal Studios in LA.

We were the first to reach at 8 am, stood in queue for over two hours, paid up 35 dollars and lined up for the rides and the shows. It was then SN had sworn that we would take another trip again whenever we became rich and famous. That time all of us were just beginning our careers."

Sajid recounts that the motel they stayed at in Orlando while visiting Universal Studios was so seedy that the TV in their room was "Chained to the wall so that the guests wouldn't steal it!" Sajid laughs and adds, "The greatest show in Universal Studios was Back To The Future where we had to go into a time machine which moves 360 degrees.

The Jurassic Park floats and ET rides were awesome too. After the end of the ET ride if you had given your name they would announce it in a ghostly voice. We gave our name and at the end of the trip the animated voice said, 'Kutta kameena haramzaada because that's what we had given as our name!"

Living his dream

Living It Up: The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City hotel where Sajid Nadiadwala, Arbaaz Khan and Sajid Khan will be staying now
Sajid says the trio would hang out at places where they shot Baywatch and recognise big actors.

"We would meet up at this sports bar called Q table which had these billiards tables with 20 questions on Hollywood. I would score 19 out of 20."

This trip will be a far cry from the last seedy motel trip. The trio will live it up in style at the Hilton in Universal Studios.

Sajid agrees, "That's the beauty of being a producer like Sajid Nadiadwala.

Like Karan Johar he knows how treat his actors and crew with the utmost class, style and respect.

Today when SN is living his dream. He had wondered then what it would be like to shoot a film in Universal Studios and today he is fulfilling that dream by shooting Kambakht Ishq there.

Salman khan Shahrukh khan fought at Katrina's birthday bash

2008-07-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Katrina Kaif's birthday at Olive Bar and Kitchen, Bandra on Wednesday brought out hidden hostilities between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan out in the open.

An eyewitness at the party reveals, "Salman was already high when SRK and Gauri walked in. After downing a few more drinks, Sallu started picking on SRK." Apparently the host was upset with SRK because he turned down Sallu's request to do a guest appearance in Main Aur Mrs Khanna, which is being produced by Salman and Sohail.

Salman felt snubbed as he has always gone out of his way for SRK, whether it was appearing on KBC with girlfriend Katrina, or dancing for SRK's home production Om Shanti Om. The resentment was bubbling under the surface, and under the influence, Salman dropped the faÃ§ade and began lashing out at SRK.

Name-calling

The Khans were sitting across each other, surrounded by a few close friends, who quickly moved away when things started getting heated. Shah Rukh, who is famous for his hot temper, didn't react to Salman's outburst initially but when the abuse continued, he began trading insult for insult. The source continues, "Sallu told SRK, 'Your show Paanchvi Paas is a big flop and now you are trying to sabotage my show. You are a matlabi insaan. You only call people when you need them, and then don't keep in touch.'

SRK not one to take name-calling lightly, told Salman, 'No one wants to watch your show, or be friends with you'. At this point, Salman told SRK to keep quiet or he would beat him up."

Shah Rukh, who often describes himself as 'Delhi Ka Goonda' laughed and told Salman, 'Tu kya marega? Tu haath toh utha, main maroonga tujhe. Woh bhi teri party main, aur tere doston ke saamne.' The two men stared at each other and would've come to blows within minutes had Gauri not intervened and told SRK that she wanted to leave. SRK allowed his wife to take his arm and the duo left the party. Salman didn't try to stop them.

Pehla jhagda

Salman and Shah Rukh's first panga goes back a long way when they fought during the shooting of Chalte Chalte (2003) which was being produced by SRK. At that time, Salman was dating Aishwarya Rai who was acting in the film. A high Salman had barged on to Shah Rukh's sets to meet his girl and disrupted the shooting. An upset Shah Rukh replaced Aishwarya with Rani Mukerji. The two Khans stopped speaking to each other.

They patched up at Farah Khan's sangeet on Dec 8, 2004. Salman went up to SRK and hugged him emotionally and a truce was called.

Neha tells Kareena beauty lies in the eye of the beholder

2008-07-09T04:15:00.000-07:00

Up and coming sexy starlet Neha Oberoi has sensationally taken a dig out against top name actress Kareena Kapoor for starving herself in the name of beauty.

Talking to an Indian newspaper, Neha said, “Being fit is good but starving yourself to death is bad. I have always been fit, but I have not been finicky about being ultra-slim. I do work-out and eat in moderation, but more than that I think it’s not necessary as beauty lies in eyes of the beholder and you have to feel fit and beautiful from within first.”

Kareena Kapoor has been making the headlines because of her anorexic look, which she took out for her role in the flop flick Tashan.

Nothing sells like Flop Aishwarya and Kareena

2008-07-09T04:14:00.001-07:00

Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are perfect examples of being famous for their flops. Kareena Kapoor has had it easy, literally. It hasn’t exactly been a rough ride for the Kapoor babe from Day One itself.

