We need to make money from Cricket: Shah Rukh Khan
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan , who owns the Kolkata team of the Indian Premier League (IPL), says he opted for cricket because it was commercially viable for him and not because he favoured the popular sport over other disciplines.
"Commerce and business are very important in today's world. Cricket is commercially viable and we need to make money from this sport," SRK said in Pune on Thursday.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President and MP Suresh Kalmadi appealed to the superstar to share his celebrity status with other sports also.
"I am very happy with Chak De India and the work you did for hockey. But I'm disappointed you went back to cricket. I want you to be made the ambassador of the Commonwealth Games and Olympic sports in India," said Kalmadi at the inauguration of the Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football Cup.
"There are around 10 nations playing cricket at the moment and over 200 countries competing in Olympic sports. Cricket has many fathers and I would love to have you as the brand ambassador for the Commonwealth Games," he added.
However, the comments did not go well with the King Khan, who took a jibe at the IOA President.
"Please don't feel bad that I am backing only one sport. Sports should be part of our second nature and I am a sportsperson by heart."
"I have played hockey and a bit of cricket. I have something to clarify to Kalmadi also ... Please don't feel bad that I am backing the cricket team. I need to make money from this sport and then move to other sports," added SRK.
SRK said he believed that the next step for sports- loving persons like him was to take the money he earns from IPL to other sports.
"(My) next step would be to take it (money earned in IPL) to hockey, football, kho kho, also kabaddi and gulli danda," he remarked.
SRK said one should not look down upon any sport and added he wanted to see the football team playing in the World Cup.
"We should not look down upon any sport. We need to use this sport (cricket) to uplift other sports."
Friday, February 29, 2008
We need to make money from Cricket: Shah Rukh Khan
Stage set for Rani Mukerji - Aditya Chopra wedding
Stage set for Rani Mukerji - Aditya Chopra wedding Aditya Chopra, who filed for a divorce from his wife Payal Khanna in a Mumbai court in December 2007 is set to marry Rani Mukerji after the divorce is finalized in May. The law stipulates a six months counseling period after an initial filing for a divorce by mutual consent. The court rules on the petition only after completion of the period. "Once the divorce is signed both Rani and Adi are eager to tie the knot," a close family friend told HT. Denying past reports of an engagement, the source says "Adi was very particular about getting the divorce first before finalizing anything else." Adi's parents, Yash Raj and Pamela Chopra, continue to be opposed to his planned wedding with Rani. They are very fond of Aditya's wife Payal and have gifted her a bungalow in Khar Mumbai. Payal will also get Rs 25 crore as alimony when the divorce is finalized. Aditya Chopra, who was earlier staying his parents, has now moved to a five star hotel as a result of his differences with them. Rani Mukerji's parents are also reported to be unhappy with her plans to marry Aditya Chopra. Rani, who was earlier staying with her parents at her family home, moved into her own apartment at Janaki Kutir in June 2007.
SRK sports a Marathi 'pagadi'
SRK sports a Marathi 'pagadi' 
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is known for getting into the skin of the character completely, in each and every role he portrays, be it Kabir Khan in Chak De India or Om Prakash Makhija in OSO.
Now, the Baadshah of Bollywood took that very habit of his into real life earlier this week, when he was present to inaugurate the 'Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football tournament' in Pune. In keeping with the true 'Puneri' tradition, King Khan was spotted wearing a pink turban and if you think SRK must have been feeling 'thoda' out of place in this new get up, you couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, Shah Rukh seemed completely in his element with 'pagdi' et al and needless to say, entertained one and all with his antics.
What's more, later he was even seen kicking ball, enjoying football as he always had. Must say this is truly one hero who can enact each and every role with élan, be it in reel life or real life. Chak De SRK…
Kavya Madhavan snaps up her maiden film with Mohanlal!
Kavya Madhavan snaps up her maiden film with Mohanlal!
Comely Kerala heroine, Kavya Madhavan is sporting her best smile these days.
Wondering why? Well, the reason is simple: the bindaas girl from Neeleswaram in Malabar has just snapped up a role against Malayalam megastar Mohanlal .
Incidentally, this is the first time Kavya has been paired with Mohanlal.
The film, titled ‘Madambi’, is being directed by writer-director B. Unnikrishnan, according to the grapevine.
Let us hope Kavya will prove lucky for Mohanlal, who is passing through the leanest patch in his reel life.
Kavya is, of course, riding high, having attracted the critics' eye with a stunning performance in celebrated Malayalam director Adoor Gopalakrishnan's ‘Nalu Pennungal’.
Love and work go together….
Love and work go together….
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor would be seen together in Karan Johar’s next film. His untitled film will be directed by writer of Rang De Basanti, Renzil D’souza, and is all set to go on floors by the end of the year.
Initially Kareena was offered the role of Preity Zinta in Kal Ho Na Ho by KJO. But due to certain differences with Karan she refused to work. However, recently they patched up in public and Kareena agreed to work with him. There were talks of Kareena working in Tarun Mansukhani’s film but things did not work out as the film also had Abhishek Bachchan.
Now, Kareena would be finally seen working with Karan along with her beau Saif in the lead. The shooting will begin in October and would be shot entirely in London.
Sanjay Dutt and Manyata withdraw marriage declaration
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt [Images] and his wife Manyata have filed a joint declaration with South Goa's [Images] registration authorities seeking withdrawal of their marriage declaration.
South Goa's Salcette Sub Registrar's office said that both have filed a joint declaration stating that they do not desire to solemnise their marriage under the Portuguese Civil Code, 1867. more
Think thin, Aishwarya!
Think thin, Aishwarya!
Contrary to rumours, Aishwarya Rai is still a part of Shankar's sci-fi thriller, Robot. However, Aishwarya, who is considered one of the most beautiful women in the world, will have to work on her look before she starts shooting for the film. The filmmaker has asked an already svelte Aishwarya to lose six kgs as the actress will have to perform some stunts in Robot.
It is learnt that Ash is not only working out meticulously in her gym but also is on a strict diet to lose weight quickly.
A source close to the actress says, "Shankar has asked Ash to lose weight for Robot. Ash needs to look very thin as she will also be performing some action sequences in the thriller. To be precise, Shankar has asked her to shed six kgs. Aishwarya, who is very determined to convincingly play her role in Robot, has already hit the gym and is also on a strict diet."
Although the actress had put on some weight for her role in Jodhaa Akbar, she is working hard on her figure now. According to the source, Ash's current diet comprises sprouts and liquids like juices and soups.
The source adds, "Shankar is very particular even about the smallest details in his films. He has churned up some of the biggest hits like the Rajnikanth starrer Sivaji and the Kamal Hassan starrer Hindustani. He wants to leave no stone unturned for Robot too."
And what about the rumours that Ash had stepped out of the film? "They were only rumours, which she never clarified. But she is definitely playing the lead actress opposite Rajnikanth in Robot," says the source.
Reportedly, the film is about a scientist who invents a robot to take care of his physically-challenged child. But, the scientist is forced to terminate his invention when he finds out that the robot is responsible for killing a few people.
The film's budget is a whopping Rs 100 crore. Shankar had approached actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan before he finalised Rajnikanth to play the lead role in the film.
Shaurya is not a large sounding word
Shaurya is not a large sounding word
Shaurya differs for all of us, but it essentially is every that thing which requires us to show a certain amount of resolve and courage… whether it is something as noble as fighting for the rights of people or something as seemingly trivial as not saying ‘I told you so’ in a fight.
Shaurya is not a large sounding word or a concept. Shaurya is what we encounter every single day. It comes into play in the choices we make as we lead our daily lives. Should I jump the red light because I’m late for a shoot? Should I turn a blind eye to an accident victim on the road? Should I lie my way out of an obligation to a producer? Should I forget to call my sick aunt again today? more
Hrithik Roshan's new advertisement has Sufi sounds
Hrithik Roshan's new advertisement has Sufi sounds
You cannot blame Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan to have a hangover after his excellent portrayal of Akbar the Great in Jodhaa Akbar .
After winning hearts with his dervish dance in the ‘Khwaja’ song in the Ashutosh Gowarikar film, comes a new Coke advertisement, which is slated to be aired this weekend.
Hrithik features in a stubble in the new campaign as it is celebration time for the superstar as he makes merry with a group of friends by proclaiming Jashn Mana Le to the accompaniment of Sufi sounds.
Hrithik’s campaign has been conceptualised by McCann Erickson and is directed by Sabal Singh Shekhawat of Big Picture Company with the background musical score given by Ram Sampath.
The commercial has a roadside eatery where a bunch of youngsters land up late at night to grab a quick bite. What follows is a tryst with Hrithik and a magical ride that leaves them in awe.
The ad based on the Jashn Mana Le theme showcases how Hrithik and his friends create a moment of celebration with the bottle.
''I've always looked up to Shah Rukh'' - Preity Zinta
''I've always looked up to Shah Rukh'' - Preity Zinta
The IPL also has Shah Rukh Khan coming in. How does it feel to have him as a competitor in cricket?
I've always looked up to Shah Rukh. When I did my first film Dil Se with him, he was already a huge star. To me it's a matter of great honor to stand on the same platform as him. We're all working very hard on the IPL. Ours is the youngest team among all the IPL owners. Let's be positive about it. Initially, it's very important for the IPL team to work in totality. more
Irrfan Khan to star in Mira Nair's Kosher Vegetarian
Irrfan Khan to star in Mira Nair's Kosher Vegetarian
Irrfan Khan is surely on a high. The actor (just last week) bagged the Filmfare 'Best Supporting Actor' award for his lovable performance as a prospective groom in Anurag Basu's Life…In a Metro. He couldn't make it to the awards function as he was busy attending the Spirit Awards in California where he was nominated in the 'Best Supporting Actor' category for his power packed performance in Mira Nair's The Namesake. Although, Irrfan didn't win that award, he did get a chance to meet some top names in Hollywood like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Forrest Whittaker.
The good times seem to continue for this talented and versatile actor who is all set to star in Mira Nair's next film titled Kosher Vegetarian. The film, which is a love story between a Gujarati guy and a Jewish girl will have Irrfan opposite Hollywood hottie Natalie Portman.
After the tremendous response which the Mira Nair- Irrfan Khan combo received for The Namesake, one thing is for sure that audiences would be looking forward to this love story with bated breath.
Saif is the ‘driving force’
Saif is the ‘driving force’
We know how Saif loves playing driver driver, (we mean chauffeur) to Kareena Kapoor. He drops her and fetches her from all events, parties ect etc. And is always her at her beck And call whenever she calls for him.
Call it joru ka ghulam or pyar, whatever it may be suitable. At the award function, too, he was heard instructing his driver: Meri gaadi, Kareena, Akshay, Shah Rukh ki gaadi, sab Gate no. 1 pe chahiye.
Abhi! Looks like there were dinner plans in the offing. And Saif was the ‘driver’.of the plan, we mean! It was another thing that Saifoo lingered on post the award ceremony to bond with Karisma and her hubby Sanjay Kapur.
Ranbir Kapoor in Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly?
Ranbir Kapoor in Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly?
In a very short time, newcomer Ranbir Kapoor has made it to the wishlists of many Bollywood producers and directors.
Ranbir has himself conceded that ever since the release of his first film Saawariya offers have been pouring in from many production houses and filmmakers, but he is taking his pick cautiously.
The latest buzz from Bollywood is that Aamir Khan wants Ranbir to play an important role in his home production Delhi Belly , which will be directed by a Swedish director named Robert Nylund. Aamir will not star in the film.
Apparently, Aamir liked Ranbir’s work in ‘Saawariya’ and decided to cast the young lad in ‘Delhi Belly’, which is an English movie with a youthful theme.
Reports say Aamir and Robert have met Ranbir and given him script narration. Ranbir reportedly liked the script and has given his verbal nod to the project.
However, there has been no official confirmation of this by either Ranbir or Aamir.
Apart from Aamir, filmmaker Mani Ratnam is also in Mumbai to put together the cast of his next film that would star Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles. Mani is keen to sign Ranbir for a significant role in the film.
Himesh and Karzzzz team flee Nairobi after riots
Himesh and Karzzzz team flee Nairobi after riots
The unit of Satish Kaushik's Karzzzz, which has singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya in the lead, was jolted when political unrest and riots broke out in one of the film's primary locations in Kenya.
The location has now been shifted to South Africa. Recalling the incident, Reshammiya told IANS: "I really don't know what happened. But when producer Bhushan Kumar and director Satish Kaushik heard about the political unrest in Kenya they shifted location from Kenya to South Africa. Now we're shooting in Johannesburg."
Added Kaushik: "I was very keen to shoot Karzzzz in Nairobi. But there's so much of turmoil across Kenya! I wanted to shoot some key action scenes with Reshammiya involving aircraft in Mombasa, which is such a beautiful place. But we had to shift location because riots broke out days before we were supposed to start shooting. So we've shifted the action scenes to Cape Town."
Reshammiya was filmed at the posh casino at the Emperor Palace in Johannesberg till last week with leading lady Shweta, the daughter of filmmaker Indra Kumar.
"We shot two lavish songs in this location with Reshammiya, his leading lady Sheweta and Raj Babbar. The first song was a party song. Mashallah tera chehra when Reshammiya sees Shweta for the first time. We shot with a group of balroom dancers from a well-known troupe in South Africa," Kaushik said.
"The second song Rab kare main mar javan was a romantic duet with Reshammiya and Shweta with 50 hip-hop and cabaret dancers. I'm now shooting a background song Dhoom tere ishq ki," the filmmaker said.
Kaushik gives glowing marks to Shweta.
"I had auditioned her before signing her. She's got what it takes. I should know because I've introduced Tabu in Prem, Bhumika Chawla in Tere Naam and Sheena Shahabadi in my forthcoming 'Tere Sang'. So I guess I'm qualified to recognise talent."
The songs in Karzzzz would be on a scale that audiences have seen in Subhash Ghai's Karz, Kaushik says.
"But let me make it clear that Reshammiya and I aren't trying to compete with Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai. This is our homage to the earlier Karz.'
Kareena to sizzle with Aamir Khan!!!
Kareena to sizzle with Aamir Khan!!!
She is the undisputed 'Queen' of Bollywood! She is also known as the 'Endorsement Queen of Bollywood'! Yes, we are talking about the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor who is growing from strength to strength as she occupies the No.1 Status with series of big banner films in her kitty.
Kareena is now on course to set the record books on fire as she is to become the 'only' actress in the new generation of actresses to share screen space with the 3 biggest 'Khan's in the industry..
Having worked with big names like Salman and Shahrukh, the actress has now signed a film opposite Aamir Khan! The film to be directed by 'Munnabhai' series director Raju Hirani, will have Aamir-Kareena jodi sizzle on screen.
With a series of films like 'Tashan' with Yashraj, 'Agent Vinod' with Saif, 'Golmaal returns' with Ajay Devgan, 'Kambakth Ishq' with Akshay Kumar, a film with John Abraham and a film with Karan Johar production, Kareena is surely the Number 1 Actress in Bollywood.
Apart from films, the 'Enodorsement Queen' has some high profile brands like Globus, Anne French, Emami, ICI Paints, Vivel of ITC soaps, Head & Shoulders, Boro plus cream, Citizen watch, Perfume, a Jeans line with her.
Holding the tag of being the highest paid actress in Bollywood, Kareena has also dominated the Award Season this year, with Star Screen, Stardust and Filmfare awards placed in her Trophy stand.
A perfect blend of talent, grace and 'Charisma', Kareena is right there at the top in Bollywood!!
'U Me Aur Hum' set for clash with 'Krazzy 4'
'U Me Aur Hum' set for clash with 'Krazzy 4'
Ajay Devgan’s directorial debut is on a collision course with Rakesh Roshan’s home production.
A lull has taken over the theatres as the month of March (which sees lowest turnout at box-office due to the school and college exams) approaches. The lull will be broken by a tornado in April when Fridays would be crammed with Bollywood releases.
April 11 will see the release of two big films – ‘U Me Aur Hum’ and ‘Krazzy 4’.
U Me Aur Hum marks the return of Ajay Devgan and Kajol together as a pair after a long gap of eight years. The film is also Devgan’s directorial debut. All this, coupled with the film’s feelgood theme, has roused quite a curiosity about ‘U Me Aur Hum’.
And feeling the heat is Rakesh Roshan whose home production Krazy 4 has no big stars in main roles ( Arshad Warsi , Irrfan Khan , Suresh Menon, Rajpal Yadav and Juhi Chawla ) and is directed by a newcomer named Jaideep Raja Sen.
Clearly, ‘U Me Aur Hum’ has an upper hand over ‘Krazzy 4’.
In fact, reports have it that Roshan senior has got in touch with Devgan to discuss any possible way to avoid the clash between the two films. But Devgan couldn’t make any adjustment because the marketing and distribution plans have already been drawn for his film.
On the other hand, Roshan senior also cannot postpone his film even by a week because it would then get sandwiched between two big movies – ‘U Me Aur Hum’ (on April 11) and Yashraj Films Tashan (on April 25).
For the time being it appears that the clash between Devgan’s and Roshan’s films is inevitable.
Ogling fans make Mallika Sherawat insecure
Ogling fans make Mallika Sherawat insecure
Bollywood’s undisputed sex bomb gets nervous when fans gather around to see her in action.
Adulation by fans often plays upon a star’s vanity. But in the case of Mallika Sherawat , she better be secure than vain. Fan frenzy and ogling eyes make the bold belle insecure. This was evident recently while Mallika was shooting for her upcoming film Ugly And Pagli with co-star Ranvir Shorey .
While Mallika was shooting the film at Essel world, a large number of her admirers began to gather on the location. Fans were eager to watch Mallika in action, but the actress got scared to see the huge crowd and refused to shoot until enough security was provided to her.
So scared was Mallika of the crowd that she went into her vanity van and did not come out for the shoot at all. Apparently, she was afraid that someone from the crowd might misbehave with her.
The director was left with no option but to shoot the solo scenes of the song on Ranvir Shorey only.
However, the next day, Mallika was provided with ample security.
Cordoned by bodyguards, the sexy siren felt safe this time and shot her scenes without any reservations even though a huge crowd had gathered on the second day as well.
Moreover, Mallika gave perfect takes and the crowd too got to see her shaking her booty.
Preity meets Mr FM!
Preity meets Mr FM!
Preity Zinta has a serious new agenda — women’s upliftment. It looks like Preity’s career is now going beyond films and cricket. Recently in Delhi, she met Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
“We met for just about 20 minutes, and I along with some other women like Renuka Chowdhary and some NGOs with a voice, got a chance to have a say. It was to urge him to make the budget women-friendly, to provide incentives for women in the industries, etc.”
It’s unusual to see an actress with such a glamourous image interacting with a senior politician on a social issue.
Preity protests, “I guess it’s a natural process of growth within all individuals. I may have started off as a glamourous entity in a glamour industry. But today, I look for substance and motivation in whatever I do. Whether it’s my roles in films or in real life, I’ve to get re-inspired.”
Sounding so much like Shabana Azmi, Preity avers, “I strongly feel women with a voice in this country need to get together to create better opportunities for the silent majority. Getting home loans are so difficult for single women or widows when they don’t have a collateral security to offer. I’d like to see that change. I also want to work for improving hygiene and personal sanitation. And of course, free and compulsory education for women.”
Preity discussed all of this with Mr Chidambaram. “It wasn’t easy getting an appointment with him. He gave us all a patient ear. He heard us out so gracefully. I had never met Mr Chidambaram before. He’s highly qualified and wonderfully articulate. We had a very positive meeting. And I hope our conversation reflects somewhere in the budget.”
Preity was the only spokesperson from the film industry who met the Finance Minister on Monday. “I suppose it’s because of my
work with women, especially the issue of female foeticide. I seriously feel it’s time for me to give back to society some of what I’ve been given.”
Juhi Chawla cherishes her sanity!
Juhi Chawla cherishes her sanity!
Though actor Juhi Chawla will next be seen in Rakesh Ros-han’s Krazzy 4, she is glad that she hasn’t lost her mind yet.
When we asked her about the crazy things she has done, she simply said, “It’s not the right question to ask me, as I am not the crazy one in the film.
But the other four — Arshad, Irrfan, Rajpal and Suresh are. I play a psychologist trying to re-store their sanity.” Another ‘mad’ film in the offing! And Roshan is hoping that it’ll do some krazzy business at the box office.
Shahid patches up with mom
Shahid patches up with mom
There have been many stories on why Shahid Kapoor has been hesitating to give the go-ahead for his mother Neelima Azim’s debut directorial venture.
Here’s the real reason: Shahid was never the same with his mother ever since she married Raza Ali Khan four years ago.
However, the situation is now changing. The mother and son are mending bridges. A few weeks ago, Shahid went over to his mother’s house and had a long discussion with her and Raza.
A source close to Shahid and Neelima tells us, "Shahid was not comfortable when Neelima informed him that she was marrying Raza. He had strong reservations about the marriage and he told his mother about it. He told her that she should take some time before taking the plunge. However, Neelima had her own reasons to not delay the marriage."
"After Neelima’s marriage, Neelima and Shahid began moving apart emotionally. Shahid used to visit her, but the visits became fewer and far in between. However, it seems to be a case of ‘all’s well that ends well’ now. Some time back, Shahid and Raza met to try and break the ice and are on better terms now. It is not easy for Raza too, so both Shahid and Raza have to make a lot of effort in the days to come," our source adds.
When contacted, Neelima said, "Well, Shahid had his point of view and I had mine. It’s okay. Things are falling in place now. After all, I am his mother."
Buzz is that Neelima plans to cast Govinda, Shahid and Amrita Rao in the main roles in her film. Shahid will soon go through the script and give his reply by end of this month.
Shahid’s parents, Neelima Azim and Pankaj Kapur separated when Shahid was only three, and Neelima brought him up single-handedly. Pankaj went on to marry Supriya Pathak.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Now English version
Now English version
GANDHI MY FATHER, the much acclaimed film by producer Anil Kapoor and director Feroz Abbas Khan, is going international. Not many are aware that the film was shot in two versions -- Hindi and English. While the Hindi version had a theatrical release last year, the English version will release more than a year after the Hindi version hit the screens -- in October this year, to be precise.
“Feroz is in the U.S., talking to the international distributors,” Anil Kapoor confirms the development, “We are looking at releasing the English version this year.” However, the English version will be released internationally, not in India.
Vocal train:Juhi
Vocal train:Juhi
Juhi Chawla is now set to give a new dimension to her career.
The actor has now sung a song in her upcoming film, Bhootnath. Juhi and Shah Rukh Khan play the parents of a young boy in Bhootnath while Amitabh Bachchan plays the title role. Music directors Vishal-Shekhar were more than thrilled when Juhi agreed to sing for them.
Vishal, who finished recording the song with Juhi recently, said, "I was impressed with Juhi’s singing abilities. She is a well-trained singer who has a good command over her voice. She was her usual bubbly self when she came to record the song with us. Although she is new to playback singing, she worked like a professional and we finished recording the song in a few hours."
Vishal-Shekhar thought of making Juhi sing the song as she is a trained singer and her voice will add the much-needed authenticity to the song’s mood.
Vishal added, "Juhi is a trained singer and the film’s director Vivek Sharma thought it was a great idea to have her sing in the film. We all got excited and asked Juhi if she wanted to sing in Bhootnath. Thankfully, she too was thrilled with the idea."
Commenting on the song, Vishal said, "Juhi sings for the little boy who plays her son in the film. She is
cajoling the child in the song. It’s a very touching song and Javed Akhtarsaab has done a great job with the lyrics." The song has two versions a male one sung by Amitabh Bachchan and the female one sung by Juhi Chawla.
40 hurt in demonstrations against 'Jodhaa Akbar'
40 hurt in demonstrations against 'Jodhaa Akbar'
Demonstrations against the screening of Jodhaa Akbar at a cinema in Sangli in Maharashtra turned violent Wednesday as nearly 40 people received minor injuries when police baton charged them leading to pelting of stones at state transport buses by the mob.
According to the demonstrators, the police action was "without any provocation".
The incident followed the protest staged by Shivpratisthan and other saffron groups in front of the cinema hall which was screening the Ashutosh Gowarikar film.
The theatre owner complied with the demand to close the show and also removed the posters of the Aishwarya Rai – Hrithik Roshan starrer, which the demonstrators alleged, has hurt sentiments of Rajputs.
Trouble, however, started when the protestors later gathered in front of the Shivaji statue in the city to hold a rally, leading to the baton charge.
The mob then swelled in numbers and indulged in widespread stone throwing at state transport buses.
Police, who have detained eight persons, described the situation to be under control.
Ranbir Kapoor is Deepika Padukone's saawariya!
Ranbir Kapoor is Deepika Padukone's saawariya!
Well, it’s almost confirmed. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are in love and they are not so hush-hush about it.
Deepika has really puzzled the paparazzi by her continual flitting from one man to another. For a long time she has been linked with model Nihar Pandya who is also a family friend of hers. Then she got inclined towards the swashbuckling cricketer Yuvraj Singh. But ever since she began shooting with Ranbir Kapoor for director Siddharth Anand’s film, she and Ranbir have been spotted together more than often.
While the sparks between Ranbir and Deepika first flew even before the releases of their debut films last year, their “friendship” was rekindled on the sets of the Yashraj Film in Australia.
And now, the couple seems inseparable. They often go out shopping and dining together.
The chemistry between Ranbir and Deepika was visible at the last week’s Filmfare Awards where they both won the best Debutant awards respectively.
While they were backstage, the two were overheard expressing their love to each other.
According to Mumbai Mirror, it was Ranbir who opened his heart first, looked straight and deep into Deepika’s eyes and said: “I Love You.” Deepika blushed a little and responded in a whisper: “I Love You too”.
The two were apparently not aware that someone was listening to their sweet nothings.
Later that night, Ranbir and Deepika went to a party where they danced, held hands and, reportedly, even kissed.
WHAT ABOUT YUVRAJ?
It is learnt that Deepika dumped Yuvraj because the relationship with him was not getting anywhere, with him busy with his matches and she shooting for her films. Rumour also has it that Yuvi wanted to continue the relationship but Deepika pulled the plug. Perhaps, now we can understand the reason behind Yuvi’s lack of form on the field in Australia.
Himesh flees from Nairobi...
Himesh flees from Nairobi...
The unit of Satish Kaushik's Karzzzz came into a bit of serious scare when political unrest and widespread riot broke out in one of the film's primary locations in Kenya. The location has now been shifted to South Africa.
Says Himesh, "I really don't know what happened. But the producer Bhushan Kumar and director Satish Kaushik heard the news there was widespread political unrest in Kenya.
So they decided to shift the location for Karzzz from Kenya to South Africa. Now we're shooting on Johannesberg."
Adds Satish Kaushik, "I was very keen to shoot Karzzz in Nairobi. But there's so turmoil right across Kenya! I also wanted to shoot some key action scenes with Himesh involving aircrafts in Mombasa which is such a beautiful place.
But we quickly had to shift location because riots broke out days before we were supposed to start shootin. So we've shifted the action scenes to Cape Town."
Currently Himesh is shooting at the posh casino at the Emperor Palace in Johannesberg until 21 February.
Says Satish, "We shot two lavish songs in this location with Himesh, his leading lady Sheweta and Raj Babbar. The first song was a party song Mashallah tera chehra when Himesh sees Shweta for the first time.
We shot with a group of ballroom dancers from a well-known troupe in South Africa. The second song Rab kare main mar javan was a romantic duet with Himesh and Shweta with fifty hip-hop and cabaret dancers.
I'm now shooting a background song Dhoom tere ishq ki."
Satish gives glowing marks to Indra Kumar's daughter who stars opposite Himesh. "I had auditioned her before signing her.She's got what it takes.
I should know because I've in the past introduced Tabu in Prem, Bhumika Chawla in Tere Naam and, Sheena Shahabadi in my forthcoming Tere Sang. So I guess I'm qualified to recognize talent."
Satish promises that the songs in his Karzzz would be on a scale we've seen in Subhash Ghai's Karz. "But let me make it clear Himesh and I aren't trying to compete with Rishi Kapoor and Subhash Ghai. This is our homage to the earlier Karz."
Aamir's six packs!
Aamir's six packs!
The actor had acquired six-pack abs in October during a month-long schedule in South Africa where he had shot for a special dance number for Ghajini. Since then, however, he had lost his six-pack and put on some weight.
Now, he had to complete the dance number (about 30 per cent of it was left) at Film City recently. However, when choreographer Ahmed Khan met him, he realised that Aamir’s body was not matching the earlier shoot. Ahmed Khan pointed out that Aamir had lost his six-pack abs and had also become a little plump. So how could they shoot?
That’s when Aamir requested Ahmed to give him 21 days to get back to shape for the song. And sure enough, the actor achieved his target in 21 days. He returned with six-pack abs in three weeks!
Ahmed Khan says, "We had shot this song in South Africa four months ago, in October, and it turned out to be excellent. Later I wanted to add some variations in the song for it to look better. So I requested Aamir for some extra time. But Aamir got busy with the post-production and promotion of Taare Zameen Par. Finally, when I met him last month to discuss the song, I saw that his six-pack was gone, he was also looking plump. When I pointed this out to him, he requested me to give him 21 days to get back the same look. When I met him 20 days later, he was looking as perfect as he was in South Africa. We shot the song over four days."
Needless to say, Ahmed Khan is impressed with the actor’s commitment. He says, "Aamir not only has commitment, but will power too. Imagine getting six-pack abs twice over, for a film!"
I Love You too, Deepika to Ranbir
I Love You too, Deepika to Ranbir
Deepika Padukone stumped everyone at 53rd Annual Filmfare Awards ceremony when she left with friend-turned-beau Ranbir Kapoor. We hear that they are not just back together or dating but very much in love too.
Ranbir was overheard telling Deepika, "I love you" while the two were backstage during the award ceremony to which Deepika's whispered and shy response was "I love you too".
After the award function, both of them headed for Farah Ali Khan’s party, where they held hands, stuck to each other through the night and even kissed.
Earlier this month, talking to press, Ranbir claimed that his relationship with Deepika was platonic.
"We have been friends. Then she was busy with her first film's release and I was busy with mine. Recently we were shooting in Australia and became friendly again. She's an amazing, caring girl. I enjoy spending time with her," he was quotes as saying
The Kapoor lad, who has frequently been spotted on dinner dates with Padukone, also explained that, like every Kapoor, he is a foodie too. So he goes out with Deepika to try out everything from lobsters and snails to vada paavs.
But that was history. Post Filmfares the two look very much in love and not trying to hide their feelings either. Our best wishes the cutest couple in Bollywood.
Rani Mukherjee all set to marry Aditya Chopra?
Rani Mukherjee all set to marry Aditya Chopra?
Reports are that Rani Mukherjee is all set to marry Aditya Chopra , now that he has filed for divorce.
The divorce between Aditya and Payal Khanna will be final in May and that is when the director is all set to tie the knot with Rani.
In the meantime, Aditya and Payal are living out the mandatory six-month separation period.
“Once the divorce is signed, both Rani and Adi are eager to tie the knot,” reveals a close family friend.
“Though there have been rumours that they are already engaged, that is all untrue. Adi was very particular about getting the divorce first before formalising anything else,” he says.
Once all the legalities of the divorce are settled, the couple plans to have a grand wedding in Mumbai.
But right now, Aditya still has to deal with his father Yash Chopra and mom Pamela who are still said to be head over heels so much in love with Payal, that they have refused to accept Rani.
Sources close to the family reveal that the situation had become so bad that Chopra senior had asked his son to walk away from the Rs 1,000 crore Yashraj Films empire, which Aditya has played huge part in building.
On the other hand, Payal was gifted a plush bungalow in Khar, Mumbai, by her in-laws and after the divorce she will get Rs 25 crore as alimony.
Presently, Aditya is reportedly staying in a five star hotel and Rani moved into her own apartment at Janaki Kutir because it’s not just the Chopras who disapprove of their son’s alliance, Rani’s parents aren’t thrilled with it either.
“Even Rani’s parents are not very happy about the alliance,” says a prominent director and a close friend of the actress.
“That’s why Rani had to move out.”
Months back, the news of their engagement has hit the headlines but then both of them declared it baseless.
Finally, Aditya and Rani will tie into matrimonial knot soon after the settlement of his divorce in May.
Urmila Matondkar turns stylish for Karzz
Urmila Matondkar turns stylish for Karzz
Actress Urmila Matondkar will play a super-glamorous 50-plus woman who lives in isolated splendour in a castle, wears the most stunning clothes and plays out life queen-size in a remake of the 1980 blockbuster Karz.
She will be riding horses, flying planes and gambling the night away in casinos.
Says Urmila: "The character will be an ageless diva. A very stylish and super-exclusive heiress and her clothes and demeanour will reflect a kind of inherent glamour."
Urmila's favourite costume designer Manish Malhotra is working on her clothes that will reflect the character's diva-like splendour. A budget of several crores of rupees has been set aside for the wardrobe.
Manish Malhotra has been asked to design some of the most elaborate and expensive clothes ever worn by an actress for any part. "Manish and I have collaborated on numerous films. But this one will be something else," laughs Urmila.
Director Satish Kaushik says Urmila in Karzz will be the epitome of a glamorous high-flying existence.
"She will be a 50-plus woman, who will ride horses, fly planes and gamble the night away in casinos. She will be living the high life at the highest level," Kaushik said.
It will apparently be the most lavishly done-up female character ever in a Hindi movie.
"We're certainly aiming at that. And Urmila has the correct body language to carry off the role of a queen-like socialite, who sings and shakes a leg in two songs with Himesh Reshammiya. This character will be completely different, far more sensuous and glamorous than the character in Subhash Ghai's Karzz," Kaushik promises.
Simi Garewal, who played Kamini, the original diva in Ghai's Karzz, had commented that Sushmita Sen, not Urmila, was more suited for the remake.
Satish laughs when queried about the comment. "Simi ji is entitled to her opinion. But Sushmita would've been too imposing and intimidating. We wanted someone who can be a socialite and a dancer, someone to match steps and body language with Himesh," he said.
Sources close to the director say the character's clothes, hairstyles and lifestyle seem to indicate royal status. It has apparently been inspired by Gayatri Devi of the former princely state of Jaipur.
Bollywood’s Miss Twinkle Toes
Bollywood’s Miss Twinkle Toes
Those never ending legs are toiling hard. The music system is doing its job. The choreographer, who happens to be the artist’s mother is busy doing her job. Porcelain beauty Isha Sharvani doesn’t get a minute to sit. She is rehearsing for a stage show in Ahmedabad. Beaded with sweat, the dancer flashes a radiant smile that lights up her face.
Enough to encourage us to begin the interview without much ado. “This will be your first performance in Ahmedabad, what does it feel like,” we ask. “Yes,” she answers and switches on to Gujarati immediately. The graceful actor-dancer, whose family gave her the name Isha Sharvani does not believe in carrying her father’s or mother’s name. She respects her parents’ belief in individuality. Daughter of Daksha Sheth, an acclaimed dancer and Dev Issro, an Australian percussionist Isha has learnt Kathak, Chau, Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb from her mom.
After a Bollywood debut in Subhash Ghai’s Kisna , Isha got more talked about after her flexible tango with dream boat Hrithik Roshan in a commercial. Was that experience of sharing centrestage with Hrithik unnerving? “Well, Hrithik is just awesome as a dancer and I think it’s for the audience to say, if I could match my steps with him,” she avers.
And when she was not putting on her ghungroos for concerts and shows, Isha wrapped up Ajay Devgan’s U Me aur Hum. Does she feel the need to learn more as an actor? “I think we never stop learning. Having said that, even in dancing I don’t have just one inspiration. I go across the world and there is so much to learn.”
How does it feel to be a part of a film industry, which can instantly accept or reject anyone? Isha has big expectations from her forthcoming projects. The actor feels that acting has made her a more emotional performer. “I really admire Nicole Kidman who can sing, dance and act. I think I can be called a dancing actor.”
A firm believer in hard work, Isha feels destiny is about the choices you make and making those choices happen for you. Single, fancy-free and footloose right now, does she prefer it this way? The answer is spontaneous, “Yes, I am enjoying being single but I don’t know if I am fancy free and footloose because right now my legs need to stretch after those rehearsals,” she laughs.
Film Industry's apathy to Manorama and Rajendranath's death
Within one week, Hindi cinema lost two of its enduring comic talents Rajendranath and Manorama. And Bollywood couldn't care less. In fact, those who knew them faintly had no clue they were gone!
"Funny, because Rajendranath had very prestigious connections in the industry," says the 1960s' jubilee gal, Asha Parekh. "Rajendranath and I did our first film together. It was Nasir Husain's Dil Deke Dekho. We went on to do a series of musical films. Poor fellow, he always used to get beaten up by me in all our movies. He was Mrs Raj Kapoor's brother. Premnath, very famous in his own right, was his elder brother. Rajendranath was married and had a son and daughter. So, at least he had people close to him. But he was a recluse. Very quiet and non-humorous in real life. I don't think I was in touch with him for twenty years. He lived on the other end of Mumbai and he didn't want to meet friends," Ashaji trails off sadly.
Continues the pensive actress, "We lost another comic talent. Manoramaji squandered all her money on cards. She died in the hospital. Her husband was an actor Rajan Haksar. I think there was a boy named Sam who took care of her. But where was the rest of the industry? The problem is, only a handful of stars make money. The Bachchans and the Khans have their financial advisors and they invest wisely. The smaller character-actors aren't able to be wise about their money…I wonder if you'll ring up people about me after my death, like you're ringing me up about Rajendranathji and Manoramaji," Ashaji's laughter rings across the telephone line.
Character-actress Shammi has her own story to tell. "I worked with Rajendranath in numerous films. He was a sweet gentle shy soul. But since we worked together in so many films, he had opened up to me. In some of Suraj Prakash's films we were paired together. I didn't even know Manoramaji had passed away! We used to meet at Sunil Dutt Saab's off and on. It's sad that the TV channels hardly said anything about the death of these comic talents. Rajendranath was a very prominent actor of his time. He used be part of many big-banner productions. I guess I too will be forgotten in the same way," sighs the 78-year old actress. "I keep myself busy doing television. I've one daily soap Ghar Ek Sapna on hand. I do it more because it keeps me connected with my colleagues. It's nice to go out to work everyday. It gives you a sense of purpose."
Pressure to be glam is killing:Sam
Pressure to be glam is killing:Sam
Pressure to be glam is killing:Sam
To use a cliche, there’s more to Sameera Reddy than what meets the eye. It’s just that what meets the eye when you meet the tall, striking actress is pretty good to look at, so it’s no surprise that people miss the other stuff.
That other stuff includes the fact that she’s a trained classical dancer, a business buff, a techno freak and a former-fat kid. “Oh yes, I was a chubby kid. But it was a jyotishi who told me that I would be an actress. I was around 14 or 15 years old then, and it made my father laugh. He said, ‘She’ll probably be married in a few years, or she’ll go into business with me.’ But I did it!” says Sameera with a grin.
That business bit – was her father serious about that? “Oh, I’m a business freak!” Sameera laughs. “I’d much rather figure out what stocks are hot or which shares to pick up than read gossip about filmstars. And even my mobile game (yes, she has her own mobile game) is a way of doing business. If I’m good enough to be a brand on my own, why not exploit it?”
Smells perfectly corporate. What about life in cinema – she’s done very diverse roles in regional cinema, hasn’t she? “When I was doing Ishq kabhi kariyo na in Goa, I was juggling it with Kaalpurush in Kolkata. So, I was shuttling between being super-glam, and being as simple as possible. I’m a director’s person. The shift doesn’t worry me.” And being ultra-glam – does that worry her? “I love being called hot. It’s made me what I am. But there’s this pressure to be glamorous all the time,” she says. “It’s killing. One bad day and they rip you apart. The sorts of pictures of me that are published and the sorts of things that are written about – it used to worry my father till some time ago. But when I was on vacation with my family a few times, and there was gossip that I was elsewhere, that’s when he began to be reassured that most of it was concocted.”
But she makes sure she switches off from it all when she’s off work. “My phone’s off, I’m unreachable – when I’m off, I’m off,” Sameera says. “I like to keep what’s personal, personal. Even when journalists say they’d like to see my house or meet my family, I refuse. There are always two people – the star and the person. Never confuse the two. I mean, I have to do other things in life. I have to settle down, maybe get into production with my sis...” Huh? “My sister Sushma wants to get into production now. That’s her new baby. Since I do want to get into business one way or another, let’s see. There’s so much to do. You can’t do all that if you keep thinking you’re this diva,” she smiles.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Cinema chill thaws between India, Pakistan
Cinema chill thaws between India, Pakistan
Pakistan lifted the ban on exhibition of Indian movies early this month and Firoz Nadiadwala's Welcome was the first Bollywood movie to be "officially" released in Pakistan. And now Khuda Ke Liye, in which actor Naseeruddin Shah plays a major role, is also going to be "officially" released in India on March 28 for the first time.
Bollywood movies may have been released in cinemas in Pakistan on and off, but the government of Pakistan officially lifted the ban on exhibition of Indian movies early this month.
Firoz Nadiadwala's Welcome was the first Bollywood movie to be "officially" released in Pakistan Feb 8 after "the Senate standing committee on culture recommended to the government to allow exhibition of Indian movies under a proper censorship policy".
The movie is currently running to packed houses in Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Multan. It is reported to have netted more than Rs 70 million from the local box-office.
Legendary singer Mukesh's wife passes away
Legendary singer Mukesh's wife passes away 
An 'Ira' ended when Hrithik Roshan's grandmom, the legendary music composer Roshan's wife Ira Roshan passed away a couple of years ago. And now, Roshan's best friend the late singer Mukesh's wife, Saral Mukesh, also passed away on Monday. Neil Mukesh Mathur who was very close to his grandmother was inconsolable.
"I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who lived in the same building as my parents and me. While we occupy the first floor, Dadee stayed on the seventh floor. As a child, I'd look forward to weekends. Every Friday my sister and I would rush to her floor. And since there was no school on Saturday and Sunday we were allowed to sleep with her. She would tell us so many stories about my grandfather, his friendship with Raj Uncle (Raj Kapoor). I'd stare at the pictures of my grandfather and Raj Uncle and at the Filmfare trophies lined up on her shelf, hoping that one day I'd get one too. It's strange but I danced at the Filmfare award for the first time just two days before Dadee died."
Nayantara queening it up in Tamil cinema
Nayantara queening it up in Tamil cinema
The stunner from neighbouring Kerala, Nayantara , is literally queening it up in Tamil cinema.
Nayan, whose spellbinding performance in Billa has mesmerised the Tamil film fans, is all set to do another movie with her Billa hero, Ajith .
The grapevine has it that Nayan has been signed up for Ajit's next film, titled ‘Egan’, which will be directed by Raju Sundaram.
The plum role has gone to Nayantara after a few other heroines failed to make it, says the buzz.
Among those who were approached for the glamorous role were Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif , Tollywood bombshell Ileana and Sivaji heroine, Shriya .
Nayan's joy knows no bounds as she is also likely to be paired with the superstar Rajnikant in his latest flick, ‘Kuselan’!
Mandira Bedi joins the 'Krazzy 4'
Mandira Bedi joins the 'Krazzy 4'
Till about a few years back, whenever there used to be a mention of cricket, there was just one name that popped up, Sachin Tendulkar. But this equation changed a couple of years back with the entry of the most ‘unsuspected’ player (off-field).
She was none other than Mandira Bedi, the original ‘Shanti’ of the Tellyland. She made national headlines with her anchoring of cricket shows, which was followed by a series of many others. She is back with the much awaited Rakesh Roshan’s comedy flick Krazzy 4.
Speaking about her role to Bollywood Hungama, she said “It’s a different kind of concept that Bollywood is going to witness. Even though I am not acting in the film, I am playing an ‘anchor’ in the film. In the sense, I play a visiting psychiatrist, who does her bit by introducing the four lead characters (Irrfan, Suresh, Rajpal and Arshad) by interviewing them.”
On the professional front, besides Krazzy 4, Mandira is looking forward to her next project Mumbai Chakachak, wherein she plays the role of Anarkali, a character who believes in every possible social cause and eventually joins Rahul Bose.
On the personal front, she said that her husband Raj Kaushal (who was not keeping well for some time) is fine now and is working on a film project, details of which will be announced shortly.
Why Bachchans stayed away from Filmfare Awards?
The entire Bachchan family was missing from the last week’s Filmfare Awards. Sources say Shah Rukh Khan’s presence could be the reason.
The who’s who of Bollywood was there at one of the most prestigious award shows for Hindi Film Industry on Saturday. But the absence of the Bachchans stood out among the galaxy of stars.
The purported reason for the Bachchans’ absence was that they are mourning the passing away of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother Teji Bachchan, late last year. But the reason looks flimsy because the family was seen in quite a jolly mood at the premiere of bahu Aishwarya Rai ’s film Jodhaa Akbar in mid Feb.
And let us not forget that the entire family had got together in Jaipur in the first week of February to celebrate the birthday of Abhishek Bachchan . It was another thing that the celebrations were cancelled at the eleventh hour after Amitabh Bachchan caught flu.
And if the family is really bereaving, would Abhishek and Aishwarya be seen dancing at the sangeet function of musician Ayaan Ali’s wedding recently?
Sources say that in all likelihood, the Bachchans stayed away from Filmfare Awards because Shah Rukh Khan was the co-host of a significant portion for the show along with Saif Ali Khan .
The family has apparently not yet forgotten SRK’s controversial joke on Big B’s good friend Amar Singh at the Filmfare Awards last year. After a raunchy performance by females on stage, SRK had joked that he could see “darindagi” (beastliness) in Amar Singh’s eyes. It was a remark which Singh did not take lightly and expressed his disapproval.
And since Big B considers Amar Singh as his “brother”, he decided to stay away from this year’s Filmfare Awards on Saturday because Singh was definitely not going to attend the function.
A reliable source tells us that Big B has no ill feelings towards SRK. But he also doesn’t want to hurt the feelings of Amar Singh by attending the show where Singh was “humiliated” last year.
Whatever the case, we think it all is much ado about nothing.
Shah Rukh Khan asked to learn from Aamir Khan
Shah Rukh Khan asked to learn from Aamir Khan
Apparently hitting back at Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan , Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said public icons who passed off smoking on screens as "creative liberty" should take a leaf out of the book of actors like Aamir Khan how to use the artistic tool.
"Creative liberty should be used to improve society and not kill mankind", Ramadoss said in response to a query on public icons supporting smoking on screen as their right to creative liberty.
"Look at Taare Zameen Par ", he said, saying the film has helped in changing the mindset of thousands of teachers and parents in looking at the problem of dyslexia.
"That is what creative liberty should do", he said on Friday.
SRK had recently defended in Delhi on-screen smoking saying it was a creative liberty of artistes.
According to Ramadoss, increasing tobacco abuse by students was a growing matter of concern.
The Indian component of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey indicated that nearly 10 per cent of Indian high school going students used tobacco products.
Ramadoss had last month said Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and SRK can learn a thing or two from superstar Rajnikant regarding smoking on screen. He had also said SRK should not have smoked in the stands while watching a cricket match in Mumbai.
Riya becomes seedhi saadhi
Riya becomes seedhi saadhi
Is Riya Sen looking for a change of image, at least from the look of her picture alongside, it does show that the actress wants to do something different. Riya will soon be seen playing a village belle in Zor Laga Ke Hayya and will be seen wearing a nine yard saree in the film.
When asked if there was reluctance when the role was offered to her, the actress said she agreed instantly, “I always wanted to play a village belle.” Producer Kartikeya Talreja however said, “Riya was a bit reluctant but when we explained to her how it will be a good change for her, she agreed to do the film.”
Riya plays a construction worker in the film, so did she meet some construction workers to learn their mannerisms and behaviour? “I have seen them all my life,” she says. Zor Laga Ke Haiyya also deals with issues like redevelopment and environment. Riya works as a construction worker and Mahesh Manjrekar plays a contractor who has the hots for Riya. Mithun Chakraborty is also in the film.
Priyanka in ugly fight with Kangana
Priyanka in ugly fight with Kangana 
Madhur Bandakar's Fashion seems to be running into all sort of trouble. We hear that there has been a huge showdown between the leading ladies Priyanka and Kangana Ranaut on the sets just a few days back.
There were also rumours that Priyanka has even had the climax of the film changed.
However, Priyanka said that they have not changed the climax but they just discussed about it. While, the director said that a climax of a movie is open for change.
Actually Priyanka has been working really hard for the film. She has lost a lot of weight to resemble an anorexic model however she was not very comfortable with the original end of the film.
In the originalinal script, Priyanka sleeps around with several men but remains unperturbed even after she gets pregnant. Priyanka was not willing to play this part as it may hurt her image so she coerced director to give into her demands and finally change the climax of the film.
Madhur who is known to make no compromises on any aspect has however has decided to relent to his actress's demands this time round.
According to insiders Priyanka threw such a fit that Madhur was left with little choice but to give in to her demands.
"Madhur was put under extreme pressure by Priyanka. Initially, Madhur had slated Kareena or Bipasha to play the lead role but eventually settled for Priyanka because he felt she would do justice to the character and look what she has done," said a source.
Recently filmmaker Tarun Mansukhani too was at the receiving end from Priyanka. The sultry star put a spanner in the works when she refused to wear a bikini for his forthcoming movie Dostana.
Tarun claims that he had already informed the actress that she had to work out and be in shape for a bikini scene in the movie.
Bipasha Basu in 'Acid Factory'
Bipasha Basu in 'Acid Factory'
Bipasha Basu will be one of the main stars in Sanjay Gupta’s unusually titled production Acid Factory .
The film will not be directed by Sanjay Gupta . Rather, it is Suparn Verma (who directed the dud Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena ) who will wield the megaphone.
So far, Gupta has managed to rope in an impressive cast ensemble for the film.
The movie features Bipasha Basu, Fardeen Khan , Irrfan Khan , Aftab Shivdasani , Manoj Bajpai , Dino Morea and Danny Denzongpa .
The film is being described as an offbeat thriller with many characters. It will be set dominantly in an acid factory.
All the actors will have a very unique look in the film. In fact, Shah Rukh Khan ’s personal fitness trainer, Prashant, has reportedly been roped in to give a new physical makeover to the film’s actors.
‘Acid Factory’ will have music by Salim Suleiman. The film will go on the floors in May. It will be shot in two shooting schedules.
Where were the Bachchans?
Where were the Bachchans?
While we heard some lah-di-dahs whisper, “It’s because Shah Rukh is hosting the event, and you know how rude he was to them last time, nah?”
Others attributed the absence to them not having bagged too many nominations.
The real reason, however, was that the First Family of Bollywood was in mourning. Amitabh’s mother Teji Bachchan passed away a couple of months ago, then close Amar Singh’s dad also passed away recently and the Bachchans aren’t in a celebrating mood.
Now that’s a ‘fair one’, ok!
Hot Couple: Ranbir and Deepika
At the 53rd Fair One Filmfare awards function, we actually caught them saying ‘I love you’ to each other, backstage.
The couple came together backstage and stood huddled waiting for their entry. Probably to alleviate the
tension, Ranbir looked deep into Deepika’s eyes and whispered, “I love you”. Deepika smiled shyly and
whispered right back, “I love you too”. They thought no one had heard them. (They forgot that walls have ears.)
After the awards function, both of them headed for Farah Ali Khan’s party, where they held hands and snuggled up to each other through the night.
Later they even kissed each other with abandon, making no bones about their feelings for each other. They know that we all know about their love. And they don’t care. Way to go, Ranbir, Deepika.
The two got close during the shoot for Siddharth Anand’s film in Australia. Cupid hammered his final blow there. Since then, they’ve been pretty much together.
Incidentally, we’ve heard that Deepika ended her relationship with Yuvraj Singh on the phone.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Adnan Sami’s incomplete love triangle
Adnan Sami’s incomplete love triangle
Another talented name is set to make his mark on the silver screen. Adnan Sami, the once-pudgy-music director is gearing up for his debut with Bhoomika Singh, pretty daughter of Hari Singh. more
Trade Espresso: Hit or miss
Trade Espresso: Hit or miss
The trade and the media appear to be at loggerheads over Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar. If a certain section of the media is claiming that it is a big success, a section of tradewallas is saying that the results of a film made with such a mammoth budget cannot be declared in a week. more
I refuse to sing at weddings even if I'm offered a crore: KK
I refuse to sing at weddings even if I'm offered a crore: KK
H e's less seen than heard. And to think that he has been on the music scene for over 12 years. I meet him at a tiny joint in Bandra over cups of cappucino. Excerpts from a yakety-yak with Krishna Kumar Menon aka KK. more
Composing music is an extension of my being: KK
Composing music is an extension of my being: KK
Bollywood singer Krishna Kumar, fondly called KK by his friends and fans, not only excels in singing but enjoys making his own music too and says, "Composing is an extension of my being, skills and knowledge". more
Bhandarkar shoots 19 hours a day; falls ill
Bhandarkar shoots 19 hours a day; falls ill
Madhur Bhandarkar has fallen ill due to severe exhaustion and stress. This comes as a result of non-stop shooting schedule of Fashion which has taken its toll on the filmmaker's body. Shooting for the film has been on for close to two months now and the last few days have been quite strenuous for everyone involved with the film since Bhandarkar has been shooting for 19-20 hours a day. more
Aishwarya's world tour with Abhishek, Amitabh begins in July
Aishwarya's world tour with Abhishek, Amitabh begins in July
The "unforgettable" Bachchan concert tour featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek, Aishwarya and with Jaya probably being coaxed for a friendly appearance, will begin this July. more
Shah Rukh to play 'Spiderman' for son
Shah Rukh to play 'Spiderman' for son
After getting six-pack abs to please his son, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has another dream for the boy. He wants to do an Indian version of the "Spiderman" as a gift to Aryan who is a big FX and SRK fan. more
CineMaya to take over DD India's Direc TV channel
CineMaya to take over DD India's Direc TV channel
CineMaya Media Group, which has been providing media content to North America and South Asian since it was founded in 2000, launched a television channel, India Plus, here Saturday. It will beam Doordarshan India's Direc TV contents across the globe. more
"I knew Cate wouldn’t get the Oscar " - Shekhar Kapoor
Shekhar Kapoor, currently into pre-production of Paani, his first Hindi film since The Bandit Queen in 14 years, wasn't the least surprised by the Oscars announcement on Monday. His film The Golden Age won the Oscar for Best Costumes. Shekhar played a big hand in how Cate Blanchett was dressed. "I participate in every department of my cinema, costumes included. Otherwise I wouldn't be making films," says Shekhar. "That Alexandra Byrne won an Oscar for the costumes is not a surprise at all. It's a richly-deserved award. Doing the costumes of Elizabeth and now the sequel The Golden Age isn’t the same thing as doing the clothes for contemporary dramas. Clothes are as much a character in Elizabeth as in Jodhaa Akbar, if you know what I mean," says Shekhar. "In the first Elizabeth film Cate Blanchett's clothes expressed innocence and love and vulnerability. In The Golden Age the costumes had to take her from mortal to divine. The clothes were all part of a design that took the character to divinity. We even saw her in a night dress. There she had almost become a spirit."
Akshay Kumar does a Houdini!
Akshay Kumar does a Houdini!
Tied up in chains, actor Akshay Kumar went underwater for a sequence in his film Eight By Ten .
About a hundred years ago, the Hungarian-American conjurer and escapologist Houdini puzzled everyone with his remarkable feats. Houdini could extricate himself from ropes, chains and padlocks while in a sealed coffin, suspended in the air or dunked in a sea. more
Bollywood fascinated with Chandni Chowk
Delhi’s Chandni Chowk has become a favourite hotspot for Bollywood filmmakers.
Just a few weeks back we saw Ajay Devgan hopping terrace-to-terrace and chasing criminals on the labyrinthine streets in the congested locality of Chandni Chowk in Rohit Shetty’s film Sunday . more
Gymming it up: Shahid
Well, whatever the reason maybe, SK visits his suburban gym regularly under the watchful eyes of his personal trainer most of the evenings. more
Aakash's film ready for release!
The film's release had been put on hold for a long time for reasons best known to the filmmakers. "It's true the movie was supposed to release last year but in the last minute we decided to re-shoot some parts of the film and that is what caused the delay. The film is very close to my heart because it almost mirrors some incidents in my life. I enjoyed working in the film," shares Aakash. Perhaps that is the reason why he is also producing the film.
Who is Deepika Padukone actually dating?
Deepika Padukone was reportedly shuttling between Ranbir Kapoor and cricketer Yuvraj Singh just some time back and now is being linked with Nihar Pandya, her ex-flame, once again.
The duo had been spotted together several times of late but one can’t say if the love bug bit them again.
According to some Deepika is trying to find her future with Ranbir only especially after the Yuvraj fiasco.
Just a few days back Deepika was shooting a Pepsi commercial with superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir when Nihar arrived on the sets of the ad film, she preferred the Saawariya star over Nihar, whom she did not welcome.
Though Deepika did not exactly ignore him, but he could sense that her attention was clearly divided.
There was an awkward moment between the two men, who did not exchange even a single word.
So, Nihar left the sets soon enough leaving Deepika giggling with the Kapoor lad once again.
Onlookers on sets reveal that they enjoyed the shoot and loved spending quality time with each other. That’s not all, the couple were also spotted chatting and exchanging sweet nothings at a suburban coffee shop in Mumbai.
So is the Om Shanti Om star really proving to be a pretty indecisiveness girl at this moment or is she just enjoying all the attention?
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Music composer: Salim-Sulaiman
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Music composer: Salim-Sulaiman
It’s the film which matters and appeals, not the director” - Salim Merchant
They composed the music for one of the biggest hits of 2007, Chak De India. The film’s title track went on to become the National Sports Anthem. This was followed by the melodious tracks of Madhuri’s comeback vehicle, Aaja Nachle. But now, Salim-Sulaiman get ready for their biggest challenge as they have been chosen by Aditya Chopra to compose the music for his next directorial venture, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. We spoke with Salim Merchant to know more about the film’s music.
Is it true that Aditya Chopra has signed you up to compose the music for his directorial film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi?
Yes, that is very true. We (Salim-Sulaiman) are composing the music for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. We are very excited about the project, and hope to do our best.
From the title, it seems that the film is romantic. What is the brief given to you for the film?
You know how a Yash Raj Film works; they love to keep it in wraps until its time to finally let it out. Although I know the story, I can barely tell you anything. Once ready, they will announce the film on a very grand scale.
Aditya Chopra is returning back to direction after a span of nearly eight yrs. His past films had record-breaking music. Don’t you think, there’s major responsibility on your shoulders?
Well, we work for the film, there’s nothing big or small. It’s the film, which matters and appeals, not the director. We would have been excited and anxious about the music otherwise also. But I must agree, Aditya is a very good director and it would be a great experience working with him. We will try to do our best with the music for the film.
Jatin-Lalit have been Aditya’s favorite in the past. What is your opinion on their compositions?
Their compositions have been great. They have been in this field for a very long time and successfully given some amazing hits. And times are changing; we cannot call ourselves successful considering we have just begun.
Will you also be doing the background score?
We had begun our career with background scores and we would never give up that at any point of time. Yes of course, we are doing the background score. And when you talk of that, it is a big responsibility, we have just begun getting in compositions and have a long way to go. We have been very fortunate that our songs have been appreciated.
What kind of response did you get for Chak De India and Aaja Nachle?
Well, that I should ask you; I do not want to praise ourselves. It does not make any sense like that. Nevertheless, yaah, it feels great when the song was taken as the national sports anthem but I must add that it was the film that made it like that. The film was a hit and that is why the song was loved so much.
Since the award season has begun, do you expect trophies coming your way this year?
We do not expect anything, because that’s not the intention with which we make music. Our prime motive is to make music for the film and then the audience. But I must agree that all these awards work as a morale booster and do a great job of encouraging us. But the ultimate pleasure is when it works for the film.
So what was the biggest compliment you received for your songs?
Well, the Chak De song becoming the sports anthem itself is a big compliment but what really touched our hearts is when music lovers like A.R. Rahman and Shankar Mahadevan praised our work. They complimented our song, ‘Yeh Honsla’ from Dor and ‘Maula Mere’ from Chak De India and said that it was a very different song. And when Zakir Husain, who is like my guru, praises our music, it’s a different feeling altogether. There’s no bigger compliment than that.
When Salman Khan helped save a life
He may be in the news for all the wrong reasons but very few are privileged to see the benevolent side of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan .
Recently, Salman was shooting in Karjat for the remake of Pokkiri which is being directed by Prabhu Deva .
On one occasion, they had gone to a very select location, where while the shot was being canned, they were surprised to see a little girl standing at a distance watching them shoot. Salman got curious and summoned the girl.
After chatting up with her, Salman came to know that she was ailing from a disease, which needed surgery.
Salman without a second thought, asked the child to fetch her parents.
When they arrived and much to their surprise, Salman donated Rs. 25000 to them so that the girl could be operated upon.
Some time back, two Bandra boys had met with an accident in front of his house in the wee hours of the morning.
Salman was returning from shooting and saw the mangled heap of the car, with both boys bleeding to death.
Salman saved their lives by rushing them to the hospital.
So there is indeed a soft heart beneath that tough exterior.
Upen Patel upset over being sidelined
Actor Upen Patel is upset that director Ashwini Dheer ignored him at the music launch of the upcoming comedy One Two Three .
Though Upen has just a marginal role in the film, he and Ashwini could not see eye-to-eye on many issues while shooting the film. There were constant arguments between Upen and Ashwini on the sets.
At the end of it all, Ashwini was so miffed with Upen that at the editing table he decided to delete Upen’s item song from the film altogether, even though the actor had completely shot for it.
And at the music launch of ‘One Two Three’ a few days back, Ashwini made public his dislike for Upen when he called every single actor associated with the movie on stage except Upen, whom the director simply chose to ignore.
In Upen’s words, he was “shell-shocked and humiliated” at being treated this way. Upen opines that it is normal for an actor and director to have differences while working together, but he doesn’t believe that a spat should be carried beyond the sets.
Upen feels Ashwini humiliated him because he (Upen) is an outsider and doesn’t come from a strong filmi family.
Apart from ‘One Two Three’, Upen will also be seen doing comedy in Ganesh Acharya’s film Money Hai Toh Honey Hai .
Monday, February 25, 2008
D will prove to be lucky for Karan
Karan Johar, who was hitched onto the ‘K’ factor, just like ‘good friend’ Ekta Kapoor, has surprisingly named one of his projects Dostana, as a tribute to his father’s film of the same name.
But will the D-factor work as much as ‘K’? Numerologist Niraj Mancchanda analyses: The title of the film comes to number 25, which is an outstanding number.
Karan is born on 25th May. In the series of 7 among 16, 25, 34 and so on, 25 is the strongest. So the movie will have strong vibrations from day one and will go on to do outstanding business at the box office.
Surprisingly Karan’s not-so-good dost Ram Gopal Verma is also a number 7 and the title of his evergreen hit, Rangeela also comes to 25. So, Karan can expect to do some rangeeli business with his Dostana.
How can they do Raaz 2 without me?: Dino
It has been his career's highest point. The Vikram Bhatt directed Raaz (2002) featuring him and Bipasha Basu, had rocked the box-office. But both Basu and Dino Morea don't figure in the sequel.
The follow-up
Directed by Mohit Suri, has Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut in the lead. Surely, Morea must be disappointed?
To this, he responds, "I'm not disappointed but definitely baffled.How can they make a Raaz 2 without anyone from the original cast? How can it be a sequel, then?"
Meanwhile, the buzz is that he's now dating Lara Dutta , the former girlfriend of his buddy KellyDorje?
"Hey, Kelly's a friend. Lara and I also go back a longway to the time when we were modelling in Banglaore. But I guess the industry doesn't believe in the 'we're just good friends' concept any more.
"I'm not disappointed but definitely baffled.How can they make a Raaz 2 without anyone from the original cast? How can it be a sequel, then?"
Time for action
On the professional front, after Dus Kahaniyan, Dino Morea has signed up for Acid Attack, another movie with Sanjay Gupta. He won't reveal much because, "Sanjay wants to have a big launch. It's an action-packed thriller. I've even got myself a new look.. lean, mean and long hair. "
There's also Heroes , featuring Salman Khan, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Mithun Chakraborty and Preity Zinta. Won't he be lost in the crowd?
"It's not a long role but the story will stay with you for a long time," promises Dino.
"Mithun and mine is a father-son story, Salman and Preity are husband and wife while Sunny and Bobby portray brothers. We're all army officers with the same amount of footage while Sohail ( Khan ) and Vatsal ( Seth ) take this on-the-road movie forward."
Item boy
He has a special appearance in Har Pal. "It's a fun song. I'm a DJ in a nightclub. Preity called and I couldn't say no. I'm an item boy now, he jokes.
Magna's Bhram is releasing next month followed by the desi Rebecca, Anamika, in April.
"Deh is complete too but I don't think it'll ever be out. And the producer of Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi, a thriller I signed four years ago, has just woken up and wants to start shooting," he sighs. He has his own production house now. But for the moment, he's only into ad films that fetch him good money.
"Maybe if I get a good script and director, I'll start a film by the end of the year," he shrugs.
I am not scared of Khali: Tanushree
After displaying her oomph factor in films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Chocolate, Tanushree Dutta is ready for some mind-boggling action in her forthcoming film Rama The Saviour. She’ll be cast opposite the 7 feet 3 inch tall wrestler, ‘the Great Indian Khali’. In a tête-à-tête with CT, she bares her soul...
IN AWE OF KHALI:
“Khali is a real terror and very intimidating. Though I am not at all scared of him and wish to know more about his lifestyle, I am not going to ask him many questions. I am ready to put my best foot forward in the fight scenes and have been especially trained by a famous action director from Vietnam for the movie.”
TRICKS OF THE TRADE:
“Without any godfather to support me, survival can be tough in this industry. Today, I know the tricks of the trade and deal with people accordingly. So, I keep them at a distance and if people call me a snob, I just don’t care. It isn’t that I don’t care for people, but I can’t be polite just to please people.”
ON BODY BEAUTIFUL:
“I strongly feel that being called sexy is the best compliment any woman can get. I like it when people say that I have a sensuous body. I work hard to maintain my curves. I eat right, exercise well and take care of my hair and skin.”
BOLLYWOOD HOTTIES:
“I find the four Khans very sexy. But it’s none other than Amitabh Bachchan who is the hottest of them all. Mr Bachchan is beyond comparison. I find him really exciting and he has an amazing sex appeal. And let me tell you, Abhishek is a hunk too.”
FAVE OBSESSION:
“I have a fetish for buying shoes even though it sounds a little weird for a lady to choose footwear over lipsticks and nail paints. I travel a lot and the moment I spot a shoe shop, I can’t resist buying one. The last time I tried counting my shoes was about eight months back and the number was 330 back then. Since then, there have been many more additions to my shoe stock and now I have actually lost count.”
Deepika Padukone is proving to be a pretty indecisiveness girl at this moment. The Om Shanti Om beauty who was caught shuttling between Ranbir Kapoor and Yuvraj Singh just some time back is being linked with Nihar Pandya, her ex-flame, once again. The duo had been seen soptted together several times of late but if the love bug bit them again, we don’t know. According to some Padukone is trying to find her future with Ranbir Kapoor only espacially after Yuvraj Singh fiasco. Just a few days back she was shooting a soft drink commercial with Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor when Nihar arrived on the set of the ad film, she preferred RK over Nihar, whom she did not welcome. Though Deepika did not exactly ignore him, but he could sense that her attention was clearly divided. There was an awkward moment between the two men, who did not exchange even a single word. So, Poor guys left the sets soon enough leaving Deepika giggling with Kapoor lad once again. The onllokers on sets reveal that they enjoyed the shoot and loved spending quality time with each other. That’s not all, the couple were also spotted chatting and exchanging sweet nothings at a suburban coffee shop in Mumbai!