Mumbai girl crowned Miss India Universe

Mumbai girl crowned Miss India Universe

Simran Kaur Mundi of Mumbai was crowned Miss India Universe 2008 at a glittering function held at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on Saturday night.

Parvathy Omanakuttam of Kerala won the Miss India World crown while Harshita Saxena of Goa was declared Miss India Earth.

All the three winners will represent the country at the international beauty paegants during the year.

They were selected from among 28 finalists in the presence of prominent personalities from the field of fashion and Bollywood.

The beauty paegant brought international fame to Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza among others in recent years.

The elimination rounds were interspersed with scintillating performances by Bollywood divas Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Sameera Reddy. The performances were choreographed by ace dancer Shiamak Davar.

Femina Miss India South is Femina Miss India World 2008!

Femina Miss India South is Femina Miss India World 2008!

The evening of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India was full of glamour, entertainment and anxiety as the beautiful 28 contestants sashayed down the ramp to win the coveted beauty contest.

Looking absolutely stunning were the hosts for the evening! South superstar Madhavan along with the very gorgeous Diya Mirza played the perfect hosts for the evening. They sported stunning outfits designed by Ritu Kumar and Shaina NC.

The event which was a perfect test of beauty and brains for the contestants was graced by a panel of judges that comprised of actors like Tabu, Zeenat Aman, Katrina Kaif designers Rina Dhaka and JJ Vallaya, choreographer Shiamak Davar, ace journalist Arnab Goswami who posed ‘women oriented’ questions to the contestants.

The evening was star studded and the stars proved their worth by rendering absolutely electrifying performances! Sameera Reddy clad in a stunning red jump suit paid tribute to the dazzling yester year diva Zeenat Aman by performing on her 70’s dancer numbers while Bips set everybody’s heart racing as she lit her bidi on fire! However it was Kareena Kapoor who stole the show and made the audiences go Mauja Mauja with her Shakira-esque moves!

Of the 28 contestants, the five contestants who made it to the final round were Harshita Saxena, Tanvi Vyas, Parvathy Omanakuttan, Simran Kaur Mundi and Sangeeta Chauhan. All five were asked a common question and given 90 seconds to come up with a winning answer! ‘What is the cause of the rise in divorce rate in India. Is it western influence or something else’ was the question and the best answer definitely walked away with the crown!

It was 20 year old Parvathy Omanakuttan from Kerala who grabbed the crown as she left the audiences and judges spell bound with her million dollar reply! “Divorces are not a result of western influence. At the end of the day, it is we who decide whose worth us. Marriage is not when one completes the other but is when both share their completeness” said the youngster thus evoking a roaring applause. The youngster walked away with the top honour of winning ‘Femina Miss India World 2008’, while the other two winners were Harshita Saxena, who was crowned as Pantaloons Femina Miss Earth 2008 and Simran Kaur Mundi who became the Femina Miss India Universe 2008.

The event had few light moments too of which the two which left us in fits of laughter were 1 – when a nervous contestant addressed Katrina as ‘Katrina’s Kaif’ and 2 – when Madhavan in his true witty self commented, rather criticized the contestants for the over-usage of ‘COMPASSION’ in their answers!

Over all, The Pantaloons Femina Miss India event was one magical night for not just the contestants and winners but also the audiences who got to see a paisa vasool show!

Porvorim girl crowned Miss India Earth 2008

Porvorim girl crowned Miss India Earth 2008


Panaji, April 5 At the grand finale of the Femina Miss India 2008 held in Mumbai, Harshita Saxena, a 20-year old beauty from Porvorim, was crowned the Miss India Earth 2008 at the Femina Miss India 2008.

Simran Kaur, a 22-year-old from Mumbai won the Miss India Universe 2008 title and Parvathy Omanakuttam, (20) from Kerala, was crowned Miss World 2008 at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday evening.

The Femina Miss India 2008, which is at the summit as far as beauty contests go, today saw the country's top 29 beauties vying for the three most prestigious titles, Miss India Universe, Miss India World and Miss India Earth.

The finalists set the ramp on fire as they walked across it. Hemant Trevedi choreographed the event.

Superstar from the south, R Madhavan hosted the show and the evening saw dazzling performances from Biapasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and Sameera Reddy.

The three were chosen from the final five: Harshita, Tanvi, Parvathy, Simran and Sangeeta C.

Bollywood call for South African beauties!

Bollywood call for South African beauties!


AHMEDABAD, April 5: Like all aspiring models and actresses, the glamour of Bollywood has also bowled over Jeanne Kietzmann and Sharmone Jardim. And now, they are planning to have a go at it when their better halves are busy playing in the Indian Premier League starting April 14.

A part-time actress and model Jeanne will be based in Bangalore for the whole period when her boyfriend Dale Steyn battles it out for the Bangalore team in IPL. In an informal chat with TOI she expressed that she wants to try her luck in Bollywood.

"IPL matches would last for just three hours so I plan to devote rest of my time getting in touch with advertising agencies in Mumbai. Let’s see how it works out," said the 21-year-old. Showing confidence about her talent, Jeanne said that working in Hindi films would be a challenging but interesting job.

"Along with my blonde looks and different eye shade I think I have ample opportunity to bag a role here and I hope my modelling experience will stand me in good stead when I go hunting for an assignment."

Her companion, Sharmone, girlfriend of middle-order bat Jacques Kallis is also keeping a close watch on all that is going on in tinsel town. And for someone who has done modelling in Italy, Germany and France, Sharmone believes that she has lots to offer to Bollywood apart from just beauty and different looks.

"I have been in this profession for 10 years now and hence along with experience I can bring certain amount of freshness," said the blonde model who has hosted a reality show.

And the crown goes to...

And the crown goes to...



It was a big night for 29 gorgeous Femina Miss India 2008 contestants tonight (April 5) and the Miss India Universe Crown went to Simran Kaur Mundi, Miss India World crown went to Parvathy Omanakuttam and Miss India Earth title went to Harshita Saxena.


Pantaloons Femina Miss India finalists pose for a photograph ahead of the big night.

Not only did India get to know its next representatives at international beauty pageants, but the audiences also got a fair bit of entertainment with superstars like Kareena Kapoor, Sameera Reddy and Bipasha Basu taking to the stage to provide the audience with some sizzling entertainment.

Simran Kaur crowned Femina Miss India Universe 2008

Simran Kaur crowned Femina Miss India Universe 2008

Mumbai, April 05: As the world looked on with abated breath, Simran Kaur Mundi was crowned Femina Miss India Universe 2008 at a glittering contest held in Mumbai on Saturday. Parvathy Omankuttan was named Miss India World 2008 while Harshita Saxena was chosen Miss India Earth 2008.

Femina Miss India 2008 was one of the most anticipated events of the year and the evening saw India’s top 29 beautiful contestants battling it out for the three most prestigious titles, Miss India Universe, Miss India World & Miss India Earth, in a star-studded affair.

The show was hosted by Southern superstar, R Madhavan while the evening witnessed scintillating performances by Bollywood divas Kareena Kapoor, Biapasha Basu and Sameera Reddy.

Some of the names that made this years’ Femina Miss India memorable was the bold & the beautiful Kareena Kapoor, svelte & sexy Sameera Reddy as well as the hot & happening Bipasha Basu, who gave wonderful performances. With India’s leading beauties on stage all at once, the ramp seemed literally on fire.

The contestants walked the ramp choreographed by Hemant Trevedi, the official Contestant Director & choreographer of PFMI 2008 and dazzled in sensational ensembles by Pantaloons (designed by Remanika), Ritu Kumar, Shantanu Nikhil and Shaina NC.

Mumbai girl crowned Miss India Universe

Mumbai girl crowned Miss India Universe

Simran Kaur Mundi of Mumbai was crowned Miss India Universe 2008 at a glittering function held at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on Saturday night.

Parvathy Omanakuttam of Kerala won the Miss India World crown while Harshita Saxena of Goa was declared Miss India Earth.

All the three winners will represent the country at the international beauty paegants during the year.

They were selected from among 28 finalists in the presence of prominent personalities from the field of fashion and Bollywood.

The beauty paegant brought international fame to Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza among others in recent years.

The elimination rounds were interspersed with scintillating performances by Bollywood divas Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Sameera Reddy. The performances were choreographed by ace dancer Shiamak Davar.

Khuda Ke Liye : Movie Review

Khuda Ke Liye : Movie Review



Pakistani film ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ tells an engrossing, multi-layered story that pits the opinion of the moderate, tolerant Muslims against the fundamentalist ones.

I remember getting blown away by Pakistani director Sabiha Sumer’s excellent film ‘Khamosh Pani’ a couple of years ago. The movie told the story of a youth in rural Pakistan who falls under the influence of fundamentalists, and turns his back to his mother and his lover.

Shoaib Mansoor’s film Khuda Ke Liye goes a step further. Not only does it show a young man’s transition to fundamentalist beliefs, the movie gives it a deeper perspective by pitching in the voice of moderate Muslims as well. In fact, it can be safely said that the protagonist of ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ is a modern, liberal-minded, tolerant Muslim.

While the film’s introspective theme takes a look within the contemporary Pakistani society and shows the wedge between the moderates and extremists, it also brings to the fore the less-acknowledged truth that Muslims are being viewed with increasing suspicion in the West. All it takes for you to become a terror suspect is be a Muslim, even though a progressive and moderate one.

Besides this, the film also highlights the double standards in the largely patriarchal Pakistani Muslim society where women have to follow what men decide for them, even against their wishes.

Laden with such relevant issues, ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ turns out to be a film that not just entertains you, but it raises questions in your mind about the denigration and hypocrisy in society and religion.

The movie tells the story of two brothers – Mansoor (Shaan) and Sarmad (Fawad Khan) – who are into music. The younger one, Sarmad, falls under the influence of a fanatic maulana who brainwashes the young man and turns him into a radical. Sarmad quits music, grows a beard, gives up the western lifestyle and follows what he thinks is the life of a devout Muslim.

Mansoor, on the other hand, goes to the US for higher studies in music. But things change after 9/11. Mansoor is picked up by the authorities in the US as a possible terror suspect.

In between, there is a heart-rending tale of Mary (Iman Ali), a British girl of Pakistani origin, who is brought back to Pakistan by her father who wants to forcibly marry her to a Pakistani man of his choice because he doesn’t want her to form any relation with her English boyfriend despite the fact that the father himself is in a relationship with a British woman.

Mary’s domineering father is content in dumping his daughter with a fundamentalist Sarmad in the tribal regions of Wazirstan, than marry her off to a non-Muslim Briton.

These three stories are intertwined in a meaningful and crafty way. And in the end comes a courtroom drama that questions the distorted view of Islam propagated by the radicals.

The movie has fine performances from its male cast, particularly Shaan. Fawad manages to portray well the dilemma and radicalization of a strayed youth. Iman Ali takes some time to register an impact. Naseeruddin Shah has a brief appearance as a devout cleric with a progressive, liberal view of Islam.

The film’s music and songs are mesmerizing, particularly ‘Allah Ho’ and ‘Bandeya’. Technically, it is a fairly good movie with a few glitches that can be ignored.

What stands out though is Shoaib Mansoor’s honest intention, and his deft handling of a serious, sensitive and pertinent subject.

Kareena & Saif will marry after 25 April

Kareena: I can't wait to marry Saif

It seems like Bebo and Chhote Nawab, who made their relationship public last year, can't wait to any longer to get together and their wedding could take place after the release of Tashan on April 25.

“Yes, I am going to get married very soon. Initially, Saif and I thought of giving our relationship some time before we get married. But now I don’t think either of us can wait any longer. So may be, post the release of Tashan this month, you all can see us wedded,” she told the press.

Bebo also refuted the rumours of their secret marriage saying, "Geeting married secretly was just a silly rumour. Why would I hide if I had gotten married? That would be the day for me. Only I know how I’m looking forward to it.”

Incidentally, it was on the sets of Tashan that the two fell in love. To prove his prove Saif even got her name tattooed on his arm.

"It's true, we came closer on sets of Tashan and that's the reason it will always be close to my heart. It was during this time that, Saif took me out for a candlelit dinner and proposed to me. By then I was too much in love with him to have said no,” told Kareena.

So will she continue working in films or take a long sabbatical like her contemporaries?

"Why would I stop working after marriage," she asks. "Today I’ve already reached the Rs 3.5 crore package and I hope to work and earn more in the coming years. In fact I already have some big projects in hand which are slated to release by the year-end."

2008 Femina Miss India contestants with children of NGO

Beauty with a difference


2008 Femina Miss India contestants with children of NGO -- Vatsya Foundation


The 2008 Femina Miss India Finalists have been round the clock in perparation for D-day. But besides being women of substance, they also know how to let their hair down and have some fun. After putting in all the gruelling work for the upcoming Femina Miss India '08, the 29 finalists found some time to relax.

Recently the girls had the chance to have some fun at a dicotheque and also had a one-on-one session with the Bollywood hunk -- Arjun Rampal -- who was a big hit with the girls. When asked for his opinion on the pageant Arjun Rampal said, "It's really great. I think the Miss India toady is one of the pageants which we really do feel proud of because we've been very successful."

On the other hand the Femina Miss India finalists, not only know how to paint the town red, but also managed to spend some time visiting the Vatsya Foundation; a home for street children and spent some quality time with the kids there. While at the Vatsya Foundation, the girls were also given a run for their money by the kids, who showed them some groovy dance moves and proved that the girls are not the only ones who know how to dance.

When quizzed about the experience with the kids at the Vatsya Foundation, Femina MIss India finalist Tanvi Vyas said, "I feel very nice. We didnt really expect this. This is the first time that I have been to an NGO and I love it. I love the immesne talent present here and I definitely want to come back and have a meet with the kids again."

The Femina Miss India contestants seem to be a combination of beauty, brains and heart this year. With Miss India finals just around the corner, one can now only wait and watch what other surprises the girls have in store.

Vidya lonely & waiting for Love

Vidya lonely & waiting for Love


With two bumper hits in her kitty Vidya Balan's career is going great guns. Lots of commercial successes. Plenty to smile about. "I was very happy about all my five releases in 2007, though some of them didn't do well.

From the very start when Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) showed so much faith in me by giving me Parineeta the industry has made a substantial space for me. By the grace of God, there're lots of interesting roles happening.

I'm in the process of signing some more. Since I came to cinema my criteria for signing a role remains unchanged. I've never been in a hurry to get anywhere.

Things are happening at a pace I'm enjoying. And I'm not insecure. Jo hoga achcha hi hoga."

She ponders for a few seconds as kids approach her for her autograph at the airport. Then she says, I don't regret anything. I'm a hopeless optimist. I feel what I've to go through will happen regardless of how much I fight it."

The industry is looking at Akshay Kumar and Vidya as a hit jodi after Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiya. "I'd love for us to be seen that way.

Even Katrina-Akshay too look great together. I'd love to work with Akshay again. Yes, we've offers together. He's a great co-star. The icing on the cake is our films together have worked."

In Bhool Bhulaiya Vidya invested demoniacal energy.

"Yes, it was a frightening experience. My director Priyadarshan handled the last 20 minutes of the story when I get into a supernatural rage of dance, very intelligently. I love Priyan. He's a man of few words.We even converse in Malayalam."

This year Vidya was supposed to do another film with Priyan. "But there's a problem with the leading man. I'd love to work with Priyan again. I've been fortunate in the fact that directors have signed me more than once."

So is she doing her Heyy Babby director Sajid Khan's film? "There's been no formal talk on this. Sajid hasn't offered me the role. I've been reading reports that I'm doing the film.

Right now he's writing his next film…I'm lucky to be a part of the movie industry when leading ladies are no longer decorative. It's providential that I started with Parineeta."

She gets sentimental about Pradeep Sarkar. "Staying away from his second film Laga Chunari Mein Daag was unbearable for me. I want to be part of his next film for sure.

Any hopes for 2008? "Add some spice to my own life and not wait for others to do it for me. I would like love to happen. But I'm not holding my breath for it. Yes,there're times when I get lonely. But most of the time I'm quite happy being with my family and myself."

Unlike Preity Zinta Vidya has made no pledge to stay away from actors in her personal life.

"Some people are doctors, others are actors. My companion can be from any walk of life. If he's an actor we can both carry our own mirrors to the sets and be narcissistic individually.

And we can have mirrors all over the house. Instead of looking into each other's eyes we can look into the mirrors," Vidya jokes and flies off to another destination.

Hansika's ugly secret revealed!!!

Hansika's ugly secret revealed!!!

Hansika Motwani might still be in her teens and studying in school, but have you noticed the maturity with which she talks on phone and gives out interviews? Well, wanna know the real truth behind it? Here we go!

According to our source who is close to the actress, it isn't Hansikaa picking the interview calls, but it is her mom dearest giving out the answers to media queries.

The source also adds, "Her mom also wanted to become an actress in her young days, but failed and now she enjoys giving interviews which she always wanted to, and she always make sure to boost her name behind the success of the actress.

But Hansika isn't happy with it, but feels helpless in front of her mom".

Well, it is known that behind every successful man is a woman, but we now know that behind the success of Hansikaa lies her mom!!

Watch Femina Miss India only on Sony Entertainment TV

Don't miss to watch Femina Miss India only on Sony Entertainment TV


MUMBAI: The most awaited and prestigious beauty contest of the year Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2008 is back. The evening will see the crowning of three beautiful and talented girls as Miss India Universe, Miss India World & Miss India Earth. Furthermore, it will be an evening filled with exciting and entertaining performances by bold & the beautiful Kareena Kapoor, Svelte & sexy Sameera Reddy and the hot & happening Bipasha Basu. The evening, which will be graced by the who's who of the glamour world, the rich & the famous will be hosted by charming R. Madhavan and the beautiful Diya Mirza (Also a winner of the pageant). All this and more can be relived exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television on Sunday, April 6, at 8.00pm!

With their vibrant personalities and timeless appeal, the 28 young women are seen as icons for today's youth and generation. They will be making a mark on the international beauty industry in 2008. A true combination of femininity and strength, these young women represent a generation that believes in 'beauty with a purpose'.

The biggest & the brightest beauty pageant will also pay tribute to one of India's earliest beauty queens -Zeenat Aman. The gorgeous diva Sameera Reddy will dance to all Zeenat Aman's popular numbers bringing back the glorious days of the glamour actress on screen. Not just that, the evening will witness sizzling performances by the Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor among others.

The glittering evening will see the crowning of three beautiful and talented girls who will represent India on the global platform. Stay tuned to Sony Entertainment Television on Sunday, April 6,at 8.00 p.m. to cheer for India's most beautiful women.

Reliving Femina Miss India with Celina Jaitley

Reliving Femina Miss India with Celina Jaitley


Femina Miss India has always been a stepping stone to success for many aspiring Bollywood actresses and Celina Jaitley was no different. Celina who was then, a just another good looking girl became famous overnight after she won the highly coveted Miss India Universe crown in 2001!

At a recent Femina preliminary event in Mumbai Celina visited the 29 contestants and became nostalgic as she witnessed their preparation for the D day!

“I remember when I won the Miss India universe crown I was shocked and relieved at the same time! I was very proud of myself as all my hard work had finally paid off! That one win changed my life forever! After winning the Miss India, I went for the Miss Universe pageant and the experience was mind blowing. Femina made my entry in Bollywood seem like a cake walk”, said Celina as she recalled her win.

So what has Celina learnt from the contest we asked. “I learned to be and appreciate myself. Beauty does not last forever but confidence and faith in one’s abilities does and that confidence I owe it to Femina. Not to forget Femina gave me a platform after which I endorsed the best of brands, walked ramps for the best of designers and entered Bollywood! I’d like to pass on my experience to these girls who are all set to compete with each other for the crown” said Celina with a smile.

We are sure Celina’s presence must have inspired the beautiful 29 contestants all set to battle it out at the Femina Miss India beauty pageant on the 5th of April in Mumbai. After who doesn’t want name, fame and moolah in today’s world?

Kajol to act Karan's film?

She is one of the most talented actresses in Bollywood, but Kajol, who graces the screen after a gap of two years in her home production U, Me Aur Hum, says her priority is her family. read more

'U Me aur Hum' -- straight from Ajay's heart

'U Me aur Hum' -- straight from Ajay's heart

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan making his directorial debut with 'U Me aur Hum,' scheduled to release later this month, says his maiden project brings out the positivity of relationship between a husband and wife.

Ajay who is paired opposite his actress wife of nine years Kajol in the film said it was a simple love story about a man who marries a girl he loves and overcomes all hurdles to maintain the relationship.

"The film doesn't give a sermon on relationships. The audiences will identify with the scharacters. What is different in the subject is that the film looks at the institution of marriage in a positive way," the actor said.

"A lot of people question the institution of marriage, or blame it when problems arise. I feel that in a marriage, or any relationship for that matter, problems are inevitable.

'Giving up' should be our last option. However, an increasing number of people just prefer to give up at the first sign of trouble, Devgan said.

The actor who began his career with action packed roles, said he felt that relationships, especially marriages need to be nurtured with love, sensitivity and understanding.

"People keep asking me what inspired me to chose this subject and direct a film. To be honest, this is a story straight from my heart. A story which I strongly believed in," he told reporters here on Monday night.

John Abraham returns to comedy

John Abraham returns to comedy


Isn’t it strange that John Abraham hasn’t done much comedy in his acting career?

It was years ago when John showed his comic flair in Priyadarshan’s laugh-riot Garam Masala . Though the actor was overshadowed by the more competent Akshay Kumar in the film, he still managed to tickle the funny bone in a few scenes.

Now, John is set to return to comedy in the UTV film Hook Ya Crook to be directed by David Dhawan .

The movie, it is learnt, tells the story of a crook behind bars in a maximum security prison. John will reportedly play the part. The story is written by Rensil D’Silva.

This would be the first time when John would be directed by David Dhawan.

John is presently shooting for Karan Johar’s production Dostana . He will shoot for Dhawan’s film after completing Johar’s movie.

India's Big cinema chain in US

India's Big cinema chain in US



Anil Ambani promoted Reliance Entertainment Pvt Ltd (REPL) is all set to start its cinema chain in the US under the brand name Big from next month. More than 200 theatres will screen Hindi as well as regional films from India.

Confirming the schedule, a company official said: "We are still renovating and refitting the cinemas we have acquired in some cities there. A formal announcement about their opening will be made later."

Over the last one year, Reliance Entertainment has acquired over 200 cinema halls in 28 North American cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit and Washington.

Taken on a long-term lease, these theatres will bear the company's entertainment brand name Big, and not Adlabs, as REPL's cinemas in India are called.

It is learnt that REPL has also bought over an American theatre management firm to oversee the operations of its Big cinema chain.

REPL may also distribute movies overseas. Since it is already into producing movies in Hindi and other Indian regional languages under the Big Pictures banner, its exhibition outlets abroad will help it firm up its distribution venture.

In order to expand its overseas exhibition network, the company is now scouting for more cinema halls in other countries as well.

The Big cinema chain in the US will not only screen Bollywood movies, but will also run Indian regional language movies, particularly the productions from the south, and movies from other Asian countries to cater to large expatriate populations.

These 200-odd cinema halls are located in cities where there are large concentrations of people from the Indian subcontinent and other parts of Asia.

The chain will be marketed as any other American cinema chain. Mainstream Hollywood movies, art house productions and movies made by the independent producers will also adorn the marques of the Big cinemas.

REPL's cinema operations in the US, spread across different cities, will go a long way in making the presence of the Bollywood movies, in particular, more prominent there and help them reap good harvest from the US box-office.

Already, some recent Bollywood movies have made it to the top of the US box-office chart. UTV-distributed Tip Films' Race, for example, has secured 18th position in the US box-office in the first week of its release on 96 screens.

Saif, Madhuri part of the Bachchan concert

Saif, Madhuri part of the Bachchan concert



The "Unforgettable" concerts in July that will see the Bachchan clan of Bollywood perform live across Europe and United States have new glamour quotient.

Saif Ali Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit (Nene) will join Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai at different venues across Britain and the US, a source close to the family said.

Riteish Deshmukh, Bipasha Basu and Akshay Kumar are also part of the entourage.

"Saif and Shahid showed absolutely no hesitation in joining the Bachchans on their tour. The price being offered was fine and the dates for venues where they'll perform also worked out to their convenience. As for Madhuri, it would be the easiest thing in the world to join the Bachchans for the concerts in the US because that's where she lives," the source said.

Lara Dutta had opted out of the concert earlier. "There's much more to

Kangana Ranaut in a romantic flick with Sanjay Dutt

Kangana Ranaut in a romantic flick with Sanjay Dutt


For the first time, actress Kangana Ranaut is set to pair with Sanjay Dutt in a romantic movie.

There is quite an age difference between the two actors. But that didn’t deter producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series to sign Kangana and Sanjay for a candy-floss romantic film to be directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru.

The movie will have one more heroine who is yet to be finalized. The shooting will take place in India and the US.

Reports have it that Kangana’s dates have been figured out for the film’s shooting schedule but Dutt’s dates have yet to be sorted out.

Kangana is presently busy with Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Fashion . She has also signed Raaz 2 opposite Emraan Hashmi and ‘The Kites’ opposite Hrithik Roshan .

Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, has a number of projects up his sleeve, including the action thriller Blue . That is why his dates haven’t been worked out yet for the T-Series project.

Beware the Bollywood pranksters!

Beware the Bollywood pranksters!

Filmmaking is serious business. Even so, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, remember?

And so pranksters like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan turn the atmosphere, on the sets, all fun and games with their treasure trove of never-ending practical jokes.

On April Fool's Day, rediff.com thought it appropriate to list instances when stars made bakras out of their colleagues.

We start with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, who make quite a hit team on screen. Both their films together -- Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa hit the jackpot.

Ditto for the Khiladi's super-successful prank on the gullible actress.

During the making of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akki discovered Vidya's mobile phone unattended. He grabbed this perfect opportunity to send a mischievous, not-so-nice SMS to the dance director.

The latter gave a stinging reply, which irked the Parineeta beauty no end. She gave the poor choreographer a dressing down, only to later realise this was Akki's idea of a joke.

Overall, I like Kareena Kapoor: Darsheel Safary

Though he's 11 and blissfully well-adjusted in his family of mom dad sister school studies and play, Darsheel Safary effortlessly plays a 9-year old sullen bewildered dyslexic in Aamir Khan's national favourite Taare Zameen Par (TZP).

In real, Darsheel is just another brat trying to come to terms with being called a super-actor and the best debutant of 2007. He shows super-confidence as he talks about his role, the film and of course Aamir Khan. read more

Let U, ME AUR HUM wish Ajay Devgan on his B'day

Actor-producer-director Ajay Devgan is one busy man these days what with his debut film just round the corner for release (on 11th April). All his fans and near and dear one's are confident that he can pull it off well and the promos of his film has a similar story and confidence to say the least. But even in the busiest of the times he's found some time to be a part of a TV reality show. And yesterday was a very special day for him, the Devgan family and of course the Rock N' Roll Family. read more

Ajay Devgan 39th birthday

Ajay Devgan celebrates his 39th birthday

Hindi film industry is usually driven by good looking persona. But he is one such actor who has broken this taboo and created a mark for himself. In spite of his simple look, he ruled Bollywood by his intense acting skill. He is none other than one of the finest actors of Bollywood, Ajay Devgan. He is celebrating his 39th birthday today.

Ajay had cut the cake of his 39th birthday in advance on the set of Rock N Roll Family. His parents who usually stay away from the glitz world present on the set to celebrate their son Ajay’s birthday. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "I was pleasantly surprised, considering my parents never go on television. It was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received!” It was also a touching moment for him when the organizer managed to get the footage of his best friend Vijay Nagra and his family who are settled in South Africa and was shown to him. He got to interact with them after a gap of four years. Ajay could not control his tears on receiving so many surprises on that short time. After lots of surprises, cake was cut on the presence of his parents Veeru and Veena Devgan, sisters Neelam and Kavita and his nephew Aman (Neelam's son), wife Kajol and mother-in-law Tanuja.

Ajay started his career with Phool Aur Kaate and bagged the filmfare best debut award for the film. From then he never looked back. His starred in Mahesh Bhatt’s Zakhm and received critical acclamation for his acting. Zakhm brought him National and Star Screen Award. Ajay is an actor of different style who specialized in all the departments, comedy, action, romance etc.

He went to entertain the audience without any break. He showed his prowess in Hum Dil De Chuke Saman, Company, Yuva, Omkara, Halla Bol and the list goes on. He had also proved his potential in parallel cinema like Raincoat opposite Aishwarya Bachchan. In 17 years of his filmy career, Ajay had worked with almost all the noted filmmakers.

Today, he is a happily married person and leading a successful and blissful life with wife Kajol and daughter Nysa. They are his topmost priorities and despite his hectic schedule finds time to spend with his family. After establishing himself as a great actor, he is moving towards directing films. He has acted in his directional debut U Me Aur Hum along with his real life partner, Kajol. Hope, like his acting, Ajay shines in the world of direction too. We all wish him a happy and eventful birthday.