Even though she left the blockbuster role of female lead in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai against macho Hrithik Roshan to Ameesha Patel, she managed to garner much more publicity for her flop debut, Refugee, than what Ameesha did for her superhit starter.

And that was the beginning of a new mantra to market a diva — hit or no hit, the Brand has to hit the headlines.

And it was this very marketing mantra which saw the rise, rise and only rise for Kareena Kapoor.

Even after a spate of flops like Asoka, Yaadein, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Jeena Sirf Tere Liya, Tashan etc the youngest Kapoor kid saw all the big names from Karan Johar to Yash Chopra to Mani Ratnam and Boney Kapoor vying for her attention.

Film after film flopped, but nothing changed much for Bebo. She continued to demand very high rates, which paradoxically kept rising with each flop!

And following in her footsteps closely was none other than our very own grey-green eyed goddess, Aishwarya Rai who, in spite of not having given a single hit in the start of her career for very long hit the jackpot with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and is the most ‘sought-after’ Bollywood actress today.

So, this is the Bebo-Ash blockbuster story. What is it that makes the two divas eligible for the big league which otherwise has names like Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra who, by now, must have lost count of their hit films?

“Both Ash and Bebo have class. I know them closely. They have talent as well as beauty, and I guess this combination is more than enough to please the audience.

At the same time, one must not forget that Ash is a big international star,” asserts Showman Subhash Ghai who has earlier directed Ash in Taal and has done as many as three films with Kareena.

Film critic Indu Mirani punches in a more logical explanation to this unique phenomenon.

“I think Aishwarya and Kareena are totally different girls as far as personality and presentation go. But their careers are similar in the sense that they have got all the good stuff in spite of not having hit films.

I think it’s because there are very few actually hot leading ladies in the industry today. Rani, Preity and Priyanka cannot take up all the roles, right?

There are very few A-grade heroines. And these two girls know how to present themselves. They are also very media-savvy and hence it has been easy for them,” she says.

But why isn’t it easy for other talented good-looking girls, too, as, say, Lara Dutta? Why hasn’t she matched up to this grade?

“Kareena, of course, is a pedigreed girl. She has been lucky as she belongs to the Kapoor Khaandaan. She also had her sister Karishma, a superstar in her own right.

For Ash, I think it’s more of media hype with her scintillating beauty helping in a big way,” explains Mirani.

And no one can forget the hypes she got throughout her career by attaching her name with Bolly-boys like Salman and Vivek and then by entering the Bachchan house by marrying junior B.

And if we throw back a look, this trend doesn’t seem to be very new. There are examples in the past also where artistes, even though they hadn’t given a single hit, had dozens of movies in their kitty.

For example, in the 80s, the pinup girl of that time, Sonam, had close to 40 films in her kitty even before her first film was out for review!

Similar was the case with Chunky Panday who, apart from Aankhen with Govinda, has no film to be remembered him by. But he was one of the hottest dial-a-quote stars of late 80s.

Production designer Bindiya Dutta, wife of filmmaker J P Dutta, and herself hyped as a Hema Malini clone in her heyday, has had the experience of working with Ash and Bebo; and sums it up, “For us, hits and flops are inconsequential.

We are only here to do good work and definitely we choose our leading ladies according to what they suit best. Like Refugee wouldn’t have been the same without Kareena and Umrao Jaan without Ash was unimaginable.” What a hit explanation! One can easily understand the need of branding whether it’s in business world or the world of show-business.

Amrita and Usman split up, Kareena plays agony aunt

2008-07-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

Distance has finally taken its toll on Amrita Arora and her London-based English cricketer Usman Afzal. The couple mutually decided to go their separate ways after their strained realationship for the past few months.

Says a source close to the actress, "It was a difficult break-up as both had been very committed for the last four years, but it was inevitable."

Amrita, though, tried hard to work out this relationship as she loved Afzal a lot but it wasn't meant to be. There were no huge fights and melodrama but a quiet acceptance that both were now headed in two different directions.

In an interview, the actress also confirmed the break up reports saying that the reports were true but she didn’t feel like talking about it.

However, unlike the other glamorous break ups where a change of hearts often takes place, distance between these ex-lovebirds seems to have ruined this love affair. Besides the distance, Amrita’s alleged link up with upcoming model Sahil Shroff had reportedly not gone so well with Usman.

Things turned further ugly when Amrita took off to shoot for a flick on Usman’s birthday.

A close friends says, her only comfort is that her best friend Bebo is also there with her. As someone who's had a long relationship break-up, the girls have something in common. Bebo is helping her cope as she understands what Amu is going through

Amrita has now immersed herself into her work. She has got good releases like Golmaal Returns and Kambakht Ishq and now wants to concentrate on her work. It seems it's a career decision as much as a personal one